JANUARY – MARCH 2018 - The Wine Society · telephone us on 01438 741177 or ... The southern...

thewinesociety.com/tastingsthewinesociety.com/tastings

JANUARY – MARCH 2018

BOOKING INFORMATION

FOR ALL EVENTSTo purchase tickets please telephone us on 01438 741177 or visit thewinesociety.com/tastings

Within The Society’s Tastings & Events programme there is a range of wine-tasting opportunities where together we can discover more about the fascinating world of wine. To find out more and to hear why members enjoy our events, view two videos at thewinesociety.com/ tastings-videos

Cancellations: we reserve the right to cancel or postpone any function if insufficient tickets are sold, in which case any purchase will be refunded.

If you need to cancel tickets purchased for an event, refunds will only be given if we are notified at least 14 days before a wine dinner or at least seven days before our other events. Refunds will only be given after this time if we are able to re-sell your tickets.

Dress code: unless stated otherwise, there is no dress code. However, we politely request that no aftershave or scent should be worn.

GUIDE TO TASTINGS An overview of each tasting and event

10% OFF WINESWe offer a 10% discount on the standard price of wines tasted to all members who place an order before 8pm the following evening, barring stock or availability issues.

For the most up-to-date information about our events, including the wines that will be tasted on the day and the names of the growers joining us, please visit the Tastings & Events homepage at thewinesociety.com/tastings

Pages 3 – 8

INFORMAL, WALKAROUND TASTINGSRelaxed, fun and very enjoyable

Lively, informal events offering the chance to taste at least 20 wines in a relaxed atmosphere.

Pages 9 – 10

SEATED, TUTORED TASTINGSFlagship events featuring some of the world’s greatest wines

These prestigious events feature at least eight wines, often presented by the owner or producer.

Page 11

WINE DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTSFine food and fine wine

The Society hosts a variety of wine dinners across the country at some great venues.

Pages 12 – 15

THE SOCIETY IN STEVENAGETaste wine and food at The Wine Society’s headquarters

Our lunches are very popular, with an aperitif, a tour of the cellars and a four-course seated lunch. We also offer a selection of workshops and winemaker dinners in our Members’ Room.

3

INFORMAL, WALKAROUND TASTINGS Relaxed, fun and very enjoyable

3To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177

MANCHESTER

The Barbirolli Room The Bridgwater Hall Lower Mosely Street M2 3WS

Monday 22nd JanuaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8:30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180122

BIRMINGHAM

The Horton Suite Macdonald Burlington Hotel 126 New Street B2 4JQ

Tuesday 23rd JanuaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8:30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180123

ABERDEEN

The Ballroom Aberdeen Douglas 43-45 Market Street AB11 5EL

Tuesday 30th JanuaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180130

GLASGOW

The Trades Hall 85 Glassford Street G1 1UH

Wednesday 31st JanuaryFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180131

2017: THE HIGHLIGHTSA brand new year has arrived, but before we look ahead at what’s to come, it’s also time to reflect on the many highlights of 2017.

2017 was a great vintage for The Wine Society, full of success stories both for our wines and for the company as a whole. We were delighted to be awarded the International Wine Challenge Wine Club of the Year as well as Specialist Merchant for both regional France and Portugal, while many of our wines have been awarded trophies and gold medals by both the IWC and Decanter World Wine Awards. On top of these annual awards, we are always delighted to see our wines favourably reviewed by wine experts in the press as this often gives members the confidence to try something new or different.

We will be touring the country with a selection of vinous treats, including medal winners and wines lauded by the press, spanning Australia to Alsace with many more in between.


To view videos thewinesociety.com/tastings-videos4

CATCH A RISING STAR: GROWERS TASTINGSome wine drinkers like to stick to the tried-and-tested classics – cabernet, chardonnay, pinot grigio and so on – but there are thousands of different grape varieties out there just waiting for adventurous wine lovers to discover. While no one can deny the pleasure of returning to an old favourite, the excitement of discovering a new wine is one of life’s great joys.

