October has been a brilliant month for oenophiles and if you’re looking for some different and delightful wines for the weekend, here’s a round up just for you. So far, Dublin has seen (and tasted) wines from some of the country’s finest independent importers at the SPIT Wine Festival, savoured Spain’s most popular and up and coming wines at the Spanish Wine Fair, and travel as far as South Africa (well, if we couldn’t go to South Africa, at least it came to us!) at the Second Wave Tasting, celebrating the exciting wines coming out of this prestigious New World Region.
Below, three wines for the weekend, which are really just a handful of the many bottles that stood out from recent tastings…
Domaine Zinck Crémant d’Alsace Rosé
12% ABV
€29.46 – Available at SIYPS
This organic sparkling wine is made from 100% Pinot Noir, which is one of the varieties used for Champagne. Tried and loved at the SPIT Wine Festival, where a wide array of independent and alternative wines had oenophiles spoiled for choice. Ballerina pink and with very cheerful bubbles, it’s an elegant fizz that will regale you with fresh raspberries, strawberry shortcake and cherry notes.
Balanced and dry, one sip just calls for the next one in a wine that will be perfect as an aperitif or paired withpoulty or lightly seasoned fish dishes.
Spice Route Chenin Blanc 2015
13.5% ABV – South Africa
€21.95 – Available at Baggot Street Wines, Drinkstore.ie
This vibrant white wine came all the way from the prestigious South African coastal region of Swartland and it was a fine example of the modern and generous wines coming from the country. Clear and crisp, it was an aromatic intro to ripe citrus fruits and juicy nectarines.
On the palate, a cooling sensation and a light body were met with a medium body, texture gained after 9 months matured in old French oak.
Conde Valdemar Reserva 2010
13.5% ABV – Spain
€23.95 – Available at O’Briens Wine nationwide
After revisiting this rich and smooth Rioja at the Wines from Spain fair, we found out it won Red Wine of the Year at the 17th annual Irish Wine Show Star Awards. It’s a balanced blend of Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano (the region’s classic combo), that offers that sweet spot where the liveliness of fruit and the elegance of maturity converge.
Ripe blackberries, toast and a hint of vanilla are delivered wrapped in moderate tannins and a very pleasant texture.
Gabriela’s passion for writing is only matched by her love for food and wine. Journalist, confectioner and sommelier, she fell in love with Ireland years ago and moved from Venezuela to Dublin in 2014.
Since then, she has written about and worked in the local food scene, and she’s determined to discover and share the different traditions, flavours and places that have led Irish food and drink to fascinate her.
Gabriela Guédez Gabriela Guédez
