La Dame de Pic
WLC extract: “The triple Michelin-starred mothership of chef and restaurateur, Anne-Sophie Pic is located in gardens in Valence at the heart of the Rhône corridor, hence it seemed natural for Jan Konetzki, the sartorially noteworthy wine director of 10 Trinity Square, to focus on wines stemming from the mighty river’s banks at Pic’s elegant London outpost. “While I pondered the idea, a vast map of the river unfolded in my mind. From the glaciers, to the Mediterranean sea, there is so much to discover.” Konetzki, who feels, “we’re going to own the Rhône crown for the UK”, extols the diversity of what may be reaped. “There is everything from entry-level amazing value bargain finds such as Jacquère and Chasselas from the banks of Lake Geneva which are stunning and can replace a Chablis easily but cost half the price, to established, world-class, blue-chip wines such as Jean-Louis Chave Cuvée Cathelin Hermitage which can cost the same price as a bottle from Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.”
As well as offering plentiful Rhônes, Konetzki highlights of vinous “Cousins” on his list, hence one “cousin” of the Northern Rhone, a Grüner Veltliner by producer, Frank Hirtzberger, is portrayed thus: “if Arnold Schwarzenegger is the most famous person from Austria, then Grüner Veltliner is the most famous grape variety. This wine is produced from the best vineyards with the greatest attention to detail. It is complex and age-worthy; reminiscent of the most well-known whites in the Northern Rhône.” And at the top end is “glamorous cousin” Penfolds Grange, described as “one of a kind,” and “inspired by the great hermitage hill of the Rhône… giving Hermitage a run for their money!”
WLC ranking: 23
Address: The Four Seasons, 10 Trinity Square, EC3N 4AJ
