Wine and Beer Hints and Tips
This year the wine classes will be run in conjunction with Taunton and District Amateur Winemakers Circle. The classes will be taking place in the Wine Circle Marquee adjoining the Members Marquee All Flower Show competitors are eligible to enter these classes.
The wine and beer classes are organised by Mrs Pam Martin
Still wine must be exhibited in clear non-threaded top unbranded white flint glass punted bottles of approx. 26 fluid ounces capacity with rounded (NOT sloping) shoulders. New French Sauterne type of bottles with shallow punt and slightly more sloping shoulders will be acceptable, as will clear tinted bottles. Wine bottles should be filled to leave an airspace of from ¼” to ¾”.
Beer must be exhibited in 1 pint either clear or coloured beer bottles with brass coloured crown caps only and filled to leave an airspace from ½” to 1”. In the interest of safety, competitors should ensure that the bottle pressure is not excessive; also non-returnable (disposable) bottles are not to be used. Sediment will be allowed. Ales must not be artificially carbonated.
Corks. Cork flanged stoppers only (with white tops) to be used, but may be wired for travelling purposes. Flush corks must not be used and capsules must not be fitted. Clean corks to be used, but quality of cork not considered in judging.
White labels (5cm x 2.5cm) to be affixed to bottles between bottle’s seams (3cm above the base) should contain only the class number and exhibitor’s number (no names). For Kit wine classes, the name of the Kit/Concentrate must also be written clearly on the label. For the Aperitif wine class, Dry or Sweet must also be written on label.
Wine definitions....
Aperitif. A wine that can be drunk by itself before a meal and stimulates the appetite.
Table Wine. A wine that is suitable for accompanying a meal. Generally not too strong in bouquet and flavour, with an alcohol content of only 10-12%.
After Dinner Wine. This wine can be white, golden, red or tawny. It needs to be rich in bouquet and flavour, medium to sweet, full bodied and of high alcohol content It should preferably be served at the end of a meal.
Social Wine. Widely made and drunk. This wine is intended for drinking other than with a meal. It is usually less strong and rich than a dessert wine, though with more flavour and sweetness than a table wine.
Rose Wine. Not necessarily made from rose petals, this wine should be pink to pale red, delicate in bouquet and flavour, light in texture and alcohol and medium dry. It is suitable for serving at the table with many dishes.
There are many wine and beer websites. We have picked some of the ones we have found most useful.