A Merlot gem from Rizzardi. Made only in those years “in which we believe the Merlot grapes reach the highest level”

Rizzardi Clos Roareti Rosso Veronese (IGT) 2019, 14.5% ABV, €29.95, O’Briens Wine

Made only in those years “in which we believe the Merlot grapes reach the highest level”.

Guerrieri Rizzardi is located near the eastern shore of Lake Garda. But the grapes for this wine come from further inland, to the east. The vineyard is in Valpolicella, less than half an hour north of Verona.

Their Clos Roareti is a Merlot and is a smooth and supple performer on the palate.  It has the typical ruby colour, tending towards the darker side. Aromas, a melange of fruit and floral, give notes of cherry and violet. And a trace too of vanilla. 

It is rich and full-bodied and, according to the producer’s words, “is a unique departure from the lighter styles of Merlot from the Veneto region”. Easy drinking for sure, well balanced with a lip-smacking grip towards the end.

The first vintage of Clos Roareti, a single vineyard Merlot, was in 2006.  The grapes come from the historic monopole (a French term used to indicate that the entire vineyard is owned by a single grower or company). This Cru vineyard of Rovereti is in Negrar, Valpolicella. 

In this centuries-old walled vineyard, the family began to plant Merlot from the late 1990s onwards,  a grape variety perfectly suited to the climate and the vineyard’s red clay soil. 

Maffei Palace and winged Lion of Saint Mark - Verona 

The resulting wine is a rich, full-bodied and complex Merlot.  Clos Roareti is not made every year but only in those years “in which we believe the Merlot grapes reach the highest level”.

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They recommend decanting and serving at around 16° C (or 60° F) and as an accompaniment to roast game or to red meats such as rack of lamb or fillet mignon, also with tomato-based pasta dishes. Ageing potential: up to 10 years.

Very Highly Recommended

Just started working my way through Vino by Joe Campanale who advocates using a Venn system to find a true Italian wine. Instead of the traditional pyramid with DOCG or similar at the top, his Venn (using three intersecting circles) values Artisan Winemakers, Exceptional Terroir and Native Grapes. Not too sure that Rizzardi would agree with Joe!

Pinot Gris. Very much at home in Alsace and this Colmar is a good one!

Domaine De La Ville De Colmar Pinot Gris Alsace (AOP) 2021, 12.5% ABV, €14.75* Dunnes Stores

Alsace -  by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay

* €11.80 in 2023 French Wine Sale.

The Alsace, in the northeast of France, seems to be the place to go for Pinot Gris. 

Grapes & Wines indicates that the grape can produce really good wines in many countries “but I still go back to Alsace to see what makes it tick” and points to the climate. In Alsace where “long hang times are possible; you can pick late for dry or off-dry, and even later for sweet ones.”

Dunnes, where I bought this bottle, say the area “is famed for zesty, flavourful white wines.  Pinot Gris goes perfectly with Asian cuisine…. This Pinot Gris epitomises the Alsace style…”

Domaine de la Ville de Colmar, with its centuries-old history, holds a privileged position in the heart of the famous French region.

This particular semi-dry Pinot Gris is light gold, a shiny gold, in colour. Aromas are fresh and complex with even a hint of smoke. It boasts a gorgeous fruity palate and a long finish to match.

Very Highly Recommended.

Enjoy with smoked fish, pork or veal is the advice from Dunnes while the winemaker’s recommendations are as aperitif, and with foie gras, duck breast, cheese (fish in foil, scampi, shellfish, white meats in sauce). A generous wine, an ideal partner at the table. 

Check out  our Top Wines 2024 list (with stockists and short reviews) here 

Looking for better value? All under 20 euro. Click here

In general this versatile wine may be paired with terrines, shellfish, oily fish, smoked fish, sushi, white meats, sweetbreads, mushrooms, spicy and aromatic dishes, and Asian cuisine … It really is versatile! 

