Our October meeting was presented by the double act David and Ian who gave us a tour of wines from South America as it is believed that the quality of wine from that region is increasing and there is still good value even with the diminishing pound against other currencies after Brexit.
Ian introduced the white and rose wines beginning with the Errazuriz Wild Fermented Chardonnay (Majestic £12.99), Vinalba Torrontes (Majestic £9.99) Hey Malbec Rose (Majestic £9.99) and a Morande Gewurztraminer (Majestic £8.99).
The Torrontes seemed to please most of the members and the label on the rose was a sight to behold! Not sure if it would make you buy the wine or avoid it!
David started the reds with a Beefsteak Malbec (Waitrose £6.59) which did exactly as it said on the bottle. A malbec to go with a good steak. Next was the Norton Reserve Malbec (Waitrose £8.99) which was a step up from the Beefsteak followed by the Ben Marco Malbec (Majestic £14.99) went to the next level and finally the Mendel Mendoza (Majestic £22.99) a Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon blend which was the wine of the evening.
All the reds were from the Mendoza area where they are grown at height (3000 -3500 metres) where they receive plenty of sunshine which aids ripening cool moist air from the Pacific and semi-arid desert condition which are irrigated by melt water from the Andes. I’m sure a well hung Argentinian steak was mention in the description of one of the wines.
We now look forward to November’s meeting, at which our Chairman Will Betts will be showing wines from the Iberian Peninsula. There may be an unusual wine or two!
If you’ve wondered about joining us, please do contact an existing member or anyone from the committee – you’re very welcome to try your first meeting as a guest, and the more the merrier.
The club’s regular meetings continue on the third Wednesday of each month with the exception of December which is the second week. Subject to final confirmation, we intend to enjoy:
16 November: Wines from the Iberian Peninsula. Will Betts
14 December: Pushing the Boat Out/Special Occasion Wines. Committee Members (Don’t forget this meeting is one week earlier and will be £12.50).
Cheers!
Kevin Jacklin, Secretary