Two Very Highly Recommended Wines From The Alentejo. Drinking through Portugal's wine regions.

Drinking through Portugal wine regions. The Alentejo

Part III

Foot Trodden (2021), a book on Portuguese wine that I am currently reading, covers these eight regions: Minho, Douro, Dao, Bairrada, Colares, Ribatejo, Alentejo and Madeira (home of one of the most age-worthy wines). Other regions noted are Algarve, Setubal, Beiras Interior, Tránsmontano, Bucelas, VR Lisbon and Carcavelos. This is the continuation of an occasional focus on Portugal and over the next month or two I’ll try to get my hands on as many of the wines of Portugal as I can. Any tips or help will be most welcome!

Of all the companies bringing Portuguese wine into Ireland, Liberty Wines (with very strong connections to the country) are best placed to summarise the recent history of wine there. They do that well in this paragraph from their current portfolio.

From 1932, when Antonio de Oliveira Salazar took power, until Portugal’s accession to the EU in 1986, wineries were largely state-controlled. This generally stunted the development of exports and quality-driven producers in the country. Once state bureaucracy was relaxed and Salazar was removed from power, the Portuguese quality wine revolution got underway. It has been a slow process, but the past decade has seen the movement gather pace. As a result, few countries can match the value and diversity that Portugal has to offer.

Herdade Do Peso Vinha Do Monte Vinho Regional Alentejano (IG) 2019, 12.5% ABV, 

€16.95 RRP. Stockists: Mannings Emporium, The Wine Centre, Wineonline.ie

Sogrape is Portugal’s leading wine company, with an unparalleled presence. Since its creation in 1942, it has been investing in the main Portuguese wine regions. With a strong presence in Dão, Douro and Vinhos Verdes, entry into Alentejo - the national wine region with the highest growth rates - was natural and inevitable and came via Herdade Do Peso.

This Vinha Do Monte white is one of their wines and is produced from Antão Vaz, Arinto and Roupeiro grapes, supplied by growers in the Vidígueira region. It is one of the cooler Alentejo sub-regions and benefits from cool Atlantic air funnelled inland by a gap in the coastal mountains. Limestone soils here help to control vine vigour and lend elegance to the wines.

This white is fermented at low temperatures in stainless steel to retain freshness and vibrant fruit flavours. It is then aged on lees in tank to add extra depth and texture.

A medium-bodied wine, it has an attractive light gold colour. The aromatics are very fresh and elegant with fruity (pear, peach), floral and mineral notes combined.  That vibrant fruity freshness is balanced by a lively acidity on the palate and the wine is refreshing as an aperitif and a match to seafood and fish dishes and with all kinds of appetisers. Quite a crisp finish, will have you smacking your lips!

Enjoy this Very Highly Recommended Wine.

Alentejo is not that well-known here and then there’s its little-known (in Ireland) use of talha (amphorae). The talha has been part of life here since Roman times. The wine is "shared copiously” with family and neighbours. It is never bottled, just bring your own container, and food too (enough to share!) if you wish to eat in the cellar. No money changes hands, so don’t mention it! 

See also Part 11 of this mini-Portugal series. Better still, go and get the book, even for this Talha chapter alone.

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Check out our Top 2023 Wines here.

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Check out the Good Value Wine List here

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Azamor Single Estate Vinho Regional Alentejano 2019l, 14.5% ABV, 

RRP €21.95 Morton’s, Searsons Wine Merchants, McHughs Off Licence - Kilbarrack Road, The 1601, Drink Store, World Wide Wines, Egans Off Licence, Wineonline.ie, Leopardstown Inn.

Portuguese red wines are most often blends and this one takes the biscuit with a mix of indigenous and French varieties listed as 20%  Syrah, 18%  Alicante Bouschet,17% Touriga Franca, 17%  Merlot 12% Touriga Nacional, 10% Trincadeira and 6% Petit Verdot. Not too sure many would remember all those if you are out shopping for wine. But the French also have many multi-varietal wines so follow the region or better still the producer. Just ask for an Azamor red from Alentejano. This one, the Single Estate, with elegance, concentration and depth of flavour, is well worth the effort.

Deliciously fruity, and elegant with soft tannins, Azamor is made thanks to that melange of classic Portuguese and French grape varieties. It is mid-ruby robed and gorgeously fruity with soft tannins. The aromas, of rich dark red fruit scents, promise much and translate through to the well-rounded palate bursting at the seams with soft fruit flavours with the flimsiest wrap of spice. Soft yet vibrant flavours and soft tannins also accompany you to a magnificent finish. 

