On The Grapevine
With Philip Goodband MW, Constellation Europe.
Philip Goodband is not only a Master of Wine but also has real 'hands on' experience at every level of the wine industry, with a special interest in the on-trade. His achievements include responsibility for the launch and development of the top performing Stowells brand and he was managing director of Grants of St James's.
The person submitting the 'Star Question' as chosen by Philip each month will receive a bespoke training session for their outlet run by Constellation Europe.
Send your wine questions to Philip Goodband c/o The Publican, Ludgate House, 245 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 9UY or via email: wine@thepublican.com.
This week, the star question comes from Paul Davies, The Crown Inn, Westcott, Dorking
What to stock
- Try a little variation
- There seems to be an ingrained snobbery against German wines, with the general assumption being that they are too sweet for the British palate. However, many experts say that Rieslings are some of the best wines in the world. With the World Cup rapidly approaching, are there any good, drier grape varieties that we could perhaps use to tie in with a World Cup promotion?
- Paul Davies, The Crown Inn, Westcott, Dorking
- The opportunities for wine promotion using the World Cup as a theme, are endless and thank you Paul for suggesting this! I wholeheartedly agree with those who believe that Riesling is world class too, in fact there are some excellent Australian examples which, although dry, have a ripeness and, with higher alcohol levels, are great by the glass or with food. The idea that all German wines are somehow inferior unfortunately dates back to the popularity of "cheap Liebfraumilch" which was pretty sweet. German Rieslings, coming as they do from cooler Northern vineyards, have lower alcohol and higher natural acidity and whilst these can come as trocken (totally dry), they are best balanced by a little residual sweetness which softens and livens the more subtle characters. Many good examples are now on offer. All in all a top team!
Try Portuguese wines
- Why aren't more pubs selling Portuguese wines? Which are the good ones to look out for?
- Gerry Price, The Inn at West End, Woking
- In today's market place, from cars to clothes, we are increasingly becoming brand orientated. Wine is no exception with popular grape names and countries also weighing in. All the current sales growth in the on-trade is being driven by New World brands. Sad though it is, the confused wine drinker is lost when faced with a list of unpronounceable local grape names from a country he or she is unfamiliar with. This, and having only one rather elderly branded Portuguese wine brand, makes it very difficult for a broad scale commercial proposition to be made. That said, red wines from the Douro Valley are well worth the search!
What spells 'quality'?
- What sort of wines do you need to have to denote a "quality" wine list?
- Ken Martin, The Wheatsheaf Inn, Haslemere
- Well now, how long do I have? I suppose the simple answer is to be found on page 51 of our World of Wine guide. "As well as offering value by the glass and bottle... you need to provide a ladder of wines which your customers can climb". This would include wines at differing price levels, all offering good value, increasing complexity and interest across a range of countries. Cash margins on pricier wines rather than percentages will enhance the value perception. By encouraging trading up in this way, not only will your cash take increase, but so will your reputation.
For further information on World of Wine telephone 0845 430 8947 or email vasb@jbeyq-bs-jvar.pb.hx
