Wednesday 6th November 2024
Port
Presented by Mike Webber &
Roy King-Underwood
WWS members
Offley Rosé Port
Offley one of the oldest names in port, going back nearly three centuries.
Rosé port is technically a ruby port, but fermented in a similar manner to rosé wine with limited exposure to the grape skins.
Best served well chilled or on the rocks. If kept cool can last up to 10 to 12 days after being open, without any obvious deterioration of quality.
Bottle label claims: elegant, a very intense bouquet with prevalence of tropical fruit; in the mouth it has excellent freshness with a fine harmony and a lingering finish.
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Ruby Port selected by Tesco
Produced by Symington Family Estates. Symingtons one of world’s leading producer of premium ports including Graham’s, Dow’s, Warre’s & Cockburn.
Serve lightly chilled as an aperitif, or after dinner with cheese. Drink within a year of purchase. Can last up to a month after being opened, without any obvious deterioration of quality.
Bottle label claims: fruit driven, youthful style with red and black fruit flavours and a robust finish.
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Graham’s Ten Year Old Tawny Port
Serve lightly chilled and finish within 8 weeks of opening.
Bottle label “The arts of cooperage, ageing and blending, passed down our families over 200 years to produce exquisite Tawny Ports. Complex nutty and mature fruit flavours.
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The Wine Society’s Late Bottled Vintage Port 2018
Made for the Wine Society by Symingtons.
LBV ports come from a single year and are bottled between four and six years after harvest, the extra ageing in the barrel giving the wine added generosity. It is filtered before bottling so it does not need decanting.
After opening should last two weeks to be safe, but some can last up to a month
Bottle label claims: with ripe dark berry fruit, spicy nuance and long-lasting finish, this is the perfect after dinner and cheeseboard port.
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The Wine Society’s Exhibition Crusted Port 2013
Inspired by the style of vintage port but is a blend of several harvests, unlike vintage port which is from one harvest. Bottled in 2013 without fining or filtering, produces a crust or sediment over time. Bottle should be stood upright for at least two hours and then decanted. Can be enjoyed with cheese or chocolate, or just on its own.
If kept cool can last for 2 months after opening.
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The Wine Society’s 150th Anniversary 2011 Vintage Port
Produced by Symingtons. Not every year is good enough to make vintage port, but 2011 was outstandingly good.
A Vintage Port will only last a couple of days after opening
Bottle claims: it has the sweet concentration and intense long, generous flavour typical of this highly regarded vintage. Approachable now it will continue to develop further complexity in bottle to 2035 or beyond.
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Wednesday 2nd October 2024
New "New Forest Wines"
Selected by Daniel Read
Proprietor of New Forest Wines, Ringwood
The Dot ‘Austrian Nut’ Pinot Blanc 2023
Grape:100% Pinot Blanc.
Region/Country: Niederösterreich (Lower Austria), Austria.
ABV: 14.5%
Price: £10.99 per bottle
Info: The Dot range is made by the world-famous producer Wiengut R&A Pfaffl in the Lower Austria wine region of the country. The range is made up of both native and international grape varieties and offer a fantastic introduction to Austrian wine.
Tasting Notes: The Pinot Blanc provides a slight pétillance (spritz) on the palate and expresses notes of stone fruit, green apple, banana skin, light honey and a slight nuttiness (almond).
Food Match: It’s dry, with a rounded, almost creamy mouthfeel and would pair nicely with soft cheeses, lightly spiced Asian cuisine or seafood.
Silent Noise ‘MOFO’ Bianco 2023
Grape(s): Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Zibibbo, Fiano, and Greco Bianco
Region/Country: McLaren Vale, Australia
ABV: 10.5%
Price: £18.99 per bottle
Info: Winemaker Charlie O'Brien takes pride in growing Italian grape varieties to create small batch wines in the warm McLaren Vale. From Charlie himself: “The name Silent Noise was inspired by my upbringing. An upbringing that included a winery as a family home as well as a vineyard management business as neighbours. As you can imagine, this meant tractors, trucks, people, not to mention a lot of machinery constantly coming and going—particularly during vintage. All things that I adored as a young boy. But my upbringing and love of all things ‘noise’, also taught me to appreciate silence. In particular, the silence created once a wine is in bottle and patiently awaiting being cracked opened. A point at which it will again explode into its own noise, on the nose and palate”.
Tasting Notes: The palate expresses white blossoms of jasmine and jonquils entwined with sweet musk and exotic lychees. The luscious palate brings flavours of glacéd pears and old-fashioned lemon bonbons with citrus notes to balance.
Food Match: Light seafood dishes or as an aperitif.
