London’s wine lovers stunned by Argentina and Italy: videos and gallery

Decanter’s two latest events attracted hundreds of wine lovers to central London to celebrate the best of Argentina and Italy.

Angelo Gaja

Last weekend, at Vinopolis in the centre of London’s foodie heaven, Borough Market, more than 30 of Argentina’s most renowned wine producers showcased their wines in Decanter‘s third Tastes of Argentina day.

As well as more than 150 wines on show, guests were treated to wine and food matchings, chocolate and wine tasting, live tango displays, and wine masterclasses.

Wineries present included Familia Zuccardi, Finca Flichmann, Bodegas Catena Zapata, Achaval Ferrer, Finca Sophenia and many others.

‘This is the first time I’ve been to this event,’ José Alberto Zuccardi told Decanter.com. ‘It’s a superb opportunity to establish close relations with the people who drink our wines.’

On Tuesday, in the palatial Grocers’ Hall in the City of London celebrated the Great Winemakers of Italy Tasting, with Grandi Marchi, a group of 19 producers from all over Italy.

This eclectic group, from Antinori in Tuscany and Gaja in Piedmont, to Sicily’s Donnafugata and – the newest member – Sardinia’s Argiolas, was formed seven years ago.

The single most important criterion for membership is that the company is family-owned and family-run.

‘It is very good for Italian wines,’ Marchese Piero Antinori told Decanter.com. ‘We are all individuals, all in competition, we fight in the market place but we respect each other.’

Video: Tastes of Argentina

Video: Grandi Marchi – Great Winemakers of Italy