A high-altitude low-priced Tempranillo. This Merinas Old Vine Wine is Very Highly Recommended.

Merinas Old Vine Tempranillo 2022, 13.50% ABV

€12.95 at Bradleys.

A high-altitude low-priced Tempranillo. Very Highly Recommended.

This easy-drinking Tempranillo boasts an intense black cherry colour. It is supple on the palate, offering a fresh taste filled with dark fruit flavours (cherry, raspberry). The pleasant, juicy fruit, with a bit of spice in there, continues to shine through a lengthy finish. According to the producers, it is a versatile, medium-bodied food wine that pairs excellently with tapas, grilled meats, and pasta.

It is produced from organically farmed vineyards in Uclés (Castile, Spain). The vineyards are nestled deep within the land of The Mesta (formerly a powerful alliance of shepherds who controlled the “cañadas", rights of way for their sheep, paths that still exist in this area dotted with ancient oak trees). 

Even though Irish consumers primarily associate Tempranillo with Rioja, it is grown widely throughout Spain. Merinas, as you’ve probably guessed, means sheep.

The term "Old Vine" typically refers to grapevines that are usually over 30 years old, with some being even older. Although older vines tend to produce less fruit, they often yield more concentrated flavours. This winery is situated in the Denominación de Origen (D.O.) of Madrid. However, the wine does not have a D.O. stamp and is simply labeled as a Product of Spain.

A brief visit to the Tom Crean brewery in Kenmare plus review of their St Brigid’s Lager

 A brief visit to the Tom Crean brewery in Kenmare

 plus….review of their St Brigid’s Lager

The hardworking husband and wife team of Aileen O’Brien-Crean (Tom’s granddaughter) and husband Bill have made sustainability a priority from day one at their Tom Crean Family Brewery in Kenmare. 

In those early days, Bill delivered the beers around the town with a handcart. Now that they have expanded a bit, they have a low-emission jeep for that job. They use shutters (French style) to help regulate the temperature in the building and also have solar panels on the roof. Their motto is "to make a beer that won't cost the earth."

One Delightful Summery Day in Kenmare and Killarney

One Delightful Summery Day in Kenmare and Killarney 

Tom Crean Brewery - Maison Gourmet - National Park - The Lake Hotel

Ladies View, Killarney

Highlights: stunning views, strawberry tart, brewery visit

Muckross House Glasshouse

Muckross House
Glasshouse

With a stroke of luck, we landed in the Kingdom of Kerry on a summer’s day in March, a true “pet” day. Just the one day, though, but we were glad we had switched our booking at the Lake Hotel from Thursday to Tuesday as we relaxed on the balcony with a glass (of water - they have cool water stations at each level) and enjoyed the stunning views over the lakes.

Later, at dinner, we would see a small bunch of deer run across the lawn just outside, in the twilight. I think they may have been upset by a jogger coming up behind them. We, too, were a bit upset because the hotel could not fit us in, except at a very late time, for an evening meal in the main dining room, the fine-dining Castlelough. As we heard later, we weren’t the only couple with that particular problem, even though our booking had been DB&B.

Ireland Joins European Initiative to Boost Consumer Confidence in EU Food Safety

 press release

Ireland Joins European Initiative to Boost Consumer Confidence in EU Food Safety

 

Nearly 4 in 10 consumers now actively consider food safety when shopping  

  

Ireland has officially launched Safe2Eat, a major EU-wide campaign empowering consumers with science-backed food safety information to make smarter, safer food choices. Led by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Safe2Eat has expanded from 18 to 23 countries in 2025, with Safefood representing Ireland as part of this growing European initiative. 

Fota Wildlife Park. End-of-March Visit

Fota Wildlife Park. 

End-of-March Visit

Pics: 31.03.2025

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I'd love to be out there!

Hay Rhino

Peacock Gold

Mara

Lemur lunch

Lemur Lift

Baby 'roo

Bye for now, shorty.

