14 FEBRUARY 1987, Page 12

THE WINNER OF THE CHRISTMAS COGNAC COMPETITION for the best

poem of not more than 16 lines about drink and/or drinking, is David Heaton: I will go without risotto

For a Lotto, or a Giotto -- Even if the fresco's rather faint; And I'll even miss formaggio For an early Caravaggio - I find a lot of food for thought in paint.

But with Merlot del Trentino, I overlook Guercino, For wine will humanise the hardest heart; With Rubesco Torgiano, I lose sight of Tiziano, For wine is still the highest form of art.

Mr Heaton vanquished a strong field, of whom David Marston, Noel Petty, Gin- ger Jelinek, Philip Nicholson and Jer- myn Thynne fell at the final fence. His prize, a visit for two for a day and a night to Chateau Bagnolet, the Hennes- sy' chateau. in the heart of Cognac, which will be reached by private jet, was kindly given by Hennessy Cognac.