Salzl ‘Figaro’ Grüner Veltliner 2021
Grape: 100% Grüner Veltliner
Region/Country: Burgenland, Austria
ABV: 14%
Price: £20 per bottle
Info: Founded by Heribert Salzl, his grandson Christoph currently runs the winery which produces some of the top wines of the region. The special microclimate of the region, with Lake Neusiedl as a climate regulator that stores heat, and primarily the many small salt lakes next to the lake give the wines fresh mineral notes and herbal spiciness. The salty and moist air, the limy soils of sand, black earth and gravel, and the bright sunshine are essential and valuable natural ingredients for well-balanced, fruity and concentrated wines, perfectly represented with the Figaro.
Tasting Notes: A complex, concentrated wine which has been matured in oak barrels for 6 months prior to bottling. Pleasant herbal spiciness with ripe stone fruit, green apples, grapefruit, and lime, along with hints of elderflower, black and red pepper, and subtle roasted aromas. Full-bodied on the palate with a hint of salinity and a long finish.
Food Match: Creamy poultry dishes, roast pork, or liver.
Bacalhôa Alabastro Tinto 2022
Grape(s): Aragonez (aka Tempranillo) based blend. It also includes the native varieties Trincadeira and Alicante Bouschet.
Region/Country: Alentejo, Portugal.
ABV: 14%
Price: £9.99 per bottle
Info: Bacalhôa are one of Portugal's largest and most progressive producers with 600 hectares spread across estates in five regions from Douro in the north to Alentejo in the south. For the Alabastro, a combination of hand and machine-picked grapes are sourced from old, low yielding vines from Bacalhôa's own vineyards, not far from the Spanish border.
Tasting Notes: Lifted aromas of black fruits, with a juicy palate expressing flavours of ripe fruits of the forest and hints of black pepper spice. Soft on the palate with supple tannins and a fresh finish.
Food Match: A generous wine which pairs nicely with lamb stew or slow-cooked ratatouille drenched in fruity olive oil.
Finca Allende Rioja Tinto 2015
Grape: 100% Tempranillo
Region/Country: Rioja, Spain
ABV: 14%
Price: £29.99 per bottle
Info: Finca Allende, the estate created by Brother and sister team Mercedes and Miguel Angel de Gregorio, is located in the hill town of Briones in the sub-region of Rioja Alta. 'Allende' can be roughly translated as 'further'; its philosophy is to go further and further towards creating the perfect Rioja.
Tasting Notes: Intense cherry colour with purple hints. On the nose, dark fruit (blackberries, blueberries, cherries) dominate the perfectly integrated tones conveyed by ageing in
wood barrels, for 14 months, that provide sensations of cedar and tobacco. In the mouth, it is serious and lively with intensity and great balance. An expansive palate combines fresh fruit and an
elegant structure for a wine with a great ageing potential.
Food Match: A perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or hearty stews.
Azienda Agricola ‘Binomio’ Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva 2020
Grape: 100% Montepulciano
Region/Country: Abruzzo, Italy
ABV: 15%
Price: £48 per bottle
Info: Binomial means two names. Stefano Inama (Inama Azienda Agricola) and Sabatino di Properzio (Fattoria La Valentina) first met at Prowein in Dusseldorf in 1997. A friendship was born, along with the idea of producing a great Montepulciano d'Abruzzo together, which was both sumptuous and modern, to which they have achieved rather successfully.
Tasting Notes: Deep dense intense ruby red colour, with a purple viscous rim.
Intense nose with ripe blackberry, wild strawberry and spices.
Powerful and expansive on the palate, with ripe tannins and great balance. Round and fresh ending, long-lasting, with aromatic persistence.
Food Match: Lamb!!! Or mature cheeses.
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Wednesday 4th September 2024
"A Trip Round Corsica"
Presented by Norman Atkinson
WWS Member
Q Why did you choose this theme?
A Because I knew little about Corsica and was an opportunity to do some research. Also because there are lots of indigenous grape varieties that people were likely to be unfamiliar
with. Also an opportunity to compare blends with single grape varieties.
Q What was your favourite wine of the six tasted?
A Probably the Mino 2022, Domaine Sant Armettu
Q What was WWS members reactions to the wines tasted?
A Everyone seemed well engaged. Quite a few comments and questions. People seemed to enjoy the wines.
Main supplier was Vinatis. A very good on line supplier based in France. They were efficient, prompt and competitively priced. Click on link below...
Q Overall favourite white wine of the evening?
A The E Croce 2023, Domaine Yves Leccia
Overall favourite red wine of the evening?
A The Mino 2022, Domaine Sant Armettu
Tasting notes:
Name of wine: Domaine Casanova Blanc
Country of origin: Corsica
Grape varieties: Chardonnay and Vermentinu
Organic: No
ABV: 13%
Price: £10.20
Supplier Vinatis.
