Tasting Notes: Matteo Montone, Wine Director at Berners Tavern

Matteo Montone is Wine Director at Berners Tavern at The London Edition Hotel.

Moving to London in 2013, Matteo started his UK career at Aqua Shard. He then joined The Ritz London as Junior Sommelier, before moving up to Deputy Head Sommelier. After that, he became Assistant Head Sommelier at Locanda Locatelli and completed the WSET Level 4 Diploma.

Matteo became Head Sommelier at Berners Tavern in 2017 and has subsequently been promoted to Director of Wine.

Matteo has won several accolades over the years but most recently, in 2019, he was awarded Chaine Des Rotisseurs Best Young Sommelier in the World, Chaine Des Rotisseurs UK Young Sommelier of the Year as well as GQ Best Sommelier.

Darjeeling

Aromas of ripe yellow plums, golden apple skin and blonde tobacco.

At the palate has a fine mousse with good texture, tannins and a fruity finish.

Perfect with seabass ceviche served with avocado, tomatoes and ginger sauce. The tannins and the bubbles of the Darjeeling counterbalance the oiliness of the dish, while cleansing the palate.

Hojicha

Aromas of orange zest, roasted hazelnut, smoke and mushroom. The Hojicha is rich, full bodied, with a round texture and a slightly bitter after-taste.

Perfect to match with a roasted duck served with mushroom puree. The tea’s aromas profile naturally complement the character of the dish.

Jasmine

Pronounced floral character with rose petal, creamy texture and refreshing spicy finish.

Reminds me the texture of a Kabinett Riesling but with bubbles.

I would match the Jasmine tea with poached lobster served with a lemon verbena reduction. The acidity and bubbles of the tea cut well through the sweet meat of the lobster.