November 17, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
The Wine Crew
Many many thanks to Roy Webb and all who helped out at the weekend – East Dean Village Hall Wine Tasting. A superb evening of around 55 wine loving and fun loving local residents, organised to perfection by Roy and all who helped.
The tasting invloved a selection of 6 classic wines that were from indigenous grape varieties or classic regional wines. We are delighted to say that most wines weny down extremely well.
On show were 3 whites and 3 reds – Mahi Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Lucien Albrecht Gewurztraminer, Domaine Vauroux Chablis, Vina Cerrada Rioja Crianza, Estaciones de Valle Gouguenheim Malbec and the wonderful Chianti Classico Barone Ricasole.
We believe the event raised a goodly amount of money for the Village Hall and we were delighted at being given the opportunity to sponsor the event!
Sniffing, Swirling, Tasting
Posted in 1, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Classic Regional Wines, Indigenous Grape varieties | Leave a Comment »
November 10, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
The Sussex Wine Company offer a comprehensive wine tasting service for both Corporate Clients as well as Private Clients. Examples of events we have been booked for are anything from an informal gathering of friends at you own home over cheese & biscuits with a selection of wines, wines for and to be presented for your dinner party or at your work place or booked venue for corporate wine tastings.
Wine Tastings are a great way to get people to inter-mingle and always a good ice-breaker, as well as a great way to entertain clients. We host/present in Lewes, Eastbourne, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells as well as in London. We can come to you with the wines and all tasting sheets and make wine tasting enjoyable and un-pretentious fun!
Our website – www.thesussexwinecompany.co.uk has a full list of events that we are running for 2009 which gives you an indication to themes as well as costs. However please feel free to contact us regarding your wine tasting events with any queries that you may have. Bookings for 2009 are now being taken and it is always best to make arrangements and to book us well in advance of the event.
Themes are from – Classic Argentina, Classic Italy, Classic Spain, New World v Old World, Bling Varietal Tastings, Chardonnay Around the World etc etc. A few ideas for you.
Sip away!
Posted in 1, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Corporate Entertainment, Corporate Wine Tastings, Private Wine Tastings | Leave a Comment »
October 28, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
We are delighted to have been invited to attend this discussion recently, held at Cavas de Gaucho in Swallow Street, London. As the only UK specialist Argentinean Wines/Food restaurant this was the perfect setting to discuss the merits of Malbec and Torrontes etc.
Present were, The Sussex Wine Company, Berkmann Wines, Ellis of Richmond, Alliance Wines, The Goucho Wine Buyer, Martin Lamb of Ransome’s Dock Restaurant and Raffles of Norwich Restaurant group. The discussion was chaired by Wines of Argentina and Wines & Spirits Magazine.
The overall feed back was extremely positive, discussing the huge leap of progress made by Argentina and the wines they produce. The power matched with the elegance of Malbec above Shiraz for instance. Also discussed were alcohol levels, which whilst being high, Argentinean wines are far more complex and softer, elegant and balanced than many of their other new world counterparts. Additionally the whole marketing vision when discussing Argentina was a powerful sexy one of Tango, Men on Horses etc. This does lend itself to be able to hand sell more expensive top end wines to the general public.
Also discussed was Torrontes. Whilst these wines ares fresh, vibrant and aromtic, they are best drunk within one year of the harvest and will never be a mature worthy keeper.
Wines much loved and discussed came from superb producers like Susana Balbo, Pedro Marchevsky, Norton, Flichman, Dona Paula etc. The future looks good for the wines of Argentina who’s credentials as a top wine producing nation are set to grow and grow!!
Posted in 1, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Argentinean Malbec, Argentinean Torrontes, Wines of Argentina | Leave a Comment »
October 23, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
The English Wine Industry has been somewhat overlooked in the not too distant past. Yet English wine from vineyards such as Bookers, on the Bolney Wine Estate and particularly sparkling wine from artisan winemaker Peter Hall at Breaky Bottom has received some great PR lately. Not only are the English vineyards set within some of England finest countryside they are run enthusistucally and passionately by foolhardy winemakers whohave made it their lifes work to make these wines work.
We thought it was about time to bring attention to this wonderful industry and boy, are we excited! 
At English Vine Tours we’re giving the public the opportunity to visit some of England’s finest vineyards, taste the delights of English wine and enjoy the beauty of the English countryside. Half day, 1 day, 2 day wine tours are available all accompanied by a wine expert from English Vine Tours and driven in a private minibus. We’re also offering special day wine tours which will include the tour of a vineyard, wine tasting and lunch before being taken to the horse races for a flutter or perhaps even the opera.
This venture is clearly about promoting the English wine industry but also local produce, local business and our homegrown talent. It’s about celebrating England and supporting our local economy when the global one has let us down so badly!
