Last Saturday, I went to New York for work for a few days. I ate banana pancakes, sushi and steak. I drank a ginger mojito and glasses of German Riesling, Ribera del Duero and Albarino. I walked the Highline and shopped in the West Village. And for that time, it was bliss. But the best bit? Coming home, of course. That said, watching a film on the plane uninterrupted gave it a run for its money.
Current white in the fridge: Tesco Finest Falanghina 2011, £5.69, Tesco.com
If you like Pinot Grigio but want a bit more flavour, more personality, this wine has been waving madly, trying to get your attention as you cruise down the aisle. And you’ve just walked past it, mainly because the name of the grape sounds a little bit like a sexual act (that might be just me) and because you’re not really sure what it is you are letting yourself in for. Here’s what: a southern Italian white with lime, apples and a bit of pear, all crisp and fresh and summery. Doesn’t need food but it perked up my salmon no end.
Current red in the rack: Both Barrels Shiraz Durif 2010, £9.99, Laithwaites
This one bills itself as the ‘thinking man’s Australian red’ on the back label but in truth it worked just as well for the ‘sofa-bound knackered mother’ last night. What they’ve done here is take a barrel of Shiraz from Australia’s cool-climate Coonawarra region and mixed it with a barrel of the moody, brooding Durif grape from the Rutherglen region. It obviously worked, because they’ve made more than two barrels. It’s fairly punchy but if you like full-bodied reds loaded with bramble fruit, this gives it to you with both barrels (see what I did there)? Don’t even think about drinking this one without food. A plate of chilli will do it.
I’m a homey x
Ha HA! I am in the UK, there is a Tesco nearby, I have taken down the names. Guess where I'm going tomorrow… x
Potty! So excited, would love to know what you think of the Falanghina..ps – sorry our weather is so crap. Actually, this is probably BOILING for you.
Actually couldn't find the Falanghina – so I went with the last 2 Tesco-sourced reds you recommended instead. Much more appropriate for the weather. As for it's being boiling here compared to Russia? Oh how I laughed… (when I left there last Tues it was 30degC)
And how were they….? And really? That hot?!
WOW you went to New York. I'm not jealous. Nope not even a little bit. Vix x
Ok. Maybe a little bit.
I KNOW!!! It was amazing. If I wasn't married with three small children, I might have to move there. At least at weekends x
I don't think I could put something called Falanghina (toes?) past my lips – physically or metaphorically!
Go on, I dare you!
You're such a nice mummy. I went to NY before Xmas and it was touch and go as to whether I was ever coming back. The High Line was one of the high-lights, as was getting sloshed on fantastic cocktails. In fact, thinking about it, t was the last time I was pissed. Ah, the good old days. Ps -v jealous, as ever, of your job.
It really was the most fantastic highlight, such a brilliant way to see the city, the bit that you wouldn't see if you just did the obvious bits. I was always coming back, but could have done with a few more days tbh. It really was a blast. Sigh.
Get you, you international jet setter. How come so much Spanish wine, no US stuff?
I know! But the people I was with were a bit over US stuff, they were craving old world and so many restaurants seem to have a rocking selection of Spanish at the moment…
KM,
In the last 12 months you have recommended 2 wines from Sainsbury's: in December and July last year.
In the last 12 months you have recommended 26 wines from Tesco. This one above, 3 in June, 3 in May, 2 in March, 2 in February, 3 last December, 2 last Novermber, 3 last October, 4 last September, 3 last August.
Our local Tesco is a disaster but our Sainsbury's is great. Is it possible to even up the balance a bit?
Dr Uncle Bunny
Simple answer is I live closest to a Waitrose and a Tesco. My nearest Sainsbury's is twice as far. And because everything I taste and recommend is stuff that I've bought, usually as part of my weekly shop, then it often comes from one of the two. I also order in from Majestic and Laithwaites are kind enough to send a case of wine for me try with my book club every now and again. But, seeing as you have gone to the trouble to count them up, I shall make the detour and ship more in from Sainsbury's. Their range is fantastic, especially their Taste The Difference wines (Albarino a big favourite), but I just don't get there as often. Must try harder x
Thank you KM!
Glad you enjoyed NY – the High Line is fab, isn't it? x
It was your brilliant recommendation, thank you!
God, I miss New York. Almost as much as I miss a proper glass of wine. Was tempted to order Falanghina for the days post partum (despite its name or maybe because?), but it seems to be out of stock. Boohoo!
I know, I just saw! And they are suggesting you buy Black Tower Pinot Grigio instead! I suggest you don't….try the Finest Vermentino, another brilliant alternative and a similar price. Hope they have it x
Hmmm. I hope you didn't deliberately omit word about your children because of you know who? Anyway, glad you had a good time, and still just wishing I could try those delish-sounding wines.
Ha ha, no, won't go there again! x
Ha ha…love that…oh so casual, so…I went to NY for work <<< argh we still all hate you and are insanely jealous!!! I used to go to NY on business. I used to moan about it. Seriously. Even though I got to fly first class. How the mighty have fallen 😉
I was in economy if that makes you feel any better?! It was all rather dreamy…had such a lovely time. Stay mighty x