Dear Celebrity Masterchef,
I thought I could do it. I thought I could go cold turkey, perhaps even use the time I used to spend with you doing something more productive. Perhaps take up the hem on the trousers I bought over a month ago, maybe finish the book I have been reading for the last two. Of course, I'd forgotten how seductive you are, with your cooking-with-medical-urgency theme tune, your big-swell music when you announce the finalists, your increasingly tenuous celebrity contestants (who I usually love by the end) and your shouty presenters that cry when they hit on a culinary revelation. Even though I thought you needed a format makeover - perhaps why I thought I could walk away - I now realise you are like a pair of favourite slippers: worn but perfectly comfortable. So here we are again, older, wiser and wondering how on earth certain celebs get through life without knowing what's in an omelette. Don't go a-changing.
Love Knackered Mother
Current rose in the fridge:
Sancerre Rose Fournier 2008, £9.49, Tesco
I do love brightly coloured Rose wines but my current pash is for more delicately coloured ones from France. More unfarmed than farmed salmon in colour, if you know what I mean. The flavours are not as big and bold as a New World rose but the slightly more savoury character is what I want. This one is made from the red Pinot Noir grape grown in the Sancerre region (more famous for white wine) with the juice left in contact with the skins just long enought to give it that beautiful light pink colour. The wild strawberry and redcurrant fruit flavours are gorgeous and the wine has enough structure to cope with food too. Beef stew might be a bit of a challenge, obviously, but chilli-sprinked cod steaks were a great match.
Current red on the side:
Mount Difficulty Pinot Noir, Central Otago, 2008, £21.99, Waitrose
Apologies for going over £20, I don't do it very often, but for me this wine is worth it. It is another Pinot Noir, this time from the Central Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand. No delicate hues here, this is ruby red in colour with incredible, powerful black fruit aromas. It is aged for about a year in oak barrels, adding spice and richness to the palate. This wine is a slow burner: pour it into a glass and keep it moving, warming it in your hands. How it tastes from first sip to last is quite different, it really does 'soften' if given time to breathe. Indulge in the Pinii.
Let's drink x
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Thursday, 15 July 2010
Not tonight dear...
"Ohmigod, that's a headache wine" said a friend the other day after sipping a Spanish white wine. Then Ladybird World Mother said that she too got wretched headaches when drinking wine and doesn't even throw it back like the old days (her words, not mine). What might cause these headaches, other than having three too many? The usual suspect is sulphur, which has long been used to preserve freshness in wine. Some, particularly asthmatics, seem to be less tolerant than others but generally speaking headaches caused by sulphur are rare. Another cause may be the natural histemines found in wine, particularly red wines as they come from the skins of grapes. There are those who swear by taking an anti-histemine before drinking a glass of red. Too clinical for me, plus I would fall asleep. Nah. In my experience your best bet for avoiding a headache is to imbibe plenty of water and food at the same time. That and not finishing the bottle.
Current white in the fridge:
Tesco Finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009, £6.19, Tesco
New Zealand produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines in the world, particularly from this region. In fact, it was Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough that really put NZ on the worldwide wine map. This is made at an estate called Highfield, where they've built a winery to look like a Tuscan cellar. Not sure why, but it looks wonderful if not a little out of place. Here, the cool nights and warm days allow the grapes to ripen slowly and surely, helping to get the best out of this aromatic grape. This one gives you a noseful of zippy lime fruit aromas then lives up to expectations with lovely gooseberry and passion fruit flavours. Dangerously moreish.
Current red on the side:
Esperanza Malbec 2009, Argentina, £4.69, Majestic
Torrontes was the white grape from Argentina that I wrote about last week. The red grape that Argentina does better than most is Malbec, a brutish red grape that produces dark, inky coloured wines with lots of black fruit flavours. Cahors in France is Malbec's other home, as well as it being one of the traditional grapes grown in Bordeaux. This particular one is more lightweight, in a good way. Still brooding, but not growling (really hoping you are still with me here) with bramble fruits and soft tannins. Long on the finish, as they say. Tried and heartily recommended with steaks.
One last glass, then x
Current white in the fridge:
Tesco Finest Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2009, £6.19, Tesco
New Zealand produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc wines in the world, particularly from this region. In fact, it was Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough that really put NZ on the worldwide wine map. This is made at an estate called Highfield, where they've built a winery to look like a Tuscan cellar. Not sure why, but it looks wonderful if not a little out of place. Here, the cool nights and warm days allow the grapes to ripen slowly and surely, helping to get the best out of this aromatic grape. This one gives you a noseful of zippy lime fruit aromas then lives up to expectations with lovely gooseberry and passion fruit flavours. Dangerously moreish.
