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French Wine Woes.
The wine troubles in France continue.
FoodAndDrinkEurope.com
"If French wine is to offer a livelihood as well as a way of life, vintners cannot shun the realities of selling. Global marketing may be the antithesis to French wine culture, but wine that won’t sell cannot even be used as industrial alcohol, without help."
FoodAndDrinkEurope.com
"If French wine is to offer a livelihood as well as a way of life, vintners cannot shun the realities of selling. Global marketing may be the antithesis to French wine culture, but wine that won’t sell cannot even be used as industrial alcohol, without help."
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
English/Welsh Wine Week.
Not only is it English Wine Week - but Wales joins in the fun with Welsh Wine Week too.
ICWales.co.uk
"Although a relative newcomer to wine production, Wales' viticulture industry is growing in size and gaining respect and acclaim from the wine world.
There are now more than 20 vineyards in Wales producing around 100,000 bottles of wine each year. Most is white, but red and ros wines are on the increase as well as sparkling varieties made by the Champagne method.
ICWales.co.uk
"Although a relative newcomer to wine production, Wales' viticulture industry is growing in size and gaining respect and acclaim from the wine world.
There are now more than 20 vineyards in Wales producing around 100,000 bottles of wine each year. Most is white, but red and ros wines are on the increase as well as sparkling varieties made by the Champagne method.
End of Month Egg on Toast Extravaganza - Limerick Edition.
Walnut Bread Ingredients
I have a confession to make - I forgot to toast the bread! I was so excited to sample a morsel, having spent most of the day either kneading the dough or waiting for it to rise, that this vital instruction for EoMEoTE just slipped my mind.I do have a couple of limericks that I offer in compensation though; for this months blog-happening is the Limerick Edition of End of Month Egg on Toast Extravaganza.
I bought some bread; Square,
Mixed up some eggs with flair,
Messed with HTML,
After culinary hell,
Then sat on my fat derriere!
Actually I made the bread this month - Walnut Bread from a recipe in yesterday's Style section of the Sunday Times. This was served with simple scrambled eggs.
Walnut Bread.
The flours are combined with the salt and yeast then mixed with about 350ml tepid water. The supple dough in then kneaded until silky-smooth and elastic - taking about 8 minutes.
The dough is then stretched out and the walnut pieces scattered on top. More kneading until the nuts are evenly distributed then the dough is left for up to two hours, covered, to rise.
A lightly oiled 900g loaf tin is required - which of course I don't have - so I made two smaller loaves. The dough is put in the tin and again left to rise for an hour.
Set the oven to 220C/425F/G7. You need to put 10 ice-cubes in a dish at the bottom of the oven (I am sure there is a technical reason) while the loaf goes on the middle shelf. After 20 minutes remove the, now melted ice, reduce the temperature to 200C/400F/G6 and continue to bake for a further 15 minutes. Remove and turn out on a wire rack. Attempting to eat a slice now will give you indigestion for at least2 hours 3 hours.
I once went to Milan on a break,
The cuisine Italian not fake,
In the mornings I cried,
No eggs boiled or fried,
And no Toast for heavens sake.
As I mentioned above I didn't toast the bread as it was still deliciously warm and excellent with scrambled eggs. No wine recommendation as this, although eaten late in the day, was 'breakfast' - fresh grapefruit juice all round!.
There was a young lady who liked things just so,
Had no opinion and went with the flow,
Liked cheap caviar,
And "her man with the car",
About eggs and toast though, she didn't know.
Mixed up some eggs with flair,
Messed with HTML,
After culinary hell,
Then sat on my fat derriere!
Actually I made the bread this month - Walnut Bread from a recipe in yesterday's Style section of the Sunday Times. This was served with simple scrambled eggs.
Walnut Bread.
Walnut Bread
- 350g multigrain flour
- 150g white flour
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp easy-blend dry yeast
- 50g walnut pieces
The flours are combined with the salt and yeast then mixed with about 350ml tepid water. The supple dough in then kneaded until silky-smooth and elastic - taking about 8 minutes.
The dough is then stretched out and the walnut pieces scattered on top. More kneading until the nuts are evenly distributed then the dough is left for up to two hours, covered, to rise.
A lightly oiled 900g loaf tin is required - which of course I don't have - so I made two smaller loaves. The dough is put in the tin and again left to rise for an hour.
Set the oven to 220C/425F/G7. You need to put 10 ice-cubes in a dish at the bottom of the oven (I am sure there is a technical reason) while the loaf goes on the middle shelf. After 20 minutes remove the, now melted ice, reduce the temperature to 200C/400F/G6 and continue to bake for a further 15 minutes. Remove and turn out on a wire rack. Attempting to eat a slice now will give you indigestion for at least
I once went to Milan on a break,
The cuisine Italian not fake,
In the mornings I cried,
No eggs boiled or fried,
And no Toast for heavens sake.
As I mentioned above I didn't toast the bread as it was still deliciously warm and excellent with scrambled eggs. No wine recommendation as this, although eaten late in the day, was 'breakfast' - fresh grapefruit juice all round!.
There was a young lady who liked things just so,
Had no opinion and went with the flow,
Liked cheap caviar,
And "her man with the car",
About eggs and toast though, she didn't know.
New Zealand's 500th winery opens.
One Winery Opens In New Zealand Every 14 Days. The opening of New Zealand's 500th winery is testament to the strong growth of the wine industry, according to New Zealand Winegrowers.
Scoop.co.nz
""In 1995 there were 204 wineries in New Zealand. With the opening of the 500th winery this year, the numbers have more than doubled - that's the equivalent of a new winery opening every two weeks."
Scoop.co.nz
""In 1995 there were 204 wineries in New Zealand. With the opening of the 500th winery this year, the numbers have more than doubled - that's the equivalent of a new winery opening every two weeks."
Iran uncovers more of its winemaking past.
Archaeologists digging in southern Iran have found a pool and pots they believe were used about 1,800 years ago for large scale wine production, reinforcing the now-Islamic nation's status as the cradle of wine drinkers.
abc.net.au
"We have found an almost intact pool with a canal in the middle of it. This is where the juices from crushed grapes would flow and be collected later in pots for fermentation and turning into wine," said Ali Asadi, the head of the excavation team.
abc.net.au
"We have found an almost intact pool with a canal in the middle of it. This is where the juices from crushed grapes would flow and be collected later in pots for fermentation and turning into wine," said Ali Asadi, the head of the excavation team.
The Thing Is With Sainsbury's.
Sainbury's Wine
Just one problem with Sainsbury’s – the wine range through the SainburysToYou website relies totally on the range stocked at the store closest to you. In my case I assume it is Reading – but not the huge Savacentre out near J12 of the M4 but the shop in the town centre.Actually there is another problem with Sainsbury’s. They treat wine on the website as just another commodity.
There are few tasting notes and where are the wine suggestions linked from the recipes - a major oversight. Like the other grocers no vintages are given; which is fine I guess for your high turnover daily gluggers but not for finer wines. Most do not have images and I do so like to see what I am buying. It is all so inconsistent. Some have Dietary Information but is it really necessary to known that Sainsbury’s Muscat de St Jean de Minervois at £3.99 is
Free From Nuts
Free From Coconut
Free From Pine Nuts and Pine Kernels
Free From Artificial Colours
Free From MSG (Glutamate)
Free From HVP (hydrolysed veg. protein)
Free From Shellfish
Suitable for Vegetarians
Suitable for Vegans
Free From Gluten
Free From Sesame Seeds
Free From Wheat
Free From Milk
Free From Soya
Free From Egg
I would complain if my bottle had a sesame seed in it mind. Or a coconut. While I can understand the need for supermarkets to manage wine as just another commodity, Sainsbury’s could treat it with a little more respect and appeal to a wider market. After all even the wine aficionado needs decent daily drinking occasionally. As 173DruryLane suggests they have to go the quality route to standout from the likes of Tesco. It all looks so down-market and half-baked. What is wrong with a quality wine shop (Waitrose manages it), offering fish on marbled counters or selecting your own local eggs?
There is a second website Sainsbury’s Wine. I thought that the full wine list was available from here but this is not the case; it didn’t look that impressive a range I am afraid. Bottles have to be brought in six bottle cases but at least they have tasting notes. Half a dozen mixed cases are also offered with various discounts. There are so many other, better, places to buy wine from.
I seldom get to a Sainsbury’s and in need of a Pinot Gris for next weeks Wine Blogging Wednesday I placed an order online (via SainsburysToYou) for a few groceries. I didn’t have a list to hand of requirements (bad move) so ended up with some prawns (on a buy one get one free special), deodorant, cat food and chocolate muffins along with a few bottles of wine. I liked the book a delivery slot implementation. I wonder what the success rate is?
UPDATE: My hopes for a money off voucher were dashed as the delivery van was sitting outside the cottage a good 40 minutes before the booked delivery time. Sadly the number of substituted items I felt was unacceptable - why send female deordorant in place of one designed for men? Of course the single most important item, the only one I really required (the Pinot Gris for WBW) was substituted for a Sauvignon Blanc. Rating: Poor.
Free From Nuts
Free From Coconut
Free From Pine Nuts and Pine Kernels
Free From Artificial Colours
Free From MSG (Glutamate)
Free From HVP (hydrolysed veg. protein)
Free From Shellfish
Suitable for Vegetarians
Suitable for Vegans
Free From Gluten
Free From Sesame Seeds
Free From Wheat
Free From Milk
Free From Soya
Free From Egg
I would complain if my bottle had a sesame seed in it mind. Or a coconut. While I can understand the need for supermarkets to manage wine as just another commodity, Sainsbury’s could treat it with a little more respect and appeal to a wider market. After all even the wine aficionado needs decent daily drinking occasionally. As 173DruryLane suggests they have to go the quality route to standout from the likes of Tesco. It all looks so down-market and half-baked. What is wrong with a quality wine shop (Waitrose manages it), offering fish on marbled counters or selecting your own local eggs?
There is a second website Sainsbury’s Wine. I thought that the full wine list was available from here but this is not the case; it didn’t look that impressive a range I am afraid. Bottles have to be brought in six bottle cases but at least they have tasting notes. Half a dozen mixed cases are also offered with various discounts. There are so many other, better, places to buy wine from.
