Contributed by Annabelle King:
If you need a change from your book club and want to learn a bit more about wine then come along to the new WLM Wine Club. A regular club to be hosted by a variety of wine experts across different venues in west London, the club kicked off last week at the Hampshire Hog on King Street, with manager Ed as our host for the night.
Rather appropriately our opening session was a sparkling wine tasting. We were greeted with a delicious wine from the Basque country which was fizzy when poured but went still in your glass. Magic. The six wines we then went on to taste included an Italian Prosecco, a French Cremant, a couple of champagnes including Veuve Clicquot and my personal favourite a 2007 ‘Grosvenor’ Cuvee sparkling wine from the Ridgeview wine estate in Sussex.
Ed gave us a very thorough introduction into the methods of sparkling wine production (methode champenoise) explaining the different stages of fermentation, assemblage, lees ageing and disgorging. It was fascinating to learn the difference between a champagne and a Prosecco – basically not much, just slightly different rules of production. We sniffed, sipped, tasted and glugged the wines individually and then paired with some fabulous food provided by the Hampshire Hog all included in the price.
Each two hour session will vary on different regions and wines and costs £35 which includes the tasting of six wines and a light dinner.
Date and venue of the next Wine Club evening to be announced soon – space is limited. Please leave a comment below to register your interest or email contact (@) westlondonmum.co.uk.
