14 Oct 2025
The Savoy Grill, with its gilded history and elegant art deco interiors, has long stood as a beacon of culinary excellence in London. Yet, for those with a passion for viniculture, it is the Wine Masterclasses that have quietly transformed the restaurant into a sanctuary for oenophiles and curious enthusiasts alike. Recently, I had the
privilege of attending one such masterclass – an exploration of worldwide sparkling wines – held in the famed Wine Experience Room and guided by the restaurant’s new group head of wine, Giuseppe D’aniello.
Setting the Scene: The Wine Experience Room
Stepping into the Wine Experience Room is rather like entering a chamber devoted to the senses. Bathed in warm light and adorned with polished oak, glass, and subtle
touches of Savoy’s trademark artistry, the room feels intimate yet grand – a fitting stage for an evening dedicated to the effervescent elegance of sparkling wines from across the globe.
This masterclass promised a curated journey, not just through Champagne, but through lesser-known bubbles: An Italian Blanc de Blancs from Trentino-Alto Adige, Cava from Catalonia, English sparkling from Hampshire, and even a vibrant Tasmanian fizz. The anticipation among fellow guests was palpable, heightened by the presence of the new director of wine, whose reputation for both scholarship and
infectious enthusiasm preceded them.
Worldwide Sparkling Wines: An Exploration
The masterclass was designed as a tasting voyage, pausing at each of the world’s notable sparkling wine regions. Each wine was poured with precision, its bubbles rising in the glass as the director invited us to observe, smell, and taste – not just to drink.
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut (Champagne, France)
Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut is the epitome of classic Champagne elegance. Its pale golden colour shimmers in the glass, while the nose reveals delicate floral notes mingled with hints of orchard fruit and a gentle touch of brioche. On the palate, it’s lively and refined, balancing freshness with a creamy texture. The finish is long and graceful, making it a versatile choice – equally delightful as an aperitif or alongside seafood and poultry.
Coates & Seely Brut Reserve (Hampshire, England)
This English sparkling wine, crafted exclusively from Chardonnay, showcases the purity of Hampshire’s chalky soils. Aromas of crisp green apple and lemon zest are layered with subtle toasty nuances from extended lees aging. The palate is precise and vibrant, with a fine, persistent mousse and a finish that lingers elegantly – an English sparkler that could easily be mistaken for Champagne in a blind tasting.
Raventós i Blanc 2022 (Conca del Riu Anoia, Spain)
Raventós i Blanc 2022 is a biodynamic sparkling wine that captures the spirit of its Mediterranean origins. Led by Xarel·lo, the blend offers bright aromas of lime, green apple, and wild herbs. The palate is dry and lively, with energetic bubbles, a chalky mineral backbone, and a subtle saline note on the finish. It’s a beautifully balanced and expressive example of Spanish sparkling wine as will absolutely challenge any preconceptions you may have about Cava being the poor relation in sparkling wines, in fact it was the biggest surprise of the tasting and possibly my favourite.
Ferrari “Maximum” Blanc de Blancs (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy)
Made entirely from Chardonnay grown in the foothills of the Italian Alps, Ferrari’s “Maximum” Blanc de Blancs dazzles with its straw-yellow hue and fine, persistent
bubbles. The nose is fresh and inviting, with notes of apple, citrus, and a hint of almond. On the palate, it’s lively and polished, with a creamy mousse and a long, mineral-driven finish – a sparkling wine that brings a taste of the mountains to the glass.
What sets the Savoy Grill Wine Masterclass apart is the Giuseppe emphasis on mindful tasting. Rather than simply pouring and describing, they encouraged us to engage with the wines: to swirl, to observe the mousse and the bead, to inhale the aromatic complexity, and to take small, thoughtful sips.
Each wine became a conversation, not just between producer and drinker, but among the group. Guiseppe answered questions ranging from winemaking technique to food pairing, always with patience and wit. All this for only £95 per person.
We were very lucky to follow the masterclass with a three-course lunch (additional cost) consisting of steak tartare, confit St Ewes egg yolk, black truffles crisps, steamed seabream, ecrasee of courgette, oyster and black olive crouton and the signature apple tart tatin with Madagascan vanilla ice cream, with salted caramel sauce.
I urge you to book this masterclass (or gift it) and you’ll leave with an appreciation for the diversity of sparkling wine – a category too often reduced to celebratory bubbles, but, in truth, a world of nuance and artistry.
Looking Ahead: The Savoy Grill Wine Programme
With Guiseppe at the helm, The Savoy Grill’s masterclasses promise to become landmark events on London’s food and drink calendar. Upcoming sessions will explore diverse wine themes and offers a rare chance to taste exceptional wines in an environment of warmth and expertise.
For anyone interested in wine – from complete beginners to seasoned aficionados – the Savoy Grill Wine Masterclasses are an invitation to journey deeper.
The Wine Experience Room, with its aura of sophistication and welcome, is the perfect place to foster curiosity, hone your palate, and savour the pleasures of the vine.