I seldom get to a Sainsbury’s and in need of a Pinot Gris for next weeks Wine Blogging Wednesday I placed an order online (via SainsburysToYou) for a few groceries. I didn’t have a list to hand of requirements (bad move) so ended up with some prawns (on a buy one get one free special), deodorant, cat food and chocolate muffins along with a few bottles of wine. I liked the book a delivery slot implementation. I wonder what the success rate is?
UPDATE: My hopes for a money off voucher were dashed as the delivery van was sitting outside the cottage a good 40 minutes before the booked delivery time. Sadly the number of substituted items I felt was unacceptable - why send female deordorant in place of one designed for men? Of course the single most important item, the only one I really required (the Pinot Gris for WBW) was substituted for a Sauvignon Blanc. Rating: Poor.
It's the end of the month - which can only mean...
As the month of May drew to a close,
A culinary delight we propose,
The worlds bloggers unite,
For culinary delight,
Using egg and bread I suppose.
A culinary delight we propose,
The worlds bloggers unite,
For culinary delight,
Using egg and bread I suppose.
Champagne Beauty Cream.
A French company has come up with a novel way to use surplus grapes, as a new kind of top-of-the-range beauty cream to keep those wrinkles at bay.
IAfrica.com
"Months of research by the company Remensis went into producing the creams, for both day and night as well as an eye cream, which use surplus grapes bought from neighbouring vineyards, most of which produce the area's champagnes.
'We need some 10,000 kilos of grapes to produce one kilo of grape cream care,' added Commenil, explaining why the prices are so high."
IAfrica.com
"Months of research by the company Remensis went into producing the creams, for both day and night as well as an eye cream, which use surplus grapes bought from neighbouring vineyards, most of which produce the area's champagnes.
'We need some 10,000 kilos of grapes to produce one kilo of grape cream care,' added Commenil, explaining why the prices are so high."
Video of French Violence.
French news video of the latest violence undertaken by French Wine Makers. video feed
decanter.com
"Amidst lurid scenes of extraordinary violence in the south of France demonstrators have vowed to increase the pressure until the government caves in to their demands.
After over €2m of damage had been caused across the Hérault region, a member of CRAV, the militant splinter group of disaffected winemakers, told French TV channel France 3, 'they're going to have to listen or we're going to hit even harder. We will not stop.'
decanter.com
"Amidst lurid scenes of extraordinary violence in the south of France demonstrators have vowed to increase the pressure until the government caves in to their demands.
After over €2m of damage had been caused across the Hérault region, a member of CRAV, the militant splinter group of disaffected winemakers, told French TV channel France 3, 'they're going to have to listen or we're going to hit even harder. We will not stop.'
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
UKWinesOnline Update: Unwins.
Unwins Screenshot
Unwins, the last of the major high street chains to offer online ordering, has just launched a new website to enable you to do just that. The front page is dominated by special launch deals on Gordons, Pimm's and Blossom Hill White Zinfandel. Inside just 14 wines, a few champages and a range of big brand spirits are available. A lacklustre effort I feel. You can assume that Jack Daniels and Smirnoff paid a premium to dominate the sites header and perhaps Unwins are hoping your new loan (from the yellow advert) will be spent in the store.
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
A beefed up M&S offering.
Not often I look at the main supermarket online offerings so was greatly pleased by an email altering me to the expanded online offerings from Marks & Spencer. From the lacklustre listings of recent times the range now available online reaches the dizzy heights of 50 wines!
I shouldn't knock it though - the wines, although all own-label, are of very good quality and from excellent producers. Just do not go looking for anything 'safe' and 'familiar'.
This bank holiday weekend M&S are offering some excellent savings. These range from 33% off new wines to 36% off their Chablis and 44% off the Gold Label Chardonnay. Deals run until May 31st.
MarksandSpencer.com
"We have extended the online range of our wine cases to bring you a comprehensive list of over 50 wines to choose from. All our wines are exclusive and offer great value when you buy a case of 6 or 12. Plus, you only pay one delivery charge per order, no matter how many cases you buy."
I shouldn't knock it though - the wines, although all own-label, are of very good quality and from excellent producers. Just do not go looking for anything 'safe' and 'familiar'.
This bank holiday weekend M&S are offering some excellent savings. These range from 33% off new wines to 36% off their Chablis and 44% off the Gold Label Chardonnay. Deals run until May 31st.
MarksandSpencer.com
"We have extended the online range of our wine cases to bring you a comprehensive list of over 50 wines to choose from. All our wines are exclusive and offer great value when you buy a case of 6 or 12. Plus, you only pay one delivery charge per order, no matter how many cases you buy."
Spring Salad and Sauvignon Blanc.
Spring Salad
It seemed rather apt making a fresh green salad on what has been the hotest Spring day since... well, the last hotest Spring day. But this is no ordinary Salad, oh no!Forget your iceberg and your cucumber - get out some runner beans, a trimmed and sliced leek, stir fry both with some salad onions (I found some little white things in Waitrose) and some asparagus tips for about five minutes. Arrange these delightfully on a round of puff pasty (or, as the pictures demonstrate, totally smothered so you can not actually see the pastry) and top with a lightly boiled egg or two. Season with a drizzle of olive oil and some black pepper. Top with a little red pesto stirred into mayonnaise.
Spring Salad
As you can see from the photos I was generous with the veg! That faintly disturbing white ballon thing is an egg, in case you were wondering. The recipe is adapted from Waitrose Seasons Magazine May/June 2005. I was so impressed with this - fresh and crisp and packed with flavour. While eggs tend to be a bit tricky when matching with wine the rest of the dish went perfectly with a Sauvignon Blanc - the 'greenness' of the vegetables matching perfectly with the grapes intrinsic flavours. I picked this wine, not because of its hideous label, but because it hails from the Blaye region of Bordeaux, which is an area I seldom consider for my Sauvignon's. The Appellation designation - Côtes de Blaye, incidently, is for white wines only. The region itself lies across the Gironde from the Medoc.
Chateau Charron
Wine Tasting Note: Chateau Charron Acacia, 2003, Côtes de Blaye, France.Available from Oddbins £9.79.
While I was actually after a full Sauvignon Blanc it is Semillon that forms the basis of this Bordeaux white with just 30% being Sauvignon Blanc. This explains the deep colour and the complex aroma. On the palate the Sauvignon comes through strongly with crisp acidity and fresh, grassy flavours. Complex and very classy from the oak influence through to the heavy weight bottle. Just ignore the label. Perfect with the salad.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Pub Association to ban 'happy hours'.
The British Beer and Pub Association has made a move to limit excessive and irresponsible promotions. The UK pub retailers’ group has issued new guidelines to its members outlawing a range of special offers and marketing techniques that contribute to alcohol abuse.
BeerandPub.com
"Offers like pay £10 on the door and all drinks are free; drinking games; and schemes that encourage people to drink too much too quickly have no place in our sector and we are determined to stamp them out. With the backing of the Government, the Police and Licensing Authorities across the UK we aim to ensure that all pubs operate to these standards of corporate and community social responsibility, said Mark Hastings, Director of Communications, BBPA."
BeerandPub.com
"Offers like pay £10 on the door and all drinks are free; drinking games; and schemes that encourage people to drink too much too quickly have no place in our sector and we are determined to stamp them out. With the backing of the Government, the Police and Licensing Authorities across the UK we aim to ensure that all pubs operate to these standards of corporate and community social responsibility, said Mark Hastings, Director of Communications, BBPA."
Taste of London Show.
Tickets for the Taste of London show are now onsale via the website. The show takes place over four days in June (16th-19th).
Taste of London
"Taste of London brings together London’s finest restaurants and the capital’s most famous chefs. This year, 40 of London’s most prestigious restaurants come together in Regent’s Park to prepare and serve a stunning selection of signature dishes over a four day celebration.
But there’s more. Taste of London features fantastic entertainment on the Freestyle® Stage sponsored by Standard Life Bank in association with the Evening Standard. Every day there will be a non-stop programme of entertainment including jazz from Ronnie Scott’s (all days); Oyster Opera (all days) and The Open Air Theatre (Friday only).
This year the Taste of London Chefs’ Theatre, sponsored by French Wines in association with olive magazine offers the chance to see top chefs in action, delivering delicious demonstrations, entertaining tutorials and enlightening Q&A sessions.
New for 2005 is the Taste of London Wine & Spirit Academy, presented by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and supported by Riedel Crystal. The Academy has a daily programme of experts talks and demonstrations, including advice on pairing wine with food.
You can also sample and discover an outstanding array of gourmet food and drink since Taste of London has over a 100 food and drink exhibitors."
Taste of London
"Taste of London brings together London’s finest restaurants and the capital’s most famous chefs. This year, 40 of London’s most prestigious restaurants come together in Regent’s Park to prepare and serve a stunning selection of signature dishes over a four day celebration.
But there’s more. Taste of London features fantastic entertainment on the Freestyle® Stage sponsored by Standard Life Bank in association with the Evening Standard. Every day there will be a non-stop programme of entertainment including jazz from Ronnie Scott’s (all days); Oyster Opera (all days) and The Open Air Theatre (Friday only).
This year the Taste of London Chefs’ Theatre, sponsored by French Wines in association with olive magazine offers the chance to see top chefs in action, delivering delicious demonstrations, entertaining tutorials and enlightening Q&A sessions.
New for 2005 is the Taste of London Wine & Spirit Academy, presented by the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and supported by Riedel Crystal. The Academy has a daily programme of experts talks and demonstrations, including advice on pairing wine with food.
You can also sample and discover an outstanding array of gourmet food and drink since Taste of London has over a 100 food and drink exhibitors."
UKWinesOnline Update: Grapevine Direct.
Grapevine Direct
Another new site added to the UKWinesOnline directory and another independent, internet only, specialist concentrating on France. I have lost count of how many people set up a business importing French wine; just how many can the UK support!But GrapeVine Direct does set itself apart from the masses. The background details on the wines are superb - you could want for anything more - full producer details, tasting notes, label pictures, even suggested food matches with full recipes.
Wines are listed from the Rhône Valley, Bordeaux and the Languedoc. An expert on the wines of the South West was particularly impressed with the listings from this little known area too.
