A Magnum Of Solace

So you’ve been dumped by the boyfriend. It all looks bleak, everyone else is having much more fun than you, and you’ve resorted to hugging cushions and talking to the cat. Time for a drop of the good stuff – but what are the options? Well, lets see:

1. Stay dark, brooding, and sad

2. As above, but feel better with comforts

3. Throw it aside and look on the bright side

There are wines to suit all the moods, and here are a few suggestions – not necessarily the cheapest, but this is a time for quality, and you need treats.

Dark and brooding

Here we want something that’s rich, full of mystery, spicy – as red as a bleeding heart. A wine you can really lose yourself in, and makes you feel good while feeling bad. So off to South America (one of the more romantic, and sassy continents) for two possibilities – Malbec from Argentina, and Carmenere from Chile. Both of these produce dark, smoky, fruity customers that will wrap themselves round you like a comfort blanket, and warm your jilted cockles. Good Malbec examples are Crios 2008, Catena 2007 and Soluna Organic Premium, and if you can find it Salentein Reserva. For Carmenere perhaps Mont Gras Carmenere Reserva 2009, Palo Alto 2008 with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah added, and Perez Cruz Limited Edition Reserva 2008. Sink down in those cushions with some Manchego cheese to soften the tannins, and make the flavours silky and delicious.

Comforts

Chocolate and ice cream – they usually do the trick. But what to drink with them? I’ve got two great suggestions, and you’ll need to share them with friends (who can also comfort) because they pack quite a punch… Something dark for the best dark chocolate, where the bitterness of the cocoa bites through the sweetness of the wine, and the two hit it off like lovers on a first date (oops, sorry..). Look no further than Mas Amiel Maury Vintage Rouge 2007- it’s a bit pricey, but you won’t need much, and it’s worth it!. Then on to ice cream – this may sound weird but you’ve got to try it. Get the best vanilla (personally I go for Green & Blacks) and pour over it some PX sherry. This stuff is ultra sweet, made from the Pedro Ximenez grape, and full of figs, molasses, Christmas spice, and nutty lusciousness having worked its way for years through an old solera. Noe PX Sherry, or Don PX Dulce Gran Reserva are both great.

The bright side

Is it that bad? Was he really such hot stuff? You’re a free agent again, so celebrate! Get some mates round and start popping a few corks, and lets make it fizzy. A lovely Prosecco to get you going – Azienda Agricola Bellenda - fruity, zingy and ever so slightly exotic (just like you really). Then a vintage champagne for £20! Yes, Heidsieck Gold Top 2004 is a bit of a steal, and ticks all the right boxes for a decent champers – soft, elegant, with subtle undertones (yes, I know, just like you again..). And for the splash-out come home to England. It’s pink, it’s classy, and it’ll make a hole in your purse, but it’s a joyous mouthful. Hush Heath Balfour Brut Rose 2005 is made in the champagne method with champagne grapes, and is bursting with wild strawberries and creaminess. A winner of medals and hearts this should make the sun shine again. Pour out some foaming glasses, and have with smoked salmon blinis, brie, and loads of strawberries. Now, what was his name again…?