Friarwood Fine Wines 2024: Fine Wines and Spirits at Competitive Prices.

Friarwood is an independent fine wine and spirits merchant, established in 1967, with a rich history of offering an exceptional selection and a personalized approach to both wholesale and retail. With two London locations in Parsons Green, Fulham, and Wimbledon Village, Merton, Friarwood specializes in premium wines and spirits sourced from prestigious regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Tuscany. Family-run and passionate about quality, Friarwood is known for its deep relationships with top producers and its commitment to providing excellent service and unique products to its customers.

What are your top recommendations for wines to enjoy during the Christmas season, and what makes each of these selections special?

At Friarwood, we believe that the Christmas season calls for wines that evoke warmth, celebration and togetherness. Here are our top recommendations:

• Champagne: Nothing says celebration like a bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blancs. Its elegance, with delicate citrus and floral notes, makes it the perfect aperitif to kick off any festive gathering.

• Amarone della Valpolicella: With its rich, bold flavours of ripe red fruit and a touch of spice, Amarone pairs wonderfully with hearty winter dishes and adds a touch of luxury to Christmas dinners. Try our 2016 Domenico Fraccaroli Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG.

• Bordeaux Blend: A classic choice for the main course, especially roast meats. We recommend Chateau Lagrange Les Fiefs de Lagrange for its rich notes of cherry and blackcurrant, coupled with velvety tannins.

• Port: For a sweet finish, nothing beats a glass of Tawny Port alongside your Christmas pudding or cheese board. Try Kopke 20 year old Tawny Port.

Each of these wines brings a unique character to the table, ensuring they complement the festive atmosphere and elevate your holiday meals.

Can you share insights on how Friarwood curates its Christmas wine selection, especially in relation to customer preferences and festive trends?

Our Christmas wine selection is thoughtfully curated with both tradition and innovation in mind. We listen closely to our customers' preferences, paying attention to seasonal trends and the evolving palate of wine enthusiasts. We ensure a diverse range of wines, from classic favourites like Bordeaux and Burgundy to more adventurous options like Etna wines and sparkling and sweet alternatives. By leveraging our longstanding relationships with vineyards, we secure exclusive allocations that offer exceptional quality and uniqueness, ensuring our customers have a distinctive selection to choose from during the festive season.

With your extensive history and relationships with vineyards, how do you ensure the quality and uniqueness of the wines you offer?

Quality is at the heart of everything we do at Friarwood. Our team personally visits vineyards, engaging directly with winemakers to understand their processes, terroir, and philosophy. This hands-on approach allows us to select wines that not only meet our rigorous standards but also tell a unique story. We prioritize relationships with family-run vineyards and producers who share our passion for excellence and authenticity. By focusing on small-batch and artisanal wines, we ensure our offerings stand out for their quality and distinctive character.

What role do you think food pairing plays in enhancing the wine experience, and can you suggest some ideal pairings for your top picks?

Food pairing is essential in elevating the wine experience, as it enhances the flavours of both the wine and the dish. For instance:

• Ruinart Blanc de Blancs pairs beautifully with oysters or light canapés, highlighting its crisp, clean finish.

• 2019 Stephen Vincent Chardonnay pairs, with its creamy texture and notes of vanilla and apple, it’s perfect for pairing with roast turkey or creamy seafood dishes, adding a touch of elegance.

• 2020 Sequoia Grove Cabernet Sauvignon. Its robust profile with notes of dark fruits and spices beautifully complements hearty dishes like roast beef or lamb, enhancing the richness of the meal.

• For the dessert course this Christmas, consider the exquisite 2014 Château Doisy-Daëne from Barsac. This outstanding Sauternes is celebrated for its seamless balance of lush sweetness and vibrant acidity, making it a stellar choice for holiday indulgence.

Pairing the right wine with the right dish creates a symphony of flavours, making each meal a memorable experience.

As a family-run business, how do your values influence your approach to promoting wines, particularly regarding sustainability and responsible drinking?

As a family-run business, we deeply value sustainability and responsible drinking. We actively seek out producers who prioritize environmentally friendly practices, such as organic and biodynamic farming, minimal intervention winemaking, and eco-friendly packaging. These practices ensure that the wines we offer not only taste exceptional but also support a healthier planet.

Promoting responsible drinking is equally important. We encourage our customers to enjoy wine mindfully and savour the experience, rather than focus on quantity. By providing educational content, a personal tailoring service in store and hosting tasting events, we aim to foster a culture of appreciation and respect for wine, ensuring it’s enjoyed responsibly during the festive season and beyond.

If you would like to find out more about Friarwood Fine Wines, please visit https://www.friarwood.com/