“Schnauzers”

21 Wednesday Aug 2013

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Yes, Schnauzers! Not the dogs, but a particular type of semi or demi trouser (or are they shorts?) worn by men of a certain age, whilst on holiday!
Previously known as “Dad’s holiday trousers”, these unusual strides are neither one thing or another – forcing the wearer into indecisiveness and a state of confusion!
There was a previous upper body version in the early nineties called the “Shacket” – I will leave you to work that out – a short-lived phenomenon which should have sealed
the fate of the short/trouser or “Schnauzer”. Unfortunately, they survived in an almost Darwinian manner, despite being inferior to the trouser or the short. If you have them – ditch them!

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Wild Food

20 Tuesday Aug 2013

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I have recently become increasingly interested in eating for free! Not spongeing off others, but actively seeking out free, sustainable food sources – a la “Road Kill Chef” – or, if anyone remembers him, and his hat – “Bush Tucker Man“. I have yet to veer off road to run down unsuspecting pheasants (not peasants – that would be cannibalism) but find that the sea’s bounty is a fast and peaceful source of sustenance. I am no Robson Green or Ernest Hemingway, so go about my business with less equipment and obvious machismo. I am currently investigating fishing off an SUP – not the inflatable kind for obvious reasons!

Recipe: Boil shrimps in pan of seawater on a driftwood fire – no need to season!

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In praise of “Belle” tents

20 Tuesday Aug 2013

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It’s “Bell“, not “Belle“, but you have to admit they are beautiful! This is the ultimate bell, 5metres with a built in groundsheet, which – with an awning – takes up a considerable amount of campsite space. It’s heavy, so you will need a car to transport it – a far cry from my alpine tent, one stove, one bag travelling days but as a paterfamilias it is ideal. First off its canvas, so it doesn’t rustle in the wind, doesn’t make rainfall sound like a drumroll and doesn’t force you out at dawn due to excessive heat like a nylon tent. Admittedly its Glamping, but still a pure design, as used by scouts since the days of Baden Powell. It can handle a wood burning stove – with the correct exterior seal – enabling year round use and is a doddle to erect – ten to fifteen minutes including a cold bottle of beer.

 

A Francophile covers miles

19 Monday Aug 2013

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This is my bike, or velo – a Peugeot Velo Comfort to be exact – and I have become extremely attached to it. It is not like my normal urban ride, with a different frame set up forcing you to sit more upright with the weight on your bum – hence comfort. This is a slight misnomer, as your bum ends up taking the strain, as opposed to your legs, altering your gait at the days end! I rode this bicycle the length and breadth of the Ile de Re this summer. My favourite journey was the one to the bakery each morning to buy the daily bread. I would set off early, winding my way along the rural paths, through the fields past the horses, adjusting my cornering when startled by the cock crows. Stopping at the small village of **** next to the church, I would make my way past the market traders setting up their stalls, to the boulangerie to marvel at the bewildering array of baguettes and patisseries and order my selections in my increasingly confident new language. A rare sneaky gitane in the square near the church fortified me for the return journey, where I was greeted with the happy smiling faces of my wife and children. The smiles were for the pastries but one can dream! IMG_1785

“P” is for Pineau

19 Monday Aug 2013

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I have often wandered the high streets prior to “drink o clock” (that’s 6pm for the uninitiated), looking for good examples – or any examples – of Pineau des Charantes. So, imagine my unbridled joy at spending the summer in the Charente Maritime surrounded by the stuff! The example shown – complete with ants – is an artisan liqueur of the standard pale gold colour, although both rose’ and red varieties are increasingly common. Pineau is made by blending grape must to Cognac eau de vie, thereby arresting the fermentation by killing the live yeasts – a process known as mutage. The resulting assemblage is aged for a minimum of twelve months in cask and traditionally  released in the July following the harvest. Pineau is normally served as an aperitif, chilled from the fridge or in emergencies poured over ice. Alternatively, older varieties or Vieux Pineau – which can spend up to 5 years in cask – may be enjoyed as a digestif for those who are averse to the thick head of Cognac. A dash of it may also be blended with sparkling wine as a pousse rapier!

Anyway this leads me neatly into a story concerning regionality. Invited to friends for an early evening drink, I was surprised to be offered Picpoul de Pinet. Don’t get me wrong, I am, as ever, a fan of Picpoul but we were not in the Languedoc we were on the Ile de Re! When in Rome etc., enjoy the wines of the region you are in, share them with others and urge them to do the same. Not only does it make good financial sense (local wines are cheaper and help the regional economy)  but they are designed to accompany the cuisine of the region. They also do not taste quite the same in other regions or countries –  if you doubt me, try drinking pastis outside La belle France.IMG_1778

Right Bank, Think Tank!

