< Previous50 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYHEALTH & FITNESSWhen one thinks of the Christmas months, there isinevitably going to be the copious amounts of food and –if you drink – alcohol consumed. Be it at the Christmasdinner, parties or even New Years, it can sometimes behard to keep up the discipline shown all year long andstay on a diet, let alone exercise in the cold weather andlonger nights. One might be forgiven therefore, forthinking that health and fitness in November is kaput –but that’s not so.Many will be looking to prepare for the added intakeby cramming in more exercise early, while others will becontent to know that they’ll burn off the calories in thenew year, usually as part of a resolution. It’s a well-knownfact that many take up cycling, running and otheractivities in January, and while it’s undeniable that somelose interest and stop, many more keep going.By now, most people know the benefits of a healthylifestyle, both for fitness, health and social interaction,which is why many people are looking towards Christmasas a time to get family involved. A gift of a bicycle, hikingequipment or other fitness gear can go a long way,especially if others in the family join the recipient. In recent years, the number of gadgets that have comeout to aid with health and fitness have made the list ofpotential gifts all the greater. If you’re buying forsomeone who already has a regime, maybe as an avidcyclist for instance, then there are specialist cyclingsmartwatches that can track distance, heart rate, caloriesand even create graphs and splits to track progress overweeks, months and even years. If general gym fitness ismore the hobby, then a Fitbit tracker be more up theiralley. Gone are the days when the only options wereeither an expensive piece of machinery or some nylonshorts. There is so much more on offer at good sportsretailers, and the people working there will always be alot more savvy on the hobby than the average person,and happy to help.The trick, of course, is to know what is needed andwhat is perhaps a waste of time and money. There’s noone who will know better than the one receiving the giftin the first place, but in the spirit of keeping things asurprise, it might be best to talk to other enthusiasts. Likewith weight loss in general, there are a lot ofunscrupulous companies – particularly online – who willtry to convince people that the following supplements,gadgets or magnetic spirit beads will increase… well,everything. Again, going to a sports store in person is always thebest bet as there’s a certain guarantee that they knowwhat they’re talking about and can advise on what is bestfor the person in question. In that regard, Lincolnshire issomewhat blessed – having an abundance of cyclingroutes, forests to hike through and the Wolds itself. Thishas naturally led to many sports stores cropping up,some of which even specialise in just one or two hobbies. Of course, there are more reasons than just gift-givingto get into the spirit of things in November. The coldernights will help cool you down after a good workout, andone of the biggest reasons for people giving up on theirNew Year Resolutions is that they were unprepared forthe workload after a month (or longer!) of low activity.Getting into things beforehand can help shed somepounds and make sure that when the new year comesaround, you’re not one of those forced to bow outbecause of fatigue. It’s never too early – or too late – to get fit.The months leading toward Christmas may not be the best forgetting fit but pushes in the new year lead to many looking toimprove their lifestyles, which can make fitness equipment fantasticChristmas presents. Gift & go50-51.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:37 Page 1© Shutterstock / baranq © Shutterstock / Sergey Ryzhov © Shutterstock / Inna Limanskaya LINCOLNSHIRETODAY51HEALTH & FITNESS50-51.