Veeno, Bristol

Hold the phone lunchtime lushes and aprés-office party people, I have a newfound fave that offers the best in that winning combination of meat, cheese and wine. It's not a coincidence that I've visited Bristol's branch of Veeno* three times in the space of a week (yes, really) so I think it's high time I shared the reasons for this dedication/obsession (delete as you see fit)....

Date and Time: Erm, shall we just say February 2017?!

Name of Establishment: Veeno

Location: 1 Glass Wharf, Temple Way

Reason for Visit: In no particular order...Meat, cheese and wine!

‘How do I love thee? Let me count the ways’…Or, here is my comprehensive list which details Veeno’s most attractive attributes. Enjoy…

- It’s suitably located for the worker bees inhabiting the offices that adorn Temple Quay and thus, Veeno is an ample go-to for a spot of luncheon, a client meeting (if that’s your bag) or after-work drinky-poos - the latter suitably enhanced by the hours of Aperitivo (or, ‘Aperiveeno’ if you will) which means that complimentary nibbles are brought to your table with any drink purchased between 17:00 and 20:00.

- Veeno serves Sicilian wines from the founders' family’s vineyard which dates back four generations. This, along with authentic Italian Spuntini – or, little snacks and appetisers to enhance your tipple – means that the quality of the ingredients is quite simply cracking. To that end, try the Gorgonzola with a touch of the truffle honey and the Salame di Cervo (super tasty air-dried venison) with a glass of the Giumara, Nero d’Avola. So.Good!

- A selection of the restaurant’s most-popular wines and products are available to purchase to take-away. You can also order via Deliveroo* (so I’m told…hurry up and service North Bristol for pity's sake!) or from Veeno’s online store; meaning that you can feed and water yourself from the comfort of your own home. Just don't mention the 'Skinny Prosecco' which is seemingly the most recent string to this venue’s bow and in my opinion, rather too gimmicky to establish itself alongside the finer wines on offer. It may well taste fantastic – containing less residual sugar will ultimately create a drier, perhaps crisper finish - but the cringeworthy name just has to go!

- The lunchtime deal whereby any standard Panini is accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine (or soft drink for the faint-hearted) is an absolute bargain. I mean, a humble fiver for a generously portioned ensemble of Nduja (spicy, spreadable sausage), mozzarella and sundried tomato paté sandwiched within a crisp Piadina, swilled down with the house rosé – a rich, fruity Syrah – is unquestionably a no brainer!

- The service is spot on. You know that fine balance between remaining attentive and becoming invasive? Veeno have it just right. This makes for a comfortable atmosphere; even if you happen to be sitting on your own…I was waiting for a friend, honestly!

- Veeno offer wine tasting sessions for not a lot of dollar. Wine flights start from £10 per person and the classic tasting (priced at just under £20) is made up of six wines which are paired with Spuntini; the sixth a dessert wine to accompany a portion of homemade Tiramisu! You can purchase gift cards too which arguably constitutes the perfect pressie…Hey, isn’t Mother’s Day coming up? (Sorry to ruin the surprise Mama Ros…) Furthermore, sign up to receive news and information as part of the ‘Veeno Club’ and you receive a complimentary tasting on your birthday – I don’t think I’ve ever filled in an online form so quickly!

- The menu is informative and the staff knowledgeable which means that you can be guided towards your perfect combination of meat and cheese, plus, the ideal wine or wines to pair with your spoils. Tasting notes for pretty much everything on the menu really aids the selection process without having to bother the staff with a million and one questions.

- I haven’t got as far as the wine cocktails yet but the Veenopolitan is at the top of my list for the next time I visit (which, let’s face it, will probably be within the next few days!) It mixes that aforementioned house rosé with vodka, peach juice and fresh strawberries – a combination which could fool you into thinking that it’s summer...well, maybe! I’m aware that this isn’t exactly a reason but a menu that includes original cocktails – along with a handful of my absolute faves (yes, Espresso Martini) – is surely a win. 

