Helen McGinn I spent pretty much all of Saturday in the kitchen. But unlike my own (messy, overrun with dogs/kids) this one was full of talented chefs and a celebrity guest. It was the Saturday Kitchen studio and I ate ridiculously good food for breakfast and talked wine with chefs Ollie Dabbous and Ellis Barrie, along with presenter Matt Tebbutt and special guest Sophie Dahl. She was there to promote her new children’s book Madame Badobedah (divine, I bought a copy for one of my godchildren for Christmas) and she was gorgeous. After filming I went straight from the studio to meet up with a bunch of old friends and we finished the day dancing in the kitchen with probably the best rendition of Les Miserables’ One Day More you’ll never hear. All the best parties, etc.
Current white in the fridge: Cascina Valentino Roero Arneis
Price: £9.50 - Buy From Asda
Finding a bottle of Italian white made from the Arneis grape on our supermarket shelves isn’t easy. But this one’s popped up in Asda and it’s a gem. Arneis almost disappeared at one stage but it’s making something of a comeback, happily. Crisp and dry with gorgeous pear fruit and a touch of almond, it’s a great food wine. Really pretty label, too. If you like Pinot Grigio but want something with more flavour (but still subtle), you’ll love this.
Current red in the fridge: Domaine Creux du Chene Corbières
Price: £6.99 - Buy From Lidl
This is just the kind of red you need on the side in the kitchen at this time of year. Soft, juicy, warm and ripe with lovely earthy black fruit flavours, it’s from the Corbieres region in southern France and looks and (more importantly) tastes more expensive than it is. A blend of red grapes including Syrah and Grenache, it’s smooth enough to sip solo but comes into its own with food. Stew-friendly.
Enjoyed the show – looked great fun!
Was great fun! Thrilled you watch, Janet x
Are you going to recommend some fizzes for Christmas soon??
Yes! Of course…will do fizz next week. Good idea!
Hooray! 🍾
Saturday Kitchen is recorded for when I have a quiet time. I’ve been to Lidl to buy your recommended red Corbieres: ready to have at the weekend. Thank you.
Will you be putting together a box of Christmas wines again? Hope so! Ev