With the world of wine under their noses throughout the year what do the best sommeliers in the UK want to drink when they sit down to enjoy something special? And some of them will be drinking exactly the same fizz!
Vincenzo Arnese, Director of Wine, Raffles London at The OWO & Top 100 Sommelier 2024
This year, I have chosen to drink Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs, Blanc des Millenaires 2007, over the festive period.
“For the festive season, I’m excited to recommend the 2004 Marsala Superiore Riserva by Marco De Bartoli. This exquisite Sicilian wine offers rich aromas of dried fruits, honey, and roasted nuts, with flavours of caramel and a hint of coffee. Its smooth, full-bodied profile and balanced sweetness make it a perfect match for holiday desserts or as a luxurious after-dinner treat. It’s a wonderful way to elevate your celebrations with something unique and elegant.”
Noémie Favrat, Assistant Purchasing Manager, D&D Wines & Pere Ventura Top Female Sommelier 2024
This year, I have chosen to drink Champagne Charles Heidsieck Blanc de Blancs, Blanc des Millenaires 2007, over the festive period.The 2007 is the 7th edition of a legendary cuvee (only made in 83, 85, 90, 95, 04 and 06 before) made with chadonnay grapes coming from Cotes des Blancs (Cramant, Avize, Oger, Le Mesnil sur Oger and Vertus).
“This Champagne has a pale gold colour. On the nose it reveals some fresh citrus scent (grapefruit, yuzu, quince) with delicate toasted and smoky notes. The palate offers elegant and refined bubbles, a beautiful tension. The Champagne is linear with flint stony notes. Slowly, it reveals a voluptuous texture with great depth. The palate opens up on candied lemon, ripe orchards fruits and after a few swirls in the glass you have some briochy, dates and dried apricot notes. It is a refreshing, complex and intense experience.
“What I love the most about this Champagne, it’s its drinkability and versatility. You can have it as an aperitif and you can pair it with very fine dishes (carpaccio of hand dived scallops with Jerusalem artichokes and truffle vinaigrette). And it tastes even better when it is shared with friends and family!”
Sonal Clare, Head Sommelier, The Wilderness & Top 100 Sommelier 2024
Having celebrated my 40th birthday all the way back in January, I had to ensure I drink something from my vintage this year (1984). I was very fortunate, with the help of the legend that is James Lloyd, to get hold of a couple of Bordeaux’s from 1984.
“Not the greatest vintage on record, however, I think for Christmas I will be cracking open a 1984 Chateau Palmer! It will be a treat, no doubt!
We will be doing curry Christmas with my mother, sister and brother-in-Law and so sharing this with them will be a great way to celebrate…potentially with lamb kebabs, chickpea curry and a mutton curry. Christmas will also be a great way to crack open some bubbles…Moët Grand Vintage Rosé 2016 with Samosas and tamarind sauce to start!! If there is Krug knocking about, that could be well in with a shout as well!!”
Matteo Furlan, Head of Wine, The Dorchester & Top 100 Sommelier 2024
“There is a growing interest among wine drinkers in exploring local and indigenous grape varieties. Consumers are increasingly seeking out unique and exciting wines from lesser-known regions around the world, appreciating the value and distinctiveness they offer. Greek wines, particularly those made from Assyrtiko and Xinomavro grapes, have been gaining popularity, as have wines from Sicily’s Nerello on the slopes of Mount Etna and Hungary’s Furmint grape which I believe is a great alternative to Burgundy whites.”