In vino veritas - what wine are you drinking?

Buddy97mm · 26-11-2021 4:50pm

Chateauneuf du Pape, Cellier des Princes, on special in Tesco today, reduced from 25 euro to 12.50. Not sure if a day only offer for Black Friday, or if will continue.

Personally feel that Chateauneuf du Pape suffers somewhat from being so well known and that pricepoint does not always reflect true value as a result. That said, this seems like a good bargain, decent reviews online, bought a bottle to try later

the beer revolu · 27-11-2021 9:33am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118227852#Comment_118227852

I got one of these yesterday and tried it. Didn't really enjoy it much, at all. Bit thin and uninteresting, kinda harsh, too.

In hindsight, it probably far too young - 2020. I don't really have the experience to tell if it will age well or not, though.

Northpole · 01-12-2021 8:10pm

What wine did you have lately?

Buddy97mm · 01-12-2021 11:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118231029#Comment_118231029

Have to agree, this was okay overall as a wine bit disappointing as a Chateauneuf du Pape, not as vibrant or varied as I would have expected. Will not be re-buying.

OldRio · 03-12-2021 12:09pm

2020 would be too young in my limited opinion.

Buddy97mm · 09-12-2021 4:37pm

In Aldi today and saw their "Specially Selected" Amarone reduced to 10 euro, from around 17.

Not yet sure what it is like, but hard to go wrong with a bottle of Amarone for a tenner.

The Nal · 09-12-2021 4:41pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118296847#Comment_118296847

I found it a tad alcoholic.

Aldi have some great wines though. Had a few recently. The Chateauneuf du Pape, Barolo, Cotes du Rhone, Californian Zinfandel all drank recently and all really good. And theres a Chianti for a tenner (blue label) which is great too.

Buddy97mm · 11-12-2021 11:21pm

Drank a bottle of the Amarone tonight. It's decent, certainly worth a tenner, but overall disappointing as an Amarone,lacking the depth, complexity and richness that you would typically expect from such a wine. I did enjoy it though, but still feel it's more akin to a nice Ripasso than a true Amarone.

odyssey06 · 24-12-2021 6:37pm

Louis Martini Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

A perfect pairing for Christmas Eve dinner - california cab sav and Dunnes Stores Irish Angus 28-day matured beef rib roast on the bone (Yes I'm reading from the label...)

Some cribbed tasting notes...

Our 2017 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a densely layered wine showcasing plush notes of cherry cobbler and wild blackberries backed by hints of cedar and fresh herbs. Full-bodied and elegant, this Cabernet has a polished mouthfeel and an exceptionally long finish.

https://www.jusdevine.ie/store/red-wine/louis-martini-sonoma-cabernet-sauvignon/

Buddy97mm · 24-12-2021 7:17pm

An unusual wine for me tonight, from Aldi a Lebanese red from Bekka Valley. Not sure I've ever drank Lebanese wine before, but was intrigued when I saw this as part of Aldi's Specially Selected range, selling for 10.99 I think. Anyway, it's a very decent wine, full bodied, meaty and rich, lots of Berry and spice, i really enjoyed this and would certainly buy again at pricepoint.

https://groceries.aldi.ie/en-GB/p-lebanese-red-bekaa-valley-75cl-specially-selected/4088600404745

The Nal · 05-01-2022 10:21am

Down to 12 quid in Lidl. Nabbed the last few 2018 bottles.

https://www.lidl.ie/p/grocery-range-red-wines/saint-emilion-gran-cru-aoc-12-5/p3661

odyssey06 · 14-01-2022 2:09pm

I know we're not quite in lockdown, but people may not be keen on booking anything major for Valentine's Day which could be cancelled.

O'Briens are running a Valentine's themed online wine tasting, with Rizzardi of Italy, the tasting is €70.

What happens is you will get 4 bottles delivered (1 prosecco, 1 white, 1 red, 1 dessert wine) ahead of the tasting.

Then you are sent a link for Zoom.

The live tasting is on Thursday 10th February but if that doesn't suit, you can watch replay on Youtube.

If you're not keen on all of the bottles, you can just buy the particular ones you are interested in and anyone can watch the Youtube replay.

I did the Christmas one (belatedly on New Years Eve) and it was good fun.

