Fellow Wine Lovers,
The queues outside of Clark’s have been epic this week with the youngsters all waiting for foot measuring for new school shoes. The excitement, and trepidation, evidenced as GCSE results were picked up on Thursday – indeed I heard one chap with his mates “Oh man, I got two D’s”.
Some will be staying on for A-levels, some moving off for apprenticeships, or maybe a BTEC in engineering. Some of the younger ones are excited to be putting on the new uniform and moving up to “big school” with all the challenges and opportunities that will bring. Getting up earlier probably being the first of these!
Where am I going with all this? I don’t really know, the thought struck me that many of you are back from your holidays, all looking bronzed and lovely, some of the schools go back next week and some the week after. More importantly I have not heard a single child say “I’m bored” which means, Mums and Dads, you are doing a fantastic job.
Sports wise Balotelli is on his way to Liverpool – you have to hand it to Brendan Rodgers, he doesn’t go for the easy life, does he? Crystal Palace have parted with their sporting director this week, leaving junior from the office in charge – they’d like to apologise for the delay in answering the phone.
Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, Spa is a challenging but exciting circuit with the longest lap length. It’s also one of the quickest, so will Rosberg or Hamilton prevail?
La Vuelta a Espana starts this weekend too with Froome and Contador back in the saddle after their tumbles in the Tour. I can’t help but think they’ll both still be a bit sore and that Quintana may well be the man to beat. As always staying on the bike will be key!
In wine news, we find that Chilean producers ‘Carolina Estates’ are replanting a near extinct red grape variety called Romana. Virtually unknown in Chile, it originated in the Chablis area of France, where it is known as César. It is almost extinct there too, with just about 10 hectares left. Elsewhere we hear that ‘Treasury Wine Estates’ (owners of Wolf Blass and Penfolds) made a massive A$100 million loss. Apparently next year is a ‘reset year’. No kidding!
Bank Holiday Monday
We are closed on Bank Holiday Monday.
Beer
Congratulations to our chums at Sambrook’s Brewery, their Wandle won a bronze medal at the Great British Beer Festival last week.
Tasting this weekend
Alex is back this weekend to regale you with stories of Fino, Flamenco and Feria. He’ll be serving you all in his best Spanish accent, though talk of a Toreadors’ outfit is probably wide of the mark. I suspect he’s had plenty of Spanish wine so we’ll be looking elsewhere for this week’s palate pleasers.
It’s a long weekend this one, last Bank Holiday until Christmas so let’s hope the sun shines and the barbecues keep burning – let’s make it count, people!