New and Old "Terroir"
“Terroir” is a French word meaning “sense of place”. It not only reflects the specific climate/soil conditions related to a defined area where the wine has been made, but also the specific grape varieties and winemaking techniques used for the related wine. Our new theme will gather wines carrying the “Terroir” factor rather than an international style. From the New World to the Old, we will taste unique wines made by great winemakers.
Which wines?
Shiraz from Barossa-Australia, Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough-New Zealand, Pinot Noir from Central Otago-New Zealand, Rioja-Spain, Ribera del Duero-Spain, Friuli Venezia Giulia-Italy, Barolo-Piedmont-Italy, Chianti Classico-Tuscany-Italy, Cote d'Or and Cote de Beaune -Burgundy-France, Chablis-Burgundy-France, Savennieres-Loire-France...
Altitude Wines
Why is altitude beneficial to wines, and especially so in the warmer wine regions? We will travel from the medium-altitude (200 to 400 meters high) wine regions such as Tuscany (Italy) or Napa (USA) to the higher altitudes (800 to 2000 meters high) of Northern Piedmont (Italy) or Salta or Uco Valley (Argentina) and taste these well balanced wines well concentrated in flavours, colour, tannins, and good acidity too!
Which wines?
Dry whites or sweet whites from Jurancon-France, Riesling from the Grampians-Australia, Chardonnay from Navarra-Spain, Malbec from Uco Valley-Argentina, Cabernet Sauvignon from Aconcagua Valley-Chile, Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero-Spain...
The "Essentials"
Choose one country and we will put together a wine list which will be representative of the wines from this country only. A fantastic theme to discover a country from scratch, or experience other styles of wines from an already known wine route. "Essentials" can be applied to both New and Old Worlds and can also be narrowed to a specific region as long as there is enough diversity.
Which wines?
The "essential" wines will come from the best vineyards and winemakers, and will be specific to your selected coutry or wine region.
Exceptional Wine and Food Combinations
Experience the pleasure of some superb pairings. When very good wines are in the company of simple, but very tasty food, you are left with a feeling of pure happiness. We will explain why this works so that you can use the basics next time you are in your favourite restaurant or at home.
Which wines?
Champagne Brut, Tokay from Hungary, dry Gewurztraminer from New Zealand, Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, white Hermitage from Northern Rhone, Maury from the South of France.
Wine and Chocolate
Wine and Chocolate are difficult to combine, but when the partnership works, it is like pure love: it is heaven! We will try 6 different pairings which will surprise you, from milk to dark chocolate bitter and sweet tasted with a full range of different wines, from white to red, still and sparkling. Enjoy a voluptuous experience and discover that balance in food and wine combination is the key to a good match.
Which wines?
Pinot Noir from Martinborough/New Zealand, Sauternes from Bordeaux/France, Bracchetto from Piedmont/Italy, Cabernet Sauvignon from California/USA, Banuyls from the South of France, Port.
Travel Time in a Bottle: Discover the aging process in wine
Yes aging can be great for wines as long as the wine has got what it takes to age! We will travel through time and compare different vintages of the same wines, so that we can witness how age can bring goodness and understand which types of flavours can appear over time.
Which wines?
White Cote de Beaune from burgundy, Savennieres from the Loire Valley, Californian Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot Blend from Napa, red Haut Medoc from Bordeaux, Bandol from Provence, Burgundy from the Cote de Nuit, Tokay from Hungary.
New World versus Old World
An amazing tasting to understand the features and flavours of the main grape varieties around the world. We will taste wines produced from the same fruit but produced in both New and Old worlds and investigate the differences. We will also discover the influence of soils, climate and winemaking on the wine and experience the wide range of flavours that can be achieved!
Which wines?
Pouilly Fume from France versus Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, White Vouvray sec from the Loire Valley versus South African Chenin Blanc, Red Burgundy Nuit St George versus Pinot Noir from Martinborough NZ, Cote Rotie from Northern Rhone versus Shiraz/ Viognier blend from Barossa, and Sauternes from France versus Botrytised Australian Semillion.
Is the Old World getting younger?
In the Old World, especially in some areas of Spain, Italy or France, a new breed of winemakers have dared in the last 30 years to make top notch wine away from the classic rules such as the AOC in France, the DOC in Italy, and the DO in Spain. From the grape varieties used to the winemaking technique, we will explore how those wines are confronting tradition. The result is astonishing and refreshing while shaping the future of the Old world.
Which wines?
Chianti Rufina, Bolghesi and "Super Tuscans" from Italy - Priorato, Ribero del Duero, and Toro from Spain - Vins de pays from France.
Please note
All wines referenced above are stated as examples of what could be provided for an event. In order to meet client requirements, and because vintages run out from time to time, those wines may be changed or substituted.
