Archive for October 2024

Hidden Spring Vineyard – Horam, Sussex

Having tried their wines at a WineGB event I was keen to visit the vineyard and winery. Owner Richard gave a highly informative tour of the vines and the winery, followed by a tasting of both still and sparkling wines. All the wines were of excellent quality so naturally I came away with a case…

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Beer Tasting Panel / Kissingate Brewery Beer Festival

I had the pleasure of sitting on a CAMRA Beer Tasting Panel held at the Kissingate Brewery Beer Festival. The brewery has collected multiple awards including, on this occasion, “Beer of the Festival” for the South Downs Beer Festival. They laid on a very wide selection of beers, covering all styles; however the dark beers…

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October 2024 – Wines of Central and Eastern Europe

1. Bohemia Sekt ‘Prestige’ Brut NVRegion/country: Moravia, Czech RepublicGrapes: Riesling, Pinot Blanc, WelschrieslingABV: 13%Bohemia Sekt Prestige Brut is a premium traditional-method sparkling wine, aged for 15–18 months on its lees. The cuvée is a unique combination of quality varietal wines from selected vineyards in southern Moravia. Rheinriesling (aka Riesling) gives the wine a rich aroma…

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Wines for Summer Tasting – July 2024

1. Hidalgo ‘La Gitana’ ManzanillaRegion: Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain; Grape: 100% Palomino Fino; ABV: 15%The Palomino grapes for this wine are harvested in the Bodega’s own vineyard in the areas of Balbaina y Miraflores, two of the most respected zones around Sanlúcar. A lively, crisp, young Manzanilla with yellow apple aromas, lemon and floral notes…

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