The Chef and the Oenologist
But first, an introduction: oenologist Wieger Roelevink is co-responsible for the composition of many wine lists – from star establishments to brasseries – as a senior regional manager at wine importer and family business Vinites. He is not only one of the best sommeliers in the Netherlands, but also holds the title Magister Vini. This is the highest Dutch wine diploma you can achieve. It means that you master all the business-economic aspects of an internationally operating company in the wine sector. Simply put: Wieger knows everything about wine.
Top chef Erik de Boer has more than 30 years of experience in the kitchen and cooked – literally and figuratively – the stars from the sky at restaurants like Lakes in Hilversum and De Nederlanden in Vreeland. During his career, he cooked three restaurants to a Michelin star. He is now a freelancer and can be hired as a chef, menu development advisor, and culinary consultant. The gentlemen have known each other for years in the industry.
Special Moments
Erik: "In my profession, wine and food are inextricably linked. I have always found it important to compile a beautiful wine and menu list in consultation with a sommelier, and besides that, I just have a huge personal interest in wine. There are so many special moments in life that you can celebrate with a good glass of wine. A wedding, a birth, a new step in your work. But also just at home, with friends at the kitchen table, I can greatly enjoy a special wine that I managed to snag. That can be from a small winemaker to a super exclusive wine producer.
Let Yourself Be Surprised
Erik continues: "I notice that lately, I am expanding my taste profile and love to be surprised. In that respect, I have a good one in Wieger, because he can tell me a lot about new methods and special discoveries. My philosophy, by the way, is that good wine doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. Beautiful wines can be found in all price ranges. You can also see that in my top three."
Wieger: "The fun part of my job is that I taste a lot of wines during work hours, for example, when I compile a wine list or think about the right wine and food combinations. Over the years, I have come to know the fascinating world of wine well, but like Erik, I like to be surprised. If I want to drink a glass of wine at home – and I do skip a day now and then – then ideally, it is a wine that is different from the wines I have already tasted during the day. That can be in a grape variety, a certain region, a winemaker with a very unique approach."
Erik's Favorite Wines
1. Roc de Cambes, Côtes de Bourg (France)
We start right away with a wine in the higher price segment. But it is worth every drop. This Côtes de Bourg is probably one of the most famous in the world and very exclusive, so difficult to come by. Since the influential wine journalist Robert Parker discovered this Domaine in the eighties, it has gained cult status. A very great wine. Delicious.
2. Tandem Syrah, Zenatta (Morocco)
Beautiful wines also come from a relatively unknown wine country like Morocco. The story goes that winemaker Alain Graillot discovered some special vineyards during a bike ride through Morocco, with a fantastic soil of clay deposits and limestone and a good climate. Together with another French winemaker, he established a vineyard with 100% syrah, and the rest is history. Hence the name, tandem. Whether it's a strong piece of marketing or not, I still love discovering wines from special regions. The Chateau Musar from Lebanon is also such a cult wine. I got to know it through Wieger.
3. Chardonnay Langhe, Massolino, Piemonte (Italy)
A beautiful Chardonnay from perhaps the most refined wine region of Italy, Piemonte. I love the subtle use of wood, which is used in a balanced way here.
Wieger's Favorite Wines
1. Bellavista 'Alma' brut, Franciacorta (Italy)
We start festively with one of the best sparkling wines from Italy. This wine has an open and exciting taste, with a fine mousse. The Bellavista winery was founded in 1977 by a wealthy industrialist from Brescia. The winery now has 117 hectares of its own vineyards, mostly planted with Chardonnay, Pinot Bianca, and Pinot Nero. Perfect for sparkling wines.
2. Garnatxa 'Benufet' De Haan Altés, Terra Alta (Spain)
A beautiful example from the Spanish winery Herència Altés, run by the originally British Rafael de Haan and his wife Nuria Altés. This white wine is made from vines that are between 30 and 60 years old. Expressive and refined.
3. Riesling 'Ungeheur' Von Winning, Pfalz (Germany)
Ungeheuer is a legendary vineyard from the Pfalz, one of the better wine regions in Germany. Their Riesling is of excellent class. It is a beautiful area, by the way, extremely suitable for a wine trip.
Want to know more about our different wine arrangements and tastings? We would love to tell you more about it.
