Distinguished Guest List as Supervalu French Wine Sale Kicks Off

Distinguished Guest List

 as Supervalu French Wine Sale Kicks Off 

Wine of the Month

Supervalu Wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan has an inviting line-up of guest wines available for their French Wine Sale (from 3rd to 23rd September).  Something from all regions of the country, from Alsace to Cahors, red, white, rosé and sparkling, from big names like Meursault to lesser known appellations such as Coteaux de Béziers.

In curating the wines for the French Wine Sale, Kevin has introduced these 10 Special Guest Wines for a limited run in the sale. “I am delighted to reveal the line-up for the SuperValu French Wine Sale, and especially to introduce 10 amazing Special Guest Wines which will be joining our range for this limited time.  Our sale includes wines for all tastes and all budgets, we hope our customers enjoy discovering these new and exciting wines.” As usual, there are of course many more than just the 10 guests wines on offer.

We’ll take a closer look here at one red and one white and, next week, it will be the turn of the sparkling  Simonnet-Febvre Crémant de Bourgogne (looking forward to that) along with a few more of the guests. Note that the Special Guest Wines will be available for a limited time during the French Wine Sale.

Georges Vigouroux “Pigmentum” Malbec Cahors (AOP) 2018, 13%, €9.84 (14.75)

Let us start with this Malbec from Cahors, the Supervalu Wine of the Month. A striking purple; twirl it in a big glass and see that remarkable hue. An intense aroma of red and darker berries, some floral notes notes too. Smooth restrained palate with much the same fruits in the flavours, tannins close to smooth. And a decent mid-length finish.

Makes for a very acceptable aperitif and recommended food pairings are: everyday meals as well as more elaborate dishes such as roast pork, leg of lamb, duck, beef tagine, cannelloni, chicken curry, and vol au vent.

Supervalu’s Kevin is a fan: “A wine that is sure to provide pleasure with its beautiful red colour with a bouquet of summer flowers as well as powerful red and black fruit flavours. 100% Malbec selected from the highest and best gravely and clay terraces of the Cahors Appellation, situated near the Lot River, in the Southwest of France.”

In recent decades, mention Malbec and people think Argentina. But Malbec was the star in Cahors, long before the South Americans exploited the variety. The new challenge made the French sit up and bring about improvements in their own Malbec. 

Gustave Lorentz Pinot Blanc Réserve Vin d’Alsace (AC) 2019, 13%, €11.80 (18.68).

Perhaps you prefer a white wine? Pinot Blanc may not be the best known member of the family that also includes Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, but it makes excellent wines in Germany, Austria, Northern Italy and here in Alsace (where it is used in production of still, sparkling and sweet dessert wines).

This one, a "Guest" wine, has a pale gold/yellow colour, the merest hint of green. Quite an intense nose, fresh blossoms and white fruits. Superb mouthfeel with citrus prominent, leading the fruit-forward attack. Smooth and subtle with a dry and elegant finish. 

The label describes it as subtle and nervous. Wouldn’t disagree. Quite a well-rounded, well-balanced wine from an under-rated grape. Very food friendly, according to the makers who suggest it pairs well with all kind of simple dishes of fish, white meat, poultry, and egg based dishes (quiches, pies etc).

Just one page of the booklet - pick one up in store.

The Guests

The Special Guest Wines that will be available in SuperValu for a limited time during the French Wine Sale are:

George Duboeuf Moulin-à-Vent €11.80 (18.68);
La Perriere Mégalithe Sancerre €21.64 (€31.48);
Domaine Laffitte Sauvignon Blanc Reserve €7.87 (11.80)
Domaine Laffitte Rosé €7.87 (11.80)
Domaine Laffitte Cabernet-Franc Malbec €7.87 (11.80)
Simonnet-Febvre Cremant de Bourgogne €24.59 (€29.50);
Meursault Blanc Louis Latour €39.95 (€68.85);
Gustave Lorentz Pinot Blanc Reserve €11.80(€18.68);
Hommage du Rhone Vinsobres €11.80 (€15.73);
Alma Cersius Coteaux de Béziers €9.84 (€14.75).

Your Autumn Retreat Awaits. Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Autumn 2020

Your Autumn Retreat Awaits

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate Autumn 2020

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway, has just launched its autumn schedule offering luxurious experiences for those looking to escape for a few days as a couple, family or with friends.

