A Magical Replenishing Nest

Sunday, 15 September 2010

Pimpernel has always thought himself more the poet than the poem, and so was delighted to find himself and the Scarlet the subject of a paen of praise, penned by one of our guests.

This little love poem was left for us this week by a particularly satisfied customer. Never one to shy from sharing compliments, Pimpernel reproduces it here for your enjoyment:

 

Scarlet Sleepover

by Anon

 

I'm sure I've said my thank yous

My evaluation form complete

But I just can't stop enthusing

To everyone I meet

 

I've had a lucky life

Good health and friends that care

But the gift that was my Scarlet stay

Is what I'd like to share

 

It began with my birthay meal

The terrace location quite surreal

The wine chilled to perfection

Accompanied by a scrumptious meal

 

Then it was off to experience the holistic spa

Rhassoul mud bath all booked

Such fun applying the green sugary stuff

No care to how we looked

 

Could the day get any better?

The answer a resounding 'yes'

As the seaweed hot tub beckoned 

Time to chill, relax and rest

 

Would the natural pool be too cold for us?

Somethings you have to try

Swimming amongst the rocks and reeds

Pleasures money just can't buy

 

An hour or so relaxing

Then time for our glad rags to go on

I've sipped cocktails on Parisian roof top bars

But this night was beyond tres bonne!

 

How did your talented restaurant team

Priovde such a perfect meal?

The service, taste and setting

Now words can express how we feel!

 

There really was no highlight

Your staff are simply the best

And my memories of the Scarlet?

A magical replenishing nest!

 

 

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Natural Wine

Tuesday, 03 September 2010

Pimpernel is pleased as punch to report that the Scarlet now stocks natural wines.

What, I hear you ask, is a natural wine? And how does it differ from the organic stuff?

If you are a grape connoisseur, forgive me, as I am now going to indulge in a little lesson on natural libation.

Natural wines are lovingly produced by small, committed artisan growers lovingly produce natural wines working sustainably, organically or biodynamically – exactly the sort of thing the Scarlet loves.

These uncompromising purists insist on making their wines with wild yeast, without added sugar or sulphur, unfiltered and unclarified. The result is a wine that most naturally represents its "terroir", or sense of place.

How does a natural wine differ from an organic one? Organic wine uses organically grown grapes, but may be subject to technical manipulation in the winemaking process.

Sulphur dioxide, also known as sulphites, is used by more than 99 per cent of winemakers as a preservative and disinfectant. It's often added to freshly picked grapes and during the winemaking process to kill off bacteria or wild yeasts.

The con to this is that sulphur dioxide can sometimes have a strong odour and – rightly or wrongly, Pimpernel does not know – is blamed for causing many a hangover headache. This is possibly because the sulphites destroy thiamine (vitamin B1) and are thought to destroy folic acid. It can, claim some, even trigger an asthma attack.

Pimpernel looks forward to reclining languidly on the relaxation terrace with a fine glass of natural red and researching whether natural wines really do eliminate the hangover headache.

I leave you with a vino vignette from Mr W B Yeats:

A Drinking Song

Wine comes in at the mouth


And love comes in at the eye;


That's all we shall know for truth


Before we grow old and die.


I lift the glass to my mouth,


Ilook at you, and I sigh.

 

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