Bubble Brothers in the mix and much more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #18

Bubble Brothers in the mix and much more on wine, beer and spirits in Cheers #18

Bubble Brothers have a staycation mix for you!
We hope you're all well, and making the most of the occasional summer weather. Our website is continuing to work hard for us (thank you), but in case you haven't visited lately, we have a very attractive new offer for you—with something extra if you are able to 'click and collect'. Details here

Black's New "High" IPA

You are about to experience a brand new High PA, this unique new beer is brewed with the terpenes ( flavour and aroma oils ) extracted from the legendary cannabis strain Maui Wowie. A Strain known for its tropical favours and stress-relieving qualities hat will float you straight to the shores of Hawaii where this strain originally comes from.

A heavy mango and Pineapple base with notes of pine and pepper!

More details on the new brew and distillery progress here

O'Briens Wines Feature 12 Acres Brewing

In county County Laois one of Ireland’s finest breweries produces beer with a ‘ground to glass’ ethos. 12 Acres Brewing Co. make beer using barley grown on their family farm surrounding the brewery and with spring water drawn from deep below the land.

12 Acres is headed up by Paddy McDonald who after traveling the world with his then girlfriend, now wife Aisling, found himself back in Ireland and began to look at his employment options as Ireland emerged from recession. Thankfully, he brought something back from his travels, a love of craft beer. Read more here.

Kylie Minogue photographed at The Ritz London, August 2020, (c) Darenote Ltd.

Kylie Minogue Wines are thrilled to introduce 

the latest two wines in the Kylie Minogue Wines portfolio: the Signature Sauvignon Blanc and the Signature Merlot. Both the Sauvignon Blanc and the Merlot complete the long-awaited Kylie Minogue Wines’ Signature Range, which also includes the wildly popular and best-selling Signature Rosé, debuted in May by pop icon Kylie Minogue.

Fun and spontaneous like Kylie herself, the Signature Sauvignon Blanc originates from Gascony, in the south-west of France, and carries a fresh and lively nose of lime blossom and gooseberry, whilst zesty and crisp on the palate - described by Kylie as the perfect accompaniment with a fresh watermelon, feta and mint salad.

The Kylie Minogue Wines’ Signature Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot will be available exclusively in Ireland on www.WinesofTheWorld.ie and Carry Out Off Licences at an RRP of €12.99 from Monday 24th August.

Italy's Alto Adige: A Small Land Shows Its Greatness

Pampered by Mediterranean sun, shaped by the Alpine landscape, prepared by experienced winegrowers, and prized by wine connoisseurs throughout the world: wine from Alto Adige. Read the well-illustrated Wine-Searcher article here

Pleasant Times Again At The Four Liars. Arabic Coffee And Superb Baklava Finalé

Pleasant Times Again At The Four Liars
Arabic Coffee And Superb Baklava Finalé

Baklava

We are sitting here in Cork’s famous Shandon at the end of an early evening meal and we agree that the Baklava we are enjoying is the best. Indeed, one of us is newly converted having found previous versions just too sweet. But this is not packed very tightly packed - it has the pastry layers for sure - and also seems fresher. I wouldn’t very much about the Mid-eastern sweet but this is delightful and very highly recommended.

A terrific desert (€6.00) then and it goes down well with my Arabic coffee. This is influenced by cardamom and comes in an open pot that you pour yourself. I also enjoyed that. Just reading the menu, you may well think that €3.50 is a bit much but the pot will give you two fine cupfuls.

Kibbeh

The restaurant is the Four Liars and it has recently been taken over by two Syrians, Abdul Khallouf and Ahmed Saqqa. They’ve been told the story of the four liars (the clocks on the four faces of Shandon tower that disagree), liked it and decided to keep the name.

Falafels

Their plan is to treat you to Syrian dishes. So the menu features food from their country which is of course, like all cuisines, influenced by the food of neighbouring countries. And many of you will be familiar with the likes of mezze, fattoush, hummus and the aforementioned Baklava.

