Top wines with Henny
In a room of 300 wines, how can you pick a favourite? Award-winning sommelier, Henny Zinzuwadia, joined us at our Moments in Wine portfolio tasting to find a few stand out wines of the day. Watch the full video below to discover the wines that made the cut:
Now that we know what Henny's drinking, let's get to know the producers and their wines a little better.
Grand Tokaj
A historic flagship producer in the Tokaj region, Grand Tokaj produces both sweet and dry wines. Owned by the Tokaj-Hegyalja University, they cultivate 67ha of vineyards (first-class terroirs since 1730) for their top wines, while also working with a network of trusted growers from 600ha of vineyards across the region.
Safe to say the Terroir Selection Eszencia 2013 was a clear stand out for the day. Only made in certain years when the conditions are just right, the delectably sweet Tokaj wine is still lively and bright with surprising tropical notes, despite having over 500 grams of residual sugar. There's no need for pressing to make Eszenia, as the juice cedes to the berries' own weight, and oozes out of its own accord when kept in storage. It shows the full complexity of the of aszú berry with a dense and oily texture to deliver the rich botrytis traits.
Shop the full range of Grand Tokaj here.
Balfour Winery
A little closer to home in Kent, Balfour winery has developed their own distinct style of English Traditional Method wine.
First released in 2021, the Leslie's Brut stays true to Balfour's vision to create an elegant English wine that doesn't shy away from its fruit-driven character. Blending Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Pinot Gris, the wine undergoes fermentation in stainless steel tanks and full malolactic fermentation before ageing on lees for a minimum of 12 months.
Shop wines from Balfour Winery here.
Champagne Lallier
Now let's go back to the roots of sparkling wine in Champagne. Dominique Demarville, previously cellarmaster at Veuve Cliquot, has now taken the top winemaking job at Champagne Lallier.
Committed to showing the diversity and complexity of the Ay region, Lallier does not feel bound by convention to make outstanding wines. Their Blanc de Blanc embodies their mission to push boundaries with a delightfully unexpected profile that shows freshness and minerality.
Shop wines from Champagne Lallier here.
Bafforeno
The love child you didn't know you needed: Castellare di Castellina with Domaines Baron de Rothschild-Lafite.
Bafforeno is the joint venture of these two powerhouse domaines, on a mission to make a bold Merlot with unique Italian character. Unsurprisingly, this 100% Merlot from the vines of Rocca di Frassinello sure does pack a punch. Initially showing powerful blackberries and blueberries on the nose, the palate evolves to show complex notes of tobacco and chocolate. This is a wine to really get comfortable with and take time with over a meal.
Shop wines from our Fine Wine collection here.
Nina Lloyd
Nina learnt about wine whilst working in hospitality alongside a classical musical degree, and safe to say, wine became more interesting to her than opera. Growing up in Melbourne, Australia a wine region was never too far away. While enjoying wines from across the world, a Mornington Peninsula Pinot Noir will always taste deliciously of home.