Cooking with Wine: A British Culinary Tradition

Cooking with wine is an age-old tradition that adds depth, richness, and complexity to dishes. 

In British cuisine, wine is often used to enhance sauces, marinades, and braises, transforming simple ingredients into gourmet meals. 

Whether you're a novice cook or an experienced chef, learning to cook with wine can elevate your culinary skills. 

Let's explore how to use wine in cooking and discover some classic British dishes where wine plays a starring role.

The Basics of Cooking with Wine

Wine is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen, capable of both enhancing and complementing the flavours of a dish. Here are some fundamental ways to incorporate wine into your cooking:

Deglazing: After sautéing meat or vegetables, you can add wine to the pan to lift the caramelised bits stuck to the bottom. This process, known as deglazing, creates a rich, flavourful base for sauces.

Marinades: Wine can be used in marinades to tenderise and infuse meats with flavour. The acidity in wine helps to break down proteins, resulting in a more tender and juicy dish.

Braising and Stewing: Slow-cooking meats in wine adds depth and complexity. The alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind a concentrated flavour.

Sauces and Reductions: Wine can be reduced to create concentrated sauces, perfect for pairing with meats, fish, or pasta. White wine works well with lighter dishes, while red wine is best for richer, heartier meals.

Choosing the Right Wine

Selecting the right wine for cooking is crucial. Here’s a guide to help you choose:

White Wine: Typically used in lighter dishes, such as chicken, fish, and seafood. A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal for most recipes, providing a crisp, clean flavour without overpowering the other ingredients.

Red Wine: Best suited for robust dishes like stews, braises, and red meat. Varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz add depth and richness, complementing the strong flavours of these dishes.

Fortified Wines: Sherry, Madeira, and Port are excellent for adding complexity to sauces and desserts. They are sweeter and more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.

Cooking Wine vs. Drinking Wine: Always cook with a wine you'd be happy to drink. The quality of the wine will impact the final flavour of the dish.

Classic British Dishes with Wine

Coq au Vin: A classic French dish embraced by British cooks, Coq au Vin features chicken slow-cooked in red wine, with mushrooms, onions, and bacon. The wine adds richness and depth, making this a perfect dish for a hearty meal.

Beef Bourguignon: This dish is a favourite in British kitchens, featuring tender beef braised in red wine with garlic, onions, and mushrooms. The wine imparts a deep, robust flavour, making it a perfect dish for cold evenings.

Fish Pie with White Wine Sauce: A comforting British classic, fish pie is often made with a creamy white wine sauce. The wine adds a subtle acidity and depth to the sauce, enhancing the flavours of the fish and seafood.

Pears Poached in Red Wine: For a delightful dessert, try poaching pears in red wine with sugar and spices. The wine infuses the pears with a rich, fruity flavour, creating a sophisticated and elegant dessert.

Tips for Cooking with Wine

Use Moderation: A little wine goes a long way. Too much can overwhelm the dish and impart a harsh, alcoholic taste.

Cook Out the Alcohol: Simmer the wine to cook off the alcohol, leaving behind the flavour without the harshness.

Pair with Complementary Ingredients: Think about the flavours in the wine and how they complement the ingredients in your dish. For example, a white wine with citrus notes pairs well with seafood, while a robust red wine complements red meat and game.

Experiment and Enjoy

Cooking with wine is an exciting way to explore new flavours and elevate your dishes. Whether you're making a rich stew, a delicate sauce, or a sophisticated dessert, wine can add a unique twist to your cooking. So, next time you're preparing a meal, consider reaching for a bottle of wine—not just for sipping, but for adding a touch of elegance and complexity to your dishes.

Cheers to delicious meals and culinary adventures!

And remember: You can use homemade wine in your cooking.

The Best Wines to Drink During Summer: A Refreshing Guide

As the sun graces us with longer days and warmer temperatures, there's nothing quite like a refreshing glass of wine to enhance those balmy summer evenings. 

Whether you're planning a garden party, a picnic in the park, or a quiet evening on the patio, the right wine can elevate your experience. 