It seems like only yesterday that grape varieties such as albariño were rarities, and yet now every self-respecting restaurant will feature at least one example. With this in mind, we have put together a selection of wines from off the beaten track; the lesser-known regions or grape varieties for which we anticipate great things in the future.

You won’t find any of the usual suspects at this informal, walkaround tasting, as interesting and delicious wines from often-overlooked, but nonetheless rewarding regions and producers take centre stage. On this occasion, we are delighted to welcome growers and representatives from domaines including Prince Stirby in Romania, Château Vartely in Moldova and England’s own Three Choirs.

Small family-run estates, unusual grape varieties and a host of exciting and as yet undiscovered styles and flavours are what this tasting is all about. Come along and you may find we discover the next big thing – or at least a new favourite for your wine rack.

LONDON

Merchant Taylors’ Hall 30 Threadneedle StreetEC2R 8JB

Monday 12th FebruaryFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG180212

LEEDS

The Victoria Hall Leeds Town Hall The Headrow LS1 3AD

Tuesday 13th FebruaryFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180213



LONDON

Merchant Taylors’ Hall 30 Threadneedle Street EC2R 8JB

Monday 26th FebruaryFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £35

ref TG180226

LIVERPOOL

The Concert Room The Crypt Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Brownlow Hill L3 5TQ

Tuesday 27th February From: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG180227

ROAM AROUND THE RHÔNE: GROWERS TASTINGThe Rhône Valley is a viticultural paradise for any fans of syrah, grenache, viognier and marsanne. The range of styles and quality of wines produced at both the north and south end of the valley ensure there is a wine to suit every taste and pocket.

In this informal, walkaround tasting we shall take a table-top tour of the vineyards of the Rhône, tasting our way through red, white and rosé wines from this rich and varied region.

The northern Rhône is home to prestigious appellations such as Côte-Rôtie, Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Cornas. Here syrah dominates, producing elegant, long-lived, rich red wines. The heady and intense viognier grape excels in the appellation of Condrieu, while other Rhône white grapes, marsanne and rousanne, have transformed Saint-Péray.

The southern Rhône is full of evocative names for lovers of grenache and mourvèdre: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Vacqueyras, Cairanne and Lirac all produce satisfyingly spicy, sun-drenched blends. As in the north, red wines are in the majority, but there are also fascinating whites and rosés to be found.

We are delighted to be in the company of winemakers and representatives from many of the estates in what promises to be a pleasing and enlightening evening for both Rhône enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Chapel of St. Christopher, Hermitage



IBERIAN ADVENTURES – THE WINES OF SPAIN AND PORTUGAL When it comes to winemaking, Spain and Portugal have been undergoing a quiet revolution over the last 20 years, and the results have been exciting and delicious!

Dynamic, talented winemakers have bucked the trend for planting international varieties, making full use of their countries’ many hundreds of indigenous grapes, and exploring the potential of the Iberian peninsula’s varied geography and regional differences.

Join us as we embark upon an Iberian adventure, exploring this exciting peninsula’s new breed of styles making waves across the world, from full-bodied, fruity reds to moreish, mineral whites, and so much more.

At this relaxed and informal tasting we will explore an exciting new breed of wines that are making waves across the world. The Atlantic-influenced regions of Galicia and Vinho Verde are home to the albariño grape (alvarinho in Portugal), producing whites with lively peach and baked apple flavours and an underlying flinty character. Further inland, Portugal’s Douro and Dão regions, Spain’s Priorat, Ribera del Duero and Rioja produce rich, full-bodied reds from indigenous varieties such as jaen, touriga national, tempranillo and graciano.

We can’t promise Spain and Portugal’s famously fair weather (not at this time of year, anyway!), but we can certainly brighten your evening with a range of fresh Iberian wine discoveries instead.

LONDON

The Great Hall One Great George Street Westminster SW1P 3AA

Monday 5th March From: 6pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG180305

NOTTINGHAM

Osborne Suite The Albert Hall North Circus Street Off Derby Road NG1 5AA

Monday 19th MarchFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180319

SALISBURY

The Banqueting Room The Guildhall Market Place SP1 1JH

Tuesday 20th MarchFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180320



WELCOME TO WINEAttention all new members and Society tastings novices: this tasting needs you!

