Love Wine Food

28/11/2023

Although one of the most recognised wine regions of the Loire, Vouvray seems to have fallen slightly off the consumer wine radar, not as main stream available as in the past. So delighted to pick up a bottle of this Cuvée de Silex in .

Made by Bernard Fouquet, showcasing the layers of flavours that Chenin can create. Crisp notes of green apples, ripe quince, with follow through of slight honeysuckle notes. Good balance of residual sugar to give roundness. Was delightful as a "it's the start of the week" Monday evening pick me up, but would work well with light spiced foods, such as a Thai Coconut mussel broth.

24/11/2023

Made a stock from leftover carcass of roast chicken that was so gloriously gelatinous that it wobbled.

So a super recipe required to enjoy the intensity of flavour, and as the temperature has fallen, decided to make Roasted Fennel & Lemon Soup (from book - apologies for my vague interpretation below).

Super simple - chop 2 fennel, 1 small potato, quarter a lemon. Toss with olive oil & seasoning (I used Lemon & thyme). Roast for 1 hr, turning once. Squish then remove lemon rinds. Blitz with stock. That's it! Though I wanted to use the moulis (my love of kitchen gadgets!), so I sieved it through that to remove any fibrous fennel.

Result? Delicious, elegant soup. I topped with some toasted ground fennel seeds for an extra boost, and a flourish of this seasons Sicilian EVOO to dress. Heaven!

22/11/2023

https://wineanorak.com/2023/11/20/new-research-suggests-that-it-might-be-quercetin-not-sulfites-or-biogenic-amines-that-are-responsible-for-the-headaches-some-people-experience-after-drinking-red-wine/

Latest Wine Science  New research suggests that it might be quercetin, not sulfites or biogenic amines, that are responsible for the headaches some people experience after drinking red wine November 20, 2023November 20, 2023 jamiegoode 4120 Views Some people suffer from headaches after drinking ev...

06/11/2023

Congratulations to The Sunday Times Wine Club on its 50th Anniversary.

It began with an exposé about counterfeit wine and a letter from a bloke called Tony. Tomorrow The Sunday Times Wine Club toasts its 50th anniversary

30/10/2023

Wonderful traditional dinner at Ianua restaurant to kick off the Aosta part of our Wine tour last week.

Roasted peppers with Bagna Cauda. Crespelle stuffed with fontina cheese & baked were irresistible. Delicious escalopes. Dessert was a step to far, so instead indulged in the local Caffè alla Valdostana.

Presented in a wooden bowl, known as a grolla, it's a friendship cup in varying sizes and number of spouts. Filled with coffee, grappa & genepy then flamed! Great fun if somewhat difficult to drink elegantly.

30/10/2023

Delighted to be staying in Aosta on our final wine tour of the year. It is not the wine region that leaps instantly to mind for many wine lovers, but what an incredible region with stunning views (watching the sunrise over the mountains from my hotel balcony was v memorable).

Great food, world class wine, friendly people, the town of Aosta itself is charming. Will definitely be back.

30/10/2023

In the Northern Western reaches of Piemonte, just before the border with Aosta, is a stunning valley, home to Produttori del Carema. We took a walk through their vertiginous vineyards, trained pergola style, on dry stone pillars with.chestnut wood - this truly is heroic viticulture, with spectacular views.

Back at the cellar, Manilo treated us to a tasting of their Nebbiolo wines. First up their Rosé, explosion of red fruits on the nose.

The Carema 2020, with beautiful garnet hue, textbook example of this variety grown at altitude. The Riserva 2019 showed lots of spicy notes, whilst the Riserva 2016 had incredible layers of aromas including violets and liquorice. The Carema 2018 aged in barriques (rather than large barrels as the other reds) was totally different in style, hints of chestnuts and tannins still v present.

A truly fascinating wine region to visit.

Cantina dei Produttori Nebbiolo di Carema Astrum Wine Cellars

29/10/2023

No secret that Produttori del Barbaresco are one of my favourite wine producers in the world, and so was delighted to share their new Riserva wine with clients over lunch at Riso Acquerello on our Piemonte tour this week.

