Latest news with #sommeliers
The Independent
21-07-2025
- Business
- The Independent
This unbeatable wine deal gets you 12 bottles for just £5.99 each
It's always handy to have a few bottles of wine ready to go in the summer for those last-minute garden parties and barbecues when the sunshine hits. If you need to replenish your stash for the next heatwave, we've spotted an excellent wine deal at Laithwaites. As an introductory offer to its wine case delivery, the retailer is offering 12 bottles of its bestselling reds and whites for just £5.99 each with the discount code 25OFF90. We're always on the lookout for the best wine deals, and this is by far the best offer you'll get on a bulk order of wine right now. As well as bargain bottles, you'll even get some freebies thrown in. This includes a bottle of Cabalié cuvée vieilles (worth £14.99) and Ribolla Gialla spumante cuvée biele zôe (worth £10.99), plus two stemless wine glasses (worth £18) to enjoy your drinks in. For more wine bargains this summer, we've spoken to experts and sommeliers for their pick of the best supermarket wines. If sparkling is more your thing, we've also rounded up the best champagne deals of the month to toast your celebrations. With Laithwaites' welcome offer to its wine subscription, you'll get a mixed case of 12 top-selling bottles, which includes the following red and whites. We've also included how much each bottle would cost if you bought it on its own: Two bottles of Vinha do Fava touriga nacional 2023 (£13.99) Two bottles of Camino de Seda 2023 (£12.49) Two bottles of The Black Stump durif shiraz 2022 (£12.99) Two bottles of Mussel Pot Marlborough sauvignon blanc 2024 (£13.99) Two bottles of Rex Mundi blanc 2024 (£12.99) Two bottles of Alessandro Gallici pinot grigio 2024 (£11.99) Don't forget to use the discount code 25OFF90 to get the bottles for just £5.99 each, totalling £71.82 for the full case. Without the discount code, you'll pay £7.99 per bottle, coming to £95.76 for the full case. Without the offer, you'd pay £156.88 if you bought the wines separately, so you're saving more than 50 per cent when you buy them as part of the deal. If you prefer red wine over white, or vice versa, you can also choose a case of all reds or whites that include more of your chosen type. Keep in mind that when you add this offer to your basket, you're signing up to a regular delivery of the Laithwaites bestsellers case. This means that after eight weeks, you'll be charged £119.88 (£9.99 per bottle) for your next case. If you want to continue the subscription, you can adjust the frequency of delivery to every four or 12 weeks. There's also the option to pause your subscription if you're not ready for another delivery, or cancel for free.
Sky News
17-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News
Top sommeliers reveal their best summer wines for under £10 at every supermarket
You know summer is here when you can see the condensation gathering on a bottle of ice-cold wine as you step out of the supermarket. To make sure you're walking away with the right vintage at this time of year, the Money team spoke with three of the UK's best sommeliers (trained wine experts, for the uninitiated). And despite the wines in some of their establishments costing as much as £365, we challenged them to find the best red, white, rose and sparkling for under £10 in their local supermarkets. Here's how they got on... "I can confidently say that my biggest surprise was Asda, for the roses, and Lidl, for the reds," says Frederic Brugues, wine director at Sketch London and winner of the Sommelier Edit magazine's Top 100 Sommeliers Legend Award 2025. But he adds it was "no surprise" that the best overall wine-growing area, when it comes to value at least, is Portugal. He says the Porta 6 range, grown in the Lisbon area, is a "no-brainer" for value, drinkability, and fun packaging - perfect for impressing guests "without headache or remortgaging the house". Aldi was "unbeatable" for the affordability of its white wines, while bottles from the out-of-fashion French Bordeaux area remained the best in the world for value fine wine, Brugues adds. Lidl's Chateau Les Fermenteaux and Tesco's sparkling Louis Couturier Cremant Rose stood out in particular. "Provence [in France] is the ultimate location for high-quality rose - but lower-tier appellations offer great value for money - think chicken wine," says Mateusz Kowalczyk, wine business manager at Moet Hennessy and Ruinart Sommelier of the Year 2023 winner. Chicken wine is a popular nickname for La Vieille Ferme rose. Kowalczyk adds: "Can't recommend enough trying Whispering Angel if budget permits [£22+] - there's a reason why there's so much hype for it. "But if that's your special treat option, drink chicken wine on weekdays and save Whispering for your weekend extravaganza." UK Sommelier Academy regional director Polly Gibson, who has trained some of the country's top sommeliers, says some of the best wines aren't necessarily your first choice. "Branded wines feel like a safe space but actually offer some of the least return on investment," she explains. "If you're willing to see past marketing and look at some outliers - very often on the bottom shelf in the supermarket! - you can find exceptional quality for the same price." The "holy grail" is finding a good pinot noir for under a tenner, she adds, picking out the Co-op Irresistible Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir. "The Casablanca Valley in Chile is a premium area for making wines akin to Burgundy. This is light-bodied with sour cherry and herbal notes. Very drinkable, especially when lightly chilled." The full list from our experts Aldi White: Costieres de Nimes Blanc, £7.99. Southern Rhone Valley, France. 12.5% (Frederic Brugues) Red: Washington State Syrah, £9.99. Columbia Valley, Washington State, US. 14.5% (Frederic Brugues) Rose: Rosorange Rosé, £9.99. Languedoc-Roussillon, France. 14.5% (Frederic Brugues) Sparkling: Ribolla Gialla Spumante, £6.99 Friuli. Venezia Giulia, Italy. 11% (Frederic Brugues). Asda White: ASDA Extra Special Gavi, £9.27. Italy. 12.5% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Red: La Vieille Ferme, £8.47. France. 13% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Rose: Vinho Regional Lisboa, £7.83. Portugal. 12.5%. (Frederic Brugues) Sparkling: Louis Couturier Cremant de Bordeaux, £9.98. France. 12% (Mateusz Kowalczyk). Co-op White: Shhh It's Riesling, £7.65. Germany. 11.5% (Polly Gibson) Red: Co-op Irresistible Casablanca Valley Pinot Noir, £9.95. 14% (Polly Gibson) Rose: Ramon Bilbao Rioja Rosado, £9.35. Spain. 12.5% (Polly Gibson) Sparkling: Stormhoek Fairtrade Moscato Rose, £5.35. South Africa. 5.5% (Polly Gibson) Lidl Red: Chateau Les Fermenteaux, £7.99. Bordeaux, France. 14.% (Frederic Brugues) White: Cuvee de Brieu sauvignon, £8.49. Languedoc-Roussillon, France. 13.5% (Frederic Brugues) Rose: Monalie Cotes de Provence, £9.99, France. 12.5% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Sparkling: Cremant de Loire Brut Rose, £8.99. Loire Valley, France. 12% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Morrisons White: Morrisons The Best Vinho Verde 'Loureiro' Wine, £8.25. Lima Valley, Portugal. 10%. (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Red: Cidade Branca, £9.50. Alentejo, Portugal. 14% (Frederic Brugues) Rose: Vitis Nostra Pinot Noir Rose, £7.50. Italy. 11% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Sparkling: Morrisons The Best Prosecco Valdobbiadene DOCG, £9.99. Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, Italy. 11% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) M&S White: M&S Classics Gruner Veltliner, £10. Austria. 12% (Polly Gibson) Red: M&S Expressions Xinomavro, £10. Macedonia, Greece. 14% (Polly Gibson) Rose: M&S Myrtia Rose, £10. Peloponnese, Greece. 12.5% (Polly Gibson) Sparkling: M&S Sparkling Ribolla Gialla, £8. Italy. 10.5% (Polly Gibson) Sainsbury's White: Vinho Regional Lisboa, £7.25 with Nectar Card. Portugal. 12.5% (Frederic Brugues) Red: Tutiac Bordeaux Merlot Help Protect the Ocean, £8.25 with Nectar Card. France, 13% (Frederic Brugues) Pink: Atlantique Bordeaux Rose, £8. France, 12% (Frederic Brugues) Sparkling: Sainsbury's Pignoletto Brut, Taste the Difference, £8. Emilia-Romagna, Italy. 11% (Polly Gibson) Tesco White: Calvet Muscadet, £8.50. Loire Valley, France. 11.5% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Red: Porta 6 Lisboa red wine, £7 with Clubcard. Portugal. 13% (Frederic Brugues) Rose: La Vieille Ferme Rose, £7.25 with Clubcard. Provence, France, 12.5% (Mateusz Kowalczyk) Sparkling: Louis Couturier Cremant de Bordeaux Rose, £9 with Clubcard. France. 11.50% (Frederic Brugues) Waitrose
Condé Nast Traveler
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Condé Nast Traveler
Bar Bandini — Bar Review
