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The Goodwineshow Cork 2009

Over the past couple of weeks/months you probably saw references to the Good wine show either here on my blog, other blogs in Ireland or the national press media.

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the event on the Saturday. From what I could see the event was a rip roaring success with people flocking from all around to taste the wines from Bubblebrothers, Karwig Wines and Curiouswines. The following are just a couple of short videos that I shot early on the day as to be honest it became to busy thereafter to shot any more videos.

@Kevatfennsquay and @brianclayton talk about the show and what they liked !

John Mc Donnell gives a run through of some of the wines that he had at his table.

Maurice O Mahony from Karwig Wines tells you what was on offer for the day.

I should also include a special mention for the food companies that presented at the show.

Ummera Smoked Products - Cracking stuff and I think all agree that the Duck was a huge success !

Arbrutus Bread - Brilliant breads with the red wine and walnut being a revalation !

On the Pigs Back - Some killer cured meats and pates – Yummy !!

So lets hope that the event will be around again next year and with some better planning on my part that I will be able to attend both days.

 John Wilson’s Favourite Australians

John Mc Donnell has come up with yet another fantastic tasting !!

“During the summer I gave John (Wilson) the task of pulling together his selection of Favourite Australian wines.

The task wasn’t to draw up a list of Australia’s best wines, but as John says, “My first criteria for choosing these wines was very simple; would I be happy to share a bottle of any of them with my friends? The answer had to be yes. The list is certainly not a definitive gathering of the greatest wines of Australia, although I have included a fair number of these. It is my personal choice of the best Australian wines I have enjoyed over the last year.”

The task is now complete (with a final count of 70 wines) which covers all styles, regions and prices.

John and myself will host a tasting of all these wines on the evening of Tuesday 24th November in Fallon and Byrne.

Places cost 20 Euro and are available from our office on ireland@wineaustralia.com or 065 7077264.
(This could be the event to take away all those Christmas buying and present selecting challenges.)” 

Check it out – sounds like a fantastic event !! Just wish I could have been able to make it

John Wilson’s Favourite Australians

Tuesday 24th November

6.30pm – 8.30pm

The Function Room at Fallon and Byrne,

11-17 Exchequer Street, Dublin 2 

Wine Fair by Thomas Woodberrys in the G Hotel

Details from Woodberrys are

“We are returning to the G Hotel, Wellpark

Sunday 22nd November , 2pm – 7pm

There will be over 100 wines for tasting, along with various hamper & gift ideas.

We have decided to reduce the Entrance fee this year to €10 in light of the economic conditions. You can book your tickets via email, phone or in store alternatively tickets will be available at the door on the day”

Click here to read my post from last years event !

Hope to see you there ….

For those of you who missed it check out the fantastic article by Tomas Clancy on Wine online in Ireland and the boys from Curiouswines.

With a nice mention for @karwigwines, @bubblebrothers, @smallsip [sourgrapes], myself and a few others. Great to see a writer of Tomas calliber giving coverage to this !! Hurrah !

Click here for part 1

Click here for part 2

Irish Times – John Wilson 

WINES OF THE WEEK

Beaujolais 2007 Georges Duboeuf, 12%, €11.99 

Nice light, juicy nose; very attractive light wine with a lovely strawberry edge and good, but not overdone acidity. Stockists: Super Valu/Centra; Kelly’s, Vernon Ave, Clontarf; ADM Londis, Yellow Walls; Martin’s, Fairview; Spar, Milltown and Leeson Street; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock (all in Dublin); D Mac’s; Next Door, Raheen and Chawke’s (all in Limerick); McPhail’s, Egan’s, and Callan’s, (all in Drogheda); Knight’s, Shannon; Harvest, Oranmore; Salthill Liqour Store; McCambridge’s (both in Galway).

