MaD U3A Wine Appreciation Group January Meeting

In Sue’s absence, our January winetasting was made up of Members’ choices. Many thanks to our six lovely members who each contributed a bottle of wine that they wanted us to try. We had a really delicious selection and a great afternoon.

As ever, the comments are from group members, the scores are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect a group view.

We started with a sparkler donated by Carolyn. The Wine Society Cava 2021 (12%) came from Spain and was delicious. A gentle fizz, faint nose of pastry, then vanilla and citrus on the palate and finish. Every bit as good as Cremants, and indistinguishable from them.

Score – 15/20

Next, we had Lidl’s French Chablis 2021 (12%), a lovely dry white wine with minerals on the nose, lemon on the palate and an aftertaste of creamy toffee. Very good, especially at a Lidl price! Thank you Suzanne, for a fine discovery.

Score – 15/20

We moved on to The Huguenot Chenin Blanc 2024 (12.5%) from South Africa which Hazel bought at Laithwaite’s. Yet another delightful white wine with lime, grapefruit and kiwi on the nose, tropical fruits an the palate and lovely length. Sweeter than the Chenin Blanc and an interestingly enjoyable contrast.

Score – 15/20

Joan donated a rose – Vinedo Barrihuelo Rioja Rose (13.5%), a lovely salmon pink with a nose and palate of strawberries, raspberries and straw. Ideal for a summer garden – but strong at 13.5%! Roses have improved greatly, but are still not to everyone’s taste. This is a very good one.

Score – 14/20

On to the reds! Anna’s Baccolo Apassimiento 2022 from The Wine Society was deep red and quite dense. Sweet spices and dark stone fruits on the nose, smooth and mellow with dark fruits on the palate, good length and gentle oak on the finish. An excellent Italian wine, dry, but enriched with dried grapes.

Score – 16/20

Our final wine was a classic Barbara special – Marques de los Rios Rioja 2018 (14%) made with Tempranillo grapes. Dark red, medium dense and showing its age in the colour. A peppery nose with dark fruits and cherries, more black cherries and dark fruits on the palate, a smooth finish with good length and little tannin. Another lovely wine.

Score – 15/20

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