Some years ago, at a WSET wine course, I opened a mature bottle of Laurenz V’s ‘Charming’ Grüner Veltliner. The class fell silent in its appreciation. Since then, I’ve been trying to age a few bottles from good vintages (like 2015 and 2013 – ’memorable’ age-worthy vintages) for future enjoyment.When young, Grüner Veltliner is appreciated […]
IWC announce wine course bursaries
Bursaries are now available from the IWC for WSET® Level 3 wine courses. The WSET® is the world’s largest provider of vocational wine training, and their qualifications are recognised worldwide. There are up to 200 bursaries available annually from the IWC (International Wine Challenge), for students outside the UK, and the value of each is 20% […]
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 […]
Dessert wines from Down Under
Australia produces the same number of bottles as Bordeaux, but the variety of styles is incomparable. This point was brought home a wine tasting by Wine Australia last week. Chris Pfeiffer, of Pfeiffer Wines, explained that Australian wine as we recognise it, has only emerged in the last fifty years. Prior to this, sweet fortified […]