Beaujolais L’Ancien 2008 Les Terres Dorées, 12.00%. €14.40 

This is one of the few producers who does not use carbonic maceration on his wines. Although an innovator in many ways, Jean-Paul Brun prefers to make his wine by traditional fermentation, often to the displeasure of the authorities. He also makes a superb Beaujolais Blanc, well worth ordering alongside the red. This wine has lovely juicy plum and black fruits, good acidity, and a lovely easy finish. Stockist: Wines Direct (www.winesdirect.ie, 1890-579579)

Beaujolais Villages 2007 Tentation Jean-Claude Lapalu, 11.5%, €17.45

Another of the great innovators in Beaujolais, an area that badly needs fresh thinking, Jean-Claude Lapalu makes some of the most beautiful, serene Brouilly, as well as this delicious wine. Juicy, light and very gluggable, easy brambly fruits, with very good length. We drank it lightly chilled, with scallops followed by a leek risotto; both worked really well. Stockists: The Wicklow Wine Co; McHugh’s, Kilbarrack and Artane, and Red Island Wine, Skerries; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock and Redmond’s, Ranelagh (all Dublin); Probus Wines, Oughterard.

Beaujolais Villages Domaine Cologne 2008, €9, 13% 

Reduced to an amazing price until Christmas, this is worth buying in quantity for the coming season. Light and fruity with a refreshing bite, it’s perfect for parties and everyday drinking with cheese dishes as well as lighter meats. Stockist: Superquinn

Domaine Duffour, Vin de pays des Côtes de Gascogne 2008, 11.5%, €8.99 

A very ripe aromatic Sauvignon-like nose with a touch of gooseberries; zippy ripe rounded green fruits, but not sweet. A lovely, light, easy-drinking lemony wine with plenty of fruit. Perfect for parties and everyday succour. Stockist: O’Briens.

Ramos Loios 2008, Portugal, 14%, €9.99 

A deceptive wine – the lively fresh dark cherry fruits can obscure a heart-warming 14% alcohol. Perfect easy drinking wine from one of Portugal’s leading wine producers, better with food, but certainly approachable without. Stockist: O’Briens

In the second of my wine series with Karwig Wines I taste the Carl Ehrhard Riesling Spatlese Trocken 2008.

This wine retails for €18-€19 approx. Please check instore for discounts. Lets see how it gets on.

Also check out the revently revamed karwig wines website - looking good lads !

Here at robertfranciswine.ie we are massive fans of John Mc Donnell and Lar from Sourgrapes.ie so it is a real treat to have them both in the one film. (Well technically lar does the production) Click here for lars tasting notes of the event.

In recent times Lar has made huge strides with his video shooting and editing skills and this latest effort is by far his best to date. Absolutely great stuff !! If you are looking to see where the whos who of the Irish wine world are check out this video – gutted I couldnt make it on the day. Fingers crossed that there will be another event soon !!

Chewing the fat with Peter Hughes of O’Briens

Following on the recent wine series on a selection of wines from O’Briens. I put some questions to Peter Hughes the store manager at their recently opened shop at the Galway Shopping Centre. Here is what he had to say …. [Que dramatic music ...]

• How did you get into wine ?

Like most people I was introduced to wine through having the occasional glass at home with my dinner. I then worked for a wine company in Galway for two and a half years and really developed a love for the product.

•  What are your favourite styles of wine/wine regions ?

I think when you’re working in the wine industry you really learn to appreciate all varietals  and styles for their own unique characteristics. For example the incredible silky mouthfeel a good Pinot Noir from Burgundy is so different from a rich Shiraz from the Borossa Valley but equally brilliant in quality.

If I were to select a few styles and regions that I do purchase then I’d pick the following:   

Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre,

GSM Blends from Corbieres,

Old Vine Grenache and Shiraz blends from Barossa Valley in Australia

Ripasso Reds from Veneto in Northern Italy.

A good Chardonnay from Napa Valley in California 

• What up and coming varietals or regions are you most excited about ?

I think Portugal has some fantastic reds coming through at the minute.With indigenous varietals such as  touriga, tinta roriz, and castelaoPortugal is producing. Some beautiful luscious reds that havebeen overlooked in the past.  If you’re looking to give Portugal a try don’t look beyond a few of Joao Ramos’s wines stocked in O’Briens!