Grapevine Direct
"Members get a 10% discount off all list prices. Membership is free but I do ask members to sign up for a mixed case every quarter (£95.00 inc vat and £5.00 delivery); you will only lose your membership discount if you buy less than 2 of the mixed cases in a year. I’ve also made a real effort to make delivery easier – particularly through the Collectpoint scheme (click on Delivery Options in the nav bar for some details…) Finally, one more innovation on the mixed case format: rather than the usual practice of 12 bottles at more or less the same price, I have it so that each case has a spread of prices – roughly speaking 3 good cheapies, 6 very nice ones at around £7.50 and 3 absolute crackers at around the £10.00 mark. The idea is to make for more interest and actually to deliver on the promise of a ‘Discovery Case’ (which you hear about so often from the bigger retailers)."
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Decanter Wine Awards - advanced news.
In total disregard of the news embargo (until 7th September) a press release from Australian producer Taylors announces two gongs they have won. (The press release has not been posted on their website at the time of writing).
TaylorsWines.com.au
"Taylors Jaraman Riesling 2004 won the trophy for Best Australian Riesling and the Taylors Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 won the trophy for Best Australian Bordeaux varietal at one of the world’s most prestigious wine shows, managed by the globally influential Decanter magazine. The panel of judge’s is possibly the most prestigious in the world with the noted British author Stephen Spurrier acting as Chairman and the Australian regional chairman being Michael Hill Smith MW."
TaylorsWines.com.au
"Taylors Jaraman Riesling 2004 won the trophy for Best Australian Riesling and the Taylors Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 won the trophy for Best Australian Bordeaux varietal at one of the world’s most prestigious wine shows, managed by the globally influential Decanter magazine. The panel of judge’s is possibly the most prestigious in the world with the noted British author Stephen Spurrier acting as Chairman and the Australian regional chairman being Michael Hill Smith MW."
Planet of the Grapes Competition.
An email from Planet of the Grapes
Planet of the Grapes
"We have been trying to get as many reviews of bars and restaurants on the website as possible and need your help. The aim is to provide a free and independent guide for anyone to look at if they fancy trying somewhere new. As an incentive we will be giving away a bottle of our fabulous new champagne Beaumont des Crayeres to the best review received each month, simple. You go out and eat and we give you Champagne!"
Planet of the Grapes
"We have been trying to get as many reviews of bars and restaurants on the website as possible and need your help. The aim is to provide a free and independent guide for anyone to look at if they fancy trying somewhere new. As an incentive we will be giving away a bottle of our fabulous new champagne Beaumont des Crayeres to the best review received each month, simple. You go out and eat and we give you Champagne!"
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Cooks Unite for Charity Book.
East Meets West is a celebrity cookbook in support of the tsunami victims in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Featuring recipes by the cream of the international culinary world and articles by top wine writers including; Nigella Lawson, Jamie Oliver, Gary Rhodes, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, Keith Floyd, Ainsley Harriot, Rick Stein, Antony Worral Thompson, Ken Hom and Jancis Robinson.
Developed from the reaction of two ordinary British women, Barbara Jayson and Jenny de Montfort to the shocking Boxing Day disaster. Having met several years ago in Indonesia they knew they had to do something and decided to create a truly international cookbook to raise funds for mother and baby charities in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Without knowing a single celebrity chef they set about contacting potential contributors and, having received a commitment from Nigella Lawson, the project snowballed.
Developed from the reaction of two ordinary British women, Barbara Jayson and Jenny de Montfort to the shocking Boxing Day disaster. Having met several years ago in Indonesia they knew they had to do something and decided to create a truly international cookbook to raise funds for mother and baby charities in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. Without knowing a single celebrity chef they set about contacting potential contributors and, having received a commitment from Nigella Lawson, the project snowballed.
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Islay's First New Distillery for 124 years.
THE first new distillery on Islay for 124 years will open next month, to complete an 800- year cycle that returns whisky- making to its historical roots in Scotland.
Scotsman,com
"The £1 million Kilchoman farm distillery will produce Scotch from the barley to the bottle, using ingredients grown on the island that is the birthplace of the national drink. And Rockside farm, where a new single malt will be produced, is on the very spot where it began nearly a millennium ago."
Scotsman,com
"The £1 million Kilchoman farm distillery will produce Scotch from the barley to the bottle, using ingredients grown on the island that is the birthplace of the national drink. And Rockside farm, where a new single malt will be produced, is on the very spot where it began nearly a millennium ago."
Technorati Tags: whisky food & drink
Cook Sister Reports.
Another view on the food bloggers meet of a few weekends ago - The Cooksister writes an entertaining post but does refer to me as a thorn amongst the roses! How rude ;-)
The desserts find favour while the rosado wine I supplied (via Decanter Wines) seems to have slipped down rather well too.
The first photo has been hideously photoshopped. There is no way I look such a twat! I have no idea what I am doing....
The desserts find favour while the rosado wine I supplied (via Decanter Wines) seems to have slipped down rather well too.
The first photo has been hideously photoshopped. There is no way I look such a twat! I have no idea what I am doing....
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Aussies surpass French in UK wine tastes.
Australia has surpassed France as the benchmark for worldwide wine.That's the opinion of Matthew Jukes, one of England's best known and influential wine figures.
NineMSN.com.au
"Jukes, whose opinions have been a fixture in the media here for many years, has released an updated list of the 100 best Australian wines."
NineMSN.com.au
"Jukes, whose opinions have been a fixture in the media here for many years, has released an updated list of the 100 best Australian wines."
Wine with Asparagus Risotto.
Asparagus
Asparagus Risotto, as detailed by the Passionate Cook, calls for a white wine. But which one?The addition of the dry vermouth (Martini or Noilly Prat) would add a delicious herby edge to the flavour, while the main ingredient, asparagus would be enhanced by the vegetable stock. Then you have Parmesan. I would go for a Sauvignon Blanc to unite all these flavours. This grape has a herby quality and works superbly with asparagus. Look to a white Bordeaux, a Sancerre or Pouilly Fumé from the Loire, or New Zealand for something more punchy. Alternatively an Italian white wine made from local varieties - there are plenty to choose from - would work, but steer clear of anything too oaky.
UKWinesOnline Update: Justerini & Brooks.
Justerini & Brooks
A spankingly new website for Justerini & Brooks. "We are extremely proud of it as it contains over 2,000 fine wine labels as well as hand-drawn maps and watercolours!" A work of art indeed for this fine wine specialist. Background details are extensive for the small but select range, akthough Bordeaux and Burgundy are very well represented. A traditional merchant, established in 1749, embracing this new fangled interweb with gusto!
UKWinesOnline Update: The Wine Society.
The Wine Society
Gavin from The Wine Society contacted me a few days ago - they have opened up the website to non-members! Now we can all have a look and discover just what they offer to their members.
The Society acts just like any other wine merchant with a full range of services from wine plans, bin end specials, En Premieur offers and a full wine range. A rolling series of tastings are held throughout the country. They also have two retail outlets; one is in Northern France the other Stevenage.
I have only heard good things about the level of service maintained by the Society. Membership costs £40.
UPDATE: The listing on UKWOL seems to have got a little corrupted and is not showing the full details or the url for the Wine Society. The link required is www.thewinesociety.com
Dream Taste: the cork taint remover.
Remember the news story from last week concerning the French device to remove cork taint? (Wadda yer mean 'no'?). More details -
Scotsman.com
"Professor Gerard Michel's invention is due to go on sale in the UK later this year. The device will cost around £40 and each treatment approximately £3, giving regular wine lovers as well as sommeliers a chance to rescue their cherished bottles. Dream Taste works by using an ionised material known as a copolymer to absorb the cork taint molecules in the wine. Users simply have to decant the corked wine into a plastic V-shaped decanter and then immerse the copolymer, shaped like a bunch of grapes, until the taint disappears. Once all the contaminated molecules have been withdrawn the copolymer is thrown away and the wine is ready to drink."
Wine International
"An independent test on the product was carried out by the French newspaper Le Figaro. They tried it out on two samples: one moderately corked wine, and another so corked that the reporter 'had no desire even to put the wine to my lips'. The report said the first wine had lost all its sense of cork taint after one hour. However, the second wine, even after one hour and 45 minutes, retained a 'displeasing chlorinated edge, evident to finer palates', even though the sense of cork taint appeared to have gone."
Scotsman.com
"Professor Gerard Michel's invention is due to go on sale in the UK later this year. The device will cost around £40 and each treatment approximately £3, giving regular wine lovers as well as sommeliers a chance to rescue their cherished bottles. Dream Taste works by using an ionised material known as a copolymer to absorb the cork taint molecules in the wine. Users simply have to decant the corked wine into a plastic V-shaped decanter and then immerse the copolymer, shaped like a bunch of grapes, until the taint disappears. Once all the contaminated molecules have been withdrawn the copolymer is thrown away and the wine is ready to drink."
Wine International
"An independent test on the product was carried out by the French newspaper Le Figaro. They tried it out on two samples: one moderately corked wine, and another so corked that the reporter 'had no desire even to put the wine to my lips'. The report said the first wine had lost all its sense of cork taint after one hour. However, the second wine, even after one hour and 45 minutes, retained a 'displeasing chlorinated edge, evident to finer palates', even though the sense of cork taint appeared to have gone."
Three Tasting Notes - Vin de Pays Trophy Winners.
Of the 12 wines awarded Trophies in the Vins de Pays Top 100 for 2005 three really stood out. Two were 'first tastes' for me - the competitions Best White of Show was one, the Pinot Noir champion was the other. The third wine, a Cabernet Franc, I have raved about several times but this is a new vintage, and only the second from the estate.
Retail Price £6.99.
A full on rush of nutty apricots leaps from the glass while a weighty palate, fresh and crisp, reveals sherbet and a dash of spice. Superb. Alcohol 13.5%. Production of 84,000 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 96/100
Laurent Miquel
"Obviously we are delighted with the result and proud to have five wines featured in the Top 100. We are specialists in Viognier and now have 25ha in production. The wine proves that low yields and careful oak aging with top-quality Viogner fruit can give really interesting and exciting results."
Available from Ballantynes of Cowbridge £11.49.
"Bloody Good!" exclaimed John. How right he is. Superb, huge drinkability, lovely fruit on the palate supported by generous tannins. Big and characterful. Alcohol 12.5%. Production of 14,800 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
Xavier Guillaume
"The standard of this competition was already high last year, when we were selected as part of the Top 100, and is even more so this year. So I am over the moon to have won this trophy. there's a real interest in France to use this competition to show just how high the quality of VIns de Pays can be."
Retail price around £5.
