Muscadet and Sangiovese excel on home ground. A lovely white and red wine for you.

Muscadet and Sangiovese excel on home ground. A lovely white and red wine for you. 

La Fessardière “La Mer qu’on voit danser” Muscadet Sèvre et Maine sur Lie (AC) 2015, 12%

€16.00, Mary Pawle Wines, Mannings Ballylickey and Little Green Grocer in Kilkenny 

Melon de Bourgogne, the grape from which Muscadet is produced, is sometimes referred to condescendingly as a “inoffensive grape or a “neutral” one. The Melon grape certainly lacks the boisterous aromas that characterise New World Sauvignon Blanc. But this lack of initial assertiveness is deceiving, especially if it has spent some time on its lees (sur lie, on the label) and, as is also the case here, a little time in oak.

Still, the aromas of this 2015 are reticent. You’ll probably get citrus but you’ll need to work harder to get more. Mid gold is the colour and it’s quite attractive. All the work and care (including a light oaking and 9 months on lees) that has been lavished here, comes through on the palate with its superb texture. Excellent citrus flavours, the fruit rounded, and well balanced by a sprightly acidity.

For decades now, it has been the traditional accompaniment to seafood, especially in this corner of France, though it will do the job just as well in Ireland. An refreshing appetiser as well.

The Domaine de la Fessardiere has produced organic wine since 1997. Michel Sauvion the former winemaker, made this choice in order to increase the quality of its Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine wine and work closer to nature. In 2014, Jérôme & Emeline met Michel Sauvion.… As wine lovers, Jérôme and Emeline were seduced by the wine and Michel’s knowhow and they choose right away to keep producing wine following the organic method. Then, they decided to value the different parts and typicity of the land and the winery through a new range of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine wines.

Made with love. You’ll love it! Highly Recommended.

And then you can check up on the other Muscadets in the range by the same producer, including the two below, recently reviewed here, also from Mary Pawle:

L’Air Innocent https://www.corkbilly.com/2019/04/lost-in-muscadet-vineyard-in-nantes-and.html

La Gloire De Nos Pères https://www.corkbilly.com/2020/11/a-french-red-and-white-each-very-highly.html

Volpi “Boira” Sangiovese Marche (IGT) 2019, 13%,\

€14.40 Mary Pawle Wines, Mannings Ballylickey and Little Green Grocer in Kilkenny

This charming Sangiovese, not from Tuscany but from Marche (between the central mountains and the east coast), has a lovely ruby colour. Aromas are intense, ripe red fruit, floral and herbal notes too. Flavours are just as bright and intense, full of red and darker fruit flavours, plus a hint of vanilla. Tannins are more or less silky. Dry and harmonious, the Boira has a lingering finish. 

An organic and vegan-friendly wine, it is ideal for the table. Try it with stewed meat and aged cheeses (winery tips); other suggestions include spaghetti bolognese, lamb shank and steak Milanese, Pappardelle pasta with a rabbit and porcini mushroom ragù, Fried chicken livers, Slow-roasted pork with white bean mash. 

Speaking of pork, I had a glass of it the other night with a dish from On the Pig’s Back: Broiled Marinated Pork Chop, Savoy cabbage, Fondant Potato and Mustard Sauce. An excellent match.

Highly Recommended. Very well priced too, by the way. 

Cheers on Beer, Wine and Spirits. With Lough Gill, O'Briens Wine, BeerCloud, The Corkscrew, Celtic Whiskey, BeoirFest, Wines of the World

 Cheers on Beer, Wine and Spirits. #210501. With Lough Gill, O'Briens Wine, BeerCloud,  The Corkscrew, Celtic Whiskey, BeoirFest, Wines of the World, 

NEW BEER FROM LOUGH GILL

HAZE POTATO CHIPS

Introducing our latest limited release DDH NEIPA, brewed in collaboration with Thin Man Brewery of Buffalo, New York.

Brewed originally in Buffalo NY in 2018 when we were touring America, 2021 gives us this virtual collaboration of Haze Potato Chips, a beer that pairs Nelson Sauvin with Citra and… red potatoes to boost the haze!!! This juicy IPA pops with notes of peach, gooseberry and citrus.

Our friends at Thin Man Brewery share our passion for creating innovative beers and we were delighted to work together virtually to brew this New England IPA with Irish Rooster potatoes.

Let us know what you think on Untappd!

