Private Wine Tasting

I recently hosted a private wine tasting for a very special group of friends. We were a lively mixed bunch with a few of us having been to a wine tasting before, some of us having a little knowledge about wine from their travels and a few who were not wine drinkers 

I had selected the wines to highlight that there are more grape varieties available than the usual go to wines on the supermarket shelves and that wine is a personal preference hence so much choice. As it was a private event I did not take photos of the wines so my images are taken from online; sources credited.

Our evening began with a light rosé Italian wine produced by Freixenet who are well known for their superb sparkling wine so it was a surprise to discover this was a still wine.

This slightly perfumed rose wine is a blend of Corvina and Garganega Bianc from the Veneto vineyards. Its flavours included cherries and strawberries with a light finish, a perfect aperitif for our evening of wine. Everyone enjoyed this with suggestions of adding fresh fruit such as strawberries.

Photo - Morrisons 

White wine is perfect for the summer; with a light lunch, in the garden on a sunny afternoon or watching the sun set on a warm summer night. I selected three wines from differences of country, made from different grapes and having different flavours.

Photos - Majestic, Morrisons, Aneed

Our first wine had the most complexity of the three, Côté Mas L'esprit du Midi. Produced by the superb Domaine Mas this Languedoc white was predominantly Grenache Blanc with Marsanne, Vermentino and Viognier added to the blend. It's nose had floral notes and its flavour was full of peaches and lemons. With a heavier depth and viscosity to the first wine and a lengthier finish it was a little too complex for some although enjoyed by others. 

In a change of style the second white was much lighter and enjoyed by more at the tasting. This single grape Verdicchio wine from Italy had plenty of figs and citrus freshness, a new grape to many and the favourite white of the evening.

Our third white wine took everyone by surprise as Campo Viejo was known as a red wine. Produced in the Rioja region this wine is made from Tempranillo Blanco, Viura and Verdejo. The combination of these three grapes brought an aroma of white flowers and flavours of tropical notes and white fruits but it wasn't to everyone's taste. 

The two red wines I selected were examples of wine to serve with a steak or Sunday dinner, quite the opposite to summery whites. 

The first was a long time favourite of mine, Trivento Malbec. Interestingly one guest, who really enjoyed this red, has previously holidayed in France where they discovered a liking for Cahors which is also made from Malbec grapes. 

Photo - Morrisons 

The slight oak was soon discovered in this wine but it was very smooth and fairly soft. Aromas of dark fruit and black pepper could be detected and most guests commentated on the chocolate under tones in its flavour. Certainly not a summer garden wine but one to definitely be enjoyed with a hearty red meat meal. 

Our final red was a little self indulgence, a superb blend of Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah made by Ogier who are a renown wine producer in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. As with any wine the history behind the grape, the location and the name is always interesting, everyone enjoyed learning about how the famous village and wine appellation got its name. 

This Cotes du Rhone, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, Marselan and Carignan, was deliciously complex in its aromas and flavours. There were many suggestions but most discovered cherries, dark fruits, spice and a slight sweetness on the finish. 

Photo - Vivino

It was such a fun tasting, especially demonstrating and others practising the wine tasting mouth washing technique. With such a variety there was a wine for all with some being more popular than others and everyone finding new grapes, wines and styles. 

Thank you to my wine tasting friends for such a great evening ... cheers!

Colchester

A day out in Colchester was one of our holiday adventures, travelling by train from Walton-on-the-Naze.

Colchester is the county town of Essex with a castle, Roman remains and a Medieval priory. The layout of the town follows the walled Roman capital of Britain; known as Camulodunum it was an important city until destroyed by Boudica in the rebellion of AD 61

Although a Norman castle the walls were built using distinctive Roman bricks, reused from the Roman settlement and temple upon which it is built.

As well as a variety of shops in modern precincts, wide roads and narrow old lanes Colchester had plenty of green spaces.

The town is built on a grid pattern, following the original Roman settlement. On the west side is Grade II listed Jumbo water tower, the largest Victorian tower still existing. It stands next to Balkerne Gate, it's Roman arch still standing.

On the east side of the town is St Botolph's Priory. It was one of the fuest Augustinian priories in England. It's early Norman architecture is stunning even in its ruined state, it would have been very impressive when built.

It's structure is a combination of local flint and reused Roman bricks. It has many pillars and arches with a very impressive entrance.

Now an English Heritage ruin its main damage was due to cannon fire in 1648 during the Civil War.

A must visit in Colchester is not the castle, the town walls or the priory but Wetherspoons. It is another example of the pub chain saving an old building; it's amazing.

The Playhouse was opened as a theatre in 1929 and became a cinema in the 1930s. In the early 1980s it was turned into a bingo hall and after a few years of being empty it is now a busy Wetherspoons.

Being seated on the stage gave a great view of the circle and boxes. The upstairs is not open to the public but has many famous faces in the seats. It really was quite an experience.

A super day, Colchester certainly has a variety of places to see and plenty to do.

Belton House

There are so many beautiful properties looked after by the National Trust. As long time members we have visited so many lovely places, especially when on holiday around the UK.

There are also many great places nearer our home ... Belton House with it's stunning grounds is just an hour away.

A country house near Grantham Belton House is a Grade I listed building built in the 1680s by Sur John Brownlow.

As with many stately homes the furniture and decor is amazing. There were many ornate sculptures, inlaid flooring and carved framing.8

The rooms were very elegant, I especially liked the very large punch bowl. The staircase was stunning, very grand.

All the bedrooms had beautiful fabrics decorating the huge bed frames, the ceilings were so high.

The house is surrounded by formal gardens, follies and woodland parks. The stables and other out buildings are now the National Trust cafe, shop and second-hand bookshop.

The trees were very striking in their new leaf covering, such great shapes.

The church stood tall above the gardens and towered over the orangery which was quite warm inside, perfect for its tropical inhabitants.

It was a lovely trip to Belton House, just on our doorstep. Once again thank you National Trust.