I am delighted that my friends down at 3 Poules have been awarded a trophy for this wine. More weight and depth than a Loire Cab. Franc this has great character, super depth and a fruit led spiciness that demonstrates its southern French origins. Alcohol 13.5%. Production of 4,500 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 96/100
Ruth Parker de Latude
"We are really DELIGHTED to have won this pize! Especially as this is only our second harvest, this really is very encouraging. For us it's like scaling Mount Everest."
The full list of Vin De Pays Trophy Winners was reported here last April.
Miquel Viognier
Wine Tasting Note: Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier, 2004, VdP d'Oc, France.Retail Price £6.99.
A full on rush of nutty apricots leaps from the glass while a weighty palate, fresh and crisp, reveals sherbet and a dash of spice. Superb. Alcohol 13.5%. Production of 84,000 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 96/100
Laurent Miquel
"Obviously we are delighted with the result and proud to have five wines featured in the Top 100. We are specialists in Viognier and now have 25ha in production. The wine proves that low yields and careful oak aging with top-quality Viogner fruit can give really interesting and exciting results."
Guillaume Pinot Noir
Wine Tasting Note: Guillaume Pinot Noir Vieilles Vignes, 2003, VdP de Franche-Comte, France."Bloody Good!" exclaimed John. How right he is. Superb, huge drinkability, lovely fruit on the palate supported by generous tannins. Big and characterful. Alcohol 12.5%. Production of 14,800 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
Xavier Guillaume
"The standard of this competition was already high last year, when we were selected as part of the Top 100, and is even more so this year. So I am over the moon to have won this trophy. there's a real interest in France to use this competition to show just how high the quality of VIns de Pays can be."
Les 3 Poules Cabernet Franc
Wine Tasting Note: Baronnie de Bourgade Les 3 Poules Cabernet Franc, 2004, VdP des Cotes du Thongue, France.Retail price around £5.
I am delighted that my friends down at 3 Poules have been awarded a trophy for this wine. More weight and depth than a Loire Cab. Franc this has great character, super depth and a fruit led spiciness that demonstrates its southern French origins. Alcohol 13.5%. Production of 4,500 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 96/100
Ruth Parker de Latude
"We are really DELIGHTED to have won this pize! Especially as this is only our second harvest, this really is very encouraging. For us it's like scaling Mount Everest."
The full list of Vin De Pays Trophy Winners was reported here last April.
Pineapple and Polenta Cakes.
Pineapple Polenta Cake
Is pineapple a citrus fruit? I am not sure and it matters because this months Sugar High Friday's theme is citrus. Hosted and selected by Adventures in the bread box she writes about lemons, oranges, limes and the like but no pineapple. Still as a whole lemon is squeezed and scrapped into this recipe I think that it might just be acceptable!Pineapple and Polenta Cakes with Raspberry Coulis
This paraphrased recipe comes from delicious! the deli cookbook by James Martin.
The ingredients:
- 150g unsalted butter
- 1-2 tbsp flour
- 175g caster sugar
- 425g can pineapple rings in syrup (I used fresh chunks)
- 100g ground almonds
- 75g fine polenta
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- pinch of salt
- 2 medium eggs beaten
- grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 lightly grease 6x150ml ramekins with a little softened butter and dust with flour.
- Place 50g sugar in saucepan with 1 tbsp water. over a very low heat melt the sugar to a caramel, shaking pan occasionally.
- When sugar dissolved beat in a small knob of butter and divide between the ramekins. Set a piece of pineapple on top.
- Heat oven to 180C/250F/Gas 4.
- Mix together almonds, polenta, baking powder and salt.
- Beat together remaining sugar and butter until soft and light. Gradually beat in the eggs. Add the dry almond/polenta mix. Then beat in the lemon zest and juice.
- Spoon the mixture into the ramekins over the top of the pineapple. Bake for 15-20 minutes until risen and firm to the touch.
- turn out on to plates and serve with raspberry coulis and cream.
Raspberry Coulis
The book warns of burning yourself when tipping out the puddings on the hot caramel. I must have done something wrong as there wasn't any - it had all soaked into the pudding; impatience probably in the 'dissolving' process. With a crunchy texture and warm pineapple these were very nice. To accentuate the exotic flavour of the pineapple I would suggest serving with a late harvest Gewürztraminer. If the caramel works for you a good quality tokaji could be served and then the Orange Muscat and Flora springs to mind too. Plenty of choice!
The excellent coulis pictured is the one I used - picked up from Waitrose it is also available via the James White website.
Wine Blogging Wednesday 10 Announced.
On reading Lenn’s announcement of Wine Blogging Wednesday #10 I thought “What the ... White Pinot?” Is this some bizarre American concoction similar to those ghastly blush wines, only desecrating the elegant Pinot Noir rather than Zinfandel?
I shouldn’t have worried. I didn't read the title. It is a catch all category selected by Alice of My Adventures in the Breadbox. This gives us Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and anything else utilising ‘pinot’ and ‘white’! Post around June 8th and let Alice know. Have fun.
UPDATE: I note that Alice is also hosting Sugar High Friday (thats THIS Friday) with the theme of Citrus. I have just been given some spiced oranges in sweet wine... there must be something I can do...
I shouldn’t have worried. I didn't read the title. It is a catch all category selected by Alice of My Adventures in the Breadbox. This gives us Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and anything else utilising ‘pinot’ and ‘white’! Post around June 8th and let Alice know. Have fun.
UPDATE: I note that Alice is also hosting Sugar High Friday (thats THIS Friday) with the theme of Citrus. I have just been given some spiced oranges in sweet wine... there must be something I can do...
Wines from Quinta de Chocapalha.
Chocapalha Estate
I have just discovered a superb array of wines from a Portugese Estate. Purely by chance we stumbled upon the Chocapalha estate at the London Wine Fair yesterday where the delightful Alice and Sandra Tavares da Silva took us through their small range.
Sandra, the daughter of Alice, is the wine maker both here and at Quinta Vale D. Maria. Chocapalha is 50 hectare estate, purchased and replanted in the late 1980’s with the first commercial vintage released in 2000. Small production here with 30-35,000 cases annually. The red varieties are hand-selected and foot-trodden separately in stone lagares before fermentation at low temperatures.
Only Corney and Barrow currently stock these wines in the UK. They also list wines from Quinta Vale d. Maria. Out comes my credit card…
Quinta de Chocapalha Vinho Branco, 2004, Estramadura, Portugal.
Corney & Barrow £8.87.
A delicious crisp blend of Chardonnay (60%), Vitel (10%) and barrel-aged Arinto (30%). Minerally, fresh, long lasting flavours, upfront fruit. Delicious. Only let down by being a touch expensive. Production of just 3,000 cases.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Quinta de Chocapalha Cabernet Sauvignon, 2003, Estramadura, Portugal.
Corney & Barrow £8.99.
I believe this is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Very international in design (while still retaining the individualistic Estate-style) with immediate sweet, blackberry fruit before the intense complexity bursts over the palate trailing plenty of tannin in its wake. Production amounts to just 6,000 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Quinta de Chocapalha Vinho Tinto, 2002, Estramadura, Portugal.
Corney & Barrow £7.64.
This is a superb blend of Touriga Naçional, Tinta Roriz and Alicante Bouschet. A stunning array of complex flavours, concentrated, rich. Still quite tannic, drinkable now but with several years to go. Excellent.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
Quinta de Chocapalha, Chocapalha, 2001, Estramadura, Portugal.
Corney & Barrow £12.98.
The estates flagship wine utilising their highest quality grapes. A blend of 60% Touriga Naçional and 40% Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo). Excellent. Chocolate spice nose with spicy black fruit flavours. Rich, concentrated, a touch of oak, not over-bearing, depth and complexity in droves. Excellent long lasting flavours.
Scribblings Rating - 96/100
Stormhoek 'Fresh Before'.
Stormhoek Freshness
South African brand Stormhoek is introducing 'fresh before' dates to its rear labels. Initially the Pinot Grigio, the Sauvignon Blanc and the Rosé will be marked with 'To enjoy this wine at its freshest and best, consume before January 2007'. This I think is a great move - labels with 'drink this wine within two years of purchase' are essentially useless. How long exactly has the wine been residing on the merchants shelf? Novices can often assume that all red wines, for example, are better after extended storing, so the adoption of this device on the red wines (to be introduced shortly) is also to be welcomed.
As you may be able to make out from the rather poor quality image, Stormhoek have a website. This is actually a blog, started last April, but not updated this month. Few details on this freshness initiative sadly, no images, no discussion on the possible problems and the benefits of the scheme either. I am sure other wine bloggers have thoughts on this concept - get your
Stormhoek.com
"in the bottle, Stormhoek Standards are about capturing the freshness and vitality of South Africa. Our wines buzz with excitement and life. Whites and rosés that are fresh, crisp, zesty, bouyant, vibrant, enticing. Reds that are jammy, satisfying, plump. Styles that are relevant, modern and attractive to our customers. All delivering outstanding value. All tasting fantastic."
Wine Blogging Wednesday 9 - the results.
The results of Wine Blogging Wednesday #9 have just been posted by Sam over at Becks & Posh under the title of a-Ring-a-Ring-of-Rosés. Forty wines were submitted this time around. Plenty of links to follow to investigate what the participants thought of their entries. Some excellent stuff to read.
Win a Copy of Sideways on DVD.
Majestic Wines have six copies of the wine film Sideways to win. You must register with the site to enter.
http://www.majestic.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CompetitionFormView?storeId=272&catalogId=10001&langId=-1
http://www.majestic.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CompetitionFormView?storeId=272&catalogId=10001&langId=-1
A mention in the Guardian.
While mucking about with an online link checker thingy I came across a link emanating from the Guardian newspaper. Spittoon was mentioned (7th April 2005) as one of the six best wine weblogs!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5164390-110837,00.html.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5164390-110837,00.html.
Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.
Concours Mondial
Ubiquitous across the nations wine shelves those little gold stickers indicate something. An award obviously but did you know that the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is one of the most important wine competitions in the world? The 12th such competition was the largest ever with 4666 wines from across the world tasted by 200 judges over three days. 1378 medals were given: 44 Grandes Médailles d’Or (<1%), 445 Gold Medals (9%), and 881 Silver Medals. To be honest I have only seen these on French wines but other countries have plenty of medals to bedeck their bottles with. Full results on the multi-language website.
