London retailer and Master of Wine launch educational wine tasting case

London wine retailer Philgas & Swiggot and BBC Saturday Kitchen wine expert Sam Caporn MW have released a case of wine accompanied by a series of educational videos.

Sam Caporn MW explains how to taste wine in the video series accompanying the ‘Taste Case’.

Known as ‘Taste Case,’ the case comprises of six bottles each accompanied by a video in which Caporn explains the different aromas and flavours found in each wine.

She then gives an overview of each bottle, giving background on its origin and how it was made, before offering some food pairing suggestions.

The first case contains bottles that were all sourced from importer Liberty Wines, who this year was awarded On Trade Supplier of the Year at this year’s Drinks Business Awards.

The video’s revolve around Caporn’s infographic, The Wine Flavour Tree, which details 40 of the most common flavours found in both white and red wine.

Each case is accompanied by a welcome letter, tasting brochure and ‘how to taste’ postcard.

Speaking to the drinks business, Caporn said: “I think it’s all too easy to forget as wine experts how bewildering the world of wine can be, certainly for those just starting out on their adventure. Many consumers aren’t familiar with the different grape varieties and crucially where these are grown throughout the world, not realising for example that white Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc or that Chablis is Chardonnay.”

“These videos are for those consumers who love wine but don’t know a great deal about it but would like to learn more in the comfort of their own home. With trends increasingly leaning towards staying at home this is a fun way to increase your knowledge for those who might not see themselves going to a professionally hosted wine tasting outside the home.”

“I meet a lot of consumers who struggle to find the aromas and flavours commonly found in different grape varieties and this ultimately is a way to build consumer confidence and know-how, something I am really passionate about”.

The case will retail for £95 online (with free delivery in the UK) or for £85 as part of an in-store special promotion that will run for a limited time only. Philglas & Swiggot has stores in both Battersea and Marylebone. Caporn’s accompanying videos can be viewed here.

Despite having launched in the run up to the festive period, Caporn told db that she considers the project “an educational  one” which “works all year round”.

She plans to launch a series of ‘Taste Cases’ using different importers and retailers in the future.