Events

Highlighting the ways in which ‘great wines take time’, the Libération Tardive Foundation is honoured to host a series of dedicated events, throughout the year.

Libération Tardive Foundation has partnered with Elizabeth Gabay MW to invite you to a thought-provoking panel debate, tasting and reception dedicated to aged fine rosé wine.

This exclusive event will bring together a panel of eight carefully chosen producers for a seated tasting, where invitees will explore the evolving relevance of rosé in the fine wine segment. The discussion will challenge perceptions, focusing on whether rosé wines can age, what tertiary flavours emerge and how rosé fits within the definition of fine wine.

As part of Libération Tardive’s new 10+ Wine campaign, celebrating the mantra ‘Great Wines Take Time,’ this exclusive event will set the stage for Elizabeth Gabay MW’s Fine Rosé Day Tasting at London’s two Michelin-starred Trivet Restaurant the following day.

Why Rosé? Why Now?
Since 2000, rosé wine consumption has surged by 25%, increasing its share of the global wine market from 6% to 10% — often at the expense of red wine, which is now generally seen to be in decline, particularly among younger demographic consumers. Production is heavily concentrated in France, Spain and the United States, which together account for two-thirds of global output and in fact just ten countries produce 90% of the world’s supply. Consumption is led by France, which alone accounts for 37%, followed by the United States (14%), while Germany and the United Kingdom together make up another 14%.

Despite being a significant and rapidly growing sector, rosé wine receives precious little recognition — let alone homage — from the leading journals, writers and institutions. Join us as we hear from producers of some of the world’s greatest rosés, exploring what it truly means for a rosé to be considered ‘fine’, how it evolves with bottle age and whether rosé has finally earned its place in the fine wine category.

Aged Rosé: Tasting the Evidence
Join us for an exclusive opportunity to taste a curated selection of the finest aged rosé wines, presented by the producers themselves. A full list of wines will be shared closer to the event, but expect to experience:

✅ At least two library-stock aged rosés
✅ One recent release

Discover the depth and complexity that time brings to these exceptional wines as we redefine what ‘fine’ means in the world of rosé!

Limited places available – register your interest now: info@liberation-tardive.org.

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“This impressive inaugural tasting of back vintages of Château Grillet amply proved the point and raison d’être of Liberation Tardive. Great, age-worthy wines really do need time in bottle to show their best. There’s no doubt in my mind that more attention needs to be paid to this by the trade and consumers”

“In this era of hedgies and speculators we want to encourage people to lock up stocks of these sort of wines. They’re not going to be cheap but we want to ensure that fully mature wines are on the market.”
The Wine Conversation — Let’s Talk About… Great Wine Takes Time

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PAST EVENTS

Libération Tardive Foundation proudly partnered with top producers from Kent, Sussex and Hampshire to launch the new 10+Wine campaign … an initiative proving that English sparkling wine aged 10 years plus not only rivals the very best in the world but that it also rewards patience.

Tasting Lineup: Aged & Exceptional
Guests indulged in:

Gusbourne
• 2013 Blanc de Blancs LD
• 2016 Blanc de Blancs
• 2019 Blanc de Blancs
Breaky Bottom
• 2010 Cuvée Reynolds Stone
• 2019 Cuvée Koizumi Yakumo
• 2016 Cuvée Marraine Pooks
Hattingley Valley
• 2010 Classic Cuvée
• 2013 Brut Rosé
• NV Classic Reserve

Dinner Paired with Iconic Still Wines
After the tasting, guests enjoyed Gusbourne Chardonnay Guinevere 2016, Gusbourne Pinot Noir 2016 and Hattingley Valley Entice NV showcasing the breadth of English winemaking beyond sparkling wine.

Proving English Sparkling Wine can age
With 70% of England’s vineyards planted in the last decade, the question of ‘ageability’ remains open and this event sought to explore the concept in depth. By showcasing wines from three leading producers across different counties and with contrasting business models, this tasting aimed to demonstrate just how beautifully English sparkling wine evolves over time.

Discovering how time elevates English sparkling wine with the 10+ Wine campaign by the Libération Tardive Foundation. A truly rare opportunity to taste aged vintages.

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“At a vertical tasting of Château Grillet at 67 Pall Mall in London at the end of June, a small gathering of us tasters were told by Buckwell that Libération Tardive celebrates the idea that good wine needs time”
John Stimpfig
Source: The Wine Conversation

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A landmark debut for the Libération Tardive Foundation gathered Masters of Wine, leading wine writers and devoted connoisseurs for a rare series of vertical flights of Château Grillet, the iconic Rhône monopole. Hosted in the Lutyens Room at 67 Pall Mall, the tasting presented twelve vintages from the finely etched 2018 back to the quietly powerful vintages of the early 2000’s, including a final flight served blind.

“Château Grillet rarely features in basic training” — Hugh Johnson OBE

Insights from Jancis Robinson MW OBE, John Livingstone-Learmonth, Anne McHale MW among others affirmed the estate’s truly distinctive terroir and remarkable ageing potential. The 2009 vintage was widely praised as a benchmark, while the 2015 divided opinion with its oxidative richness and power. Discussions turned to the transformative effect of time, with wines gaining in texture, aromatic nuance and finesse.

Since its acquisition by the Pinault family, Château Grillet has redefined the potential of single-parcel Viognier revealing both opulence and poise marked by precision, energy and time.

The event marked the official launch of the Foundation’s mission: to advocate for the global availability of aged fine wines and to inspire producers and merchants to hold back stock for release at optimal maturity. As Christopher Burr MW remarked, “Great wines are rarely at their best young — but with patience, they can become sublime.”