Cad a dhéanfaimid feasta gan Karwig's? Especially for German wines like these two.

Cad a dhéanfaimid feasta gan Karwig's?

Especially for German wines like these two.

Hard to believe it's already 12 months since Karwigs Wine closed. These are some of the wines I bought on my second last visit. I still have some - need to get my act together!

Georg Müller Hattenheimer Nussbrunnen GG Riesling Trocken Rheingau 2015, 13%, Karwig Wine

Only the very best German vineyards get to display the "VDP.Grosse Lage" designation on their bottles and it is on this one that I bought during Karwig’s closing-down sale last year. Not too sure where, or even if, you can get it in Ireland now. But if you see one, don’t hesitate!

There are various grades of VDP, which is a German wine group representing many of the country best producers. “Wines from these vineyards shine through their uniqueness and distinctiveness…. also distinguished by their unparalleled ability to express the essence of a vineyard.” VDP is not a legal term but reflects the group's own private regulations.

The Nussbrunnen in Hattenheim, a south-southeast facing vineyard, is just a short trip up from the bank of Rhine and has deep loess soil with, importantly, an excellent water supply in dry years.

This Riesling’s colour is Light straw with greenish tints. Don’t think I’ll ever like that petrol in the aromas but have learned to live with it! Also some herby notes there, floral traces too, even a little touch of dough. Petrol on the nose but electric on the palate, juicy, rounded fruit, so elegant, with a refreshing acidity, this concentrated wine is tarty dry and concludes up with a deep and persistent finish. Very Highly Recommended.

Kilian Hunn Spätburgunder 2013 (Baden, Germany), 13.5%

Did you know that Germany, after France and the US, is the third largest producer of Pinot Noir in the world? They’ve been growing it for a long long time, especially around Baden. According to a Fortune magazine article, here, it seems Emperor Charles III brought the grape to Germany from Burgundy in 884. 

Germany prices give plenty of bang for your buck and its style is no longer an imitation of Burgundy. With Burgundy prices on the rise, “so Germany is ready to fill the void” - see more of this excellent insight here. 

Kilian Hunn was always a favourite of mine at Karwig’s before they closed last summer and I got this Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) during the closing down sale. Regular price was €18.30 and they had it reduced to 10.50 .

Colour is mid to dark ruby. Aromas are quite intense, dark berries, plum, slight touch of spice. Fruity, well-integrated oak, medium-bodied, smooth tannins and quite harmonious and a persistent dry finish. That balance is just about perfect, no raw edges here at all. Highly Recommended.

FANCY THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT THE EXCLUSIVE MANOR HOUSE AT TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT

TO THE MANOR BORN!

-ENJOY THE ROYAL TREATMENT AT THE EXCLUSIVE MANOR HOUSE AT TULFARRIS HOTEL AND GOLF RESORT-

(BLESSINGTON, WICKLOW, IRELAND)

The Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort in Blessington, Co. Wicklow (Ireland) dates back over 200 years but the origins of the estate on which it stands can be traced back to the 12^th century. Situated on the shores of the stunning Blessington Lakes the house has been a private home to noble families, military leaders and to sports stars. You can now be part of the history and story of Tulfarris and experience all of the splendour that this beautiful ‘Grand Dame’ has to offer as the 18^th Century, Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort is now available for exclusive hire.

In these strange pandemic times exclusive hire can often be an attractive option for families who want to come together but still remain within their own small group.  The Manor House at Tulfarris provides people with a unique opportunity to holiday together but apart from others. It is also extremely rare to find a property that offers complete privacy, yet offers a full service complete with extensive dining offerings

The Manor House, with its classic Georgian design and elegant proportions has been completely restored to bring it back to its former glory.  It now includes seven luxurious bedrooms which have been decorated in heritage colours and fabrics, evocative of the style in which the house was built. Modern and contemporary facilities and comforts have been sympathetically added to the old building while not impinging on its historical design.

On the ground floor there are two elegant reception rooms, a library and a dining room, which offer relaxed spaces for families and friends to gather. The spectacular dining room can seat 14 people for dinner and provides an elegant space for friends to gather and enjoy a private dinner.  The various drawing rooms with their Italian marble fireplaces are comfortable spots to sit and enjoy an after-dinner drink or a chat or simply to lounge around, reading, watching movies, or playing family board games.

All to yourself!

The exclusive hire of the Manor House at Tulfarris includes bed and breakfast, private dining in the drawing room a half a bottle of wine per person and a prosecco reception on arrival.  Breakfast is also served in the drawing room so that guests staying at the Manor House do not need to go to the main hotel during their stay if they so wish.  Children will love to explore the vast estate which surrounds the Manor House which is home to foxes, rabbits, otters, squirrels and deer which walk freely around the estate.  Little touches such as milk and cookies at turndown service, board games and arts and craft materials for children are popular with the little ones and help make special memories. The cost for the exclusive hire of the 7-bedroom Manor House to include bed, breakfast and dinner is €3,010 per night.