Here's a guide to some of the best wines to enjoy during the summer months.

1. Crisp Whites: Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a quintessential summer wine. Known for its bright acidity and refreshing crispness, it's perfect for those hot days when you need something to cool you down. Look for notes of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruits. New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs are particularly renowned for their vibrant flavours and aromatic profiles, making them a fantastic choice for summer sipping.

Pairing Suggestions: Grilled fish, goat cheese salads, and light appetisers.

2. Elegant Rosés: Provence Rosé

No summer wine list would be complete without a nod to rosé. Provence rosé, with its pale pink hue and delicate flavour, is the epitome of summer elegance. These wines typically offer a delightful balance of fresh red fruit, citrus, and floral notes. They're light, versatile, and perfect for almost any occasion.

Pairing Suggestions: Mediterranean dishes, seafood, and fresh salads.

3. Zesty Whites: Albariño

Albariño, a gem from Spain's Rías Baixas region, is a superb summer wine. It’s known for its high acidity, zesty citrus flavours, and subtle hints of stone fruits and minerals. Albariño's crisp and clean profile makes it incredibly refreshing, particularly on a hot day.

Pairing Suggestions: Shellfish, sushi, and light tapas.

4. Refreshing Reds: Beaujolais

While red wines are often associated with cooler weather, certain reds are perfect for summer. Beaujolais, particularly Beaujolais Nouveau, is light, fruity, and best served slightly chilled. This wine, made from the Gamay grape, is known for its vibrant red fruit flavours and low tannins, making it a refreshing choice for summer.

Pairing Suggestions: Charcuterie, grilled vegetables, and barbecued chicken.

5. Sparkling Wines: Prosecco

Sparkling wines are a fantastic way to add a touch of celebration to your summer gatherings. Prosecco, with its light body, fruity flavours, and fine bubbles, is an excellent choice. It’s generally more affordable than Champagne but still provides that sense of festivity. Serve it chilled to enjoy its crisp, refreshing qualities.

Pairing Suggestions: Fresh fruit, light appetisers, and summer desserts.

6. Aromatic Whites: Riesling

Riesling is another versatile wine that shines in the summer. Its balance of sweetness and acidity, along with its aromatic profile, makes it incredibly refreshing. Look for dry or off-dry versions for the best summer experience, with flavours ranging from green apple and citrus to peach and apricot.

Pairing Suggestions: Spicy Asian dishes, pork, and summer fruits.

Tips for Serving Wine in Summer

Chill Wisely: While it’s common to serve white and rosé wines chilled, consider lightly chilling some red wines like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir for a refreshing twist.

Proper Glassware: Use glasses designed to enhance the wine's aromas and flavours. For example, a wider bowl for reds and a narrower one for whites.

Keep it Cool: If you're hosting an outdoor event, keep a bucket of ice water nearby to maintain the optimal serving temperature of your wines.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wine for summer is all about finding those light, refreshing, and vibrant flavours that complement the season's activities and cuisine. Whether you prefer a crisp white, an elegant rosé, or even a chilled red, there's a perfect summer wine out there waiting for you. So, pour yourself a glass, sit back, and enjoy the warmth of the season with your favourite summer sips. Cheers!

Celebrating English Wine Week: June 15 to 23

As the days grow longer and the sun graces our landscapes with its golden warmth, there’s no better time to raise a glass and toast to one of the most delightful and burgeoning industries in the UK: English wine. 

English Wine Week, celebrated from June 15 to 23, is a splendid occasion to explore and appreciate the incredible wines produced right here on our doorstep.

A Rich History and Promising Future

The history of English wine dates back to Roman times, but it’s in recent decades that our vineyards have truly flourished, garnering international acclaim. 

The chalky soils and temperate climate of regions such as Sussex, Kent, and Hampshire have proven ideal for viticulture, producing grapes of exceptional quality. English sparkling wines, in particular, have been lauded for their finesse and are often compared favourably with those from the Champagne region of France.

