Our argentinian wine expert Dominic Crolla showing off his selection of delicious wines

On the 29^th of November The Sussex Wine Company had the pleasure of hosting a wine tasting for the delightful Chanctonbury Wine Club in Storrington.

The evening was all about Argentina, well, when we say that we mean Argentinian wine of course! Guests were greeted with a delicious glass of Fantasia Blanc de Blancs, which was Dry, zesty and refreshing – the perfect glass to start the evening!

Our expert in all things Argentinian Dominic Crolla talked through a range of 7 bottles, explaining the history, origins, vinification techniques, flavours (and for some, the gossip) behind the wines, each one bolder than the last. We began with the whites, first up: the award winning Crios Torrontes (2009) with its wonderfully enticing fruit flavours. We then moved onto the reds, a particular highlight being the unique Malbrontes (2009) for many in the room, combining the Malbec and Torrontes grapes was unheard of, but we think it’s safe to say that this pioneering wine pleasantly surprised the sceptics and was well received! The evening ended with the magnificent (and rare) Benegas Meritage 2006, said to be from the oldest vines in Argentina (over 100 years)

The evening was enjoyed by all and we hope to see the lovely folks of Chanctonbury Wine Club in the future!

Have a look at our mixed cases here:

http://www.thesussexwinecompany.co.uk/shop/mixed-cases.html

In particular I suggest you have a look at our Argentinian Christmas Case which we have put up at a reduced price:

http://www.thesussexwinecompany.co.uk/shop/mixed-cases/argentinian-christmas-case.html

This case is packed full of delicious wines (of course) many of which are award winners and it’s a steal at its current price, but be quick as we have limited stock and expect to be sold out before Christmas arrives!

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for something special for a present this year, you can always give us a call and we’ll see what we can do!

One month to go!

In the meantime to quench your thirst for wine knowledge why don’t you pop over to the Sussex Wine Company Blog where we’ve been busy posting a series of articles about the various wine regions.

and if you would like to be kept in the loop with everything that’s going on with Sussex in the Cellar, The Sussex Wine Company and the wine world follow us on twitter @sussexwine

To find out more about getting involved with Sussex in the Cellar, email us at info@thesussexwinecompany.co.uk

The Website www.thesussexwinecompany.co.uk has been redesigned, and we as the new owners of both thesussexwinecompany.co.uk website and sussexinthecellar.co.uk hope that this new venture will bring good quality wines to anyone that wants them.

We look forward to meeting you…

English Vine Tours joined forces with the superb country hotel – Newick Park, Newick, East Sussex for a superb Valentine’s Day Experience. Alice and Richard, whizzed down from south London in their mini-coupe and checked into the hotel for 2pm. Collected in an executive vehicle they were whisked off to Carr Taylor Vineyards near Battle in East Sussex.

We toured the vines, described the grape varieties grown, the English weather and how things are done in the vineyard. Following the vineyard tour we entered the winery and took a good look at all the various pieces of equipment used in the making of still wines as well as sparkling wines. Gaining in knowledge they felt comfortable now to tackle the hard part- the wine tasting.

We sampled dry whites, off-dry whites, rose wines and sparkling wines. Feeling brave we then went on to sample the estate’s award winning fruit wines, which were enjoyed by all. Upon completing this superb experience we drove slowly back to the hotel where waiting in their room was a chilled bottle of sparkling English wine, Sussex chocolates and a dozen red roses. At this point we left our clients in peace to enjoy their stay, 4 course meal and all the comforts offered by Newick Park Hotel.

Our next vineyard extravaganza is set at Pelham House in Lewes, coupled with a half day vineyard tour on the Saturday afternoon followed by an afternoon at Plumpton Races. To book this experience call up Pelham House in Lewes – 01273 488 600, or check our website – www.englishvinetours.co.uk

Follow the path from grape to glass and book your English vine tour today!

English Vine Tours launched their first tour with a fantastic group of 8 into the wilds of deepest East Sussex and then ventured into Kent. Gathering early morning at The White Hart Hotel in Lewes for coffee and croissants, the eager beavers gathered and awaited collection.

Georgie & Ben Furst (English Vine Tours) duly gathered the troops at 9.30am and set off. First port of call was Carr-Taylor Vineyards in Westfield near Battle. Met by David Carr Taylor we enjoyed a coffee and pre-amble chat before the tour. David introduced us to his vines, informative and witty chat, tour of the vineyard and a brief of how wine is made. About an hour of touring followed by the tasting. Each wine was presented individually by David and we listened and we tasted. Apres the tasting we gathered for a brief lunch with a glass of wine. The troops then enjoyed a wee spot of wine shopping before we set off once more and into Kent we went.

