BudBurst

I went to a wedding yesterday at the Catholic church off Marylebone High Street. It was unrehearsed which made it very moving, unusual and utterly captivating. There were also cute moments of pure comedy. The Groom, half Italian half English, had grown a luxurious handlebar moustache and was crowned with a splendid bouffant coiffure - which would all have somewhat stolen the Bride's thunder except that she was stunning, yes stunning.

But it was the reception afterwards that I was curious about as I had had a hand in choosing the wines. A few weeks before, the couple along with the Groom's parents, sister and her partner (my brother) - our hosts for the night - and I got together with several wines, some tasting sheets and sharp pencils.

Everyone was  deadly serious, our hostess even dressing up for the occasion, "Ambassador's Ball, darling?" my brother enquired. The evening got underway with some earnest swirling and nosing of glasses. They listened intently as  I held a Masterclass (just kidding) in the principles of tasting and they were enthusiastic about putting it into practice. Subtle nuances in aromatics, mouthfeel and style were teased out and passionately discussed. The only information that was held back was the price. This allowed fair and sometimes surprising results.

As the evening progressed notes got shorter and descriptors grew more elaborate, debate was heated over two Argentinian Malbecs - was there more chocolate in one or too much weight for a Summer's day in the other? It was such a pleasure as a wine nerd to watch this engagement in my sport. Maybe like getting your girlfriend to watch the World Cup and actually enjoy it.

On the actual day we had a fantastic time, the guests drank the wine too deep in animated conversation to really appreciate those elusive notes of elderflower and cigar box that seemed so vital to our choice on the night. Then the Groom led his Bride out onto the dancefloor to "When the moon hits your eye..."

That's Amore Folks!

 
Louis Bouillot Cremant de Bourgogne Grande Reserve Brut NV £7.19/2  Beautifully creamy with a fine mousse. Fragrant with delicate apple and cherry blossom with a biscuity base.  Outshone all the (more expensive) sparkling wines from New Zealand, Australia and California.

 Les Fontanelles Sauvignon Blanc 2004, Vin de Pays d'Oc £3.99/2  A bargain find, this was a crowd pleaser. All the ripe fruit character of a New World Sauvignon but at this price I find some of them cariacatures of the variety. This had admirable subtlety and refreshing acidity but was not the icy blonde you sometimes encounter from the Loire.

 Alamos Malbec 2004, Catena £5.00/2  Big generous wine, silky fruit wrapped around the ripe tannins with enough acidity to make you go back for another sip.  Chocolate and black cherry fruit. Not too sweet. Simple but effective.

All wines from Majestic, prices may vary depending on current offers.

www.majestic.co.uk