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Restaurant Reviews. Food. Markets. Wine. Beer. Cider. Whiskey. Gin. Producers. . Always on the look-out for tasty food and drink from quality producers! Buy local, fresh and fair. The more we pull together, the further we will go. Contact: cork.billy@gmail.com Follow on Twitter: @corkbilly Facebook: Billy Lyons
Monday, January 9, 2012
Comfort food from warmer climes
Sunday, January 8, 2012
ONE CHATEAUNEUF’S NOT ENOUGH
WHEN ONE CHATEAUNEUF’S NOT ENOUGH
Old bottles in the museum in Chateauneuf |
Chateauneuf du Pape, Domaine Barville, Brotte, 2007, 14.5%, Nash Wines
Over
the Christmas, I had the opportunity to sample not one but two Chateauneuf du
Pape. I bought this one last June at the Domaine's outlet in the village itself,
where they also run a very interesting wine museum, and it cost €28.00. Not
sure that Nash Wines have this exact vintage but you may check their site .
The
grapes are hand selected in the vineyard and there is further sorting in the
winery . The blend
is Grenache 80%, Syrah 15% and Mourvedre 5%. It is ruby red in colour with a
fruity nose of red fruits and also spicy.
On
the palate, I found a beautiful combination of fruit, spice and acidity. It is
a smooth mouthfeel and succulent; tannins, yes, but no rough edges whatsoever,
just well textured, an excellent example.
Roger Perrin Chateauneuf du Pape,
2009, 14.5%, €14.99 (Dunne’s Stores)
Got this one as a present and must say
it turned to be quite an enjoyable drink. It is a few years younger than the
Brotte, has different characteristics and is good value.
It is a darker red with mainly red
fruits in the aroma. The palate gives a red fruit and nice spice, light, not
unlike a Pinot Noir, with silky tannins and a long finish. Not bad at all for a
relative youngster.
The blend is of seven grapes but the
main ones are much the same as the Brotte: Grenache (72 to 74 %) and also Syrah
and Mourvedre included. The average age of the vines is 65 years. See more
details here.
My import is the better wine now but
there is excellent value in the Dunne’s offering. I must say, I really enjoyed
my visit to the village of Chateauneuf du Pape
and the time spent in the wine museum and, of course, the chat and the
tastings. Hard to put a value on those things.
But somebody, from the east, is! Maybe we should all be stocking up on
Rhone wines. Buy Rhone before they do is the early warning from Jancis Robinson here.
If you’d like to see some more photos
from last summer’s trip to Provence, click here
Friday, January 6, 2012
The Sentinel - Corned Beef Sandwich with Gruyere | Foodspotting
The Sentinel - Corned Beef Sandwich with Gruyere | Foodspotting
Hey Cork chefs, take a look at this. Another use for corn beef!
Hey Cork chefs, take a look at this. Another use for corn beef!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
ALE AND HEARTY AT THE WELL
HAPPENINGS AT THE FRANCISAN WELL
Craft Brewing has taken off in a big way this last 12 months but the pioneering Franciscan Well on Cork’s North Mall still has a trick or two up its sleeve.
And indeed, the brewers there have produced two of the best beers of the year in my opinion: The Shandon Century Extra Stout and the formidable Bellringer, both limited editions.
The Shandon made its debut at the end of October. This was a fabulous stout and I was lucky enough to get a bottle or two from the 1,000 made, also enjoyed a couple of tastings, each with cheese.
And perhaps the best match-up came during the Jazz Weekend when Willie Healy of URRU matched it with a mature Hegarty’s Cheddar at the pub itself. Memorable stout – like to see it back again sometime soon!
The Bellringer, also a 1000 bottle run, came about a month later and only last Monday came the news from the brewery: “Bellringer is sold out. Next batch will be a bottle conditioned I.P.A. “ You might be lucky as, of yesterday, Bradley’s in North Main Street still had a few bottles left. I finished mine off last night and was delighted with it, perhaps the best Irish ale I’ve tasted. Like to see that come back as well but in the meantime I’m looking forward to the IPA.
And another Franciscan event to look forward to has just been announced: “Our annual Cask Ale Festival will take place on the 10th, 11th and 12th Feb. It’s going to be one of the best ones yet!” They usually keep to their word so mark this in your diary.
