Cheers. Latest Episode #3 . Keeping You Up To Date With Wine, Beers, and Spirits

Cheers. Latest Episode #3 . Keeping You Up To Date With Wine, Beers, and Spirits

One Place. One Farm. One Spirit. Latest from Waterford Distillery. 

Using 100% Irish barley, widely considered to be the world's finest, our new Single Farm Origin series is an uber-provenance range of limited edition natural whiskies that explore Irish terroir one farm, once place, at a time. They are expressions of precision and rarity, showcasing barley flavours derived from individual Irish farms and harvests.Read more

Can't go to the continent? Nothing to stop you going continental with food and wine. - says Lynne Coyle MW
Get ready for the bank holiday by ordering your wines now, why not rekindle fond European holiday memories of delicious food and wine with these wine suggestions from France, Spain and Italy.
Even with thoughts of a “staycation” looming large for most of us this summer, I am suggesting that we can still enjoy the fruits of our favourite wine regions at home with some of these delicious sun kissed options. Read more, recipes included!

Wine and food pairing: is it an overrated practice?

asks Spanish Wine Lover

Last Sunday I took part in a round table at the Wine & Culinary conference, an event organized by Bodegas Torres. According to President Miguel A. Torres, the aim of this conference is to support Catalan and Spanish cuisine, promote moderate wine consumption –preferably alongside food– and, incidentally, prove that despite being a large volume producer, their wines are not only intended for supermarkets but are also meant to be enjoyed in restaurants. More here

So-called wine experts are always confident of their opinions, no matter how divorced from reality they might be.

Nobody drinks buttery Chardonnay anymore. Wine pairing matters. The 100-point-scale rating is dead.

These are a few of the myths spread by the "wine intelligentsia" – the sommeliers, bloggers and writers who dominate our wine conversations.
None of these myths are true, but it's easy to believe something when everyone you talk to echoes it. Read more from this Wine-Searcher article here.

SuperValu Italian Wine Sale has returned - in store and online from 21^st of May until 10^th of June.

From the largest wine producing country in the world, come some of SuperValu’s best quality and value wines. The Italian wine sale beginning on Thursday May 21^st brings you some of the best wines from regions all across the much loved Mediterranean country.

Italy has always been a favourite holiday destination for Irish holidaymakers  with it’s unique culture,  rich cuisine and superb range and variety of wines.  Home to some of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, Italy consistently cultivates our staple favourites, to be enjoyed with the fabulous range of Italian cuisine we know and love.

With prices of premium bottles not to be beaten on value, this year’s Italian Wine Sale is sure to bring the memories of Capri or taste of Tuscany to your lips. Italians believe you should enjoy a glass before eating, so perhaps this weekend take a moments break from the cooking to close your eyes and imagine the sun beating down on rolling scenic hills, and enjoy a glass of your favourite wine or venture towards an Italian wine you may not have tried before!

In sourcing the wines for this year’s Italian Wine Sale SuperValu wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan is delighted to welcome back some favourites such as Ricossa Barolo and Costa Mediana Amarone. This year’s sale will comfort those familiar with Italian offerings and enchant those who are new to experience a taste of the world’s finest flavours.

 For the full list of wines available please visit www.supervalu.ie

Cheers. Latest Episode.

Cheers. Latest Episode #1
Keeping You Up To Date With Wine, Beers, and Spirits

Rioja and Haro's Old Railway Station. New Wines and Old 

Spanish winemakers have often been criticized for failing to join forces to promote their regions, but perhaps last week’s tasting at Haro’s Barrio de la Estación, an event abut which Yolanda Ortiz de Arri has reported extensively in SWL, may serve to change a few things. Beyond the uniqueness of this hundred-year-old distinguished neighbourhood founded around a railway station, we saw strength through unity in the tastings we attended. The diversity of styles ranged form unique, long-aged reds to modern and even exotic wines. Read more from this excellent article here.

The Buyer
Now New Yorkers are hardly renowned for their quiet and unassuming manner. You can normally hear one coming from a block or two away. But its winemakers, up until very recently, have been particularly shy compared to their counterparts on the West Coast. At least when it comes to exports and finding their way on to premium restaurant wine lists in key cities around the world.  That’s all about to change as New York State has become one of the most coveted regions in the US for aspiring winemakers who are in search of unique soils and a cool climate to make wine.The next step is telling buyers outside the US about the wines they are missing out on, which is what the latest The Buyer’s debate with key importers was all about. Here is the first part of a two part report on a tasting and debate held with leading distributors and merchants just prior to the lockdown.

Wines Direct Ireland have an organic case to make!

White wine from Priorat is not the norm but Mas d'en Gil vineyard Grenache and Viognier are grown at one of the highest points with a constant regulating breeze from the Mediterranean. The result is a beautiful mineral palate with a Mediterranean herb finish. See more here


Wine Australia

Vintage wrapping up in Australia

It has been a cool summer and autumn by Australian standards and that combined with the dry weather is leading to reports of an extraordinary season in terms of quality.