Current red on the side:
Esperanza Malbec 2009, Argentina, £4.69, Majestic
Torrontes was the white grape from Argentina that I wrote about last week. The red grape that Argentina does better than most is Malbec, a brutish red grape that produces dark, inky coloured wines with lots of black fruit flavours. Cahors in France is Malbec's other home, as well as it being one of the traditional grapes grown in Bordeaux. This particular one is more lightweight, in a good way. Still brooding, but not growling (really hoping you are still with me here) with bramble fruits and soft tannins. Long on the finish, as they say. Tried and heartily recommended with steaks.
One last glass, then x
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Why No?
A friend told me today that she is on a new regime, wine-free Monday to Friday (same friend who thought this site was called the Naked Mother's Wine Club, told her to be careful when searching that one). Later, a Twitter humour-twin announced she was having a glass of Champagne tonight for no particular reason. In turn, I admire both the restraint and sybaritic tendancies shown here. Me, I go for just one wine-free night a week. I usually fail. So many wines, so little time. A chap called Hawker wrote a book called 'Chats About Wine' back in 1907 and asked:
“…what is it? This wonderful elixir of life, which is almost as old as the world itself and yet is overflowing with the exuberance of youth; which restores and invigorates us when the powers of life are low; uplifts and cheers us in days of sorrow and gloom; evokes and enhances our joys and pleasures; and by which the inherent living force it is endowed with, gives animation, energy and inspiration to every sense and faculty we possess?”
That's wine, that is. And it is (mostly) delicious. You've just got to choose wisely.
Current white in the fridge:
Tilimuqui Fairtrade Single Vineyard Torrontes, Mendoza, 2009 £6.69, Waitrose
I love Argentinian wines, not least for their unpredictability. The reds are really exciting, especially Malbec but more of that another time. One of their most widely planted white grape varieties is Torrontes. It is often described as floral - very this season - and grapey, which sounds like a bit of a no-brainer. But this wine is more exciting than floral and grapey. It has real zing, not the suck-in-your-cheeks type, rather the oh-I'd-love-another-glass-of-this type zing. It is also Fairtrade, organic and extremely good value for money. What's not to love? as they say too often in Grazia.
Current red on the side:
Chateau Vaugelas Corbieres 2007, France, £8, Source
The South of France has long produced vast amounts of wine but in some regions, such as Corbieres, there has been a quiet quality revolution. Granted its Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status in 1985, Corbieres is now populated with growers producing brilliant wines. This one is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and a splash of Mourvedre, all grapes so at home here. The result is a blend that is rich, dark and brooding. The Benicio Del Toro of wine perhaps. Would work better if he was French, obviously. He asked my husband for a light once, incidentally. Black fruits and a really lovely spicy note, properly great with my tomato-sauced pasta supper.
Nuff said x
“…what is it? This wonderful elixir of life, which is almost as old as the world itself and yet is overflowing with the exuberance of youth; which restores and invigorates us when the powers of life are low; uplifts and cheers us in days of sorrow and gloom; evokes and enhances our joys and pleasures; and by which the inherent living force it is endowed with, gives animation, energy and inspiration to every sense and faculty we possess?”
That's wine, that is. And it is (mostly) delicious. You've just got to choose wisely.
Current white in the fridge:
Tilimuqui Fairtrade Single Vineyard Torrontes, Mendoza, 2009 £6.69, Waitrose
I love Argentinian wines, not least for their unpredictability. The reds are really exciting, especially Malbec but more of that another time. One of their most widely planted white grape varieties is Torrontes. It is often described as floral - very this season - and grapey, which sounds like a bit of a no-brainer. But this wine is more exciting than floral and grapey. It has real zing, not the suck-in-your-cheeks type, rather the oh-I'd-love-another-glass-of-this type zing. It is also Fairtrade, organic and extremely good value for money. What's not to love? as they say too often in Grazia.
Current red on the side:
Chateau Vaugelas Corbieres 2007, France, £8, Source
The South of France has long produced vast amounts of wine but in some regions, such as Corbieres, there has been a quiet quality revolution. Granted its Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) status in 1985, Corbieres is now populated with growers producing brilliant wines. This one is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan and a splash of Mourvedre, all grapes so at home here. The result is a blend that is rich, dark and brooding. The Benicio Del Toro of wine perhaps. Would work better if he was French, obviously. He asked my husband for a light once, incidentally. Black fruits and a really lovely spicy note, properly great with my tomato-sauced pasta supper.
Nuff said x
Sunday, 4 July 2010
Any Questions?
I am what you might call a meme virgin, so very much hoping to get this right. Thank you Mrs Trefusis, for tagging me. Here's me on my favourite subject: me.
What experience has most shaped you, and why?
