Irish Times – John Wilson
This week John Wilson focuses on wines for the Party Season.
Tesco Finest Cremant d’Alsace NV, Tesco , €12.99
“Made from the Riesling grape, this is a deliciously fruity wine with a touch of real class. There are lively lemons and apples, and a nicely rounded finish. Perfect by itself or with canapés. I would be tempted to buy in a bottle or two for Christmas, too”
Les Bulles Touraine Sparkling JF Mérieau NV, Terroirs Donybrook, €18.50
“We don’t see much of it in this country, but the Loire makes some great sparkling wine. This version has a lovely yeasty nose, and generous pear and quince fruits, with a touch of honey lurking behind. A sophisticated wine that would be compared favourably with plenty of Champagnes”
Clairault Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Marks & Spencers, €14.00
“Sauvignon-lovers should take note of this delicious, keenly priced wine from western Australia. It is beautifully made, with subtle grassy, gooseberry fruits, and a lovely ripeness. Finishes dry. Perfect with most canapés, this would go really nicely with the goat’s cheese crostini or the smoked trout with parsley and capers”
Tim Adams Pinot Gris 200, Tesco, €18.99
“New world Pinot Gris goes perfectly with Asian foods and those with a hint of sweetness, too. I would serve this with the devils on horseback, or the spicy chicken parcels. A light wine with soft rounded pears and mango and just enough lime and lemon to provide the zip”
Two For Around €12
Domaine de Pellehaut 2007, Vin de pays des Côtes de Gascogne, Mitchells, €10.50
“This is a fail-safe, all-purpose wine that is worth buying by the case load for Christmas. It is low in alcohol, full of fresh but rounded exuberant fruit, and a joy to drink. Perfect for parties, sipping with friends, or with lighter foods, you could serve it with any or all of Domini’s canapés”
Corbières Le Castelmaure, 2006, Terroirs Donnybrook, €8.95
“This has enough ripeness to counter the sweetness in most of Domini’s canapés above, while not being too tannic either. From one of the best producers in Corbières, this is amazing value for money. As with the Domaine de Pellehaut above, it would certainly be worth investing in a case or two to cover all eventualities over Christmas. ”
Irish Independent – Katherine Donnelly
This week Katherine Donnelly focuses on wines for the Party Season.
Tesco Finest Cremant d’Alsace Riesling Brut 2005, Tesco, €15.99
“Creamy citrus and apple flavours broaden out to take on a yeasty, bready, character with rich, lingering and dry finish”
Cono Sur Sparkling Brut, Selected Independents, €14.99
“Fresh and fun, witha big and bubbly mousse, lemon and lime notes, a hint of Pinot Noir’s strawberry flavours and a light touch of biscuit”
Chocalan Carmenere Seleccion 2007, O’Briens, €9.99
“Plenty of ripe, peppery bramble fruit, developing sweet tarry, tobacco notes”
