Scottish chef to launch a Riesling by September

Forget the traditional dram of whisky. Scottish chef, Pete Gottgens, who planted vines in the grounds of the Ardeonaig hotel on the banks of Loch Tay four years ago, is hoping to produce a crisp Riesling by September.

Mr Gottgens, who owns the Perthshire hotel, said:  “We are looking to produce something this year, whether it is wine or vinegar.

“I don't for one minute think we are going to rival any of the great wine-producing areas of the world.

"But we are going to learn and have a great experience from it," he told the Daily Record newspaper.

The South African chef was inspired by dessert wines produced in countries including Canada and Sweden.

He planted 48 vines in the hotel grounds and, if they are successful, he plans to follow that with 800 more.

When the wine does start to flow, it will grace the menu at the Ardeonaig.

Pete said success was dependent on whether we get a sunny summer.

He added: "Cold is not the problem.

"Sunshine is the critical factor. If we have a warm summer, then we are in business.

"This will be the first harvest that we actually pick the grapes. Every year up until now, we have pruned off the grapes that have developed on the vines so as to strengthen the vine."

Pete, who has cooked for former South African president Nelson Mandela, also plans to run classes in wine-producing.

He said guests were often taken aback when they saw the vineyard.

"We certainly don't believe we are the next wine-growing region in Europe but we have a passion for wine and I want to be able to utilise that," he added.

The prospect of wine from Scotland has been met with apprehension by wine critics.