The last four weeks have been filled with so many brilliant work trips that I have had to pioneer a new un/packing method. It goes like this:
1. Unzip suitcase.
2. Turn suitcase upside down onto floor until empty.
3. Repack suitcase from drawers.
4. Arrive home after four trips to find terrifying dirty and clean summer and winter clothes mountain.
I like travelling but it does mean getting up quite early to do all the writing and email bits of the job, which is why this blog has been neglected. I knew it was time to come back when nice Harriet tweeted me to point out that her cupboard was bare – what should she buy? I forwarded her the list I’d done for my brother and mum and dad and thought it might be useful to paste it here – with a few updates and price revisions.
Also, before I had chance to reply to Harriet on twitter, the very nice @ayverily – I hope he won’t mind me outing him as a former Wine Society buyer – popped up to point out that Tesco’s Simply Riesling for just under a fiver is a real buy. Too true – one of the biggest bargains on the shelves. Lively and lithe and limey.
And here’s that email list:
OK – here you go….
This lot from Majestic –
Red
Paul Mas Merlot 2012 Pays d’Oc France (£6.49/£7.99, Majestic) – bright, easy, redcurrant lea fish, cheery. (But can’t find on their website now – I know they take it down if less than 95% of stores stock – will ask if it’s all sold out)
Domaine Les Yeuses Les Epices Syrah 2010 Pays d’Oc (£7.99/£9.99, Majestic) – bit more dirty French, spicy, some oak, more animal.
Pizarro de Otero Bierzo 2011 Spain (£6.99/£8.74, Majestic) – great value, food wine, from fashionable upcoming region, bit savoury but not difficult
Muga Rioja Prado Enea Gran Reserva 2004 Spain (£30, Majestic) yeah, totally out of budget but really nice. Go under budget for the others and slot one into a case?
Casa d’Aragona 2010 Salice Salentino, Italy (£6.99/£8.99) frankincense and bramble jelly, warmer more robust red from Italy’s boot
Amalaya de Colome Malbec Blend 2011 Argentina (£8.99/£10.99) – bit more oomph as new world, but not splurgy or OTT. Made from world’s highest vineyards.
Whites from Majestic
Villemarin Picpoul 2012 France (£6.99/£7.99) quite an invisible wine but this time slightly salty
Caixas godello 2012 Martin Codax Spain (£7.99/£9.99)
Pink
Aix rose is good
JONNY – aware that Majestic list is very old-world based and you might want something BIGGER so can you look in WAITROSE for the following REDS:
Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Syrah Swartland South Africa £5.99 down from £7.99 to 8 Oct – Just fabulous value big syrah, slightly bacon fat slightly smoky great for autumn
Craigmoor Estate Shiraz 2011 Mudgee Australia (£8.99) I REALLY LOVE THIS and I hardly ever like Aus wines
Vasse Feliz Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Margaret River Australia (£23.99) I know, but you never know you might want to try something expensive occasionally.