Welcome to English Vine Tours
Posted in 1, Buy Fine Wine, East Sussex Events, Food & Wine, Lewes, Wine, Wine Cub UK, Wine Debate, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged English Vine Tours, English Vineyard Tours, Visit English Vineyards | Leave a Comment »
October 17, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
Well many thanks to Mr & Mrs Brown for hosting a wonderful evening last night. Gathered were a fabulous group of wine loving gregarious individuals. Wines were presented by The Sussex Wine Company to this private group. A suitable yummy arrangement of cheeses were kindly supplied by the lovely hosts.
The Ladies and Wine
On sampling were 3 white wines and 3 red wines. Woollaston Organic Riesling from Nelson in new Zealand, Mahi Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough in New Zealand, La Bouscade Chardonnay from Minervois (David Cowdery – ex Plumpton College), Perez Cruz Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile, Le Ventoux by Juliette Avril and La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina.
All the wines were enjoyed but some did shine out and were suitably snapped up by the eager wine drinking guests. The Mahi Sauvignon Blanc once again stole the show – move over Cloudy Bay!! Also enjoyed were all the reds. Personnaly I loved them all and the Woollaston Riesling managed to swing some non-Riesling fans with its wonderful citrus/lime crispness and bite!
The La Mascota Cabernet and the Perez Cruz Cabernet are truly wonderful wines for their price, big juicy fruits with plenty of damsons, cassis, chocolate and brambles. The Le Ventoux by Juliette Avril is classicly French, elegance above power and a wonderful length on the finish.
Big Bob
Many thanks to all, we enjoyed the evening thoroughly and would be delighted to do more “in-your-own-home wine tasting evenings!
Posted in 1, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Private Wine Tasting, Wine Tastings at your home | Leave a Comment »
October 15, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
Spanish Night at The Eastbourne Food & Wine School
The 2nd semester started off with Steve Dennis (resident chef) preparing four excellent classic Spanish dishes. Whilst The Sussex Wine Company matched, excellently, various wines from around the world with Steve’s cuisine.
First dish served was an Andalusian Gazpacho. Made with chopped tinned tomatoes, a touch of fresh chilli, olive oil, garlic, sherry, green pepper and dry bread all blended in the blender. Straight forward and simply. Garnished with some croutons and finely chopped onions with tomatoes. Delicious. Matched with the most unusual 1990 Vin Santo. Having lost much of its sweetness through age the wine became sherry like and matched the soup beautifully.
Spanish omelette was next and again a classic and simple dish. Grilled to finish and matched with Ashbury Grove Reserve Shiraz @ £6.95. Both went down very will with the audience.
Classic Paella was third in line. Having taken about 40 minutes from prep to service Steve was constantly
Steve Flambes!
diving in and out of this dish whilst beavering away with the other courses. Chicken, Pork, Mussles, Salmon, Monkfish, chilli, saffron – gosh what wasn’t in it. Matched harmoniously with a cracking Montgras Merlot from Chile @ £5.95. An incredible wine for the price. Dry and fruity, well balanced indeed.
Last up but our favourite, Supreme of Chicken in Sherry. A helping of double cream here really gave the dish a fabulous richness. A dash of sherry and again some fresh chilli really added to the dish’s delight. Matched with a lovely and elegant Ashbury Grove Reserve Chardonnay @ £6.95. Not oaked, great fresh fruit and weight on the palate.
Next gathering of gourmets will be 20th January for some classic Pork dishes and great wines to match!
Posted in 1, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Food and Wine Matching | Leave a Comment »
October 7, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
Well done to The Buy With Confidence team from Eastbourne for organising another great event. The 2nd year of this event where local traders gather in an indoor market environment to promote themselves and in general independent traders.
The event was even bigger this year and was equally well attended so well done Eastbourne! The Sussex Wine Company displayed a whole array of goods, wines, glassware, whisky, olive oil, gifts boxes. On sampling were the wonderful Carr Taylor Fruit Wines, Apricot Wine, Ginger Wine, Prune Wine and the classic English Mead. Additionally we had open a lovely wee Cotes du Rhone Les Lauzeraies. Under the table, as it where, we also sampled a beautiful little claret – Chateau Lamothe Bergeron Cru Bourgeois 2001 from Haut Medoc. Sampled by the local celebs – Nigel Watersonn MP – enjoyed greatly.
Next week, October 14th we are running the first of the 2nd series of the Eastbourne Food & Wine School, at Brighton university Culinary Arts Facility located off Darley Road in Eastbourne. Steve Dennis, resident gourmet Chef will be creating 3 classic Spanish dishes for all the “students” and The Sussex Wine Company shall be selecting 3 wines to match Steve’s classic Spanish dishes.
