Having launched in June of this year, Signature Wines is the new specialist wine division of Alchemy Drinks.Â
Here, Penny Sharp, Wine Development Manager at Signature Wines talks wine pairings and recommendations.Â
How important is it that venues can offer wine pairings for food?
We think matching wine with food is a brilliant way of adding value directly to the customer experience.
For us, the real value comes from making this align with the tone of the venue itself. It doesn’t have to belong only to high-end establishments, it can be fun and memorable too.
We love the idea of a local venue running a weekly seasonal special built around a particular dish, or simply offering bar snacks with suggested wine matches; the more out-of-the-box and memorable, the better.
Even a one-off event built around food and wine can attract new customers and give them a feel for the venue in a relaxed, memorable setting.
Wine can be intimidating. What can Signature Wines do to demystify the category for operators and staff?
Our aim is simple: make wine approachable, using straightforward language. We tailor our offering venue to venue; not just great wines, but a list designed to speak to each outlet’s customer base.
Signature Wines talks tailoring wine lists to each individual venue
In practice, that means staff tastings so the team has actually tried what they’re selling, and bespoke, printed wine menus so staff and customers have something clear to work from.Â
Can you give us a few examples of some wines you expect to prove popular with trade customers in the coming months?
We couldn’t be more impressed with our Gotas Albariño. It comes in a showstopping tall blue bottle that would grab anyone’s attention from across a room, and the taste itself is simply delicious, with a clean minerality and hints of lemon zest.
Our Foncalieu Picpoul Rosé is the most incredible twist on a classic. It has the most delicious strawberries and cream notes, balanced with fresh acidity and the most gorgeous baby pink colour in the glass.
Looking ahead to autumn/winter, one of our favourites is the Dega Montepulciano, an award-winning, vegan, medium-bodied red with rich red fruit, perfect for the darker nights
