In partnership with The Platinum Card® from American Express
Decanter editor-in-chief Chris Maillard has a view on uncorking wine. “A skilled sommelier will show off their expert technique by having the most basic penknife-style corkscrew,” he says. “They would never use anything fancy or mechanical. But most of us need a tool that is nicely designed, easy to operate and very reliable.” Ergo, Chris chooses an oversized twin-lever model by Italian engineers Campagnolo. “It’s the best one of its type and very well engineered – as one would expect from a company that designs components for Tour de France winners. It’s built to last a very long time, faintly ludicrous in size (it takes up a lot of room in the drawer) but extremely effective.”
Clever, well designed, ergonomic accessories enhance the oenophilic experience “but don’t get in the way of enjoying the wine itself” says Chris. And that experience is changing. “People are starting to be more adventurous with their choices, more experimental with price, perhaps trying a different version of something they know they like. The Oregon region of North America, for instance, is now producing some really interesting Pinot Noirs.”
Corkscrew ‘Campagnolo Big Corkscrew’ in silver, £139.99, by Campagnolo, from Condor Cycles. Paperback ‘Hugh Johnson Pocket Wine 2021: New Edition’ book, £10.99, by Hugh Johnson, from Waterstones.com
Recently, direct-to-consumer activity – new wine clubs and digital subscriptions, online tastings and master classes, virtual cellar and vineyard tours – may have changed our wine drinking and wine appreciation habits forever, Chris believes. “Across the industry, what was expected to happen in the next ten years has actually happened in just one year.”
Wine bars are changing too. Very close to Chris’s east London home is the Renegade Urban Winery and Bar. “While Renegade does make its own wines, this is not a traditional winery – it’s actually in a railway arch. But it is still a lovely place to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon.”
Decanter ‘The Mature Wine Decanter’ from the Jancis Robinson Collection, £125, by Richard Brendon, from Selfridges. Wine glasses ‘Winewings Cabernet Sauvignon’ wine glass, £29, by Riedel.
◼ Chris rates Riedel Wine Wings glasses, available from Selfridges, and plans to save up his Membership Rewards® points – one for every pound spent – to redeem them on a matching decanter.
◼ Chris plans to visit the US to hunt out new and exciting wine regions, like Oregon, when he gets the chance. A trip like this can be booked by Platinum Concierge, and Platinum’s complimentary worldwide travel insurance will add another level of reassurance.
◼ When in the West End, Chris will be heading to Clos Maggiore, a French restaurant with an impressive wine list that’s one of many on the American Express Global Dining Collection list. When booking his table through Platinum Concierge, the service may be able to arrange a viewing of their cellar, with over 2,500 wines from 18 countries and vintages spanning four centuries.
Bowl ‘Origami’ bowl in recycled turquoise blue glass, £35, by San Miguel Recycled Glass, from Liberty.
Reward yourself
Retail is more rewarding with The Platinum Card. Treat yourself to your favourite things by earning a Membership Rewards point for every £1 you spend. Whether investing in fine art or indulging in fragrant candles, you can offset nearly all purchases on your Card statement using your points.
The Platinum Card can also help you enjoy dining out in style. Among its 30 travel and lifestyle benefits is the Global Dining Collection, which holds specially reserved tables at select restaurants.
Call the Platinum Concierge service, on hand 24/7, which can find a restaurant for you and make the reservation. They can book your travel, too; stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts come with benefits for Cardmembers, such as late check-out and room upgrades, when available. And using your Card to book means you’ll also get complimentary worldwide travel insurance.
For more information and to apply for The Platinum Card, click here.
Annual fee: £575. Terms and Conditions apply.
Important Information
If you’d prefer a Card without any rewards, other features or a Cardmembership fee, an alternative is available – the Basic Card. Go to americanexpress.com/uk/basic-card/ for more information. Applicants must be 18 or over. Approval is subject to status and Terms and Conditions apply.
Travel Protection is subject to enrolment. Full details of Travel Protection Terms and Conditions can be found at americanexpress.com/uk/platinuminsurance
Membership Rewards points are not earned on balance transfers, cash advances, American Express travellers cheque purchases, foreign exchange, fees and interest charges for returned payments, finance charges, late payment and referral charges, fees/charges including joining, annual and Membership Rewards fees. Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions apply to all Membership Rewards points redemptions. Visit membershiprewards.co.uk/terms
Global Dining Collection reservations are based on a first-come, first-served basis. In the event of a reservation cancellation, the Cardmember will be subject to the restaurant’s cancellation policy, which will be communicated to the Cardmember by Concierge at the time of booking. For full Terms and Conditions, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum
For full terms and conditions of The Platinum Card, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/platinum
Promoter: American Express Services Europe Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
