Maybe it is the harsh jute-like feel of January compared with the velvet comfort of December, but I am struggling to get going. It might be the extra weight I’m carrying (booze/food, not baby for once) but I think it is just January. I’ll go straight to the wines, that’ll cheer me up.
This week’s white in the fridge: Tesco Finest Gavi 2008, currently 2 for £10 instore or £4.75 online, Tesco
Gavi is the name of the region in Piedmont, Italy where this wine comes from and the grape variety is Cortese. Italy has hundreds of different grape varieties, which is a joy when you just want to break out of the Chardonnay/Sauvignon/Pinot Grigio rut. If you like the roundness of Chardonnay but don’t like too much oak, try this: it is a peachy queen with a twist of lime and is ripe, round and very un-jute like. Loves a herby chicken breast.
This week’s red on the side: La Leyenda Malbec Syrah 2010, currently £5 on offer, Tesco
Now, obviously what’s inside the bottle is more important that what’s outside. But this label is terribly pretty. Not that I’m saying you should buy a wine for the label. That would be shallow. But it is pretty. Anyway, the wine: a brilliant blend of Argentina’s look-at-me grape, Malbec and the more widely-travelled Syrah (Shiraz by another name), grown in vineyards that nudge the foothills of the Andes. The winery is the romantically named Escorihuela, founded in 1884. I’ve been, it’s lovely. Violets, plums and spice in a glass, reminding me of the velvet comfort of December.
In vino veritas x
Thanks for the suggestions – I realised yesterday I was totally out of white wine. How did that happen!?
Hope you get your energy back soon (she says as she sits listlessly wrapped up in dressing gown zzzzzz)
I too am struggling with listlessness, maybe spending hours at a time (playing bejewelled on facebook isn't helping), and I'm now on wine at weekends only – gah. I hate January.
that red wine sounds scrumpdiddlyumptious! Will put a zing in my step.
You're right, there's a definite jute feeling in the air, if not positively loofah. In my case this could be connected with trying to give up Chardonnay. Mind you, I didn't make any promises about Gavi … will give it a try, thanks!
Trish – let me know how you find the Gavi. Am sure it was you who got hooked on Fiano?!
VB – gah too. Looking forward to your Catalan wines feature x
Claire – It will indeed, just as much as your beer, I mean cheese on toast recipe did for me.
DD – EXACTLY. Totally different thing. Everything in moderation, of course.
Darling we need the extra weight to keep us warm.. don't worry about it.
BM x
I always find January an ordeal. Bring it on!
BM – thank you, I quite agree x
NVG – I'm clearly not alone!
Malbec and Syrah an unusual combo, but your description of it sounds wonderful.
Vinogirl-agree, not one you see that often, but it works brilliantly.
I love this blog post title and your description of a velvet December. Spring is just around the corner!
Modern – love that you love! Hanging on in there for Spring, even bought a primrose today..
Aha. That's what it feels like: the January bloat, which masquerades as a phantom pregnancy. I'm with you. More wine is allegedly the cure…
xox
It's sad but I do sometimes buy the wine for it's label! I wish January was velvety.
I have a Stylish blogger Award for you but I am rubbish at links so I hope it works. There are some rules if you fancy it on my blog. Happy New Year!
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VpyEEFR-Hsc/TTLTelEpFyI/AAAAAAAAAf8/Lkg6YJdLE14/s1600/stylishbloggeraward.jpg
Been out to Tesco. Re-stocked my Fiano and bought a couple of the Gavi. Great suggestion- a slight fizzy tingle in my mouth. Thanks KM x
Eh – yes, wine is indeed the answer to the January bloat. As you were.
Mother Hen – I was an award virgin, until now, thank you! Off to figure it out now…this could take sometime.
Trisha – glad you are back in stock and like the Gavi. Good, innit?
Violets, plums and spice in a glass – I don't just want to drink this, I want it on my wall.
Lucy – Ha! now there's a thought…