The grade 1 listed St Marys centre, formerly the Church of St Mary on the hill, seemed an ideal location for the Chester Civic Trust’s Jubilee year wine tasting celebration, the red sandstone building with its medieval camber beam roof creating an ideal ambience for the evening.
In reference to the five trips to the continent made by the Trust it was decided that the accompanying food be a mix of cuisine for the Czech Republic, Poland, Italy and France. As an introduction and welcome Czech lager and premium Polish Vodka were served alongside a selection of cured meats, sour kraut and pickles as the group braced themselves for 6 wines from Italy and France.
A Pinot Grigio Superiore by Cantina Beato Bartolomeo was the first wine on taste and was universally enjoyed. Lemon and citrus flavours dominated a good ‘all round’ wine which boasted exceptional balance and persistent length. Allegrini’s Valpolicella DOC was then served with an assortment of Italian antipasti and proved to a favourite of the evening; the soft berry fruit quickly winning over the crowd and disappeared almost as quickly as it had emerged. Following this a Salice Salentino DOC by Cantina Sampietrana revealed typical characteristics of Puglia’s Negroamaro grape; a dry dusty wine with lots of red fruit and an undertone of dried herbs.
Cave de Hunawihr produce a lovely Alsace Gewürztraminer bursting with stone fruit and lychee, served with a selection of French cheeses and table grapes. The wine, with its low acidity and brilliant nose of peaches and floral complexity is a surprising partner to soft Brie.
A deep and concentrated Corbieres by Chateau de Tersac appeared next, a spicy, rustic blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mouverdre from the Languedoc. With one of the Trust’s European trips being Montpellier and the Languedoc this was a sentimental favourite with many being very familiar with this brambly wine already.
Closing the evening was apricot pie served with a naturally sweet Monbazillac from family owned Domaine L’Ancienne Cure. A blend of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, the rich, sweetly concentrated flavours of apricot and honeysuckle were the perfect combination to close a wonderful and special evening.
