A Quiet Moment
Ahead of the ensuing hubbub that will engulf most households over the coming week, it might be wise to put aside a few quiet moments when one can savour a good book and a strong, warming spirit to revive the senses.
Therefore, what could be better, in this self-contained moment, than reaching for a book on wine accompanied by a well-constructed tipple of something very rewarding.
A few years ago the late, and sorely missed, Steven Spurrier was having lunch with Hugh Johnson and Ben Howkins. At that lunch a new publishing venture was launched, Académie du Vin Library.
Since starting this venture, a couple of dozen books have been created, and my favourite is their 'On' Series. The first in this collection was 'On Bordeaux' that consists of 47 short chapters by different authors about life in Bordeaux. It is infinitely more entertaining and interesting than the classic reference book that would cover the climate, soil, grapes, barrels, etc. This book is effectively a collection of 'essays' that bring Bordeaux to life: paint a picture of how the trade has evolved, highlight some of the quirky characters who produce these stupendous wines, provide a perspective of how this area has become the most renowned wine region in the world.
Their 'On Champagne' book follows a very similar format. Superbly edited, it captures the essence of how this region has evolved into creating the most famous of drinks, admired the world over, and as Winston Churchill stated, ‘I could not live without Champagne. In victory I deserve it. In defeat I need it.’ Published a few months ago, it is an excellent read.
Finally, the other book that should be considered is 'The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson'. As the world's most famous wine writer, this captures the charmed and eventful life he has led. What a story it is! I was having dinner with Hugh last week and he is as bright as a button, evaluating wine with immense precision, oozing with charm.
These books are available from Amazon, circa £23-£30 per book. They also make an ideal present.
On Bordeaux || On Champagne || The Life and Wines of Hugh Johnson
Therefore, to the possible drinks that might accompany these titles?
Although the two I am proposing here might be considered to be 'stickies' that would normally be enjoyed at the end of a meal, on a cold afternoon, with rain filling the skies, a wind rustling through the window panes, and a fire generating the smell of winter, then these two hit the mark.
Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao
Readily available from good wine shops as well as online, circa £30 per bottle.
It is very tricky not to have a second glass of this encapsulatingly moreish concoction. Cointreau on steroids is probably a slightly over-the-top description as it has a character and a quality, a finesse and a desirability, that is tricky to describe. Serve slightly chilled and those long cold afternoons will have a ray of sunlight to short their paths. Based on a 19th century recipe, it is a blend of peels from Curacao oranges blended with brandy and Ferrand Cognac. Utterly delicious.
Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva Rum
Readily available from good wine shops as well as online, circa £35 per bottle. Probably on the shelf of your local Waitrose.
I started focusing on artisan rums about fifteen years ago. This is a market that has really grown over that period, with a host of superbly crafted distillations from all over the Caribbean and Central America. This one comes from Venezuela. As a point of entry into this magical world of rums, then this is an excellent starting point: a lifelong interest may be born. Rum is different to Cognac, Armagnac, or Calvados. Although when first tasted it can resemble a fine brandy, the additional sugar provides a softness and a warmth that slips down effortlessly.
Everything listed above - books and spirits - is available from Amazon for delivery before Christmas as of 1pm on Tuesday 20th December.
Enjoy The Festivities!!