Don Fiorino 2016, named in honour of the priest who inspired and helped create this iconic Co operative in the village of Barbaresco in 1958. Today a respected beacon for the ideal model of how a Co operative should work, focusing totally on quality not quantity.

Spectacular expression of Nebbiolo, but still very young. Stash away a few bottles and am looking to tasting it again in a few years.

Produttori del Barbaresco

29/10/2023

Penultimate visit on the Piemonte section of our wine tour in Alto Piemonte this week. To the beautiful Castello di Montecavallo.

A lovely stroll through the grounds, in autumnal mood with abundent mushrooms and trees groaning with not quite ripe persimmons to visit the old historical cellars. Faithfully followed by Carlo the dog!

Great tasting of four wines including their Indero, a Rosé made from Nebbiolo, fresh herbal notes with red fruits, underlying almond hint. Very refreshing.

Ca Bianca, 70% Nebbiolo with 30% Vespolina, lovely balance, gentle tannins, appealing kick of green pepper on the finish.

Aralcader, monovarietal Nebbiolo with more complexity, would be ideal with roast Guinea fowl.

Ending with Biondin, Passito style version of local white grape, Erbaluce.

Grazie mille to Tomasso & Martina for such a delightful visit.

29/10/2023

As a long time fan of Riso Acquerello, it was fabulous to visit them at Tenuta Colombara in Piemonte on our tour this week. Stunning location, and a real treat to be invited to lunch with the family.

Fascinating visit to the production area afterwards, to learn about their rice, including the 7 years aged Carnaroli rice, which makes such stunning risotto, with amazing texture. .

Riso Acquerello

28/10/2023

Onto Tenute Sella for a tasting of their wines in Alto Piemonte, the estate has been producing wine since 1671.

Surprising & atypical but charming Riesling to start. Orbello Coste delle Sesie with a smidge of Cab Franc in the blend with Nebbiolo & Vespolina, adding a smoky note with green pepper.

Fascinating to taste in comparison their Lessona and Bramaterra appellation wines.

27/10/2023

Impressive lunch this week on our LWF Wine tour of Alto Piemonte. Nervi, one of the established producers with cellars in Gattinara, was bought by iconic Langhe producer, Conterno in 2018. Indicative of the huge interest in Alto Piemonte from outside.

Skipped seeing more barrels for lunch in their stylish restaurant at the cellars, which would not look out of place in Milan! Slick service & inventive cooking.

Irresistible trio of amuse bouche showcasing the talent in the kitchen:Filo cigar filled with 36 month old parmesan cream: Tartlet of Salmon pate & roe: Iced bomb of basil & peas.
I'd chosen all their red Gattinara wines for rest of lunch, but a palate sharpener with this of Contratto's For England Blanc de Noirs.

Pumpkin done three ways with Miso & fried sage - with Nervi Gattinara 2017. (All three red wines served in magnums).

Carpaccio of Venison with Nervi Gattinara Valferana 2016.

Piemontese black pork with Nervi Gattinara Molsino 2016.

Chartreuse Baba with salted milk with Moscato d'asti Ca del Baio.


Cucine Nervi

25/10/2023

After Boca, next tasting on our wine tour this week in Alto Piemonte was to the respected estate of Travaglini. Hosted by the fifth generation, Alessia (as well as accompanied by two family dogs called Grappa & Mattie), a fascinating tasting giving a great overview of this part of the region.

Starting with young, fresh red named Cinzia, after Alessia's mother - a lighter style of red but still with personality.

Coste della Sesia DOC, from 100% Nebbiolo, bursting with red cherries, but after time in the glass was pure expression of mountain strawberry.

Onto the Gattinara 2020, with three years of aging. Fruit from their volcanic soils, which also benefit from the fresh breeze from the Alps in Summer, giving a linear purity to the wine.

The Riserva 2018, from granite based soils in the West of the appellation was exquisite. Still very young but drinking so well.

Finishing with Il Sogno 2019 (translated:The Dream), a wine created by Alessia's grandfather, using appassimento, a process of wine making usually found in Amarone wines but here done on Nebbiolo grapes. The result is quite spectacular, layered complexity & depth but still retaining the elegance of Nebbiolo. Very special.