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:38 Page 252 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYTRAVELOften compared to Champagne for itstaste, it is made in Brescia, Lombardy,which is also warmer than the Champagneregion, and therefore enables its wineriesto harvest riper grapes.Interestingly, Franciacorta sparklingwines are created from two of the classicChampagne varieties of Chardonnay andPinot Noir, along with a third grape PinotBlanc, and using the same traditionalmethods as Champagne, includingsecondary fermentation taking place inthe bottle and the results are such thatthose in the know now compareFranciacorta with Champagne. At the other end of the scale is the tankfermented bubblies such as Prosecco,which despite their popularity in the UKmarket, just aren’t in the same league.This is largely due to strict processes andguidelines, which have been put in placefor producing Franciacorta, including itsageing process, to ensure quality is nevercompromised.Of course, the geographical positionand microclimates around the vineyardsare a major factor in the production. Anamphitheater-shaped zone, which makesup the Franciacorta region, was createdafter retreating glaciers, left behindmineral-rich soils. Granted DOCG status in 1995, the areais bordered by Lake Iseo to the north, androlling hills on the other sides. This createsideal microclimates, and cooling breezes,varying elevations and different soils,mean the crops of grapes from differentprovinces each have their owncharacteristics. Sadly for growers and wineries alike,although the name Franciacorta is derivedfrom ‘Curtes Francae’, which roughlytranslated means tax-free trade, this statusbequeathed to the monks in the 13thcentury, is no longer in force.So, how did Franciacorta sparklingwines begin? To answer that questionLincolnshire Today visited the region andin particular, Berlucchi winery, or rather thePalazzo Lana Berlucchi - where its ancientunderground cellars reveal the very firstbottle of Franciacorta wine everproduced, secured deep undergroundand behind a locked grill. As Paolo Zilliani explains: “Franciacortahad long been known for producing finewine but in 1955 our founder, FrancoZiliani, returned from his studies in Franceand had a burning ambition to produce asparkling wine ‘as good as the French do’. “He discussed his dream with GuidoBerlucchi, a country gentleman who waslooking to improve his Pinot del Castello,and explained all he’d learned on histravels.”Little did he know how this conversationwould become the catalyst for apartnership that would shape the future ofthe region.On our visit, we spotted manysimilarities between Champagne andFaranciacorta wine production, as not onlydo they both produce their bubbles with asecondary fermentation in the bottle, theyalso seem to use the same dosage levelsfor the various styles, such as brut or extradry and, as mentioned, have similarly strictguidelines governing the productionItaly’s best kept secret?Franciacorta must surely be one of Italy's best kept secrets, a region that produces sparklingwines with more structure, complexity and finesse than those made elsewhere in Italy.52-53.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:04 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY53TRAVELprocess from vineyard to bottle.Spending an afternoon with Paolo,and tasting many of Berlucchi’s wines,it’s evident that the lessons learnedsince those early days have been putto good use. Their 61 Satèn, forinstance, made from 100%Chardonnay, retails at under €20, andis as soft and creamy as they comeand with good persistence. Aromas ofwhite flowers and ripe yellow tropicalfruits, and great acidity and flavour inthe mouth, this was a greatintroduction to Franciacorta wines - apleasure to drink with a long finish.Similarly, their ‘61 Nature isbalanced and fragrant offeringalluring scents of yellow stone fruitand an inviting hint of brioche.Flavours of apple, peach, citrus fruitsall framed in bright acidity andelegant perlage make for an excellentchoice.Of course, Berlucchi don’t have themonopoly on Franciacorta wines.There are dozens of wineries in theregion including: Baronne Pizzini,Contadi Castaldi, Ca’ del Bosco,Ferghettina, Castello Bonomi,Montenisa, Majolini, and FratelliBerlucchi, to name but a few. Our next tasting is Baronne PizziniFranciacorta “Golf 1927” andcertainly worthy of mention - asparkling wine given its name by theBaronne Eduardo Pizzini, who alsofounded one of the first golf coursesin Italy. Made from 95% Chardonnay and5% Pinot Noir grapes, this