I've got two. Firstly, meeting my husband-to-be at four years old and being together from the age of fifteen. I think growing up with the person I later married has shaped who I am. Ten years of marriage and three children later, I still feel like a teenager with him. Secondly, my little brother died eight years ago. It was very sudden and shocking - murdered by two young boys trying to steal his car - and he was 26 years old. I think he has saved me from sweating the small stuff for the rest of my life.
If you had a whole day with no commitments, what would you do?
Finish reading the book I started two months ago. Then read another - better - one. I'd possibly fit in an hour's shopping and sharpener with a friend but would need a private helicopter to do this. Unfortunately we don't have one at the moment.
What food or drink could you never give up?
Champagne. Apologies for sounding so glib. Also, really good aged red Burgundy, possibly a white Burgundy and a random sticky from somewhere too (I am still talking wine).
If you could travel anywhere, where would that be and why?
To Botswana, I think. My husband and I both spent time in Africa but a year apart, so to visit somewhere like Botswana together would be magical.
Who do you have a crush on?
R-Patz. He reminds me of my husband at that age: thin, arty and slightly awkward. Luckily, my husband didn't turn out to be a vampire.
If you were leader of your country, what would you do?
1) Give young people more to do, more safe places to hang out rather than the street
2) Stop hitting wine with massive duty rises
I don't ask for much.
Give me one easy savoury recipe that doesn't include cheese.
No cheese, but quite a bit of cream. Throw 2 bashed-thin pork chops into a heavy based pan, cook for 5ish minutes each side. Remove to warmed plates. Pour in a good three lugs of cider, cook for two minutes then add a cupful of cream and tablespoon of grain mustard, bring to boil then pour over the chops. Serve with gnocchi turned in the sauce and a glass of Nero d'Avola.
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
A journalist. Luckily, I found wine and realised I could make a living out of it.
If you could spend just one day in someone else's body, who would it be?
Naomi Campbell for the staff, the parties and the attention.
Which woman writer - living or dead - do you most admire and why?
Margaret Atwood, mostly because of her ability to write about how women make other women feel. To be able to capture something so intangible as she does is just brilliant. I still can't bring myself to re-read Cat's Eye, it was so unsettling.
Mrs T tells me I have to add a question of my own and tag three more bloggers. So, my question is:
What is your most prized possession?
My tagged bloggers are:
English Mum
More than Just a Mother
Marketing to Milk
KM x
What experience has most shaped you, and why?
I've got two. Firstly, meeting my husband-to-be at four years old and being together from the age of fifteen. I think growing up with the person I later married has shaped who I am. Ten years of marriage and three children later, I still feel like a teenager with him. Secondly, my little brother died eight years ago. It was very sudden and shocking - murdered by two young boys trying to steal his car - and he was 26 years old. I think he has saved me from sweating the small stuff for the rest of my life.
If you had a whole day with no commitments, what would you do?
Finish reading the book I started two months ago. Then read another - better - one. I'd possibly fit in an hour's shopping and sharpener with a friend but would need a private helicopter to do this. Unfortunately we don't have one at the moment.
What food or drink could you never give up?
Champagne. Apologies for sounding so glib. Also, really good aged red Burgundy, possibly a white Burgundy and a random sticky from somewhere too (I am still talking wine).
If you could travel anywhere, where would that be and why?
To Botswana, I think. My husband and I both spent time in Africa but a year apart, so to visit somewhere like Botswana together would be magical.
Who do you have a crush on?
R-Patz. He reminds me of my husband at that age: thin, arty and slightly awkward. Luckily, my husband didn't turn out to be a vampire.
If you were leader of your country, what would you do?
1) Give young people more to do, more safe places to hang out rather than the street
2) Stop hitting wine with massive duty rises
I don't ask for much.
Give me one easy savoury recipe that doesn't include cheese.
No cheese, but quite a bit of cream. Throw 2 bashed-thin pork chops into a heavy based pan, cook for 5ish minutes each side. Remove to warmed plates. Pour in a good three lugs of cider, cook for two minutes then add a cupful of cream and tablespoon of grain mustard, bring to boil then pour over the chops. Serve with gnocchi turned in the sauce and a glass of Nero d'Avola.
What did you think you were going to be when you grew up?
A journalist. Luckily, I found wine and realised I could make a living out of it.
If you could spend just one day in someone else's body, who would it be?
Naomi Campbell for the staff, the parties and the attention.
Which woman writer - living or dead - do you most admire and why?
Margaret Atwood, mostly because of her ability to write about how women make other women feel. To be able to capture something so intangible as she does is just brilliant. I still can't bring myself to re-read Cat's Eye, it was so unsettling.
Mrs T tells me I have to add a question of my own and tag three more bloggers. So, my question is:
What is your most prized possession?
My tagged bloggers are:
English Mum
More than Just a Mother
Marketing to Milk
KM x
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