- Finally, presentation – they say that you taste with your eyes prior to taking the first mouthful and…well…just look at this...

Need I say more...?

References:

*http://www.theveenocompany.com/veeno-bristol-wine-bar

*https://deliveroo.co.uk

Filini - Radisson Blu Hotel, Broad Quay

Situated within the Radisson Blu Hotel which towers over central Bristol, Filini offers Italian fare from 12:00 noon each day. With specialty dishes based on Sardinian cuisine and classic cooking techniques fuelled with quality ingredients, I had high hopes for the Sunday brunch that I had booked for my dining companion and I via Groupon*; bagging a voucher which entitled us to three courses, plus a glass of vino each for under £20; bargain.

Date and Time: Sunday 17 May 2015, 12:00 noon
Name of Establishment: Filini*
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel, Broad Quay, Bristol
Reason for Visit: The lure of one of the many daily-deal websites and the budget blowouts that they allow for.

Ascending the stairs to the first floor where Filini is situated - after touring the bar area in search of other diners (which unsurprisingly, we didn't find) - we were pleased to be met with a smile by the restaurant's waiting staff. Whereas those in the bar had ignored us completely, we were greeted warmly and efficiently informed of the rules of our deal by the server assigned to our table-for-two. We were seated in a prime location for people-watching; the panoramic views of Bristol's centre proving the clear USP of this establishment whilst, crisp lines and a maroon colour-scheme seemed to lend to the space a sophisticated air. That said, familiar attributes synonymous with a hotel culture well and truly boxed Filini within the bland camp; take the 'easy listening' soundtrack for example, or the artificial foliage at every turn - hence, nothing too offensive but all a little predictable!

Antipasti wasn't nasty...

A staple Student Special?!

Our 'house' vino arrived and I have to say that I was pretty impressed with the rosé which was deliciously fruity and rich on the palate. I'm assuming that this was the Conto Vecchio Pinot Grigio Blush given that it's the only rosé that can be purchased by the glass; nevertheless, it appropriately complimented our starters which we assembled ourselves from a buffet of antipasti. If I'm honest, I wasn't expecting brunch to be a 'self-service' affair and yet, you could say that this was just another of those aforementioned hotel-habits that I really should have anticipated! You can't really go wrong with cold meats, olives, grilled vegetables and salad; all of which were fresh and plentiful. A lively ensemble of breads and oils constituted a tasty accompaniment to both first and second courses; the flat bread seasoned with salt and rosemary proving a particular favourite for me. On to the mains and let's first discuss the two primary issues with help-yourself hotel dining...Number one; food items left to rest upon hot plates are partial to dryness and number two; dishes made 'en masse' are typically of a lesser quality than those executed on an individual basis, (true story). As a result, I would describe the dishes comprising the main event as a little hit and miss - the haddock, served with an orange reduction and seasoned with fennel and black pepper was arguably the star of the show given its melt-in the mouth appeal and delicate balance of flavours. My dining companion preferred the chicken which had been roasted with lemon, thyme and artichoke and we both enjoyed the seasonal green vegetables (though these ran out rather quickly) and spring pea and ricotta risotto; the latter's creamy consistency just about making up for its questionable appearance! And on that note, that is where the positives end; although the chicken was tasty, it was extremely salty, a failing also true of the rosemary roasted potatoes that were in fact so salty, they were decidedly inedible! The 'Penne Pasta Bolognaise' proved disappointingly banal and the sausages were anaemic to the eye and although they just about passed in terms of taste, could have definitely benefited from a good deal longer in the oven.

Sponsored by Sodium?!

