Favourite Things Waitrose tries ditching capsules

Waitrose will become the first UK supermarket to remove plastic and foil capsules from wine bottles in a bid to cut down on unnecessary packaging.

The project begins with three Italian wines – Zibibbo and Mascalese from Sicily, and Lacrima from Marche – along with Waitrose’s Trincadeira from Alentejo.

The trial will be extended to the 10-strong range of Loved & Found wines by the end of the year.

Favourite wine on my list

My current favourite red is Viña Alberdi Rioja Reserva 2018. Bursting with cherries and strawberries on the nose and hints of toffee and brioche on the palate from the oak ageing. The acidity helps balance out the alcohol and the tannins are soft and rounded for a delicious finish. Pairs fabulously with grilled or barbecued meats and pasta (which I eat a lot of).

Favourite wine and food match Albariño is a must-have for seafood dishes. I find it’s a style I always home into in restaurants as it’s generally a crowd pleaser. Fantastic paired with mussels or a seafood risotto, especially if you’re on your holidays.

Favourite wine trip

I won a competition to go on a trip to Rioja with the Consejo Regulador. It was absolutely fantastic and grew my love for barrel-fermented whites.

Favourite wine trade person

Glen from Robb Brothers has been a great mentor in the trade for me. He is always willing to answer any of my many questions and offer advice from his years in the trade.

Favourite wine shop

JN Wine, partly because it is just around the corner but also for its fantastic range and knowledgeable staff. It’s a business I really look up to. Jim is a force to be reckoned with and I only hope I grow up to be like him.