Many people are initially put off from attending a tasting as they worry they might feel out of their depth, or, worse still that the event might be a stuffy affair full of wine bores! Obviously here at The Society we suffer no such horrors, and so to tempt all members who are either new to The Society or new to tastings in general to come along and test the water, we are hosting a series of tastings with newcomers in mind.

This informal, walkaround tasting is a chance to try a selection of 20 wines, from the classic grape varieties to lesser-known examples from popular regions. Throughout the evening, members of the Tastings Team will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, and we’ll be holding regular sessions demonstrating how to taste and assess wine. What’s the difference between Champagne and sparkling wine? Why is one wine much more expensive than another, and does it matter? These are all subjects which we will aim to tackle along with many more in what we hope will be a fun and informative evening.

With a series of mini-workshops covering topics ranging from the difference between wines from the northern and southern hemisphere to the theory behind food and wine matching, a series of quizzes and a mystery wine to boot, this event promises to be a million miles away from the ever-pervading image of a ‘gentleman’s club’ that still endures for many.

We hope to see you there.

LONDON

The Ashes Suite The Kia Oval Alec Stewart Gate SE11 5SS

Monday 12th MarchFrom: 5.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG180312



THE AMERICAN DREAM: WINES FROM THE AMERICAS Join us as we take a virtual voyage across the pond to discover the wines of North and South America. Our journey will explore the diversity of Canada and the USA, Chile, Argentina and Uruguay.

Starting in the north, we will take a close look at the cool-climate regions of Canada and Oregon, where pinot noir and chardonnay are giving Burgundy a run for its money. Then it’s over to the Golden State to try some rich, sumptuous zinfandels and classy cabernet from California.

In South America, site selection is all important, with winemakers increasingly seeking cooler coastal and high-altitude areas for their vines. In Chile, cool-climate varietals sauvignon blanc and pinot noir are proving successful in the Leyda Valley, while syrah and cabernet sauvignon do well in warmer Maipo. Argentina is best known for malbec, but chardonnay grown high above sea level is elegant and refined and the local variety, torrontés, provides fascinatingly floral fancies perfect for a variety of occasions, particularly ones involving aromatic foods.

Our whistle-stop tour of the Americas ends in Uruguay, where passionate winemakers have harnessed the distinctive flavours of the tannat grape and are producing fine, well-balanced wines with plenty of character.

We hope you will join us at this informal walkaround tasting to explore the American Dream.

LONDON

The Great Hall One Great George Street Westminster SW1P 3AA

Monday 26th MarchFrom: 6pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £30

ref TG180326

CARDIFF

The Whitehall Suite Jury’s Inn Park Place CF10 3UD

Wednesday 28th MarchFrom: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £28

ref TG180328

Napa produces many of the finest wines in North America

SEATED, TUTORED TASTINGS Flagship events featuring some of the world’s greatest wines


A TUTORED TASTING OF ITALIAN WINES

Italy is home to some of the world’s oldest wine-producing regions, and the country possesses a rich and varied range of indigenous grape varieties. From the light, aromatic whites of the Alto Adige and the robust nebbiolos of Piedmont, to the spicy, herbal primitivo and aglianico grapes which thrive in the south, there is a plethora of wine styles which would suit any palate or budget.

At this informal workshop, we’ll be familiarising ourselves with a host of characterful wines made from indigenous varieties, spanning the length and breadth of Italy’s famous boot.

Wines to be shown on the night will include La Rocca Soave Classico from Pieropan as well as Barolo Roggeri Ciabot Berton 2012 and Flaccianello Fontodi 2009.

Each has its own individual expression stemming from grape variety, soil type, climate and winemaking techniques, and this is a rare chance to try them all under one roof.

This fun and informative workshop will be hosted by Emma Briffett and Matthew Horsley of the Tastings and Events Team, and is designed for those who want to get to know Italian wines that little bit better.

