- Filipa Pato, Blanc de Blancs ‘3B’ NV
Region: Bairrada, Portugal
Grapes: Bical (88%), Maria Gomes (10%), Cercial (2%)
ABV: 11.5%
Bairrada is a coastal DOC which borders Dão and Lisboa. It has mild and wet winters and hot windy summers. The climatic thermal range, brought about by the Atlantic influence, brings high acidity and freshness to the grapes here. A blend of native varietals, the wine spends 9 months in bottle before release. Apples and soft ripe citrus fruit and delicate orange blossom. A clean and crisp wine with rounded honeyed notes as the wine develops in the glass. Drink with a Bairrada classic of suckling pig and sautéed potatoes.
Butler’s £19.99 - Hidalgo Pastrana Manzanilla Pasada
Region: Miraflores, Spain
Grape: 100% Palomino Fino
ABV: 15%
Superb, mature, nutty Manzanilla from the fine Pastrana vineyard in the Miraflores region, which has long produced the finest wines in the Hidalgo cellars. A Manzanilla with the strength of character to stand up to all manner of dishes, try it with fresh tuna steaks, or a shellfish stew.
The Wine Society £16 - Sella & Mosca ‘Le Arenar
Grape: 100% Vermentino
ABV: 13.5%
This rich expression of Vermentino di Gallura is characterised by Mediterranean hints of rosemary and helichrysum. Similar in taste to Gavi or Chablis, this crisp, tangy dry white has a smooth mouthfeel and brilliant acidity. Marine notes underlie the Mediterranean flavours. Its minerality and fullness of flavour make it the perfect pairing for seafood and traditional, authentic Sardinian dishes
Waitrose Cellar £15 - Verus Vineyards, Riesling, 2022
Region: Ormoz, Slovenia
Grapes: 100% Riesling
ABV: 12.5%
Vibrant and fresh with tropical fruit notes and an aromatic finish. Reminiscent of some New Zealand Rieslings. Despite lovely youthful Riesling character the wine is already showing great potential. It is developing an intense lime zest and peach varietal bouquet with hints of basil perfume which follows through to the palate showing length and elegance with a lively crisp style and beautiful balance. This wine needs really fresh, delicate flavours to match with it, a simple chicken salad or prawns for example.
South Downs Cellars £18.95 - Jako Vino, ‘Stina’ Cuvee White 2021
Region: Dalmatia, Croatia
Grape: Pošip, Chardonnay, Vugava
ABV: 12.5%
The beautiful Croatian island of Brač is famous for its white stone, which is known locally as Stina and was the inspiration behind the name of this stunning collection of Jako Vino wines. A youthful yet complex nose delights with layers of floral hints with tropical notes of apricot and mango. The full-bodied palate is dry, refreshingly balanced and full of juicy yellow fruits with citrus hints on the lingering finish.
South Downs Cellars £21.95
- Gaia Wines, Agiorgitiko Rosé 4 – 6H 2023
Region: Peloponnese, Greece
Grapes: 100% Agiorgitiko
ABV: 12.5%
An appealing and vivid rosé with an intense and aromatic profile which hovers between delicate floral notes of rose petals and fruity flavours of pomegranate and strawberry. Vibrant with lifted crisp acidity and a refreshing finish
South Downs Cellar £19.95 - Vinkara Öküzgözü-Bogazkere 2020
Region: Anatolia, Turkey
Grapes: 50% Öküzgözü, 50% Bogazkere
ABV: 13%
A blend of two local Turkish varieties from one of the country’s leading wineries. This is a bright, fresher and more lifted example than previous vintages, with delicious notes of red-apple skin and raspberry on the nose. The palate shows cherry, pepper, soft tannin and a deliciously pithy texture.
The Wine Society £11.50 - Château Oumsiyat, Merlot, Mount Lebanon 2020
Region: Mount Lebanon, Lebanon
Grape: 100% Merlot
ABV: 14.8%
This Merlot is all about the fruit – ripe, juicy black plums with a touch of vanilla sweetness. It’s from vineyards high up in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, where the soil gives it a hint of something earthy. A smooth, easy-drinking and lovely style of Merlot with typical black plum flavours enhanced by chocolate and vanilla, smooth and fruit forward.
Symposium Lewes £18.50 - Kamanterena Winery, Saint Barnabas Commandaria
Region: Paphos, Cyprus
Grapes: 94% Xynisteri, 6% Mavro
ABV: 15%
The oldest appellation wine in the World. Brownish gold in colour, as a great Commandaria should be. A fine aroma on the nose, where you can find predominant chocolate and coffee aromas, followed by fresh mint that follows in the mouth. The first impression is finesse, with a subtle round taste, that leaves an impression of mushroom in the centre of the mouth, and a luscious chocolate, heavier on the coffee, with a note of freshness flowing, that carries the taste through. The wine is only given to the market when it is ready for consumption, but Commandaria keeps getting better and better with time. The Ageing Potential is limitless.
Aspris & Son £18.99
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.