First impression? Imagine hanging out in the living room of that friend who somehow always has the most interesting wine collection. That's the vibe. The LA space embraces the neighborhood's creative energy while maintaining focus on what's in the glass. How's the crowd? Echo Park creatives and natural wine enthusiasts create a crowd that's both curious and knowledgeable. You'll find first-time natural wine drinkers alongside sommeliers, all learning together. How are the drinks? The list changes often based on what's exciting and available, with staff who can guide you through unfamiliar territory with enthusiasm rather than pretension. These are natural wines—on tap and in bottle—with personality, served by people who promote curiosity and community. If there's food, is it worth ordering something to eat? The food options change frequently but lean towards tasty things you eat with your hands, like tacos and pizza. Did the staff do you right? The team brings genuine passion for natural wine. Wrap it up: what are we coming here for? You're here for an atmosphere with wine club vibes where everyone's invited.
Forbes
25-06-2025
- General
- Forbes
What's The Difference Between Riesling And Moscato? Here's Everything You Need To Know
Famous German quality white wine riesling, produced in Mosel wine regio from white grapes growing on ... More slopes of hills in Mosel river valley in Germany, bottle and glasses served outside in Mosel valley It starts innocently enough: you're standing in the wine aisle, peering at rows of cheerful white bottles. You want something fruity, maybe slightly sweet, something that won't clash with the spicy takeout you ordered or the lemon bars you baked on a whim. You reach for a Riesling—no, a Moscato. Wait, aren't they kind of the same thing? Not quite. If you've ever been caught in that moment of indecision, hovering between these two bright, aromatic whites, you're not alone. Both Riesling and Moscato have long histories, legions of fans, and reputations for being the 'fun wines'—floral, fruity, and perfect for sipping on patios or pairing with tricky foods. But lumping them together just because they share a spot in the sweeter spectrum does them both a disservice. These wines are not twins. They're not even siblings. Think of them more like distant cousins—raised on different continents, with different personalities, but who occasionally show up to the same party in floral prints and charm everyone in the room. One is crisp, high-acid, and unexpectedly complex. The other is juicy, frothy, and built for pleasure. One can age for decades; the other is best popped open while the sun's still out. One is the darling of sommeliers and spicy food lovers; the other is brunch's best friend. So how do you choose between them? More importantly—do you have to? Let's swirl, sniff, and sip our way through the differences between Riesling and Moscato, and find out which one belongs in your glass (or maybe… both). Sugar Isn't the Whole Story Bartender pouring white wine from bottle into glass indoors, closeup. Space for text At first glance, Riesling and Moscato can seem like cousins at the dessert table—floral, fruity, and often lower in alcohol than your standard Chardonnay. But while both wines tend to show up on the sweeter side, sugar is where their similarities start and stop. Riesling, hailing originally from Germany's Rhine region, is famously versatile. It can be dry, off-dry, sweet, or dessert-level unctuous. Moscato, short for Moscato d'Asti if you're talking about the Italian classic, is generally predictable: low in alcohol (around 5–6%), lightly sparkling, and sweet like a ripe peach plucked at peak summer. Think of Riesling as the jazz musician of the white wine world—full of nuance, structure, and improvisation. Moscato? She's the pop star. Fun, bright, effervescent, and unapologetically herself. Side-by-Side in the Glass white wine with grapes on old wooden table If you were to blind-taste them (and I recommend you do), here's what you might notice: Pairing Possibilities Two glasses of white wine with Brie and Prosciutto ham Because of its acidity, Riesling pairs beautifully with spicy foods—think Thai curry, Szechuan dishes, or Nashville hot chicken. Dry or off-dry Rieslings cut through heat like a citrus blade. Moscato, with its lower alcohol and juicy sweetness, is perfect for brunch spreads, fruit tarts, or as a solo sipper when you don't want to overthink things. Bottle Picks for the Curious Palate bottles of white wine in the supermarket Dry Riesling: 2019 Trimbach Riesling (Alsace, France) – Zippy and dry, this wine offers green apple, lemon peel, and a slight herbal note. It's crisp, food-friendly, and a reminder that not all Riesling is sweet. Pairs beautifully with grilled shrimp or goat cheese. Off-Dry Riesling: Dr. Loosen 'Blue Slate' Kabinett Riesling (Mosel, Germany) – Lightly sweet with juicy peach, tangerine, and slate minerality. A