Helen McGinn Well, it’s been fun. Relative lie-ins, impromptu picnics on the beach, slightly too much pizza. Even losing half of our luggage on the flight back from our holiday didn’t dampen my spirits, not least because it halved the amount of post-holiday washing. But it hasn’t all been secs and rugs and sausage rolls (I know, thank you). Just before heading off I handed in the rewrites for my new book, an updated version of my first one published back in 2013. Called The Knackered Mother’s Wine Guide, it’s out next February and I can’t wait. Thank you, dear readers.
Current sparkling in the fridge: Eight Acres Sparkling Rose
Price: £18.00 - Buy From Co-op
The first English sparkling rose to appear on the shelves at Co-op, this has been made exclusively for them by Hush Heath, an estate down in Kent. It’s a really smart wine for the money, light and fresh with a whiff of red fruits and a properly good citrus twist. Tastes even better on the beach with sausage rolls to hand.
Current red in the rack: Tapa Roja Old Vines Monastrell
Price: £7.00 - Buy From M&S
This is from the Yecla region, tucked away in a corner of southeastern Spain. And the grape behind this wine is Monastrell, otherwise known as Mourvedre in France, capable of producing really earthy reds with buckets of black fruit flavours. This one’s a joy, full and firm with a touch of spice and smoke. Brilliant with anything barbecued. Or Frazzles, tbh.
The red was a delight. Stood up really well to a pork ragu and lovely next day as a quaffable glass on the sofa. I do like a monastrell, wine society have a cracking easy drinker for under £7 but this is delightful.
Aaah, I’m so pleased you liked it! Thank you for letting me know. Best thing about the weather turning is red wine. And chunky jumpers and telly, obviously.