Review by Pat Byrne

I went along to Hotel du Vin at One Devonshire Gardens, G12, a couple of weeks back for one of their dining and wine tasting events. What a lovely way to spend an evening.

I am not an expert on wines but I do enjoy a nice evening out, especially in such a lovely restaurant so off I set with my friend Anne Gritton to see what was on offer at One Devonshire, one of Glasgow's most up market hotel and restaurant.

After a very warm and an aperitif we were ushered into the beautiful private dining room, Glenlivet, and settled down to find out all about Italian Wines from the Bisceglia winery.

The wines were presented by Vittorio Zoppi, who was charming and very enthusiastic about the wines produced at Bisceglia and it was very interesting to learn about the wines and also something about the Basilicata region in Southern Italy, where the winery is located. Vittorio was a most endearing presenter and clearly has great affection for the area and tremendous pride in the achievements of the winery, where a range of grapes are grown organically. One they are particularly keen to put on the map and which I had never heard of before is Aglianico.

David Manson, a wine merchant from Bibendum Wines, also contributed to the enjoyment of the evening and his droll sense of humour went down very well with the winers and diners. The atmosphere was very friendly and relaxed and everyone settled down to enjoy the lovely meal prepared by head chef, Paul Tamburrin, accompanied by the Italian wines.

On the menu

Aperitif

ballontine of confit rabbit, salsify siphon with amaretto sauce

braised shin of beef, pomme puree, pancetta, cepes and aglianico fumet

chocolate delice with praline foam and pear sorbet

coffee or tea with petit fours

Totally delectable!

Every morsel of the meal was a delight.

Accompanying wines

The wines presented for tasting included:

falanghina beneventano,
terra di volcano 2006

basilicata, fano 2006

aglianico del vulture,
terra di volcano 2005

basilicata, treje 2004
basilicata, aglianico del vulture 2003

basilicata, aglianico del vulture
reserva 2001

They all tasted pretty good to me and I noted lots of approval at our table. I particularly liked the rich red basilicata, aglianico del vulture 2003 and will watch out for it if we are entertaining discerning guests. I also liked the white wine falanghina beneventano.

If you are looking for some information and entertainment when wining and dining then I can thoroughly recommend a night out at One Devonshire. Lovely surroundings, fine food and drink with lively presentation. Very enjoyable!!!.
Contact the Hotel du Vin Events Team for further information.

Find out all about the Bisceglia Winery and their wines at: http://www.agricolabisceglia.com/
And Bibendum Wines
And Read the blog - Basilicata June 2007 - you'll not only be longing to taste the wines but visit the area.

Pat Byrne, October, 2007.