Name of wine: E Croce 2023 Domaine Yves Leccia
Country of origin: Corsica
Grape varieties: 100% Vermentinu
Organic: Yes
ABV: 13.5%
Price: £33.08
Supplier Vinatis
Name of wine: Isula Mea Rosé 2023
Country of origin:Corsica
Grape varieties:Sciacarelo and Syrah
Organic: No
ABV: 11%
Price:£9.99
Supplier Waitrose
Name of wine:Terra Nostra Rouge 2021
Country of origin: Corsica
Grape varieties: 100% Nielluccio grapes
Organic: No
ABV: 13%
Price: £10.96
Supplier Vinatis
Name of wine: Mino 2022 Domaine Sant Armettu
Country of origin: Corsica
Grape varieties: Sciccarellu 50%, Nielluccio 25%, Syrah 25%
Organic: Yes
ABV: 13%
Price:£15.78
Supplier Vinatis
Name of wine: Rosumarinu 2023, Domaine Sant Armettu
Country of origin: Corsica
Grape varieties: !00% Sciccarellu
Organic: Yes
ABV: 13%
Price: £23.47
Supplier Vinatis.
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Wednesday 7th August 2024
"South Western France"
Presented by John Billington & Mike Webber,
WWS Members
Q Why did you choose this theme?
A It was inspired by Mike and June’s exploration of SW France.
There are many good wines from less famous parts of France that deserve to be better known.
Q What was your favourite wine of the six tasted?
A Madiran, Domaine Pichard 2009
Q What was WWS members reactions to the wines tasted?
A Very positive. The Wine Society got a great reaction (John)
A Some members were enthusiastic and glad to try good value wines that they hadn’t encountered before, but a minority of those present didn’t find the wines to their taste. That was hardly surprising as that area of France produces distinctive wines that would have been unfamiliar to many wine-drinkers (Mike)
Q Overall favourite white wine of the evening?
A Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Sec, Ode d'Aydie 2021 (John)
A Blanc de Noirs, IGP Atlantique, a white wine made from the merlot grape by growers from Entre deux Mers and Duras (Mike)
Overall favourite red wine of the evening?
A Madiran, Domaine Pichard 2009
Tasting notes:
Black & Wine Blanc de Noirs, IGP Atlantique 2023
A white made purely from merlot grapes grown to the east of Bordeaux, the wine is dry with good fruit concentration and depth of flavour. It displays notes of green apple, brambles and a hint of brioche on the finish. Pair with white meat such as roast chicken, or seafood and ceviche. Made by an association of 10 cooperatives in the Entre-Deux-Mers and Duras regions, this is the first vintage of an innovative dry blanc de noir made from merlot. The wine has been developed in response to the critical situation that many growers face in this part of France, with prices for red grapes dropping below cost of production. It is hoped that this style of wine will become a lifeline for embattled producers across Bordeaux and its neighbouring appellations. The merlot grapes are very gently pressed in order to avoid extracting colour from the dark skins, and then fermented in stainless steel tanks. The result is delicious, producing a wine with plenty of body and breadth, yet with a dry, mineral texture.
Bergerac Blanc La Cuvée des Conti, Domaine Albert de Conti 2023
Pacherenc du Vic Bilh Sec, Ode d'Aydie 2021
This amusing sounding appellation of south-west France is contiguous with Madiran but tends to occupy cooler slopes that are better suited to making a crisp white. Bone-dry yet with roundness coming from the ripe manseng grapes, this is fragrant with flashes of pineapple and grapefruit. A delight served chilled with fish.
Côtes du Marmandais, Château de Beaulieu 2012
Fully mature, with truffle and mint, and a touch of cedar too. Real class from a region in the south-west of France sometimes considered a satellite of Bordeaux.
Madiran, Domaine Pichard 2009
A sunshine vintage in south-west France which yielded a very ripe, dark and brooding Madiran. Full, well-built but now ready to drink, and the perfect foil for fattier cuts such as pork belly or lamb shoulder. Society buyer Marcel Orford-Williams' love affair with these wines began a good few years ago when he came across some bottles of Pichard wines in a shop near the Place des Vosges in Paris.
Maydie Tannat 2018 50cl
Sweet fortified red made from the tannat grape and from Château d’Aydie, one of the top estates in Madiran, south-west France. Very black, very fruity, and delicious with dark chocolate.
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Wednesday 5th June 2024
"Beautiful Burgundy"
Presented by Claire Hillyard & Caroline McGregor,
WWS Committee Members
Name of presentation: Burgundy Red and White
Month of presentation: June 24
Presenters: Claire Hillyard: White Burgundy (with poetic licence!)
Caroline Mc Gregor: Red Burgundy
Q Why did you choose this theme?
A White burgundies are my favourite wines, as well as some other chardonnay wines
Q What was your favourite wine of the six tasted?
A Saint-Aubin Premier Cru Domaine Gerard Thomas 2022
Q What was WWS members reactions to the wines tasted?
A Most agreed that the St Aubin was the best white, though the Pierro from Margaret River was well received but thought a bit pricey at £53 per bottle!
Q Overall favourite white wine of the evening?
