Wine of the Month: May 2020
Wine of the Month: Soli White, Edoardo Miroglio, Thracian Valley, Bulgaria, 2020 (£16)
It's not typically the first European wine country we think of, but Bulgaria is just as steeped in ancient viticulture and viniculture as all of its continental peers. The Thracian Valley holds a microclimate and soil types reminiscent of Burgundy and can offer similar levels of refinement - but without that Burgundian price tag. This juicy and textured blend of Riesling, Sauvignon and Chardonnay is bursting with ripe peach and pear, with an incredibly delicate, but food-friendly appley acidity on the finish. The wine is low-intervention, 100% organic, and made and bottled on the estate, so it really is a wee snapshot of the sunny Bulgarian countryside.
Thomas' Food Match: Sexy Sesame Salmon
As good to look at as it is to eat... Start by making a marinade for a fresh filet of salmon, whack in some ginger, crushed garlic, soy sauce and olive oil and a touch of cayenne to get that thing going. Put on some short grain rice with a couple teaspoons of rice wine vinegar and a dash of salt and sugar in the pot. Stir fry some veggies to accompany, a little wilted spinach or some broccoli is an easy winner. Fry up your marinated salmon, serve it on the rice and jazz it up with a handful of black sesame seeds! The rich character of this wine plays so nicely with a bit of oily fish and some gentle spice.
Bruce's Album Match: Cape Cira (K-LONE, 2020)
It's likely that this album was about as close as many of its listeners came to a holiday last summer. In case you missed it, what better time to enjoy an aural expedition to your own private, tropical paradise courtesy of K-Lone. Cape Cira is dripping in musicality and optimism, expressed through its lush, naturalistic sound design. The wine, in turn, will empower your other senses with floral, zesty aromas, a smooth waxy mouthfeel and minerals on the finish. Pour a glass and stick on Cape Cira whilst basking in the evening sun - you might just start viewing the world through a vital lens.
Anthony's Film Match: Mary Queen of Scots (Josie Rourke, 2018)
First-time director Rourke creates a vivid and theatrical interpretation of this historic tale. It's a beautiful, intelligent and emotionally resonant masterpiece starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie at the absolute top of their game. Sumptuous to look at, gripping and - interestingly - has pivotal scenes set in a neighbourhood round the corner from our shop. (nowadays it’s a suburb known as Battlefield, but back then it really was one!) The wine matches these conflicted protagonists; these are people who exhibit control and refinement, but just under the surface is a rich and vibrant personality pleading to be let out.