winespends 12-20 months ageing on itslees and ages for a minimum of 20months in the bottle, although this isHere’s some of the wines we’dheartedly recommend from our visitaround the region.Montenisa Franciacorta Brut Cuvée Royale- A relatively newvintage Brut made from a mix of 78% Chardonnay, 12% Pinot Noirand 10% Pinot Blanc. The wine is left on the lees for 36 months,producing a straw yellow wine, with a fine and persistent perlage.Here we find notes of white flowers and grass, citrus andpeaches. On the palate, a lively, fresh, sparkling wine with greatbalance. Again, the retail price is as exceptional as the taste, at only€21.Fratelli Berlucchi Franciacorta Satèn DOCG Freccianera2013- another great choice using 100% Chardonnay grapes. Itspends 6-7 months in aged oak barrels and 45 months on the lees.As a Satèn it has its pressure lowered to produce a gentler,creamier sparkle with notes of spice and fruity notes, such asgolden apples and peaches. Balanced and harmonic this winecarries a price tag of only €28.Bellavista Franciacorta DOCG Pas Operé 2010- well worth alook even at the higher price point of €43. Made from 65%Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir and matured in new oak barrelsand finally aged for no less than 6 years.Notes of chamomile, honey, apple and of course vanilla it’s fulland dry, with a long finish and quite a fruity after taste.Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Steen Brut Vintage Collection2013– made from 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Blanc, whichare pressed without oxygen. This is a fresh and well structuredoption which benefits from 5 months maturing in oak casks and 4years aging on the lees, giving this premium wine structure andpersistent fine bubbles. On the nose you can expect a toasty, nuttyaroma followed by a complex and creamy taste of citrus fruits andpeaches.Note: Such is the demand for Ca’ del Bosco wines, the firmalready sells 1.5 million bottles per year but is currently in theprocess of extending its operations to double this output. Ferghettina 2010 Milledì Brut- packaged in an elegantsquare-bottle design, (which some might think a gimmick but infact this aids the collection of yeast with its higher surface area)Made from 100% Chardonnay this sparkling wine offers aromas ofpeach blossom and citrus fruits, while its creamy palate deliversyellow apple, peach and lemon zest - priced at a very reasonable€32. Ferghettina Brut Rosé DOCG 2013– a wine characterised witharomas of summer fruits and a pleasant hint of crusty bread andexpressive flavours of raspberry, pomegranate, and blood orange;retail price €32.Contadi Castaldi Non Vintage Rosé- made from 65%Chardonnay and 35% Pinot Noir, producing a coral pink colouredbubbly with notes of wild berries and fresh rose petals producing acrisp and lively taste with a long finish. Lantieri de Paratico Franciacorta Brut Millesimato Arcadia-made from 70% chardonnay, and 30% pinot noir, this wine has afruity and citrus aroma with hints of vanilla and brioche bread. Thetaste is soft and fresh with hints of tropical fruit, and a great finish,retailing around €25.Castello Bonomi Rosé Franciacorta DOCG Brut- made from100% Pinot Noir grapes. fruity scents and a lingering perlage, fresh,soft and balanced matched with a taste of minerals and citrus;extremely well priced at a retail price of €21.Ronco Calino Brut Satèn– the wineries answer to Champagne’sblanc de blanc. Lower in pressure to produce that Satèn creaminess.Delicate aromas of pineapple, and white magnolia and flavours ofpear, peach, sour cherry, and sweet almond; retail price €25. Also worthy of mention is that as a boutique winery producingjust 70,000 bottles per year wines from Ronco Calino are aged 15years or more, so all can be defined as vintage even if not labelledas such.Castello Bonomi Franciacorta Brut Satèn- made from 100%Chardonnay grapes and, characterised by delicate notes of tropicalfruits, with soft elegant taste. A well balanced wine with a fruityfinish. Retail price - €26.Lantieri de Paratico Franciacorta Cuvée Brut- made from 80%Chardonnay, 10% Pinot Bianco and 10% Pinot Noir this wine ischaracterised by the aroma of brioche and minerals, while in themouth it shows