They usually sell out fast!

https://www.obrienswine.ie/products/valentines-with-rizzardi-wine-tasting-case?utm_source=O%27Briens%20Wine%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=14.01.22%20-%20Valentines%20with%20Rizzardi&_kx=friqy3UCVFIqpnUrRftNlxPLZcXHMJlLoMozJ6Gg_WI%3D.SQgWTf

odyssey06 · 14-01-2022 6:11pm

Italian night with another celebrity wine...

This time it is 'Intenso' from Gordon Ramsay.

Cribbing tasting notes from Jancis Robinson in the FT:

Blended by the gifted Alberto Antonini from 50 per cent Tuscan Sangiovese, 30 per cent Montepulciano and 20 per cent Merlot from Abruzzo, with some ageing in old oak and fashionable concrete. Much the best of the trio launched recently by the celebrity chef. Fresh, fruity red that tastes a little bit sweet but is rescued by a certain fine texture on the finish, a real Antonini trademark.

It paired perfectly with dinner (porchetta), but I thought on its own there was a little too much of an oaky (?) finish.

€15 from Nolans D3 & WinesOfTheWorld.ie

Akula · 16-01-2022 9:53pm

I'm always wary of 'celebrity' wines. Feels like you are paying a premium for their name on it vs. somebody trading on their own name.

odyssey06 · 16-01-2022 10:18pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118486806#Comment_118486806

I keep an eye on the reviews for them... in general the celebs seem to have some real interest in wine or at least not wanting to be associated with crap and its not just a case of sticking their name on any old crap like some of the 80s endorsements of products. Of course they are not all successes but in general if you pick Tesco Finest say as a benchmark they are in that ballpark.

Northpole · 30-01-2022 5:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117840658#Comment_117840658

Now I have 38 posts ....

Northpole · 30-01-2022 5:33pm

Why not 39?

odyssey06 · 17-02-2022 8:21pm

Domaine du Crampilh Madiran from Lidl... think it was 9.99

This is a nice one, a step up in quality as you would expect from a LIDL 'wine tour' wine.

But in an understandable effort to boost sales Madiran has been tamed and lost its USP to a certain extent.

It was a crunchy red, barely drinkable on opening unless paired with some softening cheese... and then after 24 hours decanting rewarded with a formidable red wine that could stand up to any dish.

* Madiran uses the Tannat grape which has found a place in Uruguay. Garzon Tannat is an exceptional wine.

The Nal · 18-02-2022 9:48am

Great value in Aldi for 15 quid

Buddy97mm · 26-03-2022 7:33pm

Aldi is our regular haunt for the weekly shop and they have some new wines at the moment. Tried an Austrian Zweigelt and a Romanian Feteasca Neagra, both of which were very new to me, but both proved disappointing and quite harsh.

However, tonight had their Douro Mimo Moutinho, from the Specially Selected range, and it is quite excellent, lovely deep cherry notes, very smooth and easy drinking. Cant find a link to highlight, but not their regular Douro or Animus, seems to be newly available. Think it cost €9.99, and really worthwhile at that price point, would highly recommend.

odyssey06 · 29-03-2022 8:27pm

Sticking with ALDI some interesting ones lined up for the summer such as Corbieres

https://shelflife.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cfbee37636e85a964dc7a8cf4&id=57c73d94c3&e=53cf002351

odyssey06 · 01-04-2022 7:08pm

Annoying wine problem.

Buy red wine.

Leave in boot.

Run errand.

Get home.

Open bottle. Realise it is chilled!

the beer revolu · 02-04-2022 8:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118867665#Comment_118867665

Annoying.

A jug and some hot water is very effective. You just have to get the temperature and volume of the water right so you don't end up with mulled wine!

Black Sheep · 03-04-2022 12:02pm

Roisin Curley Nuit St George’s 2018.

I don’t actually like Pinot noir and this was a bit so so for me. I knew that buying it, but I also knew my wife would love it.

Curley is a cult favourite and you’ll find this and other wines from her on the radar of most sommeliers in Irish Michelin starred restaurants, but it’s for those who like a lighter red.

limnam · 02-05-2022 2:55pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118873970#Comment_118873970

Jeeps, Saucy enough too.

What did the missus think of it?

Black Sheep · 02-05-2022 4:09pm

Well, it’s a high quality wine, but in hindsight probably not a great grape choice to spend the money on.

odyssey06 · 02-05-2022 4:31pm

Gerard Bertrand Pic St Loup... nice warming red from the Languedoc with a bit of heft for these cool evenings.

