Unfiltered: Libby Zietsman-Brodie

Once “a lycra-catsuited podium dancer for Corona” in her “misspent youth”, the much-in-demand wine communicator today puts the consumer first when it comes to extolling the virtues of the fermented grape…

Sum up what you do in a sentence?

I drink wine and I talk about it (and write about it and source it and pour it).

Or if you want something more specific…

Shortlisted for the IWSC Emerging Wine Communicator 2022, I am City AM’s dedicated wine columnist and write for Club Oenologique, The Buyer and Thrillist as well as presenting online and on TV, running Bacchus & Brodie Consultancy, co-founding The Wine Collective, hosting The Farrier’s monthly wine club, and launching No. 9 Supper Club where I can be found pairing and pouring at least once a month.

What is your terroir and vintage, and what have you tried from that year?

I was born in Fulham in 1983 but was swiftly moved out to Surrey before I was one. I’ve tried a couple but most recently I drank a Bordeaux – Château Troplong Mondot.

What wine would you reach for if the nuclear button had been pressed?

An answer that changes from moment to moment, but as the button has already been pressed, nothing that needs too long a decant. At this very moment, I’d say 2002 Pol Roger for sentimental reasons.

What is your motto?

“The Show Must Go On.”

What did you do before wine?

As the motto may suggest, I was a theatre and film producer for nearly 15 years. At the time of lockdown, I had an international tour running and a regional tour and West End show about to open and all essentially folded overnight. So, I took to drink. Professionally speaking.

And do you still do it? 

Dreamworks’ Madagascar The Musical is still running internationally and it is important to me to honour my investors, so I’ll be keeping up with that until their money is returned to them – and hopefully some profit too. Aside from that, however, wine has welcomed me with open arms so I am not taking on any further projects.

And how do you combine the two?

Theatre and wine are natural bedfellows. It is why I named my consultancy Bacchus & Brodie (bacchusandbrodie.com) after the God of both.

What got you into wine?

Professionally, lockdown. But as an interest, I was taken by a university boyfriend to a “fancy” wine-tasting event. I remember they poured Billecart-Salmon Rosé and when I sipped it I thought, “Wow, this is WAY better than Smirnoff Ice.” It then became a mini-obsession and I started buying books and talking to sommeliers at any restaurant with one.

What characterises your approach to presenting wine?

My column is titled “Wine Without The Snobbery” and that’s certainly my aim. I’m open, friendly, honest and occasionally irreverent. The odd innuendo has been known. Overall I’m an informal but informed voice taking you on the journey of wine discovery with me.

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

I feel bad slating any wine, especially knowing the time and care that goes into so many bottles, but I’d pass on the Pinot Grigio.

Pét-nat or vintage Champagne?

Vintage Champagne.

Tell us something surprising about yourself?

I’ve slept next to a corpse on the streets of India.

If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

To be able to morph at will. Want to fly? -Wings. Want to swim in the depths? -Gills. Want to pound down that third helping of mac ‘n’ cheese? -No worries, your jeans will still fit every time.

How do you cure a hangover?

I was thankfully blessed with not really getting hangovers for my first 35 years. Perhaps that was my super-power. I would jump out of bed on an hour’s sleep, grab a Diet Coke and bounce into work. Now I rely on a strategic combo of Diet Coke, Calippo ice lollies, bananas, sushi and Nurofen.

Would you prefer to share a glass of wine with Sophie Ellis Bextor, Joanna Lumley, or Eleanor of Aquitaine?

Joanna Lumley please, though I bet Eleanor would be fun on the sauce too.

Do you lay down wine for your son?

Only a couple of bottles so far. A more noble collection is on the to-do list.

Would you want them to enter the world of wine?

I would always want him to enjoy flavour and respect the care and time good food and wine takes. If he wants to enter the world of wine then he can with my blessing, and if he just wants to enjoy it as a wonderful drink bringing people together I’d be equally as happy.

How do you decide which events to go to and which to decline?

An endless struggle. As a freelancer, the inclination is to say yes to everything as you never know what will make a good piece or lead on to other work. It doesn’t help if you also thrive off being social and enjoy people and parties. However, this can rapidly lead to burn-out so I try to decline 75% of the invitations I receive, and I am slowly learning which will likely prove more useful and interesting.

What frustrates you about the wine trade?

The lack of diversity in general and the occasional hostility you receive for being new, or female, or for approaching wine in a different way. Wine communication is rapidly evolving, and it is natural in any industry that when things change, those already established can feel uncomfortable, upset or frustrated. But ultimately, I am here for the consumer and the more diverse, different voices and the more people not traditionally associated with wine who are engaged and welcomed in, the better for the trade in the long run.

Have you had a mentor?

I applied to The Drinks Trust mentorship scheme and just met my mentor – Neil Ridley – yesterday! I am really looking forward to working with him over the next six months.

What wonders beckon next? 

An excellent question. I hope to keep writing and presenting and encouraging more people to take an interest in wine. It’s been a wild ride so far, so I’m just looking forward to where wine takes me next!

@libbyzietsmanbrodie