Well, I never expected to spend my 60th birthday under lock and key, that’s for sure. I had a slightly troubled youth, it’s true, with several run-ins with the rozzers during my teens — culminating in a salutary scolding at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court in August 1976 — but after a (fairly) blameless middle age, I thought that was it. I did not anticipate my current incarceration. But then nor, I imagine, did you anticipate yours.
We live in unnerving times and I don’t mean to be flippant when I say that never was wine more vital. I’m not promoting the abuse of alcohol, merely its sensible consumption, for it has been proved to my satisfaction that when taken in moderation in the form of wine, alcohol can undoubtedly be beneficial to health. Our mental health is as important as our physical wellbeing and, in these days of isolation, a glass or two of vino can buoy one up like nothing else.
Happily, despite the ban on gatherings, there’s no need to drink alone. Only last night, I enjoyed a bottle of Prosecco with neighbours via the video-conferencing marvel that is Zoom. We ‘clinked’ glasses, nattered away online and had a hoot.
Six fine still wines from Italy plus one scrumptious fizz, courtesy of Honest Grapes
And you can, too, with this fine selection of Italian artisan wines courtesy of Honest Grapes, who, at the time of writing, continue to offer nationwide delivery. I strongly suggest you take advantage of this.
The 2018 Rosade Furlane Bianco Venturin (1) is charmingly easy-going. A blend of Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Friulano (aka Sauvignon Vert), Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc and Muller-Thurgau from the Veneto, it’s deliciously aromatic, fresh, vibrant and slightly creamy on the finish. A perfect springtime wine, it’s ideal as a well-chilled aperitif.
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