classic Kabinett that balances sugar with striking acidity. Try it with spicy Korean fried chicken or sushi. Classic Moscato: Vietti Moscato d'Asti (Piedmont, Italy) – A benchmark bottle: delicately sparkling, low in alcohol, and bursting with orange blossom, fresh pear, and sweet herbs. Perfect with panna cotta or just a hot afternoon. Fun New World Moscato: Barefoot Moscato (California) – Widely available and extremely budget-friendly. Expect a straightforward, sweet sip of peach and melon. It's not complex, but sometimes that's exactly what you want. So—Riesling or Moscato? If you like a wine that evolves in the glass, plays well with dinner, and walks the tightrope between sweet and structured, go for Riesling. If you're looking for something easy, crowd-pleasing, and just a little bubbly, Moscato is your best bet. And if you can't decide? There's no rule against keeping both in your fridge. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.
Japan Times
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Kazutaka Ozawa: ‘The best wine is the one that brings you joy'
The first time Kazutaka Ozawa tasted Champagne, he was just a child. Sitting in a French restaurant surrounded by family and laughter, he was drawn to the aroma from the glass: delicate, floral and something close to magic. It would take years before he entered the world of wine professionally, but that early memory left an imprint. Wine had become a synecdoche for great memories — time spent with loved ones over great food. Now, more than two decades into his career, Ozawa is one of Japan's most respected sommeliers. At Tokyo's two-Michelin-starred Crony, the modern French restaurant he co-owns with chef Michihiro Haruta, his thoughtful, intuitive pairings form the backbone of the dining experience. For his stellar work, he was recognized as Asia's Best Sommelier at this year's Asia's 50 Best Restaurants awards. Following up on his win, Ozawa spoke to The Japan Times about his favorite sips, the future of Japanese wine and Tokyo's wine trends. Ozawa was recognized as Asia's Best Sommelier at this year's Asia's 50 Best Restaurants awards. | ASIA'S 50 BEST RESTAURANTS How did you first become interested in wine? I didn't plan to become a sommelier. In high school, I started working at a French restaurant in Tokyo called Apicius. It was known for top-tier service, and the sommeliers there were always studying and tasting wine. But back then, many sommeliers spoke in a way that felt very technical, using jargon that went over my head. I connected more with the service staff who created a great atmosphere for guests. Eventually, I joined the Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi in 2002, where I started handling wine, and that's where it all really began. You then went to work at Kenzo Estate in Napa Valley in 2005. What did that experience teach you? That wine is an agricultural product, a living thing. When I joined, I thought I'd just be helping export wine to Japan, but they encouraged me to be involved in everything, from viticulture to vinification. It was the first time I saw how physically demanding and emotional the work is. It completely changed the way I see wine. A whole year goes into growing grapes, and it's mostly done by hand. I used to judge wine by vintages or scores, but now, even in a so-called (bad vintage) year, I think about how much effort the farmers put in. What kind of wines are you drawn to? Since I often eat Japanese food, I tend to gravitate toward complementary wines, in particular Champagne and Burgundy. Champagne has a special place in my heart, not only because of my childhood memory but because its elegance works beautifully with Japanese dishes. I also love red and white Burgundy. That said, with climate change and rising prices, I've started exploring other regions — Sussex in England for sparkling wine, and pinot noir from Switzerland and Germany, which have become really good in recent years and are still relatively accessible. What are your thoughts on Japanese wines? I think people are starting to choose them simply because they taste good. It's not just about supporting local products anymore. The quality has improved so much, and demand has really grown in the past five years, even among consumers abroad. Right now at Crony, we have around 40 Japanese wines on the list. Whenever I have time, I visit local wineries to learn more. The interior of the two-Michelin-starred Crony has a cozy, Scandinavian vibe. | CRONY Do you have any favorite domestic varieties? Koshu and Muscat Bailey A. For Koshu, I recommend