Red wine and truffles

Posted by Andrew Chapman in New Products, 4:34pm 23/09/2009. Leave a comment

Great excitement here in the Surf4Wine offices today... two new red wines AND English Summer truffles (Tuber aestivum/unicinatum) have just arrived. Delivered straight from our secret source somewhere in deepest, southern England, we have been anticipating their arrival for a several weeks now. In fact, David Thomas of Caviste (with whom Surf4Wine now share offices and a warehouse), is off fungi hunting in October - so look out for news of his fungi foraging and more food and wine thoughts on his return.

Summer truffles aren't as pungent or as strongly flavoured as winter truffles and these English ones tend to be found on the surface near to certain trees (oak, hazel and beech) as opposed to beneath the ground like black winter truffles. Nevertheless, they are much sought after by cooks and food lovers and add a touch of luxury and flavour when added to eggs, pasta or simple roast chicken. If you would rather have a chef do the work for you, then check out this Telegraph article about truffle hunting with John Campbell, chef at the Vineyard restaurant in Berkshire.

These English summer truffles are actually pretty good value too, certainly compared to their more pricey European winter relations. At £10-11 for a large truffle (approx 50g) these fungal delicacies perhaps make a bit more affordable Autumnal treat. Stocks are limited, but if you would like to sample these rare delights, please buy Summer truffles online here.

So, what to drink with these 'diamonds of the kitchen' (well, diamonds at least according to  French gastronome Brillat-Savarin...)?

Well, as it happens we've just taken delivery of two tasty reds that fit the bill perfectly...

 

Barbera Riva Leone @ £6.95/bottle: From Piemonte, home of Italian truffle's and made from Barbera, one of the region's best known grape varieties.....Dark berry fruits with a core of fine tannins and the typical Barbera acidity that makes these wines so perfect to accompany big hearty autumn meals - perfect with any pasta dish, pheasant and game.

Marmesa Vineyards ‘Cabrillo Peak' Pinot Noir 2007 @ £11.95/bottle: From a single vineyard block in the Santa Lucia Highlands, one of the smallest quality coastal appellations in California, where the south east facing slope, with cobble soils, makes it near perfect for Pinot. A classically structured Pinot, beautifully perfumed with focused flavours of ripe berries, dark cherry and summer hay. Ripe and juicy with a lingering finish of vanilla and pepper spice - great with mushrooms, truffles, game and the richer autumn foods. This outstanding value wine would normally retail at £16.95, but through our extensive trade contacts we've managed to secure a small parcel at a very special price and can therefore pass on the savings to you. Hurry while stocks last...

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