What we tasted in February 2025

In February we welcomed Tom Holt the maker and owner of Paso-Primero Wines, who presented his wines from Somontano in the Spanish Pyrenees. Tom described his extraordinary free-wheeling journey into making his own wines powered by not much more than his own enthusiasm. It was a wonderful tasting of good-value wines.

For more information:

Web: paso-primero.com

The wines tasted were:

1. 2022 Paso-Primero Blanco

2. 2021 Paso-Próximo Blanco

3. 2021 Pasotismo Blanco

4. 2023 Paso-Primero Rosado

5. 2022 Paso-Próximo Tinto

6. 2022 Paso-Primero Tinto

7. 2022 Pasotismo Tinto

8. 2022 Shropshire Lad Collaboration

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   Tom Holt at the Grand Union Wine Society

Next tasting - Friday 14th February

Our next tasting on the 14 Feb is by Tom Holt who, with his wife Sarah, both created the brand Paso Primero (wines https://www.paso-primero.com/) and make its wines. A native of Shrewsberry, Tom has a very different story to tell us about his life and travels in wine .

Tom writes by way of introduction:

‘I am the award-winning winemaker for Paso-Primero based in Somontano in the Spanish Pyrenees. With no money and no family links to wine I had to beg, steal, and borrow my way around the world of wine in the hope of making my own wines, in my own way. It's been a long journey taking in New Zealand and Canada before finding my spiritual home in northern Spain. Now, nearly ten years into my time in Spain, I’m revitalising old vineyards, re-establishing indigenous varieties and still loving every minute.’ 

Join us on the 14th of February to taste the entire Paso-Primero portfolio, to hear what it takes to go from Shrewsbury to Somontano and for a little bit of that special magic which happens when winemakers joins us to talk about the wines they make and love.

Please make your payment to attend in the usual way, as per the standard instructions attached. Your prompt attention is helpful to us, please pay by the end of Monday the 10th of Feb. We will be glad if you will consider inviting guests to the tasting.

For more information:

Web: Paso Primero

What we tasted in January 2025

In January we welcomed Andrew Walker of Solaris Wines, who presented wines from Romania, Slovenia and Spain. The society was entertained with both hard to find grape varieties and some which are more familiar. It was an excellent tasting.

For more information:

Web: solariswines.co.uk

The wines tasted were:

1. 2023 Tilia Estate Pinot Gris, Vipava Valley, Slovenia

2. 2020 Prince Stirbey Feteasca Regala, Dragasani, Romania

3. 2018 Prince Stirbey Sauvignonasse, Dragasani, Romania

4. 2021 Bodegas Nabal Albillo Major, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain

5. 2021 Tilia Estate Pinot Noir, Vipava Valley, Slovenia

6. 2021 Bodegas Nabal Crianza, DO Ribera Del Duero, Spain

7. 2018 Bodegas Lerma, Gran Lerma, DO Arlanza, Spain

8. 2018 Bodegas Nabal, Gran Reserva, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain

   
   

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