•  What have been the major changes in the Irish Wine Industry over the last 10 years approx ?

From a retail point of view people have a much broader knowledge on buying wine then they used to have. The Irish have travelled abroad over the last number of years and have sampled good quality wine. 

Their expectations have increased for buying wine at home and retailers have responded by developing partnerships with excellent producers worldwide.  There is now a greater emphasis on product knowledge in Ireland than their used to be.

•  How did you end up with a career in the wine retail sector ?

I ended up in wine retail purely by accident . My background was in business and marketing. I had just completed a Post Grad and met Declan Owens who owns a wine wholesale and independent  retailer  (Thomas Woodberrys) in Galway. He was looking to take someone on to help develop the business  so I decided to give it a go.  I worked with the company for two and a half years and really enjoyed working in the industry. I felt I had a good grasp of the product and enjoyed the dynamism of working in a retail environment. 

•  What do O’Briens look to achieve with their own exclusive range ?

O’Briens are a fantastic company in that they can provide a range of wines that will cater for all sectors of the market. That means whether you’re a connoisseur looking to add to your collection. Or you’re looking for the best value under €10 you can come into our store ask one of our knowledgeable staff to find what you’re looking for. We are very proud of our exclusive wine range in the company.

What do we look to achieve?….Ultimately customer satisfaction and loyalty. By establishing close relationships with our own producers worldwide we take put great effort into learning about the wines we are selling so we can pass on this knowledge in a confident and assured manner to our customers. The whole concept is very personal but if you’re a wine lover then it has to be personal ! 

• Are critics scores or mass popularity more important in a wine that you selected for your exclusivity range ?

I think one is as important as the other to be perfectly honest. Any wine we haveselected in our exclusive range has been well received and scored by the critics. This is a testament to the work done by our own wine experts in the company. So those reviews and scores combined with our instore selling and tastings develop the popularity of our exclusive range over time.

• The Closure debate – Screwcap or Cork – whats your opinion ?

Well have to say I’m sitting on the fence on this one! I believe screwcaps are extremely  reliable and that it is unfair to say they should have no place in the world of wine. For certain producers that have a modern image I think the screwcap closure suits them well.

However when it comes to opening your typical high end Burgundy, Bordeaux or  Brunello di Montalcino the tradition of the cork is paramount. I think the closure should be chosen to suit the style and tradition of the wine. Surely there’s room for both! 

• Who is a wine hero of yours ? [Can be anyone from wine critic through to wine maker]

There are many figures in the wonderful world of wine that I’ve come to admire. Rather than singling one person out there are a few winemakers and producers that I’d like yo mention for their skill and vision in the industry.

Nicolas Catenahas developed a fantastic range of wines in Argentina that haveearned international recognition. Dave Powell is the chief winemaker and Head of Operations in the Torbreck winery. Since joining the O’Brien steam I have  sampled most of his range and think his wines are amazing. I have to give Michelle Roland a mention for his flamboyancy not to mention his brilliant winemaking abilities and where would we be without Mr. Robert Parker!

Sunday Business Post – Tomas Clancy

TO TRY :Croix Milhas, Ambré, AOC Rivesaltes NV, €6 (down from €12)

for a half-bottle, until December 28 at Tesco (88) This example of one of the great dessert wines of France is from the Languedoc-Roussillon region, next to Spain. Rivesaltes is a fortified wine, meaning the fermentation of the Muscat de Rivesaltes is stopped just before all the sugar has turned to alcohol by adding a spirit to the vat. This gives it a sweet mouth feel, with orange and ripe, golden melon tones.

The wine is then aged for three years in oak barrels, giving it an amber colour and adding caramel notes to the final wine. Ideal with hard cheeses such as Comte’ or with a chilled lemon tart.

TO BUY:  Ebenezer & Seppeltsfield, Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia 2008, €15.49 at Marks & Spencer (89)

This is a real return to form for mid-price Australian wines. For years, Chile and Argentina dominated the €15-bottle territory while the Australians concentrated on expensive shiraz. This wine exudes the same richness, depth and quality seen in wines €10 its senior, and over-delivers for the price.

