ODE TO ALBARIÑO

Deep down we are all poets. Only sometimes we need to be reminded of this or inspired by something. And what better inspiration than Albariño? Say it with gusto: alba-riño or whisper it slowly: AL-BA-RI-ÑO. It sounds like music to your ears. Well, at least, to mine.

It’s a joy to the palate, too. Aromatic, vibrant and delicious, lemon in colour and so bright that it’s almost translucent, with distinctive flavours of peach and citrus on the nose and palate, and a smooth, nearly silky texture, well-balanced, with acidity. It’s ideal on its own or with cooked prawns (but not with chilli!), other shellfish and seafood or with cooked or grilled white fish and lightly seasoned fresh green salad with olive oil on a hot summer’s day or a sultry, romantic evening. It also goes well with brie, mild cheddar, Norwegian Jarlsberg and other mild flavoured cheeses. And if you really can’t resist some cheesecake, spoil yourself with Zesty Lemon Cheesecake from M&S. It goes down nicely with a glass of chilled Albariño.

As some stories have it, this small white grape with a thick skin may have come to Galicia in northwest Spain originally from the Rhine, but the locals think otherwise. Albariño is guzzled up by the locals and tourists alike, leaving only a few drops for the rest of the world to taste. The divine virtues of Albariño are celebrated in the village of Cambados (near Ponteverde), the centre of Albariño country, during the first weekend in August. It’s one of the oldest gastronomic festivals, which begins near the Parador Albariño and lasts for 3 days in the style the Spanish are so famous for. And there isn’t a dry palate to be found anywhere.

2005 MARTIN CODAX, Albariño 100%, by Martin Codax, Rias Baixas DO (Spain), 13% alcohol – to be served at 12°

(Majestic - £8.49, 2 in a case - £6.99)

Try also Oddbins for another brand, Burgans, by Martin Codax - £8.49.

DID YOU TRY SOMETHING NEW YESTERDAY?

No? Well, try something new today. Put aside your safe-bet-oaky-smokey-and-a-tad-boring-Chardonnay, or Merlot for that matter. And discover Riesling, if you haven’t already. What’s that? You tried but could only find a plonky never-ever-again-Riesling? Then you spotted that very nice bottle of German can-see-can-touch-but-can’t-afford-it-Riesling? Well, try again! Discover that slick chick bottle with the German name on it: Knappstein. Not from Germany, alas, but from Australia, from a small miraculous patch called Clare Valley, famous for quality Riesling, many of which are at affordable prices.

It’s been hand picked for you to enjoy and savour the wine, to bring some little crispy spark into your life when you need it or when you fancy enjoying it to the full.

2005 Hand Picked Riesling (100%), by Knappstein, Clare Valley, Australia, 13% alcohol – to be served with fish, brie, cheddar and much more;

(Majestic and Oddbins - £6.99)

Its vibrant rich and intense character displays delicate lime and lemon flavours with green apples on the nose and palate. It is superbly balanced and at that price is bound to put a happy smile on your face. Especially recommended when you’re feeling down.

For a very simple and satisfying dinner, try this recipe (haddock fillet-or any other white fish - and broccoli) -preparation and cooking time – 15 mins, or 20 mins if you are very slow or pensive:

1. Place haddock fillet (skin-side down) on a baking tray;
2. Sprinkle with plenty of grated lime zest, chopped coriander and parsley;
3. Drizzle with olive oil;
4. Season well with freshly ground black pepper and salt and set aside for 5-6 minutes;
5. In the meantime boil a pan of water for broccoli;
6. Preheat the grill to medium (mark 3.5-4);
7. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillet;
8. Put under the grill for 5-6 minutes;
9. Boil broccoli for 3-4 minutes, drain and put on the plate with a little butter;
10. Put the fish on the plate and pour the juices over the fish and broccoli; 11. Sprinkle with fresh chopped coriander and parsley (optional);
12. Serve immediately with a glass of well-chilled Knappstein Riesling.

Life’s little sparkle is back again! Everything’s bright and cheerful. Joyous moments are exciting but elusive, now you see them now you don’t. If they’re too stubborn to appear, give them a push. You’re worth it!

HOT AND THIRSTY? – WINE OF THE WEEK

Hot and thirsty and nowhere to go? Or do you feel like chilling out with your partner, or partying away with your friends or colleagues? Then why not try something special? Come on,Torres, surprise us again!

