Wine Tasting Evening

I am becoming something of a regular at the wine school which meets most Tuesdays and Thursdays. I was particularly looking forward to last night’s private cellar evening where we are encouraged to bring our own, preferably more esoteric, wine.

I  chose for the evening the Thymiopoulos  Noussa Jeunes Vignes made from the Xinomavrou grape by the rising star of Greek wine Apostolos Thymiopolous.

It comes from a black grape only cultivated in Noussa in Northern Greece.

Although not cheap at £15 from Roberson wines I can guarantee my readers that if they serve it to guests they will think from the silky smooth taste they are drinking something more expensive.

Of the other wines served we all enjoyed the Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc called Spitfire, named after the air base in Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand.

I am visiting Marlborough next month and will make a point of going to the Blind River vineyard where it is grown.

It is a zesty wine of interesting palate. The first taste is one of juicy acidity but the long finish ends in a fruity sweetness.

The evening was slighty marred for me by a group of 4 arriving 15 minutes late. Unpunctuality is something of bug-bear for me and their late arrival resulted in the moving of places and catch up.

At least this time the ladies present did not immediately take to their mobile phones and my neighbour proved to be a friendly person who enjoyed her wine. Although she soon spoke of her boyfriend it seemed to me that wine tasting is a pleasant way for socialising for a single woman without pressure.

Two sisters came along too and soon entered into the spirit of the evening. As a regular I note that at the first tasting the group is quiet and normally only one offers his/her opinion but after 4 tastings they loosen up bucolically and everyone is much freer with their views.