Food & Drink

In recent years, Prosecco has taken the world by storm, loved by consumers for its light, fruity style and accessible price point. Yet, perhaps it’s time to reconsider Cava, a sparkling wine that has quietly matured and evolved over the past few years. Though it shares shelf space with Champagne and Prosecco, Cava is often overlooked or misunderstood. Made from the same grape varieties as Champagne (among others), it’s worth exploring the more serious producers, especially Codorníu.

Tomatin

Highland distillery Tomatin has launched a new series of single malts, The Sherry Collection, featuring three unique expressions that celebrate Sherry’s influence on Scotch whisky. This limited-edition collection highlights the distinct characteristics imparted by Manzanilla, Palo Cortado, and Pedro Ximénez casks.

Founded by Fred Schrader in 1998, Schrader Cellars has swiftly become one of the most respected names in Napa Valley, renowned for its single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. At the core of Schrader’s success is the legendary To Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, widely recognised as one of Napa's premier sources of Cabernet grapes.

As the holiday season approaches, the quest for unique and memorable gifts takes centre stage. But why make your friend or loved one wait until December 25th to open your gift? Wouldn’t it be better to see their face light up early in the season, and avoid your gift getting lost in a mountain of presents?

Le Clarence, nestled in the heart of Paris, a stone’s throw from the recently renovated Grand Palais, is full of both old-world charm and modern elegance. Set within a grand mansion just steps away from the Champs-Élysées, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant is complete with a wine store that holds bottles of France’s finest wines from the best vintages. The mansion and restaurant are owned by Domaine Clarence Dillon, the family-owned company behind Château Haut-Brion. This alone sets the tone perfectly for what you might expect. 

Located at 11 Berkeley Street, Jeru offers a unique blend of chic Mediterranean charm and modern luxury. Upon entering, you’re immediately greeted with a warm welcome and enveloped in an intimate, inviting ambiance with dim lighting, elegant furnishings and a palpable air of exclusivity. The decor is refined, blending traditional Mediterranean motifs with sleek contemporary touches that set the mood for a memorable dining experience.

This is the second part of my article on Champagne Drappier. The first article can be read here.

Rum is an incredibly diverse and complex spirit, a discovery that becomes clearer the more you delve into its world. Made from either sugar cane or molasses, rum can vary widely in style, from light and fruity profiles to rich, dark expressions with bold, almost petrol-like flavours. 

If only Eurostar still stopped at Ashford International; it would have saved me countless hours over the past few months. However, stepping into the Business Premier lounge quickly put me at ease. Thanks to the iProov.me app, which streamlined the check-in process (so much so that the Business queue felt slow in comparison), I was able to relax before my journey. With Champagne Drappier awaiting me at my destination, enjoying a glass of bubbly at 6:30 a.m. felt perfectly justified.

House of Hazelwood and Hedonism Wines have come together to create the ultimate expression of indulgence: *The Pursuit of Pleasure*, a 52-year-old Blended Scotch Whisky.

Regular readers will know I’m a longtime admirer of House of Hazelwood, but what you might not realise is that I’m also a fan of shopping for whisky and Armagnac at Hedonism Wines, just off Berkeley Square in London. So, when I heard these two were collaborating to create a whisky, I was immediately intrigued.