Events and Activities

English Wine Week offers a fantastic array of events and activities for both seasoned connoisseurs and curious newcomers. Vineyards across the country open their doors for tours and tastings, allowing visitors to learn about the winemaking process firsthand. Many offer guided walks through the vineyards, where you can see the vines in full bloom and perhaps even participate in a bit of grape pruning or harvesting.

Top Vineyards to Visit

1. Nyetimber, West Sussex: Known for its world-class sparkling wines, Nyetimber offers an exquisite tour that includes a visit to their 16th-century manor house and a tasting of their award-winning wines. https://nyetimber.com

2. Chapel Down, Kent: One of the UK’s most famous vineyards, Chapel Down offers a comprehensive tour that covers everything from grape to glass, ending with a tasting session in their elegant tasting room. https://chapeldown.com

3. Gusbourne, Kent: Renowned for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, Gusbourne’s tour is an intimate experience that delves deep into the details of their winemaking philosophy. https://www.gusbourne.com

Supporting Local Winemakers

By choosing to celebrate English Wine Week, you are not only enjoying some of the finest wines available but also supporting local farmers and winemakers. The industry contributes significantly to the rural economy, providing jobs and sustaining traditional farming communities.

There are other English winemakers. Just Google English winemakers to check out what winemakers are near to you.

Pairing English Wine with Food

English wines are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. The crisp acidity and complex flavours of English sparkling wines make them perfect companions for seafood, particularly oysters and smoked salmon. Still whites like Bacchus and Chardonnay pair wonderfully with chicken dishes and creamy cheeses, while English reds, often made from Pinot Noir, complement roast lamb and mushroom-based dishes beautifully.

Conclusion

English Wine Week is a celebration of our country’s vinous achievements and a testament to the passion and dedication of our winemakers. Whether you’re visiting a vineyard, attending a tasting event, or simply enjoying a bottle at home, take a moment to savour the unique character and quality of English wine. Cheers to a week of discovery, enjoyment, and, of course, excellent wine!

Poor summer brings about increased red wine sales, reports Waitrose

The old saying "It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good" seems to be holding true regarding wine sales, according to figures released from Waitrose.

Because the washout summer has made red wines the drink of choice, as sales soar for numerous countries including France and Chile.

A cold, crisp glass of white wine or rosé is normally a summer staple but as we experienced the sixth wettest July on record, red wine and a cosy night in seem farm more appropriate, with the biggest increases seen in classic French fine red wine, especially with Burgundy leading the way (163%) and Chilean fine red wine, too.

Over the last month we saw temperatures of 14.9 degrees and this dip in temperature is reflected in customers drinking habits with red wine from all regions seeing an increase in sales in the past month.

 In comparison, in July 2022, temperatures soared as high as 40 degrees with searches for rosé wine and white wine up 30% and 47% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time this year. 

Jamie Matthewson, who is the Wine Buying Manager at Waitrose, said: “Our customers usually love a chilled glass of rosé in the summer and who can blame them? It’s a shame it's not had its moment in the sun this year but it has been great for red wine, whether you want to enjoy a chilled summer red, or really want to hunker down and enjoy a Malbec or a Merlot. Personally, I love a glass of red whatever the season!”

He went on to say: "Our customers are prepared just in case the sun decides to make an appearance, opting for red wine that can also be chilled with sales of Santa Tresa Frappato up 86% year on year. 

"An elegant Sicilian red, which is full of delicious summer fruit flavours and can be enjoyed slightly chilled, perhaps served with grilled tuna. 

"Cocktails are also on the menu with searches for the red wine based summer cocktail Sangria up 47% compared to the same time last year on Waitrose.com.

For those who prefer a spirit as a tipple the preference has been more for a warming autumnal drink, with sales of spiced rum, single malts and cognac are up. Old fashioned season has also come early with recipe searches for the classic cocktail up 292% on Waitrose.com compared to the same time last year.

