Distinguished Guest List as Supervalu French Wine Sale Kicks Off

Distinguished Guest List

 as Supervalu French Wine Sale Kicks Off 

Wine of the Month

Supervalu Wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan has an inviting line-up of guest wines available for their French Wine Sale (from 3rd to 23rd September).  Something from all regions of the country, from Alsace to Cahors, red, white, rosé and sparkling, from big names like Meursault to lesser known appellations such as Coteaux de Béziers.

In curating the wines for the French Wine Sale, Kevin has introduced these 10 Special Guest Wines for a limited run in the sale. “I am delighted to reveal the line-up for the SuperValu French Wine Sale, and especially to introduce 10 amazing Special Guest Wines which will be joining our range for this limited time.  Our sale includes wines for all tastes and all budgets, we hope our customers enjoy discovering these new and exciting wines.” As usual, there are of course many more than just the 10 guests wines on offer.

We’ll take a closer look here at one red and one white and, next week, it will be the turn of the sparkling  Simonnet-Febvre Crémant de Bourgogne (looking forward to that) along with a few more of the guests. Note that the Special Guest Wines will be available for a limited time during the French Wine Sale.

Georges Vigouroux “Pigmentum” Malbec Cahors (AOP) 2018, 13%, €9.84 (14.75)

Let us start with this Malbec from Cahors, the Supervalu Wine of the Month. A striking purple; twirl it in a big glass and see that remarkable hue. An intense aroma of red and darker berries, some floral notes notes too. Smooth restrained palate with much the same fruits in the flavours, tannins close to smooth. And a decent mid-length finish.

Makes for a very acceptable aperitif and recommended food pairings are: everyday meals as well as more elaborate dishes such as roast pork, leg of lamb, duck, beef tagine, cannelloni, chicken curry, and vol au vent.

Supervalu’s Kevin is a fan: “A wine that is sure to provide pleasure with its beautiful red colour with a bouquet of summer flowers as well as powerful red and black fruit flavours. 100% Malbec selected from the highest and best gravely and clay terraces of the Cahors Appellation, situated near the Lot River, in the Southwest of France.”

In recent decades, mention Malbec and people think Argentina. But Malbec was the star in Cahors, long before the South Americans exploited the variety. The new challenge made the French sit up and bring about improvements in their own Malbec. 

Gustave Lorentz Pinot Blanc Réserve Vin d’Alsace (AC) 2019, 13%, €11.80 (18.68).

Perhaps you prefer a white wine? Pinot Blanc may not be the best known member of the family that also includes Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, but it makes excellent wines in Germany, Austria, Northern Italy and here in Alsace (where it is used in production of still, sparkling and sweet dessert wines).

This one, a "Guest" wine, has a pale gold/yellow colour, the merest hint of green. Quite an intense nose, fresh blossoms and white fruits. Superb mouthfeel with citrus prominent, leading the fruit-forward attack. Smooth and subtle with a dry and elegant finish. 

The label describes it as subtle and nervous. Wouldn’t disagree. Quite a well-rounded, well-balanced wine from an under-rated grape. Very food friendly, according to the makers who suggest it pairs well with all kind of simple dishes of fish, white meat, poultry, and egg based dishes (quiches, pies etc).

Just one page of the booklet - pick one up in store.

The Guests

The Special Guest Wines that will be available in SuperValu for a limited time during the French Wine Sale are:

George Duboeuf Moulin-à-Vent €11.80 (18.68);
La Perriere Mégalithe Sancerre €21.64 (€31.48);
Domaine Laffitte Sauvignon Blanc Reserve €7.87 (11.80)
Domaine Laffitte Rosé €7.87 (11.80)
Domaine Laffitte Cabernet-Franc Malbec €7.87 (11.80)
Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne €24.59 (€29.50);
Meursault Blanc Louis Latour €39.95 (€68.85);
Gustave Lorentz Pinot Blanc Reserve €11.80(€18.68);
Hommage du Rhone Vinsobres €11.80 (€15.73);
Alma Cersius Coteaux de Béziers €9.84 (€14.75).

