O'Briens WINE Magazine | Issue 5

DOMAINE BEGUDE VINEYARDS, LANGUED0C, FRANCE

MEET OUR WINE EXPERTS

SIP INTO

Lynne Coyle MW Lynne is our Wine Director and one of less than 369 Masters of Wine worldwide. Lynne sources and selects our wine range. Starting a career in the hotel and restaurant industry, she is still a passionate foodie as well as being a member of the Champagne Academy and also a Sherry Master.

The most usual place I’ve had a glass of wine…

"In an ex stazi club in Berlin listening to Barry White just after the Berlin Wall came down."

James Tobin, DipWSET James Tobin holds the WSET Diploma in Wine and Spirits and is a Certified Wine Educator, he looks after wine communication and staff training for O’Briens. With a background in hospitality, James is a keen cook and he has been working with wine his entire career.

SPRING - James Tobin DipWSET

The most usual place I’ve had a glass of wine…

“I once enjoyed a glass of Polish Pinot Noir 300m underground in the restaurant of the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine near Krakow."

W

ith the days getting longer and the heavy snowfall of late February thankfully fading in our memories, I thought now would be the perfect time to focus in on some fresh white and rosé wine choices to pair with the lighter dishes that will be appearing on our tables.

As Spring is the season of all things new, I will be suggesting some alternative varietals, some quite well-known, some a little more obscure, but rest assured, one and all they are perfectly well-suited to Spring or indeed Summer Sipping.

My first choice is from a winery which should be known to most O’Briens customers, as Insight Vineyard’s Sauvignon Blanc has been our top-selling Sauvignon for a number of years now, but you may not be quite as familiar with their Gewurztraminer (1). Winemaker Eveline Fraser (ex-Cloudy Bay) has crafted a

DOMAINE BEGUDE VINEYARDS, LANGUEDOC, FRANCE O'Briens WINE Magazine

wonderful wine from this notoriously difficult grape variety. Deliciously dry and aromatic, this is a luscious, vibrant, fruit & spice led wine with the perfect balance of spicy richness and crisp citrus finish. I would pair this wine with some sushi or even some mildly-spiced Thai fishcakes.

Next up, is Austria’s great white grape, Grüner Veltliner. Rabl Löss (2) is zesty and lively, and if you haven’t tried Grüner before, you are in for a real treat. In terms of flavour, it is a little like a cross between a Sauvignon Blanc and a dry Riesling; fresh & crisp with lots of cool grassy fruit and subtle notes of pepper. Try this chilled as an aperitif or serve it alongside some freshly grilled shellfish and be prepared for a thoroughly delicious experience.

The two wines above are produced in cool-climate zones, however for my last white selection we are heading into a warmer location of the island of Sicily, Cusumano Shamaris (3) is made with the indigenous Sicilian grape variety, Grillo.

It is a wonderfully aromatic white wine.

Aromas of orange blossom, melon and peach along with some floral notes lead into a deliciously juicy palate which shows excellent balance between the acidity and the fruit. This wine is more than a match for fuller-flavoured fish dishes, such as grilled sole with a lemon and caper brown butter.

On now to the Rosé, I am leading off with Delheim’s Pinotage Rosé (4) which sits firmly in the 'bursting with fruit' camp.

Just off-dry in style and packed with ripe raspberry and cherry flavours. This wine would work really-well with most BBQ fare, but thanks to that fruity profile it is equally well suited to simply sip on its own in the evening sunshine (when we get it!).

DOMAINE BEGUDE VINEYARDS, LANGUED0C, FRANCE

My next two choices originate in the South of France, which is widely considered to be the spiritual home of Rosé.

The first comes from a fabulous LynchBages owned estate. Using their high altitude locationwith just a touch of skin contact, L'Ostal Cazes Rosé (5) , is aromatic and packed with flavour. This wine is incredibly versatile and works well with most barbeque dishes, but to see this wine at its best, try it alongside some mildly spiced chicken kebabs.

The last wine is from the iconic Rhône winemaker, Jean-Luc Colombo, who is very much a "hands-on" producer but who also favours organic viticulture and less filtration before bottling. His wines speak for themselves. Les Pins Couchés (6), is an extremely elegant, refreshing, dry rosé with abundant yet subtle red fruit aromas.

On the palate, darker fruit and herbal notes evoke the terroir of the Mediterranean coast. This is just the wine to serve with sizzling grilled prawns straight from the BBQ.