Aruga Branca Isehara from Katsunuma Winery in Yamanashi. It's a beautifully made wine, and I believe it holds up on the world stage. The red Muscat Bailey A is often misunderstood because it can sometimes have an overpowering flavor. But in the hands of the right winemaker, it's fantastic. I especially like what Tsuno Wine in Kyushu is doing with it. There's also a unique wine from Suntory, Wa no Tsumugi, a blend of Muscat Bailey A and merlot: It balances the light body of Muscat Bailey A with the structure of merlot. What's even more interesting is their version aged in mizunara (Japanese oak) barrels, which are usually used for whisky production. Those barrels are difficult to work with — they can leak if the wood isn't mature — but they add a soft spiciness that's completely unique. What are some recent trends in Tokyo's wine scene? There's still a solid group of people who drink the classics — Champagne, Burgundy and Bordeaux — but younger generations often haven't had the opportunity to taste them as those wines have become very expensive. Instead, a lot of them are discovering natural wine , which has become a big trend over the last decade. At first, it was all about the label — people would drink natural wine just because it was 'natural' — but now the movement has matured. There's more diversity in the wine and the people drinking them. But at the same time, there's still a lack of understanding of natural wine among many sellers and consumers. Apart from the natural wine trend, there's also a shift toward less alcohol consumption. How are restaurants adapting? It's a real issue. Food revenue is fixed — guests pay a set amount for a meal course, so beverage sales are critical for business. When guests don't drink, we feel (the revenue loss). That's why more restaurants are developing nonalcoholic pairings that are as thoughtful as the wine options; I've been experimenting with such pairings myself. I used to think nonalcoholic drinks weren't all that exciting, but after meeting a tea specialist in Taiwan, I realized how much tea and wine share in terms of complexity and nuance. We've started doing pairings with Japanese teas, such as matching Shizuoka's shincha (tea from the first harvest) with snap peas and clams: The tea, which is cold-brewed, has a sweet-salty taste that complements the minerality of the clams. We also pair pinot noir juice from Hokkaido's Domaine Takahiko with Ezo venison loin as the juice's clean acidity goes well with the juicy meat. These pairings represent a new challenge but one that's worth pursuing. Speaking of nonalcoholic options, some sommeliers are creating mocktails with kombucha or fermented ingredients. Do you take that approach? Mocktails open up a lot of creative options, but I want to make sure that whatever I serve respects the producer's intent. I believe that wine — or tea or juice — should have a story, just like the dish it's paired with. If I start blending (ingredients) too much, I worry that I'll dilute that meaning, so I haven't taken the mocktail route yet. Do you think traditional wine rules are still relevant, like the idea that red wine doesn't go with fish? Not really. Those rules are outdated. For example, oysters — everyone says you have to drink them with white wine but, depending on the variety of the mollusk, red or rose wine can be a great match. In southern France, people drink rose with oysters all the time, and in Bordeaux, they even pair them with reds. Some seafood, like caviar or oysters, have a bit of tannin, and pairing them with a light red can really elevate the experience. In Japan, a lot of people still say, 'Cheese goes with red wine,' but in Switzerland, most people match it with white wine. There's a lot of misinformation out there. But that's changing. Today, more people are studying wine, and younger guests are more open-minded. They're curious, and when we suggest something, they're willing to try it. Despite what conventional rules tell you, red wine can be paired with oysters, says Ozawa. | GETTY IMAGES Any recommended spots in Tokyo for beginners who want to explore wine? Crony, of course! But if you're into French cuisine, Esquisse in Ginza and Ryuzu in Roppongi are fantastic. Both places have outstanding sommeliers, and the food is great. What other tips do you have for wine beginners? A lot of people drink wine with their heads and judge it by its technical details. But I want people to enjoy the act of drinking — to discover what they actually like, not what they're told they should like. In the end, the best wine is the one that brings you joy.
