After last week’s tasting session, I was feeling slightly more prepared for another wine filled event. I lined my stomach with a treat from Home Sweet Home before embarking on my second ever trip on a tram. This time I was off to Scotts Hill in Chorlton for the launch of the Chorlton Wine Club that I had kindly been invited to. Upon arrival I was greeted by a very smiley man, Omar, and a bubbly glass of Prosecco. A girl could definitely get used to this.
Chorlton Wine Club is the third in its kind across Manchester, with more branches across the region to be rolled out next year. These clubs are the brainchild of Omar, whose passion for wine and good food is hard to miss. All the wines were chosen from Reserve Wines in Didsbury and canapés provided by the head chef of Scotts Hill. A small group of us were in for a night of wine tasting and food matching (I wish I hadn’t eaten so much earlier!) After an overview of the evening, a little experiment with white and red grapes to teach us about tannins, it was time to drink.
I was pleased to see that once again my favourite tipple had made it onto the tasting menu. This was a zesty, mouth-watering Apello Sauvignon Blanc from, you guessed it, New Zealand. We were told to swill the glass, to inhale the scents and finally take a sip. Frankly I just wanted to dive in, I knew I was on to a winner, but I did as I was told. This was matched with a mushroom canapé; mushrooms atop a sweet potato crisp which was just scrummy, bringing out the citrusy notes in the wine.
Next up was GPG Garganega Pinot Grigio with a special twist. This wine featured a blend of grapes, fusing the Pinot Grigio with the fairly unknown Garganega. It created a more golden hue and was very light on the palette. After the powerful punch of the Sauvignon the flavour became difficult to detect but it was refreshing and easy to drink.
The last of the whites was Waterstone Bridge Reserve Chardonnay from Australia. The praise for this particular wine across the group was very high. The scent was fresh, hints of elderflower and honey hitting my nose, the taste was velvety with hints of passion fruit. After a nibble on the ceviche seabass, the wine somehow became even smoother, the flavours intensifying. Even as a staunch Sauvignon Blanc drinker, I have to say this was delightful and may become a regular in my fridge.
A quick break and it was onto the reds. First up was Indomita Nostros Reserva Pinot Noir from Chile. The colour and body was light, a great introduction for those not too familiar with red wine. It had a sweet, berry aroma with a taste just as juicy. This was paired with breaded halloumi, caramelised onions and a cherry tomato mascarpone dip that was just divine.
Second of the reds was a heavy, full-bodied Septimo Dia Malbec from Argentina. Notes of plum wafted from the glass with thick jammy flavours. The taste was bold and intense, especially in contrast to the previous wine. There was a slight smoke to the flavour, a lingering velveteen texture coating my mouth.
And finally, the ‘pièce de résistance’; a French Claret. From Chateau De Fontenille, this wine from the old world featured notes of sweet autumnal berries, brambles and blackberries. Not too high in tannins, the texture was smooth and inviting. Matched with a flavoursome duck leg upon a crouton, so good I sneakily pinched another!
The night was a resounding success, showcasing wines from both the old and new world’s as well as educating us on the basics of food matching. But time was ticking on, like Cinderella before me, I had to be home before midnight. I thanked our wonderful host, and made my way back home, dreaming of what adventures would cross my path next.