I actually cried with laughter on this week’s episode. Operatic Tenor, Nicky Spence, recently voted most compelling singer actor and Winner of BBC Music’s Personality of the Year – ABSOLUTELY DELIVERS as a podcast guest. 

Together on my sofa, complete with Glen, his bow tie clad pouchon, we discuss everything from the wine served at his recent wedding, how to survive night’s out as a singer and just as importantly, how opera, like wine, is meant to be for everyone. Nicky’s journey from growing up in a council estate to becoming an international singing sensation, is inspiring. However, I adore his emphasis on making opera accessible to everyone whilst not dumbing it down – from his judging on Sky Art’s ‘ Anyone Can Sing’ to using music as therapy when consulting with younger artists. This is a wonderful sensorially enhancing episode ( he even sings at one point) and is the perfect conversation to listen to during Christmas week. 

To aid both our vocal chords we enjoyed a light and zesty Alvarinho – like the Opera Carmen – it is a crowd pleaser. And then moved onto the ‘Wagner’ of wine – a compelling and complex South African Chardonnay. For our finale, I had the pleasure of introducing Nicky to his first ever chilled red, which is made by one of Napa’s most iconic winemakers, Steve Matthiasson. What could be better for this marvellous maestro?! 

• Highstreet Store: Morrisons 
• Wine: The Best Alvarinho  
• Retailer: Nekter Wines 
• Wine: Atlas Swift Chardonnay, Cape South Coast, South Africa, 2020 and Tendu, Dunnigan Hills, California, USA 2019 
• To buy the wine and drink along, go to Waitrose for the Chenin Blanc and purchase all the other wines at www.nekterwines.com 

And CHECK NICKY SPENCE’S future tours and performances at: www.nickyspence.com 

Social Links 

• @morrisons
• @nekterwines
• https://www.amelias-wine.com and follow me on https://www.instagram.com/amelias_wine/?hl=en 

This podcast has been vinously propelled by the Rothschild Wine Collection. Explore the world of Rothschild wines on Instagram @rothschildwinecollection or shop online at waddesdonwine.co.uk 

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