La Trompette in Devonshire Road scoops prestigious award

Beating off opposition from established heavyweights like Petrus and Tate Britain, West London eatery La Trompette has won the title of 'Most Exceptional Wine List' at the 2004 Tio Pepe Carlton London Restaurant Awards.

Judges of the award shortlisted "well-balanced wine lists that best match the style and cuisine of the restaurant whilst encouraging customers to expand their interest."

La Trompette opened in Chiswick three years ago and has won consistent praise for its food and its approach to wine.

The restaurant's list offers the expected wines from the classic regions but also presents a very catholic selection ranging from Albariño to Grüner Veltliner. The cheapest wine on the list is £14.50, with a wide range of choice around £20, which may have swayed the judges. Even at the top end, prices are not excessivein London restaurant terms, with Château Lafite 1989 selling for a relatively modest £240.

Matthieu Longuère, Head Sommelier since May 2002, speaking to wineint.com, said: "What we try to do with the wine list is offer the best of everything, regardless of price. We give prominence to quality, and wines that are ready to drink. For example, we have a number of 1999 Burgundies in our cellars, bought two years ago, which are still not on the list."

Also on the shortlist were Club Gascon in Smithfield, the Square in Mayfair and Enoteca Turi in Putney.

Richard Ross

March 11, 2004

Article originally published on Wine International. Republished with kind permission