solid and well-structured, savory and deep, and softfades on toasted nuances and minerals. usually extended to 30 months. The result is a bouquet that ismineral and floral, with notes ofhoney and citrus fruits, leading to awell-balanced mouth feel. Notably, itwas also the first Franciacorta wine toget its organic accreditation. As one might expect, the wineryhas a number of other Franciacortawines including a Satèn FranciacortaDOCG Edizione 2014, which has asilky and smooth character with citrusnotes and lingering minerality. Over dinner with SilvanoBrescianini, Vice President ofConsorzio Franciacorta and the Co-Owner and Managing Director ofBarone Pizzini, he explained how thecrops benefit from the winds from themountains which bring fresh air atnight. Also, how the differencebetween strong day and nighttemperatures, encourages optimalgrape ripening while simultaneouslyproviding near perfect conditions fororganic viticulture.Surprisingly, ‘Golf 1927’ retails atjust €22 per bottle and the Edizione2014 at around €30 per bottle –another very good reason whyFranciacorta wines are becoming soappealing.Numerous tastings at variouswineries followed over the course ofthe week. And, whilst this seasonedwine expert is not quite prepared togo out on a limb and say ALLFranciacorta wines are as good asChampagne, I would certainly agreethat many are. In fact, some are evenbetter and, of the many we tried,there certainly weren’t any poorones. 52-53.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:04 Page 254 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGWinter warmersCold nights, winter weather inbound and warm food in the kitchen. This month’srecipes prepare us for the Winter ahead. BERRYWORLD STRAWBERRY ANDRHUBARB CRUMBLERoughly chopped fruit with adash of ginger wine and acrunchy bar crumble topping!This pudd is a great way tohave something warming thatstill tastes like summer.Serves: 6Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 40 minutesYou’ll need500g rhubarb100ml water100 grams golden caster sugar1 tbsp Stones ginger wine250g strawberries75g butter175g self-raising flour1⁄2tsp ground ginger60g Demerera sugar1 Crunchie bar, crushedWhat to do1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. 2. Trim and cut the rhubarb andplace half of it in a saucepan withthe golden caster sugar, the waterand the ginger wine and simmergently until syrupy. 3. Halve the strawberries the placeall the fruit and rhubarb syrup into abaking dish. 4. To make the crumble, put thebutter, flour into a bowl and rub withyour fingers until it resembles breadcrumbs. Stir in the sugar, ginger andthe crushed Crunchie bar andsprinkle generously over the fruit. 5. Bake for 30 minutes until goldenand bubbling. Recipe courtesy of Berryworld.com © Shutterstock / Stolyevych Yuliya54-56.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:06 Page 1LINCOLNSHIRETODAY55FOOD & DININGThe Hammer & Pincers pub is awelcoming, warm pub thatserves a great range of caskales, fantastic food and offersservice with a smile. It has aselection of meals availablethroughout the day, startingwith breakfast at 9.30am onweekdays, and then lunchesand dinners. Every Sunday itoffers a sumptuous carverywith a range of meats andvegetables to choose from. It alsooffers a range of entertainment and roomfor large parties. Hammer & Pincers now serve food allday on Saturday and Sunday.BT Sport and Sky Sports is shown onmultiscreen.Award winning restaurantDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETSwineshead Road, Boston, PE21 7JETel: 01205 361323Email: wayne.salmon@btconnect.com www.hammerandpincers-boston.co.ukWhether you are calling in for that special occasion meal, a satisfying snack or a socialdrink with friends, you will always receive the very warmest of welcomes.All our food is prepared in the restaurant kitchen using only locally sourced ingredients.As well as our À la Carte we also offer Early Bird, Lunch and Children's menus. We alsooffer a Chef's Specials menu on Friday and Saturday evenings. We provide the very bestin business buffet lunches as well as catering for charity functions and special occasions.Chef's specials are also available all week.To accompany your meal we have a wide selection of