From the scrapbook

Thought I'd transfer stuff from my scrapbook(s) to the blog- starting with the new white wine I discovered- Timorasso.

Originating in the hills of Tortona in Piedmont in Italy, and only recently imported into England, timorasso is a local, fresh acidic white wine that can be aged for 10 years or more. It is supposed to taste of peaches, hazelnuts and mountain herbs, unpolished, with a bit of a bitter note at its' heart. Goes well with rustic mountainfare-cheesy dishes and risottos rather than delicate seafood or fish.

Possible to visit and stay at Locanda Canevari (00 39 131 80589, http://www.locandacanaveri.it/) for £70 pp, B&B. Possible to buy direct from Walter Massa-one of the original timorasso grape growers (0131 80302).

Easier still, buy from the comfort of the armchair- as I did for the wife's birthday, from the very welcoming gentleman at Secret Cellars (01892 537981). Or try Wine array (01423 323337) or Winetraders (01993 848777)

Now I'm also hearing of Oloroso. A dry fortified wine from the hills of Andalucia (fave part of the world number 6). Try Williams & Humbert Dry Oloroso- with lots of orange & fruit, or Lustau Dry Oloroso- both available from your local independent wine shop.

Cheers.

Glamping

Fascinated by this whole new glamping concept.

Not being one for camping- sleeping in a windswept tent -on a campsite in full view of lots of other families, with minimal personal facilities- a cold shower if you're lucky- and paying several hundred pounds for the privilege. But this glamping lark has potential.

All mod cons and the excitement of the great outdoors- and looking for "Gruffalo" in the bushes with the kiddies.

So here are a few choice glamping sites for reference;

1. Hoopoe Yurt Hotel, Andalucia, Spain- luxury yurts with massage and yoga to boot, private bathrooms and set in a private meadow. Great for that romantic week-end. 130/night for two.

http://www.yurthotel.com/.

2. Canvas Moon, Tabua, Portugal. Serious luxury in a 5 metre bell-tent. 200/night for 2.

http://www.canvas-moon.com/.

3. Luxury tented cottages, set in idyllic 200acre woods in the Scrayham area of North Yorks.
Great for children with rope swings, tree houses and wildlife- well the odd badger and hare-
555 pounds for six for a week.

http://www.jollydaysluxurycamping.co.uk/

4. Wallett's Court. Hotel in Kent where you camp in the Hotel grounds. All the hotel facilities- full spa, restaurant- yum-yum and your own 5 metre tepee. Use the gym if you must. Breakfast thrown in. All for the princely sum of 49.50 pounds per person per night.

http://www.wallettscourthotelspa.com/

So there you are- glamping options to go. But then again, there is always Butlins!


Dee.

What the South Africans really think...

Heard on the Grapevine from South Africa


"Sometimes in football you have to score goals."

-Thierry Henry


Some Classics Coming Out Of The World Cup:



Oxo are introducing a new white Oxo cube with a red cross in support of the England team. It's called the Laughing Stock


Apparently England are changing the 3 lions on the shirt to 3 tampons. A spokesman for the FA said this is to represent the worst period they have ever had.


So an angry fan managed to get into the England changing room after last nights game. Apparently Robert Green tried to grab the man but missed.


All these Rob Green jokes are getting out of hand. In fact, they're crossing the line.


The England team went to visit an orphanage in South Africa this morning ? “it is so good to put a smile on the faces of people with no hope, constant struggling and facing the impossible?” said Sipho Umboto aged 6


I'm going to be bold here, and suggest we play Heskey at left back.............left back at Heathrow Airport!!!!





















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