Italy and 10 years of 'offlines'
A busy sort of day. First, the 'definitive' Italian wine tasting at Lord's. I've been taking quite an interest in Italian wines of late, so this was of real interest to me. The problem with Italy is that it has many gems, but they're kind of hidden in a sea of dross. Few countries can boast the sort of vinous diversity Italy posesses, but then few countries would make such a hash of this fantastic diversity if they had it. I shall persevere and continue to learn.
I started off with the Italian portfolio of Les Caves de Pyrene, which is superb. I also spent time with Winetraders, Altissimo, Genesis Wines, Liberty and HS. There were some really impressive wines.
After the tasting there was a reception in the Member's Pavillion, and after lengthy and difficult negotiations Tina Coady had persuaded Lord's to relax their dress code by a degree, such that jacket and tie wasn't obligatory for gentlemen. I wasn't able to stay long, but I took the chance to enter this hallowed area, taking a couple of pictures of the fantastic view that the MCC members enjoy from the roof terrace (above). Then I was off to the City, for an internet wine geek dinner at Alba. Six of us gathered, a decade after the first UK internet wine geek offline was held (at Gilbeys in Ealing). At the inaugural event ten years ago the guests included Robin Garr (from the USA), Tom Cannavan, Nick Alabaster, Simon Goldberg and myself. Tonight, Nick Alabaster and I drank a toast to that summer evening long ago, and were joined by Theresa Regli-Iverson, Rahsaan Maxwell, David Plattner and Victor Randall. We were all known to each other through internet discussions and previous offlines, and it was a jolly night, with the conversation straying from wine to all manner of diverse topics.
I started off with the Italian portfolio of Les Caves de Pyrene, which is superb. I also spent time with Winetraders, Altissimo, Genesis Wines, Liberty and HS. There were some really impressive wines.
After the tasting there was a reception in the Member's Pavillion, and after lengthy and difficult negotiations Tina Coady had persuaded Lord's to relax their dress code by a degree, such that jacket and tie wasn't obligatory for gentlemen. I wasn't able to stay long, but I took the chance to enter this hallowed area, taking a couple of pictures of the fantastic view that the MCC members enjoy from the roof terrace (above).
The wines? Quite memorable. Poll Roger Winston Churchill 1990, Clos St Hune 2000, Hans Wirsching Riesling Schofer Julius Echer Berg 2006 Franken, Ogier C-R 998, Clusel Roch C-R 2001, Sorrel Hermitage La Greal 1995, Roberto Voerzio Barolo Cerequio 1990 and Svepsy Madi Szoleszet Danczka Dulo Tokaji Aszuessencia 1993. It was a fun gathering, ending a little prematurely because of the rather poor transport options London offers much beyond 11.30 pm.
10 Comments:
Do you think a jacket and tie is such a bad requirement
Would be great if you could give us some Italian recommendations from the different merchants, Jamie.
We had the Winetraders fellows and Mr Palij pop round to run an afternoon of tasting for us too, with some cracking wines from a funny producer in the Veneto called Inama (no idea who stocks it in its retail form) who had a pair of Carmenere blends that were stunning. Loads of acidity, plenty of fruit, extremely 'serious' in a rich but lithe, summer lunch/evening red style and nothing at all like Chilean stuff. He also had an accacia-oak aged late harvest Sauv B that was divine.
JMac
Soome more Itailan reccos include:
A Mr Brovia: Barolos, a STUNNING Dolcetto to rival Mascarello and barbera "Brea" which imho is the best I have ever tasted.
Inama Soave's rock. as does the Sauviugnon "Vulciaia". His reds are no that bad either!
I reckon that Inama and Pieropan lead the Veneto in whites.
Who's the hot chick? ;-)
Douglas. These days, yes. To watch cricket, I don't see the need for a dress code beyond smart casual.
Anon, will do
Anon, Stefano Inama was there yesterday with his son. His wines are fantastic.
David, thank you.
Thor, why I do beleive it's your significant other. She's lively, isn't she?
Surely that Clos St Hune was way too young Jamie? Have a 2001 and been told to keep it another 20 years or so.
Not sure if I will be around then so would appreciate your feedback
Yes, CSH is normally a 20 year wine. This was, however, quite petrolly and advanced. I think it's the vintage.
She's lively, isn't she?
She's responsible for my very own accellerated aging curve. ;-)
If you want some more stunning Dolcetto's, try any from Claudio Alario or the Briccolero from Chionetti. Both are Dolcetto specialists, and dont disappoint. Must say, always think Pieropan is over-priced. Would go for Inama over Pieropan anytime.
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