Monday 11th May Sauvignon Blanc – a few places remaining

More to Loire Sauvignon Blanc than Sancerre?

There are still a few places available for our Loire Sauvignon Blanc tasting and dinner (£45) on Monday 11th May. Come along and see whether you really do have to pay Sancerre prices or are there some real bargains in places like Touraine away from the big names? We'll kick off with the 2007 Sauvignon Blanc from Domaine de Bablut as an aperitif.

Christophe Daviau, Domaine de Bablut

Then we'll taste a number of wines including 2007 Quincy from Domaine des Ballandors, various 2008 and 2007 Touraine Sauvignons from the Cher Valley including Clos Roussely, Domaine Sauvète, Clos Roche Blanche and Vincent Ricard. The three course menu will posted shortly.

Domaine Sauvète (Monthou-sur-Cher)

Vincent Ricard (left) in his new tasting room

Vincent Roussely (Clos Roussely, Saint-Georges-sur-Cher) tasting his Cabernet/Côt

(Devotees will be aware that the RSJ is famous for its last minute changes, so it is possible that there will be slight tweaks to the wines between now and the night.)

To book your place, please contact Tom King or Nigel Wilkinson on 020-7928 4554 or tom.king@rsj.uk.com

2009 Loire vintage (1st May)

It is, of course, ludicrously early to attempt to make any judgment on the possible quality of the 2009 Loire vintage. However, it is possible to say that things looking better at this stage than they did last year. Today sees the start of May and, so far, no part of the Loire has been hit by a devastating frost – unlike the Pay Nantais and other regions last year. This may be tempting fate as frost can strike in May but generally the risk decreases rapidly in May. Over the past 20 years the devastating frosts have always been in April. Furthermore the forecast on Meteo France for the next week showing night-time temperatures well above freezing.

On the other hand the very cold spell of weather right at the beginning of the year with temperatures as low as -13/14˚C was good news for the vines as a cold snap helps to kill off vine pests and illnesses. Since then it has been pretty dry, especially through February, March and April.

So a long way to go but, so far, a reasonable start.

•••

Report here on Loire wines at Les Caves de Pyrene tasting

Nigel@Decanter World Wine Awards

A rather wary Nigel tasting at the Worx

If you have been wondering where Nigel has been over the past two lunchtimes, the answer is that he has been a member of the Loire panel for the Decanter World Wine Awards 2009. The tastings have been held at The Worx in Parsons Green. Sarah Ahmed (The wine detective), Chris Kissack (The wine doctor) and Jim Budd (regional chair for the Loire) were also on the Loire panel.

Details of the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Forthcoming dates: tastings and Ursula Ferrigno

We now have some dates for the next three months:


Wine tastings with dinner – three courses Start 7.15pm

Centre of Sancerre

Monday 11th May - Loire Sauvignon (outside Pouilly & Sancerre) £45.00
We will look at a variety of Sauvignons from regions such as Quincy, Touraine and Anjou and see the quality of some of these dynamic young vignerons.

Monday 8th June - ‘ Real Wine’ - Philippe Lubac £45.00
Philippe Lubac from Les Caves de Pyrene has kindly agreed to come and talk about biodynamic & organic wines from the Loire in what promises to be a fascinating tasting.

Monday 20th July ‘Summer Spectacular’ £55.00

A special dinner to celebrate summer at RSJ featuring magnums of the late great Didier Dagueneau’s ‘Pur Sang’ Pouilly Fume 2004, Christophe Baudry’s Chinon, Domaine de la Perrière 1989 as well as other rare and exciting wines.

Club discount applies to wine events. Don’t forget to mention your club discount when eating in the restaurant!

For reservations please contact:
tom.king@rsj.uk.com tel: 020-7928 4554
RSJ Restaurant 33 Coin Street London SE1 9NR


Ursula Ferrigno's Sunday lunches: forthcoming dates

Ursula making pasta

14th June Early Summer Ferrigno family favourites

Inspired by her grandmother’s passion for her family and the love that she channeled into her cooking, these recipes have been enjoyed for many, many years.

Gnocchi di patate con asparagi e piselli
Featherlight gnocchi with tender young asparagus, fresh peas and basil sauce – delicate flavours and very pretty on the plate!

Fave bruschetta con menta

Broad beans with mint – vibrant colours and flavour – a Neapolitan classic especially if the broad beans are young and tender. Delicious when set off with young goats cheese.

Saute di frutti di mare

Mixed seafood sauté – this dish is believed to have aphrodisiac qualities – find out for yourself! The finest quality seafood will be sourced for this dish.

Insalata mista
Radicchio & endive marinated and grilled salad – delicious digestive salad filled with subtle flavours.

Profiteroles filled with lemon cream
Featherlight profiteroles filled with lemon flavoured crème patissier – a mouthwatering concoction of flavours.

Formaggi

Caciocavallo – famous cheese from Puglia, hung in couples over a pole as if on horseback.

12th July Trattoria – classical weekend family dishes from around Italy

Spiedina alla Romana [Roman skewers]
Open textured country bread on skewers with buffalo mozzarella, roasted red peppers and basil.

Cannelloni with saffron sauce
Not only is the colour enticing but the filling is Ursula’s all time favourite,
a combination of artichoke hearts, ricotta and gorgonzola with, needless to say,
fresh home made pasta – rich and delicious.

Zucchini farcita
Slow baked courgettes with seasonal vegetables and mint make this versatile dish even more appealing. Every Italian family has their own special recipe.

Insalata mista
A salad of apples, frisee and asiagio cheese with RSJ’s special dressing

Apricoti farcita con gelati
Stuffed apricots with lemon ice cream.