HARROGATE

The Sun Pavilion Cornwall Road HG1 2PQ

Tuesday 20th February From: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £45

ref TG180220

ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPA

The Town Hall The Parade CV32 4AT Wednesday 21st February From: 6.30pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £45

ref TG180221

Try the beautiful wines of Chianti


CHÂTEAU BÉLAIR-MONANGE WITH EDOUARD MOUEIX‘Bélair-Monange has come of age since Christian Moueix’s son, Edouard, has made it his residence and assumed the responsibility of making it one of the key superstars of the right bank.’ Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate.

With origins dating back to Roman times, Château Bélair-Monange is situated at the highest point of Saint-Emilion’s famed limestone plateau, and has long been considered one of the region’s very best crus.

In 2008, this iconic château, then known simply as Bélair, was acquired by family-run Établissements Jean-Pierre Moueix, the most respected wine merchant on the right bank, and they immediately undertook extensive renovations of the vineyard and winery, restoring the château to its rightful historic status.

Since merging with Château Magdelaine – a Premier Grand Cru Classé property – in 2012, Château Bélair-Monange has been able to combine the terroirs of two of the most privileged sites of Saint-Émilion. The limestone from Bélair-Monange’s central plateau parcels offer freshness, minerality, and delicate, lingering aromatics, while the dense, blue clay of Magdelaine’s slopes provides intensity, length and a unique elegance to the wine.

We are delighted to welcome owner Edouard Moueix, who is no stranger to The Society, who will take us through a selection of vintages of Château Bélair-Monange including 2009, 2010 and 2015.

LONDON

The Banqueting Hall Ironmongers’ Hall Shaftsbury Place BarbicanEC2Y 8AA

Friday 9th MarchFrom: 6pm to 8.30pm Tickets: £120

ref TG180309

Top: Bélair-Monange

Left: Edouard Moueix

SEATED, TUTORED TASTINGS Flagship events featuring some of the world’s greatest wines

WINE DINNERS & SPECIAL EVENTS FINE FOOD AND FINE WINE


Top: Trinity Hill Bottom: The Crypt at Bleeding Heart

TRINITY HILL DINNER AT BLEEDING HEART The story of Trinity Hill began in 1987 when winemaker John Hancock met fellow New Zealanders Robert and Robyn Wilson in their London restaurant Bleeding Heart. It was here, over a bottle of chardonnay, that the concept of a Hawke’s Bay winery was born. The winery was eventually established in 1993, and has gone on to produce world-class red and white wines.

John Hancock is regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading and most innovative winemakers, with over 35 years of experience working in New Zealand, Australia and France. In fact, his vintages at Tain l’Hermitage in the Rhône with the late Gérard Jaboulet were the genesis of Trinity Hill’s now iconic Homage Syrah.

Today Trinity Hill’s reputation is based on its ability to produce wines with the pure fruit character you would expect from the new world, yet retaining the sophistication and complexity synonymous with the old world’s finest.

Join us as we host a dinner celebrating the magnificent Trinity Hill winery. Fittingly, we’re hosting this event where the story began at Bleeding Heart restaurant, and their delicious, classic yet modern French food will be expertly matched to a range of Trinity Hill’s wines. We look forward to welcoming you to this unforgettable night of gastronomic delight.

LONDON

The Crypt Bleeding Heart Bleeding Heart Yard EC1N 8SJ

Wednesday 17th JanuaryAperitif: 7pm to 7.30pm Dinner: 7.30pm to c10.30pm Tickets: £125

ref TG180117

To view videos thewinesociety.com/tastings-videos12 To view videos thewinesociety.com/tastings-videos12

THE SOCIETY IN STEVENAGE Taste wine and food at The Wine Society’s headquarters

LUNCH AT THE SOCIETY A warm welcome and a cool glass of fizz awaits you in The Cellar Showroom, where we’ll learn a little about the 144-year history of The Society.

A walking tour of the cellars follows, including a chance to look inside our eco-friendly fourth warehouse, which alone holds more than two million bottles of wine.