Biddeneden vineyards, just through Tenterden and hang a left. Another well run family run estate, specialising in Ortega. Of their 22 acres they have over half to Ortega. Which is actually a really lovely off-dry aromatic wine that makes truly easy quaffing. The vineyard tour was swiftly followed by a further glass of wine and then the winery tour. The estate actually produce far more cider than they do wine and a brief explanation as to the process was also included.

Following the this we were given free range to sample each and every one of their beverages – ciders and wines. Having enjoyed and further shopping we set off back to Lewes where everyone received their gift packs.

We’d really like to thank everyone who came on the tour as well as the vineyards for their hospitality and we eagerly await the next tour embarkation. Red Hot Poker on Monday 23rd February looks like another superb day out.

On show from resident gourmet chef – Steve Dennis were three classic and very tasy Pork dishes. Using only excellent locally sourced Pork. The three supreme dishes conjoured up were, Porc a la Normandie using copious amounts of Calvados as well as cider. A braising dish matched harmoniously with Sedlescombe Organic Rose. Produced organically in the heart of East Sussex by Sedlescombe Vineyards.

The next dish was a Saltimbocca alla Romana where the pork escalopes were married with thyme and Parma ham. The selected wine was the supreme J Lohr Wildflower Gamay. Completely different to the Gamay of Beaujolais and more akin to a juicy Loire Cabernet Franc with a sweet blueberry finish.

Lastly, Steve prepared Escalopes of pork with a wild mushroom sauce and saffron risotto. Another delicious dish matched with a Peter Lehmann’s My Word is My Bond Grenache. Light in colour but big on the nose and palate again with a sweet lingering finish, Deceptively at 14.5abv, a very well matched wine.

The next wo evenings that we are presenting at The University of Brighton’s Culinary Arts Studio in Eastbourne are:

• Tuesday 10th March 2009 Classic France
• Tuesday 16th June 2009 The Enigmatic Gourmet Supper

Places avalaible, but book early to avoid disappointment.

Red Hot Poker from English Vine Tours will be departing from Lewes on February 23rd. If you fancy a superb day out for only £109 then perhaps this one is for you. Start the day with a coffee and croissant at The white hart Hotel in Lewes for 9am. Then a minibus with driver will collect you and whisk you over to Plumpton Vineyards and Wine College. Where Paul Harley will guide you around the vineyard, facilities and present a tutored wine tasting for your enjoyment. After wine tasting enjoy a sumptuous buffet lunch.

Then you shall be transported onto Plumpton Race Course for a unique Turf Tour. Have a look behind the scenes at one of the UK’s best small race course, get a complimentary £5.00 Tote Voucher and enjoy the rest of your day. departing from the races at around 5pm back to Lewes.

If this grabs your fancy then book online at www.englishvinetours.co.uk or call 01273 48 33 12.

Cheers.

On show were the folowing wines – The Whites were Soave Classico Cantine Valpantena, Garganega Cantine Valpantena, Gavi di Gavi Nichola Bergaglio. All showed beautifully and all tastee’s were pleasantly surprised at how clean, fresh and well made all the whites were. Re-drawing the line on Italian whites!!

From the red corner we sampled the following – Corvina Cantine Valpantena, Barbera Bricco Tondo Fontanafredda, Valpolicella Classico Cortefigaretto, Ripassa Valpolicella Cantine Valpantena and to finish the wonderful Tesauro Recioto Cantine Valpantena.

The wines were all enjoyed, indeed more than just enjoyed and challenging people’s perceptions of how they felt about Italian wines. The quality on show was superb and all were great examples of proper well made wines, indigenous grape varieties and each wine in-tune with it’s environment and history.

Next up for us will be Mayfield Wine Society, sampling some great unique wines from Argentina.

Kicking off the new year we have a goodly amount of wine tasting presentations which is great but most exciting of all is that the first tour of the English Vine Tours (our sister company) will be underway on 24th January. This interested small group of people are gathering in Lewes/East Sussex and will be escorted to two English Vineyards for a tour, tasting and lunch! This is a proud moment for us as www.englishvinetours.co.uk is a new venture which we have high hopes for. Not only are we starting to educate about the virtues of our own wines and local wines but also in such hard times it is so mportant to promote local wherever possble.

For those of you who are interested in knowing more please log onto www.englishvinetours.co.uk. For those of you who simply enjoy the range of mail order wines from us again log onto www.thesussexwinecompany.co.uk or call us with your queries to 01273 477 205

Kind Regards & Happy New Year