A TASTE FOR THE UNEXPECTED RACHAEL YOUNG SIPS AND SLURPS HER WAY THROUGH A WINE PAIRING EVENT IN NORTH NORFOLK VISIT
www.briarfieldshotelnorfolk.co.uk, www.petergrahamwines.com AND www.hatchmansfield.com
SOMETIMES IGNORANCE IS BLISS. What I know about wine leaves me feeling I could do better, especially when you consider I was married to a wine seller for a good few years! I’ve not been to a wine tasting event for quite some time and, with Briarfields in Titchwell hosting, I was keen to learn more. Joined by a friend, we both breathed a sigh of relief as we arrived in our room, not just because it had a vaulted ceiling and freestanding bath, but also because, somehow, Briarfields makes you feel so relaxed. After a quick freshen up, we headed to the restaurant to join the rest of the party. With a theme of New versus Old, the five-course dinner comprised a delicious French onion soup, hake with moules marinière, duck a l’orange and chocolate delice. Each was paired with two wines from Briarfields’ wine merchant, Louisa Turner of Peter Graham Wines. Our host, Simon Evetts, of Hatch Mansfield, talked through what was drunk without making me feel out of my depth. Simon also had some fascinating facts to share, too. For instance, did you know that across the globe 32 billion bottles of wine a year are
www.feastnorfolkmagazine.co.uk
consumed? And the top per head consumer? Andorra. The UK comes in at a measly 29th. I thought I would prefer Old World all the way, my favoured style coming from France or Italy. I liked the French Quincy Le Rimonet and Côtes du Rhône Blanc Colombo et Fille more than the New World Sauvignon Blanc for example. But Simon demonstrated that you can benefit from an open mind when it comes to wine. The Cleefs Classic Chenin Blanc from South Africa and Australian Signature Aurelia Pinot Noir Chardonnay NV were both firm favourites of mine on the night. I now know that I don’t like a honeyed wine, or anything too grassy; I prefer something light, fresh and crisp, be that Old or New World. Well done to Simon for sharing his passion for wine without alienating his audience, and demonstrating that even a little wine knowledge goes a long way to help you choose your perfect bottle.