Desserts didn't fare especially well either - the Tiramisu, if you can describe it as such, was probably the worst attempt I've ever encountered due to the distinct lack of coffee (well, and booze if you're going to do it properly)  It was basically an over-frothed mass of synthetic cream and flabby sponge with a hint of something syrupy-sweet that if truth be told, remained unidentified. Luckily, the lemon mousse was quite the opposite with its fresh citrus zing and smooth disposition. The bite-sized brownies were a touch dry but the mini cheesecakes were simple yet appetising – I think I managed at least four! I washed pudding down with a cappuccino which, despite being well-made, almost certainly contained full-fat milk rather than the skimmed variation that Id asked for.

In conclusion, a real mixed bag in terms of the fare which was spot-on in places and seriously lacking in others. My dining companion and I overheard our neighbours rather openly discussing their (similar) sentiments which does seem a shame given the hotel's decision to showcase their restaurant using Groupon as a means to getting bums on seats. In other words, they are sharing these shortcomings with a multitude of people who have dined at a subsidised rate and as such, may be reluctant to return at full price, (which amazingly, comes in at over £20 a head). Incidentally, they may not also be so diplomatic in their response. I mean, I took awhile to peruse the dinner menu, considering the notion that when made to order, dishes could be executed to a better standard and attractively plated, particularly in light of the ingredients which have, without doubt, been thoughtfully sourced. I did wince at the £11 price tag for a Pizza Margherita however but for now, my judgement beyond the botch-up with brunch remains undetermined so, until then...

And now for the second opinion...
My dining companion gave Filini a rating of 6/10 and drew from her experience the following three words; 'salt, salt, salt!' I mean really...we were re-hydrating for the rest of the day!

References:
* http://www.groupon.co.uk/vouchers/bristol
*http://www.filinirestaurant.com/restaurantbristol

The Ashton, Bristol

Formally the Dovecote – a Vintage Inn destroyed by fire in June 2014 – The Ashton officially opened on 3 April 2015 with a fresh, seasonally-inspired menu and high-spec refit... Invited to attend before the onslaught of the general public, my dining companions and I were treated to a comprehensive tour of the facilities before sitting down to the fantastic dinner that ensued…

Date and Time: Tuesday 31 March 2015, 19:30

Name of Establishment: The Ashton

Location: Ashton Road, Bristol

Reason for Visit: A complimentary two-course menu tasting, (otherwise known as an offer I couldn’t refuse!)

Upon stepping into The Ashton, it becomes apparent how much thought has gone into its new lease of life as a ‘concept establishment’ whereby a country-club style ambiance is the culmination of rustic wooden furniture, tasteful minimalism, roaring feature fireplaces and creamy-coloured décor. Our party were ushered towards the first floor function rooms; sinking into plush carpets whilst exploring the potential for private dining and corporate meet-ups. Although large tables and throne-sized seating may well limit the capacity of each room, we thought that this would not necessarily lessen their appeal given that the upstairs space is available to hire free of charge, (not to mention if a little manoeuvring could take place!) At our table, we sipped at our chosen beverages, selecting from a broad range of wines, beers and cocktails; our server directing me towards a Romanian Sauvignon Blanc which, as promised, was suitably refreshing; leaving a lemon-lime acidity on the palate. We nibbled at toasted chickpeas and edamame which had mysteriously lost their crunch – the rustic bread faring rather better; served alongside plump green ‘Nocellara’ olives, dukkah and a rich-tasting olive oil.

Crusted Brie

Our starters included the deep-fried crusted brie, served with apricot and cumin dipping chutney (£5.95) and the scallops of the day (£9.95) - the latter coupled with chorizo and jewelled with a vibrant pea purée. Although these were highly commended (and beautifully presented), we were collectively critical of the Portobello mushroom and truffle parfait (£5.50) which had been paired with a novel ‘beer jelly’. This established a noticeably unpleasant aroma with each mouthful and had been over-chilled; thus proving rather too ‘out there’ for its recipient who concluded that the dish was, quite simply, not to his taste.