A St Aubin was clear favourite
Tasting notes:
Name of wine: Pol Guyot Champagne
Country of origin: France
Grape varieties: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £19
Supplier Sainburys
Name of wine: Saint-Aubin Premier Cru, Domaine Gerard Thomas
Country of origin: France
Grape varieties: Chardonnay
ABV: 13%
Price: £36.99
Supplier Waitrose
Name of wine: Pierro Chardonnay
Country of origin: Australia
Grape varieties: Chardonnay
ABV: 13,5%
Price: £52.99
Supplier Waitrose Cellar
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Wednesday 1st May 2024
South African Wines
Presented by Preet Sahota,
Edgmond Wines, Newport, Shropshire
Name of presentation: SOUTH AFRICAN WINES
Month of presentation: May 2024
Presenter: Preet Sahota, Edgmond Wines
Q Why did you choose this theme?
A South African wine specialism
Q What was your favourite wine of the six tasted?
A Villa Esposto Chenin Blanc
Q What was WWS members reactions to the wines tasted?
A All very positive
Links to related articles/further information:
Q Overall favourite white wine of the evening?
A Villa Esposto Chenin Blanc
Overall favourite red wine of the evening?
A Blake Malbec
Tasting notes:
Name of wine:Niel Joubert Gruner Veltliner 2022
Country of origin: S.Africa
Grape varieties: Grüner Veltliner
ABV:
Price:£14.95 reduced to 8.99
Supplier Edgmond
From 8 y.o. vines in Paarl.
Pale straw colour. Appleskin nose.Good fruit/acidity balance. Dry and lightly oaked
Name of wine:Lysa Albarino
Country of origin: S.Africa (Stellenbosch)
Grape varieties: Albarino
ABV: 13.5%
Price:24.95 reduced to 9.99
Supplier Edgmond
Production ceasing soon from a small 1-off parcel.
Pale straw colour.Fruity and aromatic -peach, apricot, guava 2021 a top vintage year. This wine will keep!
Name of wine: Villa Esposto Chenin Blanc 2022
Country of origin: S.Africa
Grape varieties: Chenin Blanc
ABV:
Price: 21.95 reduced to 14.99
Supplier Edgmond
From 42-y.o. vines at Skurfberg.
Very fine. Mid-lemony colour. Nice nutty overtones… rich &dry, with good length
Name of wine:Blake Family Malbec, 2020
Country of origin: S.Africa
Grape varieties:Malbec
14% ABV:
Price: 14.95 red. To £8.99
Supplier Edgmond
Single vineyard Malbec.
Deep purple-red. Spicy blackcurrant nose. Spicy black fruit on the palate.
Name of wine:Hidden Cape Grenache 2021
Country of origin: S.A.
Grape varieties: Grenache
ABV:
Price: 19.95 red. To £9.99
Supplier Edgmond
Single-vineyard wine; Grenache Vines soon to be replaced by Chenin Blanc.
Mid-red with pale aureole.Faintly herby; dusty thyme aroma (garrigue?}Fruity, with nice balance & length
Name of wine: Villa Esposto Pinotage 2018
Country of origin: S.A.
Grape varieties: Pinotage
ABV:
Price:£21.95 red. To 14.99
Supplier Edgmond
As different from the pinotages of old as could be imagined. A mature Pinotage which absolutely sings!
Dark red heart, pale at the edge of the glass. Dusty grapeskin nose, Dark fruit, lovely balance and acidity
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Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Italian wines
Presented by Daniel Read of
New Forest Wines, Ringwood
Wines 1-3 are white wines.
Wines 4-6 are red.
Wine 1 – Mandrarossa ‘Le Senie’ Viognier 2022
Grape: 100% Viognier
Region: Menfi, Sicily
ABV: 13.5%
Price: £13.99
Tasting Notes: A lovely expression of Viognier, with ripe peach and apricot fruit on the nose and a lovely minerality, which is characteristic of wines from the Island. It is full and opulent on the palate with fresh acidity to balance.
Food Match: Sicilians recommend trying this with grilled swordfish, shrimp tempura or fish cous cous. It also pairs nicely with Thai cuisine.
Wine 2 – Saraja ‘Tarra Noa’ Vermentino di Gallura 2022
Grape: 100% Vermentino
Region: Gallura, Sardegna
ABV: 13.5%
Price: £16.99
Tasting Notes: Very typical of the variety, bright and textural with citrus aromas, delicate floral hints, and lightly savoury characteristics. The palate has fresh acidity with touches of stone fruits, myrtle, and bitter almond (signature of the grape) with a lovely saline minerality. Lees ageing provides a rounder, richer mouthfeel for a beautifully balanced wine.
Food Match: Spaghetti dressed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon zest.
Wine 3 – Felsina Berardenga ‘I Sistri’ Chardonnay 2020
Grape: 100% Chardonnay
Region: Tuscany
ABV: 13.5%
Price: £30
Tasting Notes: Deep yellow colour in the glass. Classic, barrel-aged Chardonnay which is rich, complex, and buttery. Plenty of exotic fruit on the nose (ripe stone fruits, mango, and banana), subtle hints of baking spice and nicely integrated vanilla notes from the oak maturation. The palate is full and creamy, balanced by a fresh acidity.
