Careful Blending

I presented a wine and food pairing event to members of The Merchant Company in the beautiful Merchant Hall on Hanover Street. A grand setting for one of my first in-person group events. It was wonderful to meet in person again! The theme of the tasting was A Taste of the Festive Season.

Krasno is a Slovenian white blend of Sauvignon Blanc blend and Ribolla Gialla. The careful balance of two grape varieties results in a cut grass, lemon and verbena nose and palate, without the high, sharp acidity we are used to with Sauvignon. Ribolla Gialla softens the acidity and rounds out the palate. If you like Sauvignon Blanc but prefer a softer acidity, Krasno is one to try. At £9.99 a bottle it is great value too!

The red wine was a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre. This is a classic Beaumes-de-Vanise blend from the southern Rhone region of France. Beaumes-de-Vanise ‘La Traissiennes’ 2020 Maison Bouachon is perfect for cold evenings by the fire or paired with flavoursome stews or roasts. The blend of 3 red grapes results in a warming nose of dark plum and damson fruit, stewed blackberries, spice from the Syrah grape and wood spice from a spell in oak cask.

We finished the tasting with one of my favourite sherry’s Pedro Ximenez served over ice cream. PX is a real treat, look for it in the fortified wine section of your wine shop and serve over ice cream!

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Published in Konect December 2021

Author: Joanne Frette,

Swirl Sip Socialise Ltd