Scallops of the Day

At this point, I should mention the service which was consistently on-point throughout the evening. Despite first-day nerves and minor teething problems, the staff we encountered were friendly and helpful; projecting a genuine sense of pride, especially in terms of the menu which proved extensive and diverse. Here, contemporary British fare is delivered with innovative twists and at times, experimental aspects which, if truth be told, were not always well-received and in my view, not entirely necessary. This leads me on to the main courses which arrived after a reasonable pause – the malted pear which accompanied the venison steak (£17.95) a perfect example of said experimentation; its obscure presence the only element of this ensemble that left its recipient cold. Others ordered the 28 day dry-aged Casterbridge rib-eye steak (£20.95) which, as per the venison, was amply executed; pink to the eye and tender to taste. Since the lamb rump (my primary selection) was unavailable, I opted for the slow-cooked pork belly (£17.95) which, although found to be a little fatty in places was oh-so-tasty – its ginger beer glaze establishing that lovely contrast between sweet and salt. In fact, beautifully juxtaposing both texture and taste, this dish constituted my top indulgences; melt-in-the-mouth scallops, creamy mash, crisp green beans and the salty scrunch of crackling – yum! That said, the addition of a Bramley apple and vanilla purée was perhaps a step too far; its fragile sweetness almost insipid and certainly not what one would expect to drizzle over what was otherwise a succulent hunk of pig!

Rib-Eye

Venison Steak

Initially unanimous in our decision to resist the dessert menu, my dining companions and I soon caved in the face of warm chocolate brownie, sticky toffee pudding and English custard tart (all £5.95) – the latter the only dish receiving criticism given its bland disposition and distinct lack of wobble, (which it's fair to say had been eagerly anticipated)!

Pudding Porn #1 : Sticky Toffee

Pudding Porn #2 : Chocolate Brownie

In conclusion,The Ashton is a comfortable, sophisticated retreat with a dynamic menu and service which suitably reflects the calibre of the space - a space which has been thoughtfully arranged in terms of its aesthetes whereby mood lighting and a subtle soundtrack (interrupted only momentarily by the fire alarm) resulted in an altogether enjoyable dining experience. As the majority of our dishes were received on a complimentary basis, the group agreed that we ordered without the usual financial limitations that might otherwise work against us. We therefore questioned whether The Ashton would typically be a venue we’d choose outside of that ‘special occasion’ remit. I mean, although it would be a fantastic location for a family celebration, anniversary dinner or a date with the wow-factor (take note guys), it’s not your average gastropub...which is fine of course depending on its intended clientèle. An affordable set menu could be the way forward here if it transpires that the top-end prices put people off. Personally, I have plans to return for Sunday lunch (based solely on the quality of the meat sampled thus far), plus for a spot of alfresco drinking given the picturesque outside space that overlooks the rolling hills of the nearby Ashton Court Estate. All we need now is a little summer sunshine to bring the latter to life…until then!

And now for the collective opinion…

Our group gave The Ashton a rating of 7/10 and in three words, suggested that those at the helm of its reinvention would be wise to, 'keep it simple'; losing those aforementioned quirks as the quality of the ingredients speak for themselves...

References:

*http://www.theashtonbristol.co.uk/

Pizza Express, Bristol Harbourside (The Express Lunch Menu)

As a household name and with approximately 400 restaurants located country-wide, the chances that you've experienced Pizza Express in at least one of its varying capacities is incredibly likely. Yet, you may not be aware of the brand-new Express Lunch menu which is currently being trialled from Monday to Friday in selected outlets. The intention is to deliver light, tasty and affordable fare within the confines of one's lunch-hour; a concept which I'm confident will appeal to the masses of nearby businesses given the multitude of office-types that dashed past the window, pre-packed sandwich in hand, whilst my lovely mum and I enjoyed a far more civilised affair. 

