Author: Andrew Ray
Andrew Ray
Wine Buyer & Private Client Associate Director
Wine Buyer and Private Client Manager, avid rugby fan and foodie Andrew took his first foray into the world of wine when he lived in the region of La Rioja, Spain. Andrew advises and guides Bon Coeur customers, helping them find the right wine for their needs and is also responsible for buying (specialising in Spain and Italy).
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Brunello 2020 En Primeur: Critic Thoughts
Following on from a critically acclaimed vintage such as 2019, is no mean feat, especially when the 2020 vintage unravelled amongst the unprecedented challanges of Covid-19 and various lockdowns. So, what are the leading critics thoughts on the latest vintage and its wines? The Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner proclaimed in her article ...
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Brunello di Montalcino 2020 Vintage Review
Winter 2019/20 was dry and mild with hardly any rainfall. Spring continued in the same vein; little rain followed by a flurry of snow in late March. Despite early budding, there was minimal frost damage and where there was some, it was isolated to the lower lying vineyards. June saw significant rainfall which replenished the water table and ...
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A Guide to Brunello di Montalcino
Located in the province of Siena, 30 miles south of the city with the same name, the medieval village of Montalcino sits atop a jigsaw puzzle of vineyards and cypress trees that encircle the town. It can be said it is the most famous DOCG in Tuscany (perhaps for the exception of Chianti) and is considered the prize jewel in Tuscany’s crown. ...
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Wine and Dine: Andrew's Vegetable Tagine
In a bid to eat healthier as a household, we only eat meat at weekends where we focus on quality cuts from our local butcher: less is more, as they say! As such, find something that’s quick and easy to cook, healthy and meat-free was initially quite challenging… step forward this delicious, yet simple vegetable tagine! Warming spices add depth ...
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Wine and Dine: Andrew's Chorizo, Chickpea and Spinach Stew
This Chorizo, Chickpea, and Spinach stew is a staple I learned to cook from a friends grandmother when I lived in Logroño in La Rioja many moons ago. However, it has stayed with me ever since and is a long term favourite in our household. It’s perfect for this time of year when the colder weather arrives, the nights draw in early, and the log ...