Shorts
Vanilla vodka
The brains behind super-hip vodka Seriously have launched Cariel Vanilla Vodka. Swedish drinks company Facile & Co reckons the Brits are ready for it, after the huge success it has had with the brand in its home country - it claims it has become the fastest-growing vodka in Sweden since its launch in September 2000. And yes, it is made with natural vanilla rather than vanilla flavouring. Expect a flowery vanilla nose with a hint of toffee and a touch of roasted hazelnut on the finish.
Glass and a half
The Four Seasons Hotel Canary Wharf in London's Docklands is getting into the spirit of one of the world's largest wine fairs, which is taking place on its doorstep. At the London International Wine & Spirits Fair at the ExCel exhibition centre, the hotel is offering 40 wines by the glass until the end of this week. Starting at £4.50, the wines include a big showing from Italy, from Barolo to Lugana. And executive chef Marco Bax has created a northern Italy-inspired menu to match the wines in the hotel's Quadrato restaurant.
Food and wine matching advice
On-trade specialist Boutinot Wines is launching a website alongside its 2003 wine list, www.boutinotchefs.com. The website, which will be online early next month, includes advice on food-and-wine matching - it describes itself as "strongly lifestyle orientated". There are details of Boutinot wines, as well as recipes created for them by top restaurants such as the Square, London; Northcote Manor, Langho, Lancashire; and Ransome's Dock, west London.