Wines of the times pretty in PINK
Rosé is perfect as a refreshing, light alternative throughout the year. Serve it with lunch, or as a pre-dinner drink, or simply on its own. Nicely chilled and served in good crystal glasses or simple wine tumblers, it is truly relaxing and enjoyable.
Gascogne Rosé 2009 £4.99
Marks & Spencer
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An absolute winner at under £5, this South of France pink, made via a light pressing of the grapes until the pink robe is obtained, is a delight as an aperitif to really get those taste buds going. I really love floral, raspberry and slight spicy notes in the wine that are balanced out by a splash of bright acidity. Sip this lazily in the garden on a glorious afternoon.
De Bortoli DB Rosé 2009 £5.99
(£4.79 case price)
Oddbins
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The new packaged 2009 vintage from the fabulous De Bortoli stronghold in Australia. This year’s offering still shows off its clean-as-a-whistle nose of cherries and redcurrants that lead into a mouthwatering raspberry and strawberry charged palate. Moreish and the perfect companion to lobster or barbequed king prawns.
La Grille Pinot Noir Rosé 2009 £6.99
(buy 2 save£2 = £5.99)
Majestic
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Pinot Noir rosé is where to look if you like your rosé on the lighter and elegant side.
The La Grille was cool-fermented, which is essential to maintain freshness and zing on whites and rosé. Atypical flavours of strawberry are aplenty with a slight sweet spice lift on the finish that will make this ideal with lightly spiced Asian dishes such as pad Thai.
Val da Clara Rosé 2006 £7.99
(£7.19 case price) Quaffit.com
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Something a little different for the next wine, hailing from the Douro valley, which is rather better known for its port than pink table wine. However, its concentrated and mature crunchy red fruit characters will hook you with just one sip of this cracking number. It’s quite rare to find a rosé with a bottle age and this will show you what you’re missing. As with the red wines from the region it is extremely food-friendly and its light tannins will sit right at home with meaty pasta dishes or even a steak. |
Do you know the Rope?
You might think you do, but you may have to re-form your opinion from scratch. Rowena Forbes explains…
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The Rope and Anchor has hugged the outskirts of Dunham Massey country estate for many years. Thanks to a variable reputation and inconsistent clientele, it was boarded up in 2008; however, new owners the Deckers Group have refurbished, reopened and rebranded the venue as a family-friendly gastro-pub in the heart of National Trust territory.
J and I visited one sunny Saturday lunchtime and found the pub full of families enjoying a break from rambling. There’s plenty of pub to fill too: a substantial dining area extends between the bar and large bay windows; a further rear extension overlooks outdoor seating and a children’s play area; and upstairs dining is graced with sofas and a fine rural view.
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Seated downstairs, J and I dissected the refurbishment’s nautical theme. Wooden decked floors, cushioned wicker chairs and a cream and blue scheme were fresh and clean, although some touches – such as the thick rope twisted in and out of the curtain edges – reminded me a little of 1980s themed décor, when my great-aunt would decorate her aquamarine bathroom with shells, clay seahorses and portholes, as if lying in the bath were equivalent to a day at the beach.
A friendly waiter served our wine: a New Zealand Clayridge Excalibur Reserve Sauvignon Blanc unusually aged in oak, selected from the ‘connoisseur’s menu’. The oak brought a satisfying French-style complexity to the fruity Sauvignon that worked well with the food.
I started with chicken, smoked bacon and wild mushroom galette (£6.95): a square of flaky puff pastry topped with chunks of pan-fried chicken breast. Chopped nuts and bacon brought texture to a creamy sauce, and the mushrooms added richness and warmth. J’s traditional potted shrimps (£6.95), tiny in size but plentiful in number, were fried in plenty of butter and paprika, accompanied with a fresh white muffin.
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For mains, my hefty hunk of pan-fried salmon (£12.95) was topped unusually and successfully with finely chopped mango. A green leaf, new potato and tangy vinaigrette salad was crisp and tasty, although sweet sun-blushed tomatoes clashed uncomfortably with the dish’s other contrasting flavours. J enjoyed tender cannon of lamb (£14.95), served with rustic oven-baked Boulangere potatoes, curly kale and a fruity yet earthy redcurrant and rosemary sauce that worked well.
Torn between desserts (all £5.95), I happily accepted our helpful waiter’s suggestion of mocha brûlée plus a scoop of Dunham Massey ice cream. Sadly, the coffee flavour of the brûlée was far too strong for my liking; I much preferred the creamy rum and raisin ice cream. J’s miniature lemon meringue pie brought no surprises: suitably light, sweet and sour.
The Verdict
Attractively presented dishes are executed to a decent enough standard to ensure better-than-average pub fare, while generous portions are an excuse to walk off calories in the attractive locality.
The Rope and Anchor
Paddock Lane
Dunham Massey
WA14 5RP
0161 927 7921
www.thedeckersgroup.com/html/
theropeandanchor_106.html |
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Food & Drink
