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Ian’s Wine Newsletter November 2008

Our next gathering has been postponed to 8 November, when we shall be looking at wines from Spain, particularly the Ribero del Duero region. The food should match the wines. The following week’s theme is South America, with some new wines hot off the boat. Two weekends to recover and then we are into the final dinner of the year, showcasing the 2000 Bordeaux vintage. Apart from returns, the November dinners are fully booked, and there is just one place available for December.
I can now start taking bookings for the New Year – the Portuguese Feast will have wines from Vinho Verde to Madiera, with stops in Duoro, Dao and Estramadura.  The Heart Warming wines are all South Australian, mainly from D’Arenberg and Jim Barry. The American tasting is open to offers, especially from Jeanette and John.The 2009 dinners are coming together – if you have any more suggestions, please let me know. I’ve put in suggested dates for the rest of the year – if there any clash issues, please let me know. Due to public demand, I am planning a Burgundy dinner as the climax to the 2009 season, aiming for twelve Burgundies including four Grand Crus, plus Champagne and Port.
Provisional dates for future events are as below – all Saturday evenings (except May and August) with white wines and starters at 6pm, hot food about 7pm and aiming to finish by 10pm. Each dinner is £30 per head, (except December) for at least three courses of food and at least ten wines. I’ll take bookings by e-mail or phone, but they are not confirmed until I get your cheque.

2008
8 November                    Central and Southern Spain
15 November                   This Year in South America
6 December                    Bordeaux 2000 Vintage £45 (list & menu available)
2009
17 January                     A Portuguese Feast
14 February                    Australian Winter Warmers
28 March                       North America             
18 April                         Ian’s Birthday Choice
Sunday 17 May 2pm          Germany and Austria
27 June                         Unusual Grapes
18 July                          Pinot Gris & Pinot Noir
Sunday 16 August 2pm      Bring or Suggest a Bottle
12 September                  Italy
16 October                     South America
20 November                  The Spanish Influence
11 December                   A Taste of Burgundy £45 (or more!) 

WINE CLUBS If anyone fancies a trip to Luton on Friday 9 January, I am showing Argentine Wines to the Chiltern Wine Society. My next tasting for the Central London Wine Society is Central and Southern Spain on 28 February.