Drinks News
Bordeaux control
Quality control is at the top of the CIVB priority list for 2000. The Conseil Interprofessionel du Vin de Bordeaux is kicking off the new year with a new initiative. Called Downstream Control, the new system will provide random checks on Bordeaux wines sold to consumers in France, and on international markets, to see if individual brands have conformed to the approved standards of quality laid down by the Institut National d'Appellations d'Origine (INAO). Those that don't pass muster will be prevented from selling additional wines on the market "until the necessary improvements have been made". Spokesperson Sue Glasgow said: "Members of the CIVB felt that, by implementing a control system which covers the final stages of the wine cycle to the point of sale, they would in turn support consumer confidence in all markets."
Mobile martini
The Hilton Park Lane in London has come over all trendy with the opening of Zeta. The bar, with its own separate entrance on Hertford Street, is an essay in wood, metal, stone (there's a stream with pebbles) and leather. "It's very more-ish" says Zeta's creative consultant, Robbie Bargh. "A definite move away from the traditional hotel bar concept," says the hotel's PR. Highlights include the mobile martini trolley, complete with freezer and sink - "martini because it's the most interesting cocktail, and the most educational," says Bargh - which can be hired out. Then there's the liquid lunches (first course, Evian; second course, vegetable juice; third course, fruit smoothie) and the New Testament cocktails. The drinks list is divided into two sections - Old and New Testament. The former is based on the classics, while the latter includes cocktails that Bargh claims are actually good for you. Witness the Bartender's Breakfast, a new millennium twist on the Bloody Mary, with freshly juiced cherry tomatoes (more flavonols) replacing cartoned juice, with fresh coriander, basil, and a drop of jalapeno sauce in place of Tabasco.
Allegory, allegedly
Every year since 1945, a famous painter's work has adorned each bottle of Château Mouton Rothschild. The 1997 is the new release: it has a colourful illustration from French artist Niki de Saint Phalle (born 1930). If you can't work out the subject matter, it's a "joyous and festive allegory of the pleasures of wine-drinking".