Our section holds a “members’ night” at least once a year to give Hull Section members a chance to showcase a favourite or “memorable” wine, get comfortable speaking in front of a friendly audience, and allow the audience to learn a bit about the presenter. Happily, we never have a problem getting volunteers to put their hands up when we ask for presenters for what always turns out to be a very enjoyable and informative evening. With thanks to the following intrepid members of the Hull Section, we had the following wines to taste:
Steve introduced us to a wine from Switzerland: Cave Beau Reveil, Chasselas, Familie Testuz. The wine is produced at a UNESCO World Heritage site using the Chasselas grape, which is also used as a table grape. The wine is only available in 70 cl bottles, slightly less than the usual 750 ml wine bottle. Despite the smaller volume, Steve enjoys the floral bouquet on the nose, the lovely light golden colour, and the fact that it can be paired with many foods or sipped as an aperitif.
Next, Lee presented a Côtes de Provence Rosé. Lee likes the wine because it is affordable, accessible, and enjoyable. And like so many of his fellow Hull Section wine drinkers, Lee enjoys a glass or two of a nice Rosé at any time of year.
Aylin let us know that the Loire wine she presented, La Croix de Chaintres Saumur‑Champigny, is a favourite because her mother is from that region of France. It is fair to say that Aylin has been drinking Loire wines for many years. The wine is 100% Cabernet Franc, with rich raspberry and cherry flavours and classic herbaceous notes.
Chris T explained that the wine she brought was chosen because she was deciding where to go on holiday, so she threw a dart at a map of Italy — which landed in Puglia. The wine, a Primitivo, is full‑bodied, with lots of ripe plum and spices on the palate. According to Chris, it is a wine to which one can truly say “I love you” and mean it!
The next speaker, Chris H, told us that the wine he was presenting was one he became familiar with once his parents retired to the Murcia region of Spain. The wine is 100% Monastrell and the producer is Juan Gil, winemakers since 1916. It has a deep cherry‑red colour, lots of fresh fruit, and a long finish.
Last but not least, Craig presented a Rioja Reserva from Baron de Ley. The wine was a favourite of Craig’s grandparents, who raised him, so it is one that Craig likes to share with family and friends.
