On the grapevine

Stalk to still: It was in 1902 that a new variety of potato needed a name, and since the new king was crowned that year, the potato has been known as the King Edward ever since. Perfect for roasting and mashing, it is also rather good for making vodka which is what the Elsham Wold distillery, just over the Humber Bridge in Lincolnshire, discovered. Now it has developed a rhubarb vodka using Yorkshire Rhubarb and it makes a delicious summer drink. Pour a slug of Edwards 1902 English

Rhubarb Vodka into a glass, top up with a dry sparkling rosé wine (try Morrisons Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut, £12) and add a strawberry and a sprig of thyme. Edwards 1902 Rhubarb Vodka is available from the Wright Wine Company in Skipton at £39.50 or from www.edwards1902.co.uk.

Latitude tasting: Make sure you get your tickets to the Latitude tasting on July 8 which will be held in the area outside the shop in The Calls. Leeds. On show will be a fine array of wines, as well as spirits including local gin John Robert’s Botanic Request. Tickets cost £20 but are limited so buy yours today via www.latitudewine.co.uk.

Bordeaux 2021: If you are interested in investing “en primeur” in the 2021 Bordeaux, sign up for the Bon Coeur Fine Wine mailing list (www. bcfw.co.uk). Each day Jamie Goodhart sends out prices of wines as the châteaux release them. Last year was a difficult one with frost, cool weather and rain hampering grape development but there was a late summer which saved the vintage. Quality is rated as “good” and prices are just slightly down or on a par with 2020. Jamie has tasted over 500 wines from the vintage, so ring him on 01325 776 446 for tips on what to buy. Buying “en primeur” means you pay now and the wine ages in Bordeaux for another 18 months or longer before it is delivered. This quite often works out as an excellent investment.