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Tim Kitchner Smith On Wine

The wine industry is a tough one to be part of during January, it seems like the entire population is cutting back on alcohol consumption, getting fit, and trying to curb their spending. Bars, restaurants, hotels and clubs are notoriously quiet at this time of year, so it seems only natural for me to start tasting all the emerging produce. Function rooms dotted around town are packed with people swilling and spitting merrily, doing deals and putting their new wine lists together.

You'll be pleased to hear that the future of wine is looking bright; quality is getting better across the board, and in places like Chile, Argentina and New Zealand, prices are holding firm. The most interesting tasting of late was an en Primeur tasting of some fine examples from Burgundy 2009. Ranging in trade price from £6-£60 a bottle, and all either Chardonnays or Pinot Noirs, it was quite fascinating to see the massive difference in quality; just because some wines were much more expensive than others, didn't necessarily mean that they tasted any better. In one such case, we couldn't quite believe it, a pricey bottle that tasted absolutely awful!

I myself have been busy scheduling my own tastings. I hosted legendary winemaker Dr John Forrest from New Zealand in January, I have a couple of corporate tastings in February, followed by a large St. Emilion, Bordeaux tasting for the Chartered Surveyors Wine Society in March.

So has all this talk of wine got you thinking that you might like to try a little wine tasting for yourself? Then join me at the Gigalum monthly wine quiz on February 15th. I am kicking the year off with a completely new format, loads of new wines and exciting prizes.

The quiz will coincide with Gigalum's weekly steak night, with a tasting fee of £15 (for six wines), and delicious steak supper at £20 per couple, including a glass of Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Or enjoy both for £20 per person.

There'll be live music too. Get in touch for more info or to reserve your place now, at info@gigalum.com. I look forward to seeing you there!
Cheers.

Tim Kitchener-Smith is the Managing Director of Premier Wines and Events, a wine writer, consultant and restaurant critic.