The ageless Farmgate Café, Cork City, a destination dining venue for decades

The ageless Farmgate Café, Cork City

THE FACT IS THAT FAR­M­GATE FOOD IS AGE­LESS … GREAT STAFF, GREAT VALUE*

Cod & Peperonata

The Farmgate Café, located on the balcony of the bustling English Market, has become a favourite in Cork over the past 31 years due to several key elements: exceptional local produce on the plate and in the glass, consistently high standards in the kitchen, and friendly, efficient service. 

The Farmgate name was established in 1984 by Maróg O’Brien when she opened her restaurant and country store in Midleton (now relocated to Lismore). A decade later, Maróg’s sister Kay joined her, and together they created the café in the English Market in the heart of Cork city.

Orange cake and juicy cherries

Farmgate, from day one, embraced much of what is unique and tra­di­tional to Cork and still does; anyone for Tripe & Onions, with Drisheen, with Ladysbridge potatoes. Those potatoes (balls of flour) still come from Ladysbridge in East Cork and feature across the menu, including in the superb Lamb Stew.

While Farmgate has its roots in the past, it embraces the new influences present in the dynamic multicultural food market of this port city. For instance, last week, I tried the Pan Roast Cod, which was served with broccoli, mashed potatoes, and peperonata. I doubt that Peperonata made many appearances on Cork menus back in 1994.

By the way, I had a general idea of what Peperonata was, but I looked it up to confirm. It is an Italian vegetable stew made from red bell peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Peperonata can be used as a sauce for pasta or served as a side dish to meat and fish. It may also be included in a ragù. The key to preparing Peperonata is slow-cooking the ingredients, which allows the flavours to blend, creating a rich, savoury taste with a slightly sweet undertone from the peppers. It certainly complemented the beautifully cooked piece of cod.

The cod was one of the day’s specials; others were Eoin O’Mahony Sausages (from the market) and a Tomato and Basil Soup with goat’s feta. They start serving lunch at 12.15, though some of the more substantial dishes aren't available until 12.30 pm

Across the table, my colleague enjoyed their Free-range Supreme of Chicken, Fennel and Lemon Sauce, Boozy Fig. This is on the regular menu, while the cod was one of the day’s specials. Again, the chicken was very well cooked, full of flavour and ensured that two well-satisfied customers exited the market.

But not before sharing a dessert, the beautiful Orange Cake with poached cherries and Yogurt. A super combination - loved those juicy cherries - and Very Highly Recommended. I’ll have to go back again to try the more traditional Bread and Butter Pudding (with custard) and also the Apple Tart with Cream! Aside from the lunch offering, it’s also a great spot for grabbing a cuppa and a pastry if you want something less substantial.

Chicken

The Farmgate’s drink lists include local craft beer (Eight Degrees and 9 White Deer) and ciders (including specialities by Killahora and Nohoval and also the superb non-alcoholic Stonewell Cider). No Irish wines yet, but they still keep it close to home with carefully chosen European wines.

While dining, you might notice some frames on one wall displaying what looks like handwriting—perhaps poems? Indeed, this unique feature is the “Poetry Wall”. The initiative, created by Gerry Murphy, a poet, and Kay Harte, showcases a distinctive collection of poems from Cork, Irish, and international poets. The Café commissioned these works in 2005 to celebrate Cork's designation as the European Capital of Culture.

Info on menus, opening times and more here

*  Sun­day Times 100 Best Restau­rants 2020

New summer Swords Castle Food Markets, full of flavour and creativity. Where centuries of heritage meet fresh local flavours

press release 

New summer Swords Castle Food Markets full of flavour and creativity

Pictured at the launch of the Swords Castle Food Market were Niamh McNally (McNally Family Farm), Declan Power (Fingal County Council), Jim Scully (Fingal Farmers Group) and Cllr. Brian McDonagh (Mayor of Fingal County Council).    Pic: Shane O’Neill, Coalesce

Where centuries of heritage meet fresh local flavours

 

Each month from April to September 2025 a new food market will take place at Swords Castle Fingal. This bustling, lively market promises a winning combination of artisan food and fresh produce stalls jostling for attention alongside handmade crafts and fun family entertainment. The Swords Castle Food Market is a joint venture of Fingal County Council, Fingal Food Network and Fingal Farmers Group and will take place on the third Saturday of each month from 10am to 3pm.

