Did you know that twice yearly we run a large-scale wine tasting? These are held at Christmas and in the Spring, and last Friday, we had the pleasure of hosting our Spring event across two fantastic sessions at Shenfield Parish Hall. What an evening it was!

Why is our Spring Wine Tasting so special?

With a brilliant atmosphere throughout both sittings, guests were welcomed into an event that brought together 13 wine importers under one roof, showcasing an incredible selection of approximately 100 wines from across the globe. We had another great turnout, with approximately 110 wine lovers joining us to sample the wines of the season.

Across the tables, there was something for everyone. Crisp, refreshing whites proved popular early on, with many guests gravitating towards lighter styles perfect for warmer months ahead. Sparkling wines added a celebratory feel to the evening, while rosés, which are always perfect for summer, offered a balance of freshness and fruit-driven charm. For red wine lovers, the bolder reds naturally drew attention – ideal companions for summer evenings of alfresco drinking.

Finding the perfect wine for any occasion…

One of the real highlights of the event was the opportunity for guests to taste before they buy. Rather than choosing wines based on labels or our in-store advice alone, visitors were able to taste, compare, and discover what truly suited their own tastes. Many left with a clearer idea of what they’ll be enjoying over the coming months, and how to pair that with a summer barbecue, or how to enjoy when shared with friends in the garden.

Each year when we run our annual wine tastings, there’s sense of discovery and enjoyment throughout both sessions in the hall. Our importers are on hand to guide guests through their selections, answer questions, and share the stories behind the bottles, which is something that always adds another layer of depth to the tasting experience.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. Our annual tastings really are a showcase of why we love what we do: bringing people together over great wine, great conversation, and new experiences.

This year’s favourite? Iconic Rosé!

This year’s best selling wine was definitely Famiglia Di Carlo’s Iconic Rosé. This is a beautifully fresh and expressive rosé from the Abruzzo region of Italy, crafted from Merlot and Sangiovese grapes. Pale pink in the glass, it opens with delicate floral aromas alongside vibrant notes of strawberry, cherry and pomegranate. On the palate it is crisp, lively and refreshing, with bright acidity balanced by a smooth, elegant finish and a subtle mineral character that reflects the calcareous soils of Chieti.

This is a wonderfully versatile rosé that is absolutely delicious when served well chilled, especially alongside lighter Mediterranean-style dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled prawns, seafood, pasta, and sushi, whilst also complementing grilled chicken and other white meats. It’s easy-drinking yet it’s also refined; Iconic Rosé is an ideal option for warm evenings, relaxed lunches and summer entertaining. A perfect choice therefore from our Spring Wine Tasting!

Iconic Rosé was closely followed in the popularity stakes by Masseria Borgo Dei Trulli Mirea Primitivo di Manduria, another Italian favourite. This is a bold, opulent red that showcases the warmth and richness of the south of the country. Deep ruby in colour, it offers intense aromas of dried plum, figs and black cherry layered with notes of dark chocolate, sweet spice, vanilla and coffee. Full-bodied and velvety on the palate, the wine is rich and warming with soft tannins, concentrated dark fruit and a long, smooth finish that carries hints of cocoa and oak spice.

This is a bold yet versatile wine that comes into its own during summer barbecues. It pairs beautifully with grilled steak, barbecued ribs, burgers, lamb skewers and rich tomato-based pasta dishes, while hard cheeses also complement its depth and spice. Slightly unusually, this red can be served slightly chilled, and offers a smooth, velvety style that makes it an excellent choice for warm evenings.

Tailored advice for your tastes

If you missed this one but still want to stock up your wine cellar for the summer months ahead, don’t forget that our friendly Wine Buffs in store can also guide you when it comes to choosing wine to suit both your flavour profile and to pair with food choices. Pop in store today to discover more!

And if you want to be informed about our next large-scale tasting event such as this, make sure you’re on our mailing list by signing up at the bottom of our website to ensure that you’re one of the first in the know about our Annual Christmas Wine Tasting!