Co-owned by one of the world’s most distinguished sommeliers, Trivet was always going to have an impressive wine list. But the London Bridge restaurant - which launched in 2019 - has opted to rewrite the rules with a 350-bin list that places wines made in the Middle East on a level footing with those from more celebrated regions.
Originally from Turkey, Isa Bal is making the point that what could in this context be described as the Old (Old) World was making wines well before Europe. To illustrate this Bal - whose CV includes a long stint as head sommelier for The Fat Duck Group - has opted to put his list in chronological order, starting at around 7,000 BC (Georgia, Armenia and Turkey) before moving forward in time to 4,300 BC (Lebanon, Syria and Israel).
Trivet’s list champions wines from the wider Middle Eastern area - which can offer exceptional interest and value - but wines from more mainstream wine producing areas also get a look in with Old World wines falling within the 700-650 BC bracket and New World wines within the 1550 AD bracket (there is also a speculative 3000 AD listing from Mars).
Full of lesser-known regions, grape varieties and even production methods, the list is made more accessible by a clever key system designed to let guests know roughly what to expect alongside expert guidance from clued up staff. In more recent years, Trivet has extended its reach with a best-in-class wine club that gives guests access to a range of benefits including discounts at Trivet Wine Shop and priority access to tastings and wine dinners.
Originally from Turkey, Isa Bal is making the point that what could in this context be described as the Old (Old) World was making wines well before Europe. To illustrate this Bal - whose CV includes a long stint as head sommelier for The Fat Duck Group - has opted to put his list in chronological order, starting at around 7,000 BC (Georgia, Armenia and Turkey) before moving forward in time to 4,300 BC (Lebanon, Syria and Israel).
Trivet’s list champions wines from the wider Middle Eastern area - which can offer exceptional interest and value - but wines from more mainstream wine producing areas also get a look in with Old World wines falling within the 700-650 BC bracket and New World wines within the 1550 AD bracket (there is also a speculative 3000 AD listing from Mars).
Full of lesser-known regions, grape varieties and even production methods, the list is made more accessible by a clever key system designed to let guests know roughly what to expect alongside expert guidance from clued up staff. In more recent years, Trivet has extended its reach with a best-in-class wine club that gives guests access to a range of benefits including discounts at Trivet Wine Shop and priority access to tastings and wine dinners.
