The Fladgate Partnership - with Chris Forbes
Wednesday 9 November, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Copthall Avenue shop
Seated
£45 per person inc VAT
If you thought that 21st century trade wars were tough, spare a thought for unfortunate English wine merchants in the 17th century. What on earth were they supposed to sell when French wine was first overtaxed and then, as wars broke out, banned altogether? One enterprising Liverpool wine merchant is said to have made his way up Portugal's Douro Valley, where he discovered Cistercian monks adding a measure of brandy to fermenting red wine. It was perfect for export: the extra alcohol helped stabilize the wine before shipment, ensuring it arrived in good condition. And so the world discovered the fortified sweet wine that came to be called Port.
At the tender age of 434, Croft is the very oldest Port house still on the scene. Taylor's is not a great deal younger. Fonseca leapt on the scene much more recently, with the great 1840 vintage. But these three houses are all marked by great vineyards, a traditional style and many generations of excellence. They are all, nowadays, united under the ownership of the Fladgate Partnership.
We are delighted to be welcoming Chris Forbes, export director of the Fladgate Partnership, who will be talking us through a tasting of these three houses. What is Port? We'll cover some key styles: tawny, single quinta, vintage. How does Port age? We'll taste some recent releases and some older vintage styles. Join us for what we expect to be a fascinating evening. /NT
On tasting:
Taylor's 20 Year Old Tawny
Taylor's 30 Year Old Tawny
2016 Croft
2013 Taylor's Quinta De Vargellas
2011 Taylor's
2008 Fonseca Guimaraens
2004 Croft Quinta Da Roeda
2004 Fonseca Quinta Do Panascal
2000 Fonseca
1985 Fonseca
1985 Taylor's
No refunds within 48 hours of tasting events
