If you fancy a new twist on meeting friends at the pub why not arrange a wine tasting? It's great fun - very social - a way to discover new wines and make new friends...
I had a couple of reasons to arrange a wine tasting last week... First, my love for all (most) things Italian inspired me to set-up a group on Qype called La Dolce Vita. Then one of the delightful members started a discussion on favourite wines; so, as 'administrator', I took the initiative and organised a wine-tasting. It was fun to do...I approached a few reputable companies and we ended-up collectively opting for Wined Up Here, run by the lovely Charlotte.
Last week, friends (old and new) met-up in SW London and enjoyed comparing the relative merits of eight Italian wines, culminating in a grappa. Charlotte and I got together (soberly!) beforehand to decide on the line-up. We aimed for (some) regional variation, contrast and balance between taste and cost.
On the night, I confess that the stars of the show (for me and for many others) proved to be the most expensive examples. The Masi Amarone, at £22.50, was stunningly good - super-rich and unctuously velvety - unusual in its reliance on both fresh and semi-dried grapes, a special occasion wine to be relished and savoured. The climaxing brown-hued Grappa di Amarone, by Allegrini - at £25 for 50cl - took me by surprise, initially, with its slight medicinal edge but after a few sips I was converted; when budget (and occasion) permits, I'll return to treat myself, or a friend...
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And a lovely evening it was - definitely a fun and sociable event. Not to mention the chance to buy my own bottle of Amarone for later...
Thank you for being there... Salute for the Amarone and here's to the next event!
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