For our February event, we welcomed Simon Collins proprietor of the Solent Cellar, Lymington.

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His theme was to examine two wines each from four grape varieties: one from the modestly priced end of the market and one fine wine from a well known producer.  The question to hand was "Is the price difference worth it?"

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After a welcome wine of a modestly priced Champagne (on special offer at Lidl for £9.99), we were able to taste the following wines.

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They were presented in pairs - the modestly priced example in parallel with the more expensive, fine wine.

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The initial pairing was of two Sauvignon Blancs, 
Domaine Baron de Pre Touraine (£13.49) and Pierre Martin Mont les Montes Damnes Sancerre (£32.40).

Voted yes, the difference was noticeable and worthwhile

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Next we tasted two Viogniers,  
Mont Rocher IGP (£10.99) and Benoit Roseau Condrieu (48.00).  Voted maybe, there was a distinct difference

but the price gap was felt to be rather high.

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With the half-time buffet, we also tasted a third Viognier sourced from South Africa, Age of Grace (£32.00) - this provided a mid ground and was felt to be an interestingly different take on the grape.

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After the buffet, we moved on to the red wines and started with two Pinot Noirs,

Daniel Fries Vom Schiefer from the Mosel Valley in Germany (£28.00) compared with the Tollot-Beaut Chorey-les Beaune, from Burgundy £46.00).

 Voted Yes, the difference was noticeable and worthwhile.

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We completed the tasting with two Riojas from the same Bodega,
Martinez Lacusta Crianza (2020)(£18.99) and Martinez Lacusta Hinia Reserva (2012)(£26.00).  Voted Maybe, although the Reserva was deemed to be well worth while by many in the room

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Simon was an excellent and very knowledgeable and enthusiastic presenter, and a good evening was had by all

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The proposition was in interesting challenge to our palates and our wallets - the final decisions will be up to the

individual tasters.

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Thanks are due to Nadia Kinslow who provided the half time buffet, assisted (as always) by Sue Rossell