Whilst 2020 has no doubt been an ‘unusual’ vintage, there have been some rare windows of opportunity this year to taste some truly excellent wines.
With this mini series, I am going to focus on three top tier producers that may fly under the radar for many next to the giants in their respective fields, but let me assure you, the attention to detail and quality that results is worth the journey in seeking them out.
First is D’Oliveras, the quintessential Madeira producer. Centuries of history, wines over 100 years to taste, and an unforgettable experience with Luis D’Oliveras himself.
Second is Bruno Paillard, the epitome of grace and bastion of quality in Champagne. I was incredibly privileged to be welcomed to Maison BP by the inimitable Alice and her father Bruno.
Third is La Scolca. As a card carrying fan of ‘Barolo Boys’ I always have a soft spot for producers in Italy who seek to innovate and break free of the ‘controllata’ and the establishment with new types of quality. Not least of all, the chance to speak to another 100year dynasty of family winemakers, currently in the hands of Chiara.
It would be remiss of me not to discuss the plethora of zoom events and virtual tastings that I have hosted through these strange times. We’ve had a lot of laughs (more important than ever in the current lockdowns) and a lot of lessons learned, and I will share some of those with you all.
Last but not least, having engaged with a wide spectrum of those in the industry, I would like to share my 2c for the future of the industry, where we go from here and what’s next.
Best,
Andrew