From sunrise to sunset, guests are free to roam the 138-acre estate, boasting incredible vistas of the rolling countryside and Lough Corrib. Escape to the warm embrace of the 5* Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate this autumn and linger a little longer and stay three or four nights when booking the Golden Escapes experience. The packages offers Cream Tea on arrival, fine dining experience in the Restaurant on an evening of choice, relaxed dinner in the Oak Cellar Lounge on another evening, Private Cinema experience each night in the Abbey Theatre. Guests can also avail of a complimentary map of the estate for some leisurely strolls or jump on an estate bike and cycle the routes. Three night experience costs €295 per night and a four night experience from €285 per night.

For those looking to escape this mid-term why not avail of the Trick or Treat Family Break from €730 for a 2 night stay for 2 adults & 2 children under 12 years in a Classic Family Room overlooking the Estate at Glenlo Abbey Hotel, with a relaxing breakfast each morning, three course family dinner in the Oak Cellar Lounge on one evening and enjoy a Spooktacular Afternoon Tea consisting of all the Glenlo favourites – homemade scones with preserves and clotted cream, savoury wraps and dainty sandwiches served with a selection of creepy treats.

This summer Glenlo’s packages proved very popular indeed so the team has decided to extend these offers throughout autumn, some with additional extras including; The Afternoon Delight experience with Afternoon Tea for two created by Executive Chef Dominique Majecki using the best of ingredients including some freshly grown Estate produce for the savoury selection is also available over the autumn and winter months. The package also offers an a la carte breakfast in the River Room Restaurant and costs from €315 per room per night OR Pullman Package offering luxurious classic air-conditioned bedroom with majestic views of the enchanting 138-acres, enjoy a la carte breakfast each morning in the River Room Restaurant and dine at the 2AA Rosette winning Pullman Restaurant aboard the Orient Express, a unique setting for a gourmet experience not to be missed, combining innovative presentation with local and seasonal ingredients (pre-booking of Pullman dining times required) and this two night stay with one evening dining experience and breakfast costs from €315 per room per night.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway is operating under strict Covid-19 guidelines Covid-19 Policies ensuring the safety of both staff and guests.

Glenlo Abbey’s Team will be delighted to assist you with any queries by telephone on: Tel: Intl +353 (0) 91 519600. Or Email: stay@glenloabbey.ie

Alternatively visit www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie for more information or to purchase gift vouchers online.

press release

Family Mid-term Treat at Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Family Mid-term Treat

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa

Escape to the luxury of 5* Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa with the family, and with 1,000 acres of the historic Powerscourt Estate for you to explore, there’s no better place to base yourself this Hallowe’en.   

The mid-term Family Fun package includes overnight accommodation in a family room sleeping 4 (2 adults and 2 kids under 12), a trip to Powerscourt Waterfall with a delicious freshly prepared picnic for all the family to savour, a family breakfast served in the newly refurbished Sika Restaurant, overlooking the Sugar Loaf Mountain plus an array of fun-filled activities and amenities including, splash-time in the Swarovski crystal-lit 20-metre, bike rides about the estate, colouring maps, and mini bathrobes for the VIK (very important kids).

This package includes an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast the following morning, tickets for two adults and two children to Powerscourt Waterfall, and a freshly prepared picnic basket and rates from € 182 per adult sharing (2 adults and 2 kids under 12 yrs sharing).

Powerscourt Hotel Resort Spa has lots to offer including complimentary bicycles so you are free to explore the Estate at your leisure. ESPA at Powerscourt is currently open to hotel residents and non-residents. The indoor 20 metre Swarovski crystal-lit swimming pool is also yours to use plus the fully equipped gym (Guests will be asked to self-regulate social distancing on gym equipment and while the facility will be regularly cleaned and sanitised, guests will be required to disinfect gym equipment before and after use) and above all the wonderful array of outdoor pursuits on the doorstep.   If it is an adventure break you are looking for, the hotel can organise mountain climbs, escorted walks or more strenuous activities including abseiling and mountain biking. 

