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...
