Meeting 333

Meeting 335 -"Vineyard Visit and Lunch"

Sunday 27^th June 2010

                 On a very pleasant Sunday, 26 members of the Branch visited the Brightwell Vineyard near Wallingford for a tour and tasting, followed by lunch at the Partridge restaurant in the town.

        Vineyard tour and Tasting.
        The Brightwell Vineyard was planted about thirty years ago by Denys Randolph, a past chairman of Wilkinson Sword. Following major renovations in the late 1990s, the 14 acre estate is now run by his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Bob Nielsen. The 14-acre vineyard is situated 1 mile north of Wallingford and 8 miles south of the city of Oxford abutting the south side of the River Thames in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Vineyard grows seven grape varieties planted on the flinty chalk greensand and gravel of the Thames Valley, producing white, rosé, red and sparkling wines.
        As we walked around the vines, Carol gave us an excellent insight into the production of wine in a typical English vineyard. She said that the vines were in good shape after early season rain followed by a good spell of sunshine. Flowering was well under way and there was every prospect of 2010 being a good year if no significant downturns occur. After the tour, we retired to the tasting room and partook of a selection of Carol and Bob's wines.
        The Sparkling Chardonnay was a delightfully refreshing introduction: quite light but having an uplifting taste of lime with a clean citrus finish. The Crispin 2007 followed (Decanter World Wine Awards Bronze Medal Winner 2010). A blend of Reichensteiner and Bacchus grapes, this nicely balanced wine was fruity and with the Reichensteiner acidity offset by the Bacchus made for a very drinkable aperitif - sadly we were here for more serious things than to lounge about drinking it all afternoon. The Bacchus 2008 (International Wine and Spirit Competition Bronze Medal Winner 2010) which followed was an aromatic wine with a hint of sweetness. The Oxford Rosé 2009, made with a restricted period of contact with the skins of the vineyard's red grapes during production, was bright cherry colour and had the classic soft berry nose of a well made Rosé. Finally we tasted the Oxford Regatta 2007. The wine, was made mostly from Dornfelder and had been in oak for a few months. A good depth of colour and full damson fruit on the palate combined with the clean acidity on the finish made this wine very reminiscent of Tuscany or a new age Barolo. The tasting of the one remaining Brightwell wine, the Oxford Flint, had to wait until we descended on the Partridge!
        Many thanks to Carol for an interesting and enlightening presentation.

        Lunch at the Partridge.
        As the name suggests, the Partridge Inn was a public house in it's previous life. It is situated at the southern end of Market Street, Wallingford and is well appointed and comfortable.
        Chef and proprietor José Cau has a wealth of experience, having worked for some of the country's finest restaurants and most renowned chefs including The Roux Brothers, Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons, Nico Central, and even a stint working for the Aga Khan as private chef to Renate Thyssen. Most recently José was head chef at Forbury's in Reading, earning the restaurant several awards in his time there, including: 2 AA Rosettes; "Top 5 Restaurant" Hardens Restaurant Guide, 2006; and "Top 10 French Restaurants (London & South England)" The Times, 2006.
        José is a great believer in using quality seasonal produce, and wherever possible using local ingredients and suppliers to support the local business community.
        His philosophy was clearly demonstrated in the choices we were offered - 3 Starters and Main Courses and 4 Desserts.
        Starters
A Cornish fish soup served with rouille and croutons
B Chicken liver & foie gras parfait with red onion relish and toast
C English green asparagus with shallots and raspberry dressing (V)
        Main courses
D Parmesan gnocchi with roasted red pepper coulis and wilted spinach (V)
E Black Cornish sea bream with broad beans and water cress risotto
F Slowly cooked shoulder of lamb from Britwell Farm Shop with smoked white beans cassoulet
        Desserts:
G Frozen nougat, caramelized banana and passion fruit coulis
H Chilled strawberry soup, lavender pannacotta
I Apple and blackberry crumble with crème anglaise
J Selection of French & British cheeses served with biscuits

        Wines: Oxford Flint 2008; Merlot Casa la Joya, Colchagua Valley 2005

        The meal was well presented and the service excellent. With a more than an adequate supply of the wines, the lunch was very relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.

        All our thanks to Doug and Susie Miles for organising a very enjoyable two part day out.