A Classy 20-Year-Old Tawny Port For Christmas. And a lively Sicilian white for the aperitif and lighter dishes.

A Classy 20-Year-Old Tawny Port For Christmas 

And a lively Sicilian white for the aperitif and lighter dishes.

Porto Ferreira Dona Antónia 20-Year-Old Tawny Port NV

RRP €55.99 Wineonline.ie. Redmonds of Ranelagh. Clontarf Wines. World Wide Wines. Blackrock Cellar. Terroirs.

Colour is a pale tawny (as may be expected after all those years), with coppery hues. There’s an evolved unity about the aromatics but you may note dried fruit (figs, apricots), marmalade and wood smoke notes. In the mouth this  polished full-bodied wine is smooth and velvety. Superb flavours and aromas, not forgetting that balancing acidity, takes us all the way through to the delicious lingering finish. An amazing wine to be sipped and enjoyed and it is Very Highly Recommended.

This intense and complex Tawny is a blend of Ports between 15 and 40 years of age and local grapes such as Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Amarela are used.

Importers Liberty  Wine tells us Ferreira was founded in 1751, when the Port trade was dominated by British shippers. Ferreira is the oldest Portuguese Port house and remains the leader in the domestic market.

“It was under the leadership of Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, one of the formidable widows of the world of wine, that the company became the force it is today. Not only was Dona Antónia an astute businesswoman, she also fought to improve quality of life for the impoverished people of the Douro, building schools and hospitals and supporting them during the phylloxera crisis." 

Dona Antónia was ahead of her time in recognising the importance of vineyard ownership to guarantee quality, at a point when most other Port houses bought bulk wine from farmers. By the time of her death in 1896, Ferreira had become the largest Douro landowner and owned many illustrious Quintas including Quinta do Vesúvio, Quinta de Vargellas and Quinta do Vale Meão.

Today, the 27-hectare ‘Quinta do Porto’ is Ferreira’s flagship vineyard. Planted in 1771 and acquired by Dona Antónia in 1863. A warmer mesoclimate, due to the south/south-west exposure of the terraced vineyards and the proximity to the river, results in ports characterised by an exuberant ripeness, exceptional concentration, weight and structure, yet wonderful balance. 

Old-vine parcels, described by winemaker Luís Sottomayor as “over retirement age”, produce low yields of intensely flavoured grapes and form the backbone of many of the top ports in the Ferreira range. The entire Quinta is dry farmed, sustainable practices are followed and harvesting is carried out by hand.

Here’s how Ferreira make their port: 

Upon arrival at the Quinta do Seixo winery, the grapes were destemmed and gently crushed. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel vats with vigorous punch downs to extract the ideal levels of colour, flavour and tannin before fortification. The ferment was closely monitored to determine the ideal moment to halt the fermentation by fortifying with grape spirit, leaving some of the grapes’ natural sugars. The wines remained in the Douro until the spring following the harvest when they were transported downstream to the historic Ferreira cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for oxidative ageing in oak barrels.

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Best Value Wines 2022 Under €18.00. With Reviews & Irish Stockists. 

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Curatolo Arini Inzolia Terre Siciliane (IGP) 2021, 12%

RRP €19.99 The Village Greengrocer Castlemartyr / Myles Creek / The Cinnamon Cottage Cork /Wineonline.ie

The winery tells us that Inzolia, also known as Ansonica or Insolia, is the oldest Sicilian indigenous grape. It is usually of good quality and mostly found in a blend, most famously perhaps in the local Marsala.

Here it is on a solo! It is quite clean and bright in the glass with a lovely straw colour and a tint or two of green.  Aromas are a little on the shy side but you’ll get the citrus, the almond and even the blossom. It is mostly citrus on the palate and there is also a pleasing salty note and a fresh minerality through to the satisfactory finish. A lively little number and one to note. Highly Recommended. Serve with grilled fish, baked chicken, grilled vegetables.

Importers Liberty: Established in 1875 by Vito Curatolo Arini, the winery is now run by the fifth generation of the Curatolo family, making it the oldest family-owned Marsala producer. Alberto Antonini is the consultant winemaker and his influence is evident in the wines, combining the richness that Sicily can easily provide with the freshness only someone with Alberto’s experience can retain.

Following harvest, the grapes were de-stemmed and allowed to macerate on their skins before a gentle pressing. Fermentation took place at 15° in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then left on lees at least 6 months before being bottled and “as a result it is fresh and vibrant with beautiful aromatics and a very clear sense of place”.

