Magnesium, Legs, Lambrusco, Coconut, Maderization and Madeira
Magnesium is one of the 7 chemical elements described as a grape macronutrient. Magnesium deficiency causes a variety of serious problems with vine and grape development – a deficiency can also impact fermentation. The management of vineyard soil is critical early in the season. Magnesium is important for human health and wine can be seen as a dietarily useful source. Some Italian wines have an interesting property that is associated with high levels of Magnesium. Legs, or Tears, appear on the inside of wine glasses, particularly with wines of a higher ABV. These clear and apparently viscous threads of liquid have created some elegant explanations in the past. However, in the 19th century the Chemistry behind them was understood through surface tension and the Marangoni Effect. Lambrusco got a bad name in the 70s/80s with the marketing success of the brand Reunite: “Riunite on ice, that’s nice”. But Lambrusco is a varied collection of wines from a variety of related grapes. The sparkling red is particularly interesting with its dense red mousse. Coconut is an attractive component of “tropical” aromas and flavours in wines that have been aged in oak barrels. The chemicals behind this flavour are Lactones – a fascinating group of compounds with novel shapes. Maderization was discovered by accident. This “cooking” procedure renders Madeira virtually indestructible. The compounds created are responsible for its distinctive flavour. There are a few other wines that undergo Maderization, notably Banyuls.
Wines will be available to taste, followed by a light buffet at 8.15pm.
£27.00pp
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