Food Match: Grilled fish, poultry, risotto, or pasta in a creamy sauce.
Wine 4 - Monte del Fra Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore ‘Lena di Mezzo’ 2020
Grape(s): Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella
Region: Valpolicella, Veneto
ABV: 14%
Price: £21.99
Tasting Notes: Pronounced nose of floral notes, sweet spice, cherry, black pepper, liquorice, and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied with fine tannins and a persistent length. The Ripasso method results in a slight sweetness on the palate. Has the potential to age for 8-10 years.
Food Match: A versatile wine which would pair well with an array of dishes; red meats, mature cheeses, Asian cuisine, or even fatty fish. A great wine for the Christmas table also.
*Wine 5 - A Mano ‘Prima Mano’ Primitivo 2021 (*Additional bottle for raffle prize)
Grape: 100% Primitivo
Region: Puglia
ABV: 14.5%
Price: £29
Tasting Notes: Aromas of crushed rose petals, raspberries, blueberries, black pepper, maraschino cherries and a hint of eucalyptus. Smooth and silky on the palate, showing complexity and concentration of fruit. A lovely balance between intensity and elegance.
Food Match: Another versatile wine when it comes to pairing with food due to its soft, smooth texture. Try with Osso buco, tomato-based pasta dishes, pizza, blue cheese, Indian cuisine, seafood jambalaya, stuffed mushrooms, charcuterie etc.
Wine 6 – Banfi ‘La Lus’ Albarossa 2019
Grape: 100% Albarossa
Region: Piemonte
ABV: 14%
Price: £24.99
Tasting Notes: Soft and velvety on the palate with enough tannic grip. Intense red berries, cherry, and ripe plum fruit, with liquorice, dried herbs, and hints of vanilla. Persistent length with fresh acidity.
Food Match: Seasoned salami, hearty stewed meat dishes, or a rich ragu.
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Wednesday 6th March 2024
Wines from Eastern Europe
Presented on behalf of Chris Holding by John Billington
WWS chairman
Welcome everyone, to tonight’s presentation on:
‘Wines of Eastern Europe’
In researching for this presentation, some interesting facts about the wine industry came to light. As they are not specific to the presentation, I just ask you to refer to the FACTSHEETS on your table during the evening.
<EASTERN EUROPEAN WINES – FACTSHEET>
The wines tonight are from Transylvania Wines based in Halifax, and The Old Cellar based in London.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Now he really wanted to be here in person, but I’m afraid Count Dracula has been called away on urgent business with Messrs Miller and Carter, apparently for a 2 for 1 steak night. He’s also decided to move out of his quiet spot in the corner of Peter’s Cellar. Apparently there’s been a lot more activity there recently. Finally, he is represented tonight by his agent Stuart, who is looking for properties in Belgravia on his behalf.
Without further ado, the first wine will now be served.
<POURING>
Wine 1
We are in Romania. This is a
Budureasca Vine in Flames Daphix Chardonnay & Feteasca Regala 2018
Grapes: Feteasca Regala (65%) & Chardonnay (35 %)
Romania is one of the oldest, and youngest, winemaking countries in the world, with a history that goes back 4,000 years, but with a 40-year hiatus during the Communist era. Romania and Moldova are the front line of a new old world tide of wine countries.
The Regala grape is described as enigmatic.
Vineyard: Budureasca is located in Dealu Mare wine region in Muntenia in the southern Carpathian hills. The ‘Vine in Flames’ brand reflects on a historical moment during the rule of the first Dacian King Burebista (82-44 B.C.) when the vineyards were burned because they were considered a temptation for invaders.
To preserve the intensity of flavours, the component wines from this cuvee were fermented at 10°C and to perfect the taste Chardonnay was kept in American oak barrels for six months.
Tasting Notes
Golden yellow colour, with fresh aromas of apricots and light vanilla notes. Full-bodied wine with great balance and a pleasant taste of ripe apples. Lovely and intense finish.
Food Pairing
Very good associated with fish and poultry dishes.
Serving temperature: 14-16 ° C
ABV: 12.5%
Transylvania Wine
Price Paid: £12.95
Wine 2
Now we move to Moldova. This is a
Viorica 2022, Chateau Purcari, Stefan Voda, Moldova
Grape: 100% Viorica - which is indigenous to Moldova
Awards: Platinum Medal, Decanter World Wine Awards
Tasting Notes
Pale yellow colour with light greenish hues. Fresh and intense nose with acacia, white flowers, basil and citrus fruits notes. Crisp and fresh body with good length and moderate acidity.
Food Pairing
Seafood, shellfish, smoked fish, light Asian dishes.
EXTRA BIT
Founded in 1827, Purcari Cellars are a real treasure. Vintage wines from 1948, and the Queen Elizabeth II Collection dating from 1947 with labels in English, are some of the jewels therein. You will feel the historical fingerprints left by the monks who built the cross-shaped cellars, thus blessing the wines.
