The Alphabet of Grapes Part 3

Join us for an evening exploring 6 different grape varieties from Riesling to Zweigelt with some 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 conclude the Alphabet of Grapes from R to Z, sampling 6 different wines, 2 white and 4 red from 6 different countries.  

R is for Riesling, Germany's superstar grape variety produces terrific wines from bone dry to super sweet.  The most popular style remains the off-dry or medium-dry style, with the Mosel region especially famous for this wine style and it is one of these wines that we will sample.

S is for Sagrantino, one of Italy's more obscure red varieties from Umbria, but capable of making fantastically structured and food-friendly wines.

T is for Touriga Nacional, Portugal's most famous red variety, associated with Port but also the main variety in many table wines from the Douro Valley.

V is for Verdejo, one of Spain's most popular white varieties, associated with the region of Rueda in north-central Spain.  Fruity, refreshing and aromatic wines are the result.

X is for Xinomavro, arguably Greece's best red variety, producing complex structured wines with a pale colour.  Has been compared to the famous Barolo wines of Italy

Z is for Zweigelt, finally, a red wine from Austria.  A light, fruity wine that can be served lightly chilled, ideal for a summer evening.

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

This is the final 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.