Sunday, August 7, 2022

A Montefalco Red and a Rhone White. A Superb Pair from Le Caveau.

 A Montefalco Red and a Rhone White. 

A Superb Pair from Le Caveau.


Tenuta Belefonte Pomontino Montefalco Rosso (DOC) 2019, 13%

€21.95 64 Wine DublinBradley’s of CorkGreenman DublinLe Caveau Kilkenny

Pomontino is not a grape but the name of this blend of two grapes; one is the well-known Sangiovese (80%) and the other is Sagrantino.

It comes, from Umbria, in a light ruby robe, bearing warm rich welcoming aromas of cherry and berry. No shortage of these fruit flavours on the palate but now the main feature of this light and elegant wine is the vivid acidity that helps keep it all balanced on the way to a dry finish where you’ll note some light tannins (mostly on the lips). Very Highly Recommended.

It has been aged one year in large Slovenian oak casks and 6 months in bottle. Native yeasts are used and it is neither fined nor filtered, total production was 16,000 bottles and the recommended service temperature is 16° - 18°C (64°F).

It comes from the small area of Montefalco, part of Umbria perhaps best known for the tannic red Sagrantino. The vineyard expands on it: “The area of Montefalco, and more generally the Umbria region, can boast a deep-rooted tradition not only for reds but also for white wines. Particularly fresh wines, intriguing for their structure and surprising with the evolution.”

The owner Peter Heilbron is a relative newcomer. About 15 years ago, he was the busy MD of Heineken Italy. Then he and his wife Sabina purchased this wonderful 40-ha property and set aside 11 hectares for the vineyard (the rest of the land is dedicated to woodland, orchards and olive trees).

Heilbron designed his winery, completed in 2010, building it into the clay and marl hillside with subterranean porous walls made from gabions, steel baskets filled with stones. The winery is energy independent, using solar panels for electricity and generating heat and hot water by burning vine cuttings in a biomass boiler.

In the vineyards, Heilbron shuns chemical fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides, using seaweed and plant extracts as a kind of vine homeopathy. He has not pursued organic certification because, in rainy seasons, he sometimes prefers to use a sustainable fungicide to fight mildew rather than copper sulfate, which is permitted for organic use but can build up in the soil and be toxic to bees and other organisms. "I prefer to do it my way," he says. And going by this bottle and the white below, his way is working out very well indeed!

You may well be wondering about the Sagrantino grape, a little known one here in Ireland though once it “used to be considered good for convalescents”, according to Grapes & Wine which goes on to say it is found around Perugia in Umbria and makes intense, tannic and strongly fruity wines.

We enjoyed the white relatively recently and you may check it out here:

Montefalco Bianco https://www.corkbilly.com/2022/04/a-bordeaux-super-sleeper-and-relatively.html




Chaume-Arnaud Côtes Du Rhône blanc (AOC) 2020, 13.5%

€20.40 64 Wine DublinBradley’s of CorkGreenman DublinLe Caveau Kilkenny


Straddling both banks of the Rhône River, from Vienne to Avignon, the AC Côtes Du Rhône (CdR) includes over 170 communes and 6 departments: Loire, Thone, Ardeche, Drome, Vaucluse and the Gard.

The main white varieties are White Grenache, White Claudette, Marsanne, Roussane, Viognier and Bourboulenc. Secondary varieties are White Picpoul and White Ugni. This is an AOC wine; for the IGP wine, Chaume-Arnaud turn to Chenin, Chasselas and Vermentino. CdR regulations allow the use of some 22 grape varieties between red and white.

This one by Chaume-Arnaud (Le Caveau also import the red) is a blend of 40% Marsanne (hardy, vigorous, generous), 40% Roussanne (delicate, elegant, and complex) with 20% Viognier (hardy, high alcohol, can enrich bouquet). 

Colour is mid-straw, clear and crisp. The bouquet is fruity and floral and that transfers to the palate, with peach, pear, apricot prominent, a beautiful texture and, with fresh acidity contributing, a fine and delicious balance. Serve at 12 degrees (according to the label) and you’ll find it ideal with grilled fish, shellfish, fish stew and goats cheese.

It is a really excellent wine. And we shouldn’t be surprised. While the Rhône is best known for its reds, the winemakers don’t suddenly lose their skills when they turn to making whites. Very Highly Recommended.


Le Caveau: 

“Domaine Chaume-Arnaud is biodynamically managed and comprises of 38 ha of vineyards planted on slopes and terraces around the picturesque villages of Vinsobres and Saint-Maurice, near Nyons.


