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.