The name “Broadbent” is firmly sealed in the legacy of fine wine much like Turnbull & Asser is to bespoke men’s clothing. Both originated in the U.K. where they gained recognition, and both have a global impact. Master of Wine, Michael Broadbent was a world-renowned wine writer and critic who helped establish the fine wine department as Christie’s Auction House in London. He died in 2020 at the age of 92.
Well, the grape doesn’t fall far from the vine in this wine family.
His son, Bartholomew Broadbent, is CEO of Broadbent Selections, a fine wine importer, and owner and founder of Broadbent, a producer of fine Port, Madeira, and wine. Bartholomew Broadbent is considered a world authority on Port and Maderia and speaks frequently on the topic. His wine portfolio includes some renowned labels including Lebanon’s Chateau Musar, South Africa’s Sadie Family Wines and Australia’s Tyrell, among others.
We recently spent time with Broadbent – he goes by the nickname Bollew- during his recent visits to New Orleans, and also tasted selections from his portfolio at Bacchanal, a destination wine shop and dining venue in the Bywater neighborhood.
Melanie and David with Bartholomew Broadbent at Bacchanal in New Orleans.
During our conversation he shared what it was like growing up with a Master of Winer father who encouraged him to taste wines every day. We talked about how the market for Port and Madeira has changed since he first started importing his Broadbent brand to the United States, shifting from being an “older man’s drink” in the 1990s to reaching a broader audience today. South African wines are particularly strong in the Broadbent Selections portfolio. And he has had considerable success with is newer Broadbent Vinho Verde from Portugal.
His long career in wine has included sales, marketing, education and making wine in China where he once held a shared ownership in Dragon’s Hollow winery in the Ningxia Province. Broadbent is a sought-after speaker for cruises, tours and wine and food festivals.
Bartholomew Broadbent
When he’s not traveling the world. he resides in Richmond, Virginia with his family. And yes, there is a Virginia wine in his Broadbent Selections portfolio, Barboursville Vineyards, which we have had the pleasure of visiting and interviewing its winemaker, Luca Paschina in 2020.
Barrel Room at Barboursville Vineyards
Listen to our conversation with Bartholomew Broadbent on The Connected Table Live! Click below. Or listen on your preferred podcast channel. Our shows can be heard on more than 65 channels.