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Welcome to the BeerCloud BREWSLETTER INDIE BEER WEEK 2021 One of three packs available so check out the site >>>>> Order Your Beer Pack Today Order Your Beer Pack Today Indie Beer Week 2021 is a collaborative event organised by the Independent Craft Brewers of Ireland (ICBI) in conjunction with BeerCloud.ie and Craic Beer Community. This is the 4th Indie Beer Week, an event created to promote and celebrate small Irish breweries. In the past it was a chance to visit your local brewery for community-based events. For 2021, it’s an opportunity to virtually bring together the community of independent Irish craft breweries with the people of Ireland. You simply order your selection of craft beers from a choice of 3 packs and then taste along with the brewers at dedicated online sessions. 100% of profit from these beer boxes will be donated to the ICBI. ********* The Corkscrew Line Up The Unusual Suspects Stuck in a wine rut? Wine varies so much, and there’s so much out there, you have a lot to gain by stepping outside your comfort zone. We’ve put together this case that showcases the high quality palate pleasing wines from your not so usual “go to” wine choice destination. Awaken your palate with these unusual suspects. Wines from Slovenia, Cyrus, Israel, Georgia, Armenia and Uruguay. More details and order here. ********* Celtic Whiskey's Mescal Virtual Tasting VIRTUAL TASTING ANNOUNCEMENT! Join us for a virtual tasting with Los Javis Mezcal! This tasting pack includes samples of the Espadin Joven and Espadin Reposado as well as limited editions Tobala, Mexicano, Salmiana and Cerrudo! Zoom tasting will take place on Thursday, May 20th at 8pm with Misael Villa from Los Javis in Oaxaca, Mexico and Celtic Whiskey Bar's Luke Crowley Holland. Shop Now | €50 ********* BeoirFest: Lithuania's Farmhouse Beer This 2nd event with @larsga , Simonas Gutautas, @braciatrix , @land_and_labour , @canvasbeer and @blackdonkeybeer is this Saturday . Catch last weeks 2 hour event on http://BeoirFest.com now and learn a side of brewing you knew nothing about. #lithuania Starting May 1, 2:33 PM BeoirFest @BeoirFest Lithuanian Farmhouse Brewing

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No Stopping Kylie

Wines of the World

We are so delighted to introduce you to a new wine added to our site, Kylie Minogue Organic Brut Reserva Cava! Yes, Kylie has added another! 

To celebrate, we have created the "All The Lovers Mixed Case - By Kylie"! This mix of 6 includes the signature collection Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Merlot from the South of France, the stunning Côtes de Provence Rosé, the prosseco spumante Rosé from Italy and the latest addition Kylies Organic Brut Reserve Cava from Spain.

More info and order here

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Sligo Food Trail celebrates 5 years... with taste

Sligo Food Trail celebrates 5 years with taste

Sligo Food Trail on the "Chew, chew train"

 

Sligo Food Trail are celebrating their fifth birthday with taste and in trademark style, launching a commemorative video entitled “A tasty trip around five years of Sligo Food Trail” as well as a series of exciting online events showcasing some of the talented members. It’s quite a milestone for the network which began in 2016 and has matured into one of the best recognised food networks in the country.

 

Cllr. Marie Casserly, Chair Sligo Food Trail said, “I’m so proud of all that Sligo Food Trail has achieved. Over the five years it has put Sligo firmly on the map in terms of food and drink, drawing national and international attention to our county. The strength of a network like this and the power of the collective working as a group is really visible”.

 

The video neatly closes a circle, as it is very appropriately voiced by Aoife Carrigy, Chair of the Irish Food Writers Guild who was guest speaker at the launch event in The Model, Sligo. It’s a real trip down memory lane, featuring showcase events like the Harvest Feasts and the special Sligo ‘chew chew’ train that brought media on a culinary journey from Dublin to Sligo town. Taste The Island, networking events, several series of videos and the Irish Food Writers Guild visit are all remembered in glorious technicolour. “A tasty trip around five years of Sligo Food Trail” will be released online to kickstart celebrations.

 

Everyone is invited to join in an appetising series of online food and drink events. The tastings, demonstrations, recipes and Zoom events will run from Tuesday 4th – Friday 14th May showcasing some of Sligo Food Trail’s talented members. Try a tasting, learn tips and techniques from the experts, and marvel at the breath-taking showstopper created by one very talented chef.

