It’s not every day that you get to see your name and your work celebrated in such a meaningful way, but that’s exactly what happened when Tamlyn Currin, writing for Jancis Robinson’s team, captured the essence of The CollectEve in her article. It was a day where the wines spoke for themselves, but it was the women behind the bottles that made the impact.
Currin's words about me felt like a true reflection of the journey I’ve been on:
"Caroline Brangé founded Ealing Wine Cellars after working as a London-based sommelier followed by a decade heading up sales teams for Latimer Vintners, Armit Wines and Flint Wines. She’s French, explaining in an accent that swoops seamlessly from BBC received pronunciation to Estuary English to rich French, that her brother is a farmer, her parents are butchers, and her mum has a key role in the Charentes chamber of commerce. Nothing like a bit of cognac in the DNA to equip you for the London wine trade.
Caroline turned wine importer after being made redundant – a chance conversation with a wine producer and the unfailing belief of her wife (‘my number-one fan and ambassador, who pushed me through the angst’), convinced her to give it a go. ‘I know how to sell wine, after all,’ she says with a shrug, running her fingers through dark spiky-short hair. She talks about her producers as if they are family, telling their stories at a hundred miles an hour, stopping for breath only every now and then to fix me with a piercing look, as if to say, ‘Did you get all that?’ Her portfolio is focused on France and Italy, small producers ‘with soul … Terroirists!’"
Her words sum up everything I strive for: to champion wines with character, to connect with the people behind them and to share those stories with the world.
Wines That Made Their Mark
The wines I presented at The CollectEve tasting embody everything I believe in: Terroir, sustainability, and a sense of soul.
1. The Stefano Occhetti Sanche Capitolo 03 2021 (Scored 18/20, £52) is a masterpiece from the steep, sandy amphitheaters of Roero. This wine is elegance distilled: wild cherries and violets layered over silky tannins. It feels like a story unfolding, haunting and unforgettable.
2. The Scarbolo Salvadi Pinot Grigio 2020 (Scored 18/20, £35.95) stole the show with its bold, coppery hues and kaleidoscope of Flavors. Maraschino cherries, saffron, and blood orange swirl together in a wine as complex and untamed as its name suggests. This is Friuli at its most daring and dazzling.
3. The Terenzuola 2022 Cinque Terre (Scored 17.5/20, £35.25) transported tasters to the rugged cliffs of Riomaggiore. Bright citron, bergamot, and a whisper of salt spray created a wine that is as much an experience as a drink. It’s a glass of the Ligurian coast in liquid form.
Celebrating a New Chapter in Wine
The CollectEve wasn’t just a tasting – it was about people. It was a celebration of the wines we proudly showcase, a recognition of the talented producers behind them and the connections we create over a shared glass. At the heart of it, however, were the women who shape the wine industry in London with grit, creativity, and passion.
Currin beautifully captured the essence of the event: “The energy and joy in the room was palpable”, and that energy continues to inspire me as I bring wines to Ealing Wine Cellars that I believe in wholeheartedly.
To read Tamlyn’s full article, visit Jancis Robinson’s website (subscription required)