Killeen Goat Mature named Best Irish Cheese at British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025

P R E S S  R E L E A S E

Killeen Goat Mature named Best Irish Cheese at British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025

Killeen Goat Mature named Best Irish Cheese at British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025

 

Killeen Goat Mature, a 5-month aged gouda-style cheese, has been named Best Irish Cheese at the British & Irish Cheese Awards 2025. Produced by farmer and cheesemaker, Marion Roeleveld at Killeen Farmhouse Cheese in County Galway, Killeen Goat Mature took this coveted prize among hundreds of entries into the 29th edition of these Awards, which were hosted by the Bath & West Food & Drink Festival near Shepton Mallet in Somerset.

Liberty Wines don't stand still. New Names added to the portfolio

Liberty Wines don't stand still. 

New Names added to the portfolio

The Dean, Cork

Domaine Jubare Pouilly-Fuissé was one of my top favourites, showcasing that Liberty Wines continues to evolve. Their latest Portfolio Tasting, which took place at Cork's Dean Hotel last Monday, highlighted several newcomers, listed below.

.

ENGLAND: Langham Wine Estate

FRANCE: Domaine Jubare, Corentin Chavy. 

GERMANY: Gunderloch

AUSTRALIA: House of Arras

SOUTH AFRICA: Paulus Wine Co., Restless River

ITALY: Mura Mura, Tenuta Mazzolino, Mecori, Torre di Terzolan

SPAIN: Viña Mayor

Quite a few new wines as well including the marvellous 2023 Frédéric Berne Beaujolais Lantignié. Others to impress were:

2022 Cantina di Gambellara Pinot Nero Delle Venezie IGT

2023 Tenuta Mazzolino `Terrazze`Pinot Nero

2023 Willunga 100 `Blind Spot Vineyard`Blewitt Springs Grenache

2021 Mecori `Duo` Etna Rosso

2019 Viña Mayor Ribera del Duero Reserva.

Favourite Whites

38 2024 Tinpot Hut Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

39 2024 Montes Zapallar Sauvignon Blanc

53 2023 Domaine Jubare Pouilly-Fuissé

13 2023 Pieropan Soave Classico

20 2024 Terre del Buontalenti Vermentino/Ansonica

26 2023 Domaine Vico `Le Bois du Cerf` Blanc

36 2024 Maison Les Alexandrins `Le Cabanon` Viognier

Favourite Reds

58 2023 Frédéric Berne Beaujolais Lantignié Gamay Noir

59 2022 Cantina di Gambellara Pinot Nero Delle Venezie IGT

60 2023 Heirloom Vineyards Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir

67 2022 Antichi Poderi Jerzu `Bantu` Cannonau di Sardegna 

84 2022 Domaine Vico `Le Bois du Cerf` Rouge

100 2022 Pedro Parra `Vinista` Itata Valley País

108 2022 Trinity Hill Hawkes Bay Syrah 

72 2023 Monterustico Dogliani

Sweet Finalé

116 2022 Château Laville Sauternes 

The tasting was arranged by grape variety. I was drawn to the Gamay and Pinot Noir table. The top three in the list above show that I was very happy with that stop.

I’m pretty sure that Soave was the wine at our wedding. I don't remember anything about it (the wine, that is), but I suspect that Monday’s 2023 Pieropan Soave Classico would be a step or two above. Vinho Verde was also fairly popular back in the day, but that, too, was overproduced and underwhelming. Not so with the 2023 Quinta de Azevedo Vinho Verde Loureiro/Alvarinho. 

And then there was Muscadet, mostly bought as a bottom-shelf wine in Breton supermarkets at eight or nine francs, not euros! But we learned as we drank and soon moved up a shelf or two and picked those bottles with the important words Sur Lie on the labels—just like Monday’s delicious 2023 Château du Coing de St. Fiacre `Confluentia` Muscadet Sèvre et Maine Sur Lie.

Some impressive wines from the islands, especially Tinpot Hut Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, the red and white of Le Bois du Cerf and also the Grenache from Bantu, both Sardinian. 

Always a sweet finish at a tasting like this, and on this occasion, a sip or two of the gorgeous 2022 Château Laville Sauternes did the business!