A terrific player with aperitifs, but even better with light dishes of meat, fish and pasta. Very Highly Recommended.

Situated relatively far south, the Alentejo is known for its dry, hot summers, when the temperature can often rise to 45°C. However, lying at 350 metres above sea level, Azamor’s 27 hectares of vineyard benefit from the cooling influence of altitude. Situated on low vigour, clay and schist slopes, these are some of the most densely planted vineyards in the region and produce low yields of very concentrated fruit.

Portugal mini-series

Part IV (Vinho Verde, Lisboa and Alentejano).

Part III (Alentejo) 

Part 11 (Douro, Dão, Alentejo and Setubal.)  

Part 1 (Minho) 

HARLEY ST FOOD MARKET RETURNS TODAY WITH NEW GLOBAL MENU

 HARLEY ST FOOD MARKET RETURNS TODAY WITH NEW GLOBAL MENU

 

The Metropole Hotel has announced the return of Harley StrEAT, the popular summer destination for foodies who are always on the lookout for new tastes. The food market is set to start from Friday, June 9th onwards with a variety of cuisines ranging from Mexican, Middle Eastern, Thai and American. 

The newly launched menu is under the direction of Executive Head Chef of Trigon Hotels, Alex Petit, who is known for his innovative creations that blend flavours from different countries and regions. 

The food on offer has been made with locally sourced ingredients and will include both meat and vegetarian bites including Tacos Al Pastor, Falafel Gyro Bowl, Fried Chicken Waffle, BBQ Brisket Hash, and Thai Seafood Spice Box.  For the sweet tooth there is Limoncello Summer Posset and Vasil's Famous Baklava. Guests can look forward to enjoying a diverse range of dishes that will tickle their taste buds and tantalise their senses.

Roger Russell, General Manager at Metropole Hotel said, "We are thrilled to bring back the Harley StrEAT food market this summer. This is our way of offering guests and locals a unique culinary experience that showcases the diverse range of flavours while enjoying the fantastic summer vibe. Our team of chefs have ensured that there is something for everyone. I can’t wait for people to try out what’s on offer."

Located just a stone's throw away from Metropole Hotel, Harley Street is renowned for its vibrant street art, cultural integration and culinary adventure. The food market is open from Friday-Sunday 1pm – 7pm and Monday Bank Holidays 1-5pm.

For more information visit - https://www.harleysstreat.com/

press release

Wicklow Wolf awarded as inaugural winners of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards announced

Inaugural winners of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards announced

At an event last night in The Powerscourt Distillery visitor centre, the inaugural winners of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards were announced. The aim of the Spirit of Wicklow Awards is to honour the extraordinary spirit and unwavering mindset of the people of Wicklow, and it's all brought together by the team at The Powerscourt Distillery. With over 700 nominations received, the Co Wicklow spirit was truly on show at the ceremony, with many nominees in attendance.

 

Winners of the four awards were:

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Community Award – Lakers Social & Recreational Club (Bray)

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Sustainability Award – ReWild Wicklow (Wicklow County)

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Arts/Sports/Culture Award – Schoolhouse for Art (Enniskerry)

·        The Spirit of Wicklow Enterprise and Innovation Award – Wicklow Wolf (Newtown Mount Kennedy)

The overall winner, as chosen by the judges, was ReWild Wicklow. ReWild Wicklow embodies the Extraordinary Spirit of Wicklow and received, in addition to the category prize, a €2,000 bursary to be awarded to a charity of their choice.

 

Speaking about the Awards, Caroline Gardiner, Head of Marketing, Digital & Communications, said,   “ We congratulate all the winners of the 2023 Spirit of Wicklow Awards and commend the exceptional quality of all the entries received. The remarkable craftsmanship, innovation, passion, and community spirit displayed by participants has solidified Wicklow's position as a hub of extraordinary spirit. This event has showcased the vibrant spirit of our county and inspired us all at The Powerscourt Distillery”.

 

 Lakers Social & Recreational Club was founded in 1989 and is a Sports, Social and Recreational Club for children & adults with intellectual disabilities. Running over 60 activities a week with over 400 members, open 6 days a week, and supported by over 160 volunteers, Lakers encompass everything that is best in humanity and the Spirit of the people of Wicklow.

 

 ReWild Wicklow's mission is to monitor, protect, enhance and increase native habitats in Wicklow so that it can support a vast, biodiverse, balanced ecosystem of historical flora and fauna. In short - a Wicklow as wild as it once was. They aim to achieve this by working in collaboration with all public, private and NGO landowners across the county. With a strong emphasis on citizen science and people power, educating the public and encouraging volunteers to get involved with work to protect the natural habitats all over Wicklow. A clear demonstration of the “Spirit of Wicklow” and people power campaigning for radical action in restoring biodiversity in Wicklow, empowering the local community to lead the charge.

