Beyond gatekeepers, it also allows for status-chasing consumers to have something that clearly defines them as Eloi rather than the Morlocks who are drinking Pierre Jaurant Bordeaux from Aldi. It doesn't just signify wealth, like buying Barolo, but that you have an extra level of knowledge, by being able to talk about additives and sulphur. And the difference in colour immediately tells people which group you are.
By the way, the only wine bar I know, but I like is the Oxford Wine Cafe, in Jericho in Oxford. Apart from a nice list of wines, they're wines sold by the Oxford Wine Company. So, I can have a glass and a bite to eat, and then I can order the wines by the bottle later.
Speaking of wine bars, went to a nice new place on Lower Marsh nr Waterloo called Lower. Well worth a look. You’ll have heard of some of the producers on the list too. Nice mix of wines by the glass, a long bottle list, a “reserves” list of posh stuff at v reasonable prices and good wine bar fodder - tortilla, charcuterie, duck liver parfait and cheese of course.
Hi Henry , thanks for the mention , an enthusiast with a Sommelier Diploma , WSET Level 3 and 35 years in Wine & Hospitality , so not an "hobby" for me dear ....... Merry Christmas !
Hello Fabio I am a bit mystified by this comment, enthusiast does not equal hobbyist nor preclude having experience or qualifications . I put a little mention in because I like your shop. I will update with a footnote mentioning this though I think enthusiast sounds far more appealing. Happy Christmas Henry
Natural Winers are like Rosicrucians or Theosophists, selling Mystery and Enchantment over Meaning and Feeling. I feel increasingly Grey and Grouchy in those new-wave wine-bars when some invariably winning millennial tries hard to convince me to Go Orange. But the best of them [bars, not orange wines] are just wonderful, and they usually have some non-orange fare. Recent ones I've loved to add to your notebook would include KASK in Bristol, Lola Provisions in Leamington Spa, and Bottle Chop in Headingley, Leeds
Yes, Lower looks really good. I popped in for a chat a few days ago (it's a short walk from where we live) and came away with a couple of bottles, including a Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo.
I'd never really thought of natural wine as a way of 'remystifying', but you've hit a nail there....
Came here to comment the same thing, you beat me to it Tom!
Might be one for a longer post actually
Beyond gatekeepers, it also allows for status-chasing consumers to have something that clearly defines them as Eloi rather than the Morlocks who are drinking Pierre Jaurant Bordeaux from Aldi. It doesn't just signify wealth, like buying Barolo, but that you have an extra level of knowledge, by being able to talk about additives and sulphur. And the difference in colour immediately tells people which group you are.
By the way, the only wine bar I know, but I like is the Oxford Wine Cafe, in Jericho in Oxford. Apart from a nice list of wines, they're wines sold by the Oxford Wine Company. So, I can have a glass and a bite to eat, and then I can order the wines by the bottle later.
Speaking of wine bars, went to a nice new place on Lower Marsh nr Waterloo called Lower. Well worth a look. You’ll have heard of some of the producers on the list too. Nice mix of wines by the glass, a long bottle list, a “reserves” list of posh stuff at v reasonable prices and good wine bar fodder - tortilla, charcuterie, duck liver parfait and cheese of course.
Thanks for the tip. Sounds right up my street though sadly nowhere near my actual road
Hi Henry , thanks for the mention , an enthusiast with a Sommelier Diploma , WSET Level 3 and 35 years in Wine & Hospitality , so not an "hobby" for me dear ....... Merry Christmas !
Fabio @ VINO in Faversham
Hello Fabio I am a bit mystified by this comment, enthusiast does not equal hobbyist nor preclude having experience or qualifications . I put a little mention in because I like your shop. I will update with a footnote mentioning this though I think enthusiast sounds far more appealing. Happy Christmas Henry
Natural Winers are like Rosicrucians or Theosophists, selling Mystery and Enchantment over Meaning and Feeling. I feel increasingly Grey and Grouchy in those new-wave wine-bars when some invariably winning millennial tries hard to convince me to Go Orange. But the best of them [bars, not orange wines] are just wonderful, and they usually have some non-orange fare. Recent ones I've loved to add to your notebook would include KASK in Bristol, Lola Provisions in Leamington Spa, and Bottle Chop in Headingley, Leeds
A decent read, thanks!
Yes, Lower looks really good. I popped in for a chat a few days ago (it's a short walk from where we live) and came away with a couple of bottles, including a Giulia Negri Langhe Nebbiolo.
Love a langhe Nebbiolo
Le Beaujolais! What a wonderful place. Nicely murky. Toulouse Sausage and Lentils (+ wine). I’d love to visit more (kids).
The bouef bourgignon was always good too