On November 20th we are holding our 3rd annual Portfolio Wine Tasting Event. This year being held at The Needlemakers in Lewes from 6.30-9.30pm. We shall be sampling over 50 wines from around the world, along with cheeses to match. Tickets are still available at £25.00 each and this promises to be a great night indeed!
Lastly our Wine Tasting Schedule for 2009 is now available online to view and book.
Posted in 1, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Food & Wine Matching, Sussex Wine Events, Wine Tasting | Leave a Comment »
September 23, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
Some superb new wines are heading the way of The Sussex Wine Company. Some crackers from the new world, Woollaston (Organic) from Nelson in New Zealand and Henschke from South East Australia, inparticular Eden valley.
Woollaston use a highly sustainable viticultural approach and are nearly fully certified organic. Their wines are very pure, elegant and classy. Having sampled them all recently we decided immediately to bring-em in! The Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and the Pinot Noir are all well priced at £12.95-£18.95 for the Pinot. Additionally we are offering a discounted mixed case of 12 of the Woollaston wines too.
Henschke are a family affair for well over 100 years and the name is now as famous as Grange and many other top wines of the world. The estate’s pedigree range is very much red heavy and we are listing now three world class wines from Henschke. Mount Edelstone Shiraz, Cyril Henschke Cabernet Sauvignon as well as the iconic Hill of Grace. All well worth dabbling with if you love your big new world reds.
Enjoy…
Posted in 1, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Henschke, Nelson, New Zealand, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc | Leave a Comment »
September 16, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
So eventaully the truth behind mas-produced, highly branded, mas-marketed wine is starting to leak out, thanks to dispatches. It does not take a genius to figure out that all that wine can not be produced as is written on the bottle. Can all that Pinot Grigio really be coming from Italy….How can you get cheap wines for less than £5.00 from Australia?
As a nation we are awakening to food production and manufacturing, the ethics of animal husbandry, how we treat our livestocks, where our fish & meat comes from and are making better, more informed decisions. Decisions that are now in part based around respect for the animal we are about to consume and also how we grow things and that impact on the environment.
For many years we (the Sussex Wine Company) have been spouting on about how mass produced wine is laced with additives, preservatives, chemicals of all sorts. The more of a wine is produced, the less human contact there is, the more chemicals are used in the vineyards and the wineries to create a hamburger wine with scant regard to the environment or the health of the consumer. Let alone producing a real wine that is a proper expression of its origin. Supermarkets are a big promoter of cheap this and cheap that, we are a nation of binge drinkers yet supermarkets will adverstise on TV – cases of beer for £10!! They will also hype up the price of a wine and then place the wine on offer convincing us that we have a bargain.
It seems to be the next logical step for wine and all alcoholic beverages to contain a list of ingredients like all other food substances. Until then we, the consumer need to think about our alcohol and wine especially in the same manner in which we now think about our food.
Try not to buy brands, try not to buy cheap and if you can try to use your local independent wine merchant!
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September 10, 2008 by sussexinthecellar
Thursday evening, September 11th wine of Spain evening is now sold out. For those of you have missed out on sampling the wines of Marques de Riscal, Vina Cerrada Rioja and Ebano Crianza from Ribera del Duero, grab a ticket or two for our forthcoming – Portfolio Wine Tasting, being held on 20th November in Lewes. Only £25 per ticket to taste over 50 wines!!
Decanter Wine Awards 2008, the tombe has been released with a list of all the winners. We have managed to grab a few for our wines, note-ably Mandrarossa Fiano winning Gold – not bad at only £7.95. Other winners included Colome Estate Malbec of Argentina, Barone Ricasoli Chianti Classico and super Tuscan Casalferro. Terre del Falasco Valpantena Ripassa and Amarone also won awards.
New wine from Argentina…Further adding to our tremendous collection of Argentinean wines is the stunning Opalo Sauvignon Blanc. Similar to a Sancerre but firmer with more body and one of the very best new world Sauvignon Blancs that we have ever tried. Available for £10.95 and soon to be loaded online!
We recently presented a cracking top-notch Italian wine event at a private residence in London. Wines on show were Ascheri Barolo Sorano, Terre Brune from Santadi, Poliziano Le Stanze, Lamaione from Frescobaldi, Torre del Falasco Amarone and great single vineyard Brunello di Montalcino from Barbei. If you wish us to present in your home or business then please do get in touch as we’d love to!
In other news we have now created two superb new Christmas (or anytime) hampers. The Platinum Hamper and The Gold Hamper are available to buy online, Christmas is only round the corner.
Keep on sipping…
Posted in Buy Fine Wine, East Sussex Events, Lewes, Wine, Wine Cub UK, Wine Merchants UK, Wine Tastings | Tagged Argentinean Sauvignon Blanc, Decanter Wine Awards, Italian Wine Tasting, Sussex Vine Tours | Leave a Comment »
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