I guess childbirth kinda gets you ready to release a new book. The original concept was fabulous wanton fun, the development was a bit up and down and the final push is a release followed by sleepless nights.

I’m the grapeist

The next model in the Passion Patrol series is hunched down in the starting blocks. The serious looking guy in the blazer is raising his gun. I see barriers, medals, bruised shins and failed drug tests ahead. May as well have a glass of wine while I’m waiting.

And wine brings me to the setting of Passion Patrol 3 in God’s own country of the vine – France. The action unfolds in Paris, London and a real life Disney castle in deepest Aquitaine.

Anyone seen my glass slipper?

Naturellement wine is served and the only choice would be the local vin de Saintonge. For many years this region was humbled by the big hitters of Bordeaux just down the road. Local producers tended to produce wines for the Cognac makers just to the east. However a change of varieties has brought about a renaissance and the modern Cépage en Saintonge range is both a delight and a bargain. You’ll find a 3 litre box in supermarkets for about 9 Euros and a bottle for 2.87 Euros  – that’s 3 US dollars.

I’m no expert on wine. I’d like to tell you it has scents of leather and highlights of vanilla on the palate. For ladies the red Merlot is warm and fluid, as rich as the sun bronzed skin of a lover, as soft as his lips on yours. Swallow and let the warmth and need for more spread shamelessly lower. Goes well with sausage and red meats.

Emma Thinx: The message in the bottle always reads Hope.