A Quart of Ale± #7. Moving on over to craft with a classy quartet

A Quart of Ale± #7

Moving on over to craft with a classy quartet.

Here, and in #8, we'll be trying a few pale ales that could well help a beer drinker make the move from mass produced stuff to a really good beer. As it happens, the quartet are Irish, and each is very approachable indeed. If you're a bit unsure as to where to start, why not try the Ambush and then move on back up to the Howling Gale (my favourite of the four).

Eight Degrees Howling Gale Pale Ale 4.5%, 440ml can, Bradley’s of Cork

With its familiar label statement of Fresh Citrus and Grapefruit, Howling Gale blew into our lives about nine years ago. We’ve changed a lot since then but not this superb ale, one they got more or less correct from the off, and is still their most popular beer.

You get a smack around the gills, they say, when you sup this refreshing ale. But nothing fishy about this Ballyhoura hero, perfectly formed from day one. Pleasant citrus aroma from the Cascade and Simcoe Hops, these hops and sweet malt harmonious on the palate and the bittering hops are waiting for you at the finalé. No shortage of carbonation in this mid-amber ale and no regrets when you pull that tab and pour. Enjoy - you’re in good company.

They say: This Irish Pale Ale delivers a refreshing crisp smack around the gills. With a pleasant grapefruit citrus aroma from Cascade and Simcoe hops, it has a biscuit malt sweetness, followed by an attractive bitter finish.

Style: Irish Pale Ale
Malt: Irish pale malt, Carapils, Munich, Cara
Hops: Nugget, Cascade, Simcoe
Strength: 4.5% ABV
Bitterness: 38 IBUs

As always, Eight Degrees come up with Food Pairings:  Pale Ales are traditionally seen a great foil for spicy food – there’s a little bit of sweetness there that will cut the chilli burn – but don’t miss the chance to have Howling Gale with fish and chips (or in the batter for the fish!). It’s well worth trying with a Cashel Blue and Broccoli Gratin, the bright citrus notes act like a squeeze of lemon with smoked salmon or pair it with semi-soft, washed rind cheeses like Milleens, Durrus and Gubbeen.

12 Acres Pale Ale 4.6abv, 500ml bottle, SuperValu

This golden Pale Ale is the flagship beer from the 12 Acres Brewery in County Laois. Our Land to Your Glass is the logo here, based on the fact that all of the water used and some of the barley comes from the family farm.

Mid-amber is the colour, slightly hazy and not that much carbonation going on. The white head stays for a while but soon contracts to a thin disc. Aromas are modest. 

Their own plus “a small quantity of three other European speciality malts” add texture and a sweet caramel flavour on the palate before the three American hops (Cascade, Willamette and Citra) get their say towards the end.

They say the beer has more emphasis on the malt flavour than a traditional APA, has a distinctive American Pale Ale bitterness and citrus flavour. “Our pale ale is also dry hopped to give a lovely tropical fruit aroma to the finished beer. Best served 6-8 degrees. It goes great with spicy foods!”

Wicklow Wolf Elevation Pale Ale 4.8%, 440ml can Bradley’s of Cork

Nice bright amber colour with bubbles rushing to the white head that soon fades away. A mildly hoppy aroma. The hops edge it on the palate, good flavour overall and a very easy-drinking beer, welcome as a once off or for a session. Another excellent effort, a more or less perfect Pale Ale, from the Wolf.

They say: An incredibly drinkable Pale Ale bursting with juicy fruits of pineapple and grapefruit from an abundance of hop additions. Refreshing.

Food pairings: roasted or grilled meat.

Cheese Mild or medium cheddar.

Serve at 8 degrees. It is unfiltered, unpasteurised and the IBU is 40.

