Masterclasses in session One, 12:00pm – 3:00pm

1:00pm: Understanding Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc

With Dr Damian Martin of Ara, New Zealand.

So you think you know your Sancerre from your Marlborough Sauvignon? Your Pommard from your Otago Pinot? Well, you might find some wine surprises as Dr Damian Martin, GM of Viticulture and winemaking at Ara in New Zealand, helps you understand the differences that exist between Old World and New World styles of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. Damian will present some of the best wines of France and New Zealand, suggesting examples that meet somewhere in the middle might just provide wine lovers with the best of both worlds.

2:00pm: The Sélections Parcellaires of Maison M. Chapoutier

With Michel Chapoutier of M. Chapoutier, France.

Seventh generation Michel Chapoutier has been at the head of this famous Rhône Valley domain since 1990, and describes himself as “wine-grower, winemaker and wine lover.” Ever inventive, Michel’s initiatives since taking charge have included conversion of the entire estate to biodynamic farming and the introduction of the Braille language on his labels. This masterclass needs little introduction: we will taste wines from his single vineyard Sélections Parcellaires range, produced in limited quantities from very old vineyards on outstanding terroirs.

Masterclasses in session Two, 4:00pm – 7:00pm

5:00pm: Languedoc, the Rubik’s cube of wine

With Jean Claude Mas of Domaines Paul Mas, France.

It would be overstating things to say that Jean-Claude Mas has single-handedly revolutionised winemaking in the southern French Languedoc region, but his brilliant portfolio of wines has certainly turned a whole generation on to the quality and value on offer. In this seminar he will demonstrate through tasting that the Languedoc is capable of the most powerful expressions of varietal and terroir character. Many different dimensions must work in harmony to make great wine, and this tasting sets out to prove the Languedoc has all it takes to do so.

6:00pm: Champion of Chenin Blanc

With Ken Forrester of Ken Forrester Wines, South Africa.

Ken Forrester is renowned for single-minded passion for one grape variety: Chenin Blanc. He has carried this through into wines of extraordinary quality, and his Chenins have spearheaded a movement to transform the Cape’s most planted grape into the upper echelons of fine wine. In his masterclass we will taste six examples of top Chenin Blanc wines, which Ken says will show the attributes and versatility of Chenin with examples from different soils and climates, as well as demonstrating the ageing potential of these wines. Wake up and smell the Chenin!

Entry to each masterclass is just £10

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