While in many spheres electronic communication is convenient and saves paper, sometimes the old fashioned way works better. I like receiving newspapers and magazines, Wooster Sauce and The List in hard copy.
In 1874 the last Annual International Exhibition was held at the Royal Albert Hall, then barely three years old. These exhibitions were inspired by the Great Exhibition of 1851 but were markedly less successful, less profitable and less well run. A Portuguese wine-maker sent casks of Bucelas to be poured for visitors to taste. The casks got as far as the RAH’s cellars and then got forgotten about. The vintner was pretty upset and something had to be done to appease him. Thus was The Wine Society born.
More than thirty years ago a friend made me a member; one of the best presents I have received and not expensive – I think about £5. Today it costs £40 to join but still offers outstanding value, not least because new members get £20 off their first order. It is a co-operative owned by its members and membership may be bequeathed so that was £5 really well spent.
The List is The Wine Society’s quarterly catalogue and is 160 pages of comfort reading. The only problem is that their wines are so affordable that I’m like a child in a sweet shop. Seven sherries at under £10, the Society’s Celebration Crémant de Loire 2017 for £12.95, and wines from Greece, Turkey, Eastern Europe, Argentina, Chile and America to explore. Here’s my latest haul.The screw-top Beaujolais-Village 2018 is a steal at £7.95: “with intense and vibrant black-fruit perfume, this is a classic Beaujolais-Villages with good balance and a ripe yet fresh palate, 13%”.