Hops: Mosaic, Mandarina Bavaria, Calypso

Malt: Pale, Cara Ruby, Melano, Wheat.

Trouble Brewing Ambush Juicy Pale Ale, 5.0%, 440ml can, Bradley's of Cork

This is a hazy beer (little evidence of carbonation) with a light straw colour, and a soft white head that slowly sinks. Exotic fruit aromas, mango and pineapple, hops too, in the mix. And then much the same fruits combining delightfully on the palate, this juicy pale ale, with its moderately hoppy backbone, makes you stop and take notice. 

You’ve been ambushed. So, sit back and relax with each silky juicy mouthful (make that each sip - you’ll want to let the magic linger), as you’ve got one of the best of class in your hand.

Malts used are Irish Pale, Oats (credited with imparting the smoothness), Carapils and Crystal while hops are Mosaic, El Dorado and Citra. 

They say: Trouble Brewing is a craft brewery based in Kill, Co. Kildare, set up in 2009 by three close friends Paul, Thomas and Stephen. Trouble Brewing is one of a small number of Irish breweries producing quality craft beer in order to offer people an alternative to the large multinationals, that spend more money on advertising than on ingredients, and specialise in bland.

New microbrewery in Cork + Wines Direct + SuperValu cheers #15

New microbrewery in Cork + Wines Direct + SuperValu, and more on wine, spirits and beer in Cheers #15 South of France! with Wines Direct

Do you love Bordeaux wines but not always the price? Look no further than the South of France. The combination of terroir and unique varieties result in wines rivalling those of Bordeaux — both in quality and price. The South West of France stretches from the southern edge of Bordeaux right down as far as the Pyrenees. It may not be the most recognized wine region, but it is an absolute treasure trove of hidden gems. The scenery is not bad either – vineyards and lush forest with winemaking as a way of life.  Check out the case (6 and 12 bottle) here.

SUPERVALU HALF PRICE Wine Sale*
13th to 26th August

*Selected Wines only

NOW €7.49

MONTEMAR RESERVA SAUVIGNON BLANC 75cl

was €14.99 Save €7.50

NOW €8.49

EXCELLENCE SAINT CHINIAN 75cl

was €16.99 Save €8.50

NOW €8

BLOSSOM HILL SPARKLING ROSÉ

75cl was €18.99 Save €10.99

NOW €7.99 EACH was €15.99 Save €8

• WILLOW HILL CHARDONNAY 75cl
• SAN VALENTINO PINOT GRIGIO 75cl
• EDEN LODGE OLIPHANTS RIVER
• VALLEY SAUVIGNON BLANC 75cl

NOW €8.99 EACH was €17.99 Save €9

• CASTILLO DE ALBAI CRIANZA 75cl
• LA CHÂSSE BLASON D’OR COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES 75cl
• PABLO OLD VINE GARNACHA 75cl
• REY DE COPAS GRAN RESERVA 75cl
• CUVEE LE JOUR ET LA NUIT CARIGNAN 75cl
• CEPAS PRIVADAS MALBEC 75cl

NOW €9.99

SAMMICHELI CHIANTI RESERVA 75cl

was €19.99 Save €10

NOW €12.99

GRAN TROYA CAVA BRUT 75cl

was €26 Save €13.01

Other great offers

€8

ARESTI BELLAVISTA CHARDONNAY 75cl

was €12.99 Save €4.99

€8

COMBEVAL IGP COTES DE GASCOGNE 75cl

was €11.99 Save €3.99

€8

BODEGA SAN TELMO SAUVIGNON BLANC 75cl

was €10.99 Save €2.99

€15

FINCA LABARCA GRAN RESERVA RIOJA 75cl

was €19.99 Save €4.99

€13

LANGHORNE CREEK ZINFANDEL 75cl

was €15.99 Save €2.99

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New Microbrewery and Restaurant Open in Cork

Thompsons Restaurant & Microbrewery in MacCurtain Street, Cork!! 😁 Have a sneak peek inside through the tallest chimney in Cork while we prepare to open our doors on Thursday 6th August! More details here!❤

Bookings are now open at thompsonscork.ie 🥳🥳

Mo

Did you know that McConnell’s Irish Whisky was the first ever recorded Irish Whisky Brand in Northern Ireland. From 1776 to today, it’s had its ups and downs, but who doesn’t love a good comeback story. More here.

