THIS past week, the busiest by far this year, I tasted almost 350 wines from all over the world – and never left the city.
Wines from the Americas, Australia, Africa and Europe, costing less than a tenner to €240 a bottle, were tasted, evaluated and noted.
Many of the six events I attended were showcasing wines that will appear on the shelves for Christmas.
The bigger importers are now looking at possible new lines for Easter, and Summer, 2025.
GREAT GREECE
I HAD the pleasure of meeting Jennifer Thompson and Anne Rodgers last Monday, the co-owners of Oinos Wines, something of a passion project which sees them import wines from small wineries across Greece.
This is very much a niche market, and one that guarantees that Jennifer or Anne will need become millionaires!
All things Greek is their passion, and I hope there are enough adventurous wine lovers out there to try a bottle or two.
I was impressed by the quality of the wines and will be reviewing some of them over the coming weeks.
If any reader wants to see what they have to offer visit www.oinoswines.ie.
SPANISH FEST
ON Wednesday I was delighted to attend the launch of Eat Spain, Drink Spain – a two-week festival of great Spanish food and wine across the country from October 1.
A sneak peek yesterday evening at the burgeoning list of events means that this year’s event – back after a two-year break – will be bigger and better than ever.
It includes tastings, wine-pairing dinners, olive oil, cheese and charcuterie tastings, tapas and wine trails, Spanish art, and gastronomy, currently across eight counties.
I will list the best of these events next week. In the meantime, look out for organised events in your local wine shop or restaurants.
GREAT WINE JOURNEY
DURING this most eventful of weeks I also ran into Shiva Gautam, owner of the ever-popular Nepalese restaurant, Montys of Kathmandu.
Shiva is organising another of his wonderful five-course wine dinners for October 8, with the wines curated by Rui Santil, brand ambassador for Portuguese wines at Liberty Wines.
Rui will lead guests on a journey through the great wines of Portugal, specially selected to match Shiva’s adventurous menu.
Shiva stressed that it will be a relaxing and fun tasting, with a tailor-made menu to complement the wines chosen by Rui.
The reception starts at 7pm with formal proceedings at 7.30pm. Cost is €110 per person.
These events tend to be booked out very quickly so contact the restaurant as soon as possible on 01-6704911.
WINE FESTIVAL
AND more good news, the O’Briens Wine Festival is back.
The 2024 instalment returns to Hall 4 at the RDS Ballsbridge on October 11-12 with some 290 wines for tasting, and 70 producers from across the globe on hand to answer all your questions.
Tickets, priced at €37.25 each, includes all wine samples, a complimentary Tipperary Crystal wine glass and a wine book with tasting notes to take home.
There are 16 free wine talks to attend over the weekend (no booking required) and an option to purchase a spot in one of the six masterclasses as an add on to your ticket.
Please note, you must have already bought a general admission ticket to attend the masterclasses.
This event is strictly over 18s and not suitable for children. Book your tickets now at obrienswine.ie.
1882 Rioja Vega Blanco 2023 (ABV 12.5%)
RRP €13 and widely available
Grapes: Garnacha Blanca & Tempranillo Blanco
WHITE Rioja is criminally neglected in Ireland. The best of them can age just as gracefully as their red cousins.
For the most part they are made with the Viura grape, so I was intrigued to try this unique blend – and it works.
A light straw colour when poured, it has distinct floral and stone fruit aromas.
The palate, with a little citrus kick, is quite rich and rounded. Easy drinking introduction to a classic wine style, with good length on the finish.
Enjoy with: Clam chowder.
Star rating: ***
Cesari Mara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2021 (ABV 13.5%)
RRP €22 at good independent wine shops
Grapes: Corvina, Rondinella & Molinara
RIPASSO wines, created in the hills of Valpolicella, northeast Italy, are produced by passing freshly crushed grape must over dried grape skins.
It delivers up full-bodied, but well-balanced and savoury wines with soft tannins, and lively plum and cherry notes.
This excellent example has a lovely richness, with notes of dark chocolate and cinnamon spice on the palate. The finish is surprisingly persistent and warm.
Enjoy with: Pulled pork.
Star rating: ****
Domaine Valensac Petit Verdot 2023 (ABV 13.5%)
RRP €21.95 @ good independent wine shops
Grape: Petit Verdot
THIS red grape is making something of a statement these days as a single varietal, throwing off the tag of being the makeshift partner in a Bordeaux blend.
A dark, dark red (almost purple) in the glass, with a full-on nose of dark, soft summer berries, like blackberries and blackcurrants, along with cracked black pepper.
The fruit-forward palate has been rightly described as having a “juicy attack”. It is quite dry, full-bodied with gripping tannins, reasonable acidity and a little spice.
Enjoy with: Great food wine, especially with rabbit stew.
Star rating: ****
Les Roches Blanches Rosé d’Anjou 2023 (ABV 10%)
RRP €16.95 @ good independent wine shops
Grapes: Grolleau & Gamay
DELICATE, and refreshing off-dry Rosé from the Loire valley, with a vibrant coral colour.
It has an attractive and alluring nose, with hints of strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants, candy floss and white stone fruits.
The palate has some texture, is fruity, with crushed strawberry and watermelon flavours, elegant tannins, and just a touch of spice on the finish.
Enjoy with: Seafood salad.
Star rating: ****
