Nothing Added Nothing Removed. ..100% grapes. A superb Binner Saveurs from Alsace

Binner Saveurs Alsace (AOP) 2020/21, 14% ABV

RRP: €25.95.  Stockists include 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

Nothing Added Nothing Removed. ..100% grapes.

Gentil, a multi-blend white, is one of my favourites from Alsace. Besides, I am always happy to drink a Binner wine, so I had no hesitation in ordering this Saveurs, also a multi-blend, from Le Caveau.

The colour is an enticing bright gold and though the wine is unfiltered, there is only a slight cloudiness evident. Orchard aromas are on the other hand very evident and the pear, apple and peach are light and enjoyable. This array of aromatics continues all the way through and the palate has much the same flavours and is also well balanced with a fresh kick of acidity.

Very Highly Recommended. 

Haven’t seen any suggested food pairings but during the evening, I laid my hands on a pack of those delicious Apple Crisps by Con Traas of The Apple Farm in Cahir and they were quite a match for the Saveurs.

Check out  our Top Wines 2024 list (with stockists and short reviews) here 

Looking for better value? All under 20 euro. Click here

This Saveurs is a blend of 2 vintages (2020 and 2021). These were two 2 contrasting vintages, one was hot, ripe and rich, and the other was cooler and focused. Blending both brought the kind of balance and vibrancy Christian Binner loves.

The grapes, Le Caveay tell us, are mainly Pinot Blanc, Riesling and Auxerrois with a little Sylvaner, Chasselas and Muscat. The wine was aged on its fine lees, in large oak vats.

Not too sure if Binner produces a Gentil but this Saveur is a fantastic introduction to the family wines and indeed to their wine heritage that began in 1770. They operate 11 hectares of vineyards in and around Alsace including some prestigious Grand Crus.

They proudly proclaim this as a RARE wine: “Nothing Added Nothing Removed. ..100% grapes, without filtration, without sulfur or any added input.”

Whitefield's "Banker" is Beer of the Week. From a brewery that was made to make wheat beer! .

Beer of the Week 

Whitefield The Banker Wheat Beer, 5.2% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys

Tipperary's Whitefield Brewery was made to make wheat beer!

Believe it or not, the brewery kit in Templemore’s Whitefield Brewery was made to make wheat beer. Really! 

Brewer Cuilan:  “Our brewhouse was originally commissioned by Pauliner, so it is designed as a wheat beer brewery. The fermentation tanks are low, wide and flat-bottomed to help maintain a consistent flavour profile while using a volatile yeast. So it comes as no surprise that our best sellers in both draught and bottle are Weiss beers. This makes it tricky to brew drier hoppy beers, so we focus on the malty styles of beer with plenty of sweetness.”

Colour here is a mid-amber and you can see fountains of little bubbles rising to the soft white head. Aromas are on the modest side, with hints of spice and rye. On the palate, there is no shortage of flavour, banana and clove included. An excellent supple malty drink with flavours continuing to a refreshing finish.

Cuilan again: “A slight twist on the German classic wheat beer the addition of rye malt gives a drier, lighter flavour profile and is very refreshing on warm summer days. Yes! I know we live in Ireland.”

No doubt the brewery kit (and brewer) worked their magic here and The Banker is Beer of the Week. Very Highly Recommended.

Spectacular Dripsey venue is the latest in Perry Street Cafe collection

Spectacular Dripsey venue is the latest in Perry Street collection

Fish Crumble

You'll find the latest addition to the Perry Street Cafe collection in McD's garden centre in Dripsey, perched beautifully on the left bank of the Dripsey River (a tributary of the Lee).

This, the fourth venue and venture from Brian Drinan and Paul Coffey, boasts a spacious, light-filled "marquee" with glass walls giving views into the colourful garden centre and a third side offering stunning riverside views that may, from time to time, include water-ski activity. A terrace stands by for sunny days, but even on dull ones, the natural light is a welcome mood booster.

Vegetarian quiche

Perry Street Café Dripsey offers familiar comfort food in a stunning riverside setting. While the menu may not break new ground, it delivers reliable quality and caters to a variety of tastes.

Indeed the menu follows the familiar Perry Street Cafe formula, featuring well-loved breakfast and lunch options. At breakfast, choose from the "Super Perry," "Full Perry," or "Half Perry" or pick from the enticing Moroccan breakfast, various egg dishes, granola, porridge, and pancakes and more.

Mango and Passion Fruit

Lunchtime brings a wider selection, with soups, chowders, and various sandwiches. The "Perry Street Toasted Special" with its combination of ham, red onion marmalade, tomato, Hegarty's cheese, and mustard mayo is a popular choice, as is the "Perry Street Falafel" served with hummus, salsa, lettuce, and sweet potato fries.

Pies range from the classic fish crumble to hearty cottage pie. Salads cater to varied preferences, with options like the "Roast Squash and Beetroot" salad featuring orange segments, avocado, feta, walnuts, and a zingy lemon dressing.

