Helen McGinn The proofs for my FORTHCOMING BOOK arrived last week (sorry, didn’t mean to shout), a final chance for me to read it through and make sure everything is as it should be. To be honest, I’ve still got my doubts. Not about the book, rather the fact that I might be, in fact, dreaming this whole episode. But I’m reading it nonetheless, a couple of chapters at a time. And earlier this evening I read the one about matching food with wine, including what wine to have with pudding. Which resulted in me finishing off the last of the chocolate ice cream with a small glass of red. Doesn’t work, as it turns out. Nothing if not dedicated.
Current white in the fridge: Villa Maria Gewurztraminer 2010, £9.99, Waitrose
The word ‘gewurz’ translates as spice, and what you’ve got here is a definite spicy character to this New Zealand east coast wine. Not quite garam masala, more very gentle allspice. With a fairly generous amount of alcohol (here, 13.5%) and a definite whiff of lychees, pungent enough to transport me back to a time when we used to go out to eat Chinese food (sighs). Anyway, this is no shrinking violet. In fact, it is a bit of a show off with its pungent smell and almost luscious flavours. But then again, why not show off if you’ve got something to show? Loved it; refreshingly different. Just quite tricky to match with food. Ideally, needs a bit of chilli-given heat or even sweetness in the dish to balance it.
Current red in the rack: Tesco Finest Barbera d’Asti Superiore 2009, £6 on offer, Tesco
Just as Nigella is misty-eyed about all things Italian at the moment, same goes for me and their wines. Specifically reds; they are just so gorgeously autumnal in character. This one is made from the Barbera grape in the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, specifically near the town of Asti (there’s more to this place than sweetish sparkling wine). Think blueberries, black cherries and a sprinkling of allspice (there it is again). The Piedmont region is also home to the more talked-about Nebbiolo grape, but no-one puts this Barbera in the corner.
Chin chin x
Chocolate ice cream and a small glass of red, oh how you suffer for your art!
The Barbera sounds fab…I love Italian wines.
Oh, I do. As I'm sure, do you 🙂
The book sounds so exciting. I wouldn't have thought about pairing choc ice cream with red but it sounds delish.
Actually it didn't work that well at all, but I still managed to finish them both!
Your book!!! AMAZING (I did mean to shout). Must be such a wonderful feeling. Trust that TV show is in the offing…(am hoping this is what one of your secrets is!)
NONONOOONOOOOO!!!!!!! No telly. Don't you remember me telling you my screen test experience? Seriously, awful. Awful. Hope you are all well, esp. you & beautiful Grubette x
No-one puts this Barbera in the corner! Brilliant. Can't wait for your book – and the taster in the Britmums Bag was as fab as that red sounds! Can't wait for that either, tbh!
Ayethankyou. Glad you liked that one…
Reading your blog has become a weekly transportation back to Italy for me. I have drank many an Italian Gewurtztraminer from Alto Adige and Barebrea's too … I must have a chat with BritMums as I didn't get your book teaser in my bag and I've only just realised!
Hugs x
Oh, how gorgeous! Love that…..x
Ooh yes, I love Italian red. And waiting for the book for girlie Christmas presents! xx
Out in Feb next year….but you can pre-order on Amazon! x
Wines are part of everyone's life. Everyone needs wines to celebrate and wine clubs provide a base to all the wine lovers. You are also a great wine lover and it love that you share your thoughts.
Drink the wine… THEN eat the ice cream. Works every time.
Then have another glass of wine, if you feel like it.
Good plan, Mrs.
SO excited about the book! And, as usual, adding the two wines to my shopping list (what? I'm a devotee okay?) x
Aw, thank you. You're down to review it *big smile*
Ooh and you've been shortlisted in the Red Hot Women Awards! Well done x
Thank you….amazed (but very happy)!
Oooh, love a Gewurz with a thai curry. Must try this one out…
Love your blog….just discovered it!
Why thank you kindly! Still getting used to being out there, to be honest 😉
Can't wait to get THE BOOK. Will you be doing a book signing anywhere?
Loads. You will be warned.