All featured wines are available to buy in-store or online at www.obrienswine.ie

PHOTO CREDIT REQUIRED

1 INSIGHT VINEYARD

Gewurztraminer

€14.95 down from €16.95 forApril/May

2

3

RABL GRÜNER

Loss

€14.95 down from €18.95 for April/May

CUSUMANO

Shamaris

€15.95 down from €18.95 for April/May

4

5

DELHEIM

6

L'OSTAL

LES PINS

Pinotage Rosé

Cazes Rosé

Couchés Rosé

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE for the month of May & June

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE for the month of May & June

BUY ONE GET ONE HALF PRICE for the month of May & June

SELECTED ROSÉ IS BUY ONE. GET ONE HALF PRICE FOR MAY UNTIL AUGUST. Check in-store or online at www.obrienswine.ie for updates.

JOSÉ MARÍA FRAILE, TANDEM WINERY, NAVARRA, SPAIN

S

panish wines obviously hold a special place in the hearts of Irish wine-drinkers, a quick look at the stats reveals that we are Spain’s 20th largest market, which is really an incredible position given our relatively small population.

Of course, a great deal of this can be attributed to the popularity of the wines of Rioja, but to say the story stops there would be ignoring the renaissance that has taken place in Spanish winemaking over the past two decades.

O'Briens WINE Magazine

I have highlighted below just a few of the exciting modern wines we now import from some of the best new-wave wineries in Spain.

I am taking it as given that most of us are familiar not just with the wines of Rioja but also those made from Albariño, so for my selection, I have gone with some lesser-known regions and grape varieties.

To start I am going with a white from the Monterrei D.O., which is the youngest Galician Designation of Origin, it is located in southern astern part of the region with a continental climate, as opposed to the maritime climate of Rías Baixas, where most

Albariño comes from. This means the wines are not quite as dry and lean as Albariño.

Alma de Blanco Godello (1) is a great example of this style, it is a wonderfully fresh lively wine with aromas and flavours of green apple, pineapple, and lime zest but with surprising depth, richness and minerality. Serve with seared scallops for a match made in Heaven!

Staying in Galicia, my next choice is a bit of a mouthful in more ways than one, Pazo do Mar Treixadura (2) is from the Ribeiro D.O. Once you’ve figured out how to pronounce it (tray-shah-DOO-rah is pretty close) you will find that you have in

PHOTO CREDIT REQUIRED

your glass a wine with a classic cool climate fruit profile predominantly green apple and citrus, but with nice underlying stone fruit and floral notes, the finish is long and refreshingly dry. I would pair this wine with a Seafood Paella.

On to the reds, my first choice Gran Volante (3) is a blend of old vine Garnacha from Aragon, old vine Alicante Bouschet and Tempranillo from the Alforins area in inland Valencia and old vine Monastrell from Murcia. Made by Scottish wine-maker, Norrel Robertson MW, who has been making wine in Spain for 15 years.

(Norrel also puts together the blend for the ever-popular Porta 6) this is quintessentially Spanish with rich, dark fruit and notes of spice & Mediterranean herbs, subtle vanilla on the palate & smooth supple tannins. A plate of Iberico ham would set this off nicely.

Starting out, I did say that I was not going to talk about Rioja, however, as it would be a shame to entirely ignore the Ebro valley of Northern Spain, my next two choices come from two of Rioja’s closest neighbours.

The Calatayud wine region sits in the Sierra de la Virgen mountain range high above the Ebro river, and just to the south of Rioja.

From here we have Cruz de Piedra Garnacha (4) which is a fruity, cherry -flavoured red produced from an ancient vineyard. This wine is cool-fermented and doesn't see any oak in order to preserve the grape’s lip-smacking fruit character, all of which makes this the perfect choice for pairing with a mid-week meal of pizza or pasta.

The Navarra region couldn’t be any closer to Rioja, it sits on the North bank of the Ebro, directly facing Rioja on the South Bank. Up until the 1980s, Navarra was best known for its traditional rosé wines.

