“White has to be Pinot Grigio. It’s a safe bet that won’t offend anyone. Red – Chilean Merlot, as it’s soft and fruity so can be enjoyed with food or on its own. And finally, rosé – an off-dry style, maybe a new world Shiraz or a Rose d’Anjou.”
Louise Boddington, Crown Cellars
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“My first would be Briccotondo Dolcetto Langhe DOC from Fontanafredda in Piedmont – a very lively red with stunning ruby colour. A warm succulent palette that has a dry soft tannin finish. “My second choice would be a far more intense red from Morganster in South Africa – there is a partnership here with Cheval Blanc so it has a classic Bordeaux feel to it. “My final wine would be from Portugal – a Vinho Verde Ines. This is summer in a bottle; you can close your eyes and travel abroad to warmer climes.”
Leslie Somerville, Enotria
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“Albente, Feudi di San Gregorio, Campania – we have worked with a number of partners to offer this by the glass as an alternative to Pinot Grigio and the results have been fantastic. “Negroamaro, Cantine San Marzano, Puglia – pound for pound I don’t know another wine that offers the same structure and appealing flavours. “Malagoussia, Domaine Gerovassiliou – this indigenous varietal rediscovered by Gerovassiliou has bags of vibrant fruit and mineralty.”
Jon Harris, Hallgarten Druitt
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“Griset Sauvignon Gris – a great value alternative to Pinot Grigio. Great flavour without the sharpness of some Sauvignons and a value for money price ticket. “Santiago Ruiz Albarino – another great summer wine. This varietal is really starting to grow and is fantastic with seafood at any time. “Chocolate Box GSM – a great-tasting Rhone blend from Australia with seductive red fruits.”
Ian Cumming, Inverarity Morton
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“Choose three wines that are unfamiliar to the general public, but that you as an operator are inspired by and are excited to introduce people to. “People are keen if you are willing to speak to them and impart knowledge and enthusiasm – just look what this sense of pride, thrill and adventure has done for coffee, bread, gin, beer, etc. Wine need be no different. It certainly takes effort, but it’s worthwhile for the sake of wine and how it is perceived and appreciated.”
Freya Reinsch, Alliance Wines
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“Good: McGuigan Signature – an on-trade exclusive range from us. Ideal for eateries, bistros and gastropubs where the clientele like familiarity and the host likes a clear point of difference and good margin potential. “Better: Terra D’Alter Tinto, Portugal. “Best: In Situ Signature Syrah/Mouverdre/Viognier – an outstanding wine from a family estate in Chile.”
James Taylor, Gordon & MacPhail
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“Merlot is still the number one red varietal, as it’s an easy drinking red for most consumers and although in the past a Chardonnay may have been the automatic choice for a white, the growth in popularity of Pinot Grigio would make this my top pick instead. “For rosé wine you would stock a White Zinfandel, which is a firm favourite, particularly amongst women.”
Angela Ham, International Wine Services