Located just 30 minutes from Dublin city centre, Powerscourt offers the most stunning vistas of “The Garden of Ireland” with scenic river walks, quaint villages and luxurious surroundings to explore at leisure. With acres of "free to roam" walking trails surrounded by Wicklow’s wonderful landscapes and wilderness, more top class golf courses than you can shake a putter at, miles of nearby golden beaches and a choice of dining and entertainment options second to none, there are few places elsewhere on this earth that can offer the visitor such a wonderful choice within such an intimate, hospitable and secure location.    Enniskerry is packed with interesting things to do and see. The town itself is brimming with great restaurants, fabulous shops and old-town atmosphere.

With a choice of dining options from casual dining in the Sugar Loaf Lounge where Afternoon Tea reigns supreme to fine dining at the recently refurbished Sika Restaurant both offering breathtaking scenery and amiable service.  McGill’s Pub is now open as a dining option for hotel residents.

press release

O'Briens Irish Whiskey Sale. Wines Direct go French. Waterford Eyes USA. Plea to help Lebanon winemakers. And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #19

O'Briens Irish Whiskey Sale. Wines Direct go French. Waterford Eyes USA. And more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #19

O'Briens September Irish Whiskey Sale has begun! There are some superb whiskeys on offer and to help you choose we have picked out the must try whiskeys with something to suit each budget. These are the whiskeys that should be on every whiskey aficionado’s list.

This 12 Year Old Redbreast is just one of those reduced.

More details here

The French Harvest Sale!

with Wines Direct

To mark the start of the annual French Harvest we would like to give you up to 15% off on over 60 of our favourite French wines—the pièce de résistance is FREE DELIVERY on all orders (6 bottle minimum).

 Take a look at the wines, or if you're finding it hard to choose, check out our French Harvest Mixed Case. Please think of the Mixed Case as our personal recommendation to you. More details here

Waterford heading to USA

WATERFORD WHISKY IS ON THE WAY TO AMERICA

Many of our friends Stateside have been waiting very, very patiently for Waterford Whisky to become available. That long wait is almost over. Arriving at the beginning of October will be three totally unique Single Farm Origins, and available from the middle of October will be Organic: Gaia 1.1, Ireland's first organically certified whisky. Read more here

Why Lebanon, its people & wines deserve our help So it may seem tactless to write about Lebanon’s wine industry while it absorbs the full impact, literally and existentially, of its very own 9/11. But in a nation that actually produces very little else – pace the cannabis sector – wine stands out as its most high-profile export. Alongside its magnificent cuisine, and arak, the national drink, akin to, but better than, pastis, it captures Lebanon’s vitality, warmth and generosity of spirit. More from Michael Karam here 

A Quart of Ale± #10. Moving on over to craft. American Style IPA

A Quart of Ale± #10

Moving on over to craft. 

American Style IPA

First, there was IPA. In the 18th century, English beer, on its way to India was highly hopped. It became known as India pale ale and went down well with the soldiers and later found favour with drinkers at home. 

Two hundred years later, just like the empire, it was slipping into oblivion, until the Americans revived it by using their more aromatic and flavourful hops and more of them. And so the American IPA was born. And that led to a revival in the UK.

In Part 1 here, we start with a 100% American IPA and an answer from the UK and a worthy effort too from our own Porterhouse. Both Lyons and Lough Gill have strong US connections. Part 2 will focus on some excellent American style IPA produced here in Ireland by the likes of Kinnegar, Whiplash, Blacks and Yellowbelly.

Founders All Day IPA 4.7%, 42 IBU, 355ml can, Bradley’s of Cork

Light amber colour, no shortage of bubbles, white head falls quickly. Aromas are sharply hoppy. Mouth-filling, with strong but not by any means overpowering hop input, not too bitter at all. Excellent, and certainly sessional as they indicate on the label. A classic Founders without all the alcohol.

They say: The beer you’ve been waiting for. Keeps your taste satisfied while keeping your senses sharp. An all-day IPA naturally brewed with a complex array of malts, grains and hops. Balanced for optimal aromatics and a clean finish. The perfect reward for an honest day’s work and the ultimate companion to celebrate life’s simple pleasures.