The altitude, between 200 to 450m, and the cool wind from the nearby Alps (the Pontias) keep the temperature lower than the neighbouring villages and contribute to the natural freshness and complexity of the wines……The focus is to have the healthy, biodynamically grown fruits shine into the wines; winemaking is resolutely low intervention and no additives (albeit a tiny amount of SO2) are used.”


Valérie and husband Philipe, and now son Thibaud, are the family behind the chateau: We first chose to work in organic farming, which seems to us to be more respectful of the earth and people, ….Over the years, we have noticed that not only are our soils more lively, but our vines are more vigorous and our wines have evolved towards a more harmonious balance.


Friday, August 5, 2022

Ballycotton Cliff Walk. Spectacular!

 Ballycotton Cliff Walk

pics: 04.08.2022

Looking west from the point, known as The Hump

West to the left, east to the right, from The Hump








Hurry up!

Natural colours. Six spot burnet moth and a bee.





Looking west, from The Hump

Looking east, from The Hump

from The Hump



White clouds and white wind-flowers

Super-pink Blackberry blossom 

A Wall Brown? Butterfly on dry cracked path.

Tall flowers in barley

Clouds and wildflowers

Wild oats

Wines Of The World Have A Bottle For You & Graham Norton's Name Is On It

The Wine Press via press release

Wines Of The World Have A Bottle For You

 & Graham's Name Is On It

Kate with Graham!

Kate Barry of Wines of the World hassome news to share Graham Norton’s award-winning wine brand has reached Ireland’s top 20 wine brands this year. Graham’s wines have been awarded more than 200 accolades. "The full range is produced in collaboration with New Zealand’s Invivo.
Graham Norton controls every aspect of the blending process – our wine expect Kate joined Graham at his most recent blending session this year and guess what we now have 3 signed bottles of GN Frizzante Bianco to give away.

Order the Graham Norton Mixed Case to be in with a chance to receive a complimentary signed bottle of GN Frizzante Bianco from Graham with love! Bonus points if your following @WinesIreland

Graham Norton Mixed Case includes the full range – the delicious mouth-watering Sauvignon Blanc, joined by the New Zealand Rosé some say its a Summer picnic in a bottle. Graham Norton’s Australian Shiraz. A bold, juicy wine full of character, just like the man himself and the most recent addition to the range is an Argentinian Malbec named He-Devil after Graham’s memoirs “The Lives and Loves of a He-Devil”.

For the bubbles we have the GN Frizzante Bianco and the GN Frizzante. Made in Italy, the Frizzante Bianco has sweetly scented notes of tropical flowers and the GN Frizzante Rosé is crisp yet delicately structured with a delicious strawberry drive through the perfectly balanced palate.

Click here to order you case now.

Give Away runs from the 05/08/2022 until the 08/08/2022 – 3 lucky winners will receive 1 of the complimentary bottles of GN Frizzante Bianco signed by Graham Norton with your order."

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AN EVENING OF ENGLISH WINE SPARKED GREAT SUCCESS AT BALLYMALOE HOUSE 

Left to right: Kevin O'Gorman and Billy Leighton from Jameson, John Wilson, Darina Allen, Dermot and Ana Sugrue. Pic by Colm McCan 

Ballymaloe House played host to a very successful English sparkling wine evening recently. Acclaimed winemaker Dermot Sugrue and his wife, of three days at the time, Ana Dogic, both winemakers of 'Sugrue South Downs' honeymooned at Ballymaloe House and took time out to share their story and award winning sparkling wines.


The evening was held at a round table dinner, with wines paired to compliment the food. Prominent Irish Times wine scribe John Wilson hosted the bubbly event. 


Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman and Master Blender, Billy Leighton from Jameson’s Midleton Distillery also joined on the night. They shared the Green Spot Château Léoville Barton, a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey which is renowned for its excellent quality to end the evening in celebration of the newly wedded Mr and Mrs Sugrue-Dogic.


Many other guests supported the evening to share fascinating stories while being dined by Ballymaloe House Head Chef Dervilla O’Flynn and her team. Dishes included Roast John Dory with Herb Oat Crumb, Bretonne Sauce, served with mouth watering sautéed kale.


General Manager at Ballymaloe House, Laura Behan, said “It was delightful to share such a wonderful evening with one of England’s most foremost sparkling winemakers.  Also surrounded by delicious food and great company, Ballymaloe House looks forward to hosting further events in the near future for everyone welcome to come and join”. 


There’s plenty of events taking place at Ballymaloe House this summer including the open air Irish sculpture exhibition. For more information about future events to be held at Ballymaloe House, is available on their website www.ballymaloe.ie


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Wines of the World have a Kylie Rosé Special!

