A while ago, I made this little vlog about tasting wine. It explains the basics behind that rather ridiculous sniff/swirl/spit action, essential if you want to discover what’s really in your glass.
But in fact, the best way to taste wine is to compare and contrast, with a number of different wines lined up in front of you. However, unless you’re feeding a crowd – or a complete lush, obviously – chances are you’ll usually have just the one bottle open at any one time. Which brings me nicely to the subject of wine tastings. Now, I’ll be telling you all about how to run a cracking wine tasting at home IN THE BOOK (see right, down a bit, available to pre-order, big smile) but in the meantime, check out West London Mum’s wine tasting club starting in West London next month. With bubbles. She’s even asked if I can come and do a future one. I’ll try not to wink.
Current white in the fridge: Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2011, £9.99, Majestic
There is nothing particularly subtle about this Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, very few Marlborough Sauvignons could be described as subtle. No, the thing here is pure lemon & lime fruit and cheek-sucking, lip-smacking freshness. And there’s a definite whiff of green tea about it, in a good way. No oak. Just fruity freshness. *winks*
Current red in the rack: Piccini Memoro, £7.11 on offer (currently 25% off), Tesco
When I gave a glass of this to The Husband, he literally stopped what he was doing (watching the telly, if I remember rightly) to tell me how completely delicious is was. It does that, this wine. Stops people in their tracks. It is a bit of a beast, with an almost obscene amount of black fruit and not just a little bit of alcohol, but is so lovely, soft, warm and cuddly, it is completely forgiven. Made from a mish-mash (technical term, obviously) of grapes from across Italy, then all blended together and put in a heavy bottle with a brilliantly stylish Italian label. Memorable.
Bottoms up x
Masterful – the wink makes it…
Glad you think so, Potty.
How very dare she do that when I DON'T LIVE IN W6 ANY MORE?!
Will you come and do one in Scotland too?
Aye, love to…!
Looking forward to the book!
Same…and looking forward to hearing what you think!
The Piccini Memoro sounds delightful.
Lovely, it really is.
The book will be fantastic and this video tutorial has helped me a lot, thank you and keep up the good work!
Thanks! Very kind, glad you liked it.
I loved this vlog so much I've linked to it in my post today! Can't wait for the book–feel free to have a launch at my house… 😉
And you do wine tastings?! How do we arrange one of those?
Why, thanks! And yes, always up for a wine tasting…! I'll email you details x
Came here from Michelloui's blog recommendation. It's very tantalising, hearing about what you'll be doing tomorrow, which was, in fact, a couple of days ago now. Did it go well?
In fact, it was last year, and it was great fun! Wine tasting without leaving the house…the wonders of social media, eh?!
Also came here following Michelloui's recommendation. Had a bit too much wine last night myself reading about it first thing in the morning isn't wise. But I shall return when less hungover. Anyone who quaffs wines with regularity deserves reading
Aw, thanks Melissa, glad you like it here. I provide Alka Seltzer on request 😉
You can learn how to tate wine from this post. Useful infromation
Or even taste wine.
Im so crap at all this. First time I did the mouth-swilling thing I almost choked myself.
Oh, you poor thing! Takes dedicated hours of practice…;)