The leading law firm Howes Percival invited clients and contacts to a wine tasting with a difference – all the wines were from English vineyards.
The event at the Northampton Delapre Marriott hotel also encompassed fine English foods, with cheeses and meats from Northampton deli, The Food Hall.
The wine tasting was led by Julia Trustram Eve, from the trade association English Wine Producers. Julia gave an insight into the history of winemaking in England, which dates back to the Romans. After discussing the role of the dissolution of the monasteries in severely curtailing viniculture in England, Julia moved onto the post-war resurgence of interest in making English wine.
Six wines were tasted, beginning with the sparkling Ridgeview Bloomsbury from East Sussex. Sparkling wine production is growing quickly in South East England, with traditional methods of production resulting in wine which is competing with Champagne at competition level.
White wines from Biddenden Vineyards in Kent and Warden Abbey in Bedfordshire were sampled, accompanied by English cheeses supplied by The Food Hall on St Giles Street. The deli’s owner Alastair Fawn talked about the cheeses’ provenance and how they complemented the wines.
A rosé from Chapel Down in Kent and a red from Denbies in Surrey were followed by a sweet wine from Astley in Worcestershire, again accompanied by cheeses which included Berkswell, Ribblesdale Mature Goats Cheese and Quenby Hall Stilton.
Graham Irons, employment law partner at Howes Percival in Northampton, introduced the event. He said: “We tasted six great English wines and Alastair chose excellent cheese to partner them.”
Julia Trustram Eve said: “It’s an exciting time for English wine. People tasting the wines for the first time can see – and taste – what a high quality drink this country is now producing. And the wine is easier and easier to get hold of as production increases and appreciation for local produce rises.”
Alastair Fawn, who has been championing local producers since opening The Food Hall ten years ago, said: “There is a growing appetite for English fine foods, and it is fascinating to see how well the English cheeses work with the English wines Julia and I partnered them with.”
Howes Percival solicitor Chris Lawn, who organised the event, said: “We were delighted our clients and contacts could join us for this opportunity to acquire new knowledge and tastes in such an entertaining way and in good company.”