A friend of mine called Ben Franks has graduated this year, and his great project that he is nurturing is wine tasting. He has started running these evenings, and a few privileged friends got to have a private tasting. I entered as someone who enjoys a glass of wine, but certainly had limited knowledge of the culture and procedures around it. Winding our way through Victoria Park, we came to a large old house, and climbed to the top floor where we were met by Ben, and led into an open dining area.
Everyone was given a space to sit, in front of the large oval table. In the middle were four un-opened bottles and a spittoon. (F) Fuji SuperiaEverything was neatly laid out with three glasses per place, and a slip for taking notes on the wines. (F) Fuji SuperiaAfter explaining how to test a glass of wine, and how to discern its subtle nuances, we started by tasting a Rosé. (F) Fuji SuperiaIt was exciting to get into the tasting and apply the newly learned technique. (F) Fuji SuperiaWe had one glass which we had to use for Rosé, one for White, and one for Red wine, so that the respective flavours of the wines would not interfere with each other. To the same end, we ate bread between bottles. (F) Fuji SuperiaAfter tasting the Rosé, we moved on to white wines. (F) Fuji SuperiaThe way in which a wine is poured from the bottle is important; it contributes to the flavour and the aroma. (F) Fuji SuperiaWriting notes on the individual characteristics of a white glass of wine. (F) Fuji SuperiaAs we got on to the red wines, the atmosphere was becoming more social. (F) Fuji SuperiaThe red wines were a highlight of the evening. They rounded off a great night of socialising, learning and sharing in an appreciation of the grape. (F) Fuji SuperiaBen Franks did a good job of selecting the bottles we enjoyed and sharing some of his knowledge about the art of wine drinking. For further information visit: benfrankswine.com (F) Fuji Superia
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