Thursday, September 16, 2010

CURIOUS WINES OPENING NIGHT



CURIOUS WINES

Curious Wines officially opened their doors at Kinsale Road last evening and no expense was spared as dozens of guests were entertained, wined and dined. Thanks a million, Mike and Matt.

Just inside the door, plates of very tasty nibbles were the centre of attraction before we slowly moved upstairs where a classical trio entertained and where bottle laden tables awaited.

Sparklers first and I sampled some Prosecco, one fizzy, the other sparkling; preferred the first but the second was also gorgeous. We would come back to that table as herself liked the Italian (not so much the wines but the tanned guy dishing them out). Popped over to France and some Chablis la Colombe.


Didn't note every stop, mind you, but soon we arrived at another Italian corner with two excellent reds: Primitivo di Manduria and Edizione Cinque Autoctoni. Then sampled the Spanish Agoston Tempranillo Cabernet followed by the Heartland Stickleback from Oz.

Time for a few more nibbles, including some classy prize-winning smoked duck and salmon from Anthony Creswell of Ummera. Conversations too with folks such as Paul Kiernan, Maurice O'Mahony (Wine Alliance), Julian (Curious Wines)Blake Creedon, Gary of Red Nose Wines, photographer Ger McCarthy and even Molly (the Curious Wines Dog) .

Back to “work” then, to the Chilean selection. Some good value here and I enjoyed the Santa Alicia Gran Reserve Merlot. Dragged over to the Italian gentleman next and I had no complaints as I really enjoyed the Gregorina Sangiovese Superiore (Emilia Romagna) and the even more “local” Poggiobello Refosco (Fruili). My kinds of wines.

Regular readers will know that I like my Pineau de Charente, the aperitif drink of the locals in that area of France. Curious had a bottle here and it was attracting much attention and praise and it was a good one.

The end of a delightful evening was fast approaching and what better way to sign off than with a sip or two of Niepoort 20 Year Old Tawny Port (€64.99). As I said, the Curious Boys spared no expense. Well done lads. Congratulations on the official opening and the very best of luck for the future. We’ll be seeing you, even without the tanned Italian!

4 comments:

Unknown said...

What generous comments and praise, truly humbled. General consensus seems to be that a good night was had by all, so grateful for everyone coming out in force on a Wednesday night.

Thanks a million for your support, Billy. (Love the pic of Molly too!)

Cork Billy said...

Michael
All comments deserved - honest. No hype - just a very enjoyable evening

Omaniblog said...

I'm disgusted I missed the port. But I too found that bottle of Chateau d'Orignac Pineau Des Charentes - that was so beautifully balanced sweet caramel with slight spirit - I photographed the bottle.
This morning I went back to Curious Wines - I think they don't yet have this darling for sale so I'm delighted to see you plug it - ideal Xmas gift, stocking filler...

Great to find your blog for first time.

Cork Billy said...

Pineau very popular in that area, many small producers but you'll be hard pushed to find better than Chateau d'Orignac. I have high hopes for a bottle by Chateau Deau and the friendly madame in Domaine de la Mothe gave me a bottle of very old Pineau which I have yet to try. Maurice O'Mahony (@winealliancemoz) was in the Charente area this year, tried the Pineau and liked it. Maybe there is a market developing for it here!
Glad you like the blog.