KILLARNEY PARK'S PADRAIG CASEY APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF LES CLEFS D’OR IRELAND

PADRAIG CASEY APPOINTED PRESIDENT OF LES CLEFS D’OR IRELAND

Delight at Killarney Park

The Killarney Park Hotel is thrilled to announce the appointment of Padraig Casey, Head Concierge at The Killarney Park to the position of President of Les Clefs d'Or Ireland. 

A very valued member of the team, Padraig has worked with The Killarney Park for over 8 years and is the first hello and last goodbye each of their visitors receive as the hotels’ Guest Relations Manager & Chief Concierge.

Les Clefs d'Or is a professional association of hotel concierges across the world with over 4000 members. Padraig will now lead the Irish Chapter of the organisation along with the newly appointed team for a two-year period. 

“We are so delighted for Padraig as he takes the reins at The Clef d’Or Ireland.  They are in exceptional hands as Padraig always goes that extra mile to exceed guest expectations and it is a great honour to have him as a member of The Killarney Park family” said Hotel General Manger, Marcus Treacy.

Les Clefs d'Or Ireland is a section of a worldwide professional association of hotel concierges. Members are identified by the golden crossed keys on their lapels, these members are an elite fraternity, globally connected, committed to professional development, and driven to setting new standards for guest service perfection. With roots dating back to 1929, Les Clefs d’Or was officially founded in France in 1952 as a not-for-profit organisation based on two pillars: Service and Friendship. Before earning the right to wear the golden keys, those who aspire to become a member must have several years of experience as a hotel concierge, pass comprehensive testing and prove, beyond doubt, their ability to deliver highest quality of service.

Commenting on Padraig’s appointment, Martin Mulholland ex-President of the Irish section and current European Zone Director who welcomed Mr Clinton to Belfast twice and was awarded a BEM by King Charles last year on the honours list said, “Padraig is a wonderful ambassador for Killarney and for the concierge of Ireland”. As lifelong professional hotel concierges, their experience, knowledge and professional relationships make them the most reliable local experts and ambassadors of their chosen destinations.

With every member having access to the Les Clefs d’Or global network, often meeting face-to-face at one of their annual international congresses, there is nowhere they cannot reach or guest request they cannot deliver. No one knows the world like Les Clefs d’Or. From Berlin to New York City, Paris to Tokyo, and everywhere in between, Les Clefs d’Or concierges strive to provide nothing short of inspired service.

Beer of the Week. A Superb Balance Of Juicy Fruit and Tart Bitterness, Hopfully's IPA ShineBright.

 Hopfully Shine Bright IPA, 5.5% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

Beer of the Week. A Superb Balance Of Juicy Fruit and Tart Bitterness, Hopfully's IPA Shinebright.

Shinebright comes in a hazy golden colour and a white bubbly head. It gets its aromas mostly from the Citra hops that may also contribute some of the tropical (eg Mango) notes on the juice itself. The other hop used is Comet, also from the US. It too is noted for its citrus flavours but is also used for bittering. Here it is well utilised to balance the tropical fruit and help the beer to a soft and silky finish.

Quite an impressive beer from Hopfully, nowadays based in Waterford. My kind of IPA.

Very Highly Recommended.

Geek Bits:

Malts: Maris Otter, Flaked Oats, Wheat & Dextrin

Hops: Citra & Comet.

Artwork - Staselé Jakunskaité

CORK CITY HOSPITALS CHILDREN'S CLUB RECEIVES TOP HONOUR AT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS

CORK CITY HOSPITALS CHILDREN'S CLUB RECEIVES TOP HONOUR AT COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARDS

John Looney from the Cork City Hospitals Children's Club presented with the Judges Overall Award by Carmel Lonergan (Trigon Hotels). Pic: Brian Lougheed

Winners of the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards announced at gala event

 

Cork City Hospitals Children's Club has been named the overall judges winner at the Cork International Hotel Community Spirit Awards 2023.  The charity organises magical and exciting adventures and trips of a lifetime for children and their families who are going through a difficult time.