fine wines, draught & bottledbeers, cask ales, spirits and soft drinks.Great Fen Road, Wyberton Fen, Boston, Lincs PE21 7PB. Tel: 01205 362378Email: merrimans1@btconnect.com www.merrimansrestaurant.co.ukMERRIMANSLOUNGE & RESTAURANTDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshireGoldAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETBoost your nutrientintake with this supergreen juice. Enjoy in themorning for a healthystart to the day or in theevening to help with agood night’s sleep ascelery contains thechemical serotonin, oneof the most importantbrain chemicals, orneurotransmitters, forregulating thesleep/wake cycle.Serves: 1 Preparation time: 5 minutes eachCooking time: n/aYou’ll need: 1 cucumber5 sticks of celery 2 apples1 bag Fresh & Naked baby spinach leaves1 lime1 tsp honeyWhat to do:Chop the cucumber, celery and apple into chunks. Puteverything through a juicer then chill in the fridge. Stir wellbefore serving.Recipe courtesy of www.lovethecrunch.comCELERY,SPINACH ANDCUCUMBERJUICE© Shutterstock / Teri Virbickis54-56.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:06 Page 256 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYFOOD & DININGPicture your venueThe China RoyalRestaurant6 Bridge Streets, Brigg, DN20 8LNTel: 01652 650688 (reservations)/654762 (takeaway)Web: www.chinaroyal.co.uk The intimate, warm surroundings of the ChinaRoyal are ideal for the most romantic dinner or thelargest banquet. Serving the best in Chinese cuisine, it has five stars on the doors, and is openthroughout all Bank Holidays. Table-booking available for Christmas and New YearThe George Hotel1 Boston Road, Spilsby, PE23 5HBTel: 01790 752528 Web: www.spilsby.info/georgehotelThe George Hotel guarantees a warm welcome and theperfect pub environment. Karaoke is on every Saturday night,and with live music held once a month and a large functionroom (available free of charge for parties), the George Hotel isthe perfect venue for entertaining. The accommodation boasts eight letting bedrooms with TV,tea and coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. Byards Leap LodgeEast View, Byards Leap, Cranwell, SleafordTel: 01400 261375/07595 760 774www.byards-leap-lodge.co.ukWhether you are on a leisure or business trip, you’ll find warmhospitality at the Country Kitchen and Lodge. It offers four star,silver awarded accommodation, having won a TripAdvisor award of excellence.The Lodge has five double rooms, all of which are en-suite and on the ground floor, as wellas two two-bedroom apartments. Dedicated facilities for the disabled are available.Special Edition ChocolateWillingham Hall, Market Rasen, LN8 3RHTel: 01673 844073 Web: www.specialeditionchocolate.co.ukSpecial Edition Chocolate prides itself on award-winning handmade chocolate for everyone to enjoy.This includes chocolate suited for diabetics,coeliacs, vegans and other allergy sufferers – suchas nuts and dairy – as well as other specialdelicacies. They also specialise in chocolate gifts,making it the perfect place to get your friend or relative the perfect present. 1. Preheat the oven to200°C, 400°F, gas mark 6.For the pie, finely chop theonion, celery and carrot.Melt butter in a frying panand gently fry thevegetable mixture for 8-10minutes until tender.Remove from the pan andset aside.2. Add the lamb to the pan,turn up the heat and brownfor about 8-10 minutes.Drain off any excess fat,then add the vegetablemixture, the Worcestershiresauce, tomatoes, ketchupand thyme. Stir and simmerfor 20 minutes untilreduced then stir in half thewatercress.3. Meanwhile, for the mash,cut the potatoes into even-sized chunks and cook inboiling, salted water for 20minutes. Drain and mashwith butter and seasoning.Stir in half the Cheddar andthe remaining watercress.4. Season the meat mixtureand spoon into a shallowovenproof dish. Top withthe Cheddar mash.Sprinkle over the remainingcheese and cook for 30minutes until golden brownand hot.Recipe courtesy ofWatercress.co.uk SHEPHERD’S PIETOPPED WITH WATERCRESS ANDCHEDDAR MARSH© Shutterstock / Marhoe EdwardsServes: 4 • Prep: 10 minutes • Cooking: 1 hourFor the pie:1⁄2x 85g bag of watercress, chopped1 onion, finely chopped1 celery stick, finely chopped1 carrot, peeled and finely chopped25g butter500g minced lamb1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce400g can chopped tomatoes1 tbsp tomato ketchup1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, roughly choppedFor the mash:1⁄2x 85g bag watercress, chopped1kg Desirée potatoes, peeled 25g buttersalt and freshly ground black pepper50g Cheddar, finely grated54-56.