TALKING HEADS
Nick Stephens
Bordeaux Undiscovered, Eldersfiel
When did you first develop a passion for wine?
When my father brought wine back from foreign business trips. We used to have a glass with a Sunday roast in the days when it was considered posh to have a wine on the table - how things have changed!
What job would you choose to do if you were reincarnated?
Either a fighter pilot (Top Gun remains my favourite film - real boys' stuff!) or an actor. I've been in a couple of pantomimes (ugly sister two years ago) and enjoy the buzz of making people laugh.
A common misconception of you is?
My jovial exterior belies the fact that I do take life quite seriously.
What gets you out of bed in the morning?
Wanting to make a difference and the thought that each new day brings a new challenge and the possibility of being one step closer to achieving my ultimate goal.
What tasting note best sums up your personality?
Easy to drink with solid traits one would expect from a good vintage. Fruity bordering on cheekiness, with the complexity of a well-matured blended wine, and sophistication and elegance showing through at times. A wine for all seasons.
What is guaranteed to make your blood boil?
Leading politicians telling us how close they are to the ordinary man in the street, and middle lane motorway users.
What's the most underrated and overrated wine in the UK market?
Most underrated is Château La Fleur Morange and most overrated are mass-produced wines by E&J Gallo and Blossom Hill.
If you could change one thing about the drinks industry, what would it be?
I'd introduce educational and informative labelling of product content, replicating food labelling so consumers know exactly what they are drinking.