No doubt, some visitors will not be that keen on dishes on the menu with strange sounding names (some un-translatable) but they’ll be catered for with more familiar fare such as Pizzas, Burgers, wings, wraps and so on.

But I’m anxious to try something from Syria and am puzzled when my order for Syrian Kibbeh gets a big thumbs up from Abdul. It is only later I find out that this is the Syrian national dish, a dish of many versions.

It is also a dish of many elements, an enormous plateful. The Kibbeh consists of lamb meatballs (tasty, aromatic), with tabbouleh, hummus, baba ghanouj, and spinach samosa (very tasty and crunchy). More like a starter and main course in one! 

CL likes her Falafel and so ordered Falafel Platter: five chickpea croquettes with herb and tahini sauce, salad, hummus and their own pitta bread. The “crust” of the falafels was a touch on the hard side but overall it was a very flavoursome dish indeed, the salad veg chopped a little rougher than we’d expect, hummus and bread excellent. And great value for a tenner.

Best of luck to the two entrepreneurs who have just started here - they also do takeaway by the way. It is a work in progress, some tidying up to be done around the premises and perhaps the service needs a little more alertness but overall interesting food and good value once again in the Four Liars, a place where we were regulars about 25 years ago! Still some souvenirs around the place from those days but also some new items such as the shisha pipes.

The Four Liars  

O’Connell Square (alongside the Butter Museum)

Dominick Street

Cork

Tel: 083 080 8283 

Two Lovely Whites from the southern half of France

Two Lovely Whites from

 the southern half of France

Terroir Feely “Luminosité” 2016, 13.5%, €19.00 Mary Pawle

The fruit for Luminosité is grown and the wine’s bottled by Sean and Caro Feely in Saussignac in Bergerac (next door to Bordeaux). They pack a fair bit of info onto the label: Vin de France sec, Sauvignon blanc 50%, Semillon 50%, zesty fruit, luminosity of nature, organic and biodynamic, hand-harvested, indigenous yeast, unfined, vegan friendly.

Light straw colour. Aromas of quince and gooseberry. Zesty flavours on the palate, quite intense, with a pleasant astringency, lovely mouthfeel too (has this been on its lees for a spell?), and a persistent finish. What’s not to like?

This Irish-South African couple “are passionate about the environment” and I think you can taste the difference here, without any funky stuff in either aroma or flavour. Highly Recommended. Find out more about the Feelys here - they have quite a lot to offer if you are visiting the area. 

Jacques Frelin “La Marouette” Chardonnay Pays D’Oc (IGP) 2018, 13%, €13.30 Mary Pawle

Colour of this organic Chardonnay from the South of France is a light straw. Pleasant floral aromas of modest intensity. This is a fresh one, peach and citrus flavours with a lively acidity to help at the table. Ideal as an aperitif or with a few grilled sardines. The label also indicates a match with shellfish and sole meuniere. Serve at 8-10 degrees for best results. 

For over thirty years now, Jacques Frelin has been at the forefront of the organic wine movement in France. While organic is often associated with small, this is not the case with Frelin who has vineyards all over the country including the Languedoc where this wine comes from, “very popular with our customers” says importer Mary Pawle and I can see why. Highly Recommended. Well priced too.

Wayward Spirits Announce Release of Batch 2 of ‘The Liberator Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish’

Batch 2 of ‘The Liberator Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish’ is now released.

‘The Liberator Small Batch: Double Port Finish’ Blend to be released this Autumn.

The ‘Lakeview Estate Single Estate Pot Still’ celebrates it’s 18 month birthday.

Wayward Irish Spirits is pleased to release Batch 2 of their Irish Malt Whiskey in Tawny Port Finish from The Liberator range of Bonded Whiskeys.  Matured initially in first fill American ex-Bourbon casks and then finished for 9-12 months in fresh ex Tawny Port casks, the Tawny Port finish contributes intensity, richness and complexity to the whiskey: figs, apple and pear on the nose, a rich taste of cocoa, clove and blackcurrant, and a warming long finish. 

