Sunday 27 January 2019

January getaway

January is not the best month for UK holidays but with our son recovering from a broken arm/wrist and myself watching the Postie for a hospital letter a change of scene was needed by us all.

It's always nice to see our daughter who lives in Cardiff but we are there next month so we looked at the English side of the Bristol Channel (close enough for her to visit us) ....... and we discovered Portishead. It's an area I remember as being very industrial but this coastal fishing town has had much redevelopment including a superb marina.

Marina from our balcony patio
A first for us but not a last, our Airbnb apartment was amazing: two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a spacious lounge diner kitchen and an amazing outdoor balcony patio.

Only an hour from Cardiff meant we had a superb family day including a great Sunday lunch at The Windmill with views of the Severn Crossing, if a little misty. Sunday afternoon was spent enjoying coffee and cake on the patio wrapped in blankets - January holiday at it's best.

Our lovely daughter with her boyfriend
On Monday, after dropping our son at Avonmouth station for the Bristol train to meet a friend for the day, Hubby and I decided to drive round the countryside.

Within 10 minutes we spotted the distinctive oak leaf brown sign for a National Trust property. As most properties are closed over the winter we were surprised and delighted to discover Tyntesfield was open.

This gothic style mansion house built in the 1800s was stunning. The old farm buildings are now the National Trust shop, toilets and restaurant; the tables located in the old stables.

Coffee in the stables
Great use of the old stable block
A short walk up and down a fairly steep hill revealed this beautiful house. The main house, as with most properties, was closed for cleaning but National Trust were piloting a new idea, tours of the upper parts of the house usually unseen. We climbed narrow staircases and discovered upper corridors with servant quarters, day and night nurseries, and the nurse maids bedroom. A very different tour to the usual grand house. I'm sure we'll revisit to see the grand side of the house.

Tyntesfield - a stunning house

Great gothic style
Tuesday was the day we explored Portishead. The marina area with its lock allowing boats out to sea is a modern development filled with some very nice yatchs. A stroll up and along the headland past large houses with views across to Wales brought us to the Esplanade. Very cold and breezy on a January day but the Lido and stretch of sand would be very inviting in July or August.

Leaving the sea behind we wandered into town with its small collection of shops, many still independent. The walk home just happened to pass Majestic Wine, it would have been rude not to call in. I'm very glad we did as Hubby picked up some more bordeaux and I discovered Tarquin's Cornish Pastis - oh my goodness it is amazing.

Absolutely superb
Our short break away was just what we all needed. Portishead is a lovely place, the amazing views adding to its appeal. Our apartment was perfect, especially for our Sancerre/cheese evening. A holiday destination we will certainly be visiting again!
Sancerre with cheese - perfect supper
The Second Severn crossing 

With my two favourite chaps - thank you for a superb mini break !


Friday 11 January 2019

Aldi 19th Tasting Panel

I have been very lucky to have been chosen to review wine for Aldi in the past and again just before Christmas. These are my previous tastings and review:






The 19th tasting panel had three tastings; This Italian Sangiovese Loves ..: Organic Prosecco; and Freeman's Bay Pinot Gris
This Sangiovese loves ... 


I really enjoy Sangiovese wine, a grape variety I think is always best with food, but not necessarily a full dinner. As we had eaten out at lunch we enjoyed this red wine with savoury snacks: nuts, crisps and mini cheddar biscuits. 

It had a very inviting glistening red colour when poured and a great fruity nose. I found it full of flavour, namely cherries and dark fruits with a medium body and good finish that had just a hint of tannins. 

Although branded as a wine with food .... pizza or pasta ... I really enjoyed this with our few snacks. 

Organic Prosecco
I usually find Prosecco has large bubbles, probably due to the carbon dioxide being added in a similar way to fizzy pop, but this glass of bubbles was light and very elegant. 

We didn't have the opportunity to open it over Christmas or New Year but did enjoy it in early January with a pasta bake.

It was superb, as I mention lovely soft small bubbles a plenty filled the glass. A nose and flavour of ripe pears and light citrus, it was very clean in the mouth with a long smooth finish, very soft. 

Hubby and I enjoy many sparkling wines; my preference is French  and a dry wine rather than overly citrus. This Extra Dry Italian Organic Prosecco is definitely one I'd buy again, especially as the winery is eco-friendly using renewable energy where possible. 

Freeman's Bay Pinot Gris
The final wine of this tasting was Freeman's Bay Pinot Gris, another Italian grape I enjoy. This wine I drank chilled and on its own. 

A great pear colour in the glass with a distinctive floral nose of honeysuckle, a little sweet in its aroma which did have me wonder if I would enjoy it. 

And on tasting I did ... a flavour of pear and white fruit. It was a light wine with a short finish and I was pleased I had not paired this with an food as i feel it may have been overpowered. 

It would be a perfect, chilled, on a warm spring day in the garden with the freshness of spring and the light blossoms.

Thank you Aldi for choosing me again to review your lovely wines.