I’ve tried a few Chilean Carmenères now, and there is an emerging theme. If I could can the essence of a real wood and coal fire pumping smoke out of an English country chimney in 1974…..it’s a vivid memory jogger!
Do you remember my epic conquest of the Bridgewater Canal in Manchester? My flag at the “summit”, otherwise known as the King’s Ransom in Sale, was a glass of 2006 Casillero del Diablo Carmenère (some say Carménère – in fact a Wikipedia “discussion” has broken out – ooooooh my!).
Software and wine should never be mixed, unless you happen to run a software company and you like wine. Or someone named after a manure breeze block launches a wine that happens to emulate a content delivery software company. In this world of legal battles between Apple and the Beatles, who will sue who?
But if you write software, the chances of cutting some quality code when pissed are about as good as enjoying a soirée recital of Vogon poetry.
The map looked interesting. Leaving central Manchester on the towpath of the Bridgewater Canal, we would simply walk to Sale, a brief stroll of about 5 or 6 miles. Surely there would be friendly pubs at every bridge? No. Surely it would be an interesting walk through historic architecture and Manchester’s trading history? No. Well, perhaps a decent stroll along a pretty canal path? Thrice no.
Fortunately the walk ended at a quality pub in Sale. The tramstop is right opposite the pub. Can you guess how we got back to town?
Life is a box of chocolates according to Forrest Gump’s mama, which probably suits my moody temperament. My current mood in respect of grapes is, as ever, two faced. One old school tie, one new kid on the block (to me anyway). I am currently on a virtual world tour of Pinot Noirs which I described as the Brigitte Bardot of grapes. The other varietal that has piqued my interest recently is Carmenère, which is the James Dean of grapes. A rebel without a cause that lives on the edge, smokes a lot, and whilst externally attractive, lacks substance. Scratch under the surface, and often you will simply find more surface.
Virgin is a brand I associate with innocence, inexperience and ineptitude. Only joking. It’s more about customer service, keen price and reasonable quality. Except for Virgin Rail of course. Those of you to have had the misfortune of travelling from Manchester to London on the Virgin service have my sympathy.
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