Sunday Business Post – Tomas Clancy

TO TRY : Seifried, Nelson Gewurztraminer, New Zealand 2007 (88), €16 from Booze.ie and independent off-licences nationwide

“The primary flavours here are cinnamon, apricot and just-turningbrown apple. That may not sound all that good, but add a touch of spice, a golden, buttery mid-palate and a really crisp finish, and you have a lemon sole, prawn and paella partner of unparalleled complexity.”

TO BUY: Langlois-Chateau, La Bretonnie’re Cabernet de Saumur Rose´ 2007 (88), €11.25 from O’Briens Wines nationwide.

“This excellent Loire Valley winery is now owned by Champagne Bollinger. This is a rose´ wine created from 100 per cent cabernet franc, which is made in a just off-dry style – in other words it is very mildly sweet, but has a lip-smacking finish. The nose is delicate with a hint of apricot, the wash is crisp and has orange melon tones, a touch of strawberry and an edge of leafy, even watercress-like savoury notes. The finish is clean and crisp.”

TO PUT BY : Herdade da Malhadinha Nova, Monte da Peceguina, Alentejo 2007 (91), €20 from Fallon & Byrne, Exchequer Street, Dublin

“It’s bursting with deep, rich red and purple velvety colours that seem to glint with a silver streak in the glass. Waves of stewed strawberry notes, plum and caramelised sugar hit the nose long before you even sip the dense, dark fruit and cocoa notes of the palate.

Then, just when it might all be going too sweet, hefty tannins add grip to the finish, which is lengthy. This wine demands soft slow cooked lamb or rich spiced beef. It needs two hours decanting and should drink for another decade. “