Liz Sagues recaps the highly topical talks this month in the Circle’s Let’s Talk About… series.
The second of the two April Let’s Talk About… sessions could hardly have been more topical. As Benjamin North Spencer recounted the story of the new wines of Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano rumbled and grumbled in the background, in its most explosive eruption for more than two decades. The situation didn’t faze Ben, a Circle member and founder of the Etna Wine School, who has lived and worked on Mount Etna since 2012. He spoke calmly, and fortunately the internet connection held up, while the forces that have made the volcano such a special place for vine growing were noisily in action ‘five minutes up the road from me’.
If you couldn’t attend live, do watch the recording on the Circle’s YouTube channel (link in the Members’ section of the website). The session offered a comprehensive introduction to Sicily’s vinous hotspot, with some spectacular slides.
A fortnight earlier, Circle members again filled the screen – this time in a discussion on the practice and purpose of wine judging. Charles Metcalfe was joined by Sue Eames, Liz Gabay MW and Darrel Joseph to share their few-holds-barred experiences. More input came from the large audience (50 attendees), making this another essential catch-up recording.
As we move into May, members’ expertise will continue to be showcased. On 6th May, Carla Capaldo will delve into ancient history and modern political protest through the story of Georgian Qveri wine, then and now, and on 20th May Liz Gabay MW will return, this time answering both obvious and unexpected questions on the subject for which she is renowned – rosé. Liz would love attendees to suggest some questions in advance – watch for details in the invitation and send your questions to Andrea.
These sessions will be held at the usual time of 5pm (UK).
Before the summer break, three more topics will be covered: Spätburgunder (3rd June), Cultural attitudes towards wine in India and China (17th June), and Jumilla (1st July). See you there on Zoom!
Photo: Benjamin North Spence. Credit: Jason Johnson