The Female of the Species

The Knackered Mother (knackeredus maternius) is most commonly seen in her natural habitat, the kitchen. Here, she slaves away putting food on the table for her children to flick all over the floor, occasionally falling silent to actually eat some of it. She exists on a diet of sandwich crusts, leftover fish fingers and mint kitkats with the odd half-cup of lukewarm tea if she’s lucky. In daylight hours, when not with her cubs, she can be found manically trying to squeeze a week’s work into three days whilst trying not to let the noise of under-fives, a needy dog and a wierd cat be heard through the study door. At night, she can be found lying on the sofa, glass of (usually very good) wine in reach trying to summon up the energy to cook/speak. Not to be confused with the lesser-spotted Shattered Father (bearded grumpius paternius). There have been reported sightings of these creatures in the same habitat, but one of them was asleep.

Current white in the fridge:
Tero Pinot Grigio 2009, £6, Tesco
I know there are more exciting grapes out there but sometimes, just sometimes, you want to pour, swish, inhale, imbibe and put your feet up. A bit like taking Grazia over of a chapter of your book. This is made for doing just that, untaxing but very delicious, with scents of orange and citrus flavours. Made by a very good Italian co-operative, this is one to have in the fridge door at the start of the week. Definitely doesn’t need food, just #wineoclock.  

Current red on the side:
Stork’s Tower Tempranillo/Shiraz 2007 £4.83, Tesco
Again, this is more Pratchett than Proust; a bit funky but definitely not too heavy. It is made by a Kiwi winemaker – Sam Harrop MW – but in Spain, in the up-and-coming Castilla Y Leon region. It’s an inventive blend of Spain’s mainstay red grape Tempranillo (of Rioja fame), matched with the more promiscuous Shiraz grape. A gorgeous mix, with unmistakable cherry fruit from the Tempranillo, together with a firm black fruit flavour from the Shiraz. This one is just perfect for now, easily autumnal but not too wintery. We don’t want to peak too early.   

Chinus chinus x