Barrels & Bottles Wine Blog
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At this time of year we see an increase in invites to trade tastings in readiness for the Christmas push. We are inundated with different wines, Champagnes from the 4 corners of the world. The old question of whether to spit or swallow flies out the window when trying to sample 50 wines in an afternoon - spitting is the only option.
What does amaze me is the lack of proper facilities and spittoons and wine tasting events. Some are beautifully catered for with impressive floor standing models, the only problem is these tend to get over-filled and become a real nuisance to empty.
One of my favourites is the Oeno Spittoon available in a 2 litre capacity (£135.00) and a 4 litre capacity (£144.95). The large Oeno Spittoon being ideal for trade shows, exhibitions and larger wine tasting groups.
The design of the Oeno is simplicity itself. 2 stainless steel hemispheres with a small opening between them. The large top allows for wayward spitters - often on the New World tables with the high alcohol levels numbing the lips. The narrow cinched neck ensures the wine is kept out of sight and helps to minimise unwanted smells. A simple design that just works. What more could you ask for.
The Oeno is a table top / counter top design. This mobility (compared to floor standing spittoons) allows the spittoon to be presented at a reasonable height to the taster - floor standers often require a lot of neck and back bending which can lead to "misses" from the taller tasters in the room! The Oeno can also be placed in the middle of table making it perfect for seated tasting events where the spittoon can be shared.
What does amaze me is the lack of proper facilities and spittoons and wine tasting events. Some are beautifully catered for with impressive floor standing models, the only problem is these tend to get over-filled and become a real nuisance to empty.
One of my favourites is the Oeno Spittoon available in a 2 litre capacity (£135.00) and a 4 litre capacity (£144.95). The large Oeno Spittoon being ideal for trade shows, exhibitions and larger wine tasting groups.
The design of the Oeno is simplicity itself. 2 stainless steel hemispheres with a small opening between them. The large top allows for wayward spitters - often on the New World tables with the high alcohol levels numbing the lips. The narrow cinched neck ensures the wine is kept out of sight and helps to minimise unwanted smells. A simple design that just works. What more could you ask for.
The Oeno is a table top / counter top design. This mobility (compared to floor standing spittoons) allows the spittoon to be presented at a reasonable height to the taster - floor standers often require a lot of neck and back bending which can lead to "misses" from the taller tasters in the room! The Oeno can also be placed in the middle of table making it perfect for seated tasting events where the spittoon can be shared.
Labels: accessories, oeno spitton, tasting
I am as guilty (probably like everyone else) of treating Rose wines similar to an embarrassing cousin. Not really a full-bodied red but neither an exciting and vigorous white wine... but occupying some middle no-mans ground that is very easy to shrug past.
Thankfully I was forced to try a bottle of Bellagio Pinot Grigio Rose from Italy last night. A surprise visit by my Aunt and Uncle demanded a bottle of wine but the only thing to hand (that was not sparkling) was the Bellagio Rose. Fearing the worst I flash chilled it for 30 mins, made my apologies before hand and duly served it.
I was expecting insipid strawberry juice but instead we got strong raspberry tones, depth in the middle of the palate and enough alcohol to keep the driver from having a large glass. Everyone enjoyed the wine and I was shocked at the concept of liking it. But I did. This will certainly be on our future list for the cellar.
This got me thinking about wine drinking in general. Most of us tend to stick with the same wine or at least the same grape variety or countries. This is understandable with the sheer range of wines on offer and the cost of buying something that may not be to our liking. This is usually bolstered with the expression "I know what I like"... this should really be "I like what I know". Preconceptions and limitations (knowledge and financial) keep us within a comfort zone. I am a guilty as the next person for misplaced preconceptions... last nights Bellagio Rose brought this home.
For the rest of the year I am ditching my default wine list and setting out on an unchartered voyage to try wines that I have not previously tried. I am no doubt I will discover some howlers along the way but hopefully (and this is the expectation) I will find something truly superb which I can add to my personal drinking list and heartedly recommend to others.
Thankfully I was forced to try a bottle of Bellagio Pinot Grigio Rose from Italy last night. A surprise visit by my Aunt and Uncle demanded a bottle of wine but the only thing to hand (that was not sparkling) was the Bellagio Rose. Fearing the worst I flash chilled it for 30 mins, made my apologies before hand and duly served it.