 

This is the third year of the awards which celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to enhancing the lives of people in their community.  Each month, a winner is announced and these people are all considered for the overall prizes at a gala ceremony which was held in the Cork International Hotel recently.

 

Founded in 1994, Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club started out as a small group of Cork University Hospital staff who got together to raise money to give children attending the hospital a fun day out.  The charity now has more than 40 volunteers made up of security personnel from CUH, Gardai, doctors, nurses, social workers, children protection officers, ambulance personnel and pharmacists.

 

The Public Vote Winner was John Calnan of Raffeen Creek Pitch & Putt Club and Leevale Athletics Club.  John was an active member of Leevale AC and Hilltown for 30 years, serving as a committee member and volunteer at Leevale where he worked with some of Cork’s finest athletes. He also played a part in the sporting lives of several Olympic athletes including Derval O’Rourke, Lizzie Lee and coach Donnie Walsh.

 

The Lifetime Contribution Award went to Mary Foley of Passage West.  Mary has been the driving force behind the Passage West Children’s Choir, the Harbour Amateur Dramatic Group, the Sunshine and Smiles Club for children with disabilities and the Passage West and Monkstown Cardiac First Responder group.

 

Eoghan Murphy, General Manager of the Cork International Hotel said; "The Community Spirit Awards provide a platform to celebrate the unsung heroes among us, whose contributions often go unnoticed. It is heartening to see the immense impact these individuals and groups have on our community. As we celebrate the achievements of this year's winners, we also extend our gratitude to all those who strive to make Cork a vibrant and inclusive community. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to us all."

 

Director of Group Operations with Trigon Hotels, Carmel Lonergan was on the judging panel and she said;  “We had a group of 12 very worthy monthly winners and each and everyone of them should be so proud of all their efforts to help others.  We had a difficult decision to make and I would like to congratulate the three winners, Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club, John Calnan and Mary Foley.  They have all given so much of their time to helping the lives of many people.  I would also like to thank those who nominated them for the award.”

 

The awards are sponsored by The Cork International hotel in association with The Carrigdhoun Newspaper and Gerald McCarthy Giftware. The judging panel was made up of private and public sector representatives including Carmel Lonergan; Nicola Radley, Cork County Council; and Vincent O’Donovan, The Carrigdhoun Newspaper.

 

Throughout 2023, there was one winner per month awarded and they were:

 

●       January - Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club

●       February -  Templebreedy SOS

●       March - Jim Griffin

●       April - The Shandon Area History Group

●       May - Cork Cancer Care Centre

●       June - Eileen McGough

●       July - Kinsale Community First Responders

●       August - Mary Foley

●       September - John Calnan

●       October - Donal Kelleher

●       November - Kevin O’Driscoll

●       December - Bernard and Ann Lynch

 

2023 Winners:

 

●       Judges Overall Winner - Cork City Hospitals Children's Club - Presented by Nicola Radley and Eoghan Murphy

●       Public Vote - John Calnan Raffeen Creek P, Leevale Athletics Club - Presented by Vincent O Donovan and Eoghan Murphy

●       Lifetime Contribution - Mary Foley - Presented by Carmel Lonergan, Trigon Hotels and Gerald McCarthy

Mitchelstown's Praline Bucks The Trend. Expanding Its Café Business In Mitchelstown, Co. Cork With The Opening Of Eye-Catching New Confectionery Concept

press release

Mitchelstown's Praline Bucks The Trend 

Expanding Its Café Business With Eye-Catching New Confectionery Concept

 Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café's award-winning Praline Opera Pastry. All pics: Kirsty Lyons

Award-winning chocolatier, Norma Kelly, has bucked the trend and expanded Praline - her flourishing café business in her hometown of Mitchelstown, Co. Cork - with the opening of a striking new twenty-seater confectionery concept.

Named Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café, the mecca for dessert lovers on Lower Cork Street flips the traditional café menu on its head in celebration of all things sweet. 

