Wines at KFWE: the experts’ selection

IHAVE THE total conviction that everyone is a wine expert,” says Philip Pell, owner of Kaifeng, the kosher Chinese restaurant. The restaurateur, who has been at the helm of the Hendon restaurant for more than 33 years, says no one should feel they don’t “know” about wine. He also says that matching food and wine is highly subjective, but agrees that bigger flavours — like those of Chinese food — demand wines that can hold their own.

“We choose house wines that aren’t the cheapest, but have character that stands up well to our food,” he says, adding: “[Wine is] like music or art — you need to find out what you enjoy. There’s only one way to refine your tastes, and that’s by trying.” KFWE is the perfect place to make a start on that adventure.

PELL’S PICKS

DALTON VIOGNIER RESERVE, ISRAEL

A medium-priced white, showing bags of personality. See if you can taste the hint of caramel.

BARKAN CLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ISRAEL

The ripe fruit taste goes wonderfully with food. This is one of our house wines at Kaifeng and it is available by the glass.

CHATEAU DE PARSAC, FRANCE

COVENANT RED C,USA

Primo wine maker Jeff Morgan squeezes flavour, quality and style into the bottle. Do you taste black cherries? FLAM NOBLE, ISRAEL

Elegant, pure flavours that last on the palate. I love this wine.

For Yitzi Freedman, managing director of Susser’s Wine and Spirits, KFWE is the biggest event in his calendar. His favourite wines are made in Israel, California and France.

FREEDMAN’S PICKS TULIP SYRAH

VITKIN CABERNET FRANC

Made from grapes grown in a single vineyard, this wine is deep purple and well-balanced. Taste with nicely spiced chicken, like chicken shwarma.

HERZOG SPECIAL RESERVE LAKE COUNTY SAUVIGNON

The pick of the wines in its price bracket (£35 to £50), full of big, powerful flavours. Taste with harissa lamb. CHATEAU FOURCAS DUPRE

The £32.50 price tag makes it extremely good value as it has really good ageing potential. You could keep this wine for ten years or so. Taste with roast rib of beef. OR HAGANUZ AMUKA BLANC

A nice crisp, fresh wine with the New Zealand qualities of tropical fruits. Also good value at £17.99. Taste with sushi or sashimi.