Purcari terroir
Located on the west coast of the Dniester River, at an altitude of 110 to 185 metres above the Black Sea, the Purcari vineyards, which cover an area of over 260 hectares, have a special microclimate that protects the vineyards from frost in winter and heat during summer. The microzone is known due to the soil composition - clay chernozem, or sandy charred. The slope orientation determines the soil characteristics, which play an important role in forming the wine flavours and taste. The slope also facilitates water drainage. The vine roots penetrate deep through the layers of carbon soil in search of water, and planting in ordered rows allows good air circulation.
There will be a little more about Purcari later when we reach Wine no. 6.
Serving temperature: 10-12 °C
ABV: 13.5%
The Old Cellar
Price Paid: £16.95
Wine 3
A third stop in Georgia now. This is a
Dugladze Kakhuri Qvevri 2020
Grape: 100% Rkatsiteli
Dugladze - is one of the best producers available on the market.
Kakhuri - Appellation of Controlled Origin dry white wine is made using Kakhetian traditional technology from the Rkatsiteli grape variety cultivated in the Kakheti region.
Qvevri - is the name of the first vessel used in winemaking. Archaeological studies have confirmed its 8,000 year history.
Tasting Notes
This wine has dark amber colour, varietal aroma, distinctive bouquet, extracted, velvety and raisin notes.
Food Pairing
Matches well with Georgian traditional cuisine, such as:
Khachapuri - cheese-filled bread
Khinkali - spices and lamb, pork or beef dumplings
Badrijani Nigzvit (good luck!) - fried eggplant rolls with walnut
Lobio - bean soup
Mtsvadi - made with chunks of pork, mutton or veal, is first abundantly marinated in pomegranate juice or rubbed in a good dose of salt before it’s threaded onto a skewer and roasted on an open fire
EXTRA BIT
Georgia is rightly called “The cradle of wine”, reaffirmed by UNESCO in December 2013, when the oldest Georgian method of wine making in Qvevri was inscribed in the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Georgia boasts more than 500 varieties of indigenous grapes, nearly one-sixth of the world’s grape varieties, including endangered varieties found nowhere else on Earth.
Today ‘Kakhetian Traditional Winemaking’ (KTW) is one of the largest companies producing wine and alcoholic beverages in Georgia, employing more than 2,500 people.
Serving temperature: 10-12 °C
ABV: 12.5%
Transylvania Wine
Price Paid: £11.45
< HALF TIME BREAK >
Wine 4
Back to Romania now. This is a
Folklore Ursul Negru de Dragasani
Grape: 100% Negru de Dragasani
The Negru de Dragasani grape is described as full of character. The variety was obtained at the Dragasani viticulture research station through individual selection. It is a hybrid, officially recognised in 1993, between the Negru Vartos and Saperavi varieties (a native Georgian grape).
Tasting Notes
The grape has a black-blueish colour, with red-coloured, juicy, non-aromatic pulp and a straightforward taste. Wines produced from this variety are dry, more robust, strikingly red, with flavours and aromas of black cherries, sour cherries, blueberries, blackberries, and spices. They are suitable for aging in oak barrels and subsequently in bottles, however this one is not oak-aged (Mike or Stuart will probably interject here and say it should have been!).
With its mesmerising ruby red colour, this particular wine reveals dominant aromas of red fruits in its bouquet. The taste is a delightful harmony, featuring well-balanced notes of ripe tannins, along with delicate hints of vanilla, chocolate, and pepper.
EXTRA BIT
Taking place every winter in villages and cities in Romania’s eastern region of Moldova, the ‘Dance of the Bear’ symbolises the death and rebirth of time. Performed between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, this ancient ritual brings together the whole community, who gather to watch the performance. For Geto-Dacians, ancestors of present-day Romanians, the bear was a sacred animal with healing powers. The life cycle of the bear was responsible for regulating seasons, entering hibernation before winter and waking up in spring.
Serving temperature: 14-16°C
ABV: 12%
Transylvania Wine
Price Paid: £13.95
Wine 5
A representative from Bulgaria here. This is
Elements Fire Unique Red 2017
Thracian Valley
Grape Varieties: 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Cabernet Franc, 17% Carmenere and 17% Caladoc
This is a full flavoured and robust wine which has been aged 10 months in French oak barrels.
Tasting Notes
Dark red with purple hues colour. Black cherry, plums, dark chocolate and vanilla on the nose. Rich and well structured, with great purity of fruit, gentle oak and moderate spice that helps frame the wine really well.
Food Pairing
Roast meat, Game and BBQ dishes.