After the tour we’ll be enjoying a four-course lunch, freshly prepared with seasonal ingredients, accompanied by a tasting of five wines, all specifically chosen to complement the menu.

At the end of lunch a member of The Society’s Tasting Team will give a short talk on the wines and, just for fun, take a vote to discover the favourite wine of the day.

In a nutshell, more than your average lunch.

STEVENAGE

The Wine Society Gunnels Wood Road

Thursday 18th January

ref TG180118

Thursday 15th February

ref TG180215

Thursday 22nd March

ref TG180322

Aperitif: 12:30pm to c1pmLunch: 1.15pm to c3pmTickets: £55

Menu

Stilton and walnut tart served on rocket leaves

with a balsamic glaze

Starter

Roast pork belly infused with star anise

served with braised red cabbage, celeriac, green beans and a cider jus

Main Course

Selection of cheeseswith crackers and seasonal fruits

Cheese

Poached pearswith Port and mascarpone cream

Dessert

Menu from a recent Lunch at The Society

To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177 13


A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO WINE TASTINGWine tastings are lots of fun – or at least they should be! However, sometimes the world of wine – with its plethora of grape varieties, regions, styles and jargon – can seem overly complicated, intimidating and even off-putting.

In this informal workshop we will try a selection of eight wines, covering a range of styles from crisp whites to gutsy reds, with a sweet wine also making a guest appearance. We will discuss the best way to get the most out of wine tasting, why different wines taste the way they do, as well as touching briefly on topics such as matching wine with food.

Whether you’re a complete wine-tasting novice or someone who likes to drink wine but would love to learn a bit more about how each wine gets its flavours and aromas, this workshop is the perfect solution.

STEVENAGE


Saturday 13th JanuaryFrom: 11am to 1pm Tickets: £35

ref TG180113



MASTERWINED – THE WINE TASTING QUIZ

Back by popular demand, our quiz tasting evening is designed to appeal to beginners and experts alike.

Following a sparkling aperitif, and seated in teams of six (either pre-arranged by you or put together by us on the night) you will answer multiple-choice questions based on the wines being tasted on the night as well as other wine-related themes. Some questions will be expected – others less so! Although the evening is purely for enjoyment and of course it is the taking part that counts, members of the winning team will each leave with a bottle of The Society’s Champagne.

No evening is truly complete without a bite or two to eat, and so to help sustain our intrepid quizzers a selection of canapés will be served throughout the event.

As well as being a novel approach to wine tasting, this is also an excellent opportunity to invite friends along so that they can learn more about wine, as well as The Wine Society, in a fun and unusual way.

Will you be a Masterwined champion or The Weakest Drink? There’s only one way to find out…

THE PUDDING CLUBIt’s time to indulge your sweet tooth as we invite you to join us for our annual foray into the luscious world of dessert wines.

In the company of the Tastings Team’s self-confessed pudding addict Emma Briffett, we shall taste a selection of eight delicious, honeyed sweet wines. From the sumptuous apricot sweetness of Sauternes to the grapey richness of muscat, this decadent workshop is a chance to explore the methods used to create some of the world’s most renowned pudding wines.

Naturally a tasting of sweet wines would not be complete without a selection of tempting puddings! We will be serving a range of desserts designed to complement the wines we’ll be tasting and aid us in our exploration of the often complex (but ultimately very enjoyable) world of food and sweet wine matching.

This is the perfect workshop for all those of us who find it hard to see past the dessert trolley – and would like a wine to match!

STEVENAGE


Thursday 8th February Tickets: £55

ref TG180208

STEVENAGE


Saturday 10th FebruaryFrom: 11am to 1.30pm Tickets: £45

ref TG180210

Aperitif: 7pm to 7.30pmQuiz: 7.30pm to c10pm

LUNCH WITH SARAH KNOWLES MW

As the Society buyer responsible for Champagne, Australia, New Zealand and North America, as well as overseeing The Society’s range of sparkling wines and spirits, Sarah Knowles MW has an extremely diverse portfolio and is responsible for buying some truly delicious wines.

