The Wine Tipster had a fantastic Royal Ascot 2017, presenting for Racing UK, BBC Berkshire and Ascot Racecourse. Over four and a half thousand people per day worked tirelessly throughout the week to make it another unforgettable year, which was made even more special with the spontaneous three cheers for the Queen everyday. Nearly 300,000 people attended this year’s Royal Ascot 2017 and the media coverage has never been stronger across the world.

As the official Champagne of Ascot this year, Champagne Bollinger was certainly flowing throughout the week, as was the official cocktail of the Flat season: The Royal Blush. The beautiful pink concoction is a mix of Beefeater London dry gin and rhubarb syrup, with chilled lemonade and fresh raspberries – making the perfect summer drink to enjoy at the racecourse.ITV’s James Tanner’s 

Queen Anne Kitchen was a new feature for the Racecourse, and was a particular favourite of The Wine Tipster, especially the Salt and Pepper Squid and the West Country Crab Salad, which paired beautifully with the Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Spy Valley from Marlborough, New Zealand. Tom Stanley my wonderful colleague from Racing UK enjoyed ‘going in’.

Other new features of Ascot this year included the 1768 Restaurant for lunch and afternoon tea, as well as The Village in the centre of the course which provided a more relaxed racing experience and was home to some stunning food stalls. The Wine Tipster tucked into Eggs Benedict from the wonderful Hotbox, who appear at music festivals across the country with their delicious delights.The Wine Tipster’s highlights of the week included tasting with Rishi Persad such dishes as Raymond Blanc’s Cornish Crab Salad with Coconut Bisque which was beautifully paired with the award-winning Bolney Estate Bacchus 2016 from Sussex. In regards to racing, however, The Wine Tipster enjoyed Gold Cup Day, especially with the 2 ½ mile feature won by his big tip of the week, Big Orange, who gallantly just managed to hold off the favourite Order of St George. Ribchester breaking the course record in the Jersey Stakes in the first race of Royal Ascot 2017 was also an unforgettable Ascot moment, as was Caravaggio in the Commonwealth Cup for the all conquering Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore.   

All in all, another memorable and exciting Royal Ascot, for both the racing and fine dining experiences.

The popularity of Champagne and Sparkling wines will continue to grow in 2016, as will the thirst for knowledge and useful tips amongst devoted bubbles fans.

Certainly from a presenting perspective at food festivals, race courses, wine societies and corporate events there is a much greater desire to know more about serving temperatures, vintages, magnums and different styles, providing this is communicated in a down to earth manner (not always the case as we know!). For example, The Wine Tipster’s Prosecco Consortium and Grana Padano sessions at the wonderful Taste of London show in Regent’s Park last year provided a great opportunity to educate and talk about the very bright future for Prosecco, not only in terms of the range of quality Proseccos in both spumante and frizzante styles, but also the differences between brut, dry and extra dry. A key pointer and interest for 2016 will be the growth of Prosecco sales over £10 retail, as the Prosecco story enters a new chapter in the UK. Here is a selection of The Wine Tipster’s winning bets:

Prosecco DOC Bosco del Merlo Millesimato 2014, Paladin, Veneto, Italy, £15.99. Stockist: www.thewinery,com  A real star at Taste of London was Bosco del Merlo, produced by Paladin, who are making a fine range of Proseccos. This Bosco del Merlo has attractive citrus fruit, subtle creamy character and crisp acidity. A perfect match with Grana Padano Riserva. Stylish!

Italia Collezione Prosecco Brut NV, Veneto, Italy, DOC, £11.99. Stockist: Waitrose  Prosecco is not only great for parties, it  is also perfect as a pre-dinner aperitif and this Italia Collezione certainly worked in our house over Christmas. Good value, well made, with aromas of white flowers, lovely refreshing green apple character and creamy texture. Cheers!

Daylesford Organic Prosecco NV, Veneto, Italy, DOC, £12.50: Stockist: Daylesford Daylesford is a cycle ride away for us so I’m a regular visitor not only for this delicious, well-balanced off-dry Prosecco but for their wonderful meats balls too!

Prosecco Salatin Extra Dry NV, DOC Treviso, Italy, £11.99 Stockist: Majestic Based in Cordignano north-east of Conegliano, Azienda Vinicola Salatin are producing a range of seriously good Proseccos. Off-dry, zesty, with citrus fruit and creamy character, Salatin was a great pairing with sushi over the festive period. A winner!

Valdo Oro Pura Prosecco Superiore NV Valdobbiadene, Veneto, Italy, £13.49. Stockist: Waitrose Really attractive, well made, rounded, soft citrus and creamy Prosecco with a subtle hint of sweetness and crisp acidity.  Well worth spending over a tenner for this excellent aperitif style or to pair with Grana Padano Riserva. A Grade One performer!

Prosecco DOC La Gioiosa Etamarosa NV Treviso, Veneto, Italy, £11.99. Stockist: Majestic Made by the well-known and high quality producer Gioiosa, this beautifully packaged Prosecco is lovely and elegant, making it a perfect match with seafood. Pure class!

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