So, in the words of Barry Manilow, looks like we made it. Our family half-term trip to Scotland, returning via Alnwick Castle and Ironbridge, that is. There was laughter, there were tears and there were loo stops. So. Many. Loo stops. But for all that, it was lovely. Admittedly, the children have not really had their five-a-day for at least five days, unless you count the onion in a packet of Cheese & Onion crisps. And I've definitely had a few more glasses of wine than usual, which is perhaps why this Pimm's - made by the Husband earlier this evening - tasted so very delicious. In fact, it tasted like summer.
Current white in the fridge: Fortnum's Alsace Pinot Blanc 2010, Domaine Bruno Sorg, £12.50, Fortnum & Mason
This came in a hamper sent to me by Fortnum & Mason after winning best Online Drinks Writer in their Food & Drink Awards this year. I think I may have already mentioned it. Anyway, this hamper was part of the prize and it was stuffed - stuffed! - with the kind of things I dream of having in my cupboard. Luxuries like marzipan fruits, ginger cake and an enormous box of turkish delight. And brilliantly, there was wine including this one, as well as a bottle of Champagne, a gorgeous looking red and a half-bottle of cream sherry. The Pinot Blanc, from Alsace, was opened this evening (post Pimm's) and was a real treat. It is refreshingly off dry, which sounds a bit odd but believe me, when sweetness is balanced with freshness, it is a beautiful thing. Loaded with apple and peach flavours, it made a perky partner for our chicken fajitas.
Current red in the rack: Cuvée Chasseur 2011, £4.95, Waitrose
From the sublime to the ridiculously cheap. This has the lowliest of quality grades on the label - Vin de France - but inside is a slightly rustic but very honest (and very drinkable) red made from Grenache, Carignan and Merlot grapes grown in the South of France. It is brambly and bright, and properly good value. And a great match for slightly burnt sausages, as we found out.
Chin chin xLabels: 2010, 2011, Alsace, carignan, Fortnum & Mason, France, grenache, Merlot, Pinot Blanc, red wine, Waitrose, white