Date and Time: Thursday 8^th May 2014, 13:00 

Name of Establishment: Pizza Express* 

Location: Unit 1, Building 8, Harbourside, Bristol, 

Reason for Visit: An invitation to sample the 'Express Lunch' Menu 

Settling at our aforementioned table-for-two with a view, M and I noted the light, airy quality of the space. The rain, which had soaked us on route from the centre, became a distant memory in light of the friendly service and a rich, buzzy ambiance; the latter constituting the establishment's varied clientèle and the hustle and bustle emitted from its open-plan kitchen. That said, I have to mention the mix-up that occurred upon our arrival whereby it transpired that our reservation had been all but lost as the online system had crashed. I therefore had to explain the purpose of my visit – basically, that I had been invited, on a complimentary basis, to sample the Express Lunch menu in return for a comprehensive review – rather uncomfortable for those involved and not at all a case of...do you know who I am?! Awkwardness aside, our server (Kasia) was both amiable and efficient; guiding M and I towards her favourites from the menu and encouraging us to begin with drinks and olives, (not that we took a lot of convincing). You might say that, a bold Merlot (£4.35) for M and a crisp Pinot Grigio spritzer (£4.75) for yours truly wasn't particularly in keeping with the return-to-work role play we had undertaken – yet, in reality and seemingly unlike a lot of our fellow diners, we had the luxury of time given that we didn't actually have to return to a workplace – win!

On to the menu itself and options which are priced from as little as £3.45. The soups - Tomato & Basil and Roasted Butternut & Parsley - were not available during our visit and yet, coupled with the venue's signature dough (hand-rolled, slow-baked and served with garlic butter), would no doubt satisfy a smaller appetite, (though perhaps not entirely suit an afternoon with any form of one-on-one contact...hello garlic breath!) 'Romanita' pizzas and lunchtime salads have also been appropriately portioned to typify a hearty snack as opposed to a hefty nosh-up. Both M and I opted for one of the new Piadinas (£4.95); the self-proclaimed 'pick of the bunch' comprising the venue's famous dough which is baked with Gran Moravia cheese, sliced and filled with a multitude of fresh ingredients. I chose the Italian Meat Piadina which had been layered, rather liberally, with cured Finocchiona, Milano, Coppa, light mozzarella, sun-dried tomato, rocket, pesto and finally, drizzled with a good quality olive oil. The explosion of flavours which ensued proved perfectly balanced in terms of texture and taste – not to mention, absolutely delicious! M decided upon the Chicken Avocado Piadina which was as equally well-received. We also shared a portion of polenta chips (£2.35) which, sprinkled with parmesan and plated alongside a punchy honey and mustard dipping sauce, were the perfect accompaniment to our Piadinas – though personally, I'd advise against sharing if your appetite allows! 

At present, the a la carte menu is offered in addition to the Express Lunch menu which I thought may compromise the speed of delivery in terms of the dishes that we ordered but I'm pleased to say that this wasn't the case. That said, the open-plan kitchen meant that M and I could ogle at the chefs in action; the frantic duo managing the workload admirably. Though had the restaurant proved any busier, I think they may well have struggled. 

We concluded the afternoon's eating with a 'mini dessert' each to accompany our cappuccino; for me, the Double Chocolate Espresso Torta with its bitter-sweet ganache and crunchy biscuit base and for M, the home-made Chocolate Fudge Cake which, served chilled, wouldn't have necessarily been my bag but was nonetheless, exactly as billed and, I’d suggest, thoroughly enjoyed! Moreover, for an extra £2 when ordering a hot drink, these not-so bite-sized puds are fantastic value for money and an ideal way to round-up a lighter-lunch for those with a sweet tooth! 

All in all, I'd suggest that the Express Lunch menu has achieved exactly what it set out to do. Although larger appetites remain catered for as per the a la carte menu, the initial objectives have almost certainly been met via a ‘light, tasty and affordable’ assortment of dishes. Plus, although on this occasion, M and I had time on our side, we agreed that we could have easily tailored our visit to adhere to the confines of one’s working-day; altogether owing to our prompt server, the hard-work of those in the kitchen and most importantly, the appropriate simplicity of the lunchtime fare. If only I could move my office into the hubbub of the city centre from its secluded Bristol suburb in order to ditch my home-made sarnies in favour of the appetising alternatives contained within this nine-to-five-friendly menu! 

