Majestic employees are well-known for having good product knowledge, this is down to our enthusiasm for the product and a healthy appetite for tasting the range of wines we offer. Every now and again we organise a ‘Fine Wine Night’ to ensure we’re up to date with our current fine wine range.  These are arranged by the staff in store for other members of staff and they enable us to open some fantastic wines for us to compare and form our own opinion on how good they are.

Majestic Tunbridge Wells was lucky enough to host one on the 1st November for 25 staff members, with the theme being ‘Classic Christmas Wines’.  After a fizz-tastic start (Champagne provided by both Ruinart and Laurent Perrier), where we compared the rosé champagnes from both brands as well as a full tasting of the Ruinart range, we got down to the business of  tasting and learning about the wines chosen.

You may be thinking that this is just an excuse to open some expensive wine and party, but this is far from the case! Each wine we tried is presented by a different member of staff, who has researched information about the vintage, winery and provides a useful food match to the wine.  Here’s what we tried:

• Walter Hansel Chardonnay 2007 @ £19.99
• Sancerre Cuvee Edmond 2005 @ £25
• Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru Hameau de Blagny 2006 Domaine Martlet de Cherisey @ £40

• Vino Nobile Polizano 2006 on offer at @ £17.99
• Nuits St Georges 1er Cru ‘Pes Pruileres’ Jean Grivot 2007 @ £60
• Ch Sociando Mallet 1996 @ £50
• Catena Zapata 2005 @£45

By general consensus, the most popular white was the Puligny, and on the red the group was torn with the maturity of the Mallet and the openness of the Zapata.

This event has  given many newer members of staff confidence in selling these types of products, and as a longer serving member I have learnt a thing or two to keep me on my toes!