1 Evening Tasting - Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot & Sauvignon Blanc - Grape Expectations

Join us as we discover three of the most important grape varieties in the world of wine, the fresh and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, the classic full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon and the soft and supple Merlot. Our 'Grape Expectations - Taste the Grape' course is a fantastic introduction in understanding the various flavour profiles available in the world of wine (WSET - Wine & Spirit Education Trust recommended approach to an Introduction to Wine).

Cabernet Sauvignon

This grape has it all; deep rich fruit, full intensity, good acidity and firm grippy tannins - all the components essential for a wine of maturity. Indeed, Cabernet Sauvignon makes some of the greatest wines in the world due to these characteristics. At home in Bordeaux, on the left bank in villages such as Pauillac and Margaux, it produces a classic style and in addition we find plantings across the world in countries such as Italy, California, Chile, South Africa and Australia delivering some of the world's most expressive wines.

Merlot

Where as Cabernet is the bold and beautiful, Merlot is always found nearby, and often blended with it to soften the blockbuster grape above. It adds a softness and creates a more youthful and easier drinking style wine. In today's climate punters have less patience for the slow-maturing Cabernet and are turning to Merlot for more immediate drinking. At home in Bordeaux it produces the softer 'right-bank' wines such as Saint-Emilion and Pomerol with New World countries such as Chile, California and New Zealand taking a shine to this approachable style.

Sauvignon Blanc

If there is currently a 'trendy' wine-drinker's drink, then Sauvignon Blanc is it. Very fresh and aromatic with an abundance of fruit from citrus to green and stone to tropical. This refreshingly acidic grape makes a thirst-quenching style that everyone seems to be enjoying, especially the Brits. At home in the Loire Valley, in the esteemed villages of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume it produces fresh and mineral-led styles but is uber-popular from countries such as New Zealand (Marlborough) and Chile, where the style is even more fresh and inviting.

All tastings include; minimum of 8 wines sourced locally so you can find them easily if you like them, full tasting notes, tasting sheet, use of professional tastings glasses and nibbles.

Book this wonderful tasting below

Places Available: 15

Course Date/Time: Wed 7th Apr 2010 at 7pm

Duration: 2 hours

Venue: The Wine Cellars