Event: DWC Tasting - Sparkling Wine

The low-down: The Dubai Wine Club is an informal wine tasting group started by the founder of the 21 year old Snooty Wine Club of Vancouver, Kevin Capozzi. The co-founder, Catherine Watkins, is a sommelier certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers & WSET. The club meets in Dubai on the last Thursday of every month. We attended their Italian themed evening in November.

With the impending festive season the choice was simple: sparkling wine. The event took place in a stunning penthouse residence on the Palm. Thank you to the host Kevin and his lovely wife, and to the Executive Chef Vanessa Bayma (the salmon and pear puree; and the spicy lobster were delicious!).

The tasting comprised:

- Casabianca Valdobbiadene Brut (prosecco)

- Freixenet Cordon Nego Brut (cava)

- Moet & Chandon Imperial NV

- Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut NV (zero dosage, i.e. no sugar added)

- Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve NV (aged for three years)

- Dom Perignon Vintage 2004 Magnum (no explanation required!)

The take: The evening began with the prosecco. A little fizzy at the beginning. Notes of pear, air freshener(!), so pleasant, a little simple - the blend is 100% Glera.

We then moved onto the cava. Cane sugar, more bitter, nutty, complex - a blend of Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parallada - we loved this.

The Moet Imperial was a mix of interesting notes: old leather, honey, nuts, caramel, chives and olive oil. We appreciated the structure.

The Laurent Perrier certainly lived up to its name: extra dry! Made in the style of the late 19th century with no added sugar. This was gamey - we're not talking a subtle nose here ... this smelled like canned meat! We assumed this was a blanc de blancs (pure chardonnay) - close, 55% chardonnay.

We found the Feuillatte Brut Reserve a more traditional champagne: smooth, sweet, hazelnut, lemonade with a good balance of effervescence.

In closing, the Dom Perignon 2004 was a kaleidoscope of flavour, but not necessarily integrated. Gamey, nutty, spicy, citrusy and sugary - all at the same time.

In closing: A wonderful selection by Catherine Watkins showcasing different grapes and styles. The value for money standout for us was the Freixenet Cordon Nego Brut.

Rating:

Casabianca Brut prosecco: 7 out of 10

Freixenet Brut cava: 9 out of 10

Moet & Chandon: 8 out of 10

Laurent Perrier Ultra Brut: 7 out of 10

Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve: 7.5 out of 10

Dom Perignon 2004: 8.5 out of 10

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