ConcoursMondial.be
"In the space of 11 years, through its know-how, its professionalism, its integrity and the excellence of its tasters, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles has become an authority in the very closed world of top international competitions. Its tasting committees, made up of experienced experts from all over the world, judge the best of the world's wine products with complete integrity.
Recognised by the European Union, the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is audited each year by the Belgian Government's Service Public Fédéral Economie (Federal Public Department for the Economy.
UKWinesOnline Update: Churchill Wines
Churchill Wines
Bulgarian wines, once the epitome of the value end of the market in the UK, have gradually disappeared back into obscurity in the face of the New World onslaught. Perhaps this newly launched website - Churchill Wines - will go some way to restoring their popularity? The site which offers Bulgarian wine exclusively, has a nice design, good background details on the country and the grapes plus a reasonably good range. Each wine is fully described with good quality bottle pictures to see what you are getting.Sadly there are no mixed cases available so you are forced to buy in six bottle lots. Minimum purchase is a case of twelve. I see they are exhibiting at this weeks Excel show; as I am off their tomorrow I will try and squeeze a quick tasting in my busy schedule.
Supreme Court Ruling Lifts Wine Shipment Bans.
Wine bloggers across the USA are getting, justifiably, excited about today's Supreme Court ruling. Basically they have said that States that ban out-of-state wine shipments into their area are unconstitutional. I have been following comments since the news broke earlier today but it is taking a while for bloggers to dissect the ruling. Expect to see thoughts and musings across the wine-blogosphere. A good summary at http://www.scotusblog.com/movabletype/archives/2005/05/state_wine_ship.html if you would like to read more. Thanks to WLW_WineGeek.com for the link.
TN: Matahiwi Estate Waiarapa Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Wairarapa, New Zealand.
Matahiwi Sauvignon Bottle
Wine Tasting Note: Matahiwi Estate Waiarapa Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Wairarapa, New Zealand.Available from Oddbins £7.49.
I thought this Sauvignon Blanc – tasted at last Saturdays blog-meet – was so good it justified an entry of its own. (And show this wine to those who only subscribe to the RSS tasting note feed). For a shade under eight quid you get a pungency to the aroma and one that edges towards the capsicum edge of the spectrum – green, grassy and fresh. The flavours are a delicious amalgam of pear, apple and pineapple plus a herby angle, underpinned with a steely, crisp, citrus acidity. As can be read in the meal posting this wine accompanied asparagus and a garlicky pesto-mozzarella spread superbly. 12% alcohol. Screwcapped.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
The 75 hectare Matahiwi Estate is one of the largest family owned vineyards in Wairarapa, which in itself is the fourth largest wine growing region in New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc occupies a third of the plantings with Pinot Noir making up the rest. Interestingly the company website states that, while they are trailing different clones of Sauvignon Blanc, they feel that ‘we can have more influence on the flavour with the way we grow the grapes as opposed to which clone they are.’
UKWinesOnline Upate: Webbers Wines.
Webbers Wines Screenshot
Brett Jones is well known in and around Billericay, Essex. For many years he ran a superb wine bar in the town but more recently he has operated wine tastings from his purpose built home cellar and offered wine over the internet via monthly case selections site winecases.com.Now a full merchant offering is available via this new venture. It has just opened (I believe) so the wine listings are a little light in some areas (Argentina for example has just one wine listed) but elsewhere there are some delicious wines to choose from at all price levels. Ridge Lytton Springs Zinfandel (£26) may tempt you or how about Kuentz-Bas Pinot Blanc (£7.95); there is sure to be something to catch your eye.
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
The Great Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Wine Test.
An old story doing the rounds again but perhaps you missed it?
Engadget.com
"we’re groovin’ on news from UC Davis that they’ve developed a technique to check for spoiled wine without ever opening the bottle. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (similar to MRI), chemists can now listen to the vibration signature (e.g., vinegar) given off by the contents of the bottle."
The cost of this incredible machine? $50,000 apparently. Read more at ACFNewSource and plenty of technical explanations at wikipedia. In a nutshell NMR looks at the way different chemicals vibrate as differing frequences.
Engadget.com
"we’re groovin’ on news from UC Davis that they’ve developed a technique to check for spoiled wine without ever opening the bottle. Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (similar to MRI), chemists can now listen to the vibration signature (e.g., vinegar) given off by the contents of the bottle."
The cost of this incredible machine? $50,000 apparently. Read more at ACFNewSource and plenty of technical explanations at wikipedia. In a nutshell NMR looks at the way different chemicals vibrate as differing frequences.
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Lunch with Six Ladies.
Tomato Mozzarella Skewers
What more could a man ask for – a Saturday spent in the company of six beautiful women, a feast of delectable food and plenty of wine?This was the inaugural gathering of Britain’s best food bloggers. Not entirely sure I should have been there really, not because I was the solitary male, but due to the dearth of food writing on Spittoon - my culinary musings amount to little more than entries to the monthly Egg on Toast Extravaganza. Still, a privilege to be invited. Mind you I supplied the wine which I am sure wasn’t the only reason they asked me.
Those who could make the day in Twickenham (at the home of Johanna the inspiring writer behind Passionate Cook.com) were asked to bring a dish or two on a Tapas theme. The dishes that spread themselves over the table were a delight. They all surpassed themselves. After well over 3 hours we finally managed to ease ourselves from the table and wend our way home.
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Pesto Layered Spread
The Food/The WineI am sure my little phone camera does not do the dishes justice (check out the others blogs for decent images – details below) but from the opening mini black puddings (from Spanish specialist Brindisa) and little skewers of cherry tomato and mozzarella sandwiching a basil leaf through to the desserts (oh, the desserts!) every mouthful was a delight.
We began with a Cava (Bohigas Cava Brut from Catalunya, £7 DecanterWines), which didn’t last very long I hasten to add, and the entrées as above. Then came bread from an artisanal baker in Brighton whose name I didn’t catch… a salad of courgettes that brought out amazing flavours in the Matahiwi Estate Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Wairarapa, New Zealand (£7.49 Oddbins) … a ‘maravilloso’ layered spread (Goat Cheese Torta) of pesto, sun-dried tomato, goats cheese which I adored with the Sauvignon Blanc…
Chickpea Salad
a chickpea and tuna salad enlivened with smoked peppers and paprika (plus parsley and cumin) which I thought splendid with an Albarino (Burgans Albarino 2003, Rias Baixas, Spain. £8.49 Oddbins)… this wine, when sampled next to the courgette/zucchini salad, revealed a different array of flavours – more ‘green’ if a colour can be a taste. The courgettes, sprinkled with pecorino was also superbly good with the Sauvignon Blanc… which came into play again with spears of crisp asparagus wrapped in Pama Ham… delicious… 
Courgette Salad
Empadas were given a Philippine twist that involved using slightly sweet short-crust pastry and the inclusion of raisins in the stuffing along with pork, chicken, peas and hard boiled eggs. Delicious but the only red wine of the day (the excellent, silky, Bercial Reserva 1999, Utiel-Requena, Spain. £11 DecanterWines) didn’t really like the subtle sweetness… stunning as it looked in Johanna’s Riedal decanter it really needed something more ‘meaty’ I felt. It really benefited from decanting – a haunting aroma developed and the flavours evolved into a concentrated array of oak-enriched elegance.
Philippine Empandas
One wine that won over-whelming favour from all, and one that melded with all the dishes was a rosé. The Fariña Colegiata Rosado, 2003, Toro, Spain. (Decanter Wines £6.50) was my latest Wine Blogging Wednesday entry. It just ‘worked’ with all the dishes as Joanna pointed out. No rough edges, no clashes, weighty, nice colour, hint of tannin and highly drinkable. Which is more than can be said for the oddball white I brought in. The Gendrier Cuvee François 1er, 2000, Cour-Cheverny, Loire, France was not enjoyed by those present. The Romorantin grape is very distinctive, especially when given time to develop in bottle. The complex oil, nut, carpet flavours, oddball aromas and high acidity didn’t find many friends unfortunately. The high acidity cut through the fat of some hastily proffered Fortnum’s rillets but the flavour was still unpopular. Perhaps a grape that no one will miss as its descent into total obscurity continues.
Chocolate Pudding
Then came the desserts. Funny how I can always find room for a dessert! Keiko disappeared into the kitchen for a while; her rustlings produced three desserts. An absolutely splendid crème brulee – the best I have ever had, really, really good. There was a coco drenched tiramisu and a chocolate praline pot that revealed a moist sponge inside. This went excellently with a 5 Puttoyos Tokaji 1997 (not supplied by me so no idea of cost and I didn’t catch the producer). A little dribble of a German Eiswein also did the rounds… by which time I just needed a doze!
crème brulee
The People, The Websites
Back to the Empadas and their Philippine influence. Spain held the islands as a colony for a few hundred years and Celia, who baked them, hails from there. Her website offers an array of interesting recipes (including the Banana Teabread which others at the gathering raved about). To be honest, for me, all the websites from the attending bloggers are superb. Have you seen Keiko’s photos? Wow! Not all have RSS feeds, not all allow comments, but they are all worth following.
It was a real international gathering. Celia (English Patis) is from the Philippines, Johanna (The Passionate Cook) is Austrian, Jeanne (Cooksister!) is South African, Keiko (Nordlijus) hails from Japan, while Meg (Though Small, It Is Tasty) is Australian by birth but flew in from her Dublin home especially for the meeting. Only myself and Jenni (Pertelote.org) are English. There must be more English food-bloggers (male food-bloggers) who could have joined in!
Conclusion
Stimulating and eclectic. What a great day. Another such meeting was mooted – an open picnic where anyone could pop-by. I would love this to be down by the river in Henley…
Cypriots made Mediterranean's first wine.
Cyprus was the first Mediterranean country to make wine, an Italian archaeologist said in a declaration likely to upset other nations in the region claiming to have been the first to develop the tipple.
YahooNews
"Maria-Rosaria Belgiorno said she uncovered evidence during an archaeological dig near the southern coastal town of Limassol that Cypriots produced wine up to 6,000 years ago. At Pyrgos we found two jugs used for wine and the seeds of the grapes. It's amazing."
YahooNews
"Maria-Rosaria Belgiorno said she uncovered evidence during an archaeological dig near the southern coastal town of Limassol that Cypriots produced wine up to 6,000 years ago. At Pyrgos we found two jugs used for wine and the seeds of the grapes. It's amazing."
