Wine List Confidential: Mere
Mere is the first solo venture from the formidable Monica Galetti, offering a wine list that, much like the chef’s approach to classic French cuisine, has thrown out the rule book.
Named after her Samoan mother, Mere is a joint venture between Galetti, who many will recognise from her stints as a judge on MasterChef: The Professionals, and her French sommelier husband, David, who she met while working at Le Gavroche.
Mere’s wine list is grouped by variety rather than region, with a strong selection from New Zealand via the likes of a zippy, lime-laced Wild Earth Riesling 2016 from Central Otago and a Chenin Blanc from Gisborne’s Millton Vineyards. These sit alongside Old World favourites from Burgundy and Bordeaux, and Mere’s eponymously named own-label grand
cru Champagne, from Duval Leroy. Its by-the- glass selection makes use of Coravin, and half bottles are also available. This is a wine list that, much like Galetti and her approach to classic French cuisine, has thrown out the rule book as to what’s expected of a fine-dining experience, albeit a casual one.
CURRENT POSITION ON WINE LIST CONFIDENTIAL: 21
CURRENT WINE LIST CONFIDENTIAL OVERALL SCORE: 92
Expert wine picks
• Brut Reserve, 2013, Gusbourne Estate, Kent – England – Sparkling – £74
• Bien Nacido Hillside, 2011, Qupé, California – USA – White – £103
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• Bodega Catena, Mendoza – Argentina – Red – £39
• Bodegas Pintia, 2006, Toro – Spain – Red – £100
• Château Suduiraut, 1989, Sauternes – France – Sweet – £129
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