Archives

March 2007

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Pebblebed update
I hope you received Geoff's separate Pebblebed email news (if you didn't receive it, can you please email Geoff and ask to be added to the Friends of Pebblebed list - geoff@pebblebed.co.uk).

Clearly lots of exciting things are happening with Pebblebed in 2007 and we all eagerly await the first release of wines at the end of this month.

Mario Fontana of Cascina Fontana says that every new vintage is like having a new child - yes, you always know that they are from the same family, yet each individual vintage is unique, with its own personality that reflects myriad factors, the particularities of that year's weather conditions, decisions made in the vineyard, the date of picking, factors determined during the winemaking process, and mysterious elements that no one can quite understand or comprehend, yet which undoubtedly contribute to each wine's individuality and personality. This is the magic of wine!

As we now begin to get familiar with Pebblebed wines, it's fascinating for us to begin to understand and taste some of these factors, why last year's rosé was more lightly coloured than 2004, how the Pebblebed white evolves and develops in the bottle, and so on.

I can't wait to try Geoff's new wines: the Pebblebed red and of course the Pebblebed sparkling rosé!

Geoff has a number of Pebblebed events planned for 2007, the first of which is the planting of the new vineyard on the weekend of March 17-18. If you'd like to join in and lend a hand, please contact Geoff geoff@pebblebed.co.uk.

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Club Vino Programme of Events 2007
We have now put in place the Club Vino programme of events for 2007, with most of our get-togethers taking place at The Globe Hotel here in Topsham. A huge thanks to Liz at The Globe, who has been so welcoming and supportive. Our Club Vino @ The Globe events will take place either in the Malthouse or in the Restaurant and a good time is guaranteed for all, I assure you. Places are limited for all the events, with Club Vino members having priority. So if you are interested, please secure your places and/or send payment as soon as possible.

April 13 "An Introduction to Wine Tasting" 7pm at The Globe Malthouse to include a tasting of local cheeses.
In this lighthearted evening, we'll be looking at the mechanics of tasting wine and also exploring different approaches to tasting - Mark Lane, one of a select few 'super taster' judges in the International Wine Challenge, will be adding his always entertaining and informative perspectives.
£15 for CV members (£20 for non-CV members)

May 25 "A Journey through Italy in a Bottle" 7pm at The Globe Malthouse to include a simple pasta supper.
We'll look at - and taste! - a range of wines that reflect the variety of Italian wine from the northernmost vineyards down the length of the Italian peninsula to Sicily. Afterwards we'll enjoy a simple pasta supper.
£15 for CV members (£20 for non-CV members)

September 7 "Nebbiolo Masterclass" 7.30 at The Globe Restaurant
A vertical tasting of Cascina Fontana Nebbiolo and Barolo wines from different vintages to include a special 3-course wine dinner. Numbers limited, so first come first served.
£35 for CV members only

Mid-October Club Vino trip to Italy - date and place to be decided

November 9 Club Vino Christmas Tasting 7pm at The Globe Malthouse
Tickets £7.50 (open to all)

December 12 Club Vino Christmas party and dinner 7.30 at The Globe Restaurant
Informal tasting of Vino wines, Prosecco and Champagne followed by special pasta and risotto wine dinner/party.
£25 for CV members only

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Club Vino renewals
We hope you've been enjoying your membership of Club Vino and that by now you've taken part in some of our events, tastings, dinners, and wine trips as well as enjoyed the savings on Vino wines. Vino has established itself as a true community of wine lovers and we value your participation and support. Annual renewals will be going out soon; the annual fee is £15 but renewal will entitle you to a £10 voucher that can be used against case purchases of any of our wines. We certainly hope you will rejoin us!

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Foodeaze update
Following its successful opening, the Foodeaze Food Hall in Exeter's former indoor market has expanded its hours and is now open Monday to Saturday from 7am to 8pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm.

On Mondays to Saturday from 6-8pm there is 'Aperitivo', a particularly appetizing idea whereby you can drop in for a glass of wine, Prosecco (!) or beer and nibble on an array of tapas or cicheti freshly prepared by the Foodeaze team of chefs. At the same time there is an early evening supper menu (2 courses for £9.95). On Sundays, the Foodeaze team will be doing roast lunches. We can't wait!

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People's Cookbook update
For those who asked for the recipe that I cooked on this recent television programme, it's now up on the UK TV Food web site, along with the (very brief) Topsham filmed location clip. The location films, incidentally, were directed and filmed by Club Vino member (and sometimes cycling chum) Marcus Bailey.
http://uktv.co.uk/index.cfm/uktv/Food.recipe/aid/580365

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It's March, so it's official: spring is here. Soon the boats will be back in the Exe, Geoff's vineyard will spring to life again, Turf will reopen, and we'll all be enjoying warmer, longer days, and hopefully good times, relaxing, sipping favourite wines with friends.
We hope to see you soon.

Marc and Kim