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One of his favourite London haunts was Il Castelletto. Two Italian brothers
ran the restaurant and they quickly saw the benefit of getting Alan, who
spent a great deal of time there, interested in wine. They provided him
with an unusual education: the brothers introduced Alan to wine importers
and took him to trade fairs where he helped select the wine. “They
recognised I was their best customer and realised the clients I took there
were knowledgeable about wine,” says Alan. “They knew that if I selected
wine for Il Castelletto, they could be sure my clients would buy what
I’d suggested.”
It was a good introduction to the world of wine. Now CEO of a technology
company, Alan can enjoy the lessons he learned back then in his own
wine room.
Alan’s cellar accommodates just over 1,000 bottles, approximately two thirds
of his entire collection. The remainder is stored by a professional broker or
is still en primeur. The space is air conditioned and sealed, creating perfect
conditions for maintaining quality. Three walls are for wine and one wall is
dedicated to whisky and other spirits. “Everything stored here at home is for
drinking,” he says.