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This month we are able to have an unusual chance to focus on the origins of a few of the flavours that can predominate in specific wines. John Manley will present exemplary wines, aiming to shine a light on the molecular causes of the flavours present. He is one of a very few experts in this area. The tasting is one of a series offered by John; this one will consider: Lychee & Gewürztraminer, Iodine, Vin Jaune, Carbonic Maceration, and Calories I have summarised John’s introduction as...

Woodthorpe Wines - Matthew Whitaker On the 13 March we hosted Mathew Whittaker from Woodthorpe Wines. Although this was Matthews’s first presentation to the Grand Union he is no stranger to Leicester having led tastings at the Pheonix where he has built a substantial following. Mathew started his career in hospitality and trained as a sommelier working in fine dining before opening Woodthorpe wines. He brought his wealth of experience of working with wine and food and his stories of the ups...

Champagne Verrier et Fils - Emmanuel and Laurence Verrier On February 13th we were delighted to have a presentation from the Champagne producers Emmanuel and Laurence Verrier of Verrier et Fils in Étoges. This tasting was organised by our deputy chairman Bob McKinley following his many personal visits there. Étoges is in the Côtes de Blancs, about 10 km just south of Épernay, in the heart of the Chanpagne region. The wines of Verrier et Fils are made by the 5th generation of the family, and...