A flying saucer in your glass
Today my American wine pick is for lovers of Chateau Neuf du Pape, and also for people like me who love story and humour. But first, to love this wine, I have to tell you more about the man behind it: Randall Grahm. He is one of the most charismatic people in wine with a Monty Python-esque sense of humour and a newsletter that’s enjoyable even if you’re not a wine lover. Before becoming a wine maker, Randall was a philosopher. Let’s talk about the first wine made with Rhone Valley grape varieties in the United States: le Cigare Volant. What a strange name! But once again, full of humour; it comes from a law in Chateau Neuf du Pape that prohibits flying saucers from traveling over the region’s vineyards! Le Cigare Volant is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (known as GSM in the wine business) and Cinsault. It’s a full body red, with fantastic flavours of cherries, red bramble fruits, black pepper and silky tannins. It’s a perfect companion to barbecued meats, beef and lamb. It’s definitely one of my favourite California wines because of the taste but also because of the man behind it. Our next wine event takes place on July 3rd: just in time for Independence day we have an American winelist from Colin Burbidge and American-influenced menu devised by Paul Heathcote and Carl Noller. You can view the menu by clicking here. Cheers! -Anne...Gourmet Burger Menu – One Day Only
For One Day Only Friday 21st of June, 2013 Wonderful gourmet burgers Food with matching cocktails at Heathcotes Brasserie. Nibbles to start *** Choose between: Heathcote’s Lobster Burger, Tomato, Lettuce, Garlic Butter, Prawn Sauce and Hand Cut Chips or Beef Rossini Burger, Smooth Chicken Liver Pate, Truffle Mayo, Tomato, Lettuce, Gherkin and Hand Cut Chips with salad to share between two. *** accompanied by either half a bottle of Ca’ di Ponti Red or White or one of our special Friday cocktails: Preston Bourbon Blackout or Citrus Hook, Line & Sinker £19.50 per person Book now – call 01772 806543 or book...A worldwide marriage on your dinner table
I always say that wine produced in one part of the world will go very well with the local cuisine. But I also like diversity. So what about an American wine to go with your Chinese take-away? As I told you yesterday, New York state produces some outstanding Riesling and no, Germany and France don’t have the monopoly in its production. The Finger Lakes region is a cool region with large lakes that make it a perfect place to grow the variety. Jancis Robinson calls the Finger Lakes Riesling “exceptional”. Here is one of my favourites, and it’s available in the UK market as well as the US: Red Tail Ridge Dry Riesling. You will find lively citrusy flavours, apricots, orange blossoms with a rich creamy texture and a wonderful acidity. It is a delight with Chinese food, and available for about £16-18. Our next wine event takes place on July 3rd: just in time for Independence day we have an American winelist from Colin Burbidge and American-influenced menu devised by Paul Heathcote and Carl Noller. You can view the menu by clicking here. -Anne Malhere Photo attribution: William Warby, Flickr, Creative...American Wines: it’s not all about California!
It would be wrong to associate American wines solely with California. Every single state produces wine – even Alaska and Hawaii! Besides California the major players in American wine are Oregon, Washington State, New York State and Virginia. Oregon is one of my favourites. It produces some outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, like Burgundy. That’s why some producers from Burgundy started making wine there, among them the most famous: Joseph Drouhin. Washington ranks second after California in terms of wine production. If you’re a Rhone Valley wine lover, you will love the Syrah produced here. It’s a great pairing with roast lamb or barbecued red meat. There’s more to New York than just Manhattan. It also produces excellent Riesling. If you’re looking for great wine to go with a Chinese takeaway, New York is your state! Last but not least, Virginia. Virginia has a long history of wine. Thomas Jefferson, American president and wine lover, attempted to plant a vineyard on his Virginian property. Virginia produces some excellent Cabernet Franc, like the Loire Valley. They go great with pork dishes and grilled chicken. Remember, there’s more to American wine than California. -Anne Malhere Photo attribution: Ethan Prater, Wikimedia, Creative...10% Student Discount
Students can now enjoy The Olive Press Preston's authentic range of Italian pizzas, pasta and grills for 10% off their usual price. Just book in advance and bring a valid NUS card when you visit us. Terms & conditions apply. See link below for details.