25/10/2023

Spectacular dinner at our hotel on Lake Orta. Owned by famous Italian Chef, Antonino Cannavacciuolo, a great place to stay for thee nights on our wine tour of Alto Piemonte.

Delicious Benvenuto dello Chef paired with Anna Maria Clementi Ca del Bosco 2011 (Lombardia)

Amberjack, Fennel & Bottarga served with Specogna Identita (Friuli).

Awesomely delicate & light Plin pasta stuffed with salted cod matched with
Timorasso Derthrona (Piemonte in Magnum).

Lamb, potato & truffles was heavenly with Cabernet Franc 'L Bandit 2016 Proprieta Sperino (Lessona, Piemonte).

Quirky dessert but which worked was beetroot, coffee & black garlic. I know!! I struggled to find an Italian wine to pair, so inspired choice of PX Sherry!

Great service, incredible food - wonderful evening.

Antonino Cannavacciuolo Ca' del Bosco Specogna Vini Proprietà Sperino

24/10/2023

Spectacular tasting with the erudite Christoph Kuenzli at Le Piane. Producing stunning range of wines that respect the terroir and the traditions of the area. Great explanation of the history of Alto Piemonte from the dominant force of a wine region of the past but which today sadly still flies under the radar of most wine lovers. But if you are a Nebbiolo fan, go seek out these fabulous wines (in UK available )

Bianko '22 from Greco Novarese, a white with herbal notes, hints of rhubarb & v long finish.

Nebbiolo' 22 (which has 10% Vespolina) from their vulcanic soils, bursting with energy, crunch of cranberry fruit, hint of white pepper.

Maggiorana '22, a field blend of 13 varieties, mostly red but also with some Malvasia Bianca, from old vines, some 100 year old, only vinified in SS, so fruit shines.

Mimmo' 19, from 75% Nebbiolo, 20% Croatina, 5% Vespolina - fragrant, approachable, would be perfect match with something salty like Pissaladiere.

Boca '19 - slight infanticide but drinking incredibly well even now. Mostly Nebbiolo with some Vespolina in the blend. Silky texture, layers of flavours swirling in the glass. Simply perfection.

Piane' 21, dark brooding red, monovarietal of Croatina, black cherries, hints of to***co & spice. Fascinating wine.

Alto Piemonte is starting to get noticed again on the world wine stage, and it is so worth seeking out these wines. Not only dangerously drinkable, but great value as well for wines of this quality. .

Stunning tasting!

24/10/2023

Much as I love visiting the Langhe, am delighted to host our LWF last wine tour of this year in Alto Piemonte.

Kicked off in style with lunch at Osteria Ori Pari in the small village of Boca. Housed in an old cinema, the building itself inside is charming, and warmly welcomed by Federica as FOH and husband Chef Francesco.

A trio of amuse bouche: Parmesan crisps filled with Robiola, Carne Cruda, meatballs topped with porcini cream - which I paired with Petite Arvine from Aosta, Feudo di S. Maurizio. Vibrant white, notes of fennel seeds, mouthwateringly sapid.

Onto the most stylishly presented Vitello tonnato, with Lucino Bianco Azienda Barbaglia. Although not permitted to list variety on the label, it's from the local white variety, Erbaluce. More rounded in the mouth, enchanting slight bitter note on finish which matched out the creamy tuna sauce perfectly.

For the main course, it had to be the local speciality, Paniscia Novarese. A twist on risotto with bortlotti beans, vegetables & fresh salame. Not the most photogenic dish but oh the depth of flavour! I paired it with Boca 2018, again from Barbaglia. Dark fruits on the nose, think mulberry or blackberry with underlying warm spices of clove & cinnamon. 80% Nebbiolo 20% Vespolina - superbly balanced.

Ending with apple tart, and a delicious glass of Erbaluce Passito. Fabulous lunch!

24/10/2023

Back in my beloved Piemonte for last wine tour of the year. Delighted to discover for pre tour supper in Turin. Described as a "Wine Bar Restaurant with a thing for Pizza" is rather misleading. Yes the pizza at the next table looked nice, but take a swerve into the rest of the tempting menu. Glorious selection of tapas, so kicked off with delicious morsels of fried local porcini (but also would be great place for apero time with oysters, croquettas, Jamón iberico etc).

