Coronation Wines with Jamie Matthewson of Waitrose

This show was published Friday, April 28, 2023

Overview

Jamie Matthewson heads up the wine buying team at Waitrose. They have 350 grocery stores in the UK and have 250 wine specialists on hand to give recommendations to customers in-store, setting Waitrose apart from other supermarkets and meaning they can compete more effectively with traditional independent wine merchants.

Ahead of the coronation of King Charles III on the 6th May 2023, we are taking a fascinating look at the wines that were recommended by Waitrose for the 1937 coronation of King George VI and the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. We explore how wines have changed since then, and we get a recommendation for the this year's coronation dish, the Coronation Quiche.

In 1937 Waitrose published a super premium wine list with Champagne, Bordeaux growths, German wines, sherries and ports. Interestingly, Liebfraumilch was a premium wine priced at a similar level to a third growth Bordeaux. By 1953 the list is dominated by fortified, inexpensive sherry and table wines, including 'British' - designed to peak the interest of those looking for value and a small treat in post-war times. Empire wines from commonwealth countries such as South Africa and Australia feature on this list with still wines (with French names) and sherries.

For the 2023 coronation Jamie suggests a glass of English fizz to offset the richness and creaminess of the quiche and cleanse the palate. Cheers!


1937 Coronation Wine List
1953 Page 1 Coronation Wine List
1953 Page 2 Coronation Wine List

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