Diversity and Dynamism

CAROLINE BRANGÉ is head sommelier at 28-50º Mayfair. As such, it was her role to oversee the smooth running of the wine tasting and dégustation event hosted by TASTE PORTUGAL this week. Although she didn’t have a hand in selecting the wines – a role carried out by TASTE PORTUGAL’s executive sommelier, Arnaud Vallet, back at Vila Joya, and Antonio Lopes, from Conrad Algarve, who came to ably present them here in London – Brangé was a notable presence on the night, conducting her team with the utmost precision.

Originally hailing from France, Brangé has been working in the UK now for five years, including some time spent at The Ledbury, where she learnt all about the art of fine dining. It seems, however, that she prefers the more laid back atmosphere at 28-50º: ‘It’s great, here. The diversity of the wine is marvellous. It’s a relaxed atmosphere but also very dynamic. And we get to know our clients. People want to spend money here because they know the price is fair. It’s not a fine dining restaurant where they have to pay for service etc on top. Here people know that they can get really interesting wines. In fact, I’ve opened some of the most beautiful bottles in my career working here.’

She is also a fan of London: ‘London is one of the most exciting places ever to work. Everyone knows and loves London. There are many master sommeliers living in London and so there are a lot of vibrant wine events. Many great chateaux come here to show their wines. It’s a very exciting and intriguing place to be.’

With regards to TASTE PORTUGAL, Brangé thinks the team are doing a great job, but nevertheless considers it important that Portuguese wine producers should come over themselves to meet the wine importers and the people in the restaurants. ‘Portuguese wines are well established but they are not promoted enough. There are still many misconceptions, such as Madeira being used just for cooking. There is great potential for Portuguese wines and there are many very old vines. You can still find vines that were untouched by Phylloxera, which is something very rare.’

28-50º’s cellar has been added to by the arrival of some of the best Portuguese wines for TASTE PORTUGAL’s tasting event and they will be keeping the remaining wines on the menu, offered by the glass, over the Christmas period. So if you missed out on the event, do try to get along to 28-50º Mayfair over the next month!