 

 Schoolhouse for Art’s Neil Condren is the founder/director and was nominated for all he does in the community for art. And after 10 years in the heart of Enniskerry Village, he has opened a second venue in the inspiring and stunning grounds of RUSSBOROUGH HOUSE, Blessington, Co. Wicklow.

 

 Wicklow Wolf’s mission is to brew exceptional beers without compromise and with true passion. Independently brewed for independent minds. They are locally rooted and at one with nature, brewing beers in a sustainable way. In 2022 they took their commitment to sustainability one step further and commissioned the installation of over 120Kw of solar panels, covering the entirety of their 17,000 sq. ft brewery roof. 

 

The Awards Winner in each category received a specially commissioned Award made from hand-chosen Wicklow Oak created by local craftsmanship by Ian Robertson,a luxury hamper of Wicklow Produce, including a selection of the distillery's award-winning Fercullen Whiskeys.

THE MET LAUNCHES MENU CELEBRATING LOCAL PRODUCE. NEW CHEF LENDS A CONTINENTAL TOUCH.

THE MET LAUNCHES MENU CELEBRATING LOCAL PRODUCE.

NEW CHEF LENDS A CONTINENTAL TOUCH.

It's great to see Cork’s Metropole, one of Ireland’s most historic hotels, highlighting and supporting local businesses in its new menu.  Suppliers from around Cork City and county and neighbouring areas are named on a map at the back of the new MET menu and include the likes of the Chicken Inn of the English Market, 9 White Deer Brewery (Ballyvourney), Caherbeg Meats of West Cork and Jack McCarthy of Kanturk, to mention just a few.

New Head Chef Vasil Baci

The menu at the Met Bar and Restaurant has been designed by Head Chef Vasil Baci and his team who have been inspired by the wealth of fresh ingredients available locally.  They have created a varied menu combining global dishes with the best Cork flavours including fresh meat, fish and cheese.

Vasil: “Locally sourced food is really important to me when I’m considering any menu and I think the customers like to see where the ingredients of their meal come from which is why we decided to include the map on the menu.  Food and cooking are my passions and supporting small local suppliers and respecting the food is part of that.  Our dinner and lunch menus have been designed to offer diners at the Met Bar and Restaurant a variety of tastes and flavours to suit every palate and we are fortunate in Cork to have such a wide range of suppliers on our doorstep.”

Mushroom starter

Vasil’s family originate from Greece and he lived in a number of countries before moving to Cork in 2005 where he became an executive chef in various restaurants in Cork City after studying culinary arts at Munster Technological University.  He is passionate about using fresh local ingredients that are in season.

General Manager of The Metropole Hotel, Roger Russell said; “The summer menu at The Met Bar and Restaurant represents all that Cork food is renowned for - fresh and unique flavours which have been cooked with flair and passion by a team of dedicated chefs lead by Vasil Baci who brings over 20 years of experience to the kitchen.  The Metropole Hotel has been feeding customers for more than 125 years and we are confident that people will continue to enjoy the experience with this new menu.”

Fish Cake Starter

And that confidence is well placed, we decided after giving the new menu a try in the beautiful dining room, one of the most pleasant around, last week.

At first glance, you see Chicken Kiev, Baked Alaska, Fish and Chips, Burgers and so on. You could be thinking: what's so new here? But give Vasil a chance and see how his experience adds that little something extra and enjoyable to enhance your night out. And it is not just the kitchen. The team out front are both friendly and efficient, knows the menu and will answer any question you may have.

Chicken mains

We were happy to go along with the flow and had a close look at the starters - they also have a selection of nibbles if you want a "small” start. 

My pick, from a choice of eight, was the Local Crab Fish Cake Dressed baby leaves, mango & papaya salsa, lemon gel. The salsa and gel played key roles here and I enjoyed the quality and generous size of the fish cake itself. Thumbs up from the other side of the table also as CL loved her Wild Mushroom Croquettes with Irish cauliflower purée, vegetable crisps, pomegranate salsa. Again, the salsa and the crisps (parsnip) went superbly with the terrific flavour of the mushrooms.

Baked yogurt dessert

Next up, CL had picked the staff-recommended Wild Atlantic John Dory that came with Lemon, caper & dill butter, greens, and new season baby potatoes. A beautiful fish, cooked with precision and again the little things, including the caper and dill butter, lift it to a different level. Superb.

