A Season of Good Taste

Thinking back to the end of last year, few of us had heard of phrases like Coronavirus, COVID and furlough. Moreover, whoever would have thought we would be living our lives by the ‘Rule of Six’. We are disappointed that we have been unable to host any events as yet. Still, through the chaos, there is opportunity. At the time of writing, the current rules for England, suggest that we can meet up with friends in our houses and so our thoughts turned to the possibility of sharing food with friends. As the nights draw in, there is an abundance of delicious food available locally and we thought it would be fun to pair wines, alongside some favourite autumn dishes.

The village shop is the first stop for a great selection of vegetables and they also stock cheese from Lyburn Farm in Winchester, and a good selection of British cheeses from the Winchester Cheese Stall. Buckinghams Artisan Butchery also has an impressive range of cheeses on their deli counter. Have you tried Blue Murder, Montagnolo or Baron Bigud? These are proving to be favourites with the wine society team. Damon and Billy are continuing to present a great selection of meats and mentioned that beef, game and venison are very popular in October.

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Aperitif

With Aioli and Crudités Chateau La Grave Minervois Rosé

Smoked Salmon Canapés Domaine J Laurens Cremant de Limoux Brut.

Vegetarian Dishes

Baked Mushrooms Les Vignerons d’Estezagues, Cotes du Rhone

Penne Napolitaine Rocca Negroamaro, Salento

Cheese Soufflé Domaine Fontanel, Côtes du Roussillon rouge

Mushroom Stroganoff False Bay Pinotage

Asparagus Risotto Apaltagua Reserva Pinot Gris

Pepper/Aubergine/Sweet Potato Bake Domaine Begude, Chardonnay, L’Etoile Limoux

Fish Dishes

Baked Cod Badenhorst Secateurs White Chenin Blanc

Baked Mackerel Aba de Trasumia, Albariño

Sea Bass with Lemon and Anchovy Creyssels Picpoul de Pinet

Clams with Cider and Cream West Meon Cider (available from the village shop).

Grilled Mussels with Thyme Consentido, Macabeo

Chicken, Poultry and Game

Roast Chicken Las Colinas del Abro, Garnatxa blanca, Terra Alta

Braised Duck Legs Chateau Beauséjour Fronsac

Tarragon Chicken Domaines des Forges, Anjou blanc L’Audace

Quail Domaine Fontanel, Côtes du Roussillon blanc

Game Grand Arc Corbières

Pork

Ribs Piekenierskloof Cinsault

Pork Tenderloin Piekenierskloof Grenache Blanc

Beef and Lamb

Beef Bourguignon Segares, Rioja Crianza

Roast Beef Chateau Barrejat Madiran

Steak Vriesenhof, Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre

Beef Casserole Great Expectations Shiraz

Lamb Chops Mas d’Amile Montpeyroux, Languedoc

Osso Bucco Carinae, Cuvée Philippe, Malbec

Desserts

Poached Plums Domaine des Forges, Coteaux du Layon St Aubin

Fig Pudding or Cheese Selection Corte Mainente, Recioto di Soave

So, I hope these ideas give some food (and wine) for thought. We’ve had fun in trying to find some interesting wines but we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Bon appetite and cheers.

Elsie