Thursday 24th November 2011: Reserve Wines Christmas Fair
It's cold. It's not ice cold, but it's cold. As the days get shorter and the temperatures plummet, everyone starts talking about the big event that happens at the end of every year. Before you know it you're getting as excited as a schoolchild and start counting down the days to: the Reserve Wines Christmas Fair! You know how popular this Wine Fair is, so if you want a place at the best event in town to taste and buy wines at an amazing price just in time for Christmas, read on.
What: Reserve Wines Christmas Fair
Where: The Northern Tennis Club, Palatine Road, West Didsbury
When: Thursday 24th November 7-10pm
How much: £20
Wine fits into Christmas like a hand into a cosy mitten. Whether it's Rioja for your roast dinner, inexpensive stuff for mulling, the good stuff for giving as gifts to those close to you or Champagne for New Year; it just wouldn't be Christmassy without a glass in your hand. Our Wine Fair is the perfect place to stock up on wine for every occasion, with over 100 wines to sample.
This event is nowhere near as big as the Summer Fair, and we only have 120 tickets available. The Northern have really gone all out this year, and as per your requests, will be selling an array of delicious food on the night. It's time to call your family and friends and email your colleagues and clients: this is one Christmas party you do not want to miss.
As always call us now on 0161 438 0101 or email us at sales@reservewines.co.uk to get your hungry mitts on these tickets!
We'll look forward to sharing a glass with you there
Wednesday 26th October 2011: Lopez de Heredia and Tapas Extravaganza!
SOLD OUT!
This is your opportunity to take part in something pretty spectacular. If you missed our last in-store tasting, or you came and you loved it so much you need to come back for another, we're got a real treat in-store for you at Reserve. With it being Spanish Month here in the shop (more on that tomorrow) we'll be showcasing the finest wines Spain has to offer, along with lots of fine Spanish tapas in a food and wine matching extravaganza...
What: Lopez de Heredia and Pinchjo's Tapas Tasting
Where: Reserve Wines, Burton Road
When: Wednesday 26th October at 7:30pm
How much: £20
Lopez de Heredia are the most singular, traditional and the best producer in Rioja. Very long ageing in oak followed by similar ageing in bottle create wines of formidable subtlety, complexity and elegance. They are the perfect food wines, which is why we are serving an extended selection of excellent tapas from local purveyors Pinchjo's.
To find comparable wines of the same age and quality from Burgundy or Bordeaux, you would be looking at hundreds or thousands of pounds per bottle. Because of that fact, and because of the amazing array of food on offer, the price of a ticket is just an extra fiver more than usual. I think £20 is an awesome bargain for the gustatory experience on offer!
It is of course, fastest fingers on buzzers for tickets. Judging by how popular similar events were in the past (such as the Sherry tasting), how popular the Rhône tasting was, and just how amazing these wines are, this will sell out fast. Call us now on 0161 438 0101 or email us at sales@reservewines.co.uk to ensure you attend this once in a lifetime event.
Thursday 20th October 2011: Tasting of new wines from the Languedoc
Everyone needs a reason to get out when it's cold and blustery. Thankfully, as a cosy purveyor of warming alcoholic goods, that's something we excel at. We've got an amazing list of events coming up over the next couple of months for you to attend, and the next one is completely free...
What: Tasting of new Languedoc wines
Where: Reserve Wines, Burton Road
When: Thursday 20th October 6-8pm
How much: Completely free
We've been looking for some new and exciting wines from the most exciting wine region in France for a while now. We've found exactly that, and arranged for many of them to be open this Thursday evening for your tasting pleasure. A French gentleman will be on hand to guide you through them (two if you count Marc!) so make sure you make your way here after work, and pick up the perfect autumnal accompaniment to whatever you're eating or wherever your mood takes you...
Everyone and anyone are welcome, so just turn up and tuck in ;-)
Wednesday 27th July 2011: Dog Point and Isabel in-store tasting!
What: Try New Zealand in-store tasting
Where: Reserve Wines, Burton Road
When: Wednesday 27th July from 7:30pm
How much: £15
That's right, this one's on a Wednesday! That'll please all you Thursday haters! But that's not all that will please you, of course. We'll have wines from two of our (and your) favourite Kiwi producers Isabel and Dog Point, and probably some other great stuff too.
It's our first tasting in a while and our last until September, and we've already sold a good few of the tickets, so call us now on 0161 438 0101 or email us at sales@reservewines.co.uk to get yours, as these will sell quicker than Rugby World Cup tickets. Well, nearly.
Thursday 14th July: FREE Invivo in-store tasting!
