Thursday 8 October 2009

Vinoteca, London


It is customary after a few drinks to tell old friends how much you love them.


"Vinoteca, I looove you! You're my best friend...."


The Peanut Gallery's birthday week continued last night with a wine tasting spectacular at Vinoteca in Farringdon. The bargain sum of £10 bought us 20 tastings each, and doubled as a soothing massage for the soul after a long day at the office.


We tried 20 of Vinoteca's "Customer Favourites" from around the world, including the following hits: NV Prosecco dei Conegliano-Valdobbiadene from Bernardi Refrontolo, Veneto, Italy (almondy and delicious, £9.95), 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Vin de Pays du Val de Loire from Vignerons Valencay, Loire Valley, France (nettley flavours, £6.95), 1997 Muzealis Chardonnay from Hilltop Winery, Aszar-Neszmely, Hungary (honey, truffles, £9.95), 2006 Nine Popes from Charles Melton, Barossa Valley, South Australia (a big one, £25). All topped off with a Piemonte Moscato d'Asti and good old Pedro Ximenez El Candado from Spain.


And what better way to sober up on a rainy night than back in the main wine bar/restaurant over a heartwarming bowl of Vinoteca's muscle, clam and leek chowder with home baked wholemeal bread (for me) (£7) and the char-grilled bavette steak, mustard butter, fat chips and salad (for The Peanut Gallery) (£14.50).





Surrounded by the dark wooden furniture and wine laden shelves, Vinoteca always has a buzz and that Melbourne wine bar feel (for the sentimental expat).


The wine tastings are held regularly and there's a South African "Wine Makers" Dinner this Monday 12th October, featuring the wines of Quion Rock. At £70 for 5 courses and 7 wines, it is rumoured to be fabulous (there's a South African chef in the kitchen). Alas, the Greedy Diva will be in KL... If anyone else makes it, let me know how it goes.



Vinoteca, 7 St John Street, Smithfield, London, EC1M 4AA

Vinoteca on Urbanspoon

1 comment:

  1. Hello Greedy Diva! Thanks for the great review of Vinoteca, so glad that you enjoyed the tasting as well as your meal in the restaurant. We hold our tastings monthly so keep your eye on our events calendar if you feel like tasting 20 more wines!

    Thanks again, and hope to see you soon!

    Caitlin

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