Musical entertainment can be arranged each evening while daytime activities such as archery, falconry or clay pigeon shooting can be arranged upon request (additional costs will apply).  Golfers can enjoy preferential golf rates at the onsite 18-hole championship course while lessons with the club professional, Tom O’Neil are also available for both adults and children. 

Locally, there are some interesting places to explore including the Palladian mansion at Russborough House which is also home to the National Bird of Prey Centre. The nearby Blessington Greenway links the historic town of Blessington with Russborough House and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Families may like to bring their bikes along and cycle the Greenway, exploring the local area. The chef will happily prepare a delicious picnic upon request.  

For all of its old-world charm and grandeur, the Manor House has all of the modern comforts a discerning guest would expect including luxurious and spacious ensuite bedrooms with premium bathroom amenities and complimentary Wi-Fi and HD Television.  Exclusive hire of the Manor House at Tulfarris Hotel and Golf Resort starts at €3,010 for per night. For more details please call + 353 (0) 45 867600 or see www.tulfarrishotel.com

press release 

How about Chimay and Scallops? . Red and Pale Ales too.

The Belgian-Irish Session #8

Chimay Péres Trappistes Bière Tripel, 8%, 33cl bottle

It’s a hazy golden beer from Belgium, one of the famous Trappist beers, a white head, like that of the elderly friar in the brewhouse, and that soft white crown is long lasting. Only 13 beers in the world, including 6 in Belgium, can carry this label of Authentic Trappist Beer.

This is a Tripel, with a high abv, but there’s no big heat here, just a marvellous balance, the combination of fresh hops and yeast, and the fruit of course. An amazing balance yes, but also a concentration of flavour that takes it to an orbit outside of the usual and into space,  a rather special beer space.

All’s in harmony, like a choir of monks. I like this sentence from their website: “Beer can of course be served with its yeast. It is quite edible if you wish. Otherwise leave the last centimetre in the bottom of the bottle.” I’d be the last to leave even a millimetre of this liquid gold.

They say: “Chimay is an authentic Trappist beer: Our recipe has remained unchanged since its creation (1966) by Father Théodore and we want to be transparent about the ingredients that make up our beers. We clearly indicate them on our labels: Water, barley malt, sugar, wheat starch, hops, yeast and bitter orange peel.

All the sparkle of our beers comes from the transformation of sugar by our yeast, as has always been done traditionally. The refermentation in the bottle is a guarantee of quality.”

As always with Belgium beers, food pairings are suggested. Top of the list here is CARPACCIO OF APPLES, SCALLOPS AND GRAND CHIMAY  (note: not fish ’n chips). Check out the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bD78zzJoE0&feature=youtu.be

Cotton Ball Velvet Red Ale, 5%, 500ml bottle

 A very dark red indeed with a coffee coloured head (which departs pretty quickly leaving just a lacy hint or two remaining on the top). Aromas are moderately intense, floral and fruity (citrus). Pretty much in the classic mode (though it is gluten free) but there’s a refreshing tangy hint and a touch of clean pine in there as well as citrus and more exotic fruit like mango. 

A well-made beer, nicely balanced between the various hops, the bitter and flavour, nothing extreme. Makes a pleasant smooth drink on its own and I expect it makes a good companion at the table. Might go down well with one of those tasty Wild Boar burgers from Ballinwillin Farm or perhaps a pizza in the Cotton Ball when it reopens.

Hops used are Herkules and First Gold with a dry hopping of the versatile Mosaic. They have (or at least did have) a nitro draught version in the bar. They brew quite a range of beers and the core ones are all on draught in the bar and indeed in lots of other bars. And there’s a handy growler service as well.

They say: “We are brewing our beers in the true spirit of our Great Grandfather Humphrey J Lynch, an American civil war veteran and cotton mill foreman. Three wives later, Humphrey returned to his native Cork in 1874, to set up his very own public called the Cotton Ball. The pub and the family are still here today and three generations later we are finally brewing our very own selection of craft beers in his honour.”  The brewery was founded in 2013.

Trouble Brewing Ambush Juicy Pale Ale, 5.5%, 440ml can

This is a hazy beer (little evidence of carbonation) with a light straw colour, and a soft white head that slowly sinks. Exotic fruits aromas, mango and pineapple in the mix. And then much the same fruits combining delightfully on the palate, this juicy pale ale 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.

