FOOD + DRINK
Bringing the finest wines to Kent …
GRAND CRU , BECKENHAM
Wine is a mysterious thing … For those in the know , there are so many different nuances , different elements , different grapes and different terroirs ( the soil , climate and conditions that go into growing the vines ) that for those who simply want a nice glass of something it can seem like an entirely other world . One that they may not want to enter . BY LISAMARIE LAMB
But a new fine wine merchant that has recently opened in Beckenham is going to change that misconception . Grand Cru Co aims to make fine wines accessible ( and affordable ) to everyone . Owner Andy Rose , along with his exceptionally knowledgeable staff , wants people to realise that buying a bottle of wine can be done somewhere other than a supermarket , and that by choosing to visit a specialist wine merchant it is possible to discover new and surprising wines that will bring an entire evening together .
The shop itself is a modern , cool , impressively decorated place done out in dark woods and calming tones that , tucked neatly as it is just off the high street in Beckenham , is also a relaxing place to be . A warm welcome as you walk through the door makes what could be a somewhat daunting experience ( assuming you know nothing about wine as I do – or rather , didn ’ t ) into something fun and exciting . The walls are covered in bottles of wine – all for sale – and although there are some pretty pricey choices in the shop ( one bottle , albeit the largest I ’ ve ever seen , had a price tag of £ 910 ), the ‘ every day ’ yet still great quality wines start from around £ 8.50 , and yet , despite being on a par pricewise with the supermarkets , with a bottle from Grand Cru Co you have the added benefit of choosing something that little bit more special . You also get the expertise of someone who really understands wine .
For us , that was Gaetano , our guide for the evening . After a chat about the bottles in the shop , and about how the evening was going to work , we sat down at a large wooden table in the middle of the shop floor and our lesson ( which felt nothing like a lesson ) began . Next to us was placed a small plate of nibbles including salmon , bread and butter , walnuts and cheese . These were to go with the white wines that we were about to try . Those wines were Meursault Village , Nicolas Potel ( 2008 ), Woodcutters Rousanne Viognier Marsanne , Torbreck ( 2011 ) and Gewurtztraminer , Hugel Family ( 2013 ). All were something of a revelation , and each one had a distinctive flavour all of its own . The Meursault was my particular favourite . It wasn ’ t too strong , but there was a certain richness to it , and it was fresh and vibrant – the flavours of fruits and flowers , with the added surprise of a hit of cinnamon , sparked across my tongue and , combined with the food to my side it really was something new . This was no cheap supermarket Pinot , but at £ 18.95 a bottle neither was it out of anyone ’ s budget – and the fact that it is so versatile with regards to pairing with foods ( or drinking by itself ) makes this an ideal wine to enjoy wherever you are .
The reds came next . Not normally a red wine drinker unless there is a roaring open fire involved , I was curious as to how these wines would match up . A new plate of food arrived , this time full of charcuterie and a rather moreish bruschetta covered in mackerel paté and pear , and the wines , which had been opened earlier to allow them to breathe , were poured . They were a Russian River Valley Pinot Noir , De Loach ( 2012 ), Il Passo Nerello Mascalese and Nero d ’ Avola , Vigneti Zabu ( 2014 ) and Chateau La Fleur Pourret , Saint-Emilion Grand Cru ( 2009 ). Again , all exquisite wines , but there was something about the Il Passo that caught my attention . It was fruity and spicy , but the colour really set it apart – ruby red . As the light shone through it , it looked absolutely stunning , and it tasted just as good with a wonderful silky texture and , unlike some reds , it was an easy drink .
An evening of wine tasting at Grand Cru Co opened my eyes ( and taste buds ) to the possibilities within the wine world , and I finally understood that good wine wasn ’ t just for those in the know – everyone can join in .
If you would like to get involved , Grand Cru Co organise monthly public tasting evenings , offering everyone the chance to try something new . There are also private evenings which can be arranged and would make a perfect celebration night for a more sophisticated hen do , or perhaps a birthday or anniversary .
Grand Cru Co 9 Kelsey Park Road Beckenham BR3 6LH 020 8650 0085 info @ grandcruco . com www . grandcruco . com
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