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Bright, bold and full of personality, Shiraz is one of Australia’s most established and loved varieties. It is grown by 4 out of 5 wineries and represents nearly half of Australia’s red wine grape plantings. Read our Market Bulletin to discover the latest data and trends for Australian Shiraz. Read more here.

Black Boar, Black Tower, JJ Corry. And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #9

Black Boar, Black Tower, JJ Corry. And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #9 Barrel Aged Black Boar and Barrel Aged Heather Ale Release

White Hag have finished packaging the Bourbon barrel aged Black Boar, and in a sign of the times this is the first time we have ever canned this beer. It will be available in a 330ml can. In addition, our Beann Gulban Barrel aged Heather Sour is also being released. Having been packaged a number of weeks back, it has been bottle conditioned to perfection. It is available in a 375ml bottle, with cork and cage.  Read more here. The JJ Corry Experience Ireland's first modern Whiskey Bonder, J.J. Corry Irish Whiskey, has announced it will open its doors to guests from July 6th on their farm in Cooraclare. Pre-Bookings can be made now at www.jjcorry.com/experience.  The tour is strictly for over 18's but Dogs of any age on leads are welcome. Spaces are strictly limited and due to social distancing rules are by appointment via the website only.   Spring into summer with Black Tower! If you're lusting after just the right bottle for these sunny days and balmy nights, look no further. World-famous German wine brand, Black Tower is releasing a gorgeous limited-edition bottle for the warmer months. Adorned with delicate anemones, Black Tower Fruity White is sure to be a crowd pleaser at picnics and BBQs alike.  Set to be this year's pick of the whites, Black Tower Fruity White is singing with flavour. Bursting with hints of fresh pineapple and lime flavours, Black Tower Fruity White is also great for washing down spicy chicken tacos or a sweet pork and chilli stir fry. Widely available including Dunnes, Tesco, Supervalu,retailers nationwide, priced at €8. Red Nose Wine - New Opening Hours More details here on the hours, plus take a browses through all those lovely wines that Gary has lined up for the coming months. Kinsale Mead Opens for Tours Again Mon 29th Curious about Mead? Planning a Day Trip or Staycation to Kinsale? Kinsale Mead Co. has been a hive of activity recently getting ready to re-open for their popular meadery tours and tastings on Monday 29th June. They are following the latest guidelines so their visitors can experience the tour safely. More details here

Cheers #6. Wines from Ballinwillin House. Keeping You Up To Date With Wine, Beers, and Spirits

Cheers #6: Keeping You Up To Date With Wine, Beers, and Spirits

Wines from Ballinwillin House

Pat Mulcahy, in his Hungarian style cellar in Ballinwillin House (Mitchelstown)

Ballinwillin House Farm is an organic farm situated in the heart of the Golden Vale in North Cork, Ireland. "We are a family business owned and run by Patrick, The Mindful Farmer and Miriam Mulcahy. The certified organic farm has a magnificent herd of organic fed deer for over 20 years. Our organic venison meat has won awards all over the world and we are internationally recognised for our quality and taste."

But did you now they also have a vineyard? It's in Hungary and you can taste the Chateau Mulcahy wines in their Irish cellar in Mitchelstown. Inspired by the Mulcahys' experience in Hungary this Austro-Hungarian style Wine Barn is a great location for parties and gatherings of all sorts. The traditional Hungarian Bake Oven stands proudly in the Wine Barn and creates a warmth and atmosphere that is unrivalled. The barn can host groups of up to 60 people. Check out the range of wines here.

