Irish Times – John Wilson
Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore 2007, 13%, €17.99.
This is Antoninis estate in Chianti. A modern wine that still shows plenty classic Chianti traits; nicely perfumed, with succulent dark cherry fruits, a touch of oak, and a dry but fresh finish. A good all-rounder with most meat dishes. I would try it out with some grilled herby pork chops. Stockists: Red Island Wine, Skerries; The Wine Boutique, Ringsend; Jus De Vin, Portmarnock; Mac’s, Limerick; Red Nose Wine, Clonmel; World Wide Wines, Waterford; www.wineonline.ie; www.thewineshop.ie.
Fortediga Maremma 2006, 13.5%, €15.99 .
Made from a blend of two Cabernets and Syrah, I loved this medium-bodied wine with its spicy Cabernet notes, cool elegance and long, grippy finish. A slow-roasted shoulder of lamb would do nicely with this. Stockists: 64 Wine, Glasthule; Jus De Vin, Portmarnock; The Wine Boutique, Ringsend; Red Island, Skerries; The Corkscrew, Chatham St; Florries Fine Wines, Tramore; www.wineonline.ie; www.thewineshop.ie.
Greenstone Shiraz, Heathcote, Australia, 2006, 14%, €24.99.
A very fine, very elegant wine with pointed cool plum fruits, hints of spice, and a lovely long finish. It is still very young with plenty of very fine tannins and will age well for a few years. However, it can certainly be drunk now, preferably with some rare beef, or possibly game. Stockists: ODonovan’s, Cork; The Corkscrew, Chatham St; Fallon Byrne, Exchequer St; Eno Wines, IFSC and Monkstown; Jus de Vin, Portmarnock; www.wineonline.ie; www.thewineshop.ie.
Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel, USA, 2007, 16%, €27.99.
At 16 per cent alcohol, you might expect a complete monster of a wine. There is certainly no shortage of powerful ripe damson fruits along with a lick of new oak, but the overall impression is of a velvety smooth wine that seduces rather than shouts for attention. Stockists: O’Donovan’s, Cork; The Corkscrew, Chatham St; Fallon Byrne, Exchequer St; Eno Wines, IFSC and Monkstown; Jus de Vin, Portmarnock; www.wineonline.ie; www.thewineshop.ie.
Two for Around €12
Villa Tonino Inzolia IGT, Sicilia, 2008, 12.5%, €11.99.
From an indigenous Sicilian grape variety, a very pleasant crisp light wine, with fresh melon fruits, and a nice richness on the finish. Drink on its own, but in Sicily I suspect they would drink it with their beloved shellfish. Stockists: The Vineyard, Galway; www.wineonline.ie; The Wine Boutique, Ringsend; The Corkscrew, Chatham Street; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Jus De Vin, Portmarnock; Le Caveau, Kilkenny; www.thewineshop.ie.
Bonarda Colonia Las Liebres, Mendoza, 2007, 13%, €11.99.
Originally from Italy, Bonarda is widely planted in Argentina, and can make some lovely supple fruity wines. This is a perfect example: fresh damsons and dark fruits with a lovely liveliness throughout. A very moriesh, reasonably-priced wine that would go nicely with lighter tomato-based pasta dishes, or roast Mediterranean vegetables. Stockists: www.wineonline.ie; Florries Fine Wines, Tramore; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Fallon Byrne, Exchequer Street, D2; www.thewineshop.ie
Irish Independent – Katherine Donnelly
Domaine Duffour Cotes de Gascogne 2007, O’Brien, €9
“Fruit packed, aromatic white with zingy citrus and herbaceous notes”
Domaine de Pellehaut Rose, Cotes De Gascogne 2007, Mitchells, €10.50
“a cheery blend of tannat, Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah with a crisp bite, lively spice, strawberry and cherry fruits”
Domaine d’ Augeron Sables Fauves Vin de Pays des Landes 2006, Wines Direct, €9.95
“well defined, sweet raspberry and cherry stone flavours”
