Ch. Larose Trintaudon Médoc went down a treat at my one-day wine course recently, and people licked their lips when I recommended lamb as a food pairing. If you’re lucky enough to have roast leg of Irish lamb on the menu, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to a perfect wine pairing. Roast […]
2016 Wine Wish List
If I were to create a wish-list of what I’d love for 2016, it would read something like this: That the proposed minimum pricing legislation is carefully thought-out before being implemented. I for one, do not want to have to pay even more for wine. I have yet to be convinced that pricing will impact […]
Lamb & Wine
Terms such as Appellation Contrôlée are well-recognised for wines, but did you know that the EU gives special status to high quality foods which are deemed to be specific to certain regions? Lamb producers in Connemara proudly boast that the flavour is unique – a result of the hilly terrain, grasses, heathers and herbs, all […]
Great value wines from the Languedoc
I am often asked at wine tastings about value for money wines. Wines from the south of France are really impressing me lately, particularly reds from Languedoc Roussillon, tucked into France’s south west Mediterranean coast. I took a wine tour of the area last April, and was surprised that you can drive for several hours […]
Best of wine in 2011
Random reflections on wine in Ireland in 2011: WINE Most memorable wine of the year: Piper Heidsieck 1990 champagne, which I showed at a private wine tasting. Its toasty maturity, delicate balance and length of flavour was remarkable. Best wine under €10: Domaine Caude Val Merlot, available from Molloys Liquor Stores. Most impressive wine at wine […]
Buying wine for Christmas
Buying wine in Dublin for Christmas? One week to go! Take the risk out of buying expensive wines with a few recommendations, based on wines which have made a big impression at my wine tastings and wine courses this year: Molloys Liquor Stores: If you like Rhone wines, you are in the right place. Look […]