Although Austrian wine has been a favourite of restaurateurs, sommeliers and critics for several years, it’s still seen by many as a bit of a novelty. Bully then to Marylebone Indian restaurant Trishna for putting Austria firmly in the driving seat on its new wine list.  Trishna’s General Manager Leopold Kiem explains: ‘Being Austrian, I have to hold my hands up to slight bias here but I think most wine lovers would acknowledge that Austria is currently one of the most progressive and exciting wine regions of the world. I don’t think there is a single dish on our menu that we couldn’t find a match for from the Austrian bottles in our cellar.’

The range, developed in conjunction with the Wine Keller in Maidenhead, stretches far beyond that Austrian speciality Grüner Veltliner to take in lesser-known grapes such as Zierfandler, Rotgipfler and Roter Veltliner. Moreover, 80% of the ‘by the glass’ selection on the list is Austrian and there are four wine ‘flights’ – 125ml measures of three different wines – designed to accompany chef Ravi Deulkar’s contemporary Indian coastal cooking.

A wine club has also been launched, with members receiving perks such as discounts and priority booking for the bimonthly masterclasses – six courses, each with a different wine for £39. I’m off for a food and wine matching session there next week – will report back here soon afterwards…

Trishna, 15-17 Blandford Street, Marylebone Village, London, W1U 3DG
020 7935 5624  www.trishnalondon.com