Past tastings

Established in 2010 and based in nearby Ipswich, Suffolk, Go Brazil is a specialist wine importer and distributor that focuses on bringing the best of Brazilian wines to the UK.  As the only UK company to do so, they take their job seriously, searching for high-quality, different, interesting, and modern wines that represent the wide range of styles, regions, and producers across Brazil. 

Wine was first introduced to Brazil by the Portuguese in the 16th century, but its commercial winemaking more officially started nearly 150 years ago — the last quarter of the 19th century — with the first Italian immigrants in the south of the country. 

Join us in exploring what Brazilian wines have to offer!

NEW COVID REQUIREMENT
We are now requiring all attendees to complete a SAME DAY lateral flow COVID test, submit the results (www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result), and bring along the email/text as proof of your negative result. If you happen to test positive, please inform a member of the CUWS committee with proof of your positive result and you will be eligible for a refund.

Franciacorta, Italy

Descended from a noble family originating in Lugo di Romagna who moved to Franciacorta in the 13th century, Ricci Curbastro has a long history of winemaking that spans 18 generations. 

Although grapes have been grown in Franciacorta by the family since the 14th century, sparkling Franciacorta is relatively new. This producer was one of the first of 11 to make sparkling Franciacorta in 1967 when they formed the DOC. Beginning with 45 producers, in 1995, Franciacorta achieved DOCG status. As a result of glaciation, the region is composed of a variety of soil types that results in a range of complex profiles. 

Come join us for an enjoyable evening of sparkling wines!

NEW COVID REQUIREMENT
We are now requiring all attendees to complete a SAME DAY lateral flow COVID test, submit the results (www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result), and bring along the email/text as proof of your negative result. If you happen to test positive, please inform a member of the CUWS committee with proof of your positive result and you will be eligible for a refund.

 

Napa Valley, USA

Cain Vineyard and Winery sits surrounded by nature in a picturesque bowl overlooking the Napa Valley in the Spring Mountain District. Originally founded by Jerry and Joyce  Cain in 1980, Jim and Nancy Meadlock joined the winery in 1986, taking over sole ownership in 1991 at the same time Chris Howell, who previously spent time in such places as Chateau Mouton Rothschild, took over direction and general management. 

They are known for their three Cabernet blends: Cain Cuvee, Cain Concept, and Cain Five using a classical and timeless approach, drawing from their unique vineyards.  Recently confronted with a great loss after the 2020 Glass Fire that took most of the vines and all of the buildings, we’re fortunate to be able to welcome them during this challenging time to share their amazing wines and talk about rebuilding and new growth.

NEW COVID REQUIREMENT
We are now requiring all attendees to complete a SAME DAY lateral flow COVID test, submit the results (www.gov.uk/report-covid19-result), and bring along the email/text as proof of your negative result. If you happen to test positive, please inform a member of the CUWS committee with proof of your positive result and you will be eligible for a refund.

Portugal-UK 650 is the official initiative to mark the 650th anniversary of the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, the oldest diplomatic alliance in the world still in force. The beginning of the formalisation of the Alliance, based on the perpetual friendship between the two countries, occurred with the signing of the Treaty of Tagilde on the 10th of July 1372.

The Alliance was formally constituted by the Treaty of Alliance, sealed at St. Paul’s Cathedral, in London, on the 16th of June 1373, by King Edward III of England and King Fernando and Queen Leonor of Portugal. “From henceforth there shall be between us true, faithful, constant and perpetual peace and friendship, union, and alliance and league of sincere affection” (Article 1, Treaty of Alliance between Portugal and England, 16 June 1373, St Paul’s Cathedral in London).

Please note – only one ticket per person can be purchased for this event.

For more information visit:

Web: www.portugal-uk650.com
Facebook: @PT.UK.650
Instagram: @portugal_uk650

A modern winery established in 2015 by two former sommeliers in Alsace (Kuentz-Bas and Albert Mann), Domaine Kirrenbourg seeks to bring out the best of the terroir with their biodynamic viticulture. 