I was expecting insipid strawberry juice but instead we got strong raspberry tones, depth in the middle of the palate and enough alcohol to keep the driver from having a large glass. Everyone enjoyed the wine and I was shocked at the concept of liking it. But I did. This will certainly be on our future list for the cellar.
This got me thinking about wine drinking in general. Most of us tend to stick with the same wine or at least the same grape variety or countries. This is understandable with the sheer range of wines on offer and the cost of buying something that may not be to our liking. This is usually bolstered with the expression "I know what I like"... this should really be "I like what I know". Preconceptions and limitations (knowledge and financial) keep us within a comfort zone. I am a guilty as the next person for misplaced preconceptions... last nights Bellagio Rose brought this home.
For the rest of the year I am ditching my default wine list and setting out on an unchartered voyage to try wines that I have not previously tried. I am no doubt I will discover some howlers along the way but hopefully (and this is the expectation) I will find something truly superb which I can add to my personal drinking list and heartedly recommend to others.
Forget the cheesey football, sausages on sticks, perms and big lapels... home-based wine events are definitely on the increase. Gone are the days of 1970's parties with fondue and Blue Nunn. Todays events are low-key, fun and run with almost military precision.
Why the increase? The economic climate has seen people staying in and cutting down on visits to restaurants. A handful of bottles can be bought for less than £10.00. Considering the diversity of choice now available it is almost impossible to resort to having to taste the same wine twice.
Recent years have seen a steady increase in the UK population drinking and starting to understand wine. We have traditionally been a society of beer drinkers but wine is now readily drunk when dining out and eating at home. It is a natural progression to want to learn more and discover new wines. Inviting friends to share your enthusiasm has seen a resurgence in local wine groups around the country.
How do we know? The humble ISO Wine Tasting Glass is being sold in ever increasing quantities. Sales to residential addresses has doubled in the past 18 months! The ISO glass in its 21.5cl capacity is perfect for home wine tasting events as it can be used for every style of wine and more importantly is affordable (inevitable breakages after a busy night on the Clarets are not as heart breaking than if using a Riedel).
Wine tasting groups are now using the internet to make the events easier to organise and log their tastings. Buying wines online has never been easier, Google Calendar informs people of events and social networking groups are the perfect place for groups to share information, post tasting notes and let members know what is happening.
Ditch the Cortina and flares and grab a laptop and glass - tasting wine has never been so easy and fun.
Why the increase? The economic climate has seen people staying in and cutting down on visits to restaurants. A handful of bottles can be bought for less than £10.00. Considering the diversity of choice now available it is almost impossible to resort to having to taste the same wine twice.
Recent years have seen a steady increase in the UK population drinking and starting to understand wine. We have traditionally been a society of beer drinkers but wine is now readily drunk when dining out and eating at home. It is a natural progression to want to learn more and discover new wines. Inviting friends to share your enthusiasm has seen a resurgence in local wine groups around the country.
How do we know? The humble ISO Wine Tasting Glass is being sold in ever increasing quantities. Sales to residential addresses has doubled in the past 18 months! The ISO glass in its 21.5cl capacity is perfect for home wine tasting events as it can be used for every style of wine and more importantly is affordable (inevitable breakages after a busy night on the Clarets are not as heart breaking than if using a Riedel).
Wine tasting groups are now using the internet to make the events easier to organise and log their tastings. Buying wines online has never been easier, Google Calendar informs people of events and social networking groups are the perfect place for groups to share information, post tasting notes and let members know what is happening.
Ditch the Cortina and flares and grab a laptop and glass - tasting wine has never been so easy and fun.
Do you know your Merlot from your Shiraz? Can you spot a Chardonnay at 20 paces? The fantastic new i-wine brings a whole new dimension to blind wine tasting games.
Use the 2 "scratch and sniff" panels on the front label to release aromas typical of the grape variety in the bottle. Use the tasting notes on the back label to help figure out the grape variety.
A fun mini-quiz tests your wine knowledge before you peel back the label to reveal all the answers to the quiz and the grape variety.
i-wine challenges your senses, increases your wine knowledge and you still have a bottle of wine to enjoy!