Pasta heaven swiftly followed with plate of traditional Agnolotti del Plin - matched with Barbaresco 2019 from Bruno Rocca, which was ethereal & exquisite.

But what a wine list?!! Wow. I stayed in zone with Nebbiolo but if you are a Champagne lover, head here straight away. All the regular famous names feature but also gasatromic fizz such as , and - fabulous selection and v knowledgable staff (Grazie Luca!)

17/09/2023

Great first visit on our Champagne Tour this weekend for a private club, at Champagne Boizel. Situated on the iconic Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, a family run House founded in 1834 by a young married couple, who were pastry Chefs!

As a brand it flies slightly under the radar in the UK, but appreciated by the Champagne conoscenti. Kicking off our tasting with Blanc de Noirs, mostly grapes from Montagne de Reims, notes of pears & honeysuckle, 8gms dosage - would be perfect with ceps in garlic & parsley butter.

Ultime Zero, an explosion of sherbet on the palate, 6 years on the lees, would balance well with some saline food, maybe oysters.

Joyau de France Chardonnay 2007, deep gold, buttery pastry & candied lemon notes. Disgorged 18 months ago.

Joyau de France Rosé 2007, complete contrast, but shows the ageing potential of Sparkling Rosé. Lovely copper colour, savoury notes of Saffron & sage, but also quince plus touch of salty liquorice. Would be ideal match for porcetta!

Champagne Boizel The Wine Society

08/09/2023

Counting down to Kick Off tonight of the Rugby World Cup 2023!
For exciting food & drink suggestions to enjoy each match day of the tournament - to explore the food & drink from the 20 teams competing - come visit our page - everything from Chilean Pisco Sours to Tasmanian Sparkling Wine, Empanadas to Cheeseboards! Share the love of Rugby, Food & Wine (plus beers, whisky & more!)

https://lovewinefood.com/rugbyworldcup23/

  SHORTLISTED! I am thrilled that my book Watercress, Willow and Wine was shortlisted for the 2023 Fortnum & Mason Food and Drink Awards, celebrating the very best in food and drink writing, publishing, broadcasting and photography. SHORTLISTED! I am thrilled that my book Watercress, Willow and Win...

07/09/2023

National Read a Book Day is a great excuse to catch up with some reading and enjoy a glass of wine at the same time.

Here are a few of our favourite wine books.

Wine and Food:
Watercress, Willow and Wine: Recipes from the English Vineyards by Cindy-Marie Harvey of Love Wine Food. Beautifully illustrated book of local food recipes paired with wine and stories from some of our favourite vineyards.

Characters of the UK Wine Industry:
Vines in a Cold Climate: The People Behind the English Wine Revolution by Henry Jeffreys tells the stories of a few of the fascinating and varied people who have brought our industry to life.

Life Stories:
The Grape Series by Laura Bradbury starts with a young girl taking a gap year in France and follows her life over subsequent years.

Reality in the Winery:
Salt and Old Vines by Richard W. H. Bray will either make you apply for a job at a winery or vow never to do so. Either way, it will make you appreciate what goes in your wine glass.

Fiction in the World of Wine:
The Wine Critics by Jamie Goode. Whether you believe in the power of technology to write wine notes or not, this is a good read.

Coming of Age at a Château
Summer at the Vineyard by Fliss Chester introduces us to Jenna who learns about wine, herself and love over a summer in the South of France.

📸 by Rebecca Wellman Photography for Laura Bradbury

07/09/2023

One more sleep

26/08/2023

Bank Holiday weekend so unsurprisingly it's raining! So to whisk me away to Italian sunshine from comfort of my English kitchen, just made these ricotta fritters.

Delicious, light as a cloud, so quick to make. Born out of having some leftover ricotta in the fridge and a browse through old Jamie Oliver recipe book. Used pecorino rather than parmesan.

Some from our local market & homegrown basil on the side was great acidic foil to the creamy ricotta.