Serving temperature: 16-18°C
ABV: 14.06%
The Old Cellar
Price Paid : £14.50
Wine 6
We end in Moldova. Recommended by the merchant, this is a
Chateau Purcari - Saperavi de Purcari 2020 - Limited Edition
Grape: 100% Saperavi
Purcari wines are aged exclusively in French oak barriques with a capacity of 225 litres. Depending on the variety, the aging period varies from 6 to 18 months. After aging in barrique, the wine is cold bottled under sterile conditions, then a natural cork stopper is applied and the wine continues its aging in the bottle for another 6 months.
Saperavi de Purcari Limited Edition is a wine with a strong personality that will surprise you -it’s an explosion of grace, perfect for edgy combinations and the most surprising olfactory mixtures.
Awards:
Gold Medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2023 (95 points)
Gold Medal - Mundus Vini Summer Tasting 2022
Silver medal - Decanter World Wine Awards 2022
Tasting Notes
Saperavi, the famous unmistakably fragrant Georgian variety, is noted for its strong character and authenticity of fulminant taste. The wine of an intense ruby with purple reflections reveals explosive aromas of plum and well-ripened fruit.
Grapes are Hand Harvested by double manual selection.
Vinified with care and dedication, Saperavi de Purcari impresses with its velvety tannins, full, opulent taste, evolving into a long and pleasant aftertaste, with complex aromas.
Food Pairing
Traditional meat dishes, venison, lamb chops.
Decant for 60 minutes before serving.
Recommended serving temperature: 18 - 20 °С.
ABV: 13.5%
Transylvania Wine
Price Paid: £19.95 reduced from £21.95
WINE ORDERS
If anyone would like to order small quantities of the above wines, Chris is happy to facilitate this, as he now has an account with Transylvania Wine and can also get The Old Cellar wines at a discount.
Orders should be placed on the Order Form provided, but for logistical reasons, only those taken tonight will be valid. A contact telephone number must be put on your Order Form please.
Delivery method can only be agreed with Chris via the Form and direct contact.
Lastly, the alternate for the final wine can also be ordered:
Legendary Dracula 555 Feteasca Neagra Red Wine 2020
Grape: Fetească Neagră
Fetească Neagră (or Black Maiden in English) is an old native variety that originates from Moldova. Fetească Neagră is a bramble fruited red with hints of soft cherry.
Oak aging: 18 months
Tasting Notes
Intense red colour wine, it has an unique character of dry plums, wild berries and spices bouquet, with vanilla hints coming from aging in Romanian oak barrels. Velvety texture and well balanced by the round tannins, silky on the palate; long, smooth aftertaste.
Food Pairing
Lamb, pork, veal, beef dishes, even with fried chicken.
Serve at 16°C
ABV: 14.5%
Transylvania Wine
Current Price: £19.95
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Wednesday 7th February 2024
Peter's Cellar
Presented by Peter Hampton
WWS committee member
Name of wine: Montagny 1er Cru “Les Millières” 2019
Country of origin: France, Burgundy
Grape varieties: Chardonnay
Organic: No
ABV: 14%
Price:£12.99 in Sept 2020 (now £19.99)
Supplier: Majestic
Name of wine: Maison Roche de Bellène 2018 Pinot Noir vieilles vignes
Country of origin: France, Burgundy
Grape varieties: Pinot Noir
Organic: No
ABV: 13%
Price: £12.88 in Sept 2021 (now £18.00)
Supplier: Majestic
Name of wine: Gigondas Clos des Cazaux 2011
Country of origin: France, S.Rhône
Grape varieties:Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre
Organic: No
ABV: 14.5%
Price:£14.29 Feb 2013, £24 now
Supplier: Lay & Wheeler en primeur
Name of wine: Ch.Léoville Poyferré 2006
Country of origin: France, Bordeaux, St.Julien
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 62%, Merlot 28%, Petit Verdot 8%, Cabernet Franc 2%
Organic: No
ABV: 13%
Price: £38.99 Jul 2007, £80 to £120 now
Supplier.Lay & Wheeler en primeur
Name of wine: Ch.Duhart Milon Rothschild 2005
Country of origin: France, Bordeaux, Pauillac
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 29%
Organic: No
ABV:13%
Price: £28.06 Jun2006 £67.50 now
Supplier: Lay & Wheeler en primeur
Name of wine: Ch. Coutet 2005 (in half-bottle)
Country of origin: France, Bordeaux, Sauternes, Barsac
Grape varieties: Semillon 75%, Sauvignon Blanc 23%, Muscadelle 2%
Organic: Yes
ABV: 14%
Price: £16.44 May 2006, now £24 (halves)
Supplier: Lay & Wheeler en primeur
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Wednesday 3rd January 2024
Celebrity Wines
Presented by Tracie Billington-Beardsley
WWS committee member
Wine Margaret River Chardonnay 2019 From Howard Park Western Australia ABV: 13%
|
Celebrity Kylie Minogue popstar and actress Winemaker: Janice MacDonald |
Awards Gold medal winner at 2020 Global Chardonnay Masters Award |
Botham All Rounder Chardonnay 2021 Australia Australian grapes from South Eastern and Western areas. Includes Margaret River area ABV: 12.5% Price: £11 Supplier:
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Celebrity |
|
Gordon Ramsay Vibrante Bianco 2022 Italy 25% Tuscan Vermentino to Abruzzo fruit 40% Chardonnay, 20% Trebbiano, 15% Pecorin), ABV: 12.5% Price: £11 Supplier: Celebrity Drinks Collection |
Celebrity Winemaker: Alberto Antonini Poggiontonda Vineyard Tuscany
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Red wine 2021 Spain Organic ABV: 13.5 % Price: £8 Supplier: Celebrity Drinks Collection |
Celebrity Singer and songwriter Gary Barlow of Take That Winemaker: Peninsula Vinicultores |
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John Terry Wine Of Champions Salice Salentino 2020 Italy Price: 24.50 Supplier:
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Celebrity Footballer |
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Pinot Noir 2020
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Celebrity |
Awards |
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This is a table showing the wines we have tasted in the past, showing, where possible, as many of the following characteristics as possible:- Date of tasting, Wine type, name & vintage, supplier, and price. Where these are not shown the information was not available at the time of data entry! Note, price shown was current at time of purchase and will not necessarily be the same subsequently.
