37th London Wine Fair – 2017
The London Wine Fair, with over 10,000 wines to sample, is always an event of fascinating wine discoveries. From the chalk downs terroir of Hampshire, England to the arid lands of the Turpan Valley, Xinjiang, China; and from the chalky-clay and gravelly soils of Bergerac, Dordogne, to the sandy, chalky, limestone-rich soils of Valencia, Spain – there were some amazing tasting experiences.
For the first tastings, I decided to concentrate on the numerous smaller French producers of Champagne. I was particularly impressed with the high standard from these lesser-known producers. Naturally Champagne tastes vary, and if food matching is normally a case of complementing the food against grape (varieties) and added sugar. So I am just going to list those champagnes that I enjoyed the most.
So, from Champagne Tribaut-Schloesser, Romery, France : Of note, Champagne Tribaut-Schloesser, Brut Origie and Blanc de Chardonnay.
From Delavenne Père & Fils, Bouzy, France: Of note, Champagne Delavenne Père & Fils, Brut Réserve Grand Cru, Brut Millésime 2012, and Brut Blanc de Blancs.
Another producer of note: From Guy Charbaut Champagne Mareuil-Sur-Aÿ, France: Guy Charbaut Brut Champagne and Millésime 2006.
So moving on from champagnes, it was good to rediscover Bergerac wines from Julien de Savignan Maison Familiale, Le Bugue, Dordogne. It has been some time since I last tasted wines from Bergerac. Julien de Savignan Bergerac 2014 was luscious. Outstanding was their ‘botrytis’ Clos l’Envège Monbazillac 2005.
There were some fine wines from the UK; English sparkling wine maker: Exton Park Vineyard produced some excellent wines: Exton Park Brut Reserve NV, Exton Park Blanc de Noirs NV.
There were also good wines from Turkey wine producer Kutman winery from Mürefte. Karadut Black Mulberry Meyve Sarabi, Feyzi Kutman Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 and Merlot 2005.
Spanish wine producer Bodegas Mitos, Valencia, Spain had tastings of Mitos Crianza 2012 and Mitos Reserva 2010, both very good.
Finally, from China’s Xinjiang province: Turpan Purchang Winery. My first ever tastings of Chinese wines proved an interesting experience: Puchang Cabernet Sauvignon 2014, had excellent colour and taste; Purchang Crimson Reserve Pinot Noir 2013,was beautifully aged; Purchang Rkatsitel 2015, had a good depth of fruit.
Looking forward to London Wine Fair 2018!
© 2017 Dr Robert Frew. All rights reserved.