Unfiltered: Georgios Iordanidis

The head of wine at “the best members’ club in the world”, Annabel’s, talks to Douglas Blyde about Matteo’s, including the epic wine list, the best table in the house, and its nostalgic setting…

What is your vintage?

I am 50/50 Greek and Georgian, born in Tbilisi in 1985, but raised in Athens. I have been lucky to taste many special wines from this great year, with the most memorable being Château Mouton Rothschild.

What bottle sparked your love of wine?

Bâtard-Montrachet Grand Cru 2006 from amazing producer, Paul Pernot. I was working at La Petite Maison (now LPM) as a commis sommelier, which was my first job in wine. The liquid was so complex and unique with high intensity and a lingering minerality on the finish. And I can still remember its rich gold core.

Where else did you work?

The Arts Club, which helped me take my sommelier skills to the next level. And Zuma, which gave me a broad perspective on wines and other drinks from different cultures.

Describe your wine and drinks list at Matteo’s?

It is carefully curated by our group wine buyer, Clement Robert MS and maintained and developed by Matteo’s head sommelier, Alessia Trusso. It features the finest and rarest wines including the collections of Sassicaia from 1968, Giacomo Conterno Monfortino from 1967, all of Gaja’s single vineyards and 50 vintages of Mouton-Rothschild – as well as the biggest collection of Dom Pérignon in the UK.

How many wine references do you have at Matteo’s?

Around 850 plus 900 more in the rest of the Club.

What are some of your most seductive pours available via Coravin?

Castello di Ama Vigneto Bellavista Chianti Classico 2007 – an expression which has been compared to the iconic 1990, and Sassicaia 2003 from double magnum.

What have been standout wine pairings?

Tournedos Rossini with foie gras and orange brioche with the Sassicaia 2003. You have the harmony of a full-bodied, mature, beautiful red offering generous notes of sweet dark fruits and just a touch of earthiness, giving the dish the final touch with the truffle. And Cervaro della Sala 2019 with burrata, fresh tomatoes and olive oil. The wine had enough structure and complexity to complement the weight of the dish with refreshing acidity to cut through the creaminess of the burrata. Also,

Is the “sgroppino” cocktail still hand-whipped at the table?

Yes indeed, by our new maître d’ Arianna Caduro. A magical, theatrical touch for our members.

What music is played at Matteo’s?

Italian classics from La Dolce Vita era of the 1950s and 60s – it’s a bit like travelling back in time to the era of Fellini films.

Which table is the best in the house at Matteo’s?

Table 17 is very private and cosy with sofas and big windows.

Who is the most famous person you have ever looked after during your career?

The true wine aficionado, Francis Ford Coppola, who is very down to earth.

Who would you count as your mentors?

Clement Robert MS, Erik Simonics, David Vareille, Andrea Fasan, Andrea Briccarello and Olivier Eynard.

Where do you dine on your days off?

LPM, Brooks Mews,  and my new Greek favourite, Meraki in Fitzrovia, which was co-founded by Olivier Eynard. Also, my local pubs in Surrey, where I have found some value bottles such as Dom Pérignon 2008 at £140.

What is your motto?

“The greatest asset of a company is its people.”

What style of wine don’t you get along with?

As a professional drinker, I love all styles of wines, though lately, I have been avoiding ones above 14.5%.

What might we find surprising about you?

The amount of wine that I can consume!

And finally, what do you look for in potential hires?

A great personality and work ethic as well as a true fire for wine and hospitality, and an ability to deliver exceptional and personalised service given Annabel’s is the best members’ club in the world!

Matteo’s at Annabel’s – 46 Berkeley Square, London, W1J 5AT; 020 7629 2350; membership@annabels.co.uk; annabels.co.uk