Founder Maurice O’Connell says: “Despite the challenges of Covid-19, we’re thrilled with the response to the Inaugural Release earlier this year which is now almost sold out and are now releasing Batch 2. This is a limited release of 1,000 numbered bottles. Batch 2 has everything the Inaugural Release had but those extra 5 months have added to the roundness and balance. It is a vatting of single malts sourced from different distilleries: 22% is 2006 Cooley Single Malt, the balance is mostly 5 years with some 4 year Great Northern Distillery Single Malt. Bottled at 46% ABV, gently cut over 5-6 weeks, natural colour and not chill filtered, the RRP is €65”.  

The Liberator Small Batch: Double Port Finish will be released this Autumn. Maurice explains “We have been working during the lockdown on a blended Whiskey. Our first release has an unusually high malt content (42%), has been finished in Tawny and Ruby port casks and is a light and approachable but characterful Whiskey with a likely RRP of €49. There will also be a small Cask Strength release in half bottles in response to enthusiastic demand from the Whiskey community”. 

He adds “With pubs and bars closed, it’s been a challenge for people to taste and get to know our Whiskeys so we’ll be releasing miniature versions and have also started a partnering program with hotels”.

The Liberator Irish Whiskey celebrates the legacy of Daniel O’Connell, born in Kerry in 1775. The original campaigner for civil rights, heedless of race, gender or creed and often hailed as the greatest ever Irishman. Maurice adds “My forebear Daniel O’Connell’s independent spirit and sometimes wayward approach inspires how we craft whiskey at our family’s historic Lakeview Estate on the shores of Lough Leane in Killarney.”  

Alongside The Liberator (bonded Whiskey), the Lakeview Estate grows its own barley and laid down its first casks in early 2019. Maurice explains “We are proud to be celebrating the 18 month birthday of our Single Estate Pot Still spirit and are working towards grain-to-glass distilling here in 2024”. 

Just 1,000 numbered bottles of the Batch 2 of The Liberator Irish Whiskey Malt in Tawny Port Finish are available from 21^st August from leading suppliers including The Celtic Whiskey Shop and James Fox in Dublin, Fine Wines in Limerick, Carryout in Killarney and online through www.IrishMalts.com. Suggested retail price €65. Barry & Fitzwilliam have The Liberator for wider release in Ireland. 

Press release

Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign. Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space

media release

Discover Enniscrone launches new campaign
Seaside town is a haven for holidaymakers seeking space
“Discover Enniscrone and make it yours” is the title of the dynamic new marketing campaign launched by international soccer, Gaelic football and Aussie Rules star Sarah Rowe, in the Ocean Sands Hotel on Friday 21 August 2020 for the Discover Enniscrone marketing group. Including a series of videos, photography shoots, a brochure and updated website, the campaign highlights this idyllic Wild Atlantic Way holiday destination. The nostalgic holiday memories of many extended families can become reality for many more today as COVID19 constrains travel abroad. Enniscrone is most definitely open for business and well equipped for the visitor’s every need. 

Speaking at the launch, Sarah Rowe revealed her strong attachment to the seaside town, saying, “Enniscrone is a paradise for me. It’s a place where people can immediately feel relaxed and leave their cares behind, surrounded by its natural beauty and the glorious beach. I have so many fond memories of holidays and days out there. It will always be a special place to me. I wish Discover Enniscrone every success in their marketing campaign and attracting new people to experience this for themselves.”

With its flagship sandy beach stretching for 5km, space is not an issue in the scenic seaside Sligo town. Add in a championship golf links, historic seaweed baths, surfing, supping, horse riding on the beach, cycling and all sorts of children’s activities, and it’s easy to see why Enniscrone is so beloved of family holiday groups. There really is just so much to do for every age and stage from toddlers right up to grannies and grandads. The range of accommodation is comprehensive, suiting every pocket with hotels, guesthouses, b&bs and campsite. An excellent food offering including award-winning restaurants like Gilroys and The Pilot Bar, and as befits a seaside town, the world’s best gelato from Gelati, completes the package. 