Unsurprisingly though, given its location Navarra has an excellent climate for the cultivation of vineyards very similar to that of neighbouring Rioja. Today some of Spain's finest reds are produced here such as Ars in Vitro (5), from a small 'quality obsessed' producer, this sensational, savoury, complex wine is one of the finest reds we have ever seen from Navarra. It is

1 ALMA DE BLANCO

GODELLO €14.95

€11.95

FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY/JUNE

2 PAZO DO MAR

TREIXADURA €16.95

€14.95

FOR THE MONTH OF MAY

3 GRAN

VOLANTE €13.95

€9.95

FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY/JUNE

JOSÉ MARÍA FRAILE & ALICIA EYARALAR TANDEM VINEYARDS, NAVARRA, SPAIN

multi-layered with deep, dark-berry and damson fruit, well-structured and long lasting flavours. A plate of chargrilled lamb cutlets would bring out the best in this wine.

To finish my selection, I am going for fizz, with the current Prosecco craze, it would be easy to overlook Cava, but to do so would mean missing out on some of the best-value, delicious sparkling wines around. Valhondo Cava (6) from Catalonia, is made using the traditional grape varieties, but it is made in a thoroughly modern style; fruit-driven, zesty, lively and with loads of fresh apple and lemon fruit, soft and rounded, making it deliciously easy to enjoy on its own but for me this wine tastes even better when served with seafood tapas dishes.

4 CRUZ DE PIEDRA

GARNACHA €13.95

€9.95

FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY/JUNE

5 TANDEM

ARS IN VITRO €14.95

€10.95

FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY/JUNE

6 VALHONDO

CAVA

€17.95

€14.95

FOR THE MONTHS OF APRIL/MAY

All featured wines are available to buy in-store or online at www.obrienswine.ie Issue Five

PAUL TURNER, CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, RHÔNE, FRANCE 2017

A

long with the beautiful shorelines of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, its dramatic mountains, a countryside dotted with Châteaux, quaint farmhouses and amazing cities, France also exemplifies great art, great fashion, amazing food and some of the finest wines available on the planet.

Its diversity of climate and geography allows France to successfully grow over sixty different grape varieties, these are grown across seventeen different regions which are further subdivided into over three hundred specific geographically protected appellation contrôlée areas. The bottom line is that there are numerous wine styles available from France and although the country is one on the oldest and largest wine producers on the world, the wines can come from classic or non-classic areas and do not need to cost the earth.

O'Briens WINE Magazine

And although the country is one on the oldest and largest wine producers on the world, the wines can come from classic or non-classic areas and do not need to cost the earth.

Gascony is one of my favourite regions for dry refreshing white wines. Located in South West of France, inland from Biarritz and influenced by the Atlantic, the climate here is perfect for growing Colombard.

Colombard is local to Gascony, originally used in Cognac production, it is related to Chenin Blanc and Gouais. The Colombard grape is highly aromatic with a palate profile of crisp green refreshing fruit.

Try Domaine Duffour (1) which is owned and run by father and son Michel and Nicolas Duffour. Picking their grapes in the cool of the morning, then fermenting the wines at low temperatures plays a major part in retaining the aromatic profile of this delicious and incredibly fairly priced wine.

A more well-known region for wine classics such as Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, is the Loire valley. Strewn with Châteaux from Nantes at the estuary all the way inland to Sancerre, the Loire offers an incredible vinous journey. For Sauvignon Blanc lovers Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé dominate the catwalk for stylish Loire treats.

However, Chenin Blanc is well worth exploring and Vouvray Les Dines (2) should be investigated. Like Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc is high in acidity and extremely refreshing as a wine style.

It offers a different fruit profile with pear, apple and some honeyed notes, it is a great food wine as it has the depth of flavour on the palate to work with dishes such as pork, goats cheese and chicken casserole.

Heading down south, the Languedoc offers one of the best crisp dry white French wines available; Picpoul de Pinet.

The Picpoul grape has been cultivated for centuries and is grown mainly in the Rhône Valley and the Languedoc. Castelnau Aigue Marine Picpoul (3) has notes of white flower, citrus and pear and is the perfect accompaniment for seafood and shell fish.

This unique wine style is best when youthful, served well-chilled on a warm day. It is a joy on its own or with food.

Moving to reds and staying in the Languedoc, one of my favourite areas is the Minervois. Not only is this area stunningly beautiful and steeped in Cathar history, the wines exude the “garrigue” of the region.

The “garrigue” is the natural habitat of wild juniper, thyme and rosemary which can be spotted in the aromas and flavour of the wine. Château de Paraza Minervois (4) is a family estate, the wine is succulent and ripe with hints of spice and herbs, perfect with lamb and good cheese. The Rhône is from the ever popular wines of the Côtes du Rhône. Usually dominated by Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah are also included in the blend to elaborate wines that are supple, fruit filled and underpinned with hints of spice.

