16
Apr
The latest news on the grapevine is that we have a new wine list at Heath House Kitchen …and it’s a corker. (Probably not the best choice of adjective when talking about wine)
Over the last few months Dave and I have been working hard, developing a new wine list.
…And by working hard, what I really mean is having a fab time tasting and learning about lots of different wines, guided by wine development manager Wil Kershaw.
Our aim in developing the wine list is to find wines that complement our menu whilst also having a story of their own to tell, giving you something new and interesting to discover with every step of your meal. So here are some of the highlights for you to discover if you decant our wine cellar.
We are very interested in local produce, and so finding an English wine for the wine list was high on out agenda. Perhaps the biggest surprise on our ‘wine list journey’ has been discovering a series of wines that are not only English, but which are from a vineyard in south Staffordshire. The vineyard was established in 1983 by Martin Vickers. Martin says “It was my vision to create a vineyard on a par with continental sites. I am really proud of the quality of vines we grow today.” So we are over the moon to include a white, rose and sparkling wine which originate form South Staffordshire.
The grape varieties grown are weather hardy and include Bacchus, Huxelrebe and Madeleine Angevine. If, like us you are curious about these wines, we have included a by-the-glass option so that you can try them for yourselves.
The prosecco Serenello and the Prosecco Rose are popular, but new to the menu are a series of sparkling wines and two Champagnes.
At the top of the list of Champagnes is Laurent Perrier’s signature champagne La Cuvee Laurant Perrier. This is delicate and crisp, and everything that you would expect from a true Champagne.
But Champagne isn’t everyone’s fizz of choice…for some, it is just that little bit too dry, so if you prefer something a little lighter then you will love the Léonce Bocquet Crémant de Bourgogne which is a great alternative to Champagne or we have a sparkling English wine.
New to the wine list are some deep dark and intense reds that have won our hearts.
Amongst the new comers is the Altocedro Old Vine Reserve Malbec from Agentina. The grapes are grown on older vines, which are more than 65 years old and the wine is aged for 15 months in French oak barrels making this a wine for a special occasion.
Another of my new favourites is the Napa Cellars Zinfandel. Like the Malbec, this is very well rounded and velvety with warm supple tannins. Originating from the Napa Valley in California the vines grow on millenia old volcanic and marine soils. This is a rich red wine which is ideal with Beef and Lamb.
And no wine list would be truly complete without a Bordeaux. For this version of the wine list we are trialing the Chateau Robin Lussac Saint Emilion which is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
Being able to round off a meal with a dessert wine is a real treat. We’ve chosen to include Boschendal Vin d’Or and Chateau Les Mingets Sauternes. The Boschendal Vin d’Or is from South Africa and has hints of tropical fruit, honeysuckle and kumquat. The Sauternes has flavors of caramelized fruits and is deliciously sweet.
Both of these wines are available by the glass or by the half bottle and are well worth trying.
We have thoroughly enjoyed sourcing and balancing this wine list. It has been an experience packed with learning and discovery which we hope is now reflected in the wine list in a way that you can share and enjoy.
So raise a glass to booking your next meal at Heath House Kitchen
Heath House Kitchen Wine List: WINE LIST
