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Our wine tastings are designed to appeal to people who appreciate fine wine. They are informal in style. The tutor will give some background information and then simply introduce each wine and encourage discussion. A wine tasting sheet and, where appropriate, maps will be provided but not detailed notes. Unless otherwise indicated, 8 wines will be tasted. There will be mineral water and water biscuits to refresh your palate between the wines so please, no snack foods, cheese etc. PROGRAMME FOR SPRING 2012
Argentina is well
known for its big brands but for this tasting, we have managed to source
a range of wines from boutique wineries, many of which are new to the
UK. We will taste 3 whites (a Torontés, a Viognier, and a full-flavoured
Sémillon) and 5 reds (a Sangiovese, a Cabernet Sauvignon, a
Syrah and 2 very different Malbecs).
Over the last
twenty years or so, dramatic improvements have been made in the quality
of wines from the 'heel and toe' of Italy. We will start with 2 fragrant
whites (a Falanghina and a Greco - thought to have been planted by
the Ancient Greeks when they colonised this area in the 7th century
BC). We will then taste 6 full-flavoured reds made from varieties such
as Aglianico del Vulture, Gaglioppo, Negroamaro, Primitivo (the Zinfandel
of California) and the very rare Susummaniello. Included in the line-up
will be a wine called Ciró, dispensed liberally in ancient times
to celebrate the heroic achievements of athletes from the region in
the Olympic Games.
A treasure-trove
here! Wines quite distinct from those of the Languedoc or Provence
- Cahors, Corbières, Gaillac, Irouléguy, Jurancon, Madiran.
The list goes on…
The great Duero
river, which becomes the Douro in Portugal, is home to some of Spain's
finest wines. We will taste a selection of the best including Alion,
Bóhorquez, Montecastro, Pago de Carraovejas, Pesquera, and PSI
from Pingus.
An opportunity
to taste some of the classic matches - Chablis and Chaource, Gewurztraminer
and Munster, Riesling and Cantal, Sauternes and Roquefort, Red Burgundy
and Brie, Red Bordeaux and Reblochon etc.
The Greek wine
industry is undergoing a renaissance. As in other Mediterranean countries,
the re-planting of vineyards and investment in stainless steel and
refrigeration has enabled the production of modern wines with international
appeal. We will taste a selection of fine white and red wines made
from traditional as well as international grape varieties.
The tasting we
organised last autumn was so popular that when the opportunity arose
to invest in some more old vintages, we jumped at it. Wines in a variety
of styles
from the Mosel and the Nahe Valleys and vintages back to 1986.
The line-up will
include Sassicaia, Tassinaia, Terriccio, Tignanello, Fontaloro and
Le Serre Nuove (the 2nd wine of Ornellaia). Pretty super, we hope you
will agree!
The “Lafite
of the Languedoc”? A touch over the top, in our estimation, but
there is no doubt that the Cabernet dominated
grand vin from Mas de Daumas Gassac is world class - a wine of great
breeding and distinction. We will taste wines from the '98, '97, '96,
'94, '93, '92, '91 and '86 vintages. Not to be missed!
Prosecco, the
sparkling wine of the Veneto region, is simply the coolest drink in
town. We will taste a selection of non-vintage and vintage wines from
some of the region's most successful producers, And at the end of the
evening, there will be peach juice for those who fancy a Bellini.
A selection of
fine reds from Saint Emilion, Pomerol and Fronsac, where Merlot
is the predominant grape variety.
We have been buying
wine from the Jacob family in the village of Echevronne just north
of Beaune for over twenty years. We think they produce classic red
and white Burgundy at affordable prices. Jean-Michel Jacob and his
wife Christine will be in the UK for a few days over Easter. We have
managed to persuade them to take a few hours out of their busy schedule
to show us selection of their wines.
Sauvignon Blanc
used to find its finest expression in the wines of Pouilly Fumé,
Sancerre and Graves. Then the Kiwis kidnapped it and made it their
own. Old v New World. Which comes out on top? We’ll provide the
wines. You can decide!
KEY: VENUES
GLASSESYou will need to bring 6 wine glasses to each session. If you really want to sharpen up your taste buds, a set of the International Standards Organisation (ISO) glasses used by the professionals is recommended (the tutor will have boxed sets of 6 crystal ISO tasting glasses for sale at £15). TUTORSThe tastings will normally be introduced by Vivienne Franks, Lena Inger or Sandy Leckie. All have extensive lecturing experience, are members of The Association of Wine Educators and/or Circle of Wine Writers and travel widely to keep up to date.
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