Beyond the weather

Big shame that The Taste of Edinburgh had to be cancelled on Saturday and Sunday. The Wine Tipster was presenting The S. Pellegrino Masterclasses, with very successive full Friday sessions, and a sell out crowd due on Saturday it was really disappointing that the show couldn’t go on. Despite the cancellation, punters had a chance on Saturday night to taste some of the delicious food from the show free of charge on a first come first served basis as Mark Greenaway and Angels with Bagpipes’ Paul Whitecross opened up a pop up restaurant in the Summerhall in the old Dick Veterinary School. Hundreds of foodies turned up to take advantage of this initiative which Lord Sugar would have been no doubt said that “you are hired”.

The previous weekend I had been in for my regular tasting and chat with Bill Buckley on BBC Radio Oxford (pictured left). Bill is a terrific presenter and most definitely a food and wine lover. Bill’s favourite was the Alfonso, Dry Oloroso, Sherry, Gonzalez Byass, Spain, £11.99, abv 18% Stockists: Tanners, Golden amber colour, nutty, walnuts on the nose, dry, tangy, nutty, with apricots on the palate and a beautiful fresh finish. An ideal aperitif which is lovely with nuts.

We then moved on to some very high class Kiwi Sauvignon Blanc from the Awatere, a sub region in Marlborough, Yealands Estate S1 Single Block Series Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Marlborough, New Zealand, £12.99, abv 13.5%. Stockist: M&S. This high class single vineyard wine is well priced with cut grass, asparagus and spice on the nose and sophisticated, full flavoured, creamy, spicy, and subtle flavours, with tremendous length on the finish. At The International Wine Challenge 2012 this wine won The Best Sauvignon in the World Trophy and was voted best white wine from Marlborough.
Our world then changed to pink with the good value La Grille Pinot Noir Rosé 2011, France, £6.99, abv 12% buy 2 bottles save £2 = £5.99 until 3rd September. Stockist: Majestic. This pale pink rosé has delicate red fruits, vanilla and is really crisp and zingy. The perfect pink to drink with Le Tour de France. Come on Bradley!