Although not yet complete, it is clear that vintage 2020 is delivering exceptional quality fruit although yields are down. Some regions have finished vintage, whilst others are still wrapping up. You can read more in these reports for Margaret River, McLaren Vale and Coonawarra.

We will be collating information from the regions and we hope to publish our 2020 vintage report online in July. 

Wine Searcher

Clean Power of Pisa Trumps Chianti

But where/what is Terre di Pisa?

"As you can tell from the name, it's near the town of Pisa, which is famous for its leaning tower, in Tuscany. It's just north of the Bolgheri appellation, which is known for its Bordeaux grape varieties, and in fact there is plenty of Cabernet and Merlot in Terre di Pisa, along with plenty of Sangiovese, because it's Tuscany. The Chianti Classico DOC is not far away, just on the other side of Florence."

Read more here.

Chateau Feely Virtual Wine Experience

Are you wondering how to celebrate a key event with family and friends? Let us organise a Virtual Wine Experience Celebration for you and your guests. We ship small wine packs to all members of your party and organise a celebratory virtual wine tasting event together. More details on this and other wine experiences here.

The Buyer

Why regionality is next step for New Zealand’s Sauvignon Blanc 

Last week, in the first in a series of webinars, New Zealand Winegrowers asked if consumers and the trade can ‘get past the gooseberry’ to talk about Sauvignon Blanc as a wine in its own right. Jane Skilton MW joined three master sommeliers John Szabo, David Keck and Ronan Sayburn, to debate the issue in a debate that was attended by 500 participants worldwide, including Peter Ranscombe...Read More

Waterford Whisky

The old proverb of “March, in like a lion, out like a lamb” is fitting to describe the weather conditions during the sowing window for spring malting barley in 2020. Wet and cold weather in the first fifteen days of March prevented any ploughing, cultivation or sowing from taking place in the fields. However, no rainfall events in Leinster after St. Patricks Day, combined with higher than average levels sunshine and cold winds, enabled sowing to commence from March 22nd. First out of the blocks to sow this spring for Waterford were growers Barry Ashmore and John Tynan. No rainfall for the remaining nine days in March enabled tremendous progress to be made and all the conventional barley fields for the distillery to be sown by April 1st. This is, by far, the most condensed sowing period relative to the five previous seasons. 

Read more here 

CorkBilly’s Drinks Digest. Wines, Spirits and Beers.

CorkBilly’s Drinks Digest

Wines, Spirits and Beers

Bierhaus New Year Beer Trek (was supposed to be Christmas!)

Jan 9th at 6.00pm

“More like a New year Pubs do this year!!!
Join myself David, John & Conal on a epic tour of the best beer spots in Cork! It’s an annual event and everyone who know us is welcome to join us!

The route
5.45pm meet at Bierhaus
6pm The Abbots Ale House
6.45pm quick one in Maureen’s if open?
7.15pm Impala
8.15pm Rising Sons (pizza stop)
9.30pm Back to Bierhaus to end the night in style”

Richy’s BYO Offer

Clonakilty restaurant Richy’s are offering a helping hand when dining out. “Feeling the crunch after Christmas? Why not save some dosh by bringing your own wine to Richy’s! T&C's apply. Available 14th Jan - 28th Feb 2019. Corkage €5.”

Cask Ales and Strange Brew Fest

Our favourite festival of the year....The Cask Ales and Extraordinary Brew Festival running from Jan 31st to Feb 2nd. 

Featuring a range of special brews using curious and interesting ingredients, the festival will showcase the growing experimentation of Irish brewers and their ability to challenge the norms of brewing.

Yellow Belly, Rising Suns, Metalman and West Cork Brewing are just some of the brewers at the festival and will compete in the Beoir Cask Competition to see who can come up with the most extraordinary beer under categories: Best lager, best "pale', best stout and best specialty. Judged by The national Beer enthusiasts club, winners will be announced on the Saturday of the festival. 

Live music, performances & Pompeii pizza! Admission is free

Feature on old vines

Most Popular Spanish Wine Stories from 2018. In English!

The informative and entertaining Spanish wine social media outlet, Spanish Wine Lover, recaps its most popular English language from 2018 here https://www.spanishwinelover.com/enjoy-353-most-popular-stories-in-2018. A Trio to Watch; Old Vines Stand Out; Sought After Producers, are among the titles.

