With the SITT Manchester and London tastings just over a week away, we can bring you a taster of some of the great masterclasses and hosts lined up for visitors on the day.
In addition to a series of business-focussed briefings exploring opportunities for both on and off-trade, the Spring editions of our Specialist Importers Trade Tastings are bringing key commercial trends in the wine world to the fore, exploring the rise and rise of Grenache, the new face of Eastern Europe via Hungary and the exciting new wave of wines from Chile.
In Manchester on 26 February highly-respected wine critic Simon Woods will present ‘Learning to Love Grenache’, looking into the quality and diversity of this undersung hero of the Mediterranean and New World.
With interest in Grenache on the rise, and a profile that is typically accessible and in tune with modern drinking trends and casual dining foods, Simon will lead a tasting of Grenaches from several countries, exploring the versatility if the variety as he goes.
At London SITT on 28 February, Chile’s new wave of wines, including the roster of diverse varieties and regions now emerging from this exciting country, will be a special feature at the event, with educator and consultant Raul Diaz also leading a discovery tasting entitled ‘Chile’s new wine frontier: the south’.
Raul will focus on some of the fantastic wines coming out of the cooler south of the country, from smaller and independent producers, exploring how such wines are fast changing perception of this category as it continues to grow at a premium level.
With Eastern Europe also a hot ticket at the moment, regional specialist Caroline Gilby MW will also be honing in on some of the lesser known regions and grape varieties from Hungary, with her session ‘Discover wine makers of undiscovered Hungary’, aimed at those looking to add a mix of individuality and good value to their portfolios.
In addition, there will be a Wines of Hungary selection at SITT to taste, featuring some brand new producers from Tokaj, Somlo and Eger PDO.
For full details of all the SITT briefings and masterclasses please visit the SITT website here.
NB: The SITT masterclasess will be free to attend, with places offered on a first come first served basis on the day, so while there is no need to book in advance, we would advise signing up early – as you arrive – at the masterclass desk to ensure we can reserve a seat at your preferred sessions.