O'BRIENS STAFF TRIP, CHÂTEAU MONT-REDON CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE, RHÔNE, FRANCE 2017

1

€9.95 down from €12.95 FRENCH WINE SALE

2 The Grenache offers the red-berried fruit, spice and a soft silky palate, the Syrah brings some structure and dark fruits to the blend and the Mourvèdre offers a savoury character. Try the Jean Luc Colombo (The King of Cornas) Côtes du Rhône (5), a modern fruit driven version from this area. South of Burgundy, close to Lyon, Beaujolais is an unsung region for wine.

Stylistically the wines range at one end of the scale from light and fruity through to richer and more dense styles.

All wines are made from 100% Gamay, a cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais, the overall impression is that of summery fruits and refreshing cleansing acidity without high levels of tannin. Chanson Fleurie (6) is well worth trying and would match beautifully with saucisson and pâtes, traditional French cheese such as Brie and Camembert and with chicken dishes or seared tuna.

4

DUFFOUR PÈRE ET FILS

CHÂTEAU DE PARAZA MINERVOIS

€12.95down from €16.95 FRENCH WINE SALE

AROMATIC PROFILE

PERFECT WITH

Delicious & Incredibly Fairly Priced

Lamb & Good Cheese

5

VOUVRAY LES DIMES

JEAN LUC COLOMBO CÔTES DU RHÔNE

€13.95 down from €15.95 FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL

€12.76 down from €15.95 FRENCH WINE SALE

TRY WITH

WORKS WELL WITH

Pork ,Goats Cheese & Chicken Casserole

3

6

CASTELNAU AIGUE PICPOUL DE PINET

€15.95 BUY ONE GET SECOND HALF PRICE JUNE SUMMER WHITES

Cold Meats, Pâtés or Roast Chicken

PERFECT ACCOMPANIMENT

Seafood & Shellfish

CHANSON FLEURIE

€13.95 down from €18.95 FOR THE MONTHS OF APRIL & MAY

BEAUTIFULLY MATCHED WITH

Chicken Dishes or Seared Tuna

OUR ANNUAL FRENCH WINE SALE WILL RUN FROM 26th OF APRIL TO 7th MAY 2018 . CHECK IN-STORE OR ONLINE AT WWW.OBRIENSWINE.IE FOR UPDATES.

Issue Five

PAZO DE BARRANTES WINERY

@ LYNNECOYLEMW, CONTRAPUNTO VINEYARDS

G

alicia is located in the Northwest of Spain on the verge of the Atlantic, it is known as the seventh Celtic nation.

The language is peppered with Celtic words, pagan customs still abound and numerous Celtic O'Briens WINE Magazine

@ LYNNECOYLEMW , THE TEAM AT LAGAR DE COSTA

symbols can still be identified in the stone relics of the region.

largest importer worldwide and these numbers are on the increase as the Irish fan base for the wines continues to grow.

Interestingly, and perhaps because of this historical kinship, the white AlbariĂąo wines from this region seem to suit the Irish palate very well. Indeed, the current export figures show that Ireland is the seventh

Vines of between 200-300 years of age have been discovered in the region, but the Rias Baixas DO was only established in 1980. This is in stark contrast to Rioja

THIS ARTICLE ALSO FEATURED ON THE TASTE.IE

for example, where the protection of the region for quality grape growing started in the 16th century.

Prior to 1980, and today, a meander through the region will highlight a local culture of grape growing to make local wines for personal consumption. In fact, numerous houses can be spotted with two or three rows of vines growing alongside, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes and other garden vegetables.

The style of the wines made from the Albariño grape range from refreshing greengage and green apple notes from the Northern cooler areas of the region to melon, peachy and floral in character from the more Southern parts.

Both style share an integrated refreshing acidity and can also have an underlying saline note. Whilst the wines are usually unoaked, they can be oak fermented or aged in oak with the intention of adding a touch of depth, concentration and roundness to the palate.

Wines from this variety are very versatile and work remarkably well with food especially shellfish, fish, vegetable dishes, risotto and typical casual Spanish dishes such as tortilla.

The grape is now being more widely planted and apart from Portugal beside the border of Galicia, Albariño can also be found in New Zealand, US, Uruguay and the Languedoc.

