In the heart of the City of London, on the seventh floor of South Place Hotel, lies Angler Restaurant —a Michelin-starred restaurant dedicated to delighting fish and seafood enthusiasts. At the helm of its beverage operations is Daniele Arcangeli, a seasoned Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer whose journey through the world of wines is as rich and diverse as the selections on Angler's curated wine list.

Image Source: Travel High-Life

Daniele's story begins in Tuscany, where wine is not just a beverage but a part of the cultural tapestry. Born and raised amidst the vineyards, his interest in wine blossomed after studying at the Hotel Catering school. From a young Commis waiter at 16, during a school summer break, Daniele immersed himself in the hospitality industry and never looked back. His journey took him across Europe—France, Switzerland, and various regions of Italy—each experience shaping his attitude, mindset, and knowledge in customer service, fine dining, and the world of beverages.

Image Features: Tuscany Wineries | Photo Source: Alessandro Moggi

In 2004, Daniele decided to delve into the world of wines by joining a Sommelier course in Italy, marking the beginning of a journey that has spanned almost two decades. His dedication and hard work resulted in prestigious titles such as Best Sommelier of Tuscany in 2012 and ASPI Campania Best Sommelier of Italy in 2015. In 2019, he represented Italy at the ASI Best Sommelier of the World contest in Belgium—a testament to his expertise and commitment to mastering the art of wine.

As the Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at Angler, Daniele is responsible for running all beverage business operations. From selecting wines to building the wine and bar list, managing bar operations, dealing with suppliers, and training the front-of-house staff, his role encompasses the entire spectrum of the restaurant's beverage experience. The wine list, consisting of over 300 references, reflects a thoughtful curation of big names in the wine scene and small artisan producers from emerging regions worldwide.

Image Source: Daniele Arcangeli

"We exist in this digital era - presence and communication online are an essential part of our business," emphasizes Daniele, underlining the importance of digital communication in the contemporary landscape of the wine industry.

Daniele's involvement as a judge in the London Wine Competition adds a unique dimension to his expertise. Recognized as one of the most prestigious wine contests in the UK, the competition brings together wine professionals, including head sommeliers, wine buyers, MWs, and MSs—experts highly regarded in their fields.

"The organization behind is impressive, they are very professional," notes Daniele, highlighting the blind tasting process where wines are evaluated not only for quality and price value but also for labeling. The competition's emphasis on labeling reflects Daniele's belief that the visual presentation of a wine is as crucial as its taste—a complete experience where the bottle, label, and cork become the dress of the wine.

Image Source: London Wine Competition

Looking ahead to 2024, Daniele foresees trends that include English sparkling wine gaining popularity and an increasing curiosity for wines from lesser-known regions with unique grape varieties. He encourages wine brands to focus on quality, drinkability, and the ability to pair well with different dishes to stay competitive in the market.

For wine enthusiasts, Daniele's tips for savoring wine include considering drinkability, uniqueness, and personality. "When you realize that the bottle is gone very quickly, it is a good sign," he suggests, emphasizing the experiential aspect of enjoying wine.

Image Features: English Sparkling Wines

Daniele Arcangeli's journey through the intricate world of wines is a captivating narrative of passion, dedication, and an unyielding commitment to excellence. From his Tuscan roots to the fine-dining elegance of Angler, and the discerning judgment of the London Wine Competition, Daniele's influence resonates across the global wine stage.

His favorite wine bars and restaurants in London are 67 Pall Mall, Noble Rot, and Terroirs.

Image Source: 67 Pall Mall

His story is not just about wines; it's a celebration of craftsmanship, culture, and the joy that comes from a well-poured glass. As the London Wine Competition marks its 7th edition, Daniele's role in shaping the industry stands as a testament to the enduring allure of wines and the stories they tell. Here's to the continued journey, one sip at a time.

For more such journeys for your brands, enter your brands in London Competitions.

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