All goes to show there is life in the Old North Mall dog yet and those newbies, promising and all as they are, will have their work cut out to top the Cork star. We can only benefit from the brewing battles ahead!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
CHRISTMAS WINE REVIEW
Glad to say most of the wines flagged in a last month’s A Festive Wine Mix came up trumps over the holiday period. The Hamilton Ewell Fortified Red Wine, available from Bubble Brothers for about €18.00, was an after dinner highlight and this port taste-alike went down well with the Green Saffron Christmas Pudding.
Not all alcohol |
Much before all that, the Innocent Bystander, Victoria, 2010 Moscato, 5.5% (Bradley’s Off Licence), drew quite a lot of favourable comment as did the Mont Marcal Extremarium Cava from Curious Wines.
There was a split decision when the Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz from Karwig Wines was introduced and I must admit I didn’t get too many converts. But another red from the Carrigaline outlet went down a treat and that was the Monte Veho 2010 Vinho Regional Alentejano (€13.85). Made from a selection of regional grapes, this was well balanced, nicely rounded, soft and easy drinking.
And another Portuguese red, the Fontanario de Pegoes Palmela DO Reserva 2007 (Portugal), 14%, (€16.99), also got a big welcome. This is imported by Wine Alliance and widely available as is one of their brilliant whites: Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc Limited Edition 2009, New Zealand, 13.5%, €15.99, another Christmas star.
Back to Karwig’s for another white that found wide acceptance: Rebenfeld Gruner Veltliner 2006 from South Austria (€11.00). This crisp fruity dry wine, from Austria’s flagship white grape, has good balance and a good finish and is very good value indeed. Perhaps the top Karwig white that found its way onto the holiday table was the Martin Codax Albarino 2010 (€13.85). A lovely wine: aromatic, crisp and dry.
I also had the pleasure of a couple of doubles from the Southern Rhone, a pair of Chateauneuf du Pape, and also a pair of good ones from La Citadelle, one of the top producers in the Luberon. I’ll fill you in on these later.
It wasn’t all alcohol of course. The Innocent Bystander drew favourable comment partly because of its low alcohol and I also had my favourite non alcoholic beverage available, the Tipperary Sparkling Apple Juice by Con Traas.
Con also does a gorgeous still apple juice from his Carmine apples and, at Midleton Farmers Market on Christmas Eve morning, I found a worthy rival in the still juice by the Little Irish Apple Company from Kilkenny. It is made from Bramley and Seasonal Dessert varieties and is refreshing and natural and lovely when chilled, a different taste that also found favour around here this holiday.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
FOODSPOTTING.COM
FOODSPOTTING FUN
Kay Harte and yours truly talking to Foodspotting in The Farmgate (Pic by Chris Connolly) |
A visual
guide to good food
and where to find it.
Just recently, I’ve joined the ranks of Foodspotting.com.
What is Foodspotting.com? In their own words: “Foodspotting is the easiest way to find and share the foods you love: instead of reviewing restaurants, you can recommend your favourite dishes and see what others have recommended wherever you go.” Much more here.
The big point about Foodspotting is that it puts you in touch with your favourite dish, not necessarily in your favourite restaurant. And, say, if you want to compare the Rome version of chicken cacciatore with the Cork version or indeed the New York version, it makes it easy.
Again, when you arrive somewhere new, you may wish to try what is local and seasonal. You’ve just arrived in Cork, for instance. You know it is the game season and you’d like to try pheasant. Just click into the app on your Smartphone, search for pheasant and you’ll see that Blair’s Inn have the very dish you want. And, in addition, you have a map alongside and also the contact numbers. Easy.
The site came to my attention when I was asked to meet two of the key Foodspotting players at The Farmgate Cafe in Cork recently: Amy Cao (above right) from New York and Chris Connolly (above left) from San Francisco. It turned out to be a long lunch as you may read in this account.
The duo, on a packed visit sponsored by Failte Ireland, fascinated both myself and the Farmgate’s Kay Harte with their high tech site while Kay had the visitors spellbound with her knowledge of and passion for Irish food.
The two also visited food places in Galway, Waterford and Dublin and by the end of their stay were happy to proclaim that there was much more to Irish food than bacon and cabbage. This is their summary of the flying visit.