Countdown is on for the Bank Holiday weekend and Wines of the World have a Kylie Rosé special just for you!

We hope you will be enjoying the Summer vibes with a glass of Rosé in your hand.

First 50 orders of the Kylie Rosé Special will receive a complimentary gift from Kylie!

The wines will include the following mix of 6

  • Kylie Sparkling Rosé Frizzante – Italy x 2
  • Kylie Minogue Signature Range Rosé – France x 2
  • Kylie Sparkling Rosé Prosecco Spumante – Italy x 1
  • Kylie Côtes de Provence Rosé – France x 1

Limited Stocks – click here to order yours


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SET YOUR SUMMER IN BLOOM

WITH BLACK TOWER’S NEW FLOWER POWER BOTTLES 

 

 

Summer garden parties are set to flourish this year, with the release of 

Black Tower’s limited-edition floral design wine bottles.   

 

Picnics, garden parties and BBQs alike are sure to stand out this summer, with the limited-edition Fruity White and Rosé wines from Black Tower. 

Featuring a beautiful flower design, of pretty pinks and lilacs, the new sleeve bottles are guaranteed to brighten up any al-fresco occasion - whatever the weather! 

The newly-released wines will delight guests and act as the perfect accompaniment to light, summer dishes and, for those more health-conscious drinkers, Black Tower has a delicious alternative with their low-calorie and low-alcohol B range.  

 

Fruity White Summer Sleeve  

With an elegant sweetness which nods to vibrant orange, passionfruit, peach and pineapple with honey running through, Black Tower’s Fruity White is a favourite all round and perfect for serving up in the summer months. 

Delicate, refreshing flavours make this wine the perfect pairing for a feta and watermelon salad or Moroccan vegetable tagine on a balmy evening. Plus, with its beautiful bottle design, this wine is the ideal gift for bringing to a get-together. 

 

Rosé Summer Sleeve 

Perfect for enjoying on a sunny afternoon in the garden, Black Tower’s Rosé is a fresh wine with delicate hints of summer fruits including strawberry, raspberry and aromatic red berries. Serve with seafood, a Thai noodle salad or a refreshing summer pudding for a dinner that’s sure to impress.  

Black Tower Fruity White, Rosé, Smooth Red are available at the following retailers: Dunnes, Costcutter, Carry Out & Supervalu with bottles priced at 8.00 nationwide.

  

B by Black Tower 5.5% Range 

Looking for a lighter way to enjoy the Fruity White or Rosé? Look no further. Black Tower’s B range means you can enjoy a lower calorie, lower alcohol glass of wine without compromising on taste. At only 55 calories per 125ml glass, the B range contains over 30% less calories than standard 9.5% vol. wines, perfect when looking for something lighter to enjoy midweek.  

Each Black Tower wine can be served cold or lightly chilled for the most refreshing glass to satisfy your taste buds, whether enjoying on its own or with your favourite foods.  


The B by Black Tower range is available at the following retailers: Tesco, Dunnes, Costcutter, Carry Out & Supervalu with bottles priced at 5.00 nationwide.


About Black Tower
For more than half a century, Reh Kendermann's Black Tower has stood the test of time and today it is still the No.1 wine brand from Germany. Black Tower is exported into 35 countries all over the world. Along with the Fruity White and Rosé, the range also includes Silvaner Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Smooth Red and B by Black Tower 5.5% lower alcohol ranges.

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The SuperValu Italian Wine Event is back with new guest wines

The Italian Wine Sale will run in stores nationwide and online from 19th May to 8th of June. 


Just in time for the start of summer, the SuperValu Italian Wine Event returns giving customers across the country a chance to experience the true taste of Italy. Once again, SuperValu is bringing the best of Italy’s traditional wines along with the introduction of carefully selected and exclusive “guest wines” from some of the most famous regions in Italy. This highly anticipated Italian wine sale will run from 19th May until 8th June giving customers a chance to dip their toe in the sumptuous world of Italian Wine while getting incredible value for money.

Sourced by SuperValu Wine Expert, Kevin O’Callaghan, this range of Italian wines will excite even the most discerning of palates.  Speaking on the increasing popularity of Italian wines, Kevin said “Italian Wines have seen significant growth in the Irish Market and represent 14% of total SuperValu wine sales, capturing 11% more share since 2008. Much of this is due to the increasing demand for Pinot Grigio and Prosecco but what we are most proud of in the last two years is our Italian red wine sales which now have a greater share of trade today than our Italian white and sparkling wine. To see our Italian red wine sales capturing this greater share of trade demonstrates that we are  satisfying growing consumer demand in this space with the quality, variety and value of our wines. Never has wine been so much part of our habitual week as it is now, hence the reason we are striving to educate shoppers on choosing the best quality wine at affordable prices .”

