November 24th, 2009
Just in case you weren’t already confused enough about whether or not a glass a day would keep the doctor away or perhaps knocking on your door yet another report adds light to the benefits of alcohol.
A report by Spanish doctors released earlier this month seems to indicate that men with moderate, high and very high levels of alcohol consumption enjoyed reduced levels of heart disease. Women unfortunately weren’t so fortunate. Immediately after this article was released many took to the airwaves to warn immediately that this wasn’t a green light to consume tens of units a week as whilst the heart might not mind the rest of the body invariably would!
With the recent changes in licensing laws in effect increasing the availability of alcohol and also the number of outlets that are now able to sell to the public this is only going to become more of an issue.
Education is surely the way to improve the situation but if the experts themselves can’t even agree on the benefits or consequences of alcohol consumption what chance does the everyday member of the public have. There is no question that alcohol abuse is costing the tax payer millions upon millions of pounds. I am also sure that the industry has a responsibility to become involved actively not only in the education but also in the policing of irresponsible drinking. But I am also convinced that we need a coherent guide from the top and some common sense introduced into the whole debate.
There is no question in my mind that continued high level consumption of alcohol can’t be a good thing. But I am also firmly of the belief that enjoyed sensibly wine and whisky, two of my favourite hobbies, can bring hours of pleasure and enjoyment.
So where do we go from here? Answers on a postcard please….
Tags: Alcohol, Health, Whisky, Wine
Posted in Musings | No Comments »
November 22nd, 2009
I am immensely proud of my Italian heritage and no more so of the wines that come from our region of Emilia. I get many a broad grin when I tell people that Lambrusco is a fabulous wine and something to be enjoyed, for many it simply confirms my eccentricity and slight insanity.
That said finally the rest of the world has caught up with me and is beginning to appreciate that Lambrusco isn’t just some over fizzzed £2.99 bottle that you pick up on the bottom shelf of some multinational supermarket.
Indeed for the first time a Lambrusco, Concerto from Medici Ermete has been rewarded with the extremely prestigious “Tre Bicchieri” (Three Glasses) award by the Vini d’Italia guidebook produced by Gambero Rosso.
The red Lambrusco grape is capable of producing a delicious wine. This is REAL Lambrusco, dry, red and with a sparkle; it is a full, juicy mouth filling wine that is a brilliant accompaniment to rich cuisine.
For those of you who want to try this wonderful wine please do, go on you know you want to!
Tags: Emilia, Gambero Rosso, Italy, Lambrusco, Tre Bicchieri, Vini d'Italia
Posted in Awards, Wine | No Comments »
November 10th, 2009
I was extremely lucky last week to be able to go and see Fleetwood Mac on their latest world tour. They are without question one of my favourite bands so I will accept my bias immediately but that said – what a night!
It was memorable for a number of reasons. Not just the music although that did I confess have me wandering down memory lane when I remember the first time I heard it or a particularly memorable occasion when I enjoyed it with company.
That got me thinking. Its often the same with wine. More often than not it is our emotional connection to a wine that makes it particularly memorable (or not!). Or perhaps knowing a little about the winery and the people involved makes it more of a rounded experience.
One of my favourite wines is Ascheri Podere di Montelupa Viognier, a fantastic wine made by a Harley Davidson enthusiast. The thought of the wine maker inspecting his vines on the back of such a legendary bike only adds to the air of excitement around the potential that this wine has.
In the same way that Fleetwood Mac are more than just four individuals, some might say geniuses, it is the whole package that makes the concert such a memorable experience. I wonder how often it is when we’re buying that £3.99 bottle from Asda that we think about the winemaker, oenologist, marketeer, PR team, buyer, logistical manager, lorry driver, shelf stacker and so on. The list I am sure will run into dozens.
No doubt many would argue for £3.99 hopefully not a lot. But maybe we should. Because I am sure that many are passionate about the product we now take for granted.
I know for one that next time I pour a glass I will spend a moment dreaming of all those involved and wondering what exciting things they are up to now… and what they might just produce in the future.
Tags: Asda, Fleetwood Mac, Value, Winemaker
Posted in Musings | No Comments »
October 28th, 2009
Just got back from a really pleasant evening in York doing an organic wine tasting with a small group. The venue was Goji in Goodramgate and there was a lovely small group of about 12. We tried eight wines during an informal evening with I might add some lovely canapes as well!
Wines we tried included Limney Brut NV, Chateau Petit Roubie Piquepoul de Pinet, Bodegas Bagordi Rioja Rose (simply the most beautiful colour I couldn’t take my eyes off it!), Chianti Tenuta San Vito DOCG and the most wonderful PX Piedra Lunga to finish. I accept that i’ve listed pretty much all of the wines but then I can’t help but get excited about them and their variety. The PX was a particular revelation and I will be dreaming of rum and raisin ice cream and a glass of PX for weeks now….
One of the things the evening once again reminded me was of sometimes the simplest things in the world like smell, colour and taste can so often be taken for granted. Yet when we can find a moment to indulge them, and with friends as well, life is just such a wonderful experience!
A really enjoyable evening and another confirmation that I love my work!
M
Posted in Tastings | No Comments »
October 27th, 2009
Welcome to the brand new Rose Wines of Yorkshire Blog, here you will find all the up to date news on Rose Wines of Yorkshire, keep checking back for new posts…
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