The Discover Enniscrone committee chairperson Mary Clarke of the Diamond Coast Hotel commented, “We are very proud of our village here in Enniscrone and to have witnessed the growth of the village and its amenities over the years has been wonderful.  Along with the natural resources here in the village we have also become a hub for water-based activities, supping, surfing, kite surfing, kayaking, etc. and the addition of the costal walk has truly enhanced Enniscrone and provides activities for all age groups”.

Sarah Rowe (centre) with (l-r): Eva Costello (Fáilte Ireland), Mary Clark (Discover Enniscrone), Cllr. Dara Mulvey and Mikee Hamilton (Harbour SUP & Sail). Photo Credit: Steve Rogers

Traditionally Enniscrone has attracted holidaymakers from Northern Ireland as well as all across the rest of Ireland. Many are loyal to Enniscrone, recalling childhood and teenage memories of the seaside, and bringing their own families back to enjoy the simple things that make holidays perfect. A pristine, sandy beach safe for bathing and perfect for sandcastles never goes out of fashion with children of any age. Clear water and consistent waves make it a paradise for watersports and adventure enthusiasts. Enniscrone is a place to reconnect with family and friends – and also to connect with yourself. It’s an idyllic holiday choice for young and old, friends, families or groups. 

The first of Discover Enniscrone’s videos has just gone live on www.discoverenniscrone.com. It highlights three generations of a family, spoilt for choice in Enniscrone as they choose activities to fill their day. Surfing, sandcastles, beach walks, golf (including crazy golf) and Kilcullen’s Edwardian seaweed baths all feature along with some delicious food and drink. There’s no exaggeration needed – Enniscrone really is that perfect for inter-generational holidaymakers. Everything is close at hand in Enniscrone too; just park up the car and leave all your cares behind. 

Enniscrone's new marketing campaign is funded by the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Islands and Sligo County Council
#DiscoverEnniscrone

http://www.discoverenniscrone.com
https://www.facebook.com/discoverenniscrone/
https://twitter.com/Dis_Enniscrone
https://www.instagram.com/enniscronesligo/

Amuse Bouche

He insisted that we mark the occasion of our first week on the job by indulging in the White House’s signature desert (sic), the Chocolate Freedom, a brownie cake that oozed hot fudge and was topped with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup. That easy year - campaigning, resigning, marrying, getting pregnant, and relocating to DC - had been a whirlwind, and we were finally pausing to celebrate. We clinked our dessert spoons as if they were champagne glasses and luxuriated in the sudden calm.

from The Education of an Idealist by Samantha Power (2019). Very Highly Recommended.

Go with the flow in Athlone this Autumn

Go with the flow in Athlone this Autumn

Heart of Ireland Tours

If you think tourism has looked a bit frantic over the summer, a slow break in Athlone could be just the ticket for your Autumn break away. Inspired by the River Shannon, lazily meandering south from Lough Ree, Athlone is embracing slow tourism with enthusiasm. River cruises, walking tours, gentle cycling routes and relaxing spa treatments all play their part in creating the ultimate laid-back holiday experience in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. 

Athlone town straddles the Shannon and a peaceful trip on Ireland’s longest river is the ideal way to orientate yourself while someone else does the navigating. The River Run pleasure cruise is 75 minutes of entertainment and engaging history, best enjoyed with a glass in hand from the onboard bar. Viking Tours take you on a replica Viking vessel either upstream to Lough Ree or down to the remarkable monastic site of Clonmacnoise. Viking Mike himself is a bottomless well of fascinating information and local lore. Sit back and enjoy the panoramic views during these watery adventures both starting from the Castle. 

For 900 years Athlone Castle has guarded a strategic crossing of the mighty River Shannon and still today the magnificent 12-sided stone structure dominates the town centre. Historic Athlone hides many secrets within its ancient streets and Vincent of Athlone Guided Tours knows every single one. The leisurely walking tour is a fascinating insight into the town's history, folklore, industrial heritage and more. The Castle is open to the public and offers an excellent experiential tour. Next door the Luan Gallery showcases national and international artists in an incomparable riverside setting.