18/08/2023

For International Pinot Noir Day, just opened this delightful wine from Akitu in Central Otago - heavenly multi layered Pinot, complex and seductive.

akitu

18/08/2023

Dreadful news of floods in Slovenia - some great wine producers whose vineyards have been badly affected.

Landslides are causing problems in the vineyards of Slovenia following floods described as the most devastating in the country's history.

03/08/2023

Heavy rainfall followed by a period of extreme heat in Sicily has cost some producers up to 40% of their crop, but expectations for the quality of the grapes are still high.

10/07/2023

Spectacular Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire. First tasted wines from Domaine Pelle about 28 years ago, and memory does not fail me - they still burst with energy, minerality and layers of flavour from seven different vineyards plots.

Enjoyed with supper at home, was going to be crab linguine but found had some chitarra pasta lurking in the cupboard, which was made with squid ink, which made a delicious saline alternative.
Domaine Pellé The Wine Society La Pasta di Aldo

03/07/2023

Great to see a lovely review of my book Watercress, Willow and Wine - on English Wine with food pairings, in this month's The Vineyard Magazine. Thank you!!

Now off to read the rest of the July issue - from exciting news of new plantings at to reading which wines won at the recent awards!

Vineyard Magazine

21/06/2023

Halfway through English Wine Week, and what a delicious combo cooked at home this evening!

Chardonnay from the brilliant Simpsons Wine Estate in Kent, the wine's citrus notes worked so well with a recipe from Theo Randall's Italian Pantry - tagliatelle with courgette & cheese sauce. Grated courgettes cooked slowly with garlic till soft & creamy, add a good dollop of marscapone. Recipe listed smoked scarmoza, but had some smoked ricotta in the fridge which I had bought back from Italy on one of my wine tours a couple of weeks ago, so swopped that in and worked superbly. Some torn basil leaves added a peppery fresh note. Delicious!

Theo Randall at the InterContinental Simpsons Wine Estate Wines of Great Britain

20/06/2023

For English Wine Week (17th - 25th June), today just a few images to tempt you from my book pairing great English produce with English Wines. These are from the chapter about Hampshire- with recipes including Clam Fregola, Smoked Trout Roulade, Watercress Scones, Stichelton Bruschetta, Brown shrimp fennel & burrata salad. Matched with wines from great producers Danebury Vineyards Coates & Seely Exton Park Vineyard Hambledon Vineyard Hattingley Valley Wines Vineyards of Hampshire

Watercress, Willow & Wine - available at all good bookshops and online.

19/06/2023

To celebrate English Wine Week (17th - 25th June), really happy to have this wonderful review (link below) by the brilliant Wendy Narby, of my book Watercress, Willow and Wine. Featuring a selection of English Wine Estates, with paired recipes and locally produced foodie delights - its the perfect companion to discover the diversity of English Wine.

https://insidertasting.com/take-a-tour-through-the-wine-gardens-of-england/

I seem to have timed this review Cindy-Marie Harvey’s Watercress, Willow and wine perfectly. Just in time for English Wine Week, on 17th to 25th of June.

11/06/2023

Delicious dinner on our Bordeaux Wine Tour this week at our base, the lovely Château Grand Barrail, just outside St Emilion.

A glass of Billecart-Salmon Rosé to enjoy the sunset whilst thunderstorms threatened in the distance over the vines.

An inventive starter of celeriac, rolled to appear as a spiral of tagliatelle, with which I paired G de Giraud, heavenly Sauv Sem blend, with notes of tangerine & richness from lees contact.

Confit lamb shoulder with aubergines and cumin was perfect with the Château Bouscaut 2016, the small amount of Petit Verdot in the blend shining through.

For the Rhubarb dessert, I'd chosen classic Sauternes from Château Rieussec 2008, which was bursting with notes of apricot, marmalade and orange blossom. General feeling amongst clients that they should drink dessert wines (especially this good!) more often.

11/06/2023

Great to be back again staying at the beautiful Château Grand Barrail on our Bordeaux Tour for Laithwaites clients this week. Ideal location for our Right Bank visits.

After the interior renovation this winter. Good to see that they have incorporated a modern design, whilst still respecting the traditional elements of the property, including the gorgeous stained glass.

Wonderful place to relax amongst the vineyards as R&R between the "hard" task of wine tasting! Friendly helpful staff!