It's July. That means thunderstorm abound, but I'm not one to dwell. It also means beautiful sunshine, long summer evenings in the garden and a thirst for something refreshing. I can't think of a more refreshing beverage than Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc, can you? This month is devoted to the wines of New Zealand, and we've got some wonderful events planned for you. The first is FREE, new and more than a wee bit exciting...
What: Tasting of Invivo wines from Marlborough, New Zealand
Where: Reserve Wines, Burton Road
When: Thursday 14th July from 6pm
How much: diddly squat i.e. £0
Invivo are really cutting edge producers making waves in the Kiwi wine world, particularly with their Sauvignon. You can taste through the whole range, and you can buy and take home whatever you really enjoy. Just turn up and taste. Top stuff.
Reserve Wines 8th Summer Fair: tickets are on sale now!
The details!
What: Reserve Wines 8th Summer Wine Fair!
Where: The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club, Talbot Road, Old Trafford M16 0PX
When: Thursday 16th of June, 7-10pm
How much: £20 per person.
We've changed venue this year, moving away from the Northern Tennis Club where we've previously held our events. I'm proud to be supporting my brother Mark Chilton, a Lancashire Cricket Club player having his Benefit Year this year, and who I'll be doing the tasting in conjunction with. The excellent facilities at The Point function room at the Ground will enable us to make the Fair bigger and better than ever...
We've got room for an astounding 400 guests this year, so be sure to let your friends and family know, and I hope they can join us on what is going to be a momentous occasion for us, but more importantly an amazing evening of tasting and conversation for you!
There will be a scrumptious selection of around 200 wines, Champagnes and Spirits for you to sample, both hand-picked favourites and eclectic new additions to our range.
We're also subsidising a coach from West Didsbury to and from the venue for the measly sum of £2, so every aspect of your evening is done and dusted.
This event always sells out, so to guarentee your tickets please call us on 0161 438 0101 or email us at sales@reservewines.co.uk now...
Thursday 19th May 2011: Spring-Themed Blind Tasting!
When we mused that Spring had sprung early a couple of months ago, I never once believed that we would have the most beautiful April on record. Well when I say on record, I mean that I can remember. With all this heat, you have been asking for more rose, more fresh whites and lighter reds - we've been listening to you. May will be our Spring wines month, and we've got an in-store tasting to match the fun-loving weather...
What: Spring-themed Blind Tasting!
When: Thursday 19th May 7:30pm onwards
Where: Reserve Wines, Burton Road
How much: £15 per person
That's right, we've decided to do a blind-tasting... considering customers still mention the one we did (a few years ago now) we thought it's about time we did another. That means I can't tell you what we'll taste, but that there'll be refreshing whites, roses and reds galore! The tasting will be quiz-based, though you need a knowledge level of zero to attend, the more experienced of you are more than welcome to come as well.
Please call us on 0161 438 0101 or email us at sales@reservewines.co.uk to get your tickets now!
Tuesdays 10th, 17th and 24th May 2011: Reserve Academy Wine Course... SOLD OUT!
THIS SESSION HAS SOLD OUT!
Please contact us on 0161 438 0101 email us at sales@reservewines.co.uk to pre-book for the next 'Term' in October :-)
Have you ever wondered where your interest in wine will lead you to next? Do you know your reds from your whites, your likes from your dislikes, but you're not too sure about your Pinot Gris from your Pinot Grigio? Reserve Wines are offering you the opportunity to develop your interest into a passion with our 'Reserve Academy' Wine Course, and on top of your classes you'll get a rather ridiculous 10% off ALL WINES in the shop whilst you're attending...
What: 'Reserve Academy' Wine Course - 6 Hours over 3 sessions, 23 wines in total
Where: Albert Club, Didsbury
When: Tuesdays 10th, 17th & 24th May 7-9pm
How much: only £70 for all three sessions
In the first session you'll get to grips with wine-tasting techniques as well as understanding what it is, where it comes from and how it is made.
The second session will lead you through the myriad of styles and grape varieties that make up white wines, how where they're made and aged will in turn define how you experience what comes out of the bottle.
The third session will focus on reds, the aim ultimately being to help you choose your favourite wines and get that extra bit of pleasure out of drinking them.
The course will be lead by our own Wine & Spirits Education Trust qualified Manager Marc and will be quiet and intimate with only 15 places available. This is a chance to expand your current knowledge and is aimed at everyone from absolute beginners to bona fide connoisseurs, and everyone in between.
Please call 0161 4380101 or email sales@reservewines.co.uk to reserve a place - there's only a few left!