I am enjoying contributing to Foodspotting and obviously hope to benefit from it when I travel both within and outside Ireland. You too can join in the food fun and build up the data base of enjoyable dishes in Irish restaurants.
Just head over to http://www.foodspotting.com and have your camera ready! You don’t need to do any reviews, though a line on the dish is welcome. Just put up the food and picture you like and spread the good food word!
You may see my initial contributions here
Monday, January 2, 2012
Healthy winter meals
Allrecipes.co.uk | Find recipes | 2nd January 2012 | ||||||
| More healthy ideas |
Sunday, January 1, 2012
BUSY BUZZ IN MARKET LANE
MARKET
LANE
Walking into Oliver Plunkett Street’s Market Lane restaurant is like walking into a hive: busy, buzzing. And, yes, some sweet things but let us start at the beginning. This is a no reservation restaurant (unless you have a party of six or more) but we two were in early and, without delay, we were seated by the window.
My starter was Ham Hock Terrine and spiced apple relish with handmade linseed crackers and gherkins (€7.70). A pretty substantial plateful and really tasty. See my grainy Foodspotting shot here
Got away from the meat on the main course and picked the Spinach and ricotta ravioli with wild mushrooms, semi-sundried tomatoes, cream and parmesan (€13.95). There is a big choice of main courses but I was very happy with this. Very satisfying on all fronts, quality and quantity, loved the whole combination.
Saw some old favourites on the dessert menu (all 6 euro) but also spotted a newcomer (to me). That was Vanilla and Gingerbread Cheesecake with a Blueberry Compote. This was a beautiful dessert, layered in a large enough glass. It had a crunchy gingerbread topping; the vanilla was in the middle and then a substantial bed of delicious juicy berries. Looked well and tasted well. What more would you want?
Service was of the usual high standard, friendly and efficient. And wine? Well, not a bottle this time but I did enjoy a glass of their lovely Muriel Rioja Crianza 2007 (€6.50). Indeed, their drinks list is quite extensive here. There is a bar on the premises so you may have draught beer and bottles of course, cocktails, a choice of about twenty wines along with the teas and coffees.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
MY TOP LOCAL RESTAURANTS
MY THIRTY ONE
Sticking
to a list of 31 favourite restaurants again this year. Early on, thought I
might well reach the next prime number up but there were a couple of disappointments
and then a few favourites, including Nautilus and the Silk Purse, who shut
their doors.
It wasn’t
all doom and gloom: the 2010 baby Electric has gone from strength to strength
and La Dolce Vita has taken up the vacancy in Proby’s Quay. And in addition,
L’Atitude has just given us our first wine café.
I have been to all 31 (and others) over the
past 12 months and have been happy enough with the results. Huge differences,
of course, in styles and comfort over the range but I'd have no problem in
going back to any of them. The list below, while roughly alphabetical, is in no
particular order. Just be aware also that there are some really good ones that
I haven't been to in 2011. You may see reviews for all of the 31 in this blog.
Made a
bit of a resolution to get out into the county more often for 2011 and included
Kinsale, Midleton and Clonakilty as targets. Got to Midleton a bit (enjoyed Sage)
and Clonakilty too, not forgetting Timoleague (and Dillon’s). Still haven’t explored
Kinsale to any great degree and, for 2012, now must include it and must
also look north, to Mallow and Fermoy for example.
MY 31
(In
no particular order)
1 Augustine’s
2
Annie’s
3
Blair’s Inn
4
Ballymaloe
5
Bramley Lodge
6
Cornstore
7
Costello’s Malthouse
8
Dillon’s
9
Electric
10
Fenn’s Quay
11
Fota Island Resort
12
Greene’s
13
Hayfield Manor
14
Isaac’s
15
Jacque’s
16
Jacobs on the Mall
17
La Dolce Vita
18
Les Gourmandises
19
Liberty Grill
20
Market Lane
21
Mabel Crawford’s
22
Nash 19
23
Richy’s Bistro
24
Rising Tide
25
Sage
26
Star Anise
27
The Farmgate
28
The Spinning Wheel
29
The Bosun
30
The Castle
31
The Pantry
Amuse Bouche
“Years ago, I spent a week reporting from the European parliament
in Strasbourg. One evening, a group of MEPs asked if I would join them for
dinner….. The meal exquisite – one superlative dish followed another – though I
could scarcely enjoy it, since I knew that my paper…would be deeply unhappy about
refunding the monstrous bill I could expect. Finally it arrived and I started
to search for a credit card. This was greeted by looks of incredulous astonishment,
as if I had stumbled into a Bateman cartoon – ‘the man who thought he had to
buy his own dinner in Strasbourg’. ‘My dear fellow,’ said one of the MEPs, ‘you
are a guest of the European Socialist group!’”. From Life’s Too Short to Drink Bad Wine by Simon
Hoggart.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Midleton Farmers Market
Friday, December 23, 2011
HAPPY CHRISTMAS FOLKS!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS FOLKS! DON'T BURN ALLTHE ALCOHOL!
