Helen McGinn “We’re looking for a female drinks expert for our new TV show…” said the email. Would I be interested? First reaction was YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING. Closely followed by well, you know, I suppose I could. Nothing to lose. How hard can it be? Turns out, really f*cking hard. All I had to do was speak to camera, answer a few questions. Obviously I’d thought about what I was going to say, just not how to string it together in a logical fashion when faced with a red light. Plus, who stole my voice? And temporarily replaced with someone who sounded like Alvin? On Prozac? And I didn’t just glow, I actually sweated. And needed a wee, the whole time. Sadly, I was more Tena Lady than Foxy Lady. I’m not expecting a call. Still, worth it for the peace and quiet on the train journey, lost in Me Before You.
Current white in the fridge: Creyssels, Picpoul de Pinet 2010, £7.95, Stone, Vine & Sun
Picpoul is the name of the grape and this one is grown in the Languedoc region in France. The name of the grape translates as ‘lip-stinger’ on account of the snappy acidity, but there is nothing painful about it. Rather, it delivers a fresh slap around the tastebuds, waking them from their winter slumber with a kick of lime and dash of lemon. We had this very cold, with fajitas, and it was delish. And thanks to those of you who texted Bearded Husband to tell him what he was having for supper. He was very happy to be home.
Current red on the side: Tim Adams Protege Shiraz 2007, £8 on offer, Tesco.com
This is made from the Shiraz grape grown in the Clare Valley, in South Australia. Now, Australia is bloody hot, generally speaking. But this region has a bit of altitude which means growing conditions for the grapes (warm to hot days, cool nights) are really good, with fruit ripening evenly and slowly. The region is most famous for its white Riesling wines, but cooler climate Shiraz – especially when made by someone as great as Tim Adams – is a big, juicy delight. It says it has a hint of liquorice, but I hate liquorice and loved this. Imbibed with beef stew, happily.
Don’t call us x
I bet you were brilliant Hels…and I want to see that audition tape!! Well done you….get ready for that close up indeed!! 🙂
Not one is ever going to see that tape. I am going to bury it in a time capsule x
I would have had to down a few crisp white wines first. But then I may have sworn.
Oh. And I swore.
Huzzah! I love Picpoul.
Every nice girl loves a Picpoul (or something like that)…
Thanks – I will bear in mind that my god-daughter prefers Picpoul but may have to wait a few years.
So when the call comes (as it MUST), will be able to say 'I knew her when…'?. Also, my comment on your previous post seems to have disappeared but I still have the burning question it left in my mind: What is YOUR bookclub name?
Ha ha, I do love that you have faith x And my book club name? Dolly.
How exciting! Fingers crossed and all that. Keep us posted.
Ha, more awful than exciting…promise to let you know!
Fantastic _ I bet you were awesome and better than those crusty pompous types – can't wait to see it!