Master of Wine
The Institute of Masters of Wine is the home of exceptional expertise in the wine world. What started more than 65 years ago as an exam for the UK wine trade is now a globally recognised title collectively held by a worldwide family of Masters of Wine. Today, there are 418 MWs based in 30 countries, each making their own contribution to the world of wine.
Andrea Hargrave MW hosted our wine tasting event and was able to give us an exceptional insight into the hand-picked wines. Andrea is also business partner to Saryu Thakar who own Character Wines.
Wine Tasting Event 2021
The concept behind the evening was to introduce new wines that may not be familiar to us. We did this by introducing Indian wines which we paired with Indian street foods such as gol gappa (pani puris) and bitesize vegetable pakoras, which were absolutely delicious and ultimately scoffable 😉
We also tasted Portuguese and Austrian wines.
We began the evening with an 1836 Espumante Bruto. This Portuguese sparking wine has an excellent depth of flavour with the oak very evident, giving the wine a distinctive style and point of difference, fine mousse and regular string of beads. Elegant and extremely well made, clean and bright in appearance with a steady stream of small bubbles, the nose is appley, slightly herbaceous with attractive brioche notes. The palate is crisp and refreshing and on the finish it is refined and elegant.
Our first wine was an Indian Grover VA Viognier Reserve which was very elegant with quintessence of peach, honey and dry apricot as expected from finest Viognier wine with floral nose and hints of vanilla from French oak. Rich and powerful with long persistence finishing on fruity notes.
The second wine, another interesting Indian wine (my favourite) was the Grover Shiraz Rosé. A pretty strawberry pink colour combines with light and charming summer berry fruits, most noticeably strawberries and raspberries on the nose. These characteristics follow through onto the palate, which is harmonious, well balanced and dry on the finish.
Moving onto the third wine of the evening was an Austrian Nastl Zweigelt-Merlot Klassik. This wine has a skillful blend or Cuvée of Zweigelt and Merlot, which is instantly appealing and harmonious. The wine is an attractive ruby red colour with a combination of plums and spice on the nose. These flavours carry through onto the palate, which is well balanced, with soft tannins and a delightful fruity. This wine would be perfect with spicy foods and most red meat dishes. The Nastl family believes, ‘It is a classical and elegant red wine, that can turn every get-together into a party’.
For our fourth wine of the evening we moved onto Tyto Alba Castelao, which comes beautifully presented in a Nesting Box. This Portuguese wine has an elegant and gentle aroma, revealing red fruits, liquorice notes and a touch of earthiness reminiscent of clay. Very elegant in the mouth, smooth tannins, and a surprising persistence!
Moving onto our fifth and final wine of the evening – the Grover La Reserve from India. A powerful bouquet of luscious, ripe red and black fruits. It has an exquisite hint of spice, reflecting the 9 months this wine has spent ageing in French oak. It has great character on the palate, where chocolate, coffee beans and vanilla flavours combine. The finish is long and ample.
The Wines
Nastl Zweigelt-Merlot Klassik Cuvee
Tyto Alba Castelao (Nesting Box)
We wanted to also showcase some of the beautifully designed and handmade Indian inspired homewares as part of our wine tasting event. BENE.Luxic were here to demonstrate some oh so beautiful Michael Aram’s homewares.
Kristin and Arianna also touched on some of the other beautiful brands we carefully curate collaboratively, such as the stunning crystalware by Reflections Copenhagen and also the quirky brand that we love so much….. Jonathan Adler!
So to wrap things up here guys we just want to mention we are still running our Black Friday Sale which ends on Sunday the 29th of November 2021 where we have a whopping 25% off all products in-store and online! Just use the code BLACKFRI25 at the checkout! Perfect for your festive gifting, we have even created a curation for you in the Christmas section of our website. Happy Shopping!
22nd September, 2025
14th March, 2025
