MMD Holds its Annual Portfolio Tasting

Following several very successful years at the Institute of Directors, Maisons Marques et Domaines decided to change the tempo of their Portfolio Tasting this year, choosing instead to hold it at a new modern venue overlooking the river. The tasting took place on the 24th January and, despite the inclement weather, attracted strong attendance from customers, press and the trade. Guests had the opportunity to sample new vintages, including Louis Roederer’s Vintage Rosé 2012, the Pio Cesare Barolo 2014 and the By.Ott Provence Rosé 2017 to name but a few. Tasters also had the opportunity to discover some new wines to the portfolio, including single vineyard offerings from Rapaura Springs and the Castello di Fonterutoli Concerto.

With representatives from the vast majority of producers from Maisons Marques et Domaines’ portfolio of family run wineries, guests had the unparalleled opportunity to discuss the wines and the history of the estates in depth, discovering more about the character of the wines and latest developments in the wineries, as well as a first hand insight into the current market situation in their region.

Richard Billett, Managing Director of Maisons Marques et Domaines said: “We were delighted to welcome so many of our trade customers and friends from the press to our Annual Tasting this week. The event, which in many respects launches the year for MMD, is always a great opportunity not only to showcase new wines and new vintages but also for our customers and producers to engage, reflect on the previous year and more importantly look forward to the year ahead. While we expect 2018 to not be without its challenges, the sense of optimism and upbeat atmosphere throughout the day was particularly encouraging”.

In addition to the vintages on offer in the main tasting, guests were also invited to attend two masterclasses, the first being a technical “Pinot Noir Whole-Bunch Masterclass”, hosted by Matt Thomson of Rapaura Springs, followed by a Meerlust “Rubicon Through the Ages” masterclass held by the owner of the Estate, Hannes Myburgh, where guests were treated to vintages dating back to 1986.