Don’t Judge A Book…

I love a good book but had always found the idea of a book club rather awful. As a friend said, years of being told what to read at school can put a girl off. Then I was asked to join one by another friend who used to work for SOMEONE REALLY FAMOUS so I said yes thinking that if the books were bad at least the anecdotes would be priceless. Annoyingly, she’s far too discreet. I’ll work on that. Anyway, last night was our first meeting and over a bowl of delicious stew and glasses of wine we talked about the book (so-so). Before long we were talking about sperm washing (I dare you to google it). Erudite indeed.

Last year I wrote about a wine that I bought from an internet wine company called Naked Wines. My new best friend their PR manager has since sent me a case of 6 wines to try and I said I would do so, two wines a time at Book Club. I did think Naked Book Club but with 14 children between the five of us, perhaps not.

This week’s white in the fridge: Small & Small Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Sylvia Reserve, Naked Wines
All of the wines I’ve had from Naked Wines have had really lovely labels. Don’t judge a book and all that, but a good label makes me feel like the producer has checked his/her teeth for spinach before going out. This is a Sauvignon Blanc made by Bill & Claudia Small and named after their daughter, Sylvia. Sold. Actually, it packs a surprise at 14% abv so if sipping without food, hold tight: but it is wonderfully peachy and pungent. Made from grapes grown in the Awatere Valley, this is unmistakably NZ SB. And then some. I can’t find this on the website tonight so no idea on price, but put it at around £12-£15. Naked Book Club score = 7 out of 10.

This week’s red on the side: Minervois 2009, Benjamin Darnault, £10.49, Naked Wines
Rather like joining a book club, signs of me heading towards middle age are all around me. I am veering back to the wines of France like never before. Is it the more subtle flavours? Or the seemingly lower alcohols? Not sure, but there is something about a rustic red from the South of France that is just. doing. it. for. me. Again, can’t tell you the blend as it is not showing on the website tonight but think there’s Syrah and Carignan grapes in there. It isn’t beautifully polished and is all the better for it: a dream with our tomato & spicy chorizo stew last night. Naked Book Club score = 8 out of 10. 

 Slainte Mhath x