Kevin continues, “While we will have up to 80 wines as part of the Italian Wine Event, the guest wines we will showcase give our shoppers  a chance to expand on their repertoire of wine, showing them the breadth of choice available with the Italian offering and the unique wines produced there. These guest wines really do represent an excitement to try new wines and we really encourage shoppers to use this event to explore new tastes and varieties within the range.”

These guest wines include…

Forte Ambrone. This wine has a very deep red colour with purple edges with an intense bouquet of black cherries and berries. It is a ripe, full bodied blend, supple with smooth and silky tannins. It is the perfect companion of spicy dishes and  grilled red meats.  Was €15, only €10

Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino DOC. Aromas of blackberries and raspberry meet coffee and tobacco hints. In the mouth the structure is wide, harmonious and well balanced by the typical acidity of the vintage. This wine is an ideal pairing with game and medium-aged cheeses. RRP €26.99, only €18

Piemonte DOC Altego is soft, with a medium structure and harmonious body. The deep red colour with purple shades announces the presence of hints of ripe fruit, which are well balanced with the elegance of spices. This wine pairs well with roast chicken, grilled vegetables, risotto, tortellini alla bolognese and sliced beef. RRP €17.99, only €12

Corvina Veronese has fruity and spicy aromas such as black cherry, prune, berries, cinnamon and star anise. This wine has a medium flavor intensity of fruity, herbaceous, spices with a long finish. Pairs well with cold cuts, meat and semi-mature cheese. RRP €17.99, only €12

Belnero Toscana is deep red and mauve reflections with an intense and elegant aroma and notes of plum and blackberry jam accompanied by notes of vanilla, coffee and tobacco. This wine has a full structure characterized by soft and elegant tannins. Long aging wine perfect with soups, red and white meats. RRP €29.99, only €20

Cortezza Vino Nobile di Montepulciano has a ruby red colour tending to garnet with ageing. This wine has intense notes of ripe plum followed by delicate scents of cherry and strawberry, spicy sensations and hints of leather and tobacco. The mouth-feeling offers round but steady tannins with an elegant and well-balanced complexity .Ideal with all Mediterranean dishes, game meat and spicy cheese. RRP €22.49, only €15

Amarone della Valpolicella  is a deep purple red with ripe fruits and luscious nose. This wine is full bodied and round to remind a certain natural sweetness. Amarone matches perfectly grilled red meat dishes and seasoned cheeses. Was €24.99, now €16.70

Acquesi Asti Spumante. This Asti has a delicate pale yellow color with an elegant and inviting perlage. The bouquet consists of honey, peach, and a touch of citrus. Enjoy on its own, with spicy Asian cuisine, or with more traditional pairings such as desserts and dry pastries. RRP €17.99, ONLY €12.00

Ricossa Barolo has a nose that demonstrates deep spices, licorice, red fruits, and caramel. The palate is full-bodied, robust, austere, and balanced. This wine is ideal with roasted meats, aged cheese, and white truffle from Alba. Was €24.99, now €16.70

Cortezza Vermentino Toscana has a straw yellow color with greenish reflections. This wine is complex with floral notes, white flowers, with stone and Mediterranean spices, sage, rosemary and mint. The taste is persistent, full and well balanced by the mineral notes and bright acidity. Ideal with soups, chicken salad, fish courses and appetizers.  RRP €15, only €10


Thursday, August 4, 2022

A Quart of Ale± #115. On the craft journey with Wicklow Wolf, Whiplash, Lough Gill, O Brother and Kinnegar.

 A Quart of Ale± #115

On the craft journey with Wicklow Wolf, Whiplash, Lough Gill and O Brother.


Wicklow Wolf Locavore Summer 2022 Foraged Elderflower Saison 6.5%, 440 ml can Bradleys


In introducing Locavore Summer 2022, Wicklow Wolf tell us it is a Foraged Elderflower Saison brewed with elderflower foraged right on the hop farm and our very own malted barley and wheat.


There is a slight and short-lived white head and the colour is a clear amber/gold. The Elderflower is immediately noticeable in the aromatics with herbal and floral notes, and hints of resin in the background. Quite a current of tropical fruit and orange comes through on the palate of this light and crisp beer, deeply refreshing and with a lip smacking finish. Pretty unique and another worthy effort from the Wolf pack, another cub to be proud of.


