It has been a punishing couple of weeks, with two Spectator Wine School Masterclasses, a brace of Winemaker Lunches and a cracking Winemaker Dinner with Ch. Pichon Baron in the library of our new venue above Old Queen Street Café, hosted by mighty Christian Seely himself.
My old pa, faced with such an onslaught, would crack on through, refusing to give into the temptation of taking a day off the vino. Such folly only risked confusing the liver, he insisted, leading to toxic shock or worse.
I’m not so sure but, heck – what better way to regroup and realign one’s palate after such a boozy blitzkrieg than with a gentle morning tasting with Siobhan Astbury, buying director of Haynes Hanson & Clark?
HHC have a wonderful range of wines, both mainstream and quirky, and Siobhan laid on some fascinating treats for me to explore and enjoy on your behalf, my favourites of which are here below.
The 2023 Domaine Alexandre Cady Anjou Blanc (1) is 100 per cent Chenin Blanc (organic) and 100 per cent delicious. It made the perfect start to our tasting, with its fresh, soft quince/pear fruit and fine, brisk acidity. HHC have worked with fourth-generation winemaker Alexandre Cady for yonks and little wonder, for this is a charming, easy-drinking gem. £13.50 down from £15.45.
The 2023 Kellerei Kurtatsch Pinot Bianco (2) from a small co-operative in Italy’s Alto Adige, founded in 1900 and encompassing 190 hectares, owned by 190 growers, is an extremely appealing example of one of my favourite unsung grapes. Mountain-fresh, floral and faintly honeyed, it makes an alluring aperitif or match for simple starters or summer salads.
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