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Top Wines 2022. With Reviews & Irish Stockists. 

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A Quart of Ale± #133. On the craft journey with Kinnegar, Wide Street, Galway Bay, West Cork, and Bradleys

 A Quart of Ale± #133

On the craft journey with Kinnegar, Wide Street, Galway Bay, West Cork, and Bradleys.

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Kinnegar Rustbucket Rye IPA, 5.1% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys.

This old reliable, the Rustbucket, is well into its second decade now. The brewery tell us “it was inspired by an old friend - a real character and independent spirit, but always a faithful companion. This description also fits our friends at An Grianán Theatre for whom we originally developed this special beer.”

Amber is the colour and it has a big soft head. Malt heads the aromas with rye offering a little spice. And you meet that spice again in the mouth. And it’s all a little bolder, a little spicer, on the pleasing palate. The American hops come on with a citrus contribution. All’s in balance here though. It is an excellent beer. “A fresh and hoppy drink with a complex flavour profile that never disappoints”, they say themselves and I’ve no problem agreeing.

Once our wandering ancestors settled down, they began to grow grain to make bread and beer. Which came first? I’m not going that deep here. But, in any case, the kind of beer made depended on the local grain. Rye, which thrives on poor soil, was the local grain in much of northern Europe, especially in Russia and Scandinavia. Wonder if those early brewers made anything as good as this Rustbucket!

So how do Kinnegar humans (quite an inventive tribe) go from rye to rustbucket? Credit goes to a Donegal madra (his pic is on the can). “This is where the story gets obtuse, winding a thread around a beloved Irish Terrier, Rusty, or as he was affectionately called by many, Rustbucket. Irish Terriers are renowned for their intelligence. Some, like Rusty, are also very well-known for their tenacity and downright stubbornness. He was a great dog, but he sure did require a lot of patience!”

Quite a storied beer then, though many of the yarns might have never been written but for the crew at An Grianán Theatre calling for encore after encore (read can after can) on that Rustbucket opening night so many litres ago.

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Wide Street Spéciale Belgian Pale Ale, 4.7%, 440 ml can Bradleys

Longford brewery Wide Street introduce this Pale Ale: “S P É C I A L E is our nod to the Belgian Pale ales brewed in the Flemish provinces of Antwerp and Brabant. Traditionally amber in colour despite the Pale Ale name this beer is medium bodied and malt forward with medium bitterness. One of Belgium's session beer styles.”

Colour is a coppery/amber with a white pillowy head. It is more murky than hazy. Aromas and flavours are both fruity (apple and pear, even banana and orange). The first hit on the palate is the malt but this easy-drinking beer is certainly well-balanced, medium malty yes and with just enough bitterness to balance. A terrific alternative to IPAs and the brewers indicate it pairs well with poultry, pulled pork, curries or a cheeseboard.

Of course, the Belgians would argue that all their beers are spéciale. The two parts of the country may speak in different languages but that doesn’t prevent them having a common pride in their beers. Despite having a relatively short national history, it has one of the oldest brewing traditions in the world. And one of the characteristics of their beers is the extent to which they get the most from their yeast.

The label mentions fruity esters without elaborating (in fairness, there’s only so much you can print in a can). Esters are a fruity flavour produced primarily through the action of yeasts during fermentation and are influenced by the fermentation process. They are formed in beer by the “esterification” of ethanol which is the primary alcohol in beer.

Another excellent beer from Wide Street who can be found on a very wide street indeed in Ballymahon, County Longford.

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Galway Bay Bay Ale Red Ale, 4.4%, 330 ml can Bradleys

The crew in the brewery are very happy with this long-standing stalwart: Bay Ale is brewed with a complex malt bill and a savvy dose of subtle American hops for a modern spin on this traditional style. This beer has stood the test of time in our range and we are proud to see it still flying the flag for red ales.

Their Galway Bay “Bay Red Ale” has quite a strong red colour and a soft off-white head that slowly waltzes away. Aromas are mild and mostly malty. On the palate, you immediately note a smooth and well-balanced flavour from this well rounded ale. British and Irish malts get a chance to shine here and give this beer a strong backbone but the hops (European and American) get their share of the spotlight and the balance is excellent.

Irish Red ales are noted for their food-friendliness and this is no exception. Try it with salads, roast meats, cold meats, simple cheeses and salmon dishes.

