THE RHONE and THE STONE

Really interesting newsletter this month from The Wine Store.

It features Domaine de la Janasse and I must confess I have a particular interest as I’ll be down that way at the end of the month.

And the stones? ”.. the centre of the appellation where the quartz stones are also mixed in with limestone rocks. The quartz acts as a storage heater: absorbing the sun’s heat during the day and radiating back out at night, this helps with the ripening process...”

Domaine de la Janasse is a producer in this area who makes a wide range of wines, and not just the famous Châteauneuf du Pape. Domaine de la Janasse, situated to the north-east of Châteauneuf du Pape in the satellite town of Courthézon, is run by the Sabon family. This large estate's Châteauneuf du Pape's holdings are in predominantly two of the best communes of the appellation, Bedarrides and Courthézon.

Three of the Janasse wines are on offer this month for a reduced price of €40.00, including delivery! For more details go here and sign up for the newsletter as this is a subscriber only offer.

BURGUNDY BARGAINS FROM WINE STORE

BURGUNDY BARGAINS

If you read the Twitter-feed today, you’ll see that Chardonnay is making a comeback. But, for me, it never went away and it certainly didn't go away for the winemakers of Burgundy who continued using the grape to make some of the best whites around.

If I have to select just one area from which to choose Chardonnay then Burgundy must be it. And if I have to select just one producer then that will be Olivier Merlin because Mrs Tyrell sternly recommends him and his wines in the Wine Store’s April newsletter.

Chardonnays highlighted include Macon-La Roche Vineuse 2008, Macon-La Roche Vineuse ‘Vieilles Vignes’ 2007, Pouilly-Fuissé 2008 , and also Pouilly-Fuissé ‘Clos des Quarts’.

And it is not just Chardonnays. Pinot Noir and the region’s own Gamay feature here as does a decent discount. Check it out here and don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter for even bigger discounts.

As usual, the newsletter features some upcoming wine events, including one in Dungarvan on May 20^th. I think I may have a date with a certain Elizabeth R that day. Pity about the clash. Sorry, Liz!

IRISH FOOD WINE MATCHES

THE WINE STORE

Just browsing through the March newsletter from the Wine Store. It is an issue of celebration: a big thumbs up for the fact that a high quality French travel mag has confirmed that Irish restaurant chefs are as good as any in the world and a heads up for the festive days ahead including St Patrick’s Day.

One thing that did strike me is that, by subscribing to the newsletter, there is 10% off, and there is no minimum order. Delivery for orders over €60.00 is free while under that and you pay a very reasonable €5.00. They do stress however: “As always this offer is not available through the site, to avail please email or call us using the contact details at the end of the newsletter.” To subscribe click here 

But back to the wine! The newsletter has some excellent suggestions for matching with Irish food:

Spring Lamb – a Tempranillo 

Bacon and Cabbage - a Pinot Noir 

Mackerel – Bergarac Sec

Irish Cheeses – Coteaux du Layon 

The newsletter also contains details of forthcoming wine events, including one in the Tannery in Dungarvan on April 29^th (though that clashes with a wedding I have to go to!)

SPANISH RIESLING!

 WINE STORE SHOUTS OUT FOR A SPANISH RIESLING 

Some big names in the wine game are coming out

REDUCTIONS AT THE WINE STORE

PROVENCE TEMPTATION 

Provence

I have a holiday planned for Provence this year so was immediately alerted when I saw the January sale list from the Wine Store. The top of its list featured wines from Domaine de la Citadelle, quite close to where I’ll be staying.

The Chataignier 2008 red has been reduced by three euro to €8.95 while the 2001 Les Artemes red has been cut by six to €10.95. 

Certainly worth a look as are the rest on the list. Perhaps the most eye catching reduction is in the award winning Franck Massard Huellas Priorat 2006 which goes from €29.99 to 18.99.