€13.50 in O'Briens at the moment.

dmeehan · 02-05-2022 5:31pm

Sorry, posted in error. And can't delete.

the beer revolu · 03-05-2022 9:42am

I came across a Georgian natural wine called Pheasant's Tears, Saparafi (grape, red). It's the most a wine has moved me in a while.

Bit of a funky on the nose but really silky and elegant on the pallet.

Le Caveau bring it in.

limnam · 03-05-2022 10:29am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119008803#Comment_119008803

Did you get it in Latitude 51?

They seem to stock it

https://latitude51.ie/product/pheasants-tears-saperavi/

the beer revolu · 03-05-2022 3:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119009011#Comment_119009011

They do stock it but we had it in Nell's Wine Bar on McCurtain Street.

odyssey06 · 08-05-2022 5:38pm

Lyrarakis, Kotsifali grape, Crete

A first for me I think trying a Cretan wine and it is very nice. Reminisicent of young Pinot Noir or Nebbiolo.

https://www.theallotment.ie/products/lyrarakis-kotsifali-crete-greece

Black Sheep · 11-05-2022 1:49pm

Had a bottle of an Australian grenache shiraz called "Wallace" at the weekend. Named in honor of the winemaker's wife's scottish heritage. A really silly label with a big stern cross topped by a thistle.

But a fantastic wine!

HerrKuehn · 11-05-2022 2:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118873970#Comment_118873970

I wonder how much of this is due to the fact that she is Irish? I haven't seen any reviews of her wines from a non-Irish source. I know she is an MW, but she buys in most of the fruit as far as I am aware, that generally wouldn't be a great sign.

Black Sheep · 11-05-2022 7:50pm

I think she has a great story / brand that has boosted interest in her, but I also think the wines I’ve had from her track with comparatively priced wines from elsewhere in terms of the quality…. More or less. Tough one to call though: Maybe demand has played a role in her pricing to some extent, but that’s always the way with anything with a name, Irish or not.

I actually have a bourgone aligote from hers at the moment that I might open this weekend.

HerrKuehn · 12-05-2022 10:56am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119048323#Comment_119048323

Perhaps I am being a bit too cynical. I have noticed people in Chapter One drinking her wines on a few occasions. As I mentioned, I haven't actually read a review of her wine from a non-Irish source, so was wondering if it is a bit of supporting the home team. I drink a fair bit of Burgundy (less in the last 10 years or so due to rising prices), but I haven't tried any of her wines. I buy most of my wine from the UK as there is a huge difference in price between here and there. Her wines in the Irish market are around where you would expect a NSG to be I suppose, something like €60 for the NSG.

odyssey06 · 20-05-2022 5:05pm

Any recommendations for quarter or half bottles of reds in supermarkets or chain off licences?

I hoped we might see better options as a silver lining to MUP but no sign so far.

ALDI have a rioja 187ml for €2 which is about the best value for plonk.

M&S have 250ml Claret and Cotes du Rhone for €4.60, nice but pricey.

I've seen Portuguese red Segredos San Miguel half bottle for €7.99 which is nice but for that price I could take a punt on a full size bottle of ALDI or LIDL guest wine.

Kaybaykwah · 12-06-2022 1:56am

Domaine du vieil Aven, a Tavel Rosé with a nice touch. Nearly ruby in hue.

We have been delving into whites and rosés this summer in our little Franco-American kingdom. One of the many pleasures of scoping out these wines is the reasonably priced selection.

odyssey06 · 02-09-2022 6:34pm

Discounts at the moment on wines... September is wine buying month apparently.

Dunnes Stores have 20% off most French wines.

Supervalu have their French wine sale.

O'Briens have their wine sale on.

And some interesting findings from Jancis Robinson website on cooking with wine... I used to go with the old pre-MUP robust €5 shiraz myself for reds.

Sweet wines with high acid, such as medium-dry Riesling, and fortified wines, dry or sweet, such as madeira, sherry, marsala and port, were by far and away the best wines to cook with. Dry wines, red or white, disappeared, sometimes leaving dishes needing a bit more acidity. They didn’t seem to add much depth of flavour, no matter how simple or complex they were. The expensive wines made no more impact and added no more depth than the cheap wines. Tannic wines and oaked wines left a bitterness in the aftertaste of the dishes. Fruit matters – the wines with real juiciness of fruit added more to the dish than wines that were more on the savoury spectrum.

https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/cooking-wine-analysed?utm_term=Jancis%20Robinson_Newsletter_%202022-09-02&utm_campaign=Jancis%20Robinson_Newsletter&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email

the beer revolu · 03-09-2022 9:15am

Interesting about the wine in cooking.

