I realise that we underpriced our Tenth Anniversary Champagne Celebration last December, asking Purple pagers to pay just £40 to our pet charity Room to Read in exchange for a tasting of 22 top champagnes. Those in charge of the Diamond Jubilee Appeal for QEST, the charitable arm of The Royal Warrant Holders Association, 'devoted to supporting excellence in British craftsmanship', are organising a tasting of '25 outstanding champagnes donated by the Royal Warrant Holding champagne houses' and tickets are £85 each. But those who do buy tickets can languish in the knowledge that they have helped maintain some very special British crafts (see * below).
The tasting will be held in the historic Fishmongers Hall at London Bridge (mind you, the German Gym where our tasting was held is pretty historic too…) on Tuesday 10 May. We are told that 'guests [= those who buy tickets] will have a unique opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge from the representatives of these Grandes Marques houses and try a glittering array of vintages, prestige cuvées and rosés as well as their non-vintage styles. Some of the tasting highlights include: Louis Roederer Cristal 2004, Krug Grande Cuvée, Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill 1999, Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame 1998, Bollinger La Grande Année 2002, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage 2002, Mumm Rosé, Laurent-Perrier 2002 and Lanson Rosé Label Brut.'
There are two sessions: 11.30 am-2.30 pm and 5.30 pm-7.30 pm. (I wonder what the champagne representatives will do between sessions? Do some food shopping at nearby Borough Market? Indulge in a quick tour of tourist wine destination Vinopolis nearby? Catch up on their emails probably.)
*QEST 2012 Diamond Jubilee Appeal QEST was founded in 1990, the Trust grants scholarships, and the awards to date have totalled over £1.5 million, enabling 234 talented craft scholars to advance their specialist education and skills. The money raised from ticket sales will fund more scholars to further their skills in diverse crafts, from saddle making to stained-glass conservation, willow basket making to violin restoration. QEST is working on an ambitious fundraising programme to double the number of scholarships awarded annually, and the appeal will culminate in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year of 2012.
WHAT - Tasting of 25 champagnes from Royal Warrant Holders
WHEN - Tuesday 10 May, 11.30 am-2.30 pm or 5.30 pm-7.30 pm
WHERE - Fishmongers Hall, London Bridge, London EC4R 9EL
HOW MUCH - £85 per ticket, which includes the tasting, canapés, a flute of non-vintage champagne before departure and entry to a free draw.
HOW – Book here or telephone Claire Anderson on 020 7798 1531 or email champagne@qest.org.uk
