The Alphabet of Grapes Part 1

Join us for an evening exploring 6 different grape varieties from Albariño to Grenache, with some much less well-known varieties in between.

The most well-known grape varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate the shelves of wine retailers and restaurant wine lists, but there are literally hundreds of other grape varieties including some real hidden gems that you may not be so familiar with.

During this evening, we explore the Alphabet of Grapes from A to G, sampling 6 different wines, 3 white and 3 red from 5 different countries.  

A is for Albariño, Galician Spain's uber fashionable white variety.  A beautiful, fresh and aromatic wine with citrus and stone fruits on the nose.

B is for Barbera, our first visit to Piedmont in NW Italy for a look at this variety that is by far the most planted in the region.  Making wines with fresh acidity, but only medium levels of tannin, it is one of the few Italian red wines that work well without food.

C is for Chenin Blanc, the most widely planted grape in South Africa.  Produced in many forms from simple and fruity to oak-aged and complex.  We sample one of the best examples from old vines here.

D is for Dolcetto, our second visit to Piedmont to sample the second of the three main red varieties produced here.  This wine has red fruit character and beautifully smooth tannins, ideal for some antipasta!

F is for Furmint, Hungary's most well-known indigenous grape variety.  Famous as the main variety in super-sweet Tokaji, it also makes lovely dry wines too, which is what we will taste tonight.

G is for Grenache, or Garnacha as it is known in it's original home of Spain.  We will sample a Spanish example from its original homeland in the region of Aragon.  These wines are amazing value for money.

Have fun, expand your wine knowledge and sample some lovely wines.

This is the first part of a 3-part A-Z exploration of grape varieties, why not book onto all three here?

As usual, ISO tasting glasses are provided along with tasting notes.  Some suitable light snacks will help the wine down.