You can check out the recipe here
Thanks to Stumbleupon
Thursday, December 22, 2011
NASH 19 CHRISTMAS CRACKER
NASH 19 CHRISTMAS
CRACKER
Nash 19 was buzzing when I arrived at lunch-time yesterday. Staff were flying but still had time for their usual friendliness, courtesy and top notch service.
My main course was also top drawer: Crowe’s Fillet of Pork Stroganoff with Wild Rice (above). The Pork and mushrooms, in a gorgeous sauce, were magnificent, served in their own bowl. A well dressed salad, including a lively pickled cucumber, was on the plate along with a generous cone of white and black rice, all in all a great match with the Pork. All for €14.50.
While waiting for the main dish, we were served with some breads and their well known olive oil. Both plates were cleaned. And then followed a wee cup of soup: Parsnip, Apple and Chorizo (right). Quite a surprise and a very tasty one indeed.
If you are in Nash 19 at Christmas you just have to try the house Christmas pudding and mince pie. We did and both are excellent, especially the pudding made from an old Nash family recipe. Superb.
Had a glass of Albarino, the Terras Guada O Rosal. Complex and seductive (not too sure about the latter on a winter day’s midday, maybe later!), it went down well. Quite a classy drink at any time of the day.
So two happy customers stepped out into Princes Street and, before I go further, may I wish Happy Christmas to all the folks in Nash 19 and indeed to all the Cork restaurants who have fed us some great dishes these last 12 months. Keep cooking up a storm in 2012!
Monday, December 19, 2011
NO SHOWS HAVE A COST
No Shows in Irish Restaurants Costing Businesses.
Irish Restaurants are reporting a dramatic increase in diners making bookings and not showing up this
WINE IN A BEER BOTTLE? ON TAP?
A FESTIVE WINE MIX
WINE IN A BEER BOTTLE! WHATEVER NEXT? ON TAP, OF COURSE.
Innocent Bystander, Victoria, 2010 Moscato, 5.5% (Bradley’s Off Licence)
According to Chris Pfeiffer, the Australian wine-maker who was in town recently, this wine is taking Australia by storm and it certainly went down well at the Australian Stickie Tasting in the Hayfield. The Moscato is imported by Liberty Wines and is on sale in 375ml bottles with a beer crown.
One of its big attractions of this Innocent Bystander product is the fact that the ABV is just 5.5% and it is naturally effervescent, a really tasty lively mouthful. Thought it might be handy around the Christmas and got a few bottles in Bradley’s, one of many stockists.
Surprised at the beer bottle top? There are more surprises to come. Just picked this straight from the Innocent Bystander website: Our Moscato is made from 100% Muscat grapes sourced from old vines, naturally effervescent and naturally pink. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and acidity, this wine has become such big phenomenon that it is available in selected venues nationally on tap.
It is quite versatile and makes an interesting aperitif. But if you want to stick with something more traditional then I’d suggest the Mont Marcal Extremarium Cava, that I really enjoyed at the recent CuriousWines Fair.
Want another talking point on your table this Christmas? Then why not try the popular Jip Jip Rocks Sparkling Shiraz .
This is what the company says: This non vintage wine sparkles to the tune of a well balanced blend; predominantly 3 year old Shiraz aged in old French oak barrels allowing wonderful smooth integration of fruit and a rich weighty texture across the palate. This is blended with a touch of younger vintage Shiraz to bring ripe juicy varietal fruit characters to the finished wine.
