We'll miss it when it's all gone, won't we?

What?  you might ask...The SNOW of course. Well I like it anyway.

Blowing one's own trumpet

Let's face it, nobody else is going to do it, so please forgive me for allowing myself a little pat on the back.

One of the producers written about by us (Serre des Vignes) got a mention on French national radio (France Inter On va déguster dated 13th January 2013).

The programme featured the new (only 2 years old) appellation Grignan-les-Adhémar of which Serres des Vignes is a member, and expressed surprise at how good the wines had turned out to be despite initial skepticism. The remark was made that the region could capture the best of both the northern and the southern Rhône, something we ourselves had found.

The particular wine mentioned by Dominique Hutin was of course the Secret de Syrah.

Forget Prosecco

If you are looking for good value fizz outside of the usual suspects Prosecco and Cava take some time to look at wines from the Loire Valley.

Here the Chenin blanc grape shows off its ability to embrace any wine style you care to mention, from bone dry to deliciously sweet.

It can do the same as regards fizz, on its own, or blended with Chardonnay or other grapes. It can range from the off-dry to the crisp and citrussy.

The bottle pictured comes from Clos de la Briderie (biodynamically farmed), and is crisp with a little yeastiness. Perfect fizz and great value for money. In France it can be bought direct from the property for less than 7 Euros. I just wish I had some left.

We toasted the New Year with it and also had it with filo pastry cheese parcels (mix of Stilton, Parmesan and mature Cheddar). Yummy.

Everyday Drinkers (8)

You may not recognise the grape variety although the fact that it comes from the Rioja will reassure you.

But go on, pick it up and put it in your trolley because it is seriously good, and only £4.99.

A Graciano single varietal. This is one of the 'other' Rioja varieties, sometimes found mixed with Tempranillo etc, but until fairly recently, never on its own. But it is making a comeback.

The Rioja people have been rediscovering some of these more obscure or neglected grapes and recognising that they are very worthwhile, and worth showcasing. This wine is no exception.

Dark looking liquid, aromas of vanilla and stewed prunes. Sour cherries to follow, some acidity but not aggressive, more the food-friendly sort. Tannins also but in reasonable abundance.

As there was a lot of turkey still hanging about we drank it with that, and it worked well.

Bodegas Barón de Ley Varietal Graciano 2009 available at a supermarket ending in ...co.