Wineport Lodge

Another enthralling tour is the Athlone Whiskey Walking tour led by Deirdre who has forgotten more about the amber nectar than most of us will ever know. 270 years are distilled into an afternoon of stories, yarns and tastings – with locally handcrafted chocolate to complement the tipple. On the wonderfully named Custume Quay lies Athlone’s only brewery. Dead Centre Brewing offer a combined experience including brewery tour, beer tasting and pizza. Now there’s a combination that’s hard to resist.  

Award winning restaurants abound in Athlone and the surrounding area. The choice is very broad, from fine dining to a more casual experience. Check out Thyme with its coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand, The Fatted Calf, The Left Bank Bistro and Savoury Fare or Wineport Lodge in lovely Glasson village, the ‘village of the roses’, where time seems to stand still. 

If a little gentle exercise seems like a good idea, try hiring a bike and cycling the old rail trail, a safe 40km Greenway stretching all the way to Mullingar. Or take out your golf clubs and play a round or two at Athlone Golf Club on Hodson Bay or Glasson Golf Club, designed by Christy O’Connor Junior. That should work up an appetite for your next gastronomic treat. 

John Coffey of Thyme

If you’d like to explore more of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, take a trip out of town with Heart of Ireland tours offer bespoke, ready to go and customisable tours. 

In Athlone everything is just a stroll away and if you’re staying in the historic town core you can walk everywhere at your leisure. No need for cars or taxis. 

Given its central location, getting to Athlone is straightforward either by car or train, it is pretty much in the middle of the country and very accessible. It has an excellent choice of accommodation to suit all pockets, both in the town and at Glasson and Hodson Bay. The tourist sector in Athlone has been particularly responsive to COVID19 requirements making it a very safe choice for your autumn staycation.

media release

A Quart of Ale± #8. Moving on over to craft. Kinnegar, To Øl City, West Cork Brewery, O'Hara's, Pale Ales.

A Quart of Ale± #8

Moving on over to craft with four very interesting ales

Kinnegar “Limeburner” Pale Ale, 4.7%, 440ml can, Bradley's of Cork

Lovely light gold colour on this one; a fair bit of haze but you do see the bubbles rising. It is floral and hoppy on the nose. Crisp and refreshing in the mouth with a pleasant hoppy finalé. Not at all overly hoppy and a beer that could well prove a “gateway” beer on the way from mass beers to craft. Easy to quaff and one to note if you haven’t already. One of their first beers and still going strong as part of their core range.

It is unfiltered, naturally carbonated. When pouring leave any natural sediments (I didn’t see any) at the bottom. Well balanced and easy to enjoy this one! By the way, if you moving into craft, try this as one of your early steps! I did, and it’s never too far away from my mind when I enter a bar.

The story.  A bright white light from Fanad Head once illuminated the Limeburner (a 40m high hidden sea pinnacle where Lough Swilly meets the Atlantic), guiding passing ships away from danger. “Phew,” said the skipper when they left that pinnacle behind. “Pass me a Kinnegar there boy.”

To Øl City “House of Pale” Pale Ale 5.5%, 44cl can, Bradley's of Cork

A slight step up in alcohol for the Danish Pale Ale (compared to the Kinnegar) but the colour and the head is much the same as their Session. A little more hop in the aromas. More flavour and less crisp but, as they say themselves, come here to “get your full-bodied juicy fix”.  That smoothness shows a lot of malt but the hops is not shy either and that juicy stuff is a treat. Put this on your short list for sure.

They say: House Of Pale is one of the recipes we’ve taken from our beloved mad laboratory (brewpub!) in Copenhagen, BRUS. It’s seen many changes and tweaks over this year, experimenting with hop doses and overall ‘crispiness’ - and now we’re pretty sure we’ve got exactly what we’ve been looking for. 

Hops in the ale are Mosaic and Simcoe while the long line of malts consist of Chit Malt, Flaked Oats, Golden Naked Oats, Melanoidin, and Pilsner.

