Something slightly different at LIWF

The wine producers of Central and Eastern Europe and the Orient will be out in force at this year’s fair, either in an increased capacity or exhibiting for the very first time.

Having indulged your inner Italian or Kiwi, don’t forget to drop by and try some of the more unusual grape varieties on offer, or old favourites done a little differently.

Croatia will be present for the first time this year, at stand K62, with around 30 producers showing their wines. On Thursday 20 May at 10.30am Anthony Rose and Sasa Spiranec will co-host a masterclass entitled “Introduction to Croatian wine”.

Hungary is hosting a Furmint Bar at stands I20 and H22 showcasing the best of Hungary’s native grape varieties from Lapis Furmint to Juhfark.

Caroline Gilby MW will be conducting wine workshops on Slovenian wine at stand G73 everyday at 11am and 2pm. Further producers are exhibiting at J69, H70, Q27 and H62 – most of which are right next door to Austria at stands I50/60.

Turkey has a raft of speakers on each day at stand D30. Oz Clarke introduced Turkish wine today, followed by Susan Hulme MW on the top 14 Turkish wines on the UK market.

On Wednesday, Tim Atkin MW will discuss his favourite Turkish wines from 11am to 11.45am, as will Charles Metcalf on Thursday from 12 to 12.45.

The Czech Republic will be showcasing still and sparkling wines from both Bohemia and Moravia at stand I71.

For a bit of variety, Israel’s Rimon winery is unveiling three new products in its Pomegranate wine range; a sparkling, a rosé and a young red. Rimon also hosted a masterclass from 12.15pm to 1.15pm in the theatre at the east end of the hall.

Further countries to explore include: Slovakia – J72, Bulgaria – D50/E50, Greece – N43, Georgia – N72 and the Ukraine – O20.

Those feeling even more adventurous can explore what Egypt has to offer on stands M4 and S13 and India at D40, who will host the final masterclass on Thursday from 3pm to 4pm on India’s emergence as a wine producing nation.

Rupert Millar, 17.05.2010