The focal point of the sleek new space is an eye-catching chocolate counter from where customers can choose their own selection of Kelly’s hand-crafted creations to sit down and savour alongside a speciality coffee, or decadent hot chocolate.

Meticulously made and individually hand-painted, Norma’s chocolates showcase her favourite ingredients from some of Munster’s top artisan producers. The café’s signature Praline & Coffee chocolates comprise a ganache made with 35% single-origin milk chocolate from Papua New Guinea infused with coffee from Mean Bean’s roastery in neighbouring Co. Waterford, that is topped with a crunchy hazelnut praline layer. 

Other flavours include Ivy Heather Honey from Galtee Honey Farm in Burncourt, Co. Tipperary, which is complemented by a homemade Orange gel, and a Vanilla Salted Caramel seasoned with O’Neill’s Irish Atlantic Sea Salt from the beautiful Beara Peninsula in West Cork. 

The newest addition to their offering is a collaboration with Mitchelstown-based craft brewer, Eight Degrees Brewing, featuring their Knockmealdown Irish Stout - a beer whose dark malt characteristics and distinctive espresso aroma pair perfectly with rich chocolate.

As you’d expect from a chocolatier of Kelly’s standing and reputation, each filling comes delicately encased in the finest sustainably sourced Cacao Barry chocolate.

And, in homage to all things chocolate and keen to minimise their impact on the local environment as much as possible, Praline’s take home gift boxes are crafted entirely from cacao pods - a by-product of the chocolate making process - which ensures that they are 100% compostable. 

As the café’s name suggests, on any given day you can also expect to find its impressive pastry display brimming with freshly baked and individually-portioned patisserie, many of which are inspired by Norma’s regular research trips back over to her beloved France.

Hazelnut & Chocolate Mousse 

Visitors will have their heads turned, tempted by Tiramisu, Hazelnut & Chocolate Mousse, Raspberry & White Chocolate Cheesecake, Pear & Almond Tart, and their Blas na hEireann award-winning Praline Opera Pastry, amongst many other delectable delights.

The menu also includes a slightly shorter than usual selection of homemade sandwiches and soups, along with some savoury pastries, including sausage rolls from Hanley’s Butchers next door.

Sausage rolls aside, everything served at Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café is handmade daily at Praline’s production kitchen, located a three minute drive away on the site of the business’s original premises just off Brigown Road. From here, the fast-growing corporate catering element of Norma’s operation is fulfilled, with the location also doubling up as a customer collection point for bespoke celebratory cake and chocolate orders, as well as offering takeaway teas and coffees.

Chocoholics living further afield than Co. Cork will be pleased to hear that Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café’s entire range of delectable handmade chocolates and other delicacies are available to order online for nationwide delivery via their website, www.praline.ie. 

Commenting on the opening of Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café, owner & chocolatier, Norma Kelly, said: “I am very excited to see the concept brought to life and have a space that showcases our handmade pastries and chocolates in a way that allows our customers to see and appreciate the work that goes into creating them. Pastry and chocolate have always been my first love, and it was always my dream to make them the headliners in my own café business.”

Since opening Praline seven years ago, busy mum of three, Norma, has successfully pivoted her business in order to overcome all of the obstacles that the COVID-19 pandemic put in her way. Despite more recently also having to battle rising costs and an uncertain business landscape, she has thankfully been able to buck the hospitality industry trend and expand her operation, when many others are being forced to close their doors, with the opening of her second premises. Future plans also include the opening of a Praline Pastry & Chocolate School.

Kelly attributes Praline’s success not only to the staunch support she has received from local customers from the get-go, but also that of her fellow café owners in Mitchelstown, who actively support one another - something which she feels has helped build a greater sense of community and togetherness in the close-knit Cork town.

Praline Pastry & Chocolate Café is located at 53 Lower Cork St, in Mitchelstown, Co. Cork, and is open Monday to Friday, 8am - 4.30pm, and on Saturdays from 9am - 4.30pm. The café is closed on Sundays.