VDP: Where and how did you get the wine bug?

Claire Blackler:  At university, I went camping with a group of friends. And we went into a wine shop to buy some wine, and we came out with several bottles of Hock! It was my first real experience of wine, and I rather liked the refreshing, fruity sweetness. And since then, wine has pretty much shaped everything I do.

VDP: Your first encounter with German wines?

Claire Blackler: Ha, as above!!

VDP: What is your favourite story to tell about German/VDP.wine – did you have highly emotional experience with our wines / producers?

Claire Blackler: Oh dear, the same story as above.

VDP: How many bottles of German wine/VDP.wines do you have in your cellar?

Claire Blackler: Sadly none, but I will be addressing this!

VDP: What is your favourite vineyard in Germany – and why?

Claire Blackler: I am sorry, but I haven't visited enough to have one! Again, I shall address this!

VDP: If it comes to German grape varieties, what is your favourite? Riesling, Spätburgunder or other?

Claire Blackler:  Riesling, Spätburgunder or other? Before participating in the VDP Ambassadors programme, I would have said Riesling, but now I am definitely in the Spatburgunder camp. The example we had from Rings in the session with Caro was superb, with silky tannins, perfumed and elegant with just sufficient spicy oak to add nuance to the cherry fruit without overwhelming.