Posts by Adrian

Served with crackers and cheeses:Cornwall 24 months aged vintage CheddarButlers Farmhouse Parlick sheep’s milk cheeseCricket St Thomas Somerset Camembert 1. Villa Cialdini, Lambrusco Grasparossa 2022Region: Emilia-Romagna, ItalyGrapes: 100% Lambrusco GrasparossaABV: 11%Villa Cialdini is the main house of the Azienda Agricola Castelvetro, an estate south-east of Modena that has been owned by the Chiarli family since…

1. Casa Valduga, Arte Tradicional Brut 2021Region: Vale dos Vinhedos, Serra Gaúcha, BrazilGrapes: 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir (12% ABV)A superb sparkling wine from Brazil that showcases the winery’s long-standing tradition and passion for winemaking. Made using traditional methods, this Brut effortlessly captures the essence of the region with its vibrant and crisp character. The…

Pairing 1 – Chenin Blanc Mulderbosch, ‘Steen Op Hout’ Chenin Blanc 2022Stellenbosch, South AfricaABV 13.5%A vibrant and lifted expression of Chenin Blanc. Aromas of green fig, stone fruit and green fig are underpinned by flint and earthy spice. The palate shows finesse and balance, with a lively, refreshing finish.Symposium £14.50 Domaine Huet, Vouvray Demi-Sec Clos…

The wines were accompanied three cheeses (feta, aged cheddar and goats), olives, almonds, crackers and sweet biscuits. The group’s favourite wines of the evening were the Sardinian Vermentino and the Lebanese Merlot.

There are many great tasting events; however this is certainly one of my favourites – a huge and interesting selection of Sherry, Port, Setubal, Madeira, Marsala and Muscat. My personal favourites this year:Alegria Mazanilla is always goodTen year old white ports from Ferreira, Pocas and Quevedo10 and 20 year tawnies from CarvalhasRamos Pinto AdrianoAdega Camolas…

There can be wide variation in what good quality restaurants charge for similar wines, one of the factors influencing this is whether the establishment works on a fixed mark-up or a percentage. Some restaurants list wines in price order, others attempt to give an indication of style. All the wines in this tasting, from seven…

The wines tasted were: 1. Muga Cava ‘Conde de Haro’ Brut 2020Region: Rioja, SpainGrapes: 90% Viura,10%  Chardonnay; ABV: 12%Seriously good Spanish Cava from Muga in Rioja, fermented in bottle and aged for two years just like Champagne. This gives it similar depth and complexity, balancing youthful freshness and toasty richness with fine bubbles and excellent…