Viña Sol has been around for more than 40 years. It’s made high in the mountains from Parellada, one of the three varieties used to produce Cava. Unpretentious, but easy going and reassuringly refreshing, its soft flavours of citrus, fennel and almonds make all the difference. And what versatility! Amazing! Try it on its own, with seafood or grilled white fish, vegetarian quiches, green salad with tomato and olive oil, or light rice dishes or just with rice on its own (!) or scented with saffron. Use Tilda easy cook Basmati rice, or American easy-cook rice for the best effect. Too hot to cook? Then follow this very simple recipe:

1. Take 2 slices of your favourite rye bread (something like the Stamp Collection organic and wheat-free);
2. Use your favourite spread on them;
3. Cover them with your favourite salami and put some fresh lettuce on the side;
4. Pour a glass of well chilled Viña Sol (chilled to 10° - for about 1 hour);
5. Sit back, relax and savour.

No dessert to hand? Or want to ditch the cheesecake for once? Well,… take a few cubes of feta cheese or a slice of brie and follow points 4 and 5 in the recipe above. Delicioso!

Priced at under £5.00 or even £4.00, you can buy it just about anywhere. Now that’s what I call super value!

2005 Viña Sol, Torres, Parellada, Peñedes, Catalunya, Spain. 11.5% alcohol.

WINING AND DINING ON A BUDGET

The day was drawing to a close. It was sunny but cool. Time for supper on the patio. But what to eat, considering we were on a budget? What was in the fridge? Four spicy sausages and one yellow sweet pepper. Not exactly a feast. Good enough for a nice supper? Why not, if the company is right and the wine is a good one. And my beloved is always good company. So on to the food and wine. Well, a rummage in the cupboard revealed a promising can of plum tomatoes and a packet of fusilli. So a nice spicy tomato sauce it was. Add to that some green salad with tomatoes and our favourite Fratelli MANTOVA extra virgin olive oil, maybe. But what about the wine? Well, a good match for a spicy tomato pasta is a full-bodied, ripe and spicy. Now you can’t go far wrong with Primitivo. From Puglia, Italy. (Primitivo is identical to the American Zinfandel.)

Well, unfortunately, Primitivo (varietal) in our part of London isn’t easy to find. I searched in vain for an hour. On offer were Primitivo blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, with Merlot, with Aglianico - to add finesse to it, to improve its structure to give it that je ne sais quoi. Primitivo with Aglianico would have to do, even if it’s covered in dust.

Supper is served, the Primitivo with Aglianico is poured but the wine is flat and long since gone. It was all there on the label, if I’d been willing to read it – 2001 – past its best. It would have to go back to the shop. But what about now? The supper was getting cold and our good spirits were fading.

There was one bottle on the winerack, something which always saves the day. Sangre de Toro. Garnacha and Carinena grapes - a heavenly blend for under £6.00. But would it complement the rich and spicy tomato pasta, sausages and yellow pepper? No es problema! It was perfect.

2003/2004 Sangre de Toro, Torres, DO Catalunia (Spain) - full body, a good acidity and soft tannin, subtle blueberry and blackcurrent flavours and spicy notes were near perfect match to the meal. Especially good with roasted meats, casseroles and grilled chicken.

Delicious! Cheers!

LA VIE EN ROSÉ

Summer’s here, and fingers crossed, it’s here to stay. So let’s celebrate it and give up our ruby or tawny reds. Or gold whites even! Let’s see our lives in pink for a change. That’s right! Let’s live la vie en rosé.

Rosé is up and coming, and coming fast. It’ll probably be a very hot summer in England and its refreshing and bright personality will make it even better. Peachy, orangey, rose-pink and near carmine, it makes your table look festive and fills the evening with excitement. The best way to enjoy it is to sip it, let it linger on your palate and be pretty in pink. Vivre le rosé!

If you still find yourself resisting its refreshing and flamboyant charms, you are among the unlucky few who feel sad and deprived. Give it up and enjoy your life in pink. The summer is short!

To become an immediate convert try:

2005 Chateau de Sours, Bordeaux, Merlot 100%, 13% (to be served chilled at 10-12°)

(Majestic: £7.99 or £6.39 for any two rosés)

Its glorious intense pink has the power to fascinate and revive even the saddest of us. Its aromas of red cherry and raspberry, tinned strawberry and rose water may breathe new life into tired and tortured souls. It’s well structured and beautifully balanced with medium body, good acidity and slightly off-dry. Red cherry, tinned strawberry and rose petals on the palate.

Ideal as an aperitif; amazingly and contrary to the rules, it goes well with strawberry cheese cake (but not with fresh strawberries). It takes away the sweetness of the cheese cake and complements the strawberry flavours.

Goes well with chicken or any light dinner. Don’t be shy to experiment.