Thursday 14th April 2011: Organic, Biodynamic and Natural Wines Tasting!
What with all the interest we have from customers about Organic, Biodynamic and Natural Wines, we thought we had better devote the month of April to them and do a tasting on the subject!
This is already selling very fast so get in touch quick if you'd like to attend.
Tickets will be £15 as usual, and the tasting will start at 7:30pm.
Call 0161 4380101 or email sales@reservewines.co.uk for tickets or further information.
Click here to read an archived Grape Gossip on the subject of Biodynamics...
Thursday 24th March 2011: Sexy South Americas
This went off with a bang! Blog to follow
Monday 21st February 2011: Vincent Girardin Tasting!
Our 2009 Summer Fair was undoubtedly the best yet. 300 thirsty tasters descended upon the Northern Tennis club and sampled their way around over 170 wines, beers and spirits. For the first time in 3 years we even had clear weather with people spilling out of the marquee and onto the patio.
Video#3: Summer Fair Funnies
The funniest bits (well, we think they're funny) from Jay and Ken's Summer Fair Filming.
Video#2: Summer Fair Favourites
There's no better way of telling you what the best wines at the fair were than by getting our guests to reveal their favourites, so here they are:
Video#1: Summer Fair - Tasters' Guide
Kate's husband Kenny and friend Jay were busy all night with the video camera (in between glasses of wine (and pints of lager)) - here's the first installation of the results, a guide to the tasting by some of our best customers!
Wines Lined up and Waiting Tasters found a huge variety of wines lined up and waiting for them to taste - everything from Chilean Sauvignon Blanc to Gevrey Chambertin, from top class Priorat to Greek Viognier (yes, that's Greek Viognier and very delicious it is too!)
Stars of the night included Wooing Tree Pinot Noir from New Zealand, Dureuil-Janthail Rully and Palacio de Fefinanes Albarino - the top selling wine of the night!
Expert advice The key to the tasting is the expert advice given by our friends behind the tables. They're all Wine Professionals and really know their stuff - Brucie's got Chris and Steve really fascinated here!
'Nuff said! And if you're still wondering whether to come next year - just think, this is how the fair makes you feel!
CAPE CRUSADER TASTING - THURSDAY 26th FEBRUARY 2009
It was great to see some new faces at our this brilliant South African tasting, as well as many old friends. Hosted by South African specialist James Yeo, along with his friend Gerrie Wagner from the Strandveld winery, this was a fantastic evening with many brilliant wines!
Tasting climbing a ladder?
No, actually a vertical tasting is a tasting of different vintages of the same wine at the same time. And this is exactly what we did, with a range of vintages from 2003 to 2006 of Jean Daneel's fabulous Chenin Blanc. James explained that Jean is an experimentalist, so the variations between each wine were down not just to age, but also how the wine was made and where the grapes came from. Very few of us have ever had the chance to taste in this way, so it was an eye opener for all, and the differences between the wines were very marked, with each taster having a different favourite!
Here's Gerrie talking about his wine!
Cool climate?
Well yes, in comparison with the rest of South Africa, Elim on Cape Aguilas is definitely cool. Strandveld is the most southerly vineyard in the country, and specialises in elegant whites and cool climate reds - Shiraz, and more recently Pinot Noir. Gerrie has a real belief in the importance of Terroir, and believes that his wines show the character of his land. Unusually, of the two Sauvignon Blancs tasted, the cheaper 'First Sighting' wine won out in the room's palates over the (admitedly younger) Estate Sauvignon. Adamastor is a delicious blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon with some barrel fermentation (right up Kate's street this), and for reds we tasted a Pinot Noir and two very different Shiraz. The First Sighting Shiraz was elegnad and very peppery and the estate Shiraz meatier and much more perfumed thanks to a good slug of Viognier in the blend
NEXT TASTING: NIEPOORT - A DOURO LEGEND Thursday 30th October 2008
Date: Thursday 30th October 2008 Time: 7.30 Venue: Reserve Wine Shop Tickets £15, available now from the shop or on 0161 438 0101
I've never been so excited about a tasting as when I got off the phone after finalising the details of the wines for this fab evening. Dirk Niepoort is surely the Douro's leading table wine producer, and what's more makes truly world beating ports into the bargain.
A brilliant mix of the traditional, the modern (and the slightly eccentric), Dirk's wines are not to be missed, and this is a unique opportunity to taste the best of them in the company of Raymond Reynolds, Britain's premier Portugese importer (and winemaker to boot!)