Founded in 2009, Galway Bay is an independently owned and operated brewery based in Galway, on the west coast of Ireland. “From classic styles to big barrel aged beers, we brew the full spectrum of beer with a passion for quality and innovation.”

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West Cork Brewing Cape Haze West Coast IPA, 4.7% ABV, 500ml bottle Ballymaloe Craft Fair

This comes in a gold orange robe, hazy of course, with a fairly big bubbly white head. Hints of orange and resin in the aromas (as you’d expect with the German pair of Mandarina Bavaria and Hercules in the recipe). And the duo of orange and resin also feature in the mouth, accompanied by a dank sensation and some vegetative input that I couldn’t put a finger on. Overall though, it is bright and fruity and quite a decent IPA, especially considering it weights at just 4.7% ABV.

By the way, the third hop is Yellow Sub (which as been described as “Amarillo on steroids”) is also of German origin. The brewery recommends food pairings for this beer as mussels, chicken & caramel cakes. 

Like all of their beers, this is brewed using their own spring water, is bottle conditioned, unfiltered and vegan friendly. Current brewer at West Cork is Terra Brookins. She grew up in San Diego "where you can’t swing a cat without hitting a craft brewery”.

Whiskey Bulletin. Blacks of Kinsale BIG NIGHT OUT and Powerscourt Distillery Awards

Press release

Powerscourt Distillery win double Gold at the 2022 Irish Whiskey Awards

The team at Powerscourt Distillery are delighted to announce the addition of two new award medals to its collection, which is steadily growing.  At the recent Irish Whiskey Awards 2022, Fercullen Whiskeys received two Gold Awards. Their latest release – 21-year-old Single Malt, along with their Limited Edition Italian Gardens, both took home Gold at the Awards and mark a significant achievement for the Enniskerry Distillery, who are going from strength to strength. The Irish Whiskey Awards started in 2013, and the event has gone on to be one of the biggest celebrations of Irish whiskey in the world.

The Awards

Gold – Irish Single Malt Whiskey (16 years & older)

21-Year-old Single Malt whiskey matured in ex-bourbon barrels, with a selection of Oloroso Sherry and Pedro Ximénez finished whiskeys.

 

Gold – Irish Blended Whiskey (Limited Release)

Estate Series, 'The Italian Gardens' ; a limited Edition Blended Fercullen Irish Whiskey Amarone cask influence.

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Blacks at The Bierhaus

 

 

  

Moby Fish's Italian Lure Hooking Fish And Chip Lovers To MacCurtain Street

 Moby Fish's Italian Lure Hooking Fish 'n Chip Lovers To MacCurtain Street 

Moby Fish has recently taken over the former Fish Wife premises in MacCurtain Street. It's got a Latin motto over the door and is Italian style. But, not to worry, they do serve traditional fish and chips.

We were keen to try the Italian offering the other night and our pick was the Arancini Mozzarella and Spinach with Mozzarelline. As you can see from the picture, the Arancini is full of spinach. You can't see inside the smaller ones but they are packed with Mozzarella.

Other choices include Pumpkin Flower with Mozzarelline and Calzone with Ham and Cheese. Check out the menu on their facebook for more

Now for the Fish and Chips. You have a choice of four fish (cod, plaice, lemon sole and hake) and you can have them in Plain Flour or in Batter. We picked the cod in batter. The fish was top class and was in a lovely fine batter which meant you didn't have to poke around for the flesh! And watch out for their specials such as the recent "delicious squid with chips and tartar sauce".

They offer six burgers, from regular (beef) to Calabrian (pork). You may also get BBQ wings and Kentucky Wings (both in small or large sizes). And various sauces, from mild to hot.

See more on their Facebook page here.

The motto over the door is in Latin
 and means unity is strength 

Spinach in the arancini.

Nice piece of cod and mushy peas were spot on!

Christmas made easy with James Whelan Butchers

Press release 

Christmas made easy with James Whelan Butchers

 

The Countdown to the main Christmas event has officially begun..

 

It’s almost one month until the biggest feast of the year. At James Whelan Butchers, Christmas is made easy, with endless high-quality options available for the festive feast and Christmas gifts alike. 

