Just back from a fantastic weekend in Aberdeenshire (my home turf). Spent the majority of my time in puppy heaven but took some time off my doggy climbing frame duties to go to a food festival – “A Taste Of Grampian”. It was mobbed! Wonderful to see so many people interested in finding out about and sampling local produce.
A large amount of time was spent in the wine tasting tent. As designated driver I was but a spectator to all the quaffing but I did ask the tasters (my dad, Genna and Keith) to select their favourite wine so that I could recommend it on this blog (inspired by Debs’ site).
The winner (chosen by Dad and Genna) was a 2005 Australian Shiraz (Seppelt – Moyston).I bought a bottle to have with dinner that night (Genna’s fantastic Lodge Pie – a kind of cottage-pie with venison mince and a potato/parsnip topping. Will blog recipe later in week.). The Shiraz is not a wine for the faint hearted. Dad thought it was almost port-like. I’d describe it as spicy-licious. 🙂
The below Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio came a close second. “Affa good” was Keith’s only comment and you don’t get much better than that in Aberdeenshire.
Other highlights included Isabella’s Preserves (especially the mint and apple sauce – beautiful) and the ever wonderful Really Garlicky Company. My only complaint was the lack of local growers. Aberdeenshire is extremely agricultural: where was all the local veg?
A slobbery greeting from Rufus was the perfect end our afternoon.
Waiting eagerly for the Lodge Pie recipe – we have great venison from our local stalker, Winston Churchill (really!)
That’s hillarious!
Will be making the pie for my parents and D later this week. Watch this space. 🙂
You go girl ! It sounded like you guys really had a great time! And am so glad to see that all participated in the wine tasting, even if you had to wait till you arrived home! I have a Shiraz in my stash waiting to be tasted. Now you got me in the mood. Looking forward to the pie recipe!
Sounds like so much fun! Food always tastes best outside at these types of events!
Mmmm! Wine tasting! Great!
I will be going to the Dundee Food & Flower Festival, have they have wine tasting!