Dear SPWC Members
I really hope that you are enjoying our new circle website springparkwinecircle.org - I am sure you’ll agree, it’s really professional. From now on, all newsletters will be distributed via the website, as well as news and updates on various events so please remember to check the website regularly for the latest information.
Last Month’s Meeting
It’s always good to welcome back Debbie Peel from M and S to the wine circle and she never disappoints, does she? Her choices of wine are always very good and they are invariably affordable. I’m not usually a fan of sherry but that one she brought as the final sample of the evening was absolutely delicious, wasn’t it?
This Month’s Meeting
We’ve finally managed to nail down Maltby and Greek after a couple of false starts. Their representative, Alexandra Badoi, will be our host for what I am sure will be a very entertaining evening. Maltby and Greek are this country’s leading importers of Greek food and wine and are based in Bermondsey. Members should note that the presentation will start promptly at 7.30 pm, half an hour earlier than usual. The cellar will be open from 7 so please try to ensure you are there in time.
Wine of the Month – Maria Fadista Vinho Verde, 2023, 8.5% ABV.
Portugal currently offers some of the very best wine deals to be found and this vinho verde is no exception. At just 8.5% ABV, it’s on the light side but still packs a real punch. With an aroma of fresh citrus, lemon and lime blossom, it has a lingering flavour of stone fruit and a gentle effervescent lift. Vino Verde comes from northern Portugal and this one is produced by one of the country’s leading exponents, Jaime Quendera from his cellar at Pegoes. I rather like the label which features Maria (whoever she may be) singing fado, Portugal’s most famous music genre which defines their culture. The singing expresses the hardships of everyday life with a sense of resignation or hope. This wine is great in the lovely sunny weather we’re having at present and is ideal for barbecues. You can get it from Laithwaites for £8.99 a bottle or £7.99 under their mix six scheme.
Wine of the month – Maria Fadista Vinho Verde
Restaurant of The Month – Mount Everest Indian and Nepalese, 258 High Street Bromley, Kent BR1 1PG
I’m particularly partial to a touch of Nepalese food and this restaurant in Bromley is probably the best in the area. The restaurant has a nice ambience with friendly, helpful staff. You will find all the Indian favourites on the menu but with a distinctive Nepalese influence. If you like a hearty curry then try the Everest Special biryani featuring lamb, chicken and prawns mixed with Himalayan spices and basmati rice. For non-meat eaters, the spicy, hot paneer chilli is really good, as well as the saag dahl. As a starter, why not try the Everest special momos - homemade lamb dumplings served with tomato chutney. It’s a very popular dish in Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. Prices are very reasonable and the restaurant has a decent wine list as well as the usual favourite Indian beers available.
SPWC Walk
30 odd (!) members and guests, accompanied by our dog, Ricky, had a splendid time on our annual walk, this year from Camden Lock to Paddington Basin the weekend before last. Despite a damp start (I’m referring to the weather, not the amount of drink consumed in The Ice Wharf), the sun shone and we were able to sit outside at The Warwick Castle en route before enjoying a late lunch at Zizzi’s. A big thank you to Tracy for organising the event. Have a look at the pictures of the day on our website.
Garden Party
It looks like we’re going to have a bumper turn out for the Garden Party at the Gigneys next Sunday – August 4th. Start time is 1.30 so please don’t arrive any earlier unless you are helping on the day. Don’t forget, you should bring your own food for cooking on the barbecue, as well as crockery, cutlery and chairs and, probably most importantly, wine. Nibbles and a welcome drink will be provided on arrival, as well as bread, potatoes, salad and ice cream. Fingers crossed it looks as if the weather gods are smiling on us again so it should be a great afternoon. Many thanks to those of you who have agreed to give a hand setting up the event and, of course, to Sue and Den for opening up their lovely garden for us to use.
Mannings Heath Vineyard
Last week, Heather and I did a tour round a relatively recently established vineyards at Mannings Heath near Horsham in Sussex. We drove round the vineyard in a golf buggy and this was followed by a wine tasting – they are producing top quality sparkling wines (white and rose) from their classic champagne grapes – chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. We then enjoyed an excellent three course lunch in their restaurant. Fortunately, we were driven there and back so didn’t have to stint on the amount of wine consumed. All in all, it was a really good day out and one to be recommended.
Don’t forget the earlier start next Thursday (8th)
Hope to see you all there.
Goff
31st July 2024