If always found the much used phrase, "if you wouldn't drink it, don't cook with it", to be a load of shlte!

I don't drink soy sauce but I cook with it. However, I'll always taste a wine before using it if it's been there a while - I don't want vinegar when wine is called for.

I also think this idea of freezing wine for cooking as totally unnecessary. In our kitchen a bottle with the cork stuck in could be there for months and be still fine for cooking - but do taste first.

The last bottle that got sidelined for cooking was one we found way too fruity and a bit sweet - ideal according to the article!

The Nal · 16-09-2022 9:40am

Top restaurants use really old wine for cooking. I worked for a wine distributor and all the top places bought the old cheap **** from us. It's fine for most dishes.

Anyway finally tasted the 19 Crimes Wine. Fcuk me it's bad. Took us 20 years to replace Jacobs Leak as the most popular wine and we've replaced it with this absolute cats piss.

odyssey06 · 16-09-2022 2:16pm

Next talking point from the Guardian...

Adding a drop of water to higher alcohol red wine: yay or nay?

https://www.theguardian.com/food/2022/sep/16/just-add-ice-water-or-coke-zero-why-its-ok-to-dilute-strong-red-wine?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

BeerNut · 16-09-2022 5:04pm

Ah jaysis, that German lad will be back in a minute to tell us we're disgusting.

Black Sheep · 20-09-2022 7:40pm

In the summer on hots days if I'm drinking red I will sometimes choose a lower abv French malbec or a pinot noir maybe. Really high abv reds can be a bit soupy in the heat although cooling them addresses this.

Anyhoo- this evening... Wild Boy. About as much as you can do with a chardonnay in terms of funkiness and oak.

20-09-2022 7:47pm

Bought this in Dunne Stores recently

https://www.dunnesstoresgrocery.com/sm/delivery/rsid/258/product/prophecy-malbec-750ml-100228034

and drank it as I watched Ulster stuffing Connacht on Saturday. The wine was excellent, the rugby less so.

Highly recommended - and it's on special until 10/10/22!

Black Sheep · 21-09-2022 12:35pm

Love the label...

odyssey06 · 30-09-2022 7:33am

Seems like the right thread to post a heads-up about this wine tasting event...

The Rioja Wine Festival by WineOnline.ie will take place at the Printworks @ The Morrison Hotel, Dublin on Saturday 22nd October 2022.

The event will be run over two sessions in order to space out attendees and maximise interaction and your ability to taste as many wines as possible. Sessions will run from 2pm-5pm and 6pm–9 pm.

John Wilson, Irish Times wine columnist will host two masterclasses per session.

Tickets - two types:

General Admission Ticket: €35 per person - Taste over 80 wines, your own wine tasting glass to keep, tasting map, charcuterie & cheeses
Premium Masterclass Ticket: €45 per person - Taste over 80 wines, your own wine tasting glass to keep, tasting map, charcuterie & cheeses + Rioja Masterclass and Q&A with John Wilson, Irish Times wine columnist.

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-rioja-wine-festival-by-wineonlineie-tickets-415209401497

odyssey06 · 03-10-2022 11:48am

Interesting article on the troubles of US online wine marketplace Pix

https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/pix-inside-story

odyssey06 · 11-10-2022 7:30pm

The NOFFLA off licence wine award winners have been announced for this year.

This is not one of those prizes for everyone award show - very competitive.

Some of the winners...

Old World Red Under €12

Rioja Vega SemiCrianza 2020

Old World Red Under €15

Rioja Vega Crianza DOC2018

Old World Red Under €20

Vale D. Maria Douro Superior 2020

New World Red Under €12

Coral Reef Shiraz Cabernet 2019

New World Red Under €15

Portillo Malbec 2020

New World Red Under €20

d’Arenberg The High Trellis Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Read more: https://www.shelflife.ie/noffla-announces-irish-wine-show-star-awards-winners/#ixzz7hRCtn4Qp

Buddy97mm · 14-10-2022 3:49pm

No idea what it's like (yet) but Lidl selling a bottle of Margaux for €13.99, which seems exceptional value for any type of Margaux, high on my list for quaffing this weekend.

In vino veritas - what wine are you drinking?

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