Majestic's International Women's Day wine tasting

Last Wednesday was International Women's Day, a day to acknowledge women everywhere whatever their life achievements. Majestic Wine Leicester hosted a wine tasting to celebrate women in winemaking, appropriately it was hosted by Victoria the new store manager.

It's been a few years since we took part in a wine tasting at Majestic, it was lovely to be back on the train to Leicester for a bit of shopping and a meal beforehand. The tasting was a seated event with a long table set up and two side barrels where Hubby and I sat. Each place was set with six glasses, water and a welcome glass of bubbly, as well as an informative booklet on the wines in the tasting. 

Our welcome drink was the superb bubbly Nyetimber Classic Cuvee made in West Sussex by head winemaker Cherie Spriggs. This English Sparkling Wine is made from the three grapes traditionally used to make champagne; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, and is made in the traditional method with second fermentation taking place in the bottle.

A lovely golden colour in the glass with a nose of lemon zest, hints of orange and vanilla. The flavours within the fine bubbles include baked apples, honey notes and a slight biscuity finish.

Our three white wines were Emma Marris' Sauvignon Blanc, Martin Codax Albarino and Catena Chardonnay.

Emma Marris is the daughter of Brent Marris who produces The Ned, a very popular Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand. New World Sauvignon Blancs are usually heavier in the nose and palate than the softer Old World wines but Emma has found a new balance. The aroma is full of tropical fruits and sharp citrus but although a slightly acidic wine its palate has soft floral notes with a hint of vanilla from 60% of he wine being aged for 10 months in French oak. I have had this wine before and found it to be a great midway wine between the two geographically different sauvignon blancs.

Katia Alvarez is the winemaker at Martin Codax, a well known Spanish wine producer. Albarino is the main grape of Galicia and although small in bunch and size it is a super grape for winemaking. With a slight green hue in the glass its aromas include green fruits, with herby high notes. The greenness continues in the mouth with plenty of green apple flavour, added citrus and lemon zest.

Catena is an Argentina winery run by father and daughter, Nicolas Catena Zapata and Laura Catena. an even brighter green in the glass this wine was quite complex in aroma and on the palate. There was plenty of stone fruit with strong tropical flavours. The finish of this wine gave a hint of floral with a soft vanilla touch. 

All three white wines were great highlights of female wine makers. I have enjoyed these wines previously and my favourite was still Emma Marris's Sauvignon Blanc. 

Our three red wines were Ben Marco Malbec, Cune Rioja Reserva and Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Merlot.

Ben Marco Malbec is a superb Argentinian wine made by Susana Balbo. A deep red in the glass which rightly leads to aromas of dark fruits and hints of coffee. The wine on the palate is full of the expected dark fruits, very deep with vanilla and spice on its long finish.

The second red was not for me, I really struggle with Rioja unless the Tempranillo is softened with another grape such as Garnacha. One sniff and the familiar bramble and warm spice aromas filled my nose, I did take a small sip but as expected it was not for me. Hubby enjoys the cocoa and vanilla in Rioja wines that are always accompanied with tabacco. Maria Larrea is the female winemaker in this prestigious 5th generation wine making family.

Our final red was my favourite of the three, Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet Merlot from Australia where Virginia Willcock is the Chief Winemaker. By far the darkest colour and the most intense nose, full of strawberries, raspberries and a surprising hint of rhubarb. A lighter red in the mouth with soft tannins and raspberry being fruit forward, the rhubarb made its appearance on the finish along with a touch of liquorice. 

We had a lovely evening, nice to be back sharing and enjoying our hobby with others. Added bonus is it's a chance to pick up a few bottles as we do not have a Majestic Wine near us and with perfect timing they have just been delivered. 

Two are secrets as they are for our next hosting wine night but four bottles have gone into our cellar. Keep an eye on my Instagram as we open and enjoy these.