This month we are introducing from the C&B team, Neville Kirkpatrick, our Fine Wine Sales Executive based in the London team.

Q) Tell us a bit about you and your role at Corney & Barrow?

My Name is Neville, and I am a Fine Wine Sales Executive. For the most part my job is about communicating with my customers about our latest en primeur releases, drinking offers and fine wine listings as well as assisting them with the management of their cellars.

 

Q) What types of customers do you look after and where are they based?

Predominantly I look after UK based private customers, but I have customers from all over the world on pretty much every continent (apart from Antarctica of course!).

 

Q) How did you end up working in wine? Did you always have a passion for wine?

I’ve always loved wine, as my parents were both interested, but my real wine “moment” happened after I couldn’t decide what I wanted to do after studying at University and I worked at my Local wine shop Sheldon’s Wines in Shipston-on-Stour. I was very lucky to be exposed to some superb examples of old Bordeaux, grower champagne and Red/White Burgundy. After this I worked for a short period in the wine department at Harvey Nichols before coming to Corney & Barrow.

Q) What has been your favourite wine experience so far and why?

There’s been a lot of great moments, but the two more recent memories that stick out are the first time I tasted the Domaine Arnoux Lachaux 2018’s which just blew me away with their beautifully perfumed and pure fruit. The second was when I was lucky enough to try a bottle of Weingut Christmann’s 2014 Idig GG which is still one of the finest dry Rieslings I’ve tried.

 

Q) What styles of wine do you tend to drink and why?

I adore Riesling and drink a lot of that as I think it is amazing with so many different types of food. Also, it probably represents some of the best value for money out there for what I would call “Fine Wine”. Outside of that, Burgundy is my area of massive interest, so I’m always keen to try more of that wherever I can.

Q) When you are not selling or tasting wine what might we find you doing?

So I have two Whippets Saffie and Ian who I love taking for long walks with friends, followed by the inevitable pub stop! I also really enjoy cycling in the summer and have a new but enthusiastic passion for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I also love going to art galleries, seeing new plays and finding new restaurants, but am honestly happy to do most things providing its new and fun.