16th October - Martin Harris -Indigenous Grape Varieties, Often Overlooked
On 16th October, our treasurer Martin Harris presented an examination of indigenous grape varieties often overlooked.
His explanation of the choice of subject is instructive:
"With experience comes the propensity to go for our usual preferences. I am sure we have all heard the saying “I know what I like and I like what I know”….
But what if you have not experienced something that might just be a revelation? The best way to counter ”you don’t know what you’re missing”… is not to miss it!
As nice as it to stick with the known favourites, from time to time experimentation and education can lead to enlightenment - or the knowledge of what to avoid!
From the selected wines some may share familiar traits with wines you are familiar with, other will hopefully not. This selection of wines will (I hope) provide everyone with at least one taste of something they have never had."
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The wines Martin presented ranged across the "Old World" taking in Greece, Italy, Spain and Austria.
Grapes for White wines, country, name,supplier and price
Assyrtiko Greece Assyrtiko Lidl £7.99
Arneis Italy Marcarini Roero Arneis DOCG Majestic £13.99
Turbiana Italy Nunzio Ghiraldi Lugana DOC Majestic £14.99
Albillo Spain Blanco de Silos, Cillar Berry Brothers £24.50
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Grapes for Red wines, country, name, supplier and price
Zweigelt Austria Christoph Bauer Zweigelt Vintage Roots £13.85
Agiorgitiko Greece Lion Agiorgitiko PGI Vintage Roots £17.75
Mencia Spain D.O. Bierzo Casar De Burbia Mencia Vintage Roots £18.99
Monastrell Spain Mirasoles Monastrell Appassimento Vintage Roots £13.50
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The PowerPoint that Martin used, with much more detail of the locations and the wines can be found here.
It was a good tasting evening which with Jon and Penny Barnes' buffet catering made a very enjoyable club meeting.
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