Too much of pleasure beyond measure
Frankly, fellow tipplers, I feel more inclined today to speak of the perils rather than the joys of wine. It has, you see, been a long hard week and the excesses of many celebrations are taking their toll. Sandwiched between my own 41st birthday on Saturday past and my darling sister Matilda's birthday on Monday came the surprise nuptials of a very dear old friend.
Imagine, therefore, if you dare, what these past few days have been like.
Fortunately, like policemen and doctors, this particularly wine correspondent is never truly off duty.
And, despite my current moral reservations over promoting the devil’s buttermilk, I must concede that this recent bout of rabble-rousing has brought me into contact with some bottles which, if enjoyed responsibly, can deliver pleasure beyond measure.
It is only fair to confess in advance of this week’s recommendations to a certain mistrust concerning big name brands when it comes to choosing wine. However, notwithstanding the success of ‘former local boxing champs’ and ‘pieces of raised ground in full bloom’ (to name no names) on the local market, one must acknowledge that some major brands achieve their popularity by simply producing outstanding wine at affordable prices.
The Australian giant, Nottage Hill, is one such outfit and their entire range is currently on offer at Supervalu.
Best of the bunch for my money is their crisp, racy and vibrantly aromatic 2006 Sauvignon Blanc (currently reduced to 5.25 from 7.25). A lush, grassy and herbaceous bouquet gives way to a wonderfully sharp palate that seems brim-full of lemon and green apples before a delightfully brisk, discreetly acidic finish.
Perfect for all your summer parties and, indeed, if truth be told, a little too perfect for my own birthday celebrations.
Perhaps the surprise hit of these last few days’ carousing was the modern, elegant and beautifully structured 2005 Domaine de Verlaque Rose (reduced by 1.50 to 5.49 for the month of June at M&S). A blend of 50 per cent Garnache with four other red grapes typical of the region, this sophisticated, refreshing pale pink wine has a sumptuous palate suggestive of strawberries and cream and a succulent, dry and very satisfying finish. Stock up now for all your Wimbledon-watching.
While I curl up in the darkest corner of the Rose Cottage boudoir and prepare to expire, I can only hope that you will be able to extract more pleasure from these excellent bottles than I can even dare to dream of in my current physical, mental and emotional distress.
But, I’ll wager ten bob to a pony that, come the weekend, I’ll be fit to return to my duties sourcing some more wonderful wine for all you lovely people out there, or my name’s not Raymond Gleug... Enjoy!
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Weather for Belfast
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 20 mph
Wind direction: East