Made by St Hallett Winery – where winemaker Stuart Blackwell oversees the legendary Old Block with its 100-year-old vines – it has a luscious strawberry, white pepper, chocolate and deep caramel infused wash, with a grippy, spicy finish. Ideal for crispy bacon wrapped chicken with sweet potato.

TO PUT BY: Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz/ Cabernet, Australia 2006, €13 at Molloys Liquor Stores; O’Donovans off-licences throughout Cork; and independent off-licences nationwide (89)

This well-priced stalwart of the Penfolds range astounded me at a tasting two weeks ago, where a 1990, a 1996 and a 2002 were shown.

It was absolutely clear that, despite vintage variations, all three wines showed gorgeous evolution in their ageing, bringing out deep, dark maraschino, cedar, rich chocolate, and earth and truffle-like flavours that were subtle and complex.

A wine that can be drunk now with mushroom risotto or lamb moussaka, but as perhaps the best-value long-term keeper on the market, it’s worth keeping a few until Nama reaches maturity.

Irish Times – John Wilson

WINES OF THE WEEK

Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Walker Bay, 13%, €20.99 

A very stylish take on Sauvignon; fresh breezy lime peel with vibrant light gooseberry fruits. Classy, quite subtle, clean, crisp wine, with edgy, cool fruit. This would go very nicely with fresh goats’ cheese or tuna. Stockists: Kingdom Food and Wine, Tralee; Skibbereen Food and Wine Market; O’Donovan’s, Cork; The Wine Centre, Kilkenny; Redmond’s, Ranelagh; Bin No 9, Clonskeagh; Thomas’s, Foxrock; The Wicklow Arms, Delgany; Sweeney’s, Glasnevin; McCabe’s, Mount Merrion; The Gables, Foxrock.

Jordan Bradgate Chenin Sauvignon 2008, Stellenbosch, 13.5%, €14.99 

More Chenin than Sauvignon on the nose, with fresh but ripe melon fruits; the Sauvignon is there, but not too obvious on the palate either, which has very attractive, lively melon fruits, and a refreshing finish. The Sauvignon component becomes more obvious with a second sip, adding a nice racy touch. Stockists: O’Donovan’s, Cork; Wine Centre, Kilkenny; Redmond’s, Ranelagh; Bin No 9, Clonskeagh; Thomas’s, Foxrock; Wicklow Arms, Delgany; Sweeney’s, Glasnevin; McCabe’s, Mount Merrion; The Gables, Foxrock.

Springfield Estate Whole Berry Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, 13%, €22.50

 The Springfield Cabernet stands out from the sea of very similar Cabs from around the world. The antithesis of most South African reds, light and velvety, although not lacking in rich cassis and blackcurrant fruits. Expensive, but worth it. There is a strong mineral streak running across the palate, which makes it an excellent food wine. Try it with roast lamb or beef. Stockists: Searson’s Wine Merchants, Monkstown; Next Door, Kimmage; Red Island Wine, Skerries; Next Door at Forum, Waterford; Gibney’s Malahide; Next Door at Hennessy’s, Blessington; Redmond’s, Ranelagh; Next Door at Racefield Centre, Raheen; Harvest, Galway; Kelly’s, Clontarf.

Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir 2007, Walker Bay, 13%, €46.50 

Not a showy blockbuster, but a very good medium-bodied wine with very well-crafted savoury cherry and blackberry fruits. Nicely balanced with a dryish finish. I broke out my expensive Riedel Burgundy glasses, and it made a huge difference to the wine. Try it with wild duck.

Stockists: O’Donovan’s, Cork; Wine Centre, Kilkenny; Redmond’s, Ranelagh; Bin No 9, Clonskeagh; Thomas’s, Foxrock; Wicklow Arms, Delgany; Sweeney’s, Glasnevin; McCabe’s, Mount Merrion; The Gables, Foxrock.