New Zealand Tasting Coming Soon (trade and press)

New Zealand Winegrowers will host its 22^nd tasting of New Zealand wines in Ireland on Monday 14th January 2019 at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Golden Lane, Dublin 8.  Time: 2.00-6.00 p.m. It will be preceded by a Masterclass at 13.00. Queries to jean@jeansmullen.com 

Visit Bordeaux and stay at Chateau Feely

Thinking of visiting Bordeaux and the new Cité du Vin in 2019? A special offer on accommodation at the vineyard of Chateau Feely in the Dordogne may help you make up your mind.  Sean and Carlo would love to see you there! Details here. 

CorkBilly’s Drinks Digest. Wines, Spirits and Beers. Hurry over to Leslie!

CorkBilly’s Drinks Digest

Wines, Spirits and Beers

Hurry!!! Leslie Williams to host Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser this evening.

Leslie's ready for you!

“Nasc will be hosting our Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser on Friday 7th December 2018, in conjunction with Crawford & Co.

Where: Crawford & Co., Anglesea Street, Cork

When: Friday 7th December at 6:30 PM

Tickets are €25 and can be purchased through Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/nasc-wine-tasting-fundraiser-tickets-52715471394).

Proceeds will go towards maintaining Nasc's free legal service, which provides support to refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrant families.

The event will be hosted by Sommelier Leslie Williams of the Irish Examiner.

Attendees will sample red and white wines, bubbly and port. They will also receive nibbles and be in with the chance of winning one of the many spot prizes up for grabs via our raffle.

Please join us on the night and help support Nasc's work!

For more information, visit our website: www.nascireland.org"

West Cork Brewing at Fionnbarra’s

A Birthday Party. December 8th from 8.00pm

Roaring Ruby - a super red ale

Hosted by West Cork Brewing Company

“Hi everyone! Its our 4th Birthday soon so we have decided to organise a special shindig in Fionnbarra Bar on December 8th for all our friends and customers! We will have a tap takeover on the night with Sherkin Lass, Roaring Ruby,The Rapids Rye Ale and a special keg of Breakfast in Baltimore Stout for one night only!

Delicious nibbles, special prizes and great beer are just the start of what the night has to offer!! Hope to see ye all there :-)”

Hey Dudes. It’s Flower Power for the Bees.

The Friary Saturday 8th at 7.00pm

“Hey brothers and sisters, it's time to hang loose and give some love (and moolah) to our awesome bee buddies - 60's flower power-style! We invite you to The Friary for a night of psychedelic music, shirts and flares, way out tunes, out of sight prizes, raffles and boss brews.

And all the righteous cabbage (cash :) ) we raise will go to our good amigos in Ballincollig Tidy Towns who are installing and maintaining bee-friendly sites just outside the city.

We'll have food (including brownies - not that type!), Honey Moonshine and mead cocktails (thanks to Blacks Brewery&Distillery and Kinsale Mead Company) and the Mostest Groovy Costume prize. DJ Mike Darcy will play 60's classics all night and also your requests :D The Hippie Wheel of Fortune will be going all evening for free drinks.”

More at https://www.facebook.com/events/2029135337132987/ 

Clonmel’s Red Nose Wine are ready for you!

with Christmas Offers and Sunday Openings 

“As announced last week, our Christmas Specials are now ready for you all.

You can pick up a copy of the offers here ( and also our Corporate / Gift brochure for all your gift needs ).

We also have a range of new wines ( Italy, Spain and France ) that just arrived today, and we will have loads open to try all the way to Christmas.

And we are now open Sundays ( from 2-5 ) all the way to Christmas. A good day to call in if you have a busy week.” 

O’Brien’s Wines Limerick. Christmas Tasting

In Store from 4.00pm to 8.00pm, this Friday.

The Parkway Shopping Centre.

Festive Night: 18 different suppliers popping in. Whiskeys Gins Wine Craft Beer Brandy's and cocktail making.

Note too that O’Brien’s Fine Wine Sale nationwide ends at close of business next Sunday the 9th. Here are a few to tempt you:

insert pic from downloads.

Riojan Vineyard Turns Back The Clock - by 50 Years!

Now Arturo and his brother Kike, who joined Artuke in 2010 and spends most of his time on the vineyards, work their land like it was done 50 years ago and have returned to macerations that last six days (“if you work well in the vineyard and have moderate yields, there’s no need to force things at the winery”), cement containers, wooden vats and large 500- and 600-litre barrels, although they still use stainless steel tanks. 

Read the full story (via Spanish Wine Lover) here 

The Growing Wine World: Everyone Wants In, according to Wine-Searcher

Wine drinkers live in all parts of the globe and the wine world needs to adapt.

By James Lawrence | Posted Wednesday, 28-Nov-2018

If one were to imagine the most likely destination for an ambitious sommelier to thrive and prosper, the United Arab Emirates might, to put it mildly, not come very near the top of the list.

Yet despite the theoretical confines of Islam in the Middle East, record numbers of students are enrolling on WSET programs in the region, while leading hotel chain Jumeirah has started running courses in-house for staff. read more here .