Apple Crumble

For something more substantial, the "Mains" section offers enticing choices like the "Chargrilled Chicken and Avocado Tortilla Bowl" or the "Chicken Parm" with rocket, parmesan, slow-cooked tomato sauce, and buttery pasta. Sides like fries and house salad complete these dishes.

While the menu may not detour towards uncharted territory, the execution is consistent. The "Fish and Chips" with its perfectly cooked haddock and light batter is a crowd-pleaser.

Perry Street (in its days as The Spinning Wheel)

Other standouts include the vegetarian quiche and the "Warm Chicken & Black Pudding Salad" with its crunchy and tasty combination of mixed greens, house dressing, sundried tomatoes, potatoes, nuts, cheese, and a balsamic reduction.

Chicken & Black Pudding Salad

Desserts, with daily variations (check the tempting assortment of treats displayed at the counter), include crowd-pleasers like "Mango and Passionfruit" and "Apple Crumble." Friendly and knowledgeable servers are ready to offer recommendations, not just on desserts but throughout your dining experience.

View of the river - skier not guaranteed!

A comprehensive drinks selection, featuring wines, teas and coffees, rounds out the offerings at this very attractive Dripsey venue (formerly well-known and well-loved as Griffins). The other Perry Street locations are Ringaskiddy, Grange and Cork city centre.

Taste of the Week. Miena's Almond & Passion Fruit Nougat

Taste of the Week

Miena's Almond & Passion Fruit Nougat

When it comes to sweet things, Miena's Soft Honey Nougat is always on the shortlist. This Almond & Passion Fruit version is our Taste of the Week.

Up and running for more than 10 years, Miena’s Irish Handmade Nougat is now located in a small production facility right beside her original kitchen. She says: "My small team and I still make our tasty Irish product right here in the Garden of Ireland next to my home. It is a dream come true!"

Miena is always willing to try new flavour combinations  and this was a hit. "This is a combination of flavours that really works. Not sure why . . . but it does. Passion fruit reminds me of my awesome Mum, so this one is for her." Next up for me is the Almond & Pistachio! Looking forward to that.

I got mine in Bradley's (Cork); Miena's nougat is widely available.

A balanced, complex and elegant Douro red: Antonio Lopes Ribeiro Douro

Antonio Lopes Ribeiro Douro (DOC) 2020, 13.5% ABV,

RRP €25.00; stockists: Sonas, Newcastle West. Mary Pawle

 

A balanced, complex and elegant Douro red

The spectacular Douro region in Portugal (a World Heritage Site),  is well-known for its port and the area’s red still wines are produced from much the same grapes. This excellent Antonio Lopes Ribeiro includes Touriga-Franca (60%), Touriga-Nacional (10%), Tinta-Roriz (10%), Tinta-Barroca (10%) and Sousão (10%).

The name Antonio Lopes Ribeiro may be familiar to some readers as he co-owns Casa De Mouraz, a small natural wine estate based in the Dao region of Portugal, and “Antonio Lopes Ribeiro” is reserved for their wines from the Duoro and Vinho Verde. Some of their excellent Mouraz wines are also imported by Mary Pawle and are unmistakeable on the shelf as the labels feature the estate’s well-loved pets: Bolinha (Maltese dog), Chibu (goat) and Nina (cat).

Via Pixabay (by Andrew McLeod

Back to our Douro which is quite a dark ruby. Aromas are a heady mix of dark fruits (blackberry and cherry) along with some herbal notes. With more fruit and herbs on the palate, it is balanced, complex and elegant. Perfect all the way to the finish.

Very Highly Recommended. 

Check out  our Top Wines 2024 list (with stockists and short reviews) here 

Looking for better value? All under 20 euro. Click here

The grapes are grown on three vineyards in the Upper Duoro where the soil is mostly schist with some clay outcrops. On these slopes you see plenty of rock roses, thyme and rosemary flowers amongst the stones.

This unoaked beauty is well worth looking out for. The vineyard’s suggested pairings are kid or lamb as well as stewed veal (or cooked in the oven). Also goes well with white meat and game dishes or vegetarian dishes such as mushrooms. Over to you!

Kildare's the place. Mum's the word!

Mother's Day Press release 

Kildare's the place. Mum's the word

Lawlor's Hotel

 

If you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day present, then don’t forget it’s your presence that makes the difference! So why not spend a precious afternoon with your Mum this year and get her a wonderful gift of afternoon tea. Into Kildare, Kildare Tourism Board has identified some great Afternoon Tea venues in Co. Kildare that offers a really sweet treat for your Mum.

 

Lawlor’s of Naas

Sit back and enjoy a splendid Afternoon Tea served in the lobby of Lawlor’s of Naas Hotel, exclusively on Saturday and Sundays.  If you fancy swapping tea for their “Tipsy Tea” why not upgrade to their refreshing pink prosecco and make it an afternoon to remember.

