The leading law firm Howes Percival invited clients and contacts to a wine tasting with a difference – all the wines were from English vineyards. The event at Howes Percival’s Leicester office featured fine English foods, with cheeses and other delicacies from Leicestershire deli and cafe On The Sands.
The wine tasting was led by Julia Trustram Eve, from the trade association English Wine Producers. Julia gave a historical tour of winemaking in England, which dates back to the Romans, and the 20th Century renaissance in interest in making and drinking wine made from grapes grown in England.
Six wines were tasted, beginning with the sparkling Welland Valley Steeplechase, grown by a former lawyer at Marston Trussell near Market Harborough. Ridgeview Fitzrovia from East Sussex, another sparkler, followed. Denbies Surrey Gold and Chapel Down English Rose came next, followed by Brightwell Oxford Regatta and Astley Late Harvest.
The wines were accompanied by a range of fine cheeses supplied by On The Sands Cafe & Deli in Long Clawson. Rachel Dorsett, who set up the business four years ago, said: “The cheeses are all ‘best in class’ and our food products are mostly sourced from Vale of Belvoir and Leicestershire suppliers. It has been a real pleasure to marry the cheeses with the English wines.”
The local suppliers included F Bailey & Son Butchers in Upper Broughton, Sparkenhoe Red Leicester from Upton, Rutland Smoked Trout and Mrs King’s Pies from Cotgrave.
The event was organised by Howes Percival solicitors Lucie Green, Michael Briggs and Richard Tomlinson. Lucie Green said: “It was fascinating to taste how good English wines can be. Not many people had tried them before, but I’m sure many more will now enjoy them this summer.”
Michael Briggs, who opened and closed the event, said: “Our thanks go to Julia for selecting such great wines and to Rachel for choosing some wonderful pairings of wine and cheese.”
Julia Trustram Eve said: “It’s an exciting time for English wine. People tasting the wines for the first time can see – and taste – what a high quality drink this country is now producing. And the wine is easier and easier to get hold of as production increases and appreciation for local produce rises.”