Argentina Fine Red Wine +90%

Australia Red Wine +24%

Australia Fine Red Wine +19%

Bag In Box Red +23.4%

Burgundy Red wine +163%

Chile Fine Red Wine +206%

Germany Fine Red Wine +68%

Germany Red Wine +56%

Italian Red Wine +29%

Loire Red Wine +30%

France Fine Red Wine +270%

Rhone +30%

South African Fine Red Wine 68%

Spain Red Wine + 45.4%

USA Fine Red Wine +73%

Until today, Tuesday 29th August, Waitrose is offering 25% off all wine and Champagne priced between £5 and £100, when purchasing any six or more bottles. The offer is available when shopping in branch, on Waitrosecellar.com, or online at Waitrose.com with a grocery delivery.

When taking advantage of the 25% offer on Waitrosecellar.com, customers are able to mix their own case with their favourite wines and Champagnes. With over 1000 wines to choose from on the Waitrose Cellar website, it’s the perfect time to stock up. Cases can include six or more bottles of the same trusty favourite, or a mixed selection of something new - creating your own bespoke case of wine has never been easier.

Good with Christmas and the New Year, Sauvignon Blanc

This delicious white wine, Sauvignon Blanc, is a wine of the Western Cape of South Africa.

It is a modern wine which although proud of its long heritage is youthful and modern enough to wear its screw cap with a certain  amount of innocent pride.

Yes, it is clearly a good Sauvignon white wine, but there's a little more, too. When you drink it there are clear, fruity tones, there are hints of apple but these are enhanced by a rich top note of pears, too. Is there also, perhaps, a subtle blend of the flavours of some fruits of the forest, there, as well? Perhaps there are.

This wine deserves to be served chilled and you will find it goes well with any food at Christmas or the New Year, though I believe it is especially good with Christmas pudding and Christmas cake, Stollen and mince pies.

In fact, moving on into the summer months, this wine will make a fine addition to any al fresco dining that you have planned.

It makes a good first wine for the diner who is new to wine drinking. The wine is also produced using environmentally aware methods, so is a green wine, as well as a white one!

Thr ABV is 13% (so should be treated with respect) and should cost about the £8.00 mark and is available through Tesco stores. It is imported into the UK by Thierry's Wine  Services. For more details and to check on availability outside the UK, visit www.sauvignon.com.

The Blue Nun Sparkling Gold ... For Life’s Golden Moments

It may be a little early for some, but the party season is just around the corner and that means plenty of sparkle and a glass or two of fizz! (EDITOR: Never too early for a bit of fizz!)

 

For all those celebrations and family get togethers, Blue Nun has released a new sparkling Gold Edition white wine, complete with distinctive fine flecks of delicate 22 carat gold leaf!

Designed with all the glitz and glamour of the party season in mind, the iconic brand, owned by Langguth Wines in Germany, has used their passion, heritage and expertise to create a delicate, subtle quality sparkling white wine with a lovely light fruitiness (alc 11.00%). 

Blue Nun has crafted the Gold Edition with a full, rounded flavour, this light and elegant style wine has the exciting addition of gold flecks to highlight the natural effervescence of sparkling white wine.

The Gold Edition is ideal as an aperitif or to accompany light bites and hors d’oevres so it’s well suited for the party season, special occasions, celebrations or just for fun!

Blue Nun Sparkling Gold Edition is priced at £6.99 per 75cl bottle and is available to buy on-line from www.drinks2home.co.uk. or   www.drinksdirect.co.uk

The Blue Nun Sparkling will also be available to buy at the BBC Good Food Show at the NEC Birmingham which runs from 23-27^th November 2011, stand number U70.

(EDITOR: OK, some will say this is a gimmick.  All my wife and I know is that when we gently (VERY gently!) inverted the bottle and put it upright again, the flecks of genuine gold danced and shimmered in the light from our Christmas candles as they slowly fluttered down to the bottom of the bottle.

As for the taste? Absolutely gorgeous. It is not too dry, nor is it too sweet, it has a fruity and pleasing taste and it has just the right amount of bubbles. It is one of the nicest sparkling white wines of any type that we have ever tried. Getting some in for Christmas? At £6.99 a bottle? I should think so!)