And now for the second opinion...

Mum gave the Express Lunch menu a rating of 9/10 and in three words, described the fare as, ‘perfect lunchtime cuisine’.

References:

*http://www.pizzaexpress.com/visit-a-restaurant/restaurant/bristol-harbourside/

An introduction to New Zealand wine...not a canapé, cupcake or cocktail in sight!

As you may have gathered from my lengthy absence from the social media scene, I've been otherwise AWOL - sunning myself on the other side of the world no less; swapping my beloved Bristol for a three-month 'tiki tour' of New Zealand. I felt compelled to put stylus to touchscreen in some capacity and yet, found myself deliberating over an appropriate angle to take. I mean, given the 12 week time-frame, the best part of thirty locations over two islands and the plethora of cafés, restaurants and bars visited therein, I couldn't possibly offer a review short of a novel in order to document the experiences which have constituted an altogether amazing trip. Instead, I thought I'd draw upon the pastime which became a pilgrimage of sorts and ultimately, an education in a subject which I was more than willing to learn... For, although I was well aware of what I enjoy when it comes to wine, it wasn't until a thorough exploration of New Zealand's vineyards that I really began to understand the reasons underpinning my preferences and furthermore, appreciate the blood, sweat and tears afforded to each and every bottle.

Trinity Hill, Hawkes Bay

As per the unfounded knowledge of Wikipedia, there are ten main wine-growing regions of New Zealand. Despite this, I'm going to focus on the three that featured most heavily in my adventures; incidentally, areas influential enough to increase the likelihood that you'll be able to sample some of the wines I'll mention, here in the UK.

Wither Hills, Marlborough

Marlborough (South Island): 
As 62% of the total vineyard area in the country, Marlborough is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc (affectionately referred to as simply, 'Sav' by the locals) which is abundantly produced here due to perfect conditions; hot, sunny days and cool nights which extend the grape growing period. It is vibrant and grassy by nature, a classic example being the 2013 vintage from Wither Hills which, we were informed, recently won gold at the Marlborough Wine Show. Although 'Sav' is undoubtedly the king varietal, other grapes including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay also have a place here; Framingham Estate especially wowing The Boy and I with its array of sophisticated wines which, as the first winery we visited, set the bar rather high in light of the sipping and swishing that ensued. Here too, four diverse styles of Reisling from thirty-year-old vines, produced solely in the Wairau Valley and embodying the vineyard's Germanic fashion; the F-Series old vine 2012 Reisling proving to be my particular favourite which, delivered in an old world style, undoubtedly hit the mark in terms of its texture and complexity. It was here too that we discovered how many doctors and scientists steer their careers towards winemaking; the brains behind Forrest wines for example (doctors, John and Brigid Forrest) claiming that 'grape growing...is an exacting science' - the punchy aromatic whites and powerfully scented reds that we enjoyed at their site seeming to support this. Moving on and if it's bubbles you're after, you can't go far wrong with No1 Family Estate; their Methode Traditionelle sparkling wines simply bursting on the palate with refreshing acidity and subtle fruit notes. The No1 Rosé especially which, as the first of its kind for winemaker Daniel Le Brun and made with 100% Pinot Noir, is salmon-pink to the eye and packed with teeny tiny bubbles to taste; surely making it the grown-up alternative to champers, no?!

