Autumn is here and as seen in the previous blog, butter, cream, salt and cheese have continued to be my staple food groups. It seems correct in some way, we brought the pumpkins in, the leaves are turning golden and for some, there is an unmistakeable scent of wood burning in the air........ We however, are still waiting for our plumber to fit our new central heating system. Our faith in the French "artisan" has now stretched to being the provider of heat. A shivering fear is literally coursing through my veins as I write.
I recently made a warming closhe for the salad leaves to stave off the frost and the cellar is at a constant, balmy 14 degrees. With GrindR not having much workable reception I fear I may either be sleeping with Peter Rabbit or clutching a magnum for warmth.
Saying that, the sunsets are phenomenal and the calves seem in high spirits. There are a small collection of ASBO calves who have been getting up to all kinds of mischief in the dead of night, loitering at the field edge, you know the type, funny haircuts, you can see it in their eyes whilst they munch, waiting until you turn your back and then surreptitiously giving you the hoof. ASBO veal, not sure it will catch on.
On vinous news I have been drinking some interesting things this past week with another trip up to the northern Macon villages and also some interesting wines tried whilst back in the U.K. Here is what I thought...........
Wither Hills, 2009, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, N.Z, Waitrose, £5.99 on offer :- An understated N.Z. Sauv a delicious orange scent rather than the usual (boring) lime and lemon pith and a noted lack of the dreaded and all- too-frequent cat's pee smell. The palate was fresh and delicate (I know!!) tangerine, blood orange, lime leaf, the only draw-back was a slightly disjointed hot finish. I am slowly changing my mind on N.Z. Sauv and at such a terrific price, the wine is now in the everyday drinking bracket rather than competing in the premium market which makes the pound for pleasure ratio much more appealing.
Vina Herminia, 2004, Crianza Roija, Waitrose, £6.99 :- Rum and raisin ice cream on the nose with touches of vanilla and black cherry flapjack. A hot a bold palate that has softened out in to chocolate, coffee, clove and black cherry with a touch of raspberry. Again a fantastic price from Waitrose and a perfect Lamb Tagine partner. Check this great book out, the many tagine recipes’ wins every time http://www.amazon.co.uk/Medina-Kitchen-Cooking-North-Africa/dp/1845332652
Macon Blanc, Cave d'Aze, (no vintage but told it was 2008) .........get this....less than 4E for A LITRE! I had never bothered to try this when previously visiting the cave but what a mistake. A gross litre bottle with a screw cap (I know!) that can't even be jazzed up and called a mini magnum. This is definite litre bottle country......but the tasting note is as follows: - A straw colour with a nose of heady overripe pears, red apple and a distinct lack of citrus fruit. The palate was dry but warming and a creamy texture. Quince, red apples and pears were the main flavours with a high note of sugared almonds. It was all tasty and an easy-peasy wine. The litre lasted very well over three days in the fridge.
Being a bit of an idiot I would not bring this out at a dinner party but if their backs were turned then this would be in their glass!
Better that buckie, that’s for sure
Laters peeps
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