September saw the start of a new season for the UWC. With the first ever virtual UWC quiz finishing off the last season in June, this was the first “real” meeting since February this year! It was great to see everyone together, albeit with the new social distance rules that apply to the village hall.
The rules and guidelines for the village hall relating to COVID-19 are constantly being reviewed to ensure we are fully up to date and compliant. Whilst we have had to make some changes for everyone’s protection, it has been brilliant to have the opportunity to bring back a little bit of normality for everyone who enjoys the wine club.
September allowed the club to start the new season with the delayed March meeting, which was wines from Brian and Giulia’s Strictly Wine business, presented by Ros and Andy, the distributors that have helped Strictly Wine build their business from the start!
One of the great things about wine is the varying tastes experienced from the same grape, which you get from the differing regions and methods of wine making. Great for the variety but not always easy to make a selection. Ros and Andy helped out here by comparing various wines for different countries and regions for everyone to compare and contrast.
To start we tried the Zorzal, Sauvignon Blanc “Eggo Blanc de Cal” from Mendoza with the Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 from Marlborough. Whilst the New Zealand Marlborough is perhaps better known for SB, there was an even split on preference. Try the Zorzal for something different!
Next we tried the Tahbilk Viognier, Nagambie Lakes from Victoria and the Swartland Winery ‘Limited Release’ Carignan. Really interesting to try a white against a red. There was a clear winner here, with one member ordering several cases of the Carignan….Christmas come early (if it lasts that long!) 100% Carignan, with some great complexity and a combination of dark red fruits and chocolate – Yum!
We had two very contrasting Pinot Noir’s to taste next. Lake Chalice ‘The Nest’ Pinot Noir from Marlborough and Ernst Gouws Pinot Noir, Western Cape. Two great wines, which changed people’s view as the wine opened up. The Nest, produced some very aromatic flavours mixed with light raspberries, whilst the Ernst Gouws was a much deeper red with again, more chocolate notes with red berries. Both great and worth trying with some Pate for a lazy Sunday supper!
Out last wine comparison was the Argentine Piattelli Premium Malbec Premium, Cafayate and the Berton Vineyard Gundagai Shiraz from New South Wales, Australia. Both brilliant wines to finish on, with the Australian Shiraz becoming the overall favourite, with some beautiful deep red berry flavours. Just right for a beef casserole!
If you fancy trying any of the wines above then please look up strictlywine.com (or just see Brian). For anyone wanting to know more about the wine club or who wants to come along and see what it’s all about please go to our website (www.uptonwineclub.com) or mail ian.langley@yahoo.co.uk.
Looking forward to October’s meeting, where the committee will be talking about some of their favourite wines from the Summer!
Ian
(Chairman)