@ LYNNECOYLEMW, LAGAR DE COSTA

The zesty, fruity bottles to drink right now GRANBAZÁN CONTRAPUNTO ALBARIÑO The wine is crisp, refreshing and elegant with a hint of ripeness mid palate.

€12.95 down from €18.45 for April & May

MARQUÉS DE MURRIETA PAZO BARRANTES ALBARIÑO This single vineyard wine is known for its highly developed aromatic profile of fruit and flowers and a concentrated palate with depth.

LAGAR DE COSTA ALBARIÑO The style of the wine shows some peachy fruit, hints of melon and crisp acidity.

€16.95 down from €19.95 for April & May

€17.95 down from €22.95 for April & May

PAZO DE SENORANS ALBARIÑO This is a perfect example of premium Albariño, delicately floral on the nose with hints of lemon and pear.

€19.95 down from €22.95 for April & May

A VACU CUCA ALBARIÑO Rías Baixas, in the heart of 'Green Spain' is renowned not just for aromatic cool-climate wines such as this, but also for cattle, hence the label!

€14.95 down from €19.95 for April & May

DOMAINE LES AUZINE ALAINA ALBARIÑO LANGUEDOC, FRANCE Laurent’s wine is beautifully balanced with notable minerality and freshness hints of citrus and a ripe mid palate.

€13.95 down from €16.95 for April & May

OVER 60 EXCITING WINES ON PROMOTION EVERY MONTH. Check in-store or online at www.obrienswine.ie for updates.

Issue Five

ROOT & BRANCH Our teams are full of enthusiastic wine lovers lead by great managers.

In this section you will get to know them abit better.

ASHBOURNE ASHBOURNE RECENT NEWS O’Briens Ashbourne was crowned 2018 ‘Store of the year’ at the annual O’Briens awards ceremony in January to the delight of Manager Lucas Reminek, assistant manager Craig Costello and their team. Lucas credits this accolade to how he and his team always go the extra mile for their customers. He says ‘’The store is very community based, so you have a chance to get to know your customers, their family and what they do.

You can really feel the community spirit here.’’

Originally from Poland, Lucas moved to Ireland 12 years ago and started his career in O’Briens in 2010, as a part-timer in Clontarf. He moved up the ranks with roles in Blanchardstown & in Templeogue as an assistant manager before being appointed manager of Ashbourne in 2016.

He credits his assistant manager, Craig, an Ashbourne local in helping to bring enthusiasm and knowledge to their team and customers.

FAVOURITE ASPECT OF THE JOB An aspect of the job Lucas also enjoys in the wine trips, he went to Portugal in 2016 to Vidigal wines, who produce Porta 6. ‘’It was the best thing ever, great atmosphere, good craic and a lot of nice food and wine. They took us to a Portuguese restaurant with Fado, which is traditional Portuguese music.’’

This March Lucas, as part of his store of the year prize, travels to Bordeaux with the O’Briens buying team to discover the 2017 En Primeurs and hopes to bring this experience back to his shop to share with his team and customers.

RECENT NEWS O’Briens Carrickmines has just had a major refit but manager Marcus Saul says customers can expect the same great service with an extended range of wines, beer & spirits. “I’m delighted with the changes to the new shop layout, a bigger merchandising area for an extended range of wines has garnered great feedback from our customers and the new spirits area has given us the space to focus on the really interesting new gins and whiskeys coming into the range.”

MANAGER MARCUS SAUL

Marcus joined O’Briens almost 10 years ago, starting off as a trainee manager in Blackrock. He soon moved to Donnybrook as an assistant manager where he eventually became the manager and then took the reins in Carrickmines in 2011. He is joined by assistant manager Darren Hogan who brings great wine knowledge and experience to their team.

O'Briens WINE Magazine

- Adam Daly

YOU REALLY DO FEEL LIKE YOU WORK IN A FAMILY BUSINESS & I’M A PART OF THAT FAMILY. "All the shops are supporting & helping each other out, sharing knowledge, stock and staff when they can, as a family should do. Even though there are 34 branches, you still feel that it's small and that you're valued.’’

FAVOURITE ASPECT OF THE JOB According to Marcus, one of the best things about working in O’Briens is the opportunity to go on some great wine trips. In 2016 he visited the vineyards of Gérard Bertrand in the Languedoc, an experience he describes as invaluable when it comes broadening his knowledge and advising customers about wine.

