Eclectic new wines at our Cambridge College Autumn Tasting, by Sean Burbridge

So, it was that time of year again, the new year for university students coincides with the Bancroft Autumn wine tasting event at Gonville and Cauis College, right in the heart of Cambridge city centre. Even though it was the last week in September, we were blessed with the sun shining down like it was a glorious mid-summer’s day. 

At the college, everything was in place and although we arrived a little later than planned, we just about managed to get the room ready and wines opened for the first attendee, bang on the 10.30am starting time. However, the newly introduced Champagne from Pierre Paillard proved a little lively on opening. It was like I had won the British Grand Prix, a loud pop and out it sprayed, all over the table and all over my clothes – but the show must go on, and it did!

The range of wines on show for this event was very much out of my normal comfort zone. My favourite (some would say traditional) wines had been replaced by quirky grape varieties and wine growing regions that are way off the beaten track- Slovenia, Sardinia and Alentejo in Portugal were all featured for the first time. And with grape varieties such as Vermentino, Monica de Sardinia, Alicante Bouschet and Marsalane, it made for a very interesting and eclectic line up.

During the event we quizzed the attending fellows to gauge whether the gamble of showing such quirky wines had paid off. Most tasters agreed that, as for many years, the wine world is changing at a very fast pace and more than ever people want to try new things, widen their horizons and explore new territories.

We think the gamble paid off......