Sarah has kindly (and it must be said, very happily!) agreed to take some time out of her busy schedule to join us for a lunch at The Society in which she will pick some of her favourite wines to taste.

Join us for a sparkling aperitif in the Cellar Showroom, followed by a further five wines chosen specially to match a four-course lunch, during which Sarah will tell us all about the wines and why she has chosen them, giving us the benefit of her expertise and insider knowledge.

This promises to be an informal and fun lunch with good company and fine wines – what better way to end the working week?



LA DOLCE VITA – DINNER, ITALIAN STYLE

From the Alto Adige in the north to Puglia and Sicily in the south, Italy is a little slice of heaven for all those who love good food and wine.

Italy’s diverse and unique line-up of wines range from crisp garganega to silky nebbiolo, classic sangiovese and rich, spicy aglianico, but of course the Italians excel at timeless, mouthwatering food too, with its vast array of fresh, seasonal dishes beloved the world over.

Here at The Society we have decided to bring a little of ‘la dolce vita’ to Stevenage, with an Italian-themed four-course dinner complemented with wines from across the country which showcase some of the best that Italy has to offer. Prosecco, Soave, Barolo and Amarone will all make an appearance in this stellar line-up – and more besides.

So join us for an evening which promises to be a fitting celebration of Italy’s incomparable food and wine. Buon appetito!

STEVENAGE


Friday 16th March Tickets: £80

ref TG180316

STEVENAGE


Friday 2nd MarchTickets: £55

ref TG180302

Aperitif: 7pm to 7.30pmDinner: 7.30pm to c10.30pm

Aperitif: 1pm to 1.30pmLunch: 1.30pm to c3pm

DIARY PAGE UPCOMING TASTINGS AND EVENTS

123456789

10111213 STEVENAGE

A Beginner’s Guide to Wine Tasting

pg13

14151617 LONDON

Trinity Hill Dinner At Bleeding Heart

pg11

18 STEVENAGELunch at The Society

pg12

19202122 MANCHESTER

2017: The Highlightspg3

23 BIRMINGHAM2017: The Highlights

pg3

24252627282930 ABERDEEN

2017: The Highlightspg3

31 GLASGOW2017: The Highlights

pg3

12345678 STEVENAGE

Masterwined – The Wine Tasting Quiz

pg14

910 STEVENAGE

The Pudding Clubpg14

1112 LONDON

Catch A Rising Star: Growers Tasting

pg4

13 LEEDSCatch A Rising Star: Growers Tasting

pg4

1415 STEVENAGE

Lunch At The Societypg12

1617181920 HARROGATE

A Tutored Tasting of Italian Wines

pg9

21 ROYAL LEAMINGTON SPAA Tutored Tasting of Italian Wines

pg9

2223242526 LONDON

Roam Around The Rhône: Growers Tasting

pg5

27 LIVERPOOLRoam Around The Rhône: Growers Tasting

pg5

28

12 STEVENAGE

Lunch with Sarah Knowles MWpg15

345 LONDON

Iberian Adventurespg6

6789 LONDON

Château Bélair-Monange with Edouard Mouex

pg10

101112 LONDON

Welcome To Winepg7

13141516 STEVENAGE

La Dolce Vita – Dinner, Italian Style

pg15

171819 NOTTINGHAM

Iberian Adventurespg6

20 SALISBURYIberian Adventures

pg6

2122 STEVENAGE

Lunch at The Societypg12

23242526 LONDON

The American Dream: Wines From The Americas

pg8

2728 CARDIFF

The American Dream: Wines From The Americas

pg8

293031

JANUARY MARCHFEBRUARY

To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings

01438 741177To order tickets thewinesociety.com/tastings 01438 741177

TLO

CT

17

Date post:	29-Apr-2018
Category:	Documents
Upload:	hoangmien
View:	215 times
Download:	1 times

JANUARY – MARCH 2018 - The Wine Society · telephone us on 01438 741177 or ... The southern...

Documents