I first tasted it a few months back when winemaker Brad Rey visited Karwig Wines where it is on sale. Must say I really enjoyed it and it is quite versatile and Brad indicated you could use it in any situation where you would use a Pinot Noir. Talking point yes but no joke.
Need a white to go with the red for the Christmas dinner? How about one that has been aged in oak from seven different countries? Well since you’re in Karwig’s why not try their De Muller 2010 Chardonnay from Tarragona. It is a bright light gold in colour with a rather intense fruit nose. On the palate it is very smooth, almost creamy, and well balanced between fruit and acidity. Has also been on the lees for a spell.
The winery’s notes: A sumptuous white wine elaborated with our rich Mediterranean vines of Chardonnay, of great character and personality. The latter comes from its fermentation and ageing in French, American, Hungarian, Russian, Rumanian, Slovakian and German oak barrels and posterior and adequate batonnage. The process of fermentation and the time our Chardonnay has spent in barrels conveys the crystalline, shining and slightly golden yellow colour.
Port is a traditional post dinner drink. The Australians make quite a few of this type but can’t call it port. They usually end up with a long winded title such as Hamilton Ewell Fortified Red Wine, not too long really at least in this case. This is available from Bubble Brothers for about €18.00.
In the Hayfield, this didn’t appear on the Stickie list though there were one or two fairly similar. There, Chris Pfeiffer said that the Oz “ports” tend to be sweeter than the Douro, But this Hamilton Ewell effort, which has its hints of brown sugar and raisins, is not that sweet. It has “aged gracefully” in old oak barrels and, indeed, it could well pass for the Portuguese equivalent. Might be worth a try if you’re passing the Bubbles Bros outlet in the English Market during the week.
Cooking turkey to perfection
| More tips and recipes |
Saturday, December 17, 2011
NEW HANDS ON THE BRICK OVEN
Click on image to enlarge |
LA DOLCE VITA
There is a new kid on the brick. On the brick oven
that is, once part of the Proby’s Quay restaurant of the same name. It has been
taken over by an Italian-Chinese combo and they sure know how to work that
brick oven, an essential for top class pizzas and lacking in many pizzerias
even in Italy.
The two principals of the newly opened La Dolce Vita are Paolo Perrone from Sciacca,
Italy and Jacky Sen Wang from Dahiam, China. They also have a brilliant staff,
alert, friendly and informative. The fire was blazing when we stepped in from
the bitter cold last night and, of course, that centre-piece oven helps heat
the place as well.
Had every intention of ordering a pizza but that will
have to wait, after a big change of mind. But let us start at the start which
was an Antipasto Misto (15.95) to be shared between two: a massive plate-ful
(photo) of meats, cheeses and
vegetables, really well dressed and accompanied by another large plate, full of
foccacia and a dish of mainly olives. So simple yet so tasty.
Desserts were also well
priced and we decided to share the Fresh
Strawberry with crema di aceto balsamic and vanilla ice cream (4.95). It
was quite a bowlful with the strawberries at the bottom. A lovely way to finish
off a gorgeous meal. Maybe next time I’ll go for that pizza!
We
had the Sicilian Njiro IGT 2009 Nero d’Avola (Per Bottle €17.90, Per
Glass €4.50) and also the Verdicchio (Per
Bottle €18.90, Per Glass €4.90), and found both more than fit for purpose and,
again, well priced.
Friday, December 16, 2011
WINES 2011: IT WAS A GOOD YEAR (for me!)
MY BEST OF 2011
Chateuneuf |
Have to say, I really enjoyed my wines this year, both at home and abroad and at a series of superb tastings. Only the wines consumed at home (Dec ’10 to Nov ’11) and available in Ireland were considered for this list.
And that means that my precious haul from the holiday in Provence is out. Had some fantastic ones on that trip and perhaps my favourite (there are still a few to try!) was the Rasteau Côtes du Rhône Villages Tradition.
There were wine tastings galore in Cork, with regions from as far west as California to as far east as New Zealand displaying their wares. Pretty hard to pick one from so many superb showings but the Pfeiffer Grand Muscat, from the recent Australia Stickie event in the Hayfield, was outstanding. Unfortunately, the Grand is not available here but Karwig Wines have both the Pfeiffer Topaque and the Pfeiffer Muscat, each a delicious sweet wine.
