I think it was Elizabeth Taylor who once said that she and her at-the-time beloved Richard Burton used to see so little of each other when they were both appearing in different plays that most of their time together was spent as they crossed in the hallway of their home, ‘like hips that pass in the night’. It always struck me as a terribly sad yet brilliantly romantic take on it. This past week, I sort of know what she meant. Bearded Husband and I have done just that, due to working long days (him) and being out in the evenings (me: one for work, one for fun). So if you see him before I do, tell him we’re having fajitas – his favourite – tomorrow night.
Current white in the fridge: Sin Palabras Albariño 2010, £13.49, Laithwaites
This is one of the wines sent to me from Laithwaites for me to try with my Book Club lot. Last night it was Tyger’s* turn (*her book club name, obv) to host and she saw us proud. As usual, there was a lot of talk – including, miraculously, some about the book – and much laughing, swearing (mostly by sailor-mouthed Saffron*, she gets Tourettes when out with glass in hand) and lip-smacking when we drank this. Everyone loved the lime-like freshness of it. Apart from Swallow* who thought it a bit too sharp to, er, swallow. Made from the gorgeous Albarino grape grown in the Rias Baixas region in Spain, this is properly thirst-quenching stuff. Loved it. Brilliant with those gorgeous cheesy wafer thin nibbles you get when you go to other people’s houses.
Current red on the side: Vignes Citadelle Cotes du Bourg 2010, £5 on offer, Asda
This is an increasingly rare thing: a French red under £5 with real guts and depth to it. As duty rises on wine faster than a bridal petticoat, great wine under £5 is now much harder to find. But if you are prepared to forage there are still some to be found, usually on offer. This is a mostly-Merlot blend with a splash of Cabernet Sauvignon from the Bordeaux region. It has an earthy feel to it, a sort of grrrr-like rustic edge that those of us who tried it, rather liked. Went brilliantly with Tyger’s* roasted piggy. Shout out to Tyger’s* mother-in-law, who joined us last night and was simply gorgeous.
Chin chin x
This was brilliant–everything from romance to swearing bookclub members all linked together with wine. But what I'm left wondering…what wine could possibly go with the fajitas? I usually just get lazy and have beer with Tex Mex (which works well, of course) but a friend recently told me they thought Shiraz was a perfect wine for hamburgers which got me wondering about one of my favourite cuisines, Tex Mex.
It has to be Malbec with burgers, whether beef or buffalo. Which reminds me of a funny story of a wine expert invited to a World Malbec Day lunch and all she bought was….Shiraz!
Tex Mex needs a wine with acidity so an Italian red such as Chianti is a good match. Either that or go for big flavours but not too oaky or tannic (as they can clash with spice)…Nero d'Avola (another Italian but this time from the South) or a ripe Aussie Shiraz will do the trick.
We're the same.. never time to talk.. ships in the night. Holiday required me thinks. I hear congrats are in order?? xx
Thanks! Not official yet but will tell all when it is (and for those who might be thinking what I know you;re thinking, no I am NOT pregnant).
Sounds great – can you tell Mrs Uncle Bunny? Am ironing my Bermudas as off to the Caribbean to lecture for a fortnight. Promise to bring back some rum cocktail recipes!
Both wines sound fab.
Recently had a Syrah with spicy soft beef tacos that was a fair pairing…and a kick ass Charbono with chili.
Bridal petticoat, indeed!!!
I know, horribly anti-sister but the phrase still amuses me! With you on the Shiraz/Syrah.
Mmmm, fajitas. I think I'd go for a margarita followed by a nice Chilean red. (Gosh I'm feeling like cocktails now, and it's only 11 in the morning.; thank God it's Friday.)
Yes, Chilean Red! A Merlot! YUM. And inspired suggestion to have a Margarita first…clever you.
I'm a sucker for anything Liz and Rich, they are so much more interesting than the Brangelinas.
Aren't they? Adore.
I'm with Jody…love, love, love Dicky Burton 🙂
Albariño is fabulous, expensive so definitely not a mid-week slurper!
I know, usually around £10 here just to get going on Albarino…any cheaper where you are?
That sounds about right, you pay about €8 or €9 for an entry level one.