Wine tasting event: Regional France, mastering the wine list

Regional France, mastering the wine list

A lot of times when my friends and I go out, I am nominated to order the wines.  Fair enough, but do you know how many vineyards and wineries are out there?  Multiply that by the number of cuvees each produces and vintage variations that take place.  Guess a probability of those that I will have tasted and then subtract at least 90% from that number to reflect all of the names and cuvees I've forgotten (probably due to that rumoured alcohol induced loss of brain cells).  You end up with me knowing very few wines on any wine list.  The fact is: even if it is your full time job to know about wine, you can't possibly know all wines.  So how do I always make the right choice?  ;)

They key - I believe - is to know the characteristics of the different wine regions.  Added bonus points if you also know how the vintages for each region came out, but let's start with the regions.

I find that the safest bet in the wine world is France, and more specifically, regional France.  I know the new world has given France a good run for it's money in recent years, but I reckon I can make a case for our French nighbours tonight.

Come along to this wine tasting as we taste a bit of regional France & talk through helpful fints in making your way around a restaurant wine list.

Wines on tasting

1. Burgundy sparkling: Ok... so Burgundy doesn't count at all as an obscure region when it comes to red or white wine, but it does when it comes to sparkly.  Time to taste Cremant de Bourgogne: Chardonnay 80%, Aligoté 20%, 12%abv, Didier Montchovet, Nantoux, Burgundy. Crisp, creamy, clear. This is a generous French sparkling wine that easily stands up to its Champagne counterparts. A great biodynamic celebration sparkly.

2. Languedoc white: Mas Nicot blanc, 2008. This 2008 vintage is more minerally than the 2007 version – same grapes – cooler climate! Stephanie's vineyard is located in a region of the Languedoc typically 7-8degrees cooler than surrounding lands – it is eminently lower yielding than the surrounding high production Languedoc vineyards. Ultra fresh, lasting finish, taste Stephanie's masterpiece now!  Grenache blanc, marsanne, viognier grapes.

3. Gaillac white: Dencon, 2006.  Fermented & matured in old oak barrels with “scientific” batonnage, the Ondenc grape variety is aromatic, rich & soft on the palate & displays delightful exotic aromas. With its long finish this wine is perfect with foie gras, goat cheese & also as an aperitif.

4. Corbieres red: Cuvee 51, 2007.  This is an extremely exciting wine. Some days it broods, some days it shouts. Dark, plum ruby colours; beautiful cured meats on the nose; a combination of dazzling acidity, heavy black fruits, and deep rich tannins make this an incredibly complex, challenging and intriguing wine. With exposure to air it mellows to a smooth, liqueur-like treat. This is a fantastic wine for enjoying cuddled up on our sofas with cheese & charcuterie plates while the rest of the world carries on outside. As long as I'm never held to the claim, I'd say it's something like a “time stopping” wine – a wonderful way to make Sunday afternoon last forever.

5. Cahors red: Le Combal, 2005.  A typical black wine of Cahors, even the rim is bluish-purple. Unlike many a Cahors though, this wine has elegance & balance. The nose is all delightful prunes & liquorice, reprised on the palate with chewy fruit & a creamy note from very subtle oak aging. Another wine I have in my home cellar for aging.

 Booking online

When buying tickets via the online wine shop (recommended), select "Store collection" as your delivery option, which carries no additional charges.  There are no additional charges to you for buying tickets for our wine tastings online, this is the most efficient way to reserve your place.  You will be notified in advance of payment and unable to purchase tickets if the tasting is sold out.