Brewer Jeremy Kosmicki  made the All Day his mission: “Not too malty, not too bitter, not too much alcohol. Something I would get satisfaction from. Pretty excited that the company got behind it and said go for it. It’s not a light beer.. the only thing light about it is the alcohol.” Reckon he cracked it! See his video onsite at www.foundersbrewing.com

Thornbridge Jamestown New England IPA 5.9%, 330ml can, Bradley’s of Cork

Lighter colour, a light hazy gold, than Founders, big white head, a bit slower to sink. Hoppy aromas. On the palate, you get a fruity greeting, little trace of bitterness. Very quaffable indeed. And if you’re inching your way into craft, you could do worse than try this English made beer.

Hops: Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin, Citra. Mosaic

Maris Otters, Wheat, Oat

They say: Jamestown is soft in body and huge in character. Expect a bouquet of stone fruit and citrus, followed by flavours of papaya and pineapple on the palate. Vegan friendly!

Porterhouse Renegade New England IPA 5.3%, 440ml can, Bradley’s of Cork

Again a hazy gold, a little heavier than the Jamestown, big white head that lingers a while. Hops peep through in the aromas. Well flavoured as you’d expect from the hops but this smooth New Englander from old Dublin is very drinkable, well balanced with hops enough but no overt bitterness.

They say: Renegade is our take on a NEIPA. With an extended whirlpool at lower temperature for a smooth soft finish. Unfiltered and heavily dry hopped with Amarillo, Galaxy and Mosaic for notable flavours of passionfruit, mango, lemon with a touch of blueberry. This NEIPA is fermented on traditional East Coast yeast.

Malts: Ale, Oats, Cara, Wheat.

Hops: Magnum, Citra, Mandarina Bavaria, Simco.

Lough Gill Native IPA 5.5%, 440ml can, Aldi

In Lough Gill, a couple of years back, with James (left) and Tony

The label shows a buffalo with the stars and stripes background. More than enough to indicate that this is more than likely an American style Indian Pale Ale. No big surprise really considering that head brewer Tony is a Lakota Sioux. It came into the Aldi offering about two years back and I hadn’t heard of it until a chance visit to the local store recently. The surprise is that this has some characteristics of an English style IPA.

It comes in a reddish brown colour with an off white head that doesn’t last as long as an Aldi queue. Aromas of moderate intensity with both malt and hops at level pegging. And that equilibrium is repeated on the palate. Nice bit of flavour though and a dry malty finish from a beer that falls somewhere between American and English, between pale ale and red. Pretty good one though.

With COVID-19 hammering small business right across the country James Ward, founder, Lough Gill Brewing Company, is delighted that Aldi has extended its usual summer contract for Native to last through the autumn. 

Pearse Lyons “Brown Bear” IPA 5.2%, 500ml bottle Aldi

The late lamented Pearse Lyons (clip from distillery tour video)

Amber is the colour of this Aldi beer. The soft white head soon sinks to a lacy disc. Hops and their floral notes feature in the aromas of moderate intensity. It has been dry hopped and that comes across clearly on the palate right through to the finish but the malt has a strong enough part to play here as well. 

Well-made, well balanced as you’d expect from the Pearse Lyons company who own a distillery and a brewery in the US. Their distillery in Dublin’s Liberties is a must visit while their beers are being produced, for Aldi, in the old McArdles brewery in Dundalk. I haven’t had the pleasure of a visit there yet.

Dockland Delights. Encore.

Dockland Delights. Encore.

“Why don’t we come here more often?” We asked ourselves as we left Dockland after a delicious lunch on last week’s designated sunny day (Wednesday). There’s always a terrific welcome here - this time from the smiling younger generation - and always good food too, lots fo tempting variety in a longish inventive menu, at prices that won’t break the bank.

They have some seats outside but, having spent most of the morning in the open air we, hands sanitised and name taken, decided to take an inside table, one with a view of the sunny exterior. Soon the water and the menus were at hand and we were making choices.

Quite a few tables have been removed due to Covid19 so those outside seats come in handy. The reception/bar area is now mainly deli/takeaway, salads, sandwiches, sweet stuff and coffees, much of which may be ordered in advance for collection. There was a steady enough stream for that corner.

Dockland are noted for their salads and they feature strongly here in four tempting versions. For instance, there’s a Roasted Vegetable Couscous (turmeric, coriander, spiced yogurt, toasted almonds, roasted harissa oil). Pick that or any of the other three and you may choose 1,2, or 3 salads, all for €11.00. The other headings are Chickpea Salad, Dockland Coleslaw, and Roasted Broccoli. You may also add chicken or honey glazed ham to your choice for an extra three euro.

