This week has been chaotic. Like, properly, stupidly, chaotic. Whoever thought it was a good idea to combine school holidays with a child's bodyweight in chocolate clearly didn't think it through. Same goes for holidays and working. Not a great match, as it goes. And then there was the sick bug. Two out of three children down with it this week. Beds have been stripped on a nightly basis, usually at about 4am. But now, having wrapped presents for the Youngest's third birthday tomorrow, the house is peaceful. I'm drinking it in while it lasts.
Current white in the fridge: Zenato Villa Flora 2011, £8.54, Waitrose
If you like fresh, crisp Italian whites but might be just a little bit bored with Pinot Grigio, then this will restore your faith. Made in the Veneto region, near Lake Garda (inter-railing memories c. 1991 flood back) from Trebbiano grapes, this has got a bit more to say than most PGs. If it could, it would wear a floral tea dress and plimsols. Pretty, but without trying too hard. Needs a big bowl of crisps and a good gossip for best results.
Current red in the rack: Lascar Carmenere 2011, £5.25 as part of case, The Wine Society
This bottle was given to us by friends over Easter, presented with the usual 'oh, it's a nightmare bringing wine here, this one's probably not very good' (gee, thanks). But I suspect I did well and this came from the parents' wine stash. How do I know? Because it is from The Wine Society, a members-only wine club and a brilliant source of good value wines. Members pay a one-off £40 to join, and that's it. This Chilean Carmenere was gorgeous, tasting way more expensive than it was, but it seems to be out of stock now. I thought it still worth mentioning though, as membership of the Society makes a really good birthday/christening present.
Peace out, winos xLabels: 2011, Carmenere, Chile, Italy, Lugana, red wine, Trebbiano, Waitrose, white wine, wine society