Archive for October, 2009

Champagne Prices

Tuesday, October 27th, 2009

Something strange is going on. Be afraid! Very afraid!!

No, not another horror flick for Halloween, but an unusual amount of activity from some of my suppliers in the run up to Christmas. Champagne seems to be getting cheaper!! This is an almost unheard of scenario, but with the current strength of the euro and impending VAT rise must have something to do with the current economic climate.

Cristal and Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc are freely available at reasonable prices, Roederer and LP Rose going for a song, and most reasonable House Champagne and Veuve pricing.

Make the most of it - I for one will be loading up and will pass the savings onto my loyal customers.

May your Christmas be bubbly!!

Southern Italy trip

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

Just back from a most pleasant visit to Sicily, Puglia and Campania, courtesy of Liberty Wines, as part of a group of 15 Independent Merchants and Sommeliers. It’s always good to know more about the wines I stock, and so great to meet the people behind Villa Tonino, Donnafugata, Vesevo, Gran Sasso and A.Mano. Tasting their full ranges at the winery brings the whole experience together - I will just have to be disciplined not to spend too much on adding to my already large range!!