A normal Tuesday night for me goes something like this: have a bath, go out, meet a friend for supper in a local gastropub, share a bottle of wine, get back after 11pm…oh, sorry. No, forgive me, that’s my old life. Tonight has been about getting three children to bed (easier herding goats, although I’ve never actually done that, so I’m guessing), sinking into the sofa and watching Masterchef. Very difficult to blog with Masterchef on because it is so very entertaining. Now that’s what I call a good night.
Current white in the fridge: Domaine Joel Bordet Chablis 2009, £12.99, Laithwaites
Last week I was sent a case of wine to try out with my Book Club. I know, tough gig, but remember I do it for you. So it was this Chablis was unleashed on Madeleina, Cecily and others (please note these are not their real names; these are Book Club names that sound a little more, er, literary for blog purposes). I loved this one, all steely and sharp as Chardonnay is from this part of Northern France, a slap for the tastebuds. Thumbs up from most, but not from Sam (she hasn’t decided on her BC name yet). I supped mine with twiglets, not a great food match for white wine admittedly, but pretty impressed that the flavour of the wine got past the taste of marmite.
Current red on the side: The Grinder Pinotage, 2010, £9.99, Laithwaites
This wine tells you that you WILL smell mocha when you sniff this wine. This is a fairly brave thing to do because often when a label tells me I’m going to find something, I expect to find it. Unless it says mulberry, and then I have no idea what I’m supposed to be smelling, having never smelt a mulberry in my life. I digress. So, when Susie Drusilla declared that it did indeed smell of mocha, it was a small victory for The Grinder. It is made from the Pinotage grape in South Africa, one that is often referred to as the ‘marmite’ grape (love it/hate it thing) but this was lovely and smooth, rich and mocha-ry. Was a fab match for Madeleina’s cayenne-pepper infused chile con carne (she forgot to buy chillies).
Off to read my book x
I was so jealous when you started describing Tuesday night, until I realised it was a fantasy! Love your descriptions of food & wine, always feel like I can almost taste it. Are you coming to Brit Mums Live this year?
Knackered Narrowboat Wife xx
Certainly am Peggy, looking forward to seeing you and catching up over a glass of wine! x
Having herded goats I reckon that they are a bit easier than 3 children – only issue is whether you've ever found your children trying to eat your knickers off the washing line?
Hannah – when on earth did you herd goats??!
Chablis and twiglets – I wanna come to your book club.
Think of yourself as our honorary overseas member. Now pass the Chablis.
OK so I know i didn't get back to you in time with my 'Book Club' name, but 'Drusilla'??!! Really? Boozy Susie the Floozy x
Susan, really. I thought it rather lovely, non?
LOL at Muddling's comment!! We were watching 15 kids and Counting on the other side and didn't realise we'd missed MC.. Gutted. Altho' it was rather compelling..
BM x
BM – totally addictive stuff, Masterchef. On again tonight but means will have to keep switching to NTAs to see famous people. God, I'm telly whore…
Twiglets are really delicious aren't they. That aside, you've inspired me to start my own blog. The main difference with mine is mine will focus largely on the things that happen to me after I have drunk wine. It's a work in progress. Much love to you and your lovely family, thinking of you all.
Amy xx (And Lynn and Danny and Benny)
Amy – cannot wait to read yours…! Big kiss to you all x
Your book club sounds fun. Mine takes place at the local Indian restaurant, unfortunately wine doesn't go so well with curry (but they do a mean mango martini).
Did you say mango martini? I might have to defect…
I did that last night, you know. It wasn't a Tuesday, admittedly, but I went out with a (very) old friend (the only one I have in a 300 mile radius actually) and had a diet coke (sorry, driving), a post (very) burger and a really, no, I mean, really, good old natter. I got back in at 11.15. On a school night…
And there's a whole post in there about how life-re-affirming it was. When did I stop doing that? (Oh, I know, about April 2007…).
Anyway, can I be in your book club too please? You can call me Esmerelda.
Welcome Esmerelda! Your Big Night Out sounded lovely. My Big Night Out this week was to a school governor meeting. I drank tea and didn't get back until 9.20pm. Hard core, me.
Yes having kids makes your appreciate every wee break doesn't it? Bookclub at my house on Monday went to 1pm and I had to rest and recup all the next day, imbibed too much – does your bookclub wine have secret properties so that doesn't happen again?
Ha! Hope it was worth the pain though, sounds like it. No secrets, sadly. More twiglets, maybe?