Wine shorts 

The Corkscrew wine shop on Chatham Street will hold its winter wine fair in the Westbury Hotel, Dublin 2, on Sunday, November 15th, supporting the Irish Association of Suicidology. There will be more than 100 wines to taste. Tickets are €25, with all proceeds going to charity. Tel: 01-6745731, email info@thecorkscrew.ie. 

To celebrate its first birthday, The Wine Boutique in Ringsend, Dublin 4, will this weekend hold a weekend of tastings of wines from various parts of the world, including Spain, New Zealand and Chile. Call Therese or Ciara on 01-6675281, or email therese@thewineboutique.ie.

Three of Cork’s finest independent wine merchants, Karwig Wines, Bubble Brothers and Curious Wines will hold a joint wine tasting, including a few artisan food producers, next Friday and Saturday. Tickets are €15, available from www.goodwineshow.com.

If you feel restaurants overcharge for their better wines then it might be an idea to book a place at the Blackboard Bistro on Clare Street, Dublin 2. Next Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it will be offering two excellent wines, Chablis Grand Cru Bougros 2005 for €39, and Châteauneuf du Pape Domaine du Pegau 2005 for €42 per bottle – both well under normal retail prices. Tel 01-6766839.

Dalkey wine merchant On the Grapevine will hold its annual wine fair on Thursday in Fitzpatrick’s Hotel in Killiney, Co Dublin, with more than 100 wines to taste. Tickets are €15. There will be a 20 per cent discount on all orders taken on the night.

Two under €12 

Firefinch Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Robertson, 12.5%, €11.99

 Essentially a second wine from the masters of Sauvignon, Springfield, at a price that does compete with New Zealand. Light, crisp refreshing Sauvignon with racy green fruits and a nice twist of zesty lemon. Stockists: McCabe’s, Mount Merrion; Hole in the Wall, Dublin 7; Donnybrook Fair; Lilac Wines, Dublin 3; Fallon Byrne, Exchequer Street; The Gourmet Bank, Dublin 14; Whelan’s, Dublin 2; Kelly’s, Clontarf.

Tesco South African Reserve Chenin Blanc 2008, Stellenbosch, 13%, €6.69 

Made by Ken Forrester, one of the great exponents of Chenin Blanc, this is a very pleasant, easy-drinking white with light, plump, slightly leesy melon fruits and plenty of crisp acidity. Good party fare. Stockist: Tesco

 Quick reminder that there are a couple of wine fairs happening in the next week or so.

Galwegians – The Cases Wine Warehouse Wine Fair is on tonight the 5th November – Further Details Click here

The Good Wine Show in Cork with Bubble Brothers, Curiouswines and Karwig Wines is on next weekend in the peoples republic of Cork – Click here

Hope to see you at both !

Irish Times – John Wilson

Cullen Kevin John Chardonnay 2006, Margaret River, Western Australia, 13.5%, €49.99 

Expensive, but this is the best Chardonnay I have tasted this year. Fans of white Burgundy, used to shelling out this sort of money for their Pulignys and Meursaults, should have no problem paying a similar sum for this wine. It is superb, with rich, creamy, complex fruit, perfectly judged spicy oak, cut through with zesty notes of lime, and a finish that lingers beautifully. Stockists: 64 Wines, Glasthule; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Fallon & Byrne, Dublin 2

Domaine Mittnacht Riesling 2007 Alsace, 12.8%, €21.50 

The label says (roughly translated) “the moon, the stars, you, me, together, that is all”. The wine is quite deeply coloured, with intense honeyed, smokey apple fruits, but with a good acidic backbone; I would try it with mildly spicy chicken, scallop and prawn dishes. Stockists: Corkscrew, Dublin 2; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Wicklow Arms, Delgany; Redmond’s, Ranelagh; Thomas’s Deli, Foxrock; Sweeney’s, Glasnevin; McCabe’s, Mount Merrion; The Gables, Foxrock; O’Donovan’s, Cork; Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4