I'm certain I've left some good ones of of this list. What wines would you add? Use the comment facility below and remember it must be on sale in Ireland.
REDS
Domaine de la Citadelle, Cotes du Luberon 2004 (Gouverneur Saint Auban) 14.5% (The Wine Store)
Cat Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Barossa (Australia), 14.5%, €16.99 RRP, stockists,
Émigré 2002, Barossa Valley, Australia, 15.5%,
Little Beauty Pinot Noir 2009 (Marlborough, New Zealand), 14%, €23.99,
Quinta Do Judeu’s Vinho Tinto, Douro 2007, 14.5% Abv, €21-23, Stockists,
Finca Museum Vinea Reserva, Tempranillo 2005, Cigales, 14%, €8.00 Tesco,
Corona d’Aragon Garnacha / Cariñena, 2008, Spain, ABV: 13.5%, €13.99 stockists
Beso de Vino Seleccion 2009 Cariñena Spain Syrah (85%) and Garnacha 13.5% €9.99
Fontanario de Pegoes Palmela DO Reserva 2007 (Portugal), 14%, €16.99,
Domaine des Anges “Archange”, Cotes de Ventoux, 2006, 14%, €19.20, Karwig Wines,
WHITES
Little Beauty Sauvignon Blanc Limited Edition 2009, New Zealand, 13.5%, €15.99,
Kangarilla Road, McLaren Vale, Chardonnay 2009, 13.5%, €16.99, stockists
Kerpen Riesling Blauchiefer Trocken 2010, 11.5%, €12.69 (Karwig Wines),
McWilliams Mount Pleasant Elizabeth Semillon 2005, Hunter Valley Australia, 12%, €10.00 Tesco,
Chateau Miraval Terre Blanche, Côtes de Provence, 2009, 15%, Curious Wines (€22.00),
Langmeil Eden Valley Chardonnay 2010 13%, Curious Wines €11.99,
SWEET-SPARKLING-FORTIFIED
Mont Marcal Extremarium Cava (Curious Wines)
Dexheimer Heimersheimer Sonnenberg Scheurebe, Riesling Eiswein, 2004, ABV 9%, Karwig Wines (€20.18 for 37.5cl).
Sherry Amontillado: Gonzalez Byass Del Duque Amontillado Vejo (aged 30 years in oak), available at Bradley's North Main Street, Cork
Taylor’s Chip Dry Extra Dry White Port, 20%, (Bradleys, North Main Street)
Sherry Oloroso: Lustau Solera Reserva Dry Oloroso Don Nuno (Bradley's, North Main Street)
Sherry PX: Lustao Solera Reserva San Emilio Dulce (Bradley's, North Main Street)
Grant Burge 10 Year Old Tawny, Barossa Valley. O'Donovan's Cork and Sweeney's Glasnevin.
Hamilton Ewell VAT 50 Fortified Red Wine, South Australia (Bubble Brothers)
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
VOUCHERS FOR EVERY FOODIE
GOOD FOOD IRELAND'S VERSATILE VOUCHERS
The Perfect Gift for Food Lovers for any Occasion
Good
Food Ireland, Ireland’s All-Ireland food tourism group, are delighted to
announce the launch of their Christmas gift vouchers. These unique vouchers can
be used at over 350 Good Food Ireland members throughout Ireland for
accommodation, cookery courses or meals out in one of the many Good Food
Ireland recommended places around the country.
Select
from the fabulous range of Good Food Ireland 5 star hotels, restaurants,
cookery schools, cafes, pubs and shops this festive season and experience the
very best in Irish cuisine and hospitality.
Whether
you are looking for a relaxing spa weekend, or dinner in a famous Irish eatery,
a Good Food Ireland gift voucher is the perfect gift this Christmas. Spoil the
one you love or simply say thank you with a thoughtful treat or break away this
season.
A
gift voucher from Good Food Ireland is the ideal gift for anyone who simply
loves good Irish food!
Gift
vouchers are available from €10. These vouchers will be available for purchase
on the Good Food Ireland website and also by contacting the main head office.