Located on 10 hectares of Grands Crus, 7 hectares on the Grand Cru Schlossberg, and 3 hectares on the Grand Cru Brand, 75% of their production focuses on two primary grape varieties, Pinot Noir and Riesling. 

Their natural vinification process that is paired with avant-garde equipment, such as atypical vinification containers and micro-cellars, aims to allow the wines to show the uniqueness of the grapes and the dedication in the vineyard to grow them.

Come and taste their quality, authentic wines produced with great passion!

Established in 1947, Maculan is a family-owned wine estate in the small town of Breganze in Veneto, Italy.  It is still run by the Maculan family, now in its third generation, who continue to preserve the original heritage and tradition of winemaking that was followed decades ago. 

The estate, located at the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains, produces a range of white, red, rose, and dessert wines, as well as grappa, from both native and international grape varieties.  They are particularly known for their dessert wines, most notable, the botrytis-affected Vespaiola grapes producing Torcolato and Dindarello from Moscato. 

Their style highlights the true varietal nature of each grape through a minimalistic, Bordeaux-inspired approach combined with modern techniques. 

Please join us in tasting their range of rich, fruity, elegant wines!

Castiglion del Bosco, a wine estate located in Montalcino, Siena, Italy, is one of the founding members of Consorzio del vino Brunello di Montalcino (the Brunello di Montalcino Consortium), established in 1967.

With a history dating back to 1100, it recently underwent restoration under new owners, Massimo and Chiara Ferragamo, in 2003. The estate cultivates the Sangiovese grape to produce Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, one of which, the Castiglion del Bosco Brunello di Montalcino 2016, was recently awarded the Decanter 2021 Best in Show with 97 points.

Their line of wines focuses on expressing two local denominations: three interpretations of Brunello and the Rosso di Montalcino. Prima Pietra is the second vineyard of Massimo Ferragamo in Riparbella that cultivates Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. With its first vintage in 2007, Prima Pietra’s shared winemaker, Cecilia Leoneschi, creates a ‘Super Tuscan’ with rich complexity and persistence.

Join us in welcoming them for this special first in-person tasting!

 

• Dress code: Black Tie
• Timings: Pre-dinner drinks start at 7pm in the Old Music Room. Dinner will begin in the Wordsworth Room at 7:30pm.

MENU

APERITIF

– Allendorf Riesling Brut 2015 –

STARTER

– Château de Saint Cosme, Le Poste, Côtes du Rhône 2010 –

Pinney’s of Orford Wester Ross Smoked Scottish Salmon

with watercress and rocket leaves tossed in Quinta dos Murcos Estate extra virgin olive oil and unwaxed lemon, hot avocado and buckwheat

OR

Spinach Parcel (v)

with coconut harissa sauce and kale, avocado and pomegranate salad

SECOND

Beetroot Tartare (v)

Finely diced beetroot with sweet balsamic in a ring, topped with avocado cream and herbs, basil oil and beetroot crisps oil

THIRD

– Château de Saint Cosme, Gigondas 2012 –

Terrine of Duck and Pork Shoulder, wrapped in Pastry

with pistachios, rhubarb chutney and dressed salad of oranges, pineapple and endive leaves

OR

Roasted Celeriac (v)

with mung beans, forestiere fricassee and tarragon oil

MAIN

– Château de Beaucastel 2007 –

– Clos des Papes 2007 –

Pan Fried Local Peppered Venison Fillet

with sweet and sour red onions, grand veneur sauce

OR

Spinach, Lentil and Courgette Shepherd’s Pie (v)

topped with creamy potatoes and cheddar gorge cheese and served with braised spiced butter beans

CHEESE

– Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf du Pape 2004 –

A careful selection of 3 Artisan Farmhouse British and Irish Cheeses

with peeled celery, grapes, wheat wafers and dessert bowl