We were looking for something slightly more substantial on this occasion and so choose from the mains, over a dozen of them! Everything from toasties to a Seared Beef Salad and including Fish ’n Chips and a Chicken Burger.  The West Cork crab, with chives, lime, fresh chilli mayo, toasted sourdough, chive oil, smoked salmon and mixed leaves, drew the attention, along with a few more.

CL though came down in favour of Clonakilty Black Pudding salad, rustic potatoes, caramelised apples, crispy bacon, with mustard honey dressing (14.00). A lot going on there but no jarring contrasts, all elements pulling together in a harmonious ensemble, and a very satisfying lunch indeed.

And I too benefitted from that precision in gathering and matching and measuring quite a few ingredients into a palate pleasing whole as I tucked into Chargrilled Chicken, tomato fondue, Gubbeen chorizo, basil pesto, and olive mash (15.00). Every single element perfect, in both quality and quantity, all adding up to a very satisfied customer indeed. Oh by the way, they have a range of sides available also: chips, salad leaves (and their leaves are terrific), roasted vegetable couscous, chargrilled broccoli salad, creamy mash.

Inside looking out

And we have a tip for dessert for you! We were pointed in the direction of the Clementine Almond Cake, caramelised clementines, and cream. And we were a little wary as quite often cake can be so dry. But not here. This was exquisite, moist and sweet, easy to dispatch. A must-try whenever you’re in this lovely friendly city venue by the river.

Dockland 

Lapps Quay

Cork

Tel: (021) 427 3987

Irish Village Distillery Produces Outstanding Limoncello from Spanish Lemons

Village Distillery Produces Outstanding Irish Limoncello from Spanish Lemons

Don’t rush, well not in my direction, if you want to enjoy this unique Limoncello offering from the innovative people at the Blackwater Distillery in West Waterford. I can’t help you, my bottle is already on its way out. The only way you can get your hands on this exclusive product is by joining the Blackwater Tasters Club. And yes, do rush. Over to their website here, in the unlikely event of there being have a bottle or two left. 

The club will be offering more specials though. If you join up, you’ll get a box every two months with two 200ml bottles enclosed plus tips etc. You have to join up before September 29th to get the October offering.

An invite to the Facebook launch party is included with each delivery. And it all started off last weekend with the celebration of the first club box which included a Jaffa Cake Gin and a Limoncello. Yes, Limoncello made in the West Waterford village of Upper Ballyduff.

Because their whiskey stills, originally manufactured to make grappa, come from the Italian city of Sienna, Peter Mulryan and his team are regular visitors there and (as, when in Rome) seek out shaded piazzas to enjoy an ice-cold Limoncello.

Back in Ireland, they found the commercially available Limoncello was “s..t”. And decided to make their own. And, as usual, Blackwater came up with the goods. Traditionally, Limoncello is made from the zest of Femminello St. Teresa lemons, also known as Sorrento or Sfusato lemons.

Blackwater’s Head Distiller John Wilcox explained, during the Facebook session, that it is an easy spirit to make on a base of neutral spirit. But you “can’t have the pith, can’t have bitter flavour.” And so some quality control had to be exercised on the Spanish lemons as “some were not perfect for the peel”. Normally it takes four weeks maceration but Blackwater gave it six. Well worth the wait as this beautifully balanced drink is quite a treat.

By the way, did you know that the Italians drink theirs straight from the freezer!  The bottle won’t shatter in the freezer, the liquid won’t solidify. Another tip, you may mix the Limoncello and its box companion, the Jaffa Cake Gin, in a cocktail, add a little soda and ice. 

John Coleman demonstrated a couple of cocktails on Facebook, including the Limoncello Viaggio.

Here’s the recipe:

50 ml Blackwater Limoncello.

20 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice.

15 ml sugar syrup (or 1/2 teaspoon sugar).

1 medium egg white.

Place all into a shaker and shake vigorously for 8 to 10 seconds. Strain into a small tumbler (filled with ice). Garnish with grated lemon zest (and a sprig of thyme) and prepare for the lemon explosion!

Peter, in B&W. The shirt's too colourful!

By the way, club members were supplied with a few slices of dehydrated lemon. If you have one, lay it on top. It will dehydrate and further enhance the experience. 

