Wine of the Week - When Life Gives you Oranges…

We love a Tortilla. Not the soft, squidgy shop bought wrap that inevitably sticks to the inside of the packet from fridge burn, or indeed the crispy chip and dip version (although both merit a small place in our hearts too) but rather Tortilla de Patatas, or Spanish Omelette, to give it its rather ungainly moniker over here. 

Comprising eggs, potatoes, optional onion and salt and olive oil, served as Tapas or at breakfast, the Tortilla is a symbolic staple of Spanish cuisine and has been since the late 18th century, it is also well loved at The Lavenders too. Ever so slowly and meticulously cooked over heat before being served either warm or at room temperature, it is one of life’s great pleasures and, as we tend to enjoy this dish eaten al fresco, a barometer of the arrival of warmer weather.

With temperatures nearly in the twenties, Nic made the first Tortilla of the season this week, and absolutely delicious it was, too. We opted for stove over barbeque on this occasion, as it’s still jolly cold past 3pm, but we are looking forward to, hopefully, many an evening outside with wine and Tortilla in the months ahead.

One (but let’s face it, there are several) of our go-to wines for Tortilla is this favoured ‘Patio-pounder’; ‘When Life Gives You Oranges’. Made by the man behind Coquille de Fleur and the Big Belties (see previous blog), this is a brilliantly easy drinking way to get into orange wines and a juicy and refreshing glass of wine.

A blend of Grenache Blanc, Viognier and Muscat, the grapes spend just five days macerating to preserve the aromas and flavours of the wine before the pressed grape juice is blended with free run juice to end the fermentation before a little ageing, then bottling. Oranges, stone fruit and herbaceous notes on the nose are carried through to the palate. While the acidity is refreshing and the mouthfeel nicely textured, the finish is rather intense and long.

The Tortilla is served with fresh crusty bread (as well as other Tapas dishes too) and the sweet, crunchy red onions, ample seasoning and pan-perfect potatoes make for a great combination with the complexities and the freshness of the wine. Spanish food and French wine are two key components of one of our favourite meals here, now over to you, British weather…