Last week, we had the pleasure of launching the English barometer at 67 Pall Mall, with a presentation of the latest trends in the wine market and a top-class tasting…

Our event, “The million-dollar question…what appellations and wines are worth investing in?”, took place at 67 Pall Mall, undeniably the place-to-be for London-based enophiles and an institution in the wine industry.

The event kicked off with a presentation of the 2019 iDealwine barometer by Angélique de Lencquesaing, during which she gave an overview of the market’s trends and the key events of the year. To find out more about the barometer, and how to get one for yourself, follow the link. Angélique also gave her top tips in terms of domains and appellations to follow.

The event was co-hosted by Patrick Schmitt (Master of Wine and editor-in-chief of The Drinks Business), with Alix Rodarie (international development manager at iDealwine) and Grace Halligan (international development assistant). Six wines were presented in what was a Tour de France of mature wines.

Overview of the wines we tasted:

• Château Haut-Bailly 1990

Harmonious and supple, with aromas of cedar and tobacco but also lots of ripe black fruits. At almost 20 years old, it was perfectly ready to drink and simply delicious. For many, the favourite of the tasting.

• Château Corton Grancey Grand Cru 1995, Louis Latour

This cuvée, which is only produced in excellent vintages, albeit somewhat closed in the beginning, stunned our guests with its complex nose of candied cherry and notes of leather and truffle. Powerful and structured with concentrated fruit (especially plum) flavours.

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2001, Domaine de Marcoux

In an appellation with a rather masculine image, we chose a domain run by two sisters, Catherine and Sophie Armenier. The wine was nevertheless powerful and full-bodied, with notes of game, olives, cherry and thyme.

• Vouvray Clos du Bourg 1ere trie 2002, Domaine Huet

With aromas of cooked white fruits (apple, pear) and notes of exotic fruits and truffle, the Vouvray astonished as much for its complexity as for the wonderful freshness that it had retained.

• Château-Chalon 2008, Domaine Jean Macle

This vin jaune came as a real surprise to many of our guests: “it’s like biting into a granny smith apple!”. White fruits, hazelnut and green walnut, pepper and turmeric… a wonder, with a never-ending finish.

• 1979 Domaine de la Viguerie, Rivesaltes

For the grand finale, we presented a true sipping wine. This Rivesaltes – the last vintage produced by the domain – offered a vast range of aromas: leather, coffee, cocoa, lots of dried fruits and nuts.

As always, it was a pleasure to share all that we’ve learnt over the course of the past year – as we like to say, it’s you, our fellow wine lovers, who write the barometer 😊 – as well as wines representative of iDealwine.

We hope to see our friends from across the Channel soon,

A bientôt, London!