Home to a carefully-chosen collection of bottles from around the globe, St Vincent remains one of Newcastle’s top destinations for wine-tasting – paired with big-flavoured food to keep all palates happy. Our editor stops by…
It’s been a year since St Vincent re-opened its doors after a three-year hiatus. Back in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, owner and renowned North East chef and restauranteur, Terry Laybourne, decided to shut up shop – sending Newcastle’s vino-drinkers into a tizzy.
Fortunately, the closure wasn’t to last – and for the last year, the part wine bar, part restaurant has returned to doing what it does best – showcasing incredible wines, paired with superb small and large plates.
During that time, many wine-lovers I know have walked through its doors and spoken oh-so-fondly of its current offering (not to mention its impressive and pleasing new makeover) and so I was delighted to be invited to finally make my post-Covid return – this time to enjoy one of its renowned wine tasting experiences.
St Vincent takes wine seriously – though, thankfully, without an ounce of pretension. Here, everyone is welcome – from the experienced sippers to the novices and even the teetotal – and, as I found, guaranteed to learn a thing or two, thanks to the venue’s sommeliers and in-the-know servers.
Bottle-wise, you’ll discover a mix of classics that we all know and love, along with a regularly-changing selection of labels from independent producers from around the globe – each one with their own distinct flavour and characteristics and many organic, too.
Joined by my colleagues and clients, I was taken on a journey of discovery through red, white, dessert and non-alcoholic, during which our personal wine connoisseur taught us everything there was to know about their profiles, origins and start in life.
Like everyone who partakes in a St Vincent wine tasting event, we were encouraged to sip and smell at our own pace, getting acquainted with each glass’ aroma and tasting notes, as well as picking out any particular favourites.
For fun, we were also encouraged to observe how the wines’ flavours transformed by eating a pinch of salt, sugar, even a grape or a suck of a lemon, before sips – proving how the right food pairings can enhance and alter.
I’m no expert when it comes to wine and, admittedly, given the choice, spirits are my go-to. That said, the bottles we were introduced to did leave their mark – so much so that some of us are still talking about (and salivating over) them today.
Stand-outs on the evening included Domaine Guy Allion Sauvignon – a crisp and zingy white from the French province of Touraine. Fresh and zippy, it paired beautifully with the citrusy seabass carpaccio and roasted beetroot salad that we were served alongside – and, interestingly, came to life on the palate after a bite of lemon.
The Akemi Oaked Viura Rioja Blanco – a Japanese white wine, known for its warm and creamy flavour, infused with notes of tropical fruit – was also a winner. We drank ours on its own and then after a pinch of sugar, which only awakened its sweetness even further – but without any sickly aftertaste.
In the end, though, red stole the show.
Renosu Rosso Dettori – a medium-bodied bottle from the Mediterranean – was loved around the table for its herby and spicy profile. The perfect accompaniment to the night’s charcuterie boards of Italian meats and pillowy homemade focaccia.
The smooth, ruby-coloured Finca Antigua Tempranillo Crianza 2020 – with aromas of black cherry, raspberry jam and spice – meanwhile, went down a storm in equal measures. Not a glass was empty as the night drew to a close.
We rounded off the evening with dessert wine – this time Chateau Petit Vedrines Sauterenes. Rich and golden with notes of honeysuckle, peach and apricot, it won just about everyone over – especially when sipped between mouthfuls of salty stilton and savoury crackers.
After scoring our favourite bottles and armed with our notes from the night, each of us left with full bellies, better bottle knowledge and a bigger appreciation of what makes great wine – things I know you will leave with too, should you be so inclined to book up for a wine adventure of your own here.
It’s no secret – but St Vincent really is your best guide around these parts. How great it is to know that its doors are well and truly open once more.