Brehon Brewhouse Seisiún Pale Ale, 3.5%, 500ml bottle

Made in Monaghan, this pale ale comes in a light amber robe, with a big white head that lasts a fair bit. Aromas are modest, slightly citrusy. Great depth of flavour on the palate though, exotic fruits, mango and passionfruit in the mix, and that flavour takes you right through to the finalé, after which you could be thinking of a second one. May be light in bitterness and alcohol, as they say, but no shortage of personality. Another well made, well balanced beer from Brehon.

They say: Seisiún from the Irish for a rousing songs, great drinks, good company and craic. .. delighted to bring you a light session ale with citrus flavours of passion fruit and mango. Light in bitterness and alcoholic content. A truly sessional beer. 

* Bought the Red Ale from the Cotton Ball itself; the other three bought in Bradley's of Cork.

An Easy-drinking Double From Two Of Sicily’s Most Popular Grapes

An Easy-drinking Double From Two Of Sicily’s Most Popular Grapes

Did you know that the the vineyard area of Sicily is among the largest in Italy? It's about 107,000 hectares, about twice the size of a region like Emilia-Romagna or Tuscany. Nero D'Avola is the most popular red grape here while Grillo is a well known white grape.

Zabu Nero D’Avola Sicily (DOC) 2018, 13%, €14.99

Baggot Street Wines, JJ O’Driscolls,  Martins, Drinkstore, Cinnamon Cottage, Power & Co, Red Island and www.wineolnline.ie

The Nero d’Avola grape, sometimes compared to Shiraz, is the most important and widely planted red wine grape variety in Sicily and is called after a town on the island. Importers Liberty Wines tell us the fruit for this wine is grown by Lake Arancio, in Sambuca di Sicilia. The crystal clear water of the lake creates an ideal microclimate for this eminently drinkable red.

A beautiful mid ruby colour. Attractive aromas also, fruity, floral, a hint of herb. Juicy cherries in a warm body, soft tannins contribute to its drinkability, and that juicy plummy fruit takes you through the persistent finish. Aged in stainless steel tanks, the wine is well balanced, uncomplicated maybe, but still an excellent companion for first courses, grilled and roasted meat, good with medium-aged cheeses, also as an aperitif. 

Serving temperature recommended is 16-18 degrees. Not too sure I’ve come across as light an Nero D’Avola as this. Highly Recommended.

Zabu Grillo Sicily (DOC) 2018, 12%, €15.99

Jus De Vine, Cinnamon Cottage, JJ O’Driscolls  and www.wineolnline.ie

Grillo is a Sicilian white grape variety most famous for its role in the island's fortified Marsala wines. Despite Marsala's decline in popularity, Grillo is still widely planted on the island.

Light to mid-straw, with tints of gold. Fresh on the nose, peach and citrus notes. Fruit-driven flavours (peach and citrus again)  on the palate, a refreshing wine with a long dry finish.  A nice light fresh and uncomplicated white wine. Recommended.

Suggested pairings:fish dishes (crab), fresh cheese, light risotto, couscous and fish soup. Great with smoked fish. Serving temperature: 10-12°C.

Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and more on beers, wines and spirits in Cheers #10

Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey

The Shed Distillery by P. J. Rigney, distilling Irish Whiskey since 2014, have been on social media telling all about their Drumshanbo Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey. "Every precious drop distilled at The Shed Distillery with Irish oats; distiller Brian Taft; no colour added; non chill filtered.  #singlepotstill #historic #truth #drinkresponsibly #transparency #irishwhiskey

Stonewell Apple and  Passion Fruit

Passion isn’t in short supply at Stonewell and there’s been plenty of it over the last ten years. It seemed logical therefore that our 10th anniversary seasonal cider in 2020 should reflect that. Inside this bottle you will find a fusion of fermented Jonagored, fresh apple juice and a hint of Natural passion fruit. A light yet fruity apple flavour with a hint of the tropics. If we are not able to go to exotic places this summer, Stonewell is bringing exoticism to you. Sit down, put your feet up and enjoy a refreshing Stonewell Apple and Passion Fruit. Western Herd Now Canning For First Time Here's the story from the Clare Champion We popped out to @WesternHerd in Kilmaley today who are canning beer for the first time and also launching a brand new double IPA called 'The Height', this is how it went. See more here. Lambay Whiskey. A Winner Again Congrats to  Lambay Whiskey on its 15th award for their Single Malt since first launched in 2018. Wines Direct Get Cracking with Crianza. Wines direct have a cracking case offer on crianza - check it out here The Whale's Tail at Clonakilty Distillery DJ Ronnie Costley at The Whale's Tail Restaurant this Saturday at 2pm Ronnie Costley will be playing vintage vinyls at The Whale's Tail Restaurant this coming Saturday, July 4th at 2pm in aid of the front line staff workers at Clonakilty Hospital. Donations gratefully accepted. Limited seating available with social distancing rules applied. Booking is essential. Reserve a table online at www.thewhalestail.ie or call 023 88 78111

Taste of the Week. Yum Gelato's Raspberry Sorbeto

Taste of the Week.
Yum Gelato's Raspberry Sorbeto

How about a summer treat to brighten up these Covid days? Yum Gelato has just the job. 

