Meet the Industry Legend: Alex Pitt | 10 Cases | London

Fresh off of securing himself a position in the elite top 25 sommelier’s in the UK, we thought it was high time that we touched base with Alex Pitt who heads up all things vinous at Covent Garden favourite, 10 Cases.

Over to you, Alex:

WHY/HOW DID YOU DECIDE TO GET INTO WINE?

I was working at a wonderful restaurant in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, as a bartender, and lucky to have the BC Sommelier of the year [Samantha Rahn] as the wine director.  She was very inspirational to me, and learning a lot through her made me move from bartending into my first wine service role.

WHAT CAN'T YOU GET ENOUGH OF AT THE MOMENT (WINE-WISE)?

We have been very lucky at 10 Cases to have a nice allocation of Francois Raveneau's Chablis.  It's undoubtedly the best Chablis wine I have ever had the privilege of drinking with friends, and one of the world's greatest white wines.

(IF APPLICABLE) WHAT IS THE FASTEST-MOVING WINE ON YOUR LIST AT THE MOMENT?

PJ Kuhn's 'Jakobus' Riesling 2019 has been flying out of the fridge faster than we can restock. I think we have nearly finished our 10 cases worth in 3 weeks! It's a bit of a staff favourite too...

WHAT GRAPE VARIETY DO YOU LOVE THE MOST AND WHY?

Pinot Noir. It can disappoint you on many occasions, but when this variety is singing, there is no other variety that transcends a sense of place like it.

FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT OR DRINK?

Aside from Parsons, which I think is the best overall seafood restaurant in London, I do love Quality wines in Farringdon for their ever-changing menu and great FOH staff.

CELEBRITY CRUSH?

Anna Kournikova

FAVOURITE MOVIE?

Snatch

FAVOURITE TYPE OF MUSIC/ARTIST?

I've just been on an amazing trip to Barbados, so pretty much listening to Reggae non-stop

A COOL FACT ABOUT YOU THAT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH WINE…

I play 11-a-side football for East London Celtics FC every Sunday morning at Hackney Marshes, aka the home of grassroots football. There's no place like it.