This club could be fun. Haven't tried the Jaffa Cake Gin yet but that too seems to be a gem, going by the comments on the Facebook launch.

* Speaking of fun, I certainly enjoyed the Facebook launch, thanks to Peter, John Wilcox, John Coleman, Kieran and Caroline (who gave us a virtual tour).

Taste of the Week. Turkish Delight

Taste of the Week. 
Hadji Bey's Turkish Delight

Hadji Bey's Turkish Delight has, for well over a 100 years now, been a local favourite and this is not its first outing as Taste of the Week. It is widely available in outlets throughout Cork city and I bought my latest box in the Roughty Foodie in the English Market.

That market was already well-established when a young Armenian, Harutun Batmazian, began selling his Turkish Delight at the 1902 Exhibition in Fitzgeralds Park. Next came a shop in the city and his reputation grew.

For much of the 20th century, that Hadji Bey shop in McCurtain Street was a favourite destination for many Cork children. And their parents! Decades later, there was much consternation in the 1970s when the family eventually ceased production but nowadays, thankfully, the delicacy is being made in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

The brand, along with that of well-loved toffee-maker Cleeves, in now under the wing of Hazelbrook Confectionery.

Hadji Bey Confectionery

Newbridge

Co. Kildare

W12 AD85

Amuse Bouche

Find ..the men and women trying to make Skid Row a better place…

On Saturdays, have dinner provided by Jackets for Jesus. Before it gets cold, make sure you score a coat. On Sundays, get fed by one of the charities dishing out hot lunch or dinner along the Seventh or San Pedro. But don’t cycle back. Be honest. Don’t take more than your share.

Nearly a month outside and Ran got the rhythm of Skid Row.

from Wonder Valley by Ivy Pochada (2017). Very Highly Recommended.

Two Highly Recommended Wines From O'Briens

Two Highly Recommended Wines From O'Briens

Emiliana “Amigo Secreto” Valle de Cachapoal 2016, 14.5%, €12.95 on offer, normally €16.95 O’Briens Wine 

This organic blend of Syrah and Mourvedre, from Emiliana in central Chile, has a ruby colour of medium intensity. Fresh cherry and plum aromas. Silky and soft on the palate, generous fruit, tannins are close to smooth and the finish is long. A friendly everyday wine that may be enjoyed with grilled meats and spicy food. Highly Recommended. 

O’Briens say: Made by our long-time Chilean partner, Emiliana, the organically farmed vines for this wine are planted on their own rootstocks in the Cachapoal Valley. In the cellar there is minimum intervention and the wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak.

Emiliana were founded in 1986 and the Giulisasti family are the major shareholders. They began the move to organic and biodynamic in the late 90s and their “Gé” (named after the Greek word for earth) was Chile’s first certified biodynamic wine (ref: Wines of South America). They run what they term “interactive vineyards” with biodiversity the major factor. 

Many different kinds of plants (employees are encouraged to grow their own to feed their families), many different types of animals ( alpacas, horses, cows, birds, chickens, sandpipers, geese, etc. live together here and also contribute to the compost used on the land), lots of cover plants (that contribute nitrogen and nutrients to the soil while planting of flowers draw insects away from the vines). Read and see more about their organic and biodynamic practices here. 

Ophalum Albarino Val do Salnes Rias Baixas (DO) 2018, 13%, €18.95 (12.95 at time of purchase) O’Briens Wines

This zesty Albarino, made from young vines, has a light straw colour with a little splash of green. White fruit (“doughnut” peach) feature in the moderately intense aromas. And more white fruit, citrus too, as the fresh wine moves over the palate, quite a fruity finish too. Highly Recommended.

Producers indicate it is ideal with all kinds of seafood, oriental and vegetarian cuisine. O’Briens themselves say the crisp acidity “is an ideal pairing to cut through oily fish or tapas dishes”. We tried it with the delicious smoked chicken crown from Skeaghanore and a garden salad and it worked perfectly well. Serving temperature: 8 – 10 °C.

O’Briens: made exclusively for O'Briens by the Paco y Lola winery in the Salnés Valley, the largest cooperative in Galicia's Rías Baixas region. It has the typical pear and citrus fruit profile of Galician Albariño with a saline mineral note on the long tropical fruit finish.