Ep 173: The Wines of Sicily with Beatrice Bessi, Head Sommelier of Chiltern Firehouse (Part 1)

EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A wine podcast

To download the transcript CLICK HERE

On today’s episode join us as we sit down with Beatrice Bessi, an accomplished CMS advanced sommelier and head sommelier at London's prestigious Chiltern Firehouse. With two decades of hospitality expertise and accolades including the International Wine and Spirits Competition's Emerging Talent in Wine Hospitality Award, Beatrice shares her journey from Grands Jours de Bourgogne to the exclusive 67 Pall Mall private members club for wine lovers.

Today we journey into the delights of Sicilian wine, exploring native grapes like Nerello Mascalese and Nero d'avola, the volcanic soils of Mount Etna, and the allure of Passito di Pantelleria. Discover why Cerasuolo di Vittoria is poised to be this summer's standout sipper.

This episode is sponsored by Wickham Wines, A small business themselves focusing on top quality wines. Do yourself a favour, and go check out their online store for their amazing collection! Use the code EATSLEEP10 for 10% off your first order.

If you want to skip ahead:
02.39: Beatrice's trip to Burgundy

06.31: The Romanee Conti Vineyard

08.15: The Grands Jour de Bourgogne wine event

10.16: Working at 67 Pall Mall

13.14: Learning from the Master Sommeliers - Ronan Sayburn & Terry Kandylis

17.28: Head sommelier at Chiltern Firehouse

20.40: Guest preferences and building rapport

26.53: Grillo, Catarratto - white wines of Sicily

29.58: The volcanic soil of Mount Etna

33.07: The Carricante grape variety

38.03: The Nerello Mascalese grape variety

41.58: Nero d’Avola

44.45: Cerasuolo di Vittoria - the 2024 Summer Sipper

46.26: The single grape variety Frappato

47.58: Sicily - a leader in natural wines

52.29: Passito di Pantelleria

Any thoughts or questions, do email me: [e-mail]

Or contact me on Instagram @eatsleep_winerepeat

If you fancy watching some videos on my youtube channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat

Or come say hi at www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk

Until next time, Cheers to you!

-------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------

THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEED SPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST