Fattoria di Vaira Vincenzo Bianco, brimming with the promise of juicy goodness

Fattoria di Vaira Vincenzo Bianco 2021, 12.0% ABV

RRP: €20.95. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork

Brimming with the promise of juicy goodness

Our blend in hand, which is organic, is dry and aromatic with a cloudy golden hue, brimming with the promise of juicy goodness.  On the nose, it's a delightful dance of white flowers, apricot, and peach, with a touch of pine and herbal intrigue. The palate is surprisingly dry and refreshingly herbaceous, with hints of orange peeking through. Light tannins and lively acidity keep it balanced and ensure a crisp,

Taste of the Week. Hederman's Whole Smoked Mackerel.

Taste of the Week. 

Hederman's Whole Smoked Mackerel.

Salad days are here. To stay? Well, we did get a few beauties last weekend and should get quite a few more in the months ahead.

When the sun shines, you want to be out, at a picnic by the beach or at a table in the garden. You don't want to be stuck

Livio Felluga Sharis Bianco Venezia Giulia. From one of the exceptional producers in the area

Livio Felluga Sharis Bianco Venezia Giulia (IGT) Sharis 2022, 13% ABV.

RRP €32.95. Stockists: Barnhill Stores, 64 Wine, Drink Store, Jus de Vine

from one of the exceptional producers in Friuli Venezia Giulia

This Chardonnay and Ribolla Gialla blend from Venezia Giulia, has a gold/yellow colour. Vibrant aromas are floral and fruity, quite intense, with hints of juniper and elderberry. Fresh with tropical fruit on the tangy palate. 

You may also notice the

Curragh Wood. A Coillte wood near Midleton

 Curragh Wood

A Coillte wood near Midleton

More info, and

An old favourite is Beer of the Week. Eight Degrees Howling Gale Ale.

Beer of the Week

Eight Degrees Howling Gale Ale 4.5% ABV, 440 ml can, No 21 Cork

An "old" favourite!

Didn’t realise until today that I’ve been enjoying Eight Degrees Howling Gale on and off since

Comfort and class as Greene's spring into summer with a new colourful interior and a new flavoursome menu.

Comfort and class as Greene's spring into summer with a new colourful interior and a new flavoursome menu. 

Dessert

With pessimism (mostly) seeping through the restaurant industry at the time, the last thing Cork diners wanted to hear last February was that Greene’s was closing, even if only for a renovation and a reboot. But that dark mood has been lifted in this restaurant at least when Greene’s reopened last week.

The pictures of the revamped interior were

Rodano's Chianti Classico reflects a sense of place and tradition

Rodano Chianti Classico (DOCG) 2019, 14.50% ABV

RRP: €23.80. Stockists: Le Caveau, 64 Wine, Greenman Wines, Bradleys Cork

“Reflects a sense of place and tradition”

Our gorgeous Chinati Classico has a bright ruby colour with a garnet rim. Aromas are soft but fairly intense with cherries, forest fruit and an earthy hint. The savoury fruit is well balanced by the striking acidity and the long finish is enhanced by lingering red fruit flavours plus a hint of smoke.

Importers Le Caveau are happy with it: “..great to taste a

Have you tried the Spailpín Saison? On the craft trail with Killarney Brewing and Wicklow Wolf

On the craft trail with Killarney Brewing and Wicklow Wolf

Have you tried the Spailpín Saison?

Killarney Spailpín Saison 6.0% ABV, 750 ml bottle at the brewery

When you pour the Spailpín Saison (from its large bottle!), you will notice an abundance of tiny bubbles rising through the golden amber liquid and the soft white head. The aroma is mostly floral, with a light wheat note and a hint of spice. Refreshing and easy to drink, it is one of the better Irish saisons. Very Highly Recommended.

I wouldn't mind comparing it, head-to-head, with the

Beer of the Week. Wide Street Plush Pale Ale

 Beer of the Week

Wide Street Plush Pale Ale 4.3% ABV, 440 ml can Bradleys

This turned out to be quite the ambush, not at all what I was expecting. A very pleasant surprise indeed and Beer of the Week.

Pale gold is the colour of the Plush Pale Ale by

Esporão 2022 Alentejano. A taste of Alentejo sunshine at an affordable price.

Esporão 2022 Alentejano (IG), 14% ABV

€17.95 at Bradleys

A taste of Alentejo sunshine at an affordable price.

This deep ruby organic red boasts a captivating bouquet – aromas of ripe plums and cherries merge delightfully with a floral and herbal nuance. The first sip is a revelation.  Full-bodied yet surprisingly fresh, the wine offers a cascade of juicy red fruit flavours, beautifully balanced by a hint of spice and silky, well-integrated tannins. The finish is long and persistent, leaving you wanting more.

Offering a taste of the Alentejo sunshine at an

Poderi Del Nespoli Sangiovese - a wine for every occasion

Poderi Del Nespoli Sangiovese Romagna (DOC) 2020, 

13.5% ABV, €12.00 O’Donovan’s.

This is a wine for every occasion

This easy-to-drink organic Sangiovese is a wine for every occasion, proclaim the producers.

.It has a bright red ruby with violet highlights. Aromas are rich, with cherry and plum prominent. Full-bodied, it is smooth and intense, and fresh as

Experienced Paul Ryan is the new executive chef at Cork International Hotel. The Mallow native has over 20 years experience including roles in the USA and Middle East.

CORK INTERNATIONAL HOTEL APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Mallow native Paul Ryan has over 20 years’ experience including roles in the 

Middle East and USA

The experienced Paul Ryan is the new executive chef at Cork International Hotel and he wants to

Taste of the Week. Milk Chocolate & Marshmallow Cluster by Skellig Chocolate

Taste of the Week

Milk Chocolate & Marshmallow Clusters 

by Skellig Chocolate

Didn't make it as far as the beautiful St Finan's Bay and a view of the magnificent Skelligs during April's visit to Kerry.

I may have missed out on a