Cookbooks.
I am not a cook. I don’t really write about food that much unless it has some relevance to the wine I am currently consuming. Still, always up for blog-happening (meme), so I have snapped my cookbook collection for the SpiceBlogs meme.
The shelf above has a motly collection of Observer Food Magazines, newspaper cuttings and the medicine 'box'. It is in the kitchen. You have to answer some questions so here goes…
- Rationale behind what we are seeing?
There isn’t one. Second hand books mixed with presents and the odd own purchase. There are several cook magazines in there too. - Most Recommended?
I really like Nigel Slatter – simplicity, quick, and I can follow the instructions. (Second from left) I love Cookery in Colour edited by Marguerite Patten (right in the middle). No idea who she is but I think the book was given to my mother as a wedding present back in the early 60’s. It is a real Fanny Craddock book that makes me laugh. The pictures alone are priceless – I think it must be the colour scheme. - Cookbook that made you what you are?
Sorry guv, twas the booze (plus donuts and chocolate biscuits). - Porniest cookbook?
Never understood the attraction of Nigella (if you know me you will know why that is so funny) who is fourth from the right. I have the Two Fat Ladies book – does that count? - Sophie’s Choice cookbook?
eh? - If you were a cookbook, which cookbook would you be?
Just Desserts. - If your cookbook were extremely valuable, so valuable you might hide it with other valuables, where would that place be?
I wouldn’t hide it – flaunt it for the world to see (in a locked, bomb-proof glass case of course)
Pictures from Cookery in Colour by Marguerite Patten c.1961
Technorati Tags: cookbooks food & drink
Which wine to pair with Star Wars?
An interview with Anthony Daniels who plays C-3PO.
SFGate.com
""I think it would be a rather heavy Merlot or Syrah -- though maybe Syrah would be too rounded. It's got very spiky moments, so maybe something with a bit more tannin -- a rather tannic red, I think. Slightly uncomfortable, this film, rather dark. Yes, so I think a rather heavy, tannic red. Mmm," Daniels says sagely, then reconsiders his answer. "But then a rather delicious Champagne to begin or a Chardonnay would be nice. But isn't it sad everybody got sick of Chardonnay around the same time? Unless it's the Champagne, which is a fine way to drink the Chardonnay grape, I think. I would start with a little Champagne, then about halfway through, hit the red in a major way and leave it there."
SFGate.com
""I think it would be a rather heavy Merlot or Syrah -- though maybe Syrah would be too rounded. It's got very spiky moments, so maybe something with a bit more tannin -- a rather tannic red, I think. Slightly uncomfortable, this film, rather dark. Yes, so I think a rather heavy, tannic red. Mmm," Daniels says sagely, then reconsiders his answer. "But then a rather delicious Champagne to begin or a Chardonnay would be nice. But isn't it sad everybody got sick of Chardonnay around the same time? Unless it's the Champagne, which is a fine way to drink the Chardonnay grape, I think. I would start with a little Champagne, then about halfway through, hit the red in a major way and leave it there."
UK Merchant Roundup.
As the entire trade prepares to decamp to London’s Excel for the years major trade fair, offers abound for the humble consumer. A few highlights, therefore, from a range of UK merchants as received over the last few days.
Gavin at Only Fine Beer has clarified how their discounts work. “All registered customers get 5% off any purchase not already discounted. All customers can get a 4% discount if they buy 24 33cl bottles or 12 50cl bottles. Any other discounts can be found in special offers. The 5% discount can be used by registered users anytime, so enjoy”
Berry Brothers has released details for the 2003 Vintage Port En Primeur. And so has Majestic Wines.
Seckford Wines has got their hands on a small parcel of Haut Bailly Rosé. Couldn't find this on the website so you might have to email them direct if of interest.
"Veronique Sanders at Chateau Haut Bailly makes a rosé every year by bleeding off the vats but normally keeps it herself for summer parties and general entertaining. However one good thing to come out of 2004 in Bordeaux this year is that they made a bit more than usual and we have bought some as it is truly delicious. A very famous brasserie in Paris bought 100 cases during our last visit in early April and have already bought 50 cases more (sadly the last). However we got ours out before Veronique ran out. It is dry, lip smacking and thirst quenching - all a fine rosé should be. Oh and it's pink. Coral pink. It's like having a fine bottle of Haut Bailly you can keep in the fridge. What more could one want?"
Haut Bailly Rose 2004 £8.95 per bottle inc. delivery and VAT (UK mainland)
The Fareham Wine Cellar is offering free delivery on mixed cases of Tyrrell’s Wines. They are also reduced in price from £9.45 a bottle to just £6.49. These include the Eclipse Pinot Noir, Brokenback Shiraz, Shee-Oak Chardonnay and the Moon Mountain Chardonnay.
Easy Wine meanwhile is offering ‘two extraordinary wines’ Peppoli Chianti Classico (£12.99) and the Californian Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon (£17.99). The latter incidentally was recently featured as Jancis Robinsons Wine of the Week.
Gavin at Only Fine Beer has clarified how their discounts work. “All registered customers get 5% off any purchase not already discounted. All customers can get a 4% discount if they buy 24 33cl bottles or 12 50cl bottles. Any other discounts can be found in special offers. The 5% discount can be used by registered users anytime, so enjoy”
Berry Brothers has released details for the 2003 Vintage Port En Primeur. And so has Majestic Wines.
Seckford Wines has got their hands on a small parcel of Haut Bailly Rosé. Couldn't find this on the website so you might have to email them direct if of interest.
Seckford Wines Screenshot
SeckfordWines.co.uk"Veronique Sanders at Chateau Haut Bailly makes a rosé every year by bleeding off the vats but normally keeps it herself for summer parties and general entertaining. However one good thing to come out of 2004 in Bordeaux this year is that they made a bit more than usual and we have bought some as it is truly delicious. A very famous brasserie in Paris bought 100 cases during our last visit in early April and have already bought 50 cases more (sadly the last). However we got ours out before Veronique ran out. It is dry, lip smacking and thirst quenching - all a fine rosé should be. Oh and it's pink. Coral pink. It's like having a fine bottle of Haut Bailly you can keep in the fridge. What more could one want?"
Haut Bailly Rose 2004 £8.95 per bottle inc. delivery and VAT (UK mainland)
The Fareham Wine Cellar is offering free delivery on mixed cases of Tyrrell’s Wines. They are also reduced in price from £9.45 a bottle to just £6.49. These include the Eclipse Pinot Noir, Brokenback Shiraz, Shee-Oak Chardonnay and the Moon Mountain Chardonnay.
Easy Wine meanwhile is offering ‘two extraordinary wines’ Peppoli Chianti Classico (£12.99) and the Californian Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon (£17.99). The latter incidentally was recently featured as Jancis Robinsons Wine of the Week.
Diago lobbies against drinks offers ban.
Diageo has requested a review of a proposed ban on drinks promotions in Scotland. The Scotsman reported that the drinks company has branded a proposed ban by the Scottish Executive on two-for-one and cheap second measure offers as being 'over the top.'
'We support the principle that deep discounting is irresponsible,' Diageo’s government affairs director Tim Rycroft said, 'but banning any discount on additional measures is going too far.'
Scottish ministers are keen to ban free and discounted second measures in an attempt to clamp down on what they call 'irresponsible drinks promotions.'
'We are very firmly of the view that … giving people an extra measure on their drink is effectively encouraging people to drink more that they ordinarily would,' an Executive spokesman told the Scotsman. 'It is this which causes many of the problems we see in our communities today.'
'Irresponsible promotions create incentives to speed drink, or to drink alcohol above the recommended daily intake,' Rycroft said, 'and we don’t think all price promotions necessarily do that.'
In a written submission to Ministers of the Scottish Parliament, Diageo warned that a ban on cheap second drinks would 'restrict unnecessarily the commercial freedom of responsible licensees.'
'We support the principle that deep discounting is irresponsible,' Diageo’s government affairs director Tim Rycroft said, 'but banning any discount on additional measures is going too far.'
Scottish ministers are keen to ban free and discounted second measures in an attempt to clamp down on what they call 'irresponsible drinks promotions.'
'We are very firmly of the view that … giving people an extra measure on their drink is effectively encouraging people to drink more that they ordinarily would,' an Executive spokesman told the Scotsman. 'It is this which causes many of the problems we see in our communities today.'
'Irresponsible promotions create incentives to speed drink, or to drink alcohol above the recommended daily intake,' Rycroft said, 'and we don’t think all price promotions necessarily do that.'
In a written submission to Ministers of the Scottish Parliament, Diageo warned that a ban on cheap second drinks would 'restrict unnecessarily the commercial freedom of responsible licensees.'
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Whisky on Ice as Pole Party Celebrate.
A Sweedish explorer tramped up to the north pole to see the effects of the extreme cold on drinks. Ola Skinnarmo spent a week skiing to the pole with whisky and champagne in his pack to toast reaching his goal. His party dragged sledges through temperatures of -20C. When they arrived, the champagne was off - but the 33-year-old Bruichladdich Islay Malt, claimed to be Scotland's purest whisky, tasted better than ever.
Ola said: 'Champagne proved totally inadequate as the froth instantly froze upon opening.
'A bottle of single malt saved the day - a rare Bruichladdich Legacy IV 1972 - my birth year.' Colleague Lennart Ramberg said: 'Knowing it is an entirely natural product, bottled without chill-filtration, I was surprised it was so clear.
'We thought it might have gone cloudy, owing to the cold'
Ola said: 'Champagne proved totally inadequate as the froth instantly froze upon opening.
'A bottle of single malt saved the day - a rare Bruichladdich Legacy IV 1972 - my birth year.' Colleague Lennart Ramberg said: 'Knowing it is an entirely natural product, bottled without chill-filtration, I was surprised it was so clear.
'We thought it might have gone cloudy, owing to the cold'
TN: Bodegas Fariña Colegiata Young Rosé, 2003, Toro, Spain.
The premier wine blog-happening moves to Becks and Posh this month who have selected rosé as the theme. Perfect timing as such wines are generally associated with the Spring and Summer and eating outside; although the weather here in South O is less than conducive for alfresco dining at the moment. Over the last couple of years sales of rosé have increased substantially in the UK. In 2004 sales were up almost a third on 2003 and the trend is continuing with most of the major retailers increasing their ranges.
