Newsletter April 2024
Dear Members
Our March Tasting at Los Amigos in Javea was enjoyed by over 50 members and guests. Led by Tony and Gro Salter and assisted by Tim Fawle, the three amigos each gave a plausible explanation of each of five wines, but only one of them was telling the truth. Each table group had to analyse their descriptions (guess) which was the correct wine, with prizes to the winning table. A great evening, enjoyed by attendees at what is now becoming one of our favourite venues. A full report can be found here.
I am delighted to announce that Helen Granville has agreed to become our Acting Vice President. This role was not filled at the January AGM and is required under our constitution. The title ‘acting’ means that Helen will not automatically put herself forward as the next President, although that is clearly an option open to her.
A few weeks ago I sent a message to members to assess interest in attending a Wine Education Workshop. At a cost of €95 each at a venue in the Javea area, attendees will, in a half day session, learn more about; choosing wine with greater confidence, obtain a better knowledge of different types and styles of wine, learn the correct way to store and serve wine, and learn the principles of food and wine pairing. The workshop will be presented in English by an experienced and highly qualified educator who is based in Valencia. I am delighted that we have already exceeded the minimum number of members needed to go ahead with the workshop, which will be run on 3 or 4 June. If anyone else is interested in taking part, please contact me to express your interest by April 10. Shortly after that I will contact all those who have expressed an interest to confirm your place and request payment which will be due one month before the event.
Our next tasting will be at the lovely venue of Ca La Iaia Restaurant in Moraira on 18 April, hosted by Tim and Sandy Fawle. This venue, which we have not been to for several years, has always been popular. The owner also owns A Catarlo Todo in Teulada which is one of the region’s largest wine distributors, offering wines not sold by others. Tim and Sandy will be presenting a really interesting selection of wines from Castilla y Leon, which has 8 DO’s and produces some of Spain’s top wines. As we had an excellent turnout for the March Tasting I would recommend booking this event early in order to avoid disappointment. The menu is as follows:
APERITIVO
Cucharita de sardina ahumada y tomate
Pan tomate y all i oli
ENTRADAS
Jamón Ibérico de Guijuelo con Foie de Pato
Carpaccio de Bacalao sobre fondo de Tomate
Croquetas de Carrillera de ternera y boletus
Sorbete
PLATO PRINCIPAL
Pluma de cerdo Ibèrico con dos salsas
-O-
Lomo de bacalao con pisto
POSTRE
Tarta de Queso
Please book through our usual booking page on the website, accessed by clicking below
The cost is €42 for members and €52 for guests. Don’t forget that bookings will close at 12.00 on 12 April. Please remember that no bookings can be accepted after the booking system has closed. Also, if you have to cancel after bookings have closed, we will not be able to refund you.
The May Tasting will be hosted at Denia Yacht Club by Fergus and Joan Fitzpatrick. This is their first Tasting Team presentation, so please show them your full support. It will be a presentation by Bodegas San Isiidro from the excellent Jumilla wine region. 5 wines will be presented by this largest winery in the region.
Our June Tasting will take place at the ever popular Puerto Blanco restaurant in Calpe. It promises to be an entertaining and informative event. The distributor Gonzalo Lainez will be presenting wines from Rioja in his inimitable style.
With Best Wishes
Neville