Central Otago (South Island):

As a lesser known but by no means lesser quality wine growing area, The Boy and I found ourselves in some rather impressive Pinot Noir growing territory on our way through the mountains towards Queenstown. Responsible for just over 70% of the plantings, Pinot Noir is plentiful and delicious; rich and oh-so smooth on the palate with a lasting fruitiness which lived-on long after each mouthful. Tannins to rival that of its continental counterparts and a vibrancy owing to the unique grape-growing conditions which are the most southerly in the world as well as the highest in New Zealand (at 200-400 metres above sea level). Mt. Difficulty's 'Roaring Meg' Pinot Noir was a wonderful example of a 'drink-young' style, brimming with sweet cherry and plum flavours, yet balanced with a little oak. Also notable is the soil here which is often glacial, making for strong competitors in terms of the Reisling, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer produced here; the latter being a particular favourite of mine with its Turkish Delight essence and spicy, aromatic notes (a perfect accompaniment for Asian fare or even, I'm told, marinated pork). Central Otago is in the process of applying for a geographic indication for wine growing in the area - a formality to well and truly put it on the map and rightly so, as wineries like Peregrine with its outstanding Saddleback 2011 Pinot Gris and Chapel Estate's strawberries and cream scented rosé are really worth being aware of.

Chapel Estate, Cromwell

Hawkes Bay (North Island): 
As New Zealand's oldest wine producing area and the second largest after Marlborough, it came as no surprise that the wineries visited here were nothing less than incredible. Mission Estate was our first stop, constituting a little slice of history given that it was established back in 1851 and thus, as the oldest winery in the country, often referred to as the birthplace of New Zealand wine. Although Bordeaux blend reds are big in this region, with Syrah at top of the bill, I found the Sauvignon Blancs particularly appealing; less grassy than those sampled in Marlborough and instead, crisp, fruity and refreshing. The Gimblett Gravels play a big part in this; the stony soils from former river beds giving wineries like Unison and Trinity Hill a real edge when it comes to fresh-tasting whites which are delicately balanced and above all, dangerously drinkable! Rod McDonald's 2012 'Quarter Acre' sampled at the friendly Te Awanga Estate was a revelation, so much so that we went back for a second taste...and then a third, hic! There too, a late harvest Semillon; so beautifully coupled with blue cheese that it would have been criminal not to indulge in just that! Viognier is another popular grape here; the 2013 offering from the Black Barn vineyards standing-out amidst those of its neighbours. This winery also deepened my love-hate relationship with Chardonnay, the 2012 reserve my preference over the 2012 100% barrel fermented variety due to its subtle vanilla notes and smooth disposition. We learnt that Chardonnay is Black Barn's most awarded wine so my personal aversion to heavily oaked whites is clearly in the minority. Overall, my favourite visit in this region was to Clearview Estate whereby the winemaker himself supervised as devotees showcased his stunning range of wines, the best of which was the 'sea red'; a rich dessert wine with just enough residual sugar to adequately pair it with dark chocolate but minus the cloying sweetness of some of the other stickies we'd tasted; just divine!

Rod McDonald's 2012 'Quarter Acre'

Clearview Estate's 'Sea Red'

Lastly, I feel I should also mention Emporium*, an art deco style restaurant/bar in central Napier that allowed us to sample our new found favourites in larger quantities...just to make sure!

The oldest winery in NZ

Despite missing out on the boutique style wines of Martinborough and the Gewurztraminer-lover's dream to be found in Gisbourne, it's fair to say that it was a journey of the senses nevertheless; gifting me with experiences that will affect the way I'll drink and purchase wine in the future. Wine growing estates are certainly picturesque and this is no doubt testament to the hard work that goes into their maintenance...Brancott Estate in Renwick (Marlborough), Chapel Estate in Cromwell (Central Otago) and award-winning Craggy Range Estate in Havelock North (Hawkes Bay) were visually delicious, even before sampling the liquid gold that lay within. Not to mention the strategy behind their arrangement, the Boy and I learning how, in certain plots, vines were planted outside of the typical East to West formation, so that one side of the vine takes longer to ripen, producing two variations of the same grape. Genius!

