Charles Davies unveiled his new Freed From alcohol-free project in London after assessing more than 9,000 drinks from around the world. Elsewhere, Lita explored Champagne at the dinner table, two Bordeaux estates showed a progressive side, Hatch Mansfield hosted its first Premium Showcase and Château Climens re-released its 1996 vintage.
Freed From launches in Holland Park
Charles Davies launched Freed From at The Belvedere Holland Park, where hospitality figures and media tasted drinks from 42 producers, alongside cocktails and The Liquid Edit minibar concept. The event introduced Davies's three-year project, built from assessing more than 9,000 non-alcoholic drinks worldwide.
Lita puts Champagne at the dinner table
Lita Head of Wine Kristina Gladilina's eight-seat Lita Salon explored Champagne: David Léclapart's taut, low-dosage style with rostis, Jérôme Lefèvre's more oxidative, vinous expression with Hereford beef and sweetbread, Bérêche & Fils' structured Coteaux Champenois with whole turbot, and Olivier Horiot's Rosé des Riceys with dry-aged duck, before Adrien Renoir Ratafia met aged Comté. Gladilina believes the best champagnes stand as wines in their own ...