Wine at The Coffee Traveller
We at The Coffee Traveller have sought the advice of the head sommelier at a top Michelin starred restaurant in central London. He has helped us put a list together which we hope you will like. It is a small list but the idea is that there is something there for everyone, from quaffable affordable everyday drinking wines as well as a few wines for those special days.
On a more philosophical note, everyday should be a special day.
Before I get onto the wines let’s talk about measures. Traditionally in pubs one can order wine by the glass or a bottle (750ml). By the glass traditionally they are small (125ml), medium (175ml) and large (250ml). For wine geeks the most popular measure is the small glass. Why? Because this gives them scope to try different wines without getting tipsy. Or what is very popular is the half bottle carafe (375ml), perfect for a decent taste for two people.
Drink less but better quality seems to the aficionado’s habit. Fits in well the modern trend towards healthy drinking habits.
You may wonder what we do about making sure our wine by the glass will not be stale (oxidised) once a bottle is opened. We have invested in a vacuum device (Coravin) that keeps the bottles sealed and whilst replacing used wine with argon gas to prevent oxidation of the wine. So rest assured. The wine by the glass should always be fresh!
So here is our current list:
Bubbly:
1. Bisol Valdobbiadene Brut Jeio Prosecco NV:
Super fresh and full of personality with decisive aromas of golden apple, citrus, and spring blossom. The palate has pleasing notes of pear and apple blossom with persistent yet delicate bubbles.
2. Palmer & Co Brut Reserve NV (France – Champagne):
A rich, aromatic palate of white fruits, pears, baked apples and apricots, with subtle notes of honey, hazelnuts, dried currants and brioche. The finish is long, harmonious and structured, with a beautiful freshness
Whites:
1. Riff Pinot Grigio 2019 (Italy – Alto-Adige):
A soft Pinot Grigio with gentle fruit flavours, including green apple and citrus fruit, with notes of honey. Alois Lageder is an ultra-sustainable biodynamic estate established in 1823 and is a true pioneer of biodynamic principals in Italy.
2. Craggy Range Te Muna Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (New Zealand – Marlborough):
Pale straw colour with a green hue. Lovely aromas of citrus blossom, lime, jasmine and the faintest hint of fresh honey. Subtle flavours of fresh lime and grapefruit are balanced with a fine chalky texture that is reminiscent of the stones and limestone within the vineyard. Finishes dry, fresh and long.
3. La Chablisienne Chablis Sereine 2018 (France – Burgundy):
Very light colour and with a greenish hue. On the nose, there are aromas of white flowers and after light aeration, mineral aromas. It has a rich, slightly buttery style on the palate, typical of a vintage with good ripe fruit. The very mineral, slightly chalky, finish has a subtle touch of bitter almonds.
Pink (Rose):
1. Journey End Wild Child Grenache Rose 2019
(South Africa – Western Cape):
A pale pink colour with a fruit forward nose. Elements of Strawberry and Cherry blossom on the nose with a flinty mineral finish.
2. Ultimate Provence AOP Cotes de Provence 2019 (France – Provence):
The beauty of this wine extends from the bottle to the contents. Layers of raspberry, strawberry fruit in the nose invite you to a gorgeous, yet spicy palate. A fresh wine with great acidity for food pairing, but roundness to enjoy on its own. This is the ultimate wine for any occasion.
Reds:
1. Les Cotilles Pinot Noir Vin de France Roux 2019 (France – Burgundy):
Lively and structured, with a well-rounded and supple backbone. Tannins and fruit go hand in hand and match the power of the secondary aromas. This wine has volume yet the freshness is delicately balanced by layers of juicy raspberries, cherries and cranberries.
2. Catena Malbec 2018 (Argentina – Mendoza):
Ripe, concentrated dark fruit aromas with delicate floral notes and traces of vanilla and mocha. Rich and lush on the palate, with concentrated black cherry and red currant flavours and notes of sweet spices, tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate has soft, supple tannins with a bright, crisp acidity and flinty minerality, giving the wine exceptional length.
3. Chateau Peyrabon Haut Medoc 2006 (France – Bordeaux):
An expressive nose with smokey notes, ivy leaves and oriental spices. The attack has a nice freshness, and the wine builds slowly. The midpalate is fine and delicate, and the tannins offer a pleasing astringency on the medium-length finish.