West Cork “Sherkin Lass” Pale Ale 4.4%, 500ml bottle, Bradley’s of Cork

Mid amber is the colour of this cloudy pale ale by the West Cork Brewery in Baltimore. The head barely outlasts the pour. They use their own well water here and the beer is obviously unfiltered.

Citrus in the aromas. Makes quite an immediate impression on the palate, fresh and lively, sharp citrus notes again, pineapple and passionfruit too, more malt than hops, just lightly, but noticeably, bitter, almost halfway to a sour. Quite a distinctive mouthful. Refreshing and quite a thirst quencher.

Hops used are: Columbus, Centennial, Galaxy, and Liberty. It is unfiltered, unpasteurised and vegan friendly as only whirlfloc (Carrageen moss) is used to aid the clarification.

O’Hara’s Irish Pale Ale (Dry hopped IPA) 5.2%, 50cl bottle SuperValu.

Mid amber is the colour of this well-made Irish Pale Ale. IPA all over the labels; nowhere is the word Indian mentioned, but I still wonder is it Irish Pale or Indian. Anyhow we’ll be soon going on to the IPAs. Quite often, it is hard enough to classify some beers. I’ve even got one here at the moment labelled an Indian Pale Lager!

Aromas are definitely hoppy, Indian Pale Ale hoppy. The head by the way starts frothy and large enough but soon gets down to barely a white disc. Actually, I’m nowadays inclined to dispense with the 45 degree angle when pouring and lash it in, the reward being more a substantial head that, in this case at least, gives you the pleasure, just visual, of a longer stay.

On the palate though, this one makes you sit up and take notice with the fruit and floral notes of the hops plus the zesty lasting bitterness. Lip-smacking, for sure.

They say: “A Contemporary style IPA with an Irish twist. Combining the balance of European IPAs with the generous dry hopping of American pale ales (APAs), this beer is everything an IPA should be and more.”

Brewery Food Tips: works incredibly well alongside the BBQ, with spicy food and shellfish. Serve at 6-8 degrees.

Next session: American Pale Ales, including the Sierra Nevada, the original gateway beer for drinkers seeking to access craft

DESIGN POP FESTIVAL 2020 CANCELLED

STATEMENT FROM DESIGN POP FESTIVAL 2020

PLANNED FOR 28-30 AUGUST

After much deliberation, following the recent government restrictions around COVID19, it is with a heavy heart that Cork’s Design and Food Festival, Design POP, has made the decision to cancel this year’s event, which was scheduled to take place next week from August 28th to August 30th.

The 3-day event, which had carefully planned social distancing guidelines in place based on the previous government guidelines, would have injected creativity and colour across the city, with 3 pop-up pavilions supporting Designers and local food producers, an Irish Design Shop, exhibition, a furniture-designer showcase, and discussions from special guests MASER, WhyDesign Founder Kim Mackenzie-Doyle, plus over 16 free talks and workshops.

Festival Director Amy McKeogh commented:

“Design POP is about creativity, interaction, and brings joy to the public realm and under the current government restrictions, we would not be able to do so. With the confusion, and conflicting information from the Government, and the fact that the festival HQ, Thompson House, is not deemed to be a gallery, theatre, or cinema, we have come to the really difficult decision to cancel the event.

The outdoor pavilions are about fun, engagement and design, and with the number of people reduced to 15 people, I feel it becomes more about restrictions and less about the intentions of the festival.

I would like to extend a huge thank you to all designers, food producers, sponsors, speakers and makers who have already invested so much of their time and energy in the making of this event over the past few months. All ticket holders will be refunded their money in the coming days.

The Design POP team is already making plans and gearing up to make our 2021 festival bigger and better. We thank everyone for all the support over the past year. Take care and stay safe.”

