Syrah, Grenache and Southern Rhone whites - Chelmsford

A fun evening where we help develop your blind tasting skills!

Come and sample specially chosen Northern Rhone and Southern Rhone wines showing typical French style and compare them BLIND with wines made from the same grapes in New World countries such as Australia, South Africa or America.

Learn to tell the difference by sight, smell and taste alone! It really helps you understand the impact climate makes in wine production. 

Which will you prefer - the French or the New World versions? Each evening we will finish voting for our favourites and you may be surprised! 

You will learn more about French wine, but you will also build your confidence to explore different wines from around the world. The next time you select wine in shops and restaurants you will more likely choose the grapes and country that best suits your taste preference.

Syrah/Shiraz (same grape two names) is an important grape in the Northern Rhone making classic wines such as Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Cote Rotie which are all great with red meats. Grenache is the base for Cotes-du-Rhone and top wines like Chateauneuf du Pape and these are terrific with stews pot dinners.

Southern Rhone whites are typically a blend of white Grenache, Rousanne and Marsanne (among others), presenting a rich and interesting alternative to the more common white wine choices among UK consumers.

But what do their New World counterparts taste like and would you choose them to pair with different foods?

By the end of the evening you will have learned:

• what's special about the Rhone valley
• reasons for differences in wines deriving from country and climate
• current trends in the New World

All tastings include: minimum 6 wines sourced locally so you can find them easily if you like them, full tasting notes, use of professional tastings glasses and nibbles.

All our courses can be purchased as a Gift either as a dated or undated voucher.

This evening can also be booked within our 4-part France vs New World evening class (click here to see). Save £10 booking the whole 4 Thursday eve sessions and your blind tasting skills will really develop!