 

James Whelan Butcher's limited-edition Festive Beef Wellington is now available via its seasonal click-and-collect online service. Hand prepared by the artisan James Whelan Butchers kitchen team, this divinely sumptuous dish is a perfect choice for the yearly celebration. The decadent dish is handmade with prime Irish beef, full of intense, rich flavours, and surrounded by a mushroom and herb duxelles which is all wrapped in buttery, puff pastry. Better yet, it’s ready to pop in the oven and is dinner-table-ready in just 40 minutes. No more wondering what to serve and no more stressful thoughts of cooking - you know you have a wondrous feast for two to come. Available now to order for a limited time - in store, or online through James Whelan Butchers seasonal Click-and-Collect service. 

 

For food heroes everywhere, a James Whelan Butchers Beef Bond is the gift that keeps on giving. Perfect for a friend, loved-one, client, this beautifully, wax-sealed Beef Bond gives a share in an Irish Angus or Hereford, which is reared and grass-fed in the freedoms and rolling hills of County Tipperary. After six months, Beef Bondholders can expect a substantial delivery of dry-aged, grass-fed steaks, ribs and roasts, all hand-prepared by James Whelan Butchers artisan butchers. Not only is this a tasty and unique gift, but it also gives back to Irish, local, family farmers. 

 

The Irish Beef Book is a reassuring cooking bible for putting together family feasts, weeknight roasts, and summer cook-outs. Full of local ingredients and nose-to-tail goodness, the Irish Beef Book is packed with glorious, earthy recipes, simple tips and perfect cook times gathered together by Pat Whelan and Katy McGuiness, focusing on both the popular and less fashionable cuts of meat. Pat, a master butcher who inherited invaluable knowledge as a fifth-generation farmer and butcher, knows how to showcase the world-class glory of Irish beef through instinct, heritage and artisan craft. A perfect stocking filler for flavoursome food lovers. 

 

Or, why not give the gift of choice this Christmas. With endless, high-quality choices at James Whelan Butchers, a Gift Voucher not only offers variety, but brings with it the promise of truly good produce. From Grass-fed Irish beef to Native lamb, salt-aged cuts to artisan craft, the options are endless with just one little card. 

 

James Whelan Butchers promises the most wonderful festive family feasts with award-winning Heritage Ham, succulently divine Irish Turkey and exquisite Salt-aged Beef. To have your items in time for Christmas, there are three simple ways you can pre-order from James Whelan Butchers - via online click and collect, order online for local and national delivery or order in-store. Carve out a moment today to browse their Christmas brochure and pre-order as soon as possible. For more information on James Whelan Butchers visit www.jameswhelanbutchers.com

 

CHRISTMAS LIKE NOWHERE ELSE! NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE – THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS

 CHRISTMAS LIKE NOWHERE ELSE!

NEWBRIDGE SILVERWARE – THE HOME OF CHRISTMAS

This Fox Head Decanter is on my list!

FOX HEAD DECANTER

This decanter with fox head stopper is ideal to store spirits and a must have this season. Serve your drinks in ultimate style with this quirky silver-plated decanter from Newbridge Silverware, the perfect finishing touch for any dining setting, a great gift idea for those who love to entertain. €65

 

 

GOLF ACCESSORY HIP FLASK

This sleek designed stainless steel hip flask from Newbridge Silverware is perfect for raising a toast and is the ideal gift for the man who has everything and especially anyone who enjoys a game of golf. This hip flask includes golf tees with a pitch marker and repair so is a great gift choice for any golf lover, personalise with your own message making it an extra special gift. €45

 

Newbridge Silverware, the Home of Christmas has everything you need for the festive season.  From fabulous tableware for your Christmas dining table, to ornate Christmas decorations, to glitzy jewellery, it’s all here!  The much-loved Irish lifestyle brand has been leading the way in craft and design since 1934 and each year it continues to innovate and break design boundaries with its bold and creative designs.

 

MAKE IT SPECIAL WITH THE CHRISTMAS COLLECTIBLE 2022

 

'In Oirchill na Nollaig' The Anticipation of Christmas is the 13th edition in a series of annual commemorate Christmas decorations. An Advent calendar is a special calendar to count the days of Advent in Anticipation of Christmas. The Advent calendar was first used in the 19th and 20th centuries. Here, brought to life by the Newbridge Silverware design team as a three- dimensional silver-plated tree decoration making it a stunning addition to any Christmas collection. Christmas Collectible 2022, €40.