A Gin-Tastic Sale at SuperValu

Clonakilty Distillery, producers of Minke Gin

Celebrate World Gin Day on June 13^th with some of Ireland’s finest gins exclusive to SuperValu from Thursday 11^th June to Wednesday 1^st July

In recent years, gin has no doubt become the nation’s favourite spirit, so it only seems right to mark World Gin Day with a nice bottle from SuperValu’s incredible Gin Sale.  This summer’s gin sale starts on Thursday 11^th June, and SuperValu are once again bringing amazing Irish gins to a shelf near you, all at great value prices.

From pink flavoured favourites to non-alcoholic options, there is something for everyone to enjoy whether your preference is a gin spritz or a traditional gin and tonic. SuperValu have new and exciting offers so you can raise a glass, or goblet, on Saturday 13^th June for World Gin Day! Celebrate in the comfort of your own garden with some of Ireland’s premium pours brought to you from all over the country including Galway, Dingle and West Cork.

Some of the excellent options exclusive to SuperValu, include Food Academy member Loch Measc Gin, an award-winning spirit produced as ode to its wild surroundings in Mayo.  Made with Lough Mask water and wildflower botanicals, this gin certainly hits the taste buds. Founder and distiller, Eoin Holmes said “Our spirits aren’t genteel and overly refined, they’re robust, flavoursome and just a little wild.”   

To celebrate World Gin Day there are 20 magnificent gins on special offer at your local SuperValu. Some of our favourites are:

Beara Ocean / Pink Ocean Gin 75cl

€38 Was €43

Inspired by the seas off the coast of the Beara Peninsula, award winning Beara Gin, blended with the fuchsia bud, west Cork’s iconic flower, and infused with Atlantic salt-water, is a member of the SuperValu Food Academy.

 Clonakilty Minke Irish Gin 70cl.  

€39 Was €44

Fresh from the Clonakilty Distillery and inspired by the Minke whale, the majestic creatures that swim wild off the Atlantic Ocean coastline, this subtle yet unique tasting Irish Gin is carefully crafted with smooth and sophisticated refreshment and infused with citrus and aniseed notes. Perfect with fresh lemon, lime and mint.  

Glengarriff Wild Dry Irish Gin 70cl.  

€30 Was €35

A truly delicious fusion of wild berries that flourish in the micro-climate of the West Cork region and a Mediterranean citrus of lime, grapefruit and orange. Citrus fruit on the nose and palate interlaced with warm oriental spice and fresh lime. A heady infusion of local aromatic hedgerow botanicals from the region of Co. Cork combined with classic botanicals of Mediterranean provenance.  

Blackwater Tanora Tangarine Gin 50cl.  

€30 Was €35

A true Cork legend, this gin features a classic juniper profile, with star anise, ginger and a whole metric barn load of fresh tangerines to create a Tanora inspired Gin. Each and every tangerine is peeled by hand and crafted with 100% Irish alcohol.   

Wilde Irish Gin

€44 Was €49

Distilled and produced in West Cork Distillers, this gin has a distinctive citrus and floral forward gin with a background juniper note, instilled with extracts of bitter orange peel and wild Irish mountain heather from West Cork. It has an exquisite blend of carefully selected ingredients that are guaranteed to shine through in every sip.  This gin not only has taste in abundance, but it stands out from the crowd with a nod to Oscar Wilde’s cane with an elaborate cap and a bespoke book shaped purple Italian Murano glass bottle – a real winner on the party gift list.   

For the full list of gins on offer please visit www.supervalu.ie

Father's Day Gift Ideas From O'Briens Wines

Forget about woolly slippers or eau de musk, get them something they can sit back, relax, and enjoy on Father’s Day this Sunday 21^st of June. Let us take the hassle out of choosing a gift, pop in store or browse on line for a range of great Father's Day Gift Ideas. 