Steering clear of the sugar drenched concoctions from certain New World circles I decided to head to Spain for my entry. I posted tasting notes on Five Spanish Rosés earlier in the month, this is the sixth wine.
Available from Decanter Wines for £6.50.
Bodega Fari - a is the largest family owned estate in Toro with a great reputation for the 'explosive aromas' (Robert Parker) in their wines. This is 100% Tinta de Torro (aka Tempranillo) wines that is unsullied by any oak thus retaining its vibrant, fresh, colour, aroma and taste. Inviting deep, cherry colour. Ripe strawberry and cream aromas with cherry and citrus adding complexity on the palate. Dry. 12.5% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
DecanterWines.com
"Refreshing fruity flavours, this wine is best served chilled at around 9-12�C. Drink this wine in the next 12-18 months to enjoy it at its best. Lovely on its own, but goes well with salads and baked salmon and trout."
The Bodegas Fari�a website is available in English, Spanish and Dutch.
Steering clear of the sugar drenched concoctions from certain New World circles I decided to head to Spain for my entry. I posted tasting notes on Five Spanish Rosés earlier in the month, this is the sixth wine.
Fariña Colegiata Rosé
Wine Tasting Note:
Bodegas Fariña Colegiata Young Rosé, 2003, Toro, Spain.Available from Decanter Wines for £6.50.
Bodega Fari - a is the largest family owned estate in Toro with a great reputation for the 'explosive aromas' (Robert Parker) in their wines. This is 100% Tinta de Torro (aka Tempranillo) wines that is unsullied by any oak thus retaining its vibrant, fresh, colour, aroma and taste. Inviting deep, cherry colour. Ripe strawberry and cream aromas with cherry and citrus adding complexity on the palate. Dry. 12.5% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
DecanterWines.com
"Refreshing fruity flavours, this wine is best served chilled at around 9-12�C. Drink this wine in the next 12-18 months to enjoy it at its best. Lovely on its own, but goes well with salads and baked salmon and trout."
The Bodegas Fari�a website is available in English, Spanish and Dutch.
Whisky Fringe 2005.
Whisky Fringe 2005
The preeminent Whisky Fair is to be held over two days this year - Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st August. The venue is now in Central Edinburgh - the Mansfield Traquair on Broughton Street. You can purchase tickets at £15 per person (two days £25) which includes money off vouchers from Royal Mile Whiskies. http://www.royalmilewhiskies.com/cgi-bin/royalmile.storefront/4280d39c04fed480273fd85dac390716/Product/View/WNN0098
Blossom Hill chosen as California benchmark.
I sampled a range of 'benchmark' Californian Wines at a recent tasting - they were not that exciting to be honest. Now a panel of UK judges has selected Blossom Hill as an 'exemplary' mid-priced wine to 'show what the industy is capable of doing'. OK so it is the 2003 Reserve Chardonnay but is this really the best they could come up?
Decanter.com
"they were 'slightly amazed by the results' and the Blossom Hill decision 'bordered on the embarassing'. The winery, which is owned by Diageo, produces 13 different wines and sells 3.5m cases a year in the UK off trade. Its White Zinfandel is the UK's best-selling rosé. It is (almost) universally dismissed by wine critics."
Decanter.com
"they were 'slightly amazed by the results' and the Blossom Hill decision 'bordered on the embarassing'. The winery, which is owned by Diageo, produces 13 different wines and sells 3.5m cases a year in the UK off trade. Its White Zinfandel is the UK's best-selling rosé. It is (almost) universally dismissed by wine critics."
Bid to improve wine smell.
A South Australian scientist has won a scholarship to help improve the nose of local wines. Hentie Swiegers, a molecular biologist at Adelaide's Australian Wine Research Institute, is examining whether selecting the right type of yeast can allow wine makers to create the best aroma for consumer tastes.
TheAustralian.com.au
"The aim is not necessarily to pump up the aromas every time," Dr Swiegers said. "It's about giving winemakers the knowledge to be able to create the aromas that the market responds to and usually associates with a wine style."
TheAustralian.com.au
"The aim is not necessarily to pump up the aromas every time," Dr Swiegers said. "It's about giving winemakers the knowledge to be able to create the aromas that the market responds to and usually associates with a wine style."
Solution to bad wine is finally uncorked.
What's all this about? Scepticism reigns...
TimesOnline.co.uk
"Gérard Michel, a biochemist from Burgundy, has produced a kit costing €40 (£27) that he says can restore the original taste and bouquet. His invention, Dream Taste, has won over some of France’s most exacting critics. “The experience is surprising. Little by little, the taster perceives an extraordinary evolution in the wine. Its normal characteristics reappear"
TimesOnline.co.uk
"Gérard Michel, a biochemist from Burgundy, has produced a kit costing €40 (£27) that he says can restore the original taste and bouquet. His invention, Dream Taste, has won over some of France’s most exacting critics. “The experience is surprising. Little by little, the taster perceives an extraordinary evolution in the wine. Its normal characteristics reappear"
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Burgundy Clearance Sale.
To clear warehouse space for a new batch of Swiss wines Nick Dobson has reduced the price of on host of Burgundies.
They include several Vire-Clesse, £3 off Pollier Pouilly-Fuissé and several Beaujolias down £2 a bottle. Worth investigating.
NickDobsonWines.co.uk
"These wines are sold on a first-come first-served basis. They are listed as individual bottles and not by the case - it is of course possible to make up a mixed case of bin end bottles, or to mix bin ends with any other bottles from the main catalogue as you wish."
They include several Vire-Clesse, £3 off Pollier Pouilly-Fuissé and several Beaujolias down £2 a bottle. Worth investigating.
NickDobsonWines.co.uk
"These wines are sold on a first-come first-served basis. They are listed as individual bottles and not by the case - it is of course possible to make up a mixed case of bin end bottles, or to mix bin ends with any other bottles from the main catalogue as you wish."
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Five Spanish Rosés.
Enate Rosado Label
Slurping across the Rosado table at the 16th Annual Wines From Spain Trade Fair unearthed these five rosés. After Rioja Spain always means to me 'rosé' They are all worth sampling although as you can see I was most impressed by two, one from Penedès, the other from Navarra. They have just the right combination of wonderful fresh flavour, full summer fun, plus a little dash of seriousness that really captured the essance of Spanish rosado. Ferret Cabernet Rosat, 2004, Penedès, Spain.
£6.49 Laymont & Shaw
Creamy strawberries all the way on the nose, really nice and fresh. Full bodied and dry with a nice blackcurrant bite on the finish. Full of flavour and rather stylish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Enate Rosado, 2004, Somontano, Spain.
£7.95 Averys
This is good too, although perhaps a tad expensive, with nice weight. Cherry and cranberry aromas overlay a zesty dry, wine with reasonable length. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
Castillo de Almansa Rosado, Almansa, Spain.
£5.50 Averys, Nectarous Wines
A bit of confusion over this one - the tasting note sheet lists this under Merlot but has 100% Syrah in the description. The Averys website lists this as 100% Monastrell. Whatever - and it matters little - this is a pale wine with a simple aroma and fresh, pleasant redberry flavours. 13% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 84/100
Bodegas Sierra la Guara Idrias Merlot Rosado, 2004, Somontano, Spain.
Unknown stockists price around £6.00-£7.99.
More at home with food I think, than on its own, as this 100% Merlot based wine finishes a little sharp and crisp. But it has nice aromas and plenty of fruit.
Scribblings Rating - 86/100
Laymont & Shaw £6.79.
A little barrel fermentation has added good complexity to this excellent rosè. Strawberry flavours abound. Upfront, almost sweet, fruit leads into a full, delicious mouthful but finishes crisp and dry. 100% Merlot. 13% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
£6.49 Laymont & Shaw
Creamy strawberries all the way on the nose, really nice and fresh. Full bodied and dry with a nice blackcurrant bite on the finish. Full of flavour and rather stylish. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Enate Rosado, 2004, Somontano, Spain.
£7.95 Averys
This is good too, although perhaps a tad expensive, with nice weight. Cherry and cranberry aromas overlay a zesty dry, wine with reasonable length. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 13% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
Castillo de Almansa Rosado, Almansa, Spain.
£5.50 Averys, Nectarous Wines
A bit of confusion over this one - the tasting note sheet lists this under Merlot but has 100% Syrah in the description. The Averys website lists this as 100% Monastrell. Whatever - and it matters little - this is a pale wine with a simple aroma and fresh, pleasant redberry flavours. 13% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 84/100
Bodegas Sierra la Guara Idrias Merlot Rosado, 2004, Somontano, Spain.
Unknown stockists price around £6.00-£7.99.
More at home with food I think, than on its own, as this 100% Merlot based wine finishes a little sharp and crisp. But it has nice aromas and plenty of fruit.
Scribblings Rating - 86/100
Monjardin Rosado Bottle
Castillo de Monjardin Merlot Rosado, 2004, Navarra, Spain.Laymont & Shaw £6.79.
A little barrel fermentation has added good complexity to this excellent rosè. Strawberry flavours abound. Upfront, almost sweet, fruit leads into a full, delicious mouthful but finishes crisp and dry. 100% Merlot. 13% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
UKWinesOnline New Listing - Petite Wines.
Petite Wines Screenshot
A funky design for Petite Wines and nicely done too. The company, based in Fife, specialises in miniatures (mainly whisky). While I think some would dispute their claim of carrying the largest range in the country they do also supply a great range of small wine and champagne bottles. One of the best ranges I have seen. They also offer a personalised label service. All in all an ideal stop for miniature collectors and those looking for something special for weddings and the like. New Whisky - Monkey Shoulder.
Monkey Shoulder Whisky
Utilising whisky from three Speyside distillers this new blend from William Grant is available for £18.99. It is apparently to offer "new consumers an accessible, great tasting malt that retains authenticity while breaking the more traditional malt mould"Why the name Monkey Shoulder? The traditional malting process requires soaked barley laid about a foot deep to germinate over 14 days. During this period the malting barley is turned over many times by distillery workers using wooden shovels. This controls the build-up of temperature in the the grain, which would stop germination. This repetitive shovel work (I have done this for a few hours at Bowmore on Islay and it ain't easy) can give rise to a muscule ache in the shoulder, hence "monkey shoulder" - a form of RSI I guess.