Use the 2 "scratch and sniff" panels on the front label to release aromas typical of the grape variety in the bottle. Use the tasting notes on the back label to help figure out the grape variety.
A fun mini-quiz tests your wine knowledge before you peel back the label to reveal all the answers to the quiz and the grape variety.
i-wine challenges your senses, increases your wine knowledge and you still have a bottle of wine to enjoy!
This years Nissan International Horse Trials at Chatsworth (Derbyshire) kept to the tradition of being stunningly hot. Barrels & Bottles kept the crowds cool with our open-topped Champagne bus at the side of the main arena. Serving Champagne Canard Duchene and Fresita (the Chilean sparkling wine infused with strawberries) chilled to perfection the bus provided a grand stand view of the events.
Matt serving Fresita to thirsty guests
Matt showing his sommelier skills with Champagne
Grandstand views of the main show jumping arena
Guests take a break in the shade of the bus
Sean serves another glass of Canard Duchene
Matt serving Fresita to thirsty guests
Matt showing his sommelier skills with Champagne
Grandstand views of the main show jumping arena
Guests take a break in the shade of the bus
Sean serves another glass of Canard Duchene
Labels: bus, chatsworth, tasting
Barrels and Bottles are once again the Official Drinks sponsor of the 2008 Chatsworth International Horse trials.
We will be promoting fine Champagnes and wines from our open-topped Vintage 1949 Champagne bus, liveried as a London Transport vehicle
The great and the good of both Derbyshire and the horse world will be enjoying a Champagne reception in Chatsworth's Painted Hall and during the trials, Champagne will be on tap, with a great view of the main arena, as the open topped bus will be sited adjacent to the show jumping area for the first time.
There will be Champagne cork popping competitions and the ever popular throw a pound coin in the spitoon to wine Jeroboams of Champagne for the lucky winners. The sponsored charity this year will be Marie Curie.
The event takes place on the 10th and 11 th of May and tickets are available from the Chatsworth Horse Trials office.
We will be promoting fine Champagnes and wines from our open-topped Vintage 1949 Champagne bus, liveried as a London Transport vehicle
The great and the good of both Derbyshire and the horse world will be enjoying a Champagne reception in Chatsworth's Painted Hall and during the trials, Champagne will be on tap, with a great view of the main arena, as the open topped bus will be sited adjacent to the show jumping area for the first time.
There will be Champagne cork popping competitions and the ever popular throw a pound coin in the spitoon to wine Jeroboams of Champagne for the lucky winners. The sponsored charity this year will be Marie Curie.
The event takes place on the 10th and 11 th of May and tickets are available from the Chatsworth Horse Trials office.
We are pleased to announce a tasting of the Grande Cuvee Collection of champagnes from Canard Duchene on 14th November 2007.
Master of Wine Mr. Andrew Barraclough will host the evening at our tasting rooms at Sheepbridge, Chesterfield. The tasting will include, amongst others their Blancs des Blancs and Charles VII Rose champagnes.
At only £22.00 per person including canapes and food matching this is a superb evening.
Master of Wine Mr. Andrew Barraclough will host the evening at our tasting rooms at Sheepbridge, Chesterfield. The tasting will include, amongst others their Blancs des Blancs and Charles VII Rose champagnes.
At only £22.00 per person including canapes and food matching this is a superb evening.
We have announced 4 new wine tasting events at Barrels & Bottles, Chesterfield :
Roederer Family Wines (26th September) :
A tasting of Roederer Family wines with Guy Cliffe. Starting with Champagne Brut Premier and working through the family vineyards owned by Roederer. We will taste wines from Marques de Murietta in Spain, Pio Cesari in Italy, Domaines Ott in Provence, Ramos Pinto in the Douro valley and the new vintages of Casa Lapostolle in Chile. Pates and cheeses with bread served.
Corbieres, Rousillon & Minervois (7th November) :
A fine tasting of some great wines from the Southern Gems of France, hosted by Michel Marechal, a leading expert in the region. 8 super quality wines with some rich southern french terrines and pates, french bread and a rich onion marmalade.