 

Grainne Gilmartin from Sligo Wellness Centre focusses on cooking for teenagers in her live Zoom event ‘Teenage Brains’ on Thursday 6th May. On Friday 7th, it’s the ice cream man - Neil Byrne from Mammy Johnston’s in Strandhill. ‘Creptastic facts and ice cream trivia’ will be entertaining and educational in equal measure. Saturday sees Anthony Gray, ex-Chair of Sligo Food Trail and owner of Eala Bhán and Hooked Restaurants, take to the stage, demonstrating a delicious “DIY Smashed Burger” recipe. “Aw Shucks” is the intriguing title of Sunday’s demonstration when Aisling Kelly of Sligo Oyster Experience shows everyone three ways to serve the delicious bivalves.

 

The seaweed queen herself, Prannie Rhatigan (Irish Seaweed Kitchen) presents ‘Seaweed the Superfood’ on Tuesday 11th May, introducing everyone to cooking with seaweed, making seaweed pesto and even a seaweed smoothie. ‘Brew Coffee with Carrow’ on Wednesday is a Zoom event with Andrew Willis of Carrow Coffee inviting everyone to join in as he talks about their new Peruvian coffee 'Alberca' while brewing with an aeropress. You can purchase some in advance if you’d like to brew along with him. On Thursday evening, Dave Raethorne and Ollie Alcorn (head distiller) of Lough Gill Distillery present a virtual tour of their distillery in Hazelwood combined with an Athrú Whiskey tasting.

 

The finale is ‘Pure Poetry in Chocolate’ a demonstration by executive chef Alan Fitzmaurice from the Glasshouse Hotel.  Drawing together ingredients from Sligo Food Trail producers and inspired by the landscape and beaches, he has created a true floral masterpiece fit to grace the finest dining tables in the land. An appropriate culmination of a fantastic five years of Sligo Food Trail.

 

The project is funded by CEDRA, Dept. of Agriculture and supported by Sligo Tourism.

 

Registration is required for the live events. See (www.sligofoodtrail.ie) for details.

TRIGON HOTELS GIVES A DAY OFF TO THE TEAM AS A “THANK YOU”

press release 

TRIGON HOTELS GIVES A DAY OFF TO THE TEAM AS A “THANK YOU”

 

National Workplace wellbeing day will take place on Friday 30th April 2021. At Trigon Hotels, wellbeing in the workplace has always been of paramount concern and to celebrate Workplace Wellbeing Day, all team members are being gifted a ‘Wellness Day’ to enjoy such much needed R&R as a gesture of gratitude by the company’s Managing Director, Aaron Mansworth (pictured above).

In a year like no other, with the hospitality industry being so severely impacted by Covid 19, the mental and physical wellbeing of the team was of critical importance. 

Throughout this past year, there have been a variety of initiatives to support the teams across the Cork International Hotel, the Cork Airport Hotel and the Metropole Hotel. Some of these include the Trigon Team Support Hub, which is an internal hub which has provided direct access to the various supports that have been needed during Covid 19 – including mental health supports, financial advice, wellbeing supports and so much more. 

The hotels have also hosted some fun events including zoom bingo, a virtual Halloween party for the children of team members and a virtual awards ceremony. They are currently in the process of organising their ‘Trigons Got Talent’ so their team members can show off their secret talents to their colleagues.

Managing Director of Trigon Hotels, Aaron Mansworth said: “This past year has been incredibly challenging for so many people, and in particular at industry level, within the tourism and hospitality sector. The team have overcome many hurdles in order to protect the business and livelihoods and for that I am immensely grateful. They collectively worked in order to change the way that we do business in order to stay connected to our guests and communities. I am so proud of each team member and grateful for their commitment, hard work and dedication. As a gesture of thanks, I am delighted to gift each team member a ‘wellness day’. They can use this paid days leave any way they wish so whether it’s a day outdoors in nature or a day on the sofa, once they get to recharge their batteries and relax”.

A Quart of Ale± #47. On the craft journey with Stout and Porter

 A Quart of Ale± #47

On the craft journey with Stout and Porter

O’Hara’s Irish Stout 4.3%, 500ml bottle via Radical Drinks

The 2014 edition of the Beer Handbook acknowledges the O’Hara’s family expertise in stout such as this “medium-bodied, drier end, near-black..”  But gives the big thumbs up to their Leann Folláin.

