Archives

April 2010

***********

Spring has sprung!
After the longest winter that I can remember, Spring has finally arrived! Easter is traditionally the time of year for the release of new wines, and I'm delighted that we have a new shipment of Mario's wonderful wines from Cascina Fontana: Dolcetto d'Alba, Barbera d'Alba, Nebbiolo delle Langhe, and Barolo. Mario's wines are astonishingly good and genuine and the new vintages are stunning. That is not to say that they are necessarily better than previous years: wine is always a unique expressions of both place and time, and it is therefore exciting to taste and discover these wines again, year after year, sometimes as if for the first time. Indeed, this is one element that makes wine such a fascinating and enjoyable subject. I'm looking forward in the coming months to some vertical tastings both to discover how wines such as Barbera, Nebbiolo and Barolo evolve, as well as to chart some of the differences between the best vintage years of this decade.

***********

Next Vino Kitchen Italian Table dates
We still have some places left for the April and May Vino Kitchen Italian Table evenings.

Wed April 21st
Wed May 26th

If you haven't yet been to one of our evenings, we invite you to join us. These are fun, informal get-togethers of simple and authentic regional Italian foods to accompany the Vino range of wines available in the Pebblebed Tasting Cellar. The atmosphere around the communal trestle tables is always convivial, lively and friendly. Our menus are based on fresh seasonal ingredients depending on market availability and we usually don't know what we'll be eating until a few days before the event. The set three-course meal costs £15 for Club Vino members and £18.50 for guests and non-members. To learn more and to see some of the menus that we have enjoyed over the past months, please visit The Vino Kitchen.

To reserve your place please email marc@vino.co.uk or telephone 01392 873778

**
Regular wine tastings in the Pebblebed Tasting Cellar
In addition to our monthly Vino Kitchen Italian Table, we plan to offer informal monthly wine tastings. This will give the opportunity to taste and learn about wines in informal groups, with the tasting lasting about an hour. Wines will be offered together with a Pebblebed tasting platter. The next tasting will take place on Tuesday May 4th at 7pm and will comprise an introduction to the wines of Cascina Fontana. This is a great opportunity to acquaint (or reacquaint) yourself with Mario Fontana's wonderful wines. Cost £15 for Club Vino members (£20 for non-members) to includes wines and a shared tasting platter including some Italian specialities.

To reserve your place please email marc@vino.co.uk or telephone 01392 873778

**
Italian wine dinner at the MC Cafe Bar at ABode Exeter - May 19th
I am delighted to be hosting an Italian wine dinner in the MC Café Bar on the evening of Wednesday May 19th. I have now discussed the menu with Andy McLarin and Tom Williams-Hawkes and it is going to be stunning. To match the foods, I have selected wines that give a good overview of what we do, including examples from Abruzzo, Le Marche, Tuscany and Piedmont. I'm certain that it will be an enjoyable and lively evening and I'd be delighted to see Club Vino friends join us. The cost is £45 (or £40.50 for Michael Caines Dining Club members) - to reserve your place, please telephone the ABode events team on 01392 319955.

**
Topsham Food Festival and Nello's Longest Table
Just a reminder that the Topsham Food Festival will take place on the weekend of Fri 18, Sat 19 and Sun 20th June, with Nello's Longest Table taking place on the Sunday. As previously, the headquarters for this weekend of foodie fun will be The Globe Hotel. Liz will begin selling tables for the Longest Table sometime in early May. Don't miss it!

***********
Club Vino renewals
Just a reminder that in order to take advantage of Club Vino special prices and events, please make sure your club membership is up to date.

Download the Vino/Pebblebed membership application/renewal form here.

We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you at our coming events.

***********

Best to all,

Marc and Kim