Neil Ridley – fun food pairings, rock ‘n’ roll and Mezcal
Our podcast guest for this episode is drinks writer, broadcaster and “crisp sommelier” Neil Ridley.
Together, he and Barbara enjoy a Mezcal as they discuss his former life at a record label, artisanal spirits, tricky pronunciations (like “Bunnahabhain”) and the fun of exploring flavour – with some of your favourite nibbles.
Featured bottle: Convite Mezcal, Tobala, Joven, Mexico (42%)
If you would like to browse our selection of Scotch whiskies, simply follow this link:
Berry Bros. & Rudd - Scotch whiskies
You can find out more about Neil Ridley here: Neil's website
To purchase a copy of Neil’s book “The Crisp Sommelier”, follow this link:
The Crisp Sommelier by Neil Ridley - Bloomsbury
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36:38
Melania Battiston – Retsina, the role of the sommelier and New Zealand Chardonnay
This week, Barbara speaks to Melania Battiston, Wine Director at Cornus restaurant. With a bottle of New Zealand Chardonnay, they discuss the surprisingly simple science of food and wine pairing, Melania’s passion for introducing new people to wine and why you should always be honest with a sommelier.
Featured bottle: 2016 Kumeu River, Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu, New Zealand
To browse our selection of New Zealand wines, simply follow this link:
https://www.bbr.com/region-3-new-zealand
Discover more about Melania’s wine list at Cornus (and perhaps make a reservation) here: https://cornusrestaurant.co.uk/
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43:45
Robin Gill – Bees, natural wines and simple, seasonal dining
In this episode, Barbara is joined by chef and restaurateur Robin Gill. Together, they discuss Robin’s passion for local and seasonal ingredients, particularly at his vibrant restaurant, Darby’s. They also explore the natural wine movement, the vivacity of Italy’s wines and cuisine and why beekeeping isn’t such a buzz if you haven’t got the know-how.
Featured bottle: 2021 Capo Martino, Jermann, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
You can browse our selection of Italian white wines here.
Find out more about Darby’s – and its excellent terrace – here: https://www.darbys-london.com/
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40:58
Alessandro Palazzi – Martinis, lemons and the joy of Vermouth
In the opening episode of our sixth series, we are joined by Alessandro Palazzi – Head Bartender at Dukes Hotel, No.3 Gin ambassador and veritable maestro of the Martini. Together, he and Barbara discuss the elegance of simplicity in cocktails, the joy of Vermouth and why, in the world of hospitality, we are always learning.
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45:15
Jill Douglas - Cycling, MND and Loire Sauvignon Blanc
In this episode of the podcast, we are joined by broadcaster and sports journalist Jill Douglas MBE.
For seven years, Jill was CEO of My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (also Berry Bros. & Rudd’s chosen charity partner), created by late Scotland rugby player, Doddie Weir.
With a bottle of Loire Sauvignon Blanc, Jill tells Barbara more about her work with MND, the buzz of covering the Olympics and her love for a dry martini.
Featured bottle: 2023 Reuilly Blanc, Les Pierres Plates, Denis Jamain, Loire
Click here to browse our selection of Loire whites.
If you would like to discover a white Burgundy for yourself then browse our range here.
To find out more about the perfect No.3 Gin martini, click here.
You can make a donation to My Name’5 Doddie here.
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Drinking Well is brought to you by Berry Bros. & Rudd, the UK’s oldest fine wine and spirits merchant. Hosted by Barbara Drew MW, this podcast is designed to help you enjoy and shape your fine wine collection. You’ll hear from Buyers and experts from across Berry Bros. & Rudd as they share their insights into the world’s most important fine wine regions. You’ll discover which vintages to drink – and what to look out for – in the year ahead.
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