We’re finally en route to spring, and as the days become a little bit longer and brighter the time has come for a flavourful transition from winter warmers to the type of versatile tipples enjoyable rain or shine. Below, three wines for the weekend that are in that sweet happy medium between comforting richness and refreshing fruitiness.
Gérard Bertrand La Vieille Capitelle
13% ABV
€14.95 – Availabel at O’Briens Wine
Languedoc winemaking superstar Gérard Bertrand is behind this blend of Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah. It balances ripe red fruit, moderate tannins and a hint of spice. Gentle use of oak adds a pleasant layer of toastiness.
A fine companion for steak and beef dishes, but also one to casually share along a plentiful cheese and meat board.
Los Gansos Chilean Gewürztraminer
13.5% ABV
€8.99 – Available at Aldi
Chile’s Bio Bio Valley, one of the world’s most austral wine regions, is a home far from home for Gewürztraminer, an aromatic white variety most often seen coming from Germany or Alsace.
Floral and with pleasant aromas of juicy tropical fruits, this perfumed gewurz has a plump body and will pair nicely with mildly seasoned Chinese cuisine or sushi.
Pittnauer Pitti
13% ABV
€18.50 , available at Green Man Wines, Mitchel and Son
This biodynamic blend of local varieties Zweigelt and Blaufränkisch with a dash of Merlot comes from the Austrian region of Burgenland to the south of Vienna. It has soft tannins and generous floral aromas combined gracefully with juicy blackberries and red cherries.
One for lovers of lighter reds, and the ideal companion to an earthy paté or terrine or roasted pork.
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