Log onto www.goodfoodireland.ie for
further information.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
THE CLASSY CORONA COLLECTION
THE CLASSY CORONA COLLECTION
Importers Wine Alliance have added to their Corona de Aragón portfolio with a classic trio: Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva. The three recently imported have all spent time in oak: 8 months for the Crianza, 14 months for the Reserva and 24 months in the case of the Gran Reserva.
All three are made from the same four grapes. It is mainly Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon but while the handpicked old vine Garnacha and Cariñena (Carignan), over 40 years old in each case, may be the minority grapes, they play a big role.
I don’t want to go on with too much detail but I do find it quite fascinating and if you want to follow it up you’ll find much more on the Corona wines at their excellent site here. All in all, Corona take their wines seriously and this trio underlines it.
Corona de Aragón Crianza 2008, Cariñena Spain, 13%. Stockists, €12-14, recommended.
This is a medium red with red fruit on the nose. It is fruity and easy drinking and comfortably spicy. You can more easily determine these characteristics by agitating the wine in the glass but your best bet is to fill the glass, sit back and enjoy.
Corona de Aragón Reserva 2006, Cariñena Spain, 13%. Stockists, €14-16, highly recommended.
This has quite a fruity nose, mainly ripe plum for me. On the palate, it is intense, fruity, spicy and dry. This was a good year in the area and this is a very good wine indeed with a long lasting finish.
One other good thing about this smooth beauty is that you may keep it until 2018. I won’t be taking that chance!
Corona de Aragón Gran Reserva 2004, Cariñena Spain, 13%. Stockists, €19-21. Very highly recommended.
The Gran Reserva has a terrific bouquet of ripe fruit aromas plus spice notes. In the mouth, it is smooth and elegant, so well balanced with rounded off fruit and spice, a terrific mouthfeel and, again, long lasting at the end.
Undoubtedly, this superb wine is the best of the three. Undoubtedly also, all three are good and each is value for money.
*****
Corona de Aragón Disparates Tempranillo 2010, Cariñena Spain, 13.5%. Stockists, €12-14. recommended
And now for something different. This Tempranillo is produced as part of a “special and limited collection of varietals” under the Disparates de Goya label. Goya’s homeland is nearby. The label on this bottle is by Mariano Rubio and is titled “Only Goya, Goya alone”.
But what is in the bottle? Well, quite a good wine indeed. Colour is dark red with black fruit and spice hints on the nose. You meet that dark fruitiness again on the palate. The wine is quite peppery and dry and quite smooth and silky with an excellent finish.
There is much more info on the wine varietals and the associated art and it is really nicely laid out and, I think, well worth a visit at their site here.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Amuse Bouche
Pick
a pen and a brush and write, sing, paint and shout. You must do, exist and
interfere. You must live. – used on the bottle
labels
by Quinta do Judea (Douro, Portugal)
Good Food Ireland to feature on SKY TV
Good Food Ireland to feature on SKY TV
Darina Allen |
Scrumptious, savoury and seasonal food from around Ireland with Good Food Ireland will feature on SKY TV channel 201 and IRISHTV.ie at 9pm this coming Thursday, December 15th in a special one hour programme showcasing all that is good about an Irish food experience.
The tasty programme ingredients include insightful interviews with passionate food producers, restaurateurs and hoteliers who rely on the quality of their produce to entice customers and visitors to Ireland from all over the world. The main course of the programme will be served up with some delightful treats from around the country as the IRISH TV film crew follow the food producers’ quest for perfection.
“The passion these people have for food is phenomenal. I was amazed by their commitment to quality and attention to detail. The people we spoke to have wonderful stories to tell from small beginnings in country kitchens to the crème de la crème of the international culinary market,” commented programme presenter Pierce O’Reilly.
The programme this week on SKY TV and IRISHTV.ie concludes with some tasty treats and delicious desserts. Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar, celebrity cook Darina Allen, Farmer’s Journal editor Matt Dempsey and travel writer extraordinaire Manchan Magan all give their views on the future and importance of the Irish food industry and the critical role that Good Food Ireland plays in its promotion at home and abroad.
The Good Food Ireland Special can be viewed on SKY TV channel 201 and on www.irishtv.ie this coming Thursday, December 15th at 9pm. The programme is repeated on Sunday at 10pm and Monday at 11pm.
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