Italian Wine Adventures At The Market Restaurant

GARY Newborough, owner of The Market Restaurant, had his passion for Sicilian wines tested to the full last week. He held four wine-tasting events for the Confidential Heroes in two days, and still kept his enthusiasm intact.

It was a mini version of The Market Restaurant's fortnightly wine club where Gary aims to create a 'safe environment' for commenting on wine

You might imagine Sicily to be a minor player in viticulture yet it produces more wine yearly than Australia. We tried three grapes unique to the island: Catarratto (the most common), Grillo (one of the oldest), Nero d'Avola (the current star), plus a Sicilian Syrah.

Each was paired with a well-matched morsel from The Market Restaurant kitchen – showing how some grapes, like the slightly acidic Catarratto are better with food than without. In our group, it was the reds that got everyone excited, particularly the distinctive berry and cherry flavours of the ruby-hued Nero d'Avola.

This is one you'll easily find in a supermarket – Gary recommends choosing several levels above the cheapest option to get a bottle that does it justice.

The event was a mini version of The Market Restaurant's fortnightly wine club where Gary aims to create a 'safe environment' for commenting on wine. You don't need to be an afficionado or expert to go along – it's all about saying what you think, even if it's not established opinion.

At the wine club, you're served five wines and five food pairings for £25. The next event is on 13 February. Call The Market Restaurant on 0161 834 3743 for more information.

The Sicilian wine-tasting was free for Confidential Heroes. Find out more about Hero Membership.