And that uniqueness owes much to Wicklow. The brewers: “In early June we made a trip to the hop farm to forage some elderflower for this year’s Locavore Summer 2022.For our Summer Locavore release, we forage the wild landscape of Wicklow for flavours that will allow us to experiment and champion the local terroir. We hand picked some vibrant elderflower from the hedgerows that border our hop farm. It is these native Irish hedgerows that provide a picturesque backdrop, increases biodiversity and that will give this Elderflower Saison a taste of the Wicklow hills.

Pic by Wicklow Wolf


For the brewing of this season’s locavore release, we brewed a saison using our very own malted barley and wheat. The elderflower was hand picked and added straight to the brewhouse at 15g/l. Our Locavore Project epitomises the core philosophy that Wicklow Wolf was founded upon, provenance and pride. The Locavore Project allows us to celebrate the terroir of Wicklow, our home and champion it with small batch, local, experimental beers.” 


Geek Bits


Hops: Mosaic, Centennial, plus15g/l Foraged Elderflower

Malts: Wicklow Wolf Pilsner, Wheat & Munich Malt




Whiplash Ephemeral Table Beer 2.6% ABV, Whiplash Online


Whiplash’s first table beer comes in a hazy lemon colour with a soft white head that sinks slowly enough. It has an ABV of just 2.6, hence the table beer designation. Don’t let that put you off. There’s a genius at work here, well in Dublin 10.


I did the old foam finger test (as I was once shown by the Belgian beer sommelier Marc Stroobant) and what do I get but basil or “bays-il” as one prominent chef terms it. There is much more of course, after all the ever inventive Whiplash crew are driving this one. As well as basil, they have added lemon zest and that too comes through on the pleasing palate.


You’ve got a full team of malts here and Whiplash rely on the Hersbrucker hops to add noble spice notes. And you certainly get that. Indeed, there is quite a lot going on here, so much that you (well, “I”) don’t notice the modest ABV or should I say the lack of a higher rate. Fine by me. At a table this summer, indoors or out. Worth a check for sure!


The Brewery say: Introducing our first Table Beer, Ephemeral. Traditionally, this style is for everyone at the table, low ABV, great with a meal and something to take you through the evening & beyond. However, the exact style would have differed from place to place. We've gone for the continental interpretation. It's then fermented on our Belgian yeast with fresh lemon zest and basil added for a brief time before crashing and canning. The sum of all these parts results in a beautiful beer that's just perfect for sipping on these long summer nights.



Geek Bits:

Pilsner Malt

Wheat Malt

Oat Malt

Carapils

Hersbrucker

Lemon Zest

Basil

WLP410 (yeast).

Pic via Lough Gill


Lough Gill Wild Irish Gose 4.0% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys


Poured this into a glass that is shaped like a can. And the “can” helped show off the nice big soft white head over a mid-gold colour and lots of bubbles racing up towards the top.


The added ingredients, salt and coriander, can be detected in the aromas. The head has just about vanished as I take the first sip; vaguely salty now but most definitely refreshing, tartily so, as many of these goses are. 


Should be good with oysters! Refreshing for sure but I don’t think I’d be calling for a second can on the night but would have no problem starting the next night with one and a couple of Harty’s oysters.


Gose is a sour beer, usually soured with the lactic bacteria that is included here. It is a German beer, traditionally brewed in Leipzig and named after a local river.


Ingredients: Lough Gill Water, Malted barley and wheat, hops, yeast, sea salt, coriander and Lactobacillus Plantarum.



O Brother Social Proof Amarillo Mosaic IPA 6.5%, 440 ml can Bradleys



The O Brother philosophy: Take the first step and you’ve the hardest part done. OBB started with 3 lads who left their jobs to pursue a passion and we haven’t looked back since! A person’s journey toward their dream can begin at any time, you just need to take that leap of faith.

Top tip: Enjoy a nice cold one now and again to calm the nerves, it helps.


The first step here is to take a look at this IPA in the glass. It’s a murky orange with a soft and fairly quick shrinking head. Aromas are on the citrusy side with hints of resin in the background. Tropical flavours abound on the palate, stone fruit too (such as peach and nectarine). Quite a strong showing in the mouth before a good dry finish.

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WORLD BEER CUP AWARDS PRESENTATION

Understandably not many European breweries make their way to America for the World Beer Cup Awards ceremony in May. The American Brewers Association very nicely throws a party for them a little while later in conjunction with the German Brewers Association annual Brauertag, held this year in Berlin. This was a sweet coincidence for Kinnegar’s owner duo, Rick and Libby, who spent the best part of a decade in this fascinating city directly after the fall of the Berlin wall. Returning to their old stomping ground to collect a 2022 World Beer Cup gold award for Black Bucket was a very proud moment.


The above, including pic, is just a little extract from the current Kinnegar newsletter, one of the very best I've come across.

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