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Montevideo madness

7/2/2016

 
Our "virtual" dates where we travel the world without leaving the Royal Borough have led us to some fun food and drink experiences.
Wen Montivedeo showed up as this week's destination, based on randomly selected map coordinates,  I looked forward to Tannat and Steak.
Further research revealed that the Uruguayan national dish, however, is not just steak. It's a steak sandwich, "chivito" (little goat), which costs as much to make at home as anything I've eaten this year.

Soft bread rolls, fillet steak, roasted garlic mayo, bacon, ham (yes really, both), cheese, olives, tomato and several other options). That's a sandwich to eat with a knife and fork.
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My somewhat out of focus Chivito
Uruguay has around 3.3 million residents of which around a half live in Montevideo. It seems like Chivito shops are prevalent, so we had to try it.

To get into the spirit, we watched a YouTube documentary in Spanish and a few other clips to give us a flavour of the region.  There is an emphasis on tango,  with perhaps the most famous tango tune being written here. While across the Rio Plata in Buenos Aires they claim tango for their own, the Uruguayans would argue that the culture and history is just as strong in their capital.
PictureCisplatino Pisano Tannat from Marks and Spencer 13% abv £9
Tannat is one of the most prominent grapes in Uruguay, where it is considered the national grape. It's probably the easiest to come buy Uruguayan wine in the UK.  Marks and Spencer to the rescue again, the £9 a bottle Pisano Cisplatino 2014 was our drink of choice to accompany the world's most epic sandwich. 

Mr Purple Teeth was immediately engrossed in his chivito.  He looked up occasionally to say "big", "bold", "lovely" and "my kind of wine" in-between ramming mouthfuls of mammoth proportions into his gob. This was not a delicate wine, nor was it a delicate meal.  Nevertheless, the partnership worked well, and while it wouldn't be my preference for a Saturday night, the combination was really fun.
​

PicturePisano Cisplatino Tannat £9 13% abv from Marks and Spencer
For me, this not especially complex wine matched the complex variety of flavours in my huge sandwich.

Fried egg, green olives, tomatoes, and Brie de Meaux (which I substituted for the suggested Mozzarella) are not the most obvious partners for red wine.

Despite this, the addition of perfectly cooked (if I say so myself) fillet steak topped with ham and bacon and all wrapped in soft bread, somehow it worked.

Juicy ripe fruit flavours of plum and blackberry mingled with powerful yet round tannins. There is a spicy note and a smokiness that complimented my chargrilled meats. We may not have churrasco, but I got the pan pretty smoking.

Rating: Buy Again 

If you love chunky and hefty rustic reds, this one is worthy of a try. I've now had 2 South American Tannats in the last few months and think it is now time to seek out one from Madiran in France, where this grape originated.

Not for the faint hearted, or those with heart disease, despite the high volume of healthy reservatrol in the wine, our "trip" to Montevideo was a lot of fun.

Our next "virtual date" location is Shiraz in Iran. I reckon we may have a nice bottle of Shiraz but it won't be from Iran! Suggestions welcome.  Even M&S are going to struggle here!
Cheers!

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Perfect Partners

Laborum of Love

3/2/2016

 
Picture£16 from Perfect Friday Wine, 13% abv
I first came to this wine, El Porvenir's Laborum, in October last year, when I presented a range of South American wines for Perfect Friday Wine's annual customer tasting.
PFW and I tasted the wine briefly before the customers arrived. She was very happy with her selection, and yet, slightly concerned that she'd struggle to sell it. At £16, it's far from the cheapest Torrontes on the market.
I bet her I'd sell plenty. I've had many Torrontes in the 6 years since I first discovered this varietal on a holiday in Argentina. While I've always enjoyed them, few have seriously impressed me. This one did.
I've had expensive French Viogniers that have been less interesting and complex. She sold out of her initial consignment.
Finally, I got my hands on a bottle (her last one in stock before Christmas). Somehow, over the festive season, it was never the right time to open it.
Finally, the moment has come.

What this wine delivers
Bags of floral notes - perhaps more honeysuckle than elderflower, leap out of the glass. It's also got some nectarine, and slightly "orange Muscat" notes. There's a viscosity that gives a good weight in the mouth, and yet, good freshness on the finish.

You'll love it if...
Viognier and Gewurtztraminer feature in your fridge. It's highly aromatic, but highly different to a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. That said, some SB fans did enjoy a taste.

When to drink it
Often I'd pair Torrontes with Thai food, such as green curry. This one feels a bit too special for that and is worth enjoying on its own. Of course, you could try it with cheese and charcuterie, or pâté, or even South American dishes such as ceviche or empanadas.

Mr Purple Teeth instantly loved the nose on this wine. He remarked "icing sugar smoothness", which I established was his shorthand description of the full, silky body with a hint of sweet lemon or even orange water icing.
In short, he loved the complexity, flavour, texture and agreed that it is no ordinary Torrontes.
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Why is it so special?
Torrontes fans will know that this grape thrives on the high Argentine slopes of the Salta region. Within Salta, Cafayate is the best zone, and this wine is produced from a single vineyard there. A family producer, they've worked really hard to express the best of their region with 55 year old vines, producing a limited quantity. They've done a great job.

How do I get my hands on some?
Order for local delivery in Maidenhead, Marlow, Windsor and surrounding direct from Perfect Friday Wine.
For orders further afield, try the importers, Ruta 40.

Cheers!

    Purple Teeth

    My name's Heather and I've been enjoying wine for over 20 years. I'm the 2013 winner of the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Rhone prize for oustanding students at the advanced level.
    My mission is to share my passion for the myriad varieties of fermented grape juice, hopefully inspiring you to try something new, or to host  a Purple Teeth wine party in your own home or business.

    My blog mainly features wines you should be able to find on your local high street or online, and occasionally, I will review restaurants, travel and other forms of alcohol, since my qualification covers spirits too.  I believe it's important to enjoy the calories and the cash we spend on alcohol, and I hope my guidance can help you reduce the risk of making a bad buy.
      
    When I'm not drinking wine, you'll find me on the dance floor where West Coast Swing is my dance of choice. Socialising with the friends I've made there from all over the world has also brought me new adventures in alcohol!  And just in case you're interested, I also write a blog called Confidence Within.  You'll find it at heatherharrison.weebly.com


    Remember to enjoy wine sensibly...
    For a woman, 2-3 units per day is the recommended maximum allowance.  This equates to around one standard "pub measure" glass of wine:
    175ml of 13% alcohol wine is 2.3 units (and a scary 140 calories).  
    You'll find all the facts you need about safe, moderate drinking at the www.Drinkaware.co.uk site. 
    Purple Teeth supports safe drinking. Never drive or operate machinery after drinking alcohol.

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