Australia’s 2020 vintage: Winemakers' perspectives

Join winemakers Virginia Willcock (Vasse Felix), Louisa Rose (Yalumba) and Sarah Crowe (Yarra Yering) to hear their take on the unprecedented 2020 vintage in Margaret River, Barossa Valley and Yarra Valley. The winemakers will be beaming in live from their respective regions, with Sarah Ahmed leading the conversation and fielding questions. 

More info here.

Wine Searcher Attempts Predicting The New Normal In The World Of Wine

Wine, beer and spirit categories have all benefited from a sharp rise in online sales in the US and UK markets, while Champagne and esoteric labels have suffered. E-commerce is now critical for businesses and many wineries, particularly in the US, will seek to grow their DTC sales. New formats and online communication will become increasingly important – all uncontroversial, reasonable assumptions. Read more here.

Cheers. Latest Episode #3 . Keeping You Up To Date With Wine, Beers, and Spirits

Cheers. Latest Episode #3 . Keeping You Up To Date With Wine, Beers, and Spirits

One Place. One Farm. One Spirit. Latest from Waterford Distillery. 

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world's finest, our new Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests.Read more

Can't go to the continent? Nothing to stop you going continental with food and wine. - says Lynne Coyle MW
Get ready for the bank holiday by ordering your wines now, why not rekindle fond European holiday memories of delicious food and wine with these wine suggestions from France, Spain and Italy.
Even with thoughts of a “staycation” looming large for most of us this summer, I am suggesting that we can still enjoy the fruits of our favourite wine regions at home with some of these delicious sun kissed options. Read more, recipes included!

Wine and food pairing: is it an overrated practice?

asks Spanish Wine Lover

Last Sunday I took part in a round table at the Wine & Culinary conference, an event organized by Bodegas Torres. According to President Miguel A. Torres, the aim of this conference is to support Catalan and Spanish cuisine, promote moderate wine consumption –preferably alongside food– and, incidentally, prove that despite being a large volume producer, their wines are not only intended for supermarkets but are also meant to be enjoyed in restaurants. More here

So-called wine experts are always confident of their opinions, no matter how divorced from reality they might be.

Nobody drinks buttery Chardonnay anymore. Wine pairing matters. The 100-point-scale rating is dead.

These are a few of the myths spread by the "wine intelligentsia" – the sommeliers, bloggers and writers who dominate our wine conversations.
None of these myths are true, but it's easy to believe something when everyone you talk to echoes it. Read more from this Wine-Searcher article here.

SuperValu Italian Wine Sale has returned - in store and online from 21^st of May until 10^th of June.

From the largest wine producing country in the world, come some of SuperValu’s best quality and value wines. The Italian wine sale beginning on Thursday May 21^st brings you some of the best wines from regions all across the much loved Mediterranean country.

Italy has always been a favourite holiday destination for Irish holidaymakers  with it’s unique culture,  rich cuisine and superb range and variety of wines.  Home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, Italy consistently cultivates our staple favourites, to be enjoyed with the fabulous range of Italian cuisine we know and love.

With prices of premium bottles not to be beaten on value, this year’s Italian Wine Sale is sure to bring the memories of Capri or taste of Tuscany to your lips. Italians believe you should enjoy a glass before eating, so perhaps this weekend take a moments break from the cooking to close your eyes and imagine the sun beating down on rolling scenic hills, and enjoy a glass of your favourite wine or venture towards an Italian wine you may not have tried before!

In sourcing the wines for this year’s Italian Wine Sale SuperValu wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan is delighted to welcome back some favourites such as Ricossa Barolo and Costa Mediana Amarone. This year’s sale will comfort those familiar with Italian offerings and enchant those who are new to experience a taste of the world’s finest flavours.

 For the full list of wines available please visit www.supervalu.ie