Sepp Moser Grüner Veltliner Wolfberg 2007, Kremstal, Austria, 12%, €18.50 

This is a delicious wine, perfect to drink on its own or with lighter fish and seafood. Behind the lowish alcohol and crisp acidity lurks some beautiful clean melon fruits, with a touch of real class. Stockists: Wicklow Arms, Delgany; Redmond’s, Ranelagh; Thomas Deli, Foxrock; Sweeney’s, Glasnevin; McCabes, Mount Merrion; The Gables, Foxrock; O’Donovan’s, Cork; Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4

Cornas ‘Brise Cailloux’ Domaine du Coulet 2006, 13% 

Another expensive wine, but also well worth the money; a heady mix of soft ripe liquorice and dark cherry fruits with a strong mineral edge and refined tannins coming through on the finish; a wine with wonderful power and finesse. Stockists: 64 Wine, Glasthule; Redmond’s, Ranelagh; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Donnybrook Fair, Dublin 4

Two Under Twelve 

Y Caro Chardonnay 2008 , 14.3%, €9.99 

O’Briens deserves praise for its efforts in stocking both organic and biodynamic wines. In particular, it has a range from Alvaro Espinoza of Emiliana in Chile. The Chardonnay is big and plump with soft rounded, sweet ripe tropical fruits; drink on its own, or with chicken dishes. Stockists: O’Briens

Y Caro Red 2007, 14.7%, €9.99 

Not quite as seductive as the white, but still good value; big and bold, with peppery dark fruits, and some well-integrated tannins on the finish. Partner with something substantial, such as a casserole of beef. Stockists: O’Briens

Irish Independent – Katherine Donnelly

Fretand Montepulicano D’Abruzzo 2007, Selected Independents, €12-€14

“big, friendly, italian nose with generous and intense bitter-sweet cherry”

Rosso Piceno Brecciarolo Velenosi 2006, Selected Independents, €13.75

“Concentrated juicy, sweet cherries with a kick of blackcurrants, wrapped in supple tannins”

Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2007, Selected Independents, €14.75

“full of ripe apples and a twist of almonds”

Hurrah – I made it to 50 !

In the first of my wine series with Karwig Wines I tasted a Prosecco from Lamarca.

Let see how it gets on and see you next time on robertfranciswine.ie

The Lizard Merlot VDP 20007

Critter wines have been around for a number of years now – this is where the vineyards put a cute animal on the bottle to help you remember it the next time. Yellow tail, Mad Fish and pretty much another animal have in some way been used on a bottle label. Roberta, my wife, would be the first to admit that she cannot remember names on a bottle of wine. But she will recall if there was an animal or distinctive logo on it – proof that the logic works I suppose.

So lets see how the latest critter wine to cross the tasting table here at robertfranciswine gets on ! Garnet coloured wine with medium colour intensity to the wine – on the nose there were plums, blackcurrant and some woody spice. The Lizard does not have massive fruit concentration on the nose and in a way it reminded me more of Torres Sangre De Toro then of a South of France Merlot. Very commercial styled wine, with nothing here that would offend anyone.

On the palate there is an initial hint of smooth blackcurrants, blackberries and plum. Some spices and black cherries join the party on the finish. The wine has reasonable balance, with some very fine tannins that prevent the wine from becoming to jammy. For me this wine does much better on the palate then it does on the initial nose – sort of like an away football team that soaks up the home team pressure for 60 mins and then finishes the stronger.

Overall this is a pretty servicable bottle of wine that worked well with a basic pasta dish. Not massively interesting but solid and inoffensive – so if you are looking for a cheaper bottle of wine to pop while having pizza and waiting for the mentalist to come on – The lizard might be one to consider.

Robertfranciswine – 84+ Points

Available From – www.curiouswines.ie

Price Bracket – €9 a bottle.

In the final part of my Wine series with O’Briens Wines I taste the GSM from Torbreck. This wine retails for €19.99 – Hailing from a hugely successful vineyard in the Barossa Valley I was really interested to taste this wine.

Lets see how this wine gets on !

Check it out and see you next time on robertfranciswine.ie