Dance in a Can, Pass if you can, and one for the Nelson fans. On the Craft Trail with Hope, Western Herd, Wide Street

Western Herd Siege Pale Ale, 5.1% ABV, 440 ml can

A drink or a dance, "The Siege" is a winner. 

In the early 60s, Ireland’s showbands provided quite a variety of music in the country’s booze-free dance halls. The big-name bands didn’t start

Sun-kissed, silky-smooth and succulent. Purato Siccari Appassimento Rosso.

 Purato Siccari Appassimento Rosso Terre Siciliane (IGP) 2022, 14% ABV.

€17.00 Bubble Brothers.

Sun-kissed, silky-smooth and succulent, with plum and cherry character

Immerse yourself in the warmth of a Sicilian summer with the Purato Siccari Appassimento Rosso, a delightful red blend that bursts with character and tastes of the Sicilian sunshine.

The Art of Appassimento

The name "Siccari" hints at the wine's unique production method. Siccari translates to "sun-drying" in the Sicilian dialect, referencing the Appassimento technique. In this age-old tradition, some of the grapes are partially dried before fermentation, concentrating their sugars and flavours. The result? A luxuriously textured wine bursting with intense fruit character and a long finish.

This particular Appassimento is a masterful blend. Nero d'Avola, Sicily's flagship red grape, takes centre stage at 75%, while 20% Shiraz adds a touch of international flair. A sprinkling of local grapes, principally Frappato, rounds out the blend.

A Feast for the Senses

Pour yourself a glass and be greeted by a captivating ruby robe. Swirl it gently and inhale the intoxicating aromas of ripe plum and juicy cherry. Take a sip, and experience the magic of Appassimento firsthand. The juiciest red fruit flavours explode on the palate, along with a touch of spice and a smooth, velvety texture. Gentle tannins ensure a lingering finish, leaving you wanting more.

Beyond the Bottle: Sustainability and Food Pairings

This impressive vino isn't just about taste. Purato is committed to sustainability, using organic grapes and implementing eco-friendly practices throughout its production chain. Knowing your wine does good for the planet adds another layer of enjoyment. 

As for food pairings, Bubble Brothers suggests this wine as the perfect partner for a hearty meal. Imagine it alongside grilled meats, rich pasta dishes, or a selection of hard cheeses. Purato, pointing to the wine's versatility.

The Verdict: Highly Recommended

If you're looking for a full-bodied, flavour-packed red wine with a touch of Italian sunshine, look no further than Purato Siccari Appassimento Rosso. This impressive Appassimento offers exceptional value for money and is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, uncork a bottle,and raise a toast to la bella vita!

* Back to the label

Terre Siciliane IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta) translates to "Protected Geographical Indication." This is a broader designation than Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) and allows for slightly more relaxed winemaking regulations.

** #OrganicItaly

• This post is part of a series on Italian wines made from native grapes and produced by usually small or medium-sized organic wineries. Taking some “guidance” here from the recently published VINO. I may not always net the hat trick but hope to score two from the three each time. I have quite a few lined up but I’m happy to consider any suggestions or help. #OrganicItaly
• See the latest list here.

Beer of the Week. Heaney Irish Stout. Very much in the classic Irish Stout tradition..

Beer of the Week

Heaney Irish Stout, 4.3% ABV, 500 ml bottle Bradleys

Very much in the classic Irish Stout tradition.

Very much in the classic Irish Stout vein, this Heaney bottle is a favourite of mine and has been so for quite a while. It consistently looks, smells and tastes very much as you’d expect.

The colour combination is a black body and an off-white head. Roast coffee certainly leads the aromatics with dark chocolate also prominent. The flavour is rich. It is smooth and the finish is malty (dry and roasted). Glad to say this current bottle proves that the stout is as good as ever. Satisfaction more or less guaranteed.

Very Highly Recommended.

Heaney recommends pairing it with slow-cooked meat dishes (such as beef cheek, feather-blade of beef or shank of lamb) or pair with a rich chocolate dessert. Serve at ten degrees.

They say: For generations, our family farm has been a place of harvest and inspiration. Our beers are for after the graft. Rural thirst quenchers. Brewed and bottled by Heaney Farmhouse Brewery at The Wood, Bellaghy, Co. Derry.

