Somm Picks is a feature that draws on our hospitality connections to showcase our wines through a professional lens. We invite some of the UK’s leading sommeliers—people we work with and who pour our bottles day in, day out—to share their genuine, personal, professional insight into the wines they truly rate, and why.   

This edition features Cesare Bordin, Head Sommelier at Chelsea's Michelin-starred Elystan Street.

Cesare Bordin, Head Sommelier — Elystan Street Restaurant by Phil Howard, London

Originally from Padua, just outside Venice, Cesare has spent more than 14 years building an impressive career as a Sommelier in London's restaurant scene, honing his craft at top establishments including Roka, Novikov, 1890 Restaurant and Lucky Cat.  

Cesare's approach to wine is shaped by a love of bottles that reflect their origin, tell the story of the people behind them, and enhance the dining experience. Today, he runs the wine programme at Elystan Street. When selecting wines, he considers not only the menu but also the tastes and expectations of the guests. He explains his role is to guide guests through the wine list with confidence and ease, helping them discover wines they'll genuinely love without overcomplicating the experience.  

"For me, wine is never just a drink—it is a narrative. I believe the best wines are those that tell a story of their land, history, and makers, allowing me to share that journey with guests to truly elevate their experience."

Website: www.elystanstreet.com 

Address: 43 Elystan St, London SW3 3NT   

Cesare's Picks: 

1.  

Freisa Colli Tortonesi Braghé, Claudio Mariotto - Piedmont, Italy

Cesare: "Freisa is an indigenous red grape variety from Piedmont that remains somewhat under the radar, yet produces wonderfully characterful wines. Juicy and vibrant, with refreshing acidity, it displays aromas of raspberry, cherry and rose petals. The texture is soft, with well-integrated tannins, making it a delicious and approachable alternative to Nebbiolo."

2.  

Pinot Bianco Riserva 'Vorberg', Cantina Terlano - Alto Adige, Italy

Cesare: "This is a great wine both in its youth and with some bottle age. When young, it offers beautiful freshness, salinity and tension, while with maturity it reveals the remarkable potential of mountain-grown Pinot Bianco. Cantina Terlano delivers exceptional quality and consistency vintage after vintage, making this one of Italy's benchmark white wines."

3.  

Schioppettino 'RiNera', Ronchi di Cialla - Friuli, Italy

Cesare: "Schioppettino is an indigenous red grape variety from Friuli Venezia Giulia that produces exceptional and distinctive age-worthy wines. Ronchi di Cialla played a crucial role in rescuing the variety from extinction in the 1970s and remains one of its most important producers. The grapes come from the Cialla Valley in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, where Mediterranean and Alpine influences combine to create wines of remarkable complexity. A beautiful ruby red wine, this Schioppettino Rinera boasts fine aromas of red berries and a touch of spice with green and black pepper. On the palate, it is elegant and bright, slightly tannic with a long finish."

 

Elystan Street Restaurant by Phil Howard, London

 

Book via their website and be sure to say hi to Cesare for us! 

www.elystanstreet.com