MaD U3A Wine Appreciation Group May Meeting

The MaD Wine Appreciation Group was lucky in May when the afternoon was sunny and we could enjoy this month’s Members’ Choice of wines in the garden. We had a delightful selection of wines thanks to the care and generosity of some of our members. The choices they made showed how much we have learned over the months and years!

We started with a lovely Loire Valley Saumur Brut (12.5%) made by Bouvet Ladubay, a lively fizz with a crisp and zesty finish. Made from Chenin Blanc grapes, it had a floral nose, citrus on the palate and a creamy texture. Majestic Wines, £14.00 for a single bottle reduced to £10.00 in a mix six. A great start to the afternoon.

Next, we enjoyed an Aldi Chablis 2023 (12.5%), named for the northern Burgundy region where it’s made. Chablis is made from Chardonnay grapes, but the cooler climate gives it greater acidity and less fruitiness and it is unoaked. A nose of peach and white flowers and palate of citrus, green apple and a touch of marzipan. This was an Aldi special, bought in April and reduced from £13.99 to £8.99, so probably no longer available. However, it was such a lovely wine that it’s worth looking out for something similar.

Then we had Jean-Claude Mas Viognier 2024 (13%), bought in France and a gift to two of our members, so it tasted even better! Partially aged in oak barrels, it was buttery and rich with flavours of pineapple, grapefruit zest and (they say) candied lemon.  Full and rounded in the mouth with good length and we all loved it. Something similar can be found at Vinatis costing £11.00 a bottle or £9.40 each if you buy two.

We moved on to Wise Wolf Rose (12.5%), a delicate pale pink wine made in Languedoc-Roussillon in South West France from a range of grapes. A light nose with hints of strawberry and with a delightful palate of strawberries and raspberries. A dry and light bodied wine with crisp acidity and a fresh mineral finish, it was an excellent choice for a sunny afternoon in the garden.

Next, the reds, starting with an M&S Classic No 6 Valpolicella 2022 (13.5%). I would never usually choose it, having drunk too much poor Valpolicella in a misspent youth, but this wine was really good! It was ripe and rich in flavour, full bodied, with a deep red colour and flavours of dark cherries and spices. It was made in Italy with Corvina and Rondinella grapes. Cost £12.00 in Marks and Spencer, and a lovely wine.

Finally, we had Chateauneuf du Pape (15%) bought in Tesco in Durham, but probably available here. Made in the Rhone Valley from Grenache grapes, it was a surprisingly clear red wine, very deceptive given the ABV! Another really enjoyable wine, well flavoured with dark fruits on the palate and a long finish.

As a finisher, we tried The Hidden Vine Mauzac (11%) from the Val du Tarn in South West France, which was surprisingly flavoursome given its relatively low ABV. Available from the Co-op on Mapperley Top for £8.95, it was a really nice wine made from a grape that none of us had heard of.

So yet another great afternoon for the Wine Appreciation Group, thanks to the contributions of our members. We did have some very good wines, well worth looking out for.

The MaD u3a Wine Appreciation group meets on the third Wednesday of each month, starting at 2:30 pm. The group is currently full, but if you would like to put your name on the waiting list please contact either Sue or Maggie by email.

Although the in-person group is full all members are welcome to join the MaD Wine Bar which meets via Zoom most Wednesdays at 6.00 pm.

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Cheers from the Wine Appreciation Group