Taste of the Week. Ummera Smoked Picanha

Taste of the Week

Ummera Smoked Picanha

Ummera Smoked Picanha Organic Irish  Aberdeen Angus Beef, to give it the full title, is our Taste of the Week. The product was first introduced a few years back and was awarded the Best New Organic Product at the

Tanora Spritz opens a flood of food memories at The Bookshelf.

Tanora Spritz opens a flood 

of food memories at The Bookshelf.

Fish Fingers

There was Sunday roast but thankfully no sign of Friday Fish on the "CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF CORK” menu at The Bookshelf in the Elysian at the weekend, the special dinner a part of the Cork on a Fork Festival.

Friday fish back then because the church, in its

CORK’S ELBOW LANE BREWERY WINS A ‘BEST IN IRELAND’ AT THE WORLD DRINKS AWARDS

CORK’S ELBOW LANE BREWERY WINS A ‘BEST IN IRELAND’ AT THE WORLD DRINKS AWARDS

Elbow Lane brewmaster Master Brewer, Russell Garret 

Cork’s irrepressible Elbow Lane Microbrewery, the smallest brewery in the country, has scored both a Gold Award and a Best in Ireland Award for its Elbow Lager at the

Blarney Castle Gardens. 12th August 2024. Horses, Swans, Cattle

Blarney Castle Gardens

12th August 2024

Horses, Swans, Cattle

Cygnets inc

Cork on a Fork Festival Kicks Off with a Flavour-Packed First Day

 press release

Cork on a Fork Festival Kicks Off with a Flavour-Packed First Day

Downtown on a Wednesday evening. Cork on a Fork Fest kicks off onMacCurtain Street
Pic: Joleen Cronin.

 

The highly anticipated Cork on a Fork Festival opened yesterday with an

Kuentz-Bas Le 4eme Tour Signature Alsace. The “signature” of the fruit, of the land, and of the winemaker

Kuentz-Bas Le 4^eme Tour Signature Alsace (AC) 2020, 13.5%

RRP: €19.95 O'Briens Wine On offer for 15.96 when bought.

The “signature” of the fruit, of the land, and of the winemaker

Our organic wine from the Alsace has a clear mid-gold colour with charming aromas of fruit (pear) and floral. The palate is full and dry with a lovely

Join Award-Winning Winemaker Jules Taylor At Rare In Kinsale For An Exclusive Wine & Food Pairing Experience

press release

Join Award-Winning Winemaker Jules Taylor At Rare In Kinsale For An Exclusive Wine & Food Pairing Experience

Rare at The Blue Haven is set to welcome New Zealand’s award-winning winemaker Jules Taylor for an exclusive wine and food pairing experience on 29th

Beer of the Week. Wicklow Wolf Locavore Summer 2024 Wheat Beer. A Taste of Wicklow in Every Sip

Beer of the Week 

Wicklow Wolf Locavore Summer 2024 Wheat Beer 5.5% ABV, 440 ml can, Bradleys

A Taste of Wicklow in Every Sip

The Wicklow Wolf Locavore Summer 2024 Wheat Beer is a refreshing ode to the Garden County. This golden gem pours with a hazy allure, tempting you to

Sips, sups and drams. And chats galore as Cork on a Fork Fest cheers up the city tomorrow Wednesday

Sip your way across Cork City with Cork on a Fork Fest’s lineup of unique local drink events.

You'll find whiskey aficionado at the Opera House at the weekend. 

From wine tastings and paired dining experiences, to brewery tours, cocktail masterclasses and Cork on a Fork’s very first BeerFest!

 

Festival goers to Cork on a Fork Fest this week will have the opportunity to sample local drinks and hear about the process.  Choose from craft beer experiences to local distillery tours, fine wine tastings with the best Cork sommeliers, paired dining experiences, and the festival’s Beerfest.

 

Taking place from August 14th - 18th, the events aim to

A Feast for the Senses: A Night at Monk's Lane

 A Feast for the Senses: A Night at Monk's Lane

Lamb

The Atlantic drizzle may have been softly creeping into the streets of Timoleague village and drifting through the long deserted refectory of the ancient abbey but, inside the nearby Monk's Lane last Thursday, a vibrant buzz filled the air of the dining room. 

Unlike the hushed reverence of some