Christmas Dinner & Tasting (28th November) :
Our traditional end to the tasting Calendar takes a new twist this year. Sumptuous 3 course Christmas themed dinner with 5 different wines in a superb tasting of all the best wines for the Christmas period. Champagne reception, Fine claret and Burgundies, New World wines and Ports will all be served to show you the best of our range.
7.00pm Reception
7.30pm dinner
10.00pm carriages
Limited places.
Gartelmann Wines of Australia (23rd January 2008) :
A fabulous chance to try this new range of exclusive wines from the Hunter Valley. Compare wines with Stelvin Closure and Cork from the same vintage, compare light Shiraz to a more full bodied style, Semillon, Chardonnay and Barrel fermented Chardonnay and finish the tasting on late harvetsed Ambrosia with 105 degrees of sugar. Jorg Gartelman will be on hand to answer your questions.
The minibus service will be available from Sheffield for a small charge of £2.00 per person - available on a first come - first served basis.
Book our wine tasting events online or via the phone 01246 453399
Roederer Family Wines (26th September) :
A tasting of Roederer Family wines with Guy Cliffe. Starting with Champagne Brut Premier and working through the family vineyards owned by Roederer. We will taste wines from Marques de Murietta in Spain, Pio Cesari in Italy, Domaines Ott in Provence, Ramos Pinto in the Douro valley and the new vintages of Casa Lapostolle in Chile. Pates and cheeses with bread served.
Corbieres, Rousillon & Minervois (7th November) :
A fine tasting of some great wines from the Southern Gems of France, hosted by Michel Marechal, a leading expert in the region. 8 super quality wines with some rich southern french terrines and pates, french bread and a rich onion marmalade.
Christmas Dinner & Tasting (28th November) :
Our traditional end to the tasting Calendar takes a new twist this year. Sumptuous 3 course Christmas themed dinner with 5 different wines in a superb tasting of all the best wines for the Christmas period. Champagne reception, Fine claret and Burgundies, New World wines and Ports will all be served to show you the best of our range.
7.00pm Reception
7.30pm dinner
10.00pm carriages
Limited places.
Gartelmann Wines of Australia (23rd January 2008) :
A fabulous chance to try this new range of exclusive wines from the Hunter Valley. Compare wines with Stelvin Closure and Cork from the same vintage, compare light Shiraz to a more full bodied style, Semillon, Chardonnay and Barrel fermented Chardonnay and finish the tasting on late harvetsed Ambrosia with 105 degrees of sugar. Jorg Gartelman will be on hand to answer your questions.
The minibus service will be available from Sheffield for a small charge of £2.00 per person - available on a first come - first served basis.
Book our wine tasting events online or via the phone 01246 453399
After finally nailing down some of the wine-makers (not literally) we are pleased to annoce the first few wine tastings for the 2007 season. As well as tastings from Spain, Rhone and Burgundy we are featuring a Madeira Dinner showcasing some traditional local cuisine with speciality wines with each course.
We have extended our WSET courses this year and feature a Level 2 and a Level 3 course. WSET Level 2 is ideal for those with some knowledge of wines looking to extend and refine their knowledge and finishes with a multiple questoin exam. WSET Level 3 takes things to the next stage and really tests your palate and knowledge culminating in a blind tasting examination. All our WSET courses feature full self-study notes and tutoring over an intensive 5 or 7 week study period.
Book mark the wine tasting page for further updates and announcements on events throughout the year. All events are at our Sheepbridge showroom (Chesterfield) unless otherwise stated.
Wine Tasting Events
We have extended our WSET courses this year and feature a Level 2 and a Level 3 course. WSET Level 2 is ideal for those with some knowledge of wines looking to extend and refine their knowledge and finishes with a multiple questoin exam. WSET Level 3 takes things to the next stage and really tests your palate and knowledge culminating in a blind tasting examination. All our WSET courses feature full self-study notes and tutoring over an intensive 5 or 7 week study period.
Book mark the wine tasting page for further updates and announcements on events throughout the year. All events are at our Sheepbridge showroom (Chesterfield) unless otherwise stated.
Wine Tasting Events
John Higgins
Barrels and Bottles
Unit 5b Broom Business Park, Bridge Way, Sheepbridge
Chesterfield
,
Derbyshire
,
S41 9QG
England
01246 453399
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