Two Very Highly Recommended Wines from the North of Italy

Two Very Highly Recommended Wines from the North of Italy

GD Vajra Nebbiolo Langhe (DOC) 2018, 14.5%, €29.99

Searsons Wine Merchants, Baggot Street Wines, The Corkscrew, Clontarf Wines, Sweeneys D3, Ely Wine Store Maynooth, 

Mid ruby is the colour of this Langhe Nebbiolo. Vibrant aromas, fragrantly fruity and floral, invite you to explore further. The flavours are pristine, elegant dark and handsome fruit, cut with sweet spices and minerality, silky tannins, and there’s no shortage of acidity to make it a welcome guest at the table. The label promises elegance, pleasure and refinement; the contents deliver, in the most harmonious way. Very Highly Recommended.

.

They say: Whenever possible, we pick this fruit in the early hours of each day. Maceration is long and very gentle, so to retain lift and energy to this wine. Variety is 100% Nebbiolo from young estate vineyards, ranging from 7 to 25 years of age.  Our Langhe DOC Nebbiolo ages for 8 to 14 months on average. It is a wide range, in order to respect the uniqueness of each vintage and patiently await for the optimal bottling time. Most of the ageing is carried in stainless-steel vats, with a minor fraction of the wine being in neutral oak only when needed.

GD Vajra have been farming organically since 1971 but they didn’t get off to the best of starts. Giuseppe, during an April online masterclass, said he was dragged away from his soccer games (he was playing too much of it - well he was just 15) to plant his first vineyard. 

He and his current team are still youthful and he is proud of their work. “We hope we get wiser as we go on. We started organically and our first vintage in 1972 was not a good one, not worth ageing!” The whole extended family are at work here in this “multicultural team” near the village of Barolo. Perhaps, that first vintage was a disappointment but there have been many good ones since including this 2018.

As you know, Nebbiolo is the grape from which the famous Barolo is made and GD Vajra have some gems, quite a few available via Liberty Wines (who supply the stockists listed above). During the masterclass on the outstanding 2016 vintage, Giuseppe spoke eloquently. 

Then a tough question: “Which is your best cru from 2016?” Very hard for Giuseppe to answer as they had invested so much hard work into each. He didn’t really want to pick one but, under gentle pressure, went for the Barolo Bricco delle Viole for “its flair and elegance”. So there’s a nice tip for you. And I’d safely say the 2016 vintage of our Nebbiolo Langhe would also be one to snap up if you come across it.

The Langhe is a hilly subregion in the province of Piemonte.

Pieropan Soave (DOC) Classico 2019, 12%, €16.99

Jus de Vine, Grapevine, James Redmond and Sons Ltd, Kelly`s Off Licence, 

McHughs Off Licence - Kilbarrack Rd, Martins Off Licence, 64 Wine, C Morton & Son Ltd, Clontarf Wines, Ely Wine Store, Maynooth, The Corkscrew

In the 1960s, Soave wine came from the Classico region. But the economic boom of the 70s, saw Soave (like Chianti) expand beyond the original area. And it proved a disaster. 

During a recent Liberty Wines organised online masterclass, Andrea Pieropan explained: “The DO expanded into the flat area where the yields were higher, the season shorter and there was less personality in the wines.” He explained that no area in Italy has such a difference between the Classico and the surrounds.

So, quantity reigned and quality was hard to find. Soave became something of a dirty word. Many avoided the wine but, according to Vino Italiano, that meant “missing out on the elegant floral whites of Leonildo Pieropan whose Soaves show off the plump mouth-filling character of ripe Garganega.”

Today’s Soave is usually fresh and expressive and that is certainly the case with this Classico, the freshest youngest wine in the Pieropan family range. It is 85% Garganega with Trebbiano contributing the balance.

The nose is delicate and elegant, with pleasant floral notes. Plump and mouth-filling certainly, terrific depth of fruit and a lively acidity, persistent finish. Excellent and Very Highly Recommended.

Suggested pairings include soups, starters, especially vegetable based such as asparagus, peas, courgette, egg-based dishes or seafood and fresh water fish dishes. It is an excellent aperitif, especially when served with simple canapés. Serve at 12°C.

Soave is perhaps the most famous Italian white wine DOC. You'll find it in the Veneto wine region of northeastern Italy.