Key for wine type: W/R/P = White/Red/Pink(=Rosé)
T/S/D/F=Still Table Wine/Sparkling/Dessert/Fortified
Meeting date |
Wine type |
Wine name | Vintage | Supplier |
Price £ |
02/11/16 | W,T | Provincia de Lavia, Lombard | 2015 | M&S | £7.50 |
02/11/16 | W,T | M&S Chablis | 2013 | M&S | £9 |
02/11/16 | W,D | Brown Bros Orange Muscat & Flora | 2014 | Waitrose | £6.99 |
02/11/16 | R,T | R3 Single Block Marlborough Pinot Noir | 2015 | M&S | £10.85 |
02/11/16 | R,T | Valdemadera Gran Reserva, Carinena | 2010 | M&S | £9.50 |
02/11/16 | R,T | Dom. de la Curniere Vacqueyras | 2014 | M&S | £9.75 |
05/10/16 |
W,S | Freixenet Excelencia Cava | 2013 | Morrisons | £5 |
05/10/16 | P,T | La Moussiere, Sancerre Rosé | 2014 | CostCo | £11.98 |
05/10/16 | W,T | Rully 1er Cru, Marissou Jacques Dury | 2014 | CostCo | £11.98 |
05/10/16 | R,T | Brouilly, Louis Latour | 2014 | CostCo | £9.35 |
05/10/16 | R,T | Chateau L'Arrosée, St.Emilio Grand Cru | 2007 | CostCo | £21.58 |
05/10/16 | R,T | Barolo Villa Peironte | 2012 | M&S | £18 |
07/09/16 | W,T | Cantina Gadoro Fiano | Waitrose | 6.49 | |
07/09/16 | R,T | Torre del Falco, Nero di Troia | 2013 | Waitrose | 7.99 |
07/09/16 | W,T | Contesa Pecorino | 2015 | Majestic | 8.99 |
07/09/16 | R,T | Baracca & Fassoldi Chianti Riserva | 2013 | M&S | 9.29 |
07/09/16 | W,T | Terrazze Della Luna Pinot Grigio | 2014 | New Forest Wines | 8.99 |
07/09/16 | R,T | Allegrini Palazzo della Torre | New Forest Wines |
17.99 |
|
03/08/16 | W,T | Cave de L'Ormarine Picpoul de Pinet | 2015 | Sainsbury's | 8.00 |
03/08/16 | W,T | Ottoventi Punto 8 | 2015 | The Wine Society | 7.25 |
03/08/16 | W,F | Quinta do Noval, Extra Dry White Port | n.v. | 11.00 | |
03/08/16 | R,T | Sainsbury's Sancerre Rouge | 2014 | Sainsbury's | 12.00 |
03/08/16 | R,T | Tierras de Mediel, Rioja Baja Joven | 2014 | Waitrose | 8.99 |
03/08/16 | R,T | Pedroncelli Dry Creek Sangiovese | 2012 | The Wine Society | 9.50 |
01/06/16 | W,S | Salgareda Prosecco, Extra Dry | n.v. | Makro | 6.00 |
01/06/16 | W,S | Sumarroca Cava Reserva, Brut | 2012 | The Wine Society | 7.75 |
01/06/16 | P,S | Lindauer Rosé | n.v. | The Co-Op | 8.99 |
01/06/16 | W,S | Champagne Philizot 'Veuve Monsigny' | n.v | Aldi | 9.99 |
01/16/16 | W,S | Loire Petillant Naturel, Domaine de la Taille Aux Loups, 'Triple Zero' | n.v. | Les Belles Caves, Tours, France | 11.87 |
01/06/16 | W,S | Nyetimber 'Classic Cuvee' Brut | 2010 | Waitrose | 22.79 |