 

UNICORN CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATION

Complete your Christmas tree with this whimsical inspired unicorn decoration from Newbridge Silverware. Finished to the highest of standards this silver-plated decoration is perfect for putting a little woodland sparkle on display this Christmastime.  €15

 

GINKO LEAF COLLECTION OF JEWELLERY

 

This year marks the 30^th anniversary of Newbridge silverware home manufactured jewellery.  The      30 -year Archive Collection celebrates this landmark occasion with designs evocative of those first pieces.  Taking inspiration from the Ginkgo leaf, a representation of longevity, happiness and good fortune the silver-plated bangle and pendant from Newbridge Silverware are the perfect go to pieces. Beautifully designed with sophistication in mind these pieces are great for everyday wear and a symbolic versatile gift choice for a special friend. Ginko Bangle €55. Ginko Pendant €40

To find your nearest stockist or to purchase some of these wonderful gift ideas online see  www.newbridgesilverware.com

press release

 

Two Excellent Reds For Santa's Bigger Helpers. A Grenache/Mourvèdre Blend from St Chinian and A Malbec From Argentina's Mendoza

Two Reds For Santa's Bigger Helpers. 

A Grenache/Mourvèdre Blend from St Chinian

A Malbec From Argentina's Mendoza

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Chateau Bousquette Pruneyrac St Chinian (DOC) 2018, 14.5%

R.R.P. €17.90. The Quay Co-Op, Cork/ Scally's Supervalu, Clonakilty
// The Little Green Grocer, Kilkenny // 

This is a big wine from the Midi, full of the aromas and flavours of organic Grenache (50%) and Mourvèdre.

Colour is purple, a little lighter at the edge, tears are slow to clear. Aromas are expressive: spice, pepper, wild berries and the local garrigue. On the palate it is harmonious, with intense flavours and silky tannins. Finish is long and spicy.  Very Highly Recommended

The Domaine de la Bousquette was the property of the Abbaye de Foncaude until the French Revolution. A long line of winegrowers, including the Fabre-Ginoulhac family who managed it until 1996, followed before it was taken over by Swiss winegrowers Eric and Isabelle Perret

It was very early on, in 1972, that the Domaine de la Bousquette joined the " Nature et Progrès " charter, and is now regularly certified by Ecocert for organic farming, without chemical fertilisers, weedkillers or pesticides.

This cuvée is named after an old family from the region, who were very involved in the estate at the beginning of the century, as evidenced by old bottles found in the cellars. Pruneyrac is in Saint-Chinian, an appellation in the large southern France region of Languedoc-Roussillon.

Uncork about 1 hour before the meal and serve with, for example, with lamb shoulder confit with sweet onions and ginger. Perfect too with a leg of lamb, cassoulet, strong cheese or a barbecue. By the way, this juicy red is excellent with turkey!

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Top Wines 2022. With Reviews & Irish Stockists. 

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El Abasto Malbec Mendoza (Argentina) 2018, 14% ABV, 

RRP €19.35. 64 Wine Dublin, Bradley’s of Cork, Greenman Dublin, Le Caveau Kilkenny

There are, according to Wines of South America, two main factors that help Malbec thrive in Mendoza. 

The low rainfall (12” as against 30” Bordeaux) and its timing, falling mostly in the summer, promotes ripening and minimises disease. Second, Mendoza’s wide thermal amplitude (put simply, the difference between daytime and nighttime temperatures) promotes aromatic development and softened tannins. The proof’s in a glass of this vibrant fruity full-bodied wine.

Where did the name come from. The label tells us that by the end of the 19th century, Buenos Aires was growing significantly due to migration from Europe. The El Abasto market opened in 1893 and, with many immigrant neighbourhoods, it quickly became also a centre for Tango, poetry, and culture.

Mid to dark ruby is the colour. The aromas are full of jammy dark and red fruit, all saying welcome, come on. And in the mouth, it is equally loveable, totally gluggable. That punchy yet soft fruit (plum, blackberry) comes in a medium body, and the wine is smooth right through to the finalé. Put this on your Malbec shortlist. Highly Recommended.

Pair with charcuterie, cold cuts, firm cheeses, steaks, burgers, pasta with red sauce and, among other things, Wine Folly suggests melted blue cheese.. And it can be served chilled, though you probably won’t need to do that at this time of year!

We can get some excellent Malbec from Cahors (in the south west of France) where it originated and is known as Côt. But is has found a welcoming home in Argentina and is the country’s most important grape. Indeed most of the world’s Malbec is now grown in Argentina.

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Best Value Wines 2022 Under €18.00. With Reviews & Irish Stockists. 

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