GastronomyNEW's!
Your best shot
Are you a fan of the ultra-modern Aero Press? Or do you swear by the old-school Italian espresso pot? Perhaps you’re in the Nespresso pod squad. No matter how you brew up, it pays to start with the best beans. Here are a few of Le Sommelier’s favourites from around the globe…
Wallenford Jamaica Blue mountain
Famed for its perfect flavour, intense aroma and lack of bitterness, Jamaica Blue Mountain is considered one of the best coffees in the world. The Arabica Typica beans from which it is made – the dominant type grown in Jamaica – yield a smooth and mild-flavoured cup. Tasting notes: Dark chocolate, vanilla and roasted nuts.
Panama Geisha
A varietal originating from Ethiopia, Panama Geisha coffee is grown at around 5,000ft above sea level in Panama’s Jaramillo region by the Peterson family of Hacienda La Esmeralda. With its cool temperatures and abundant shade trees, Jaramillo is the perfect place for growing this multi-award-winning coffee, which produces a floral, vibrant cup. Tasting notes: Jasmine, stone fruit and citrus.
Puerto Rican
Hacienda Gripinas, in Cerro Punta, has been producing single-estate coffee since the 1800s. the beans are hand-picked and sorted to ensure they are similar in size, which helps guarantee even roasting; the resulting coffee is known for its red-fruit acidity and full body. Tasting notes: Cocoa, blood orange and walnut.
WINES For summer
Villa Marcello, Procecco Millesimato Brut, Veneto 2015
Procecco has a reputation as a source of everyday fizz. But there’s nothing ordinary about this cuvée. A vibrant apple-and-acacia nose leads to a dry, refreshing palate with rich, rounded tones that come from the extended ageing. Ideal as an aperitif, it will also marry wonderfully with cold salads and meats.
Château le Sartre, Pessac-Léognan 2009
The soft tannins on this lush, rounded claret from a fine vintage make it a perfect partner for barbecued beef or lamb. Made in the exciting Pessac-Léognan appellation, it offers wild berry and vanilla notes on a long, silky finish.
Frescobaldi, Tenuta Ammiraglia Alie, Rosé, Toscana 2016
Known for a host of stellar wines from the standout Tuscan DOGGs of Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino, Frescobaldi also excels with this delicate rosé – an unusual blend of Syrah and Vermentino characterised by fresh summer berry and floral notes.
