Favourite Things

Bonfire of EU rules to ‘boost UK wine’

Scrapping retained EU laws will “put a rocket under” the UK’s domestic wine industry and potentially boost vineyards by £180m, according to the environment secretary, Therese Coffey.

A host of regulations that were retained after Brexit will be binned as part of the Retained EU Law (Revocation and Reform) Bill.

Coffey said the changes being introduced through the legislation would give vineyards the “freedom they need to thrive”.

Favourite wine on my list

I am really enthusiastic about a recent addition on the list, Saint-Péray Saute-Mouton Domaine de Lorient, a Roussanne and Marsanne blend by Laure Colombo. It is packed with fruit, honey, butter, dried herbs, spices and layers and layers of flavour. It has a vibrant acidity, which elevates it.

Favourite wine and food match Oysters and Chablis. As Chablis grows on Kimmeridgian soil, which is basically a mix of clay, limestone and ancient marine fossils like oyster shells, it seems that this pairing was meant to be.

Favourite wine trip

I love the Languedoc. Amazing weather and so many landscape variations from mountains to seaside. I love the smell of the garrigue and the large and increasing number of organic winemakers.

Favourite wine trade person

If I have to say one name only it’s Caroline Krey-Jacobsen at Jascots. I have worked with her for years, wherever she works. She is a smart woman who really knows her stuff.

Favourite wine shop

Dynamic Vines in Bermondsey.

A lot of wines made by legendary winemakers, and a quite impressive selection of outstanding organic and natural wines. And the shop under the train arch is worth the visit.

Restrictions which currently prevent the wine industry from producing new blends will be removed, and bottlers will be able to turn imported wine into sparkling wine. Packaging requirements, such as the stipulation that certain sparkling wines must have foil caps and mushroom stoppers, will be lifted. Independent, May 21