Our latest Taste of the Week is Raspberry Sorbeto. An amazing concentration of real flavour in a cool tub of Italian style ice-cream made right here in Cork by Marcus Hodder. 

We added a few loganberries from the back garden (before the blackbirds could take them), spooned on the sorbet. Yummy! We could have been at the counter of the World Ice-cream Champion in San Gimignano.

Marcus has a whole range of flavours and they keep changing. Favourites stay around and new ones are added. They are widely available. I got mine in Bradley's, North Main St., Cork.

Yum Gelato also caters for private functions, weddings, confirmations & other events. Call Marcus at 086 884 1222 or check his Facebook https://www.facebook.com/yumgelatocork/

Glad I Got The Glass Curtain At Home

Glad I Got The Glass Curtain At Home

From Thursday next, MacCurtain Street’s Glass Curtain will be welcoming the public back into their lovely new (more or less) restaurant. Like many others these past few months, they have been serving up dishes via a call and collect system and I’m glad I gave it a try at the weekend. It was superb and also that bit different.

Golden goujons

Their Friday menu offered: Fish Tacos - Panko breaded cod, pico de gallo, sweetcorn salsa, shredded cabbage, flour tortillas, bravas potatoes with lime chipotle aioli, fish skin chicharrones. Dessert was White chocolate and strawberry iced parfait. All for €40.00 for two people. Actually portions were quite generous and we had more than enough.

Cotton Ball Beers were available too and they also suggested a wine off their list: the lovely Verdejo by Bodegas Menade. And there was also the offer of their Pineapple Mezcal Margarita from the cocktail list. The drinks on the Saturday night were along the same lines with a Tempranillo from Castilla instead of the Verdejo. That red would have paired well with BBQ Brisket, house slaw, jalapeño cornbread, mac n’cheese  for two. Dessert: Chocolate chip cookies salted caramel sauce. On both nights, the Veggie Option was Veggie Tacos Panko.

In our case, there was, of course, a little bit of cooking to be done. The tortillas had to be rolled out and cooked in the frying pan while the patatas bravas were heated up in the oven. Simultaneously, the goujons were frying in oil, turning golden in no time. Indeed, the whole thing was ready in about 15 minutes.

Dessert

And then we tucked into the feast, assembling the tacos with a bit of everything, the shredded crunchy white cabbage, the delicious grilled corn salsa and the tasty pico de gallo. The eight large goujons were top notch, the cod was a glistening white wrapped in its slightly spicy coating. No shortage of spicy bits but nothing too extreme once mixed in, not even the chipotle aioli and excellent spuds. And those fish skin chicharrones also added to the ensemble. Haven't had cod skin close to this since we enjoyed one on a baked white onion in Nerua, the Michelin starred restaurant in the Guggenheim in Bilbao.

Very happy with the Glass Curtain mains and we allowed a decent gap before tackling the dessert which had been in the freezer. And there was no letdown here either with the big tub of White chocolate and strawberry iced parfait. Very enjoyable and plenty of it, indeed so much that we left close to half for the following day!

The restaurant opened last December. Brian Murray and his team were doing very well indeed as we found on our January visit (check it out here). And then Covid put in a full stop. No wonder, they’re “delighted to be welcoming the public back into the restaurant from Thursday 2nd July. We will be starting with limited availability to ensure all possible steps are taken to protect patrons and staff alike.”  You may book your table now by visiting their website and clicking the reservations button here.

* Must say that our At Home (or Call & Collect) offerings over the past few weeks have all top notch. We stayed pretty local as we collected from Greene's, Micro's, and the Glass Curtain. Good Day Deli delivered and their offering was also of the highest quality. Best of luck to all the restaurants opening up this week. And do look out too for Call & Collect as these could well continue for some time to come.

Amuse Bouche

A young swan, neck curled and beak resting on her wing, lay on the gleaming silver. Surrounding the cygnet were medallions of meat soaked in black sauce……

‘My goodness, the talent of your cook. It looks still alive.”

We had never eaten swan before. Alice was showing her guests that she was as good as royal, heeded no churchman’s law, and neither should they.

from Her Kind by Niamh Boyce (2019). Highly Recommended.

Wednesday Walk on Corrin Hill

Wednesday Walk on Corrin Hill
Near Fermoy. 24th June 2020

Never very much colour in this wood. These "Foxgloves" are nearing the end of their display

Cuckoo Spit. That was our name (last century!) for this foamy stuff

A watery web on the briar

Fermoy, between the hill and the mountains

Looking NE (approx)

Looking south

See the motorway in middle of bottom half