11 Thursday Jul 2013

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Thinking whilst drinking is a prerequisite when tasting wine. Over – thinking however, results in the approach being too analytical and the enjoyment then diminishes. It is vital that one appreciates wine as a drink which accompanies a meal. A direct consequence of glorious gardening, micro climate, distinctive terrior, location and vintage variation, together with a minimum of sensitive and experienced handling.

It should not be seen purely as an investment, more as something to share with people who matter to you – it helps of course if they have some taste buds!

As for finding an occasion to open some bottles of good wine, abide by the words of Master Yoda “Do or do not – there is no try”


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For those who require analytical comment: The wines were both exquisite in different ways: The Pontet being the better of the two, with deep blackcurrent fruit of excellent concentration, well balanced and still showing great colour with very little rim to core variation. The tannins were ripe but with good grip, and the finish was long and made you want to rapidly refill your glass.

The Talbot showed some browning at the rim – although still on the youthful side. The nose was more restrained and not as ripely lush as the Paulliac, the predominantly blackcurrant fruit was fading slightly,  acidity was evident and the tannins and overall structure of the wine was beginning to loosen.

A Tale of Two Chenins

10 Wednesday Jul 2013

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I love Chenin Blanc! Lush, full bodied, citrus and honeyed fruit of particular intensity (especially the Savennieres), beautifully balanced by a nervy acidity and marked throughout with the intellectual muscle of minerality from its terrior. An altogether perfect summer antidote to the rafts of dubiously priced Pinot Grigios’ currently weighing down the shelves of the high street stores. Image

My Dora Story

10 Wednesday Jul 2013

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“The Time: Late September 1983. The Place: The terrace of Le Sables D’Or,Chambre d’Amour, Anglet, France. The Cast: Brian Hegarty – former All Black rugby tourist, local celebrity and centre for Biarritz Olympique. Miki Dora – maverick surfer, nomad , living legend. Yours truly. The reason: Dora and I are there for the free lunch (with wine). Brian is picking up the tab!

Brian settles himself into a chair that is slightly too small for his large frame. I am fresh out of the water, extremely excited and fit easily into the restaurant furniture as I never have quite enough to eat. Miki is taciturn, monosyllabic and probably irritated by the presence of yet another young punk surfer.

Neither Brian or I ask Miki too many surf related questions – Brian because he is already familiar with Miki (Miki used to park his large, green Mercedes van outside Brian’s house in order to hook up to his electricity) me because I am slightly in awe of the great man and do not want to appear over eager and gushing.

We turn our attention to the menu and wine list.

The wine helps the situation (a decent Banyuls Rose’), as does the glorious sunshine and beautiful 5ft waves peeling off the groins front and centre. Miki however, appears distracted and slightly rude – lacing his comments with a little too much cynicism for an optimistic young man like me.

I leave the lunch feeling let down, my meeting with an idol somewhat tarnished. I found out nearly thirty years later (from David Rensin’s admirable Biography of Dora “All for a few perfect waves“), that Miki was fresh out of federal custody and had just returned to France.

We never met again in a formal situation, but some weeks later he smiled and hailed me a rapid “Bonjour” in the car park at Les Cavaliers. 

It is the smile and the wave that stay, rather than the lunch – although I do recall that the food was good – Thanks Brian! 

Recycled Longboard

10 Wednesday Jul 2013

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After much persuasion from my children, and much dissent from my wife – “Dad you simply have to get a skateboard” “You are not”! “If you break anything when you fall” (As if falling were inevitable) – Here it is! I routinely buy skateboards for my boys, but the prerequisite here was that this board cost as little as possible. The deck is a recycled Chinese longboard, with the tail cut off – not in great condition – but beggars can’t be choosers.  The trucks are off another board, the bearings are cleaned and only the wheels and the grip tape  are new – overall cost – fourteen English pounds!ImageImageImageImage

Scrumdiddlyumtious

05 Friday Jul 2013

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The Daumas Gassac was excellent, slightly restrained nose with damsons, chocolate,pepper and spice. Lovely mouthfeel, soft and delicious with great fruit,ripe tannins,enough acidity to balance and a long finish. Unfortunately the Meursault was knackered!

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