On a beautiful summer evening members (who benefited from a subsidy) and guests experienced an enjoyable and very interesting talk by Matthew Kaine on the subject of comparisons between French and Spanish white wines. As usual, the turn out emphasized the popularity of the restaurant and its setting.
Following an appreciated Cava on entry, introduction of returning members and guests and welcome for the speaker, Matthew, from Casa del Vino, Jávea, immediately introduced the first of his five wines.
He explained the different grape varieties and characteristics of each wine, and while the popular Spanish Verdejo was delightfully crisp and fresh, he would recommend that it be drunk now and he would never advise keeping beyond a year, whereas the wine from France would deteriorate only a little if kept a few years in the cellar.
Our first offering was the Spanish Perla Maris, which was followed by the French Sancerre. Although nearly double the price, the French Domaine Cedrick Bardin, was judged by the group their favorite wine of the evening. Before the main course two Spanish wines were offered, quite different in style and grape, and both achieved a high score, the second and less expensive one was preferred. Finally, to complete the tasting, the group was offered a French Chateau de Fuisse Saint Veran. It was noted that very little use was made of the poubelles or ‘slop bowls’ throughout this tasting! Further details of the wines with prices can be found of the society web site.
Matthew offered members a discount from his bodega in Jávea for all the wines he presented.
Steve Collins gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the attendees, and had helped in the planning of this event.
The chef and staff of the Puerto Blanco were thanked for the quality of food, service and presentation. Traditionally, this has been the choice of the society for our June Event, and although expensive, lends itself perfectly to an outdoor summer event.
The speakers for this evening, which was attended by 58 members and their guests, were drawn from the membership of the society; Caryl Skelton and Gordon Sellars. They treated us to some comparative wine tasting which many members had indicated was something they wished to participate in.
The first two wines Caryl and Gordon presented where whites from Rueda, both 100% Verdejo and both very fruity. Blume Verdejo 2008 won the gold medal at Berlin Wein Trophy 2009 and rated 88 points in the Guía Peñin and 5 stars for price quality ratio. Vega Murillo Verdejo 2009 was produced for the first time in that year and had no Peñin rating, but received the higher mark from the assembled tasters.
Next two reds were presented for comparison. Mestizaje 2008 from VDLT Terrerazo, Valencia was a coupage of five grape varieties; Bobal, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Syrah and Merlot and received 92 points from the Guía. Dido, La Universal 2006 came from the bodega Venus La Universal in Montsant and at 11.46€ was the most expensive wine tasted during the evening. The bodega is small having only 4 hectares of vines and producing only two reds and a white, however the class was immediately apparent and given the oenologists are Sara Pérez and her husband René Barbier, this is hardly surprising. This wine was also a blend of Garnacha, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah and had a much deeper colour and greater nose of black fruit flavours. The Peñin rating for this wine was 90.
The fifth wine tasted during the main meal, the others having been tasted during tapas, was another red; Venta del Puerto No 12 2006, from Bodega La Viña in the DO Valencia. Blended from Tempranillo, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah, the wine had a beautiful deep red colour and a powerful fruity nose. It was rated at excellent value for money by the Guía and awarded 91 points.
Finally an unusual Rosado accompanied the dessert; Rosat 2008 from Bodegas Parcent (founded in 2002) in the DO of Alicante. A 50% blend of Merlot and Giró, it was much darker than the traditional rosado and while not sweet like a Moscatel, certainly had a slightly sweetish and fruity taste. This was due to the Giró grape which is very black and fruity and used for making sweet and fortified wines. The 2010 Guía Peñin awards it 78points.
Altogether a very enjoyable evening in pleasant surroundings, a good menu and excellent wines. Toby Carpenter proposed the vote of thanks to Caryl and Gordon for their excellent presentation.
