Discover the essential wines you need to know about, along with some unusual pairings to try at your dinner party, as suggested by Connaught Village’s wine experts.
DAVID, DIRECTOR AT CONNAUGHT WINE CELLARS
David’s career in the wine world started in 2010 when he established wine investment company IG Wines, following his life-long passion. He opened Connaught Wine Cellars in 2017, in response to the high demand for tastings and rare imports from his customers.
Which essential wines should be in every wine rack?
Not to state the classic aged Bordeaux, I would say that there are some fantastic versatile wines from the Rhone area in France. Depending on your budget, I would recommend either a Chateauneuf du Pape, Cote Rotie or a Saint Joseph.
Any unique food and wine pairings that you recommend?
I’ve tried many surprising combinations but the one that struck me most was realising how Rosé wine pairs perfectly with seafood in all shapes and forms. A proper Rosé like a Bandol from Provence is a match made in heaven with lobster bisque or fish soup.
You’re re-incarnated as a wine, what wine are you?
It would definitely be a Bordeaux. However, thinking about my personality, I would be a Mouton Rothschild 1982 vintage.
RHUARIDH, OWNER OF BUCHANANS CHEESEMONGER
Rhuaridh’s passion for cheese and wine became his vocation in 2006 after 10 years of restaurant experience culminating in management positions with Michelin-starred restaurant Martin Wishart and The Royal Scotsman Train by The Orient Express. He established Buchanans Cheesemonger in April 2014, where he periodically runs cheese and wine tasting masterclasses.
Which essential wines should be in every wine rack?
There are probably many different ideas of what constitutes the essential wine rack, but as a cheesemonger I always like to have a few bottles that pair well with cheese. The best all-rounder for cheese is a full-bodied white, such as a Chardonnay with a bit of oakiness. The Tissot Patchwork Chardonnay from the Jura, France is a favourite of mine.
Any unique food and wine pairings that you recommend?
Most people don’t think of drinking sparkling wine with cheese, but in a recent tasting we discovered that a Blanc de Blancs Champagne or full-bodied fizz like our Badoz Crémant du Jura are great all-round matches to cheese.
You’re re-incarnated as a wine, what wine are you?
I think I would have to come back as a Badoz Vin Jaune – a slightly sherry-like, oxidated wine from the Jura region in France which is one of my favourite regions for both wine and cheese.
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