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| Last year's hair. |
Next Tuesday I'm going to the Fortnum & Mason Food & Drink Awards, where the Knackered Mother's Wine Club book is shortlisted in the Drinks Book category. Last year, this blog won the Online Drinks Writer award; I'm still getting over that one. I daren't believe the book will do the double. Anyway, given the occasion, I thought I'd book myself a blow dry. Nearly didn't, thinking it was tempting fate. You know: if I get my hair done, I won't win. That, and the fact that I had a blow dry before my sister's wedding and my brother told me it looked like Monica Lewinsky's hair (this was 15 years ago, when her hair was really bouffy). But instead I decided that if I don't win, at least I'll have good hair. Ridiculous, I know. I'll report back.
Current rose in the fridge: Truly Irresistible Sauvignon Blanc 2013, £8.99, Co-op
Chile might be hot, but there are plenty of cooler regions that are particularly perfect when it comes to making aromatic, refreshing whites. The Leyda Valley in Chile's San Antonio region, not far from Santiago, is one such place. Cooled by Pacific breezes, the grapes can ripen nice and slowly, preserving fruit flavours and - critically - freshness. This one's part of the Co-op's bravely-named Truly Irresistible range. Turns out this one lives up to the billing. Lime and grapefruit tied up with zing. Lovely with my asparagus mimosa (get me, or rather get Diana Henry's new book) tonight.
Current red on the side: Villa Maria Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, £12.99, Majestic
On last week's first KMWC Wine Surgery, we looked at the difference between blends and single varieties. I burble on for a bit about the beauty of the classic Bordeaux blend, essentially Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, describing Merlot as the jam for Cabernet's doughnut. If you want to know what on earth I meant, watch this. In the meantime, enjoy this one from New Zealand's big, bold producer Villa Maria. Made from Hawkes Bay fruit, on the east coast of the North Island. Juicy, firm and with just the right amount of berry fruits and spice. At 12.5%, it's refreshingly un-brutish to boot.
Peace out, winos xLabels: 2012, 2013, cabernet sauvignon, Chile, Co-op, Leyda, Majestic, Merlot, New Zealand, red wine, Sauvignon Blanc, white wine