April 2026:

All wines were purchased from Majestic Wines with full retail prices ranging from £9 - £23. Realistically with in-store specials and group discount most were £8 - £14.

As usual, 3 whites (France, Chile and Spain) and 3 reds (Portugal, France and California) were sampled over the evening.

Blended Wine is created by mixing 2 or more grape varieties, vineyards or vintages to achieve balanced, consistent and complex flavours, that exceeds that of a single grape. It can happen before, during or after fermentation, often during maturation.

In Champagne blending different vintages is frequently done to maintain a consistent product. A Bordeaux is usually a blend of Cabernet and Merlot grapes. In most regions there are strict rules to blending, e.g. Chianti Classico must be a minimum of 80% Sangiovese grape.

The Monday group enjoyed as usual the bread, meats and cheeses and all had their own favourite wine. Generally, this month, the Reds were probably the more preferred, with the Lisboa LB7 ranked highest.

If you’d like to join us on the second Monday evening of the month, or would like more information please get in touch.

Jane Coulthard