11/06/2023

What an incredible visit to start our Bordeaux Wine Tour this week for Laithwaites Clients - at Château Guibeau, in Puisseguin. The countryside on the Right Bank around the satellite appellations of St Emilion, is exquisitely pretty.

Warmly welcomed by the owner Brigitte, fascinating, though worrying, to hear about climate change and how it is affecting small family producers. Her husband Eric showed us the alarm system they have to launch the salt balloons whenever the dreaded hail threatens.

Tasting their three monovarietals side by side: Merlot, v fruit driven, no oak, lovely crunch of fruit. The Malbec, full of spice with a tannic grip calling for a BBQ. Lastly the Cabernet Franc, layers of complexity, despite only one variety, lovely notes of green pepper. All also incredibly good price quality ratio.

A truly heavenly lunch under the shady trees followed, with three more vintages - ending with a superb 2010 in Magnum.

A very memorable visit - thank you to all the family including the three adorable dogs!

Château Guibeau Laithwaites

11/06/2023

In Bordeaux with PJ, a day before meeting clients, so dinner a deux at La Tupina was required! One of Bordeaux's culinary institutions, La Tupina is rightly famous for its steak cooked over open fires, and chips fried in duck fat! Plus, a tempting hunk of terrine with crisp radishes appeared with our apero of white.

For the mains, the most perfectly cooked Cote de Boeuf, with obligatory (and irresistible!) chips. A solid classic wine list, and I aspied a lovely vintage made by one of the nicest families on the Left Bank, so indulged in a bottle of their 2010 Château Leoville Barton. Drinking absolutely wonderfully right now and bliss with the beef!

A digestif from their long list of Armagnac seemed a good plan, so the 1989 from Darroze was an excellent end to a brilliant dinner.

11/06/2023

Ideal lunch in sweltering Bordeaux, at the small but charming Le Bistrot du Fromager. Platter of Mangalista Charcuterie with Cheeses, St Nazaire, one infused with Espelette pepper, a delicious one washed with walnuts, plus other classics including Roquefort.

Along with a bottle of very reviving white Graves 2019 from Lagrave-Martillac which really hit the spot! Classic Sauv-Sem blend, but the high Semillon (42%) giving a delightful depth and roundness.

Le Bistrot du Fromager Parlement

05/06/2023

Each time am in the area of Valpolicella, I make sure that we eat at the awesome Enoteca della Valpolicella, as did last week with clients.

Understated perfection would be a great description. Service is spot on. Wine list incredible. Menu focusing on seasonal produce & letting natural flavours shine.

Staforte Soave from Pra - heavenly with super fresh ricotta on bed of musrtady apples.

Amarone Ravazzol 2016 from Ca la Bionda - an absolute dream of a wine. No more words needed - it's pure emotion drinking it!

I Capitelli Recioto di Soave from Anselmi, delectable as always and ideal with the local almond biscuit cake.

04/06/2023

Am super lucky with my job, that let's me travel the world tasting wines at some of the most stunning, interesting wine estates. Easy to get swayed by new wines, new vintages, even new producers - so lovely this week to retaste an old friend on our wine tour in the Veneto - Vaio Armaron - Amarone della Valpolicella from Serego Alighieri. Such combination of power with balance, and yes even with this ABV, finesse.

Lovely visit at this historical estate in the Valpolicella region, fascinating also to taste the mono varietal of Oseleta plus of course heavenly dessert wine, Casal dei Ronchi, Recioto della Valpolicella.

Serego Alighieri

04/06/2023

Stunning location for a farewell dinner with clients on wine tour of NE Italy - private dining in the Belvedere, overlooking Lake Garda at sunset, at the stunning hotel where we stayed, Villa Cortine Palace Hotel.

Delicious tasting menu (inventive but the simple spaghetti with garum was star for me) and paired with seven wines chosen with their excellent Sommelier from Franciacorta Sparkling through to two brilliant wines from Ca dei Frati (local producer just 15 mins away!) and with the pork belly, Fontalloro from Felsina.

Attentive service, stunning location and great company!

Villa Cortine Palace Hotel Sirmione