28 January 2010

WHAT I'M DRINKING THIS SUMMER

My favourite summer drink has been riesling this year. After golf, as an aperitif, with light and slightly spicy foods, or to simply sip for no other reason than it's great weather and there's lots ot celebrate; my first choice is riesling. We bought a case of the wonderfully aromatic Pegasus Bay Riesling 2007 and that has slowly been whittled down. But showing steely strength I made sure a few bottles have been hidden away as riesling is a great keeper too. My other love has been Muddy Water Riesling, which is grown in the Waipara region north of Christchurch, not far from the Pegasus Bay winery. I can't make my mind up whether I prefer Muddy Water's James Hardwick riesling which is elegant and limey, or their Lough Vineyard riesling which is concentrated and moderately sweet. The nicest thing about riesling is that it as just as lovely with food as it is sipped as an aperitif. Long may the summer drinking last!