THIS TRIP WAS SUCH A FANTASTIC EXPERIENCE; WE WERE GIVEN A FULL INSIGHT INTO THE WHOLE WINEMAKING PROCESS AND THEN TREATED TO A SUPERB TASTING!

Issue Five

Thanks to all the Irish writers who took the time to review and write about our wines.

Below are some of our recent press reviews.

THE IRISH TIMES 20.01.2018

CAVES DE TAIN CROZES HERMITAGE 2015 “Perfectly ripe blackcurrant and morello cherry fruits with a savoury refreshing note and excellent length.

Excellent value for money.”

THE IRISH INDEPENDENT 24.02.2018

JOHN WILSON

CHÂTEAU MARQUISAT LA PEROUSSE 2015

€19.95

“With a juicy nose of ripe, dark plums, this is more deep and brooding on the palate, with dark, savoury fruit, notes of liquorice, tamarind and vanilla, and plenty of grip from the tannins.

Great with slow-cooked daube of beef.”

THE IRISH INDEPENDENT 28.01.2018

GRAN VOLANTE 2016 “With a juicy nose of ripe, dark plums, this is more deep and brooding on the palate, with dark, savoury fruit, notes of liquorice, tamarind and vanilla, and plenty of grip from the tannins.

Great with slow-cooked daube of beef.”

CORINNA HARDGRAVE

CORINNA HARDGRAVE

€16.95

€9.95 down from €14.95 May/June

THE IRISH TIMES 24.02.2018

THE IRISH SUN 09.02.2018

DOMAINE BEGUDE ETOILE 2015

MAS BUSCADOS TINTO 2015

“Very lightly oaked but you won’t taste it. Medium-bodied creamy apple, pear and orange fruits with a subtle note of baked bread. Perfect with chicken dishes, such as roast chicken with a herb stuffing.”

“Merlot, Petit Verdot and Tempranillo — go into this joyous and juicy, quality red blend that exudes ripe blackberry flavours, with a hint of spice.

Enjoy with most meat dishes.”

JOHN WILSON

€17.95 down from €19.95 for the month of April

MATTHEW NUGENT

€13.95

Our most recently reviewed wines

THE SUNDAY TIMES 18.02.2018

VAGLIO AGGIE MALBEC 2015 “The best-value wine of the tasting has beautiful floral aromas, blueberry fruit, a stony mineral quality and is rich yet fresh.

95/100”

THE IRISH TIMES 10.02.2018

BEAUMONT DES CRAYÈRES GRANDE RÉSERVE NV “Stylish, creamy Champagne with light red fruits, and hints of brioche. Serve with a few nibbles” JOHN WILSON

MARTIN MORAN MW

€29.95 down from €36.95 for the month of April

€16.95 down from €18.95 for the month of April

THE IRISH INDEPENDENT 10.02.2018 THE IRISH MAIL ON SUNDAY 10.02.2018

CHÂTEAU CARAGUILHES LES JARDIN 2015 “This organically produced beauty is dark and smooth with lots of damson, pepper and a whiff of the herbs of Languedoc’s garrigue.

Great with beef, ideally rare.”

TOM DOORLEY

€17.95

THE IRISH EXAMINER 10.02.2018

ROMEO AND JULIET PASSIMENTO ROSSO 2015 “This is a blend of dried (apassimento) and fresh corvina, croatina and merlot grapes with cherry and allspice aromas and lots of bright juicy cherry and forest fruit flavours.”

LESLIE WILLIAMS

CANARD-DUCHÊNE CHAMPAGNE BRUT ROSÉ NV “With an abundance of ripe red fruit, this is packed with flavours of strawberry, cranberry, redcurrant and apple, balanced with a touch of spice and a savoury character that adds to its complexity.”

CORINNA HARDGRAVE

€41.95 down from €44.95 for the month of May

Athlone - Ashbourne - Ballybrack - Beacon South Quarter, Sandyford - Quinsboro Road, Bray - Vevay Road, Bray - Blanchardstown Carrickmines - Citywest - Clontarf - Carlow - Dalkey - Donnybrook - Douglas Court S.C., Cork - Drogheda Dun Laoghaire - Galway - Glasnevin - Greystones - Limerick - Lucan - Malahide - Naas - Navan - Navan Road Newbridge - Newtownpark Ave. - Nutgrove - Rathgar - Rathmines - Sandymount - Stillorgan - Templeogue - Waterford All prices correct at time of going to print and are subject to change. Please enjoy alcohol sensibly.