Fellow Wine Lovers,
It’s been all excitement this week in UK politics. Sir Kier suspended four MP’s for making Rachel Reeves cry and then went on to sign an agreement with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. It’s going to make train travel and school trips easier, not to mention increasing co-operation on scientific research, security and defence. At the next election 16 and 17 year olds will be able to vote, or at least those with ID will.
Meanwhile, in Somerset, Big Carl, the world’s largest crane, has raised the 245 tonne dome onto Hinkley –C second reactor. With the lid on, they can now get on with fitting it out. In my head I had visions of Dumbo being delivered by the stork!
Across the pond, Tango Tariffmeister has been getting involved in everything. Everything, that is, except releasing the Epstein report, although, in typical TACO mode, he now seems to be backing their exposure. He is also encouraging the replacement of corn syrup in Coca-Cola whilst also threatening to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, happily forgetful that it was him who appointed JP in the first place.
He clearly felt his contributions to Chelsea winning the Club World Cup were worthy of staying front and centre for the celebrations and photographs. We wondered if there was a photograph of John Terry in a crowd that might be photo-shopped in to replace Tango for the Chelsea publicity because he’ll definitely have his kit on. The video evidence of Tango pocketing a FIFA medal, are, of course, fake news.
Meanwhile, in France, cyclists have been doing their thing in the Tour de France. We’re up to day 12 and all the favourites are still involved, Oscar Onley has been the surprise, at least for this correspondent. Only his second Tour and he’s up there mixing it with the favourites. Cycling really is have a rather special moment.
There is also some Golf Open thingy happening in Royal Portrush where, suprisingly, it’s raining.
In these quieter weeks over summer we often ruminate upon what might have happened to customers that we haven’t seen for a while. Sometimes we know they’ve given up drinking; sometimes they’ve moved to Chislehurst, Dubai or the other side of Southfields; often times we expect they have just got sick of our inept service and annoying small talk. Occasionally, though, you get a nice surprise when you open your (online) newspaper to be greeted by the cheery physog of one of your regulars, happily handing out bidons to riders in the Tour de France – chapeau sir, hope you enjoyed yourself! Then, whilst watching the Test Match on Saturday afternoon, we captured the profile of another customer, full-screen on Sky TV, doing his best Jimmy Hill impersonation – he told us he’d moved to York but I’m sure the cricket was in St Johns Wood! So, be warned, if you’re off anywhere exciting, we’ll know….
Tasting this Weekend
We’ll start in Spain with J. Fernando Verdejo 2024 (£15.99) from Rueda. We were really rather chuffed to find a Rueda Verdejo at this price, usually they’re a few quid more expensive. The family has had vineyards for three generations and now, having completed their new winery in 2017, they have produced a fabulously zesty quaffer. A fabulous balance of fruit and herb notes and that lovely zesty finish will be pitch-perfect with a platter of Cantabrian anchovies.
We’ll move onto Southern Italy for Cantine Pirovano Beatrice Nero di Troia 2024, (£13.49) Beginning in 1850 with an Osteria serving Southern Italian wines, the Pirovano family business has developed into an Italy-wide producer and bottler of wines. This deep purple coloured red is made using 100% Nero Di Troia grapes from their sun-drenched vineyards. The nose is full of summer berries, blackberry, black currant and even a hint of strawberry jam. On the palate the wine is sumptuously smooth, juicy with ripe berry fruit and very well balanced.
Cheers!