Goldilocks. Or, drinking Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Any opportunity to try the wines made by the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) in Burgundy is the chance of a lifetime. Not only is this celebrated patch of dirt in the village of Vosne-Romanée regarded as producing the most outstanding red Burgundy, many consider it to be the source of the world’s …
Daddy walks the lawn; the grass is getting long. The trees are looking crooked, and the bushes seem wrong. He never noticed 'til now how untidy it seems. He frowns, thinking how it looked in dreams.
© The Very Things, "The Bushes Scream While My Daddy Prunes." 1984Tuscan Salad: Insalata di Fegatini di Pollo
Tuscan Salad: Insalata di Fegatini di Pollo Here’s a simple Tuscan salad recipe that’s cheap, quick and easy. I first tried it in a restaurant in San Gimignano while attending their Anteprima, where the new Vernaccia wines are previewed and judged. However, it’s also available in many UK Italian restaurants. While the English translation is Warm Chicken Liver Salad, that simply …
Hix Oyster and Fish House – in Memoriam
Hix Oyster and Fish House – In Memoriam Over a decade ago, one of the many highlights of walking part of the magnificent South West Coastal Path was a stop-off in Lyme Regis and a chance to dine at the Hix Oyster and Fish House, a high-end restaurant established by Mark Hix in 2008. In short, it was both a …
Rare Champagne grape varieties – this is their story
Rare Champagne grape varieties – this is their story. Under the Champagne laws, three principal grapes are allowed in Champagne, namely Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay. Together, they account for 99.74% of vineyard plantings. However, there are also four rare Champagne grape varieties that are tolerated. They are all white varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Petit Meslier and Arbane. …
At Jerez, by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy
At Jerez, by Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy Dame Carol Ann Duffy is a Scottish poet and playwright. She became the 20th official Poet Laureate in May 2009 until her ten-year fixed-term ended in May 2019. During this time she excelled as a great ambassador for poetry and wrote the poem called At Jerez. As is traditional, part-payment for the …
Tedeschi and climate change – the future is at stake
Tedeschi and climate change – the future is at stake. For any Amarone lover, the name Tedeschi needs no introduction. One of the famous great Valpolicella families, with vineyards owned there since 1630. Today, Antonietta, Sabrina and Riccardo now run the Tedeschi business. They are the children of Renzo and Bruna Tedeschi. That’s some job, as there are currently 46 …
Chiesa del Carmine – an authentic taste of Umbria
Chiesa del Carmine – an authentic taste of Umbria Chiesa del Carmine is a restored estate in Umbria, some thirty minutes north of the twin delights of Perugia and Assissi. It’s near the Tuscan border, in a small limestone valley accessed from the river valley of the Upper Tiber (Fiume Tevere). This short article is about why their wines are worth …
Bugey on down – explorations in undiscovered France
Bugey on down – explorations in undiscovered France In France, the little known wine region of Bugey is well off the beaten track. I have passed through it frequently, usually on the way to more famous wine destinations in France and Italy. When I finally stopped to explore it some years ago, I wished I had done so sooner. An …
Brown Sauce – exploring a piquant cultural icon
Brown Sauce – exploring a piquant cultural icon Brown Sauce. Huh? It’s ubiquitous here in the UK, often forgotten about until that crucial moment you automatically reach for it and find it’s not there. Panic ensues while you search the kitchen cupboard. Or there’s the slightly embarrassing feeling if you need to ask for it when eating out, so revealing …