The Waterside Hotel - Regional France Wine Tasting

The evening was kicked-off with a sly glass of Carr Taylor Sparkling Brut. A cheaky comparison to the wine following. On showing both the clear winner by far was the English Sparkling Wine!!

Many Happy Returns to Sarah Hesse on her 34th birthday, duely embarassed by all tastees singing (out of tune) the happy birthday anthem and being presented with a wee cake with the ubiquitous sparkler!

Cremant d’Alsace
NV/Oberlin/Alsace
A classic sparkling wine from Alsace made in the same way as Champagne is using traditional Alsacian grape varieties; Riesling, Muscat & Pinot Noir

Riesling Reserve 2007
Jean-Remy Haeffelin/Alsace
Classic Alsacian Riesling, dry with subtle apple, citrus notes with hints of petrol which is classic for this region. Lingering on the palate. Perfect with sea-food.

Chablis “le classique” 2008
Pascal Bouchard/Burgundy
100% Chardonnay, unoaked with stainless steal fermentation. Classic, crisp and mineral-laden with subtle notes of apples/citrus.

Cotes du Rhone 2007
Gabriel Meffre/Rhone
Meffre is one of the biggest and one of the most famous producers in the region. Using classing Southern Rhone varietals – Syrah, Grenache, Carignan and Mourdevre creating a warming, soft, easy drinking wine.

Domaine Rive Haut
Tannat/Merlot 2008/Languedoc Roussilion
The south of France is one of the most dynamic and modern growing regions in the country. This is a blend of the easy going soft and plumy Merlot with the tough, dark colouring and tannin laden Tannat creating a rustic and warm southern blend.

Cheateau Vielle Tour La Rose 2006
Saint Emilion/Bordeaux
Merlot predominates here along with some Cabernet Sauvignon. A forward enjoyable Bordeaux that can be appreciated without too much cellaring indeed. Classic copper/earthy notes on the nose with soft tannins and notes of redcurrants on the palate.


Next wine tasting is January 27th – Regional Italy and 24th Feb – Regional Spain. (£16 per ticket/spaces available). 7pm Kick-Off

Indian Ocean's Hat-Trick with Taylor and Shroff Wines

The Indian Ocean in Manchester was our next launching venue, partnering our unique wines with this outstanding, multi-award winning restaurant was a union made by the gods. The curry gods at least!

Fayaz and Nahim Aslam have won the award for best Indian Restaurant in the NW of England via the famous UK Curry Awards for three years running. If this had been a football match they would be presented the match ball, a hat-trick of awards I believe has never been achieved before, this was something to celebrate.

The event, as organised by PR Guru Guy Parker (GAP Marketing & PR) was a combination celebration of the Indian Ocean’s unique achievement and their partnership with Taylor & Shroff. As such Guy and Fayaz pulled out all the stops, invitees came from far and wide to celebrate with us, loyal customers, Tameside Radio, Revolution Radio, Chimp Magazine and many more too-boot!

Pre-meal awards and presentations made (with additional special thanks to Enam Ali and to Peter Grove), we all tucked into the Taylor & Shroff wines, poured over ice and without food during the reception. This was indeed a true test of the wine’s credentials, yet this polished assembled group of Mancunians and alike drunk with glee!!

The sit down meal for 120 guests was a selection of 4 starters and four main courses. Served on time, hot and delicious a marvel to the fluidity and efficiency of the restaurant kitchen staff, floor staff and management. This alone was award winning in my book.

We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the Indian Ocean and Fayaz and wish to thank them and Guy for a truly wonderful event!!

Next up for Taylor & Shroff – Mother India in Glasgow on Monday 1st February 2010.

ben.furst@btinternet.com
07787448506