10/08/2026
Reminiscing about our once a year Fringe Tasting with the theme of Off the Beaten Rack. We look far and wide for interesting regions, grapes, countries and wine styles that aren't necessarily familiar to all.
Staring in Moldova with the indigenous Viorica, this was from Waitrose Loved and Found range which is always fab for finding obscure wines. This was tasty, reminded us of Torrontes with bags of pineapple and peach fruit complimented by florals
Next was over the border to England for a Pét NAT sourced from communiquewines this split the room. Favourite comment 'it looks like a hazy beer' lovely wine with a light sparkle, oxidised, florals, and nutty on the finish
3rd was the wine voted favourite on the night. A 100% Xarelo.lo from our pals 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 📍𝚂𝚌𝚘𝚝𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍 a wine to suit lots of palates, slightly creamy, minerality, nutty with zesty fruit
Onto something orange from , yes the bottle has an Orangutan on it! Skin contact wine from Sicilian varieties Inzolia and Zibibbo. Spicy, herbal and slightly grapey
For the reds we started in Romania for the crunchiest red wine we've had in ages. Cherries, redcurrants, cranberries. Oh and it comes in a litre bottle. Bought from communiquewines
Then onto Poland for a Blaufrankisch from The Wine Society juicy, raspberries, strawberries, deserves to be chilled on a sunny day
Last, but not least off to China for a blend imitating Bordeaux with varieties like Cabernet and Merlot. Very good and came 2nd in our vote. Black fruits, leather and cedar.
If this looks like fun, check out our masterclasses in the autumn, lots of fun to be had!