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:06 Page 3LINCOLNSHIRETODAY57SOCIAL SCENEPHOTOS COURTESY OF RICHARD PICKSLEYEnchantedForestCharity BallIn aid of the St Barnabas Hospice, the Enchanted Forest Theme CharityBall was held at the Lincoln Hotel last month, bringing a touch of magicto the city. With a three course meal, entertainment and even a mindreader, the event managed to raise over £9000 in support of the charity. Organisers Becky, Amelia & Laura57.qxp_Layout 1 15/10/2018 14:07 Page 1*Wedding Packages from £4500*Bespoke Weddings from £1500Bailgate | Lincoln | Lincolnshire LN1 3AR For more details, a wedding pack or to arrange an appointment, please call us on 01522 563 298 | email weddings@whitehart-lincoln.co.uk www.whitehart-lincoln.co.uk Follow us on twitter @WhiteHartLN1* Please ask for further details, terms & conditions applyTHE PERFECTWEDDING LOCATIONThe White Hart Hotel offers a truly breathtakingsetting to host the most important day of your life. We offer packages that combine a magical venue with a first class service, making sure that yourwedding day is everything you dreamed it would be and more! With inclusive packages to suit your ideas, your dream wedding day at the White Hart Hotel could be closer than you think! 58 LINCOLNSHIRETODAYDeliciously Deliciously LincolnshirePlatinumAwarded for outstanding quality and service byLincolnshireTodayawardWWW.LINCOLNSHIRETODAY.NETT: +44 (0) 1472 872248E: weddings@oaklandshallhotel.co.ukOaklands Hall HotelBarton Street, Laceby, DN37 7LFOAKLANDSWEDDINGSwww.oaklandshallhotel.co.ukThe perfect backdrop for your big day.Get in touch with one of our Wedding Coordinators and come have a look aroundour beautiful grounds, choice of 3 function rooms and the perfect spot in our garden for your civil ceremony.58-63.qxp_Layout 1 16/10/2018 09:48 Page 1© Shuttertock.com/Dmytro ZinkevychLINCOLNSHIRETODAY59WEDDINGSThere’s a certain magic to awinter wedding, especially ifthe weather is on your sideand there’s a dusting of snowand a crisp blue sky to gowith it. While winterweddings aren’t for everyone,this is also a popular time ofyear for proposals. For some, Christmas is a lonely time ofyear, while for others it has the oppositeeffect. Relationships seem sweeter,everything is bathed in a flattering rosylight and your partner looks irresistible intheir Christmas jumper and Santa hatbeneath the mistletoe. Why wouldn’t youwant to propose? Proposing at Christmas requires acertain tact, being as its such a popularoccasion. Try and go for something a bitdifferent, like popping the engagementring in a Christmas cracker or wrappingthe ring in its box and saving it as the verylast present your partner opens. The wayin which you propose is just as importantas the commitment it represents, so it’simportant to make it memorable. If you’re not getting married at this timeof year, there’s a good chance you’ll bethinking ahead. For a summer wedding,now is the perfect time to start planningand getting everything in order.Organising a wedding of any size cansometimes feel overwhelming. There’s somuch to consider, from the venue, tofood, entertainment, seating plans, favoursand on and on it goes. It takes a brave, orperhaps foolhardy, couple to go at it alonewith many opting for a wedding planner.We can’t sing the praises of weddingplanners highly enough. Remember, this istheir job, they’re literal experts in the fieldof weddings and so their advice is golden.A well-orchestrated wedding is their jobwell done and so it’s worth bearing inmind everything they suggest and offer.Many of the best venues and weddingfacilities across our region will comeequipped with their own personalwedding planner. This can feel like agodsend as trying to get the venue ofyour dreams at the same time as a decentwedding planner can be tough. This61 ÁWinter weddings 58-63.qxp_Layout 1 16/10/2018 09:48 Page 2Next >