Highlights include Redoma Tinto 2002, hid Dry White Port (widely recognised as the best in the business) and, of course a couple of outstanding Vintage Ports
Christmas is fast on the way, so get your port cellar stocked up here! Tickets sell fast, so don't delay and call 0161 438 0101 to get yours!
Here's the full list of what we'll be tasting (all wines are Dirk Niepoort): Table Wines Redoma Branco (white) 2007 Redoma Rose 2007 Drink Me (red) 2006 Redoma Tinto (red) 2002 Ports Dry White Port LBV 2004 Colhieta 1998 'Secundum' Vintage 2000 Vintage 1987 (to be tasted from Magnum)
How good is that!
SUPER-EXCLUSIVE McLAREN VALE TASTING
On Tuesday 14th October, we will be visited by Steve Pannell, one of the brightest stars of Australian Winemaking. He'll be here for a mini-tasting between 8 and 9 for a very limited number of people.
Tickets are £5 per person and available from the shop on 0161 438 0101
Steve spent some time winemaking for the Hardys group before experiencing a year with Vajra in Barolo and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. His wines are some of the most interesting (and best) in the McLaren Vale and this tasting is a unique opportunity to talk to him about his life and wines.
The wines will be chosend from Pronto Bianco (a blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling and Sauvignon), Pronto Tinto (Grenache, Syrah and Touriga), Shiraz/Grenache, Shiraz, Grenache and Nebbiolo.
Autumn Tasting Season
Thursday 25th September: The Delights of Tuscany
Thursday 31st October: To be confirmed
Thursday 27th November: Christmas Fair (date and venue to be confirmed)
THE DELIGHTS OF TUSCANY
The last Thursday in September saw a visit from Tuscan expert Bruce Kendrick to the store, along with some truly top class Italian wines. We were taken on a tour around Tuscany to each of the key regions, and to some tiny but incredible vineyards!
The evening warmed up with a couple of whites. First a Trebbiano di Toscana (we think), fresh and crips, then a more complex and elegant Vermentino made by the Allegrini family (of Valpolicella and Amarone fame)
For the first couple of reds, discussion centred on the importance of reduced yields to produce quality wine. In the past, Tuscan vineyards would be planted with around 2,500 vines per hectare, but nowadays the figure is more like 7,000, resulting in far lower yields per vine and much higher quality wine. Some of the wines sampled later in the evening were made from vineyards which produce as little as one bottle per vine!
With a couple of exceptions, the reds we tasted were made of 100% Sangiovese, but the stylistic and flavour differences were really pronounced. Tuscany is a wide region, Bruce explained, with many different microclimates, soils and (confusingly) names for the Sangiovese grape! The wines ranged from a light, fruity style from Montalcino (Rosso di Montalcino) to big, rich wines like the Fontdodi Riserva.
As well as the pure Sangiovese, we also tasted a blend of Sangiovese with Cabernet and Cannaiolo (that's Gamay to all you francophiles) and a Cabernet/Merlot/Cab Franc blend, again from the Allegrini family called 'Sondraia'. This wine is made on land bang nextdoor to the legendary Sassacaia vineyard, and shows immense quality (and in comparison with Bordeaux, value for money) full of rich fruit, plums and sweet cherries.
Tuscany 2004 Tuscany has had a number of good vintages recently (all hail global warming?) but none compare to the stunning 2004 vintage. We were lucky enough to taste two top quality wines from that harvest - Fontodi's Vigna del Sorbo Chianti Classico Riserva and Isole e Olena's legendary Cepparello. The (incidentally organic and biodynamic) Fontodi was the evening's favourite - tight, poised and dapper, in contrast with the Cepparello which perhaps had not quite settled down yet, but was more herbal and broad. Both are undoubtedly top class and will keep for years and years!
At this point of the evening, discussion turned to the merits of screwcaps (a regular topic for our in-store tastings), with Bruce extolling their virtues with some passion. The key question for some tasters was the effect of the screwcap on the ageing process, with Bruce explaining that screwcaps lead to more consistent and slower ageing, with fresher fruit character being retained.
A sweetie to finish The evening was rounded off by an award-winning Vin Santo from Cappezzana (their 2001 riserva). Vin Santo is made in a unique fashion with the Trebbiano di Toscana grapes being dried on racks in lofts before being aged in sealed oak barrels which are kept in warm lofts for years. Rich and figgy, this wine was a real surprise - and a huge success, despite Bruce's frankly unprintable story about it!
Christmas Wine Fair
Join us for lots of fun and frolics at our 5th Christmas Wine Fair. Details as follows Reserve’s Christmas Wine Fair
