35. City Consorts’ Wine Tasting, Vintners’ Hall, 26 September 2023



What a wonderful view over London rooftops as the sun was setting.  A small group of City Consorts met on the Roof Terrace at the Vintners’ Hall, beginning an evening’s wine-tasting by sampling a British sparkling wine.  We were welcomed by our hosts, Master Vintner Ant Fairbank and his Consort Harriet.  As the evening drew on we adjourned to the Board Room for a delicious two-course dinner (all fully vegetarian).  A beautiful silver swan was the centrepiece of the table, and even the individual portions of butter came in the shape of a swan!  The delicious food was accompanied by a selection of three white and three red wines, finishing with a dessert wine and coffee. 

Our tutor for the evening was Vintner Jack Chaddock, from Robert Rolls & Co, who had stepped in at short notice as the scheduled expert had sadly been struck down with Covid.  Jack taught us about the different types of soil which had a major impact on the flavour of the grape and varying acidity levels, for instance the “fumé” of Pouilly fumé comes from the flint in the soil which imparts a slightly smoky effect.

Conversation flowed as the wine flowed, and all experienced a thoroughly enjoyable evening.



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