Bottoms Up

Critics Call Scotland’s First Wine ‘Undrinkable’

Scotland’s first winery initial bottles have been deemed ‘undrinkable’ by critics. The vintner says he’s not worried—his vinery’s future is bright because of global warming.

Christopher Trotter hoped to have Napa Valley and Tuscany shaking in their boots.

The chef and food writer turned aspiring vintner wanted to revolutionize the wine industry by making the first Scottish wine—wet, cold climate be damned!

Trotter grew 200 vines near his home in Upper Largo, battling the hostile conditions to make his first bottle of Château Largo. Experts had been waiting three years to taste the novelty.

Unfortunately, those experts are describing his first vintage as “undrinkable.”

Trotter recognizes that this batch may not pair well with a meal at Per Se, even admitting that he failed to chill the grapes quick enough, resulting in oxidation.

“It’s not great. We have produced a vintage of, shall we say, a certain quality, but I’m confident the next will be much better. We have proved we can grow grapes in the Scottish climate,” Trotter told the Telegraph.

Not all wine drinkers are turned off. Richard Meadows, owner of Great Grog Company, an Edinburgh-based wine merchant, said the wine “has potential.”

“It doesn’t smell fresh but it’s crisp and light and structurally it’s fine. It’s not yet drinkable but, that said, I enjoyed it in a bizarre, masochistic way,” Meadows explained to the Telegraph.

In fact, the future might be bright for Trotter. The English wine industry is booming and quality is increasing with each release.

Trotter cites England’s success as a role model for the future. He’s also banking on the warming environment to aid his winemaking efforts. He told The Telegraph, “I’m sure global warming has played a role. It has certainly exceeded all our expectations and it’s a very exciting time for us.”

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Matt Kelemen

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