From €30 per person www.lawlors.ie/afternoon-tea.html

 

The Court Yard Hotel

Indulge in a unique Afternoon Tea experience at the Court Yard Hotel, in Leixlip, County Kildare.  The cosy surrounds of the Court Yard Hotel's riverside lounge area of Steakhouse 1756 offers the perfect spot to relax and enjoy their afternoon tea which includes a wide selection of gourmet sandwiches, freshly baked scones, delicate pastries and desserts. 

From €30 per person www.courtyard.ie/afternoon-tea.html

Pippin Tree at Killashee Hotel

 

Killashee Hotel

Chat over a delicious spread of dainty sandwiches and delightful pastries at the Pippin Tree in the Killashee Hotel located in Naas.  Served from 1-2.30pm daily in serene surroundings it’s the perfect treat for the mum in your life.

From €35 per person www.killasheehotel.com/afternoon-tea.html

Moyvalley

 

Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort

A quintessential English custom Afternoon Tea has never gone out of fashion.  Nibbling on delicate sandwiches and homemade scones and pastries while relaxing with family and friends in luxury surroundings.  Moyvalley Hotel and Golf Resort in North County Kildare serves Afternoon Tea Monday to Saturday from 1pm to 4pm.

From €25 per person www.moyvalley.com/afternoon-tea.html

 

Club Hotel @ Goffs

Treat yourself and the mum in your life to the age-old tradition of Afternoon Tea at The Club Hotel at Goffs. Enjoy fresh finger sandwiches alongside deliciously savoury tarts, quintessential homemade scones, and delicately delightful treats including Valrhona coffee mousse choux; Citrus yoghurt tea bread; and Carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

From €35 per person www.clubhotel.ie/afternoon-tea/

A NoteworthyTrio from Western Herd Brewery: Porter, Pilsner and Witbier

NoteworthyTrio from Western Herd

Porter, Pilsner and Witbier

Western Herd Turlough Porter, 4% ABV, 440 ml can.

Our Western Herd Turlough looks like a porter. Black as a December night in the Burren. The soft head has a slight coffee colour. Aromas are modestly floral. The hops though come through and take over on the palate with a chocolate twist, nothing too much though as there’s a good balance here, making the dry porter, with its smooth mouthfee l, easy to drink, before a crisp and satisfying finish.

Pretty much the perfect porter and Very Highly Recommended

Geek Bits

Style
Porter

Colour/Appearance
Dark ruby/black with a creamy head

Aroma
Slight coffee and chocolate

Flavour
Vanilla, coffee, chocolate, creamy and smooth mouthfeel

Hops
Willamette, Cascade

Malts
Pale, White Wheat, Caramunich III, CaraPils, Carafa I, Carafa III

Yeast

Nottingham

Turlough

The porter is named after the disappearing lakes of the limestone region of the Burren, “a uniquely Irish experience”.

Western Herd Back Beat Witbier, 5.0% ABV, 440 ml can

Our fruity herbal “witbier” from County Clare has a pale gold body and a soft white top. Perle and Saaz are the hops used, malts are Pale, Unmalted Wheat, and Torrified Wheat. A larger proportion of wheat as against barley gives the beer its character and name. The water is from their farm and the yeast is WB-06. I've tried a wide selection of beers by Western Herd over the past couple of weeks and this may be my favourite.

Witbier is almost always brewed with added spice or flavouring; here the brewers have chosen fresh orange peel and coriander and that comes through, in a balanced way, in both the aromas and flavours. And the finish is clean and crisp with a lingering aftertaste, again with citrus and coriander featuring. Clove is another regular in this type of beer and it too is here.

This Belgian-style Witbier is nicely balanced, well-produced and  Highly Recommended.

Loop Head on a foggy day.

Western Herd Loop Head Pilsner, 4.5% ABV, 440 ml can

My Loop Head Pilsner by Western Herd is a bit on the “foggy” side, not unlike the head itself on a bad day. Later, I declare myself happy with this pretty serious Pilsner. So if you’re toasting County Clare, put a Western Herd Pilsner in your glass and enjoy.

Plenty of bubbles rising through the murky light gold to a quickly thinning head. Yeast and malt on the slightly sour nose for sure. After that, the anticipated crisp clean Pilsner style comes through and we’ve got a central European lager to enjoy from the west coast of Ireland. 

And that was their plan all along, based on “a single malt and simple hop bill”. Hops were Saaz and Perle, the malt Pilsner, with a Lager yeast of course. Highly Recommended.

Pilsner is one of the main styles of European lager. But what exactly is it? Pilsner is a pale lager named after the Czech city of Pilsen from where it originated. This bright golden beer is typically crystal clear with a large amount of foam. Saaz hops are a must for this style offering a spiciness to the beer resulting in some earthy, floral, crisp flavours. A refreshing Pilsner is always a popular choice. The vast majority of beer drunk around the world is lager of one type or another. It is a style that micro-breweries should be sure to include in their portfolio.

Geek Bits

Style
Pilsner

Colour/Appearance
Straw colour and crystal clear.

Aroma
Yeast and malt on the nose

Flavour
Clean mouthfeel and malt forward with a slightly fruity and dry finish.

Hops
Saaz, Perle

Malts
Pilsner malt

Yeast
Lager