Wines and food from the weekend

We had a friend over dinner on Saturday night. After I got over the shock of Englans woeful second half display against Wales, all the worst because they played so well in the first 30 minutes. The end of the game pretty much coincideed with the start of the evening so at least there was a distraction.

We started the evening with a aperatif and a selection of hor d'overs. In traditional style we opened with a sparkler. We opened a Cremant d'Alsace which always makes a good and great value alternative to champers.

Louis Irion
Cremant D'Alsace
Brut

This bubbly is made from 100% Pinot Blanc but is made in the methode traditional i.e. the same method as champagne. Its a lot lighter than champagne and ssmoother. Easy to drink and unassuming. OK, nothing special but always a good way to start and works well with smoked salmon. 6.5/10.

The starter was an old favourite, Tuna with sesame and soya saurce and chilli. Key is not to over cook and just to flash it so that only the surface of the tuna is cooked. This time it worked ok.

Abbazia Monte Oliveto
Vernaccia di San Gimignano
2005

This white is from the famous walled town, reknown for its ancient towers, of San Gimignano in Tuscany. Its made from 100% Vernaccia and is unusual in that it is a white wine in a land so dominated by reds. Deep greeny yellow. Potent nose. Full of white flowers and apple. Good body and a satifying degree of intensity. Good. 7.5/10. 4.55€ Carrefour.

For the main we went for something simple and roasted a piece of beef. Got the timing just right and the meat was very juicy and tasty. We had it with dauplinose potatoes and a sauce made from horse raddish, creme frache and mustard. Easy but very tasty.

Piccini
Nero d'Avola
Sicilia
2006

Keeping an Italian feel to the wine. Nero d'Avola is a grape that is typical to the south of Italy and especially the island of Sicily. Piccini is more of an italian brand and although they are based in Tuscany the produce wiine from other regions. This intence red is full red fruit and has a very tasty spicy and peppery structure. Some light tannins. Works well with the red meat. Good. 7.5/10. 4.95€ Carrefour.