But how could Vasil manage with Chicken Kiev? No problem at all, it turned out to be flavoursome and delicious with Café de Paris butter, smoked squash, wild garlic oil, broccoli and asparagus, toasted almonds. The chicken, the Chicken Inn are the suppliers, was gorgeous and the smoked squash also stood out. Quite a dish and well priced at 18 euro.

When it came to dessert, the decision was to share one and so Baked Alaska lost out in favour of the Baked West Cork Yoghurt with Poached rhubarb, honeycomb, West Cork whiskey syrup, and cinnamon sablé. A perfect finalé as it turned out, easy to dispatch and unexpectedly enjoyable. But by then, we had come to expect that from Vasil and his team.

Ceiling and light fitting.

From a short but excellent choice of wines, we very much enjoyed the Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand’s Nelson and the Farnio blend of Montepulciano (70%) and Sangiovese from Italy’s Marche.

The Met menu can be found here. 

Suppliers map

CorkBillyBeers #28. Craft IPAs from Lineman, Heaney, and Killarney

CorkBillyBeers #28

Craft IPAs from Lineman, Heaney, and Killarney

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Heaney New England IPA 5.7%, 440ml can Bradleys

The label intro to this beer is short, and accurate: Haze, hops, and juice.

Light gold, deeply hazy, and a fluffy white head that’s in no big hurry to depart, mark the appearance of this IPA from the Heaney brewery. I like this hazy gold coloured beer, full of exotic notes, soft and easy drinking.

Aromas are somewhat reticent but you may note Pineapple leading the exotic charge. And more fruit on the palate, Mango and Pineapple to the fore, with just a touch of bitterness in the background. Lovely soft mouthfeel and perfectly balanced. Another well-made beer from the Derry brewery, one for the short-list for sure.

Heaney has continued to improve the NEIPA. “It’s slightly more refined on the body, a little smoother with the carbonation dialled in exactly right. I’m not sure what you get on your tasting notes but I feel there is a lot of squidgy apricot in there and some juicy red apple, it’s all about the jooooose. Very little bitterness if any, and a nice smooth lush body. We used Mosaic and Amarillo in equal quantities in the dry hop and Chinook in the whirlpool, no hops in the boil at all.”

Food pairing suggested by the makers: Jamaican Jerk Chicken with a stone fruit sauce.

Very Highly Recommended.

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Heaney West Coast India Pale Ale, 5.5% ABV, 440ml can Bradleys

This “classic West Coast IPA” from Heaney comes in a gorgeous golden colour with a soft white head.  Hints of citrus and pine from the aromas. Zesty Citrus also on the palate and a lip-smacking finish satisfies. Happy to let my thirst meet this one anytime.

Very Highly Recommended.

They say: For generations our family farm has been a place of harvest and inspiration. Our beers are for after the graft. Rural thirst quenchers, brewed and canned here at the wood in Bellaghy, Co. Derry.

And they suggest pairing it with “Dirty fries and sloppy burgers. Pairs well with mild blue cheeses.”  Serve at 5 degrees.

Heaney’s now have quite a few of their regular and well-loved beers in cans including this one, their New England IPA (above), the Double Pale Ale, the White Ale and their Irish Pale Ale.

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Killarney Scarlet Pimpernel IPA 6%, 500ml bottle CarryOut Killarney

There is a statue of a priest, dressed in an older fashion, at an entrance to Killarney National Park. He is striding out, a man in a hurry. They seek him here, they seek him there - he is O’Flaherty, the Scarlet Pimpernel. And this IPA is named in his honour.

It has a deep red colour. “Best served with a thick frothy head so pour with vigour.” I took that bit of advice so my head, poured a bit like the O’Flaherty walk,, and was rewarded with a long-lasting head.

Built “on a smooth malty base”, aromas are moderate, citrus and pine, but good and malty also. There’s a light caramel sweetness on the palate. Overall, a good balance is found, hop bitterness is moderate, and they boldly recommend it as “a perfect partner for full-flavoured dishes”.

Highly Recommended

During WW2, Rome-based Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty saved over 6,500 people by hiding them in monasteries, farms, and other locations. After the war, he was awarded the US Medal of Freedom and Commander of the British Empire.

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Lineman Loose Ends IPA, 5.7% ABV, 440ml can Bradleys

Life’s full of loose ends. This IPA is full of Simcoe, Citra and Chinook.

That’s how the label sums up this Loose Ends IPA by Lineman, their first limited edition of 2023.

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Colour is a murky yellow with a soft white head. From the haze, aromas of the tropical kind, some citrus too and a little pine, arise. And they also populate the palate with the tropical stuff getting on top in a refreshing finish.

Highly Recommended.