Rhône vs Spain Head-to-Head tasting at Caviste Overton

Thursday evening saw the 2^nd in our series of regional 'head-to-head' tastings between Caviste Managing Director Ben Llewelyn and Mark Bedford, Director Private Sales. The evening’s duel was between two of the big guns of the wine producing world: Rioja and the Rhône. Having taken the lead at the previous event Ben, representing Rioja, was feeling confident of another win but alas it was not to be. Mark’s choices, a selection of Northern and Southern Rhônes, wowed and were voted to victory by our guests! The variety of wines was spectacular ranging from the rich, unctuous melon, apricot and stewed apple flavours of Château Beaucastel’s 2005 Rousanne VV in Châteauneuf to the beautifully matured, yet vibrant, earthy 1991 Viña Tondonia from Rioja.

Six wines from each region were paired against each other in the following categories:

Best Modern White: Tierra Fidel Blanco Labastida 2009 (£30.00) vs. Bruyères Crozes Hermitage Aux Bêtises 2009 (£19.95)
Best Traditional White: Viña Gravonia Blanco 2000 (£16.25) vs. Château de Beaucastel Roussanne Vielles Vignes 2005 (£63.95)
Best Everyday red: Domaine de la Graveirette Côtes du Rhône 2009 (11.95) vs. Tierra Crianza Labastida 2007 (£14.95)
Best Single varietal: La Cifras Garnacha 2009 (£17.95) vs. Montez St Joseph Cuve Papy 2009(£25.00)
Best Modern red: Cirsion 2000 (£127.50) vs. La Griffe 2010(£25.00)
Best Traditional red: Viña Tondonia 1991(£49.50) vs. Domaine Villeneuve Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2006(£34.50)

The 3rd round will be taking place on Wednesday 23rd May in Overton. Tickets will be £35.00. The regions: New Zealand vs. Washington State & Oregon