BIRMINGHAM WINE WEEKEND
THE JOURNAL
CRAFTING THE PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY
#BWW2020’S WINES FOR YOU AND MUM
Mum’s the word for this #BWW2020 journal entry! As we gear up to Mother’s Day, we chatted to the experts about what they will be treating their own leading ladies to. Catching up with the team at Craft, we’ve uncorked the top tipples that have ‘mum’ written all over. The family-owned business gave us an insight into the three bottles that will feature on their own table this Mothering Sunday. We have to say, these serves are certain to stay long after the weekend is over…
Emma Morgan, one of the business directors at Craft alongside her husband Sam, has hand-picked the restaurant’s wine-list, which embodies their menu’s ‘British by heart, British by nature’ approach. 95% of those to make the cut are sourced from English vineyards, reflecting the renaissance within the English wine industry, with over 500 vineyards now thriving across the country. Emma’s picks for Mother’s Day reflect this, celebrating English heritage, with the regions of Worcestershire, Sussex and Kent all represented!
First to feature is Craft’s house serve; the Severn Vale White. Produced by Astley Vineyard in Worcestershire, this ever-popular choice won Bronze in the 2018 Wines of Great Britain Awards, recognised for its full-bodied profile and easy-drinking nature. With notes of fresh apple juice, elderflower and meadow flowers, Emma recommends enjoying it with cheese and spiced cuisine; making it a refreshing appetiser and perfect for Spring!
For those who would like a rich red for their main-lady, Emma suggests that you look no further than the Sussex-based Bolney Wine Estate offers a perfectly balanced Pinot Noir, which features notes of soft tannins and juicy red cherries alongside leather, spice and chocolate. The vineyard’s produce has featured on Craft’s menu since doors opened and will feature alongside the Severn Vale White at the Morgans’ Mother’s Day table. This Pinot Noir has won numerous awards, including ‘Winery of the Year 2017’ at the UK Wine Awards, and due to its varied flavours, the Pinot is a versatile choice and pairs well with chicken, rabbit, game birds, pork and duck.
If you’re searching for sparkles for the special occasion, you’ll be pleased to know that Emma has included the stunning Gusbourne Brut Reserve on her top three for Mother’s Day. She swears that it presents as champagne on the nose and the palate at first taste, but hails from the British shores instead. Bright gold in colour and exhibiting aromas of green apple, ripe pear and candied citrus, the palate is fruit driven, with zesty mandarin, peach and apple pie. You can also expect hints of ginger and mineral notes combine with toasted nuts and brioche leading to a long, elegant finish.
Craft’s commitment to both celebrating and innovating English flavours and produce is truly commendable; it’s the perfect place in Birmingham to wine and dine Mum this Mother’s Day! The Morgan family will be celebrating this Sunday in the restaurant’s private dining room, bringing together four generations to commemorate the occasion. Be sure to book your table and join them in style here!