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Tasting Notes: January

24.12.24

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7 min read

TO DRINK
TO EAT
TO EXPLORE
TO TRY
TO DISCOVER

As we step into 2025, it's tempting to dive straight into resolutions and new routines. But we're advocating for the art of balance - savouring moments of creativity, discover and delight.

Whether you're sipping thoughtfully selected wines, indulging in nourishing meals or exploring new experiences, January is the month to reconnect with joy, one small pleasure at a time.

Here's to start the year on a note that's meaningful and mindful.

TO DRINK

Rather than fully embracing Dry January, we're resolving to focus on quality over quantity. These wines are all about seeking out and savouring new bottles; splashing out a little more than usual, to be rewarded with surprising new discoveries.

2020 Bodegas De La Riva, Vino de Pasto Macharnudo

An impressive wine that smells like Sherry, but tastes more like white wine. Its pronounced flavours and salinity showcase the gastronomic potential of unfortified Palomino. Try it with steamed mussels in a light white wine and herb broth. The wine's salty edge complements the brininess of the mussels beautifully.

2016 Monteraponi Chianti Classico

Traditional and classy, this organic Sangiovese from the high-altitude vineyards in Radda is aged in French and Slavonian oak casks for 26 months. Its stone minerality yields a palpable sensation in the mouth - and the wine promises to develop an even deeper complexity over the next decade. Best enjoyed with a hearty wild mushroom risotto, the vibrant character balancing the richness of the dish.

2019 Aloxe Corton, Follin Arbelet

A world-class expression of Burgundian Pinot Noir, this Alexo-Corton is dark and densely woven, with a refreshing snap that elevates its ripe bramble, loganberry and raspberry fruit. Sourced from a parcel of vines rooted in chalk and limestone soils, it showcases an unusually round and alluring appeal. For a pairing, try a savoury root vegetable tarte Tatin – its caramelised winter vegetables reflect the wine’s depth and lively freshness.

Despite the old adage about never judging a book by its cover, these wines prove that bold, eye-catching labels can contain equally compelling stories within.

2021 Kruder & Dorfmeister, HIGH NOON

An extraordinary Pinot Blanc from Austria’s Spitzerberg vineyard, HIGH NOON is a testament to balance and complexity. Sourced from 55-year-old vines rooted in sandy limestone soils, the 2021 vintage combines vibrant acidity with a rich, full-bodied texture

2022 Glow Glow, Rot

From Germany’s Nahe region, Glow Glow Rot is a joyful red blend of Regent and Dornfelder grapes. With minimal extraction during cold maceration, it delivers bright fruit flavors and refreshing acidity. This playful, juicy wine is ideal for casual sipping or easy pairings, embodying the carefree spirit of modern winemaking.

2019 Madonna, Purus

Crafted by biodynamic pioneers Rita and Rudolf Trossen in the Mosel, Madonna Purus reflects the purity of this iconic German wine region. Produced from some of Europe’s oldest Riesling vines on steep, slate-laden vineyards, this wine offers exceptional balance and precision – a Riesling to savour and admire.

TO EAT

After the hosting marathons of Christmas, we're craving simple, nourishing meals that don't compromise on flavour. Enter the one pot wonder: chicken meatballs with greens – a hearty dish that also feels wonderfully light. It pairs perfectly with the bright acidity and herbal notes of a crisp Grüner Veltliner. Feeling adventurous? The Spicy Miso Seafood Soondubu is the ultimate comfort meal. A slight off-dry Riesling makes a great companion, its sweetness softening the dish's vibrant spice. Then there's Harissa Roast Gnocchi Bake - a dish that shakes up weeknight dinners with a flavour rebellion. Alongside a Grenache? Heck yes. Why should weekends have all the fun?

Anyone for dessert?

Ease yourself into the new year with a trio of irresistible sweets. The Matcha Black Sesame Shortbread has a slight bitterness and nutty complexity, creating a delicate, crumbly bite. The rustic elegance of Necci, Tsucan chestnut flour pancakes, works wonderfully as a snack, dessert or breakfast. Both find their perfect partner in Vin Santo, its caramelised sweetness and dried fruit notes complementing their subtle earthiness. Finally, this Spiced Hot Chocolate with Salted Maple Cream is pure pleasure, with a flavour much lighter than its indulgent name suggests.

TO EXPLORE

The new year invites us to pause, take a breath and rediscover the art of slow living. For cinema lovers, "The Brutalist" beckons. Adrien Brody plays László Toth, an architect who fled post-war Europe in 1947, seeking to rebuild his legacy in an emerging modern America. Outdoor enthusiasts should treak straight to AllTrails, our preferred way for discovering hidden hiking gems. Meawhile, for cultural seekers, Tate Britain's The 80s: Photographing Britain offers a glimpse into one of the UK'S most turbulent decades.

As the winter chill sets in, immerse yourself in something creative. Why not explore the art of block printing? Design your own prints, experiment with patterns, and bring a personal touch to home decor. If you're craving a more tactile experience, woodworking workshops offer the ideal way to craft something lasting, whether it's a simple shelf or a beautifully carved piece. And for those looking to spice up their homeware, try taking a pottery class and throw your own ceramic plates.

TO TRY

January is the perfect time to support your local wine bars and keep the spirit of dining alive during the quieter months. Head to Ora Berlin, the 19th-Century pharmacy turned wine bar that's preserved its charm with stucco ceilings, and medicinal cabinets prescribing locally sourced food and wine. n the heart of SoHo in London, Le Beaujolais – the city’s oldest French wine bar – has been serving up authentic French cuisine and an impressive selection of regional wines since 1972. Or, if you’re in Milan, Bar Nico, opened by a fashion-industry couple, a chic wine bar in a 1930s building, offering Mediterranean small plates in the Acquabella neighbourhood.

Take advantage of the quieter hospitality season and treat yourself to a booking at one of those hard-to-get tables you’ve been coveting for months. Now in a beautifully renovated rural pub, Osip has a minimal take on the farm-to-table ethos, with a surprising tasting menu of locally-sourced dishes with organic and biodynamic wine pairings. Saint Peter, in Sydney, is redefining seafood under the direction of Josh Niland, where ageing techniques and offal–driven dishes elevates the Australian bounty. Benu in San Francisco offers an inventive approach to Asian classics:, think Korean flavours with French training.

TO DISCOVER

Kickstart your 2025 reading list with the favourite books of iconic musicians. David Bowie’s top 100 spans genres, from modern classics like A Clockwork Orange to deep philosophical works such as The Origin of Consciousness. Patti Smith’s recommended reading list is a fascinating mix of existentialism and psychological exploration through unconventional story telling. Meanwhile, Jimi Hendrix’s favourite sci-fi books are a trip into the mystical and fantastical, perfect for those who enjoy imaginative narratives.

Looking for some thought-provoking (or just downright fun) listening, to start your year? These three podcasts offer a deep dive into various topics from entertainment to design.

The Rest is Entertainment

Richard Osman and Marina Hyde bring a razor-sharp wit and insider expertise to this deep dive into television, movies, journalism and beyond. Packed with anecdotes from their enviable contact list and years of experience, the podcast sorts out what’s hot – and what’s not – in the world of pop culture.

99% Invisible

Design surrounds us, but how often do we stop to notice it? From award-winning producer Roman Mars, this podcast uncovers the hidden stories behind those spaces and objects we take for granted.

No Such Thing

Ever argued over whether audiobooks count as reading, or whether horses actually enjoy running? A trio of journalists tackle such “dumb” questions with surprising depth, mixing humour and research to settle even the pettiest of debates. Tune in for a weekly dose of quirky curiosity and good-natured banter.