Wine School at the Fringe covers different types of wine on different dates (list/website at end of this review). Today's title is Pfalz Impressions: Wine from Germany. The venue is a barge. Presenter Claire Blackler provides brief facts about the Union Canal - opened 1822, closed to navigation in 1965, restored and presently owned by British Waterways - and introduces today's six featured wines.

Riesling Sekt (sparkling) is a crisp, fresh and fruity sparkling wine. Riesling Kabinett (denotes the ripeness of grape – this being least ripe) Trocken (dry) is a pale-coloured, honey smelling wine with some acidity. Riesling Spätlese (late harvest) Trocken is a typical Riesling with a good petrol/diesel nose. Riesling Spätlese is a beautifully caramel sweet wine. Claire Blackler explains that if it is eaten with the right food, it will taste totally different. Weissburgunder (pinot blanc grape variety) is a fresh citrusy wine, with a hint of smoke. The final wine is the only red. As with the UK, the German climate isn't right for red grapes unless grown in the south, where conditions suit the pinot noir variety. Spätburgunder (pinot noir) Trocken is a pale - almost rosé-like in colour - dry wine. Throughout the event, Claire Blackler gives clear explanations - what the classifications are, which grapes are used to make the wines, how to read the labels on German bottles.

Wine School at the Fringe certainly isn't about getting smashed. It's about wine appreciation, and the presenter dispels the snobbery of wine tasting with great charm and encouragement. Claire Blackler seems passionate about her subject, which shows in her delivery, but her knowledge may confound some, especially regarding classification of German wine. It is more challenging, as she has to deal with people's perceptions of German wine. A wine glossary, along with the sheet supplied for note-taking, might be an advantage, certainly useful for the uninitiated.

Tickets at £15 are at the higher end of the price range. But the value, setting, and chance to try unusual and slightly more expensive wines, makes them worth it. Plus the fact Claire Blackler has the experience to smile enigmatically when asked 'Do you spit or swallow?'

Dates & Topics: 4,18,27 Aug 2007 - Vital Sparkle / 5,20,25 Aug – Soave & Sophisticated / 6,14,21 Aug – Aging Riojas / 7,15,26 Aug – Nothing but Chardonnay / 8,16,23 Aug – Shiramatazz / 9,22 Aug – Pfalz Impressions / 10,24 Aug – The Royal Variety Show / 11,17 Aug – Rose & Gin / 11,18 Aug – Rum & Chocolate / 12,19 Aug – Food & Wine Matching.

Company Credits: Presenter - Claire Blackler. Sponsor - British Waterways Scotland. Wine suppliers for Pfalz Impressions - The Winery. Website - www.casestudieswineschool.co.uk

END

(c) Lea Harris 2007

review date not stated / August 07 / Millennium Link Barge

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008