Events

May 2026 Tasting – Wine Grapes A to Z (part 3)

(S) Oliver Zeter, Sauvignon Blanc Sekt Brut, Pfalz 2020Region: Pfalz, GermanyGrape: 100% Sauvignon BlancOliver Zeter and his brother Christian have been making wine in the Pfalz region since 2007, when Oliver started the winery from scratch. The Brut was first produced in the 2014 vintage. The goal is, and remains, a 100% Sauvignon Blanc Sekt…

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April 2026 Tasting – the Judgment of Hove (French Classic Regions Compared)

Both France and “the rest” were bought within a price point of £120 retail across the four wines Pairing 1 – Traditional method sparkling wineP. Louis Martin, Bouzy Grand Cru, Extra Brut NVRegion: Champagne, FranceGrapes: 70% Pinot Noir, 30% ChardonnayThis rich, pinot-noir-led Champagne comes from the prestigious Bouzy Grand Cru village, on the southern slopes…

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March 2026 Tasting – Wine Grapes A to Z (part 2)

P – PalominoWilliams & Humbert Alegria Manzanilla, SpainRegion: Jerez, SpainABV: 15%Palomino is the sherry grape, grown around Jerez de la Frontera in southern Spain. It can withstand drought well and produces a reliable crop of slightly low acid, low sugar grapes whose wine may oxidise easily – in short, perfect raw material for sherry. This…

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Tasting Event – Wine Grapes A to H

F FurmintJuliet Victor, Sparkling Furmint Brut Nature 2021Country – Hungary Region – Tokaj ABV 11.5%Furmint is a white grape variety grown in Hungary and Slovakia and the main ingredient of Tokaji Aszú. It is an early budding late ripening variety and is particularly susceptible to botrytis. Its wines are characterised by their high acidity –…

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Tasting Event – Autumn Wines

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…

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WineGB Tasting September 2025

This event has always been a favourite of mine as I am a big fan of English wines, particularly those from Sussex.It was noticeable this year how the quality of English still wines continues to improve.Unfortunately there was no printed catalogue so I was unable to make tasting notes on anywhere near the number of…

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South American wines Tasting July 2025

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…

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