O’Hara’s, trading as Carlow Brewing, were part of the first wave of Irish craft brewing. They started in 1996 before expanding into a new brewery in Bagnalstown in 2009. 

They say of this stout: The flagship of the O’Hara’s brand, this uniquely Irish stout brings one back to how Irish stouts used to taste. First brewed in 1999, it has since been awarded prestigious honours for its quality and authenticity. The combination of traditional stout hops with an extra pinch of roast barley allows us to stay true to Irish tradition, recreating a taste so often yearned for by stout drinkers.

The Handbook may say near-black but its black as far as I’m concerned, black with a fluffy cream-coffee coloured head. Aromas too of coffee, rich and complex. And that follows to the mouth, with sturdy roast flavours it flows smooth and full-bodied on the way to a dry tart finish, again with that coffee prominent. A classic that leaves me looking forward to trying the Leann Folláin (which is in my queue, not a very long one!).

Geek Bits

Style: Traditional Dry Irish Stout

ABV: 4.3% 

Plato °: 10.75°

IBU: 36

Fermentation: Top fermentation

Availability: Keg (nitrogenated), Bottle 50cl and 33cl, occasional 41L cask.

Serve: 6-10°C.  For our bottled version, some enjoy this stout served in the traditional way in southeast Ireland at room temperature “off the shelf”. 

Food Pairing: Excellent with seafood particularly shellfish and smoked salmon. Also pairs well with strong flavoured cheeses and dry cured meats such as Parma ham.

Glass: O’Hara’s tulip glass

O Brother “The Nightcrawler” Milk Stout,  4.5%, 440ml via beercloud.ie 

O Brother introduce The Nightcrawler as “our darkly delicious Nitro Milk Stout. Spreading darkness into the beery world from today! Dark brown to black in colour.” 

From my can, colour is more black than brown with a coffee-dust coloured head that hangs around for a spell. Not at all thick and creamy as you might read in the blurb (perhaps they’re talking draught). And there’s a touch of lightly roasted coffee about the aromas. On the palate it is mildly smooth coffee, chocolate and vanilla notes and a lightness in the body that is more typical of porter. Pretty good balance and nothing too bitter at all in the finish. 

You’ll sometimes see this billed as a Nitro. But O Brother themselves clear this up on their Facebook page: “We can't get the nitro effect in cans or bottles so it's draught only I'm afraid.”  Pleasing enough from the can though.

They say: We’ve been working hard, pushing ourselves to get even more fresh, interesting and exciting beers out the brewery door. We've been having an amazing time working with some of our fellow brewers and a host of talented artists on our 'Off The Wall' beer series too...

Porterhouse “Plain Porter”, 4.2%, 500ml bottle via Bradleys

Black is the colour. Head? What head? Aromas are plain enough: coffee and chocolate. Flavours are just as obvious and the mouthfeel is smooth on the way to a dry and slightly bitter finale.  

I reckon Scaldy (by Dublin’s Whiplash) and Liberty (by Cork’s Elbow Lane) are among the top porters at present though I’m always aware of the old saying: different strokes for different folks. And this beer has gold medals to its name!

And the name? Well, when “…no rashers grease your pan / A pint of plain is yer only man.”

They say: Our Plain Porter – porter is a lighter version of stout – is a double gold medal winner. We brew for taste and in the brewing we look carefully at how we do it

Geek Bits

Food Pairings: Beefy Stew, Roast Lamb

Malts: Roast barley, Black Malt, Flaked Barley

Hops: Galena, Nugget, East Kent Goldings

Galway Hooker Irish Stout 4.5%, 500ml bottle O’Donovan’s

Galway hooker Irish Stout is available on draught and in 50cl bottle. My bottle poured black with a short-lived off-white head. Aromas are coffee dominated. Coffee too on the palate along with dark malt flavours and it stays strong all the way to the finalé, dry on those lips.  

This one may well find its place at the table. They recommend matching with hearty meat dishes, hard cheeses or as an after dinner drink.

Quite a tradition in this country of people drinking lighter beers (mainly lager) in summer and the darker ones in winter. Galway Hooker maintain a blog and have a post on the subject: 

Darker beers usually contain slighter higher carbohydrate levels and perhaps that is the reason our primordial brains seek out this additional nutrition at a time when food was historically hard to come by. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that stouts and darker ales become more popular at the expense of paler lagers and ciders during the winter period.

More at Galway hooker Blog: http://www.galwayhooker.ie/blog.html.