THE EVENT
The 23rd October 2019 was a busy day for the Swirl team as we hosted two popular Masterclasses on New Wave Japanese Wines. The first session was held at 67 Pall Mall, London’s renowned private members’ club for wine lovers, and was followed by a walk-around tasting. The second Masterclass was held at Trade Soho member’s club for the hospitality community, located close to the ‘hip’ dining district of Soho.
The masterclass showcased a selection of wines, in particular Koshu (classic and skin contact) serving to highlight Japan as an emerging and thrilling cool-climate wine producer. Whilst Koshu is Japan’s calling card – an indigenous variety of increasingly diverse and exciting character – this masterclass showed not only the sophisticated and diverse styles of the wines, but also their inherent elegance and refined textures making them a revelatory partner for a variety of foods.
Download a pdf of the presentation here:
Wines of Japan Masterclass presentation 23rd october
WHO CAME
Both tastings featured key influencers from the wine trade, including influential press and journalists, trade, importers, head sommeliers from top London restaurants, as well as educators within the sector, and some new buyers and sommeliers.
WHAT WE ATE & DRANK
MASTERCLASS
10 wines were shown during the Masterclasses:
- Château Lumiere 2017 Sparkling Koshu
- Château Mercian 2018 Yamanashi Koshu
- Haramo Wine 2017 Haramo Koshu
- Kurambon Wine 2018 Sol Lucet Koshu
- Soryu 2018 Traditional Rich Taste Koshu
- Grace Wine 2018 Grace Private Reserve
- Katsunuma (Aruga Branca) Aruga 2018 Branca Pipa
- Château Mercian 2018 Feufuki Koshi Gris de Gris
- Château Lumiere 2018 Prestige Class Orange Koshu
- Soryu 2018 Barrel-aged Muscat Bailey A – Dry red
We offered a classic and fusion selection of sushi and canapés to complement and highlight the nuance and diversity of the wines. Sushi was from acclaimed Japanese fishmongers Atariya, in London, as well as Japanese-influenced canapés with a classic European twist created by 67 Pall Mall.
~ Devon crab & samphire salad, watermelon, mint & green chilli ~
~ Loch Duart salmon tartare with capers and crème fraiche ~
~ Sea bass sashimi with Coleman’s mustard & gentlemen’s relish ~
~ Yellow tuna tartare, yuzu dressing, avocado mousse on a plantain crisp ~
WALK AROUND TASTING
30 wines were shown during the walk-around tasting with a selection of canapés were also served during the walk-around tasting at 67 Pall Mall:
~ Sea bass sashimi with Coleman’s mustard gentlemen’s relish ~
~ Loch Duart salmon tartare with capers and crème fraiche ~
~ Yellow tuna tartare, yuzu dressing, avocado mousse on a plantain crisp ~
~ Devon crab & samphire salad, watermelon, mint & green chilli ~
~ Chicken tulip, soy, honey and sesame glaze ~
~ Seared beef Tataki with green beans and sesame seed ~
~ Tempura rock oysters with wasabi mayonnaise ~
WHAT GUESTS SAID:
“Fantastic presentation of the diversity of Koshu”
“Japanese wines are getting better and better and in particular I love the orange wines”
“Food pairing was a great added extra & helped the wines come alive”
“Very interesting tasting with great range of angles & stories”
THE EVENT IN SOCIAL MEDIA