Mission Estate

Overall and in addition to sharing the teachings of my travels, I hope that my brief insight to New Zealand wines will inspire you, the reader, to sample those available to us in the UK - for I can certainly vouch for the fact that the wine makers themselves will be chuffed that you've chosen their craftsmanship from that of their peers amidst the international market that we're so lucky to be privy to. Cheers!

References:
*www.emporiumbar.co.nz 

For further information regarding New Zealand wine, visit:
www.winesofnz.com or www.nzwine.com 

If you are interested in purchasing any of the aforementioned wines from the UK, you could try; ' Hard-to-Find Wines' at www.htfwines.co.uk

Ngatarawa Winery, picnic perfection

ASDA's 'Extra Special' Vino Collection - Winter 2013

It has to be said that being invited to sample ASDA’s ‘Extra Special’ wine collection – expertly selected for the festive season - really kick-started those ‘warm and fuzzies’; y’know, the ones so commonly affiliated with this time of year and the selflessness of giving! Thus, rounding up my nearest and dearest, I did what any aspiring wine buff would do and conducted a strategic series of high-brow tastings whereby the four red and two white wines I had been given were proficiently analysed …Not really; my friends, family and I had a great deal of fun; sipping, slurping and swishing our way through all six bottles, mopping up the alcohol content with a grotesque amount of cheese but most importantly, identifying several favourites that would no doubt see us through to the New Year...

White wine Tasting Panel: The Girls
‘Extra Special’ Fiano 2012 (Italian wine, 13%)
Reminiscent of 'a woodland walk on a crisp day', this was described as rustic and flavoursome; channelling notes of passion fruit, lemon and ripe apple. It's fresh finish heightened its appeal; making for an easily-drinkable wine. Delicious. 4/5

‘Extra Special’ Pinot Grigio 2012 (Italian wine, 12.5%)
With an undeniably acidic quality and tart apple aroma, this was quite a contrast to the oh-so-smooth Fiano. Yet, we agreed that whereas the delicate nature of the Fiano would be lost somewhat alongside a hearty dinner, the Pinot would cut through it, slapping you in the face with its almost abrasive twang Not a favourite. 1/5

Red wine Tasting Panel: The Parentals
Extra Special’ Nero d’Avola 2011 (Sicilian wine, 13%)
A pleasant red with rich, fruity aromas and ripened cherry notes. Establishing a rather dry after-taste which suitably contrasted the initial cheekiness which could have been mistaken for a shallow disposition which simply wasn’t the case – lovely! 4/5

‘Extra Special’ Cotes Du Rhone 2012 (French wine, 13%)
Is ‘mellow’ another word for bland? Perhaps so given that this particular tipple wasn’t especially well-received; it’s palatable peppery undertones proving its only redeeming feature. A ‘typical French plonk’ mused Dad with Mum adding, rather diplomatically, that it simply did not live up to its ‘Extra Special’ label. A shame… 2/5

‘Extra Special’ Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (13.5%)
I've got a real thing for Chilean reds and this certainly didn't disappoint with admirable depth to its berry hues and an almost chocolaty after-taste, (trust me on this one)...Curious. 4.5/5

‘Extra Special’ Old Vines Garnacha, Syrah 2011 (Spanish wine, 14%)
Inadvertently, we saved the best for last…unusually unanimous in our decision that this was by far, our favourite! Full-bodied with a decadently, fruity bouquet, this was a fantastically balanced wine which we considered a suitable accompaniment to all nature of cuisine yet palatable enough to drink on its own – the latter proving all too tempting for Dad who finished off the bottle! Wine with the wow-factor! 5/5

When you stop asking yourself whether I'm actually an alcoholic (I'm not, I was just very thirsty), you'll no doubt check out ASDA's 'Extra Special' wine range for yourself. Currently priced from just £5 a bottle, there are some absolute corkers which are perfect for the upcoming festivities. Furthermore, as 'Extra Special' denotes the partnership that ASDA have with Leith's School of Food and Wine, you know that you're in good hands – go on, get the party started...cheers!

References:
Website: www.asda.com
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