Sponsored Feature with MOËT HENNESSY UK
FOR the latest in our series of wine and food columns with Moët Hennessy UK, SLTN spoke to Senior Brand and Business Development Manager on Wines, Nicolas Marzolf, about the Napa Valley’s Joseph Phelps wine estate.
Joseph Phelps is one of Napa Valley’s most iconic family-founded estates, established in 1973 by Joe Phelps, a pioneering figure in American fine wine. The estate helped define the modern era of Napa winemaking, and in 1974 launched Insignia, the first proprietary Bordeaux-style blend in California.
The estate is now part of the Moët Hennessy portfolio of prestigious wineries, anchoring the group’s presence in fine American wine.
Why should bar and restaurant operators pay attention to Joseph Phelps?
Nicolas: “Joseph Phelps specialises in wines that combine exceptional vineyard pedigree, precision winemaking and blending, and long-term consistency. Joseph Phelps farms some of Napa’s finest hillside and valley-floor sites, and the style is all about powerful yet refined wines with incredible ageing potential.
“For operators, the wines bring strong brand equity, a proven track record with collectors, driving prestige for wine lists and a compelling trade-up opportunity, particularly with Insignia, which is consistently rated among the world’s top wines.”
What wines are in the range, and are there particular styles of food that pair well with the wines?
Nicolas: “Our focus in the UK is on Insignia and the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are generous, structured wines that pair beautifully with rich, savoury cuisine: dry-aged beef, lamb, roasted game, mushroom dishes and anything with truffle and rich jus.”
Could you recommend a specific pairing for one of the Joseph Phelps wines?
Nicolas: “Insignia with a dry-aged ribeye and black truffle jus is a perfect match. The wine’s dark fruit, polished tannins and subtle graphite notes blend seamlessly with the depth and umami of the beef and truffle. It’s a luxurious, harmonious pairing.”
Are there particular types of venue you think are well suited to the Joseph Phelps range? Can you give us a few examples of venues in Scotland that are currently stocking the wines?
Nicolas: “Joseph Phelps shines in premium steakhouses, fine dining restaurants, luxury hotels, wine-focused venues where guests look for iconic bottles, and Whisky-led establishments seeking to elevate their wine program.
“In Scotland, you’ll find the wines in leading accounts such as Gleneagles, Ralph and Finns, the Balmoral and The Old Course at St Andrews.”
How important do you think it is that staff are knowledgeable about the wines they are selling?
Nicolas: “Staff expertise is essential, especially at the premium level. Guests increasingly seek authenticity and enjoy being guided through a wine’s story, provenance, and style. A confident recommendation from a knowledgeable team member is one of the strongest drivers of trade-up.
“Consumers today are indeed more informed, many arrive with prior research, tasting experience, or familiarity with critic scores. This creates an opportunity: when staff can speak about fine wines like Joseph Phelps with confidence, it enhances the guest experience and elevates the perception of the entire wine program.”
To find out more about the Joseph Phelps wine range contact Gemma Allan on
ggraham@moethennessy.com
