I’m not going to complain about it being too hot. Really, I’m not. It’s glorious. This week Eldest Boy is learning to sail on our local river. Middle Boy has spent much of his time jumping, repeatedly, over a sprinkler in the garden. Even when it isn’t on. And Youngest Girl has mostly been saying: “I’m really reeeeeally ‘ot”. And me? Well, I’ve mostly been frying about having the Crumbs’ Sisters here for lunch tomorrow. I mean, these girls are both amazing cooks. But I have a plan. It involves wine. Makes everything taste better.
This week, I’ve got a guest post over on the Majestic blog, Grape to Glass. Here are a couple of my recommended wines:
Vermentino 2011 Poggioargentiera, £7.99 on offer, Majestic
Such a brilliant wine, made from the utterly delicious Vermentino grape grown in the Maremma region in southern Tuscany. This is a peachy queen, with the freshness and zip of limes. If you are bored with the usual suspects, grape-wise, give Vermentino a go and if you don’t like it, I’ll finish it off.
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2009, £11.59 on offer, Majestic
Pinot Noir is an expensive habit but, then again, so is waxing. This is made by one of NZ’s biggest producers, proving that big can indeed be beautiful. Made from a blend of Awatere and Wairau Valley fruit, this has been aged in oak. The result? A smooth, seductive number with bramble fruit and a touch of smokiness. Plays a blinder with barbequed sausages or spicy chicken wings.
Pip pip x
No! Don't be ridiculous! I've just overpoached the rhubarb and made disastrous birthday cake for 5yo today, you have NOTHING to worry about!
HA! Can't wait…
Yikes. That would have me in a spin too. Think your strategy is a good one. A few packets of crisps and several bottles of rose. Maybe a tub of hummus if you're feeling flash? (actually I've just rediscovered the joys -and ease – of gazpacho (brought on in my case by having a tooth SNAP OFF over the weekend) which may work well with the weather. And that Vermentino.)
Hummus – check. Rose – check. Poor you with the tooth! How on earth…?
Am officially an old crone. Being knocked up doesn't help. Nor does eating corn on the cob…
Ow…sympathies x
Ah Vermentino – what's not to love?!
Fancy popping over for a glass at the weekend?
Thanks a lot for the fab review of our Vermentino. Judging by the sales at Majestic, it seems to go very well with your…ehm, summer 🙂
Pleasure, it really is delicious. And FYI, it is currently VERY SUNNY HERE! x
I shall head off now and order the Vermentino. I am not losing out again! (Stocking up for the post-baby times, yahoooooo!!)
Not long now…!
Good plan. I find wine improves everything…not just cooking…..!
And it worked!
shes got it right about it being really really hot! haha 🙂
so glad you're enjoying the Vermentino. Should you have any left (!) you could make lemon chicken. Everyone loves it and it's good hot or cold so is useful for family gatherings and fickle climates. You need a good egg cup of olive oil in a large pan, and brown a big garlic clove per person, then fry a piece of chicken (pork works well too) that you've dipped in plain flour, until tanned all over. Add a sage leaf per person. Add half a small glass of wine per person and evaporate some off, then top up with chicken stock, turning the chicken so it gets cooked all though. When the sauce has reduced and thickened, squeeze over some lemon, until it's as lemony as you like, season with s&p and cook a minute more. Done. And that's what the mummy maker of this Vermentino cooks here in Tuscany, glass in hand of course!
OMG that sounds delicious! It's not even lunchtime here and I am already dreaming of my supper! Definitely going to try that one out, thank you x