Technorati Tags: whisky food & drink
Quick - VAT-free offer on ALL Kim Crawford wines.
A bit late with this news item but you still have a few hours to take advantage of this offer -
Surf4Wine.co.uk
"Save the equivalent of the VAT off ALL Kim Crawford wines right now here at Surf4Wine. BUT, there is a catch - this promotion lasts for 5 days only (keen Surf4Wine observers will have noticed me put the sale up onto the site on Sunday 2nd May - but in the interests of fairness the 5 days will end at Midnight on Saturday 7th May.) So, don't miss out - order online today"
Surf4Wine.co.uk
"Save the equivalent of the VAT off ALL Kim Crawford wines right now here at Surf4Wine. BUT, there is a catch - this promotion lasts for 5 days only (keen Surf4Wine observers will have noticed me put the sale up onto the site on Sunday 2nd May - but in the interests of fairness the 5 days will end at Midnight on Saturday 7th May.) So, don't miss out - order online today"
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Two UK Tastings.
New company Planet of the Grapes has announced its inaugural tasting - set Thursday June 2nd in your diary. The tasting is to be held at the Tom Blau photographic gallery just by Tower Bridge from 6:30 - 9:30pm.
Ultimate Wines is having another of their highly enjoyable wine tasting evenings. May 21st (Marlow) and May 18th (London) should be on everyone's calendar for a selection of Greek Wines. Price is £20 at Marlow and £30 London.
Ultimate Wines is having another of their highly enjoyable wine tasting evenings. May 21st (Marlow) and May 18th (London) should be on everyone's calendar for a selection of Greek Wines. Price is £20 at Marlow and £30 London.
EoMEoTE #6 - the results are in.
EoMEoTE
Twenty great entries for last months End of Month Egg on Toast Extravagnza have just been recorded for prosperity by the delightful Cooksister, who always manages to write a great post with just the right amount of humor and enthusiasum. The entries range from Poached Eggs, Bacon and Seared Scallops on toasted baguette through to beef burger topped with Gruyere and a fried egg on toasted walnut bread. And an omlette. One enterprising fellow has set up a Flicker photo site for the whole eggy experience. I set up a eomeote technorati tag, perhaps others would care to use it next time too.Next months entries are to be in the form of Petrarchan Sonnets (whatever the 'ell they are) but Old Shakespearean sonnets will do at a pinch - time to dust of 'Shakespeare in Love' I guess; just make sure you get that concluding couplet iambic pentameter correct.
Brussels warns drinks industry not to target young consumers.
The drinks industry has been warned by the European Commission to take action to discourage binge drinking and to stop aiming its products at young consumers.
FT.com
"Markos Kyprianou, EU consumer affairs commissioner, fears that the northern European epidemic of drunkenness among young people is spreading across the continent. He wants drinks companies to agree a code of conduct to tackle the problem, but favours Europe-wide self-regulation over new rules or higher taxes."
FT.com
"Markos Kyprianou, EU consumer affairs commissioner, fears that the northern European epidemic of drunkenness among young people is spreading across the continent. He wants drinks companies to agree a code of conduct to tackle the problem, but favours Europe-wide self-regulation over new rules or higher taxes."
Technorati Tags: wine food & drink
Big Bottles - wine bottle sizes.
A guide to wine bottle sizes. What are the different capacities and names of wine bottles.
| Capacity (litres) | Bottle Equivalents | Bordeaux Name | Champagne Name |
| .75 | 1 | Bottle | Bottle |
| 1.5 | 2 | Magnum | Magnum |
| 3 | 4 | Double Magnum | Jeroboam |
| 4.5 | 6 | Jeroboam | Rehoboam |
| 6 | 8 | Imperial | Methuselah |
| 9 | 12 | -- | Salmanazar |
| 12 | 16 | -- | Balthazar |
| 15 | 20 | -- | Nebuchadnezzar |
| 18 | 24 | Melchior | Melchior/Solomon |
| 27 | 36 | -- | Primat |
And who are these extra large bottles named after? Well Jeroboam is the name of "a mighty man of valour who made Israel to sin" 1 Kings 11:28 14:16.
Rehoboam was the son of Solomon while Methuselah is a Pre-Noachian patriarch stated to have lived 969 years.
The reign of Nebuchadnezzar extended from B.C. 604 to 561. In 598BC he laid siege to Jerusalem and in 588 again captured the city, and carried Zedekiah, who had rebelled against him, captive to Babylon. The name Nebuchadnezzar, or more accurately Nebuchadrezzar is derived from the Jewish Scriptures. But in the inscriptions it reads Nebo-kudurri-ussur, i.e., "may Nebo protect the crown"; a name analogous to that of his father Nebo(Nabu)-habal-ussur. ("Nebo protect the son") and to that of Belshazzar, i.e., "Bel protect the prince."
Not just a wine bottle size guide but plenty of historical culture too! As for the others........
Melchior, King of Light and Balthazar, King of Treasures are two of the Three Wise Men (the other being Gaspar, The White One). Finally, Salmanazar, was an Assyrian king.
The reign of Nebuchadnezzar extended from B.C. 604 to 561. In 598BC he laid siege to Jerusalem and in 588 again captured the city, and carried Zedekiah, who had rebelled against him, captive to Babylon. The name Nebuchadnezzar, or more accurately Nebuchadrezzar is derived from the Jewish Scriptures. But in the inscriptions it reads Nebo-kudurri-ussur, i.e., "may Nebo protect the crown"; a name analogous to that of his father Nebo(Nabu)-habal-ussur. ("Nebo protect the son") and to that of Belshazzar, i.e., "Bel protect the prince."
Not just a wine bottle size guide but plenty of historical culture too! As for the others........
Melchior, King of Light and Balthazar, King of Treasures are two of the Three Wise Men (the other being Gaspar, The White One). Finally, Salmanazar, was an Assyrian king.
End of Month Egg On Toast Extravaganza - it's a dish of two halves.
The Ingredients
Perhaps I am not taking this blog-happening seriously enough but following the late night escapades (as detailed on the �other� blog) I thought a 'proper' entry for EoMEoTE was necessary. After-all I don't want to ruffle feathers or be banished to the hen-house. (Did I use those puns last month?)As an alternative to writing up a huge batch of wine tasting notes (yawn) a dash around Waitrose (a dash you note, not a meander) procured the necessary ingredients for this months yolktastic entry. It is a blindingly hot day here in South O (did you see last nights hailstorm - wow) which calls for only one thing. Ice-cream!
Ice Cream!
�Buy four tubs of Green and Blacks organic and save 77p�. Gotta be done. I also shelled out for bread in the form of brioche fingers. And an egg. A chocolate egg. I imagine if I had thought of this a few weeks ago I would have had a profusion of Easter confectionery to peck at; as it is the sole chocolate egg now available is from Kinder - Kinder Surprise Egg. The only surprise being how crap the plastic 'toy' inside really is. There isn't much chocolate in a Kinder; cheap milk chocolate on the outside, white choc as an inner so I bulked it out a little with two Lindt Lindor. Two eggs and two Lindor Chocolates melted over a pan of lightly boiling water. Two dessert spoons of Creme Fraiche stirred in towards the end. Served with two halves of a toasted Brioche Finger. Eggtastic - simple but effective. This chocolate melting malarkey works a treat with a Mars Bar, by the way, as the mousse forms lovely little fudgey bits.
The Final Dish
There you have it 'Ice Cream and Toasted Brioche Fingers with Warm Mixed Chocolate Sauce'. As you can see from the pictures there is enough on my plate for two (if they have feather-weight appetites); and enough sauce for four. The �surprises� were Bugs Bunny and a crocodile pulling a cart.This months Eggie blog-happening, officially titled End of Month Egg on Toast Extravaganza is hosted by Cook Sister. Its a fun event now garnering a good flock of entrants.
Cork Taint and Brettanomyces.
Interesting article by Tim Atkin in the latest issue of trade paper OLN. As they do not have a website and the paper does not have huge circulation I thought that paraphrasing his thoughts here would be of interest.
Atkin writes about a recent tasting that looked at the different taints that effect wine. Organised by cork producer Amorim and conducted by Pascal Chatonnet, 'best known as one of the world's leading authorities on the spoilage yeast, brettanomyces' the thrust is that 'cork has taken a bad rap, and that it's sometimes blamed for faults that are misidentified as TCA even by comparatively experienced tasters.'
Atkin writes about a recent tasting that looked at the different taints that effect wine. Organised by cork producer Amorim and conducted by Pascal Chatonnet, 'best known as one of the world's leading authorities on the spoilage yeast, brettanomyces' the thrust is that 'cork has taken a bad rap, and that it's sometimes blamed for faults that are misidentified as TCA even by comparatively experienced tasters.'
While I can spot a corked wine at 50 paces I for one was unaware that there was more to TCA than, well, just TCA. And did you know that TCA in sparkling wine is easier to identify because the carbon dioxide helps to volatise the compound?
For those not that well versed in the technical side of wine TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole) is what produces a 'corked' wine giving musty and other off odours which, generally, make a wine undrinkable. Chatonnet claimed that TCA is sometimes present in the winery and may taint a wine long before it comes into contact with a cork but he did concede that 'most TCA is still cork-derived'.
Atkins tasting continued with wines doctored with TBA (2,4,6-tribromoanisole) and TeCA (2,3,4,6-tetrachloroanisol) both of which come from 'environmental contamination' from such things as wood preservatives, fire retardants or pesticide residues rather than corks. 'And both smelt distinctly mouldy. That's why it is possible to find something that smells like TCA in a bottle under screwcap'
The other faults included methoxyprazines (green pepper smell), acetic acid (vinegar), ethyl acetate (solvent) and pelargonium (that nasty geranium odour that occurs when sorbic acid is broken down by lactic acid bacteria). Brett (brettanomyces) provides aromas ranging from barnyards and horsehair to sticking plaster and mousiness. Chatonnet reckons that the Brett problem, (often confused with terroir), is on the rise 'with the growing fashion for high alcohol, low acid, unfiltered, low sulphur reds in the New World' becoming a huge problem there.
Atkins concludes 'if things continue as they are, Brett could take over from TCA as the taint du jour. If it does, I can't see the cork industry complaining'.
You can read more on TCA at http://www.winepros.org/wine101/tca.htm and on Brett at http://www.aromadictionary.com/articles/brettanomyces_article.html