Saturday, February 11, 2012
THERE was an embarrassment of riches at the annual New Zealand wine fair last week.
Because of the sheer volume of wines worth looking out for, I’ve started with the whites and will follow up with reds, plus one astounding surprise dessert wine, next week.
Today’s highlights are complemented by a further few dozen on my blog at blakecreedon.wordpress.com.
* With St Valentine’s Day coming up on Tuesday, if you were thinking of booking a restaurant table for two, you’d better hop to it. If dining at home, it may be tempting to explore the more expensive and arcane end of the wine shop for ‘something special’. But make sure your starting point is what your partner is apt to enjoy. Wines I might associate with romance, such as a fragrant gewürztraminer, can be quite challenging styles and not everyone likes them. Think fizz. And, matching the rosy hue of the card shops, you could also think pink. Why not? All but the most robust red meat dishes, dinner could go delightfully with pink fizz, such as the terrific Bluff Hill Sparkling Brut Rosé from New Zealand at M&S: peaches and cream in a glass.
* Among the special events on Tuesday is the Valentine’s Night dinner in aid of Threshold at the English Market in Cork — a rare night-time opening of the award-winning restaurant in the atmospheric restaurant promising a fun and romantic evening for couples, singles and bunches of friends alike, and all in a good cause. It’s €50 per head
* On Friday at 6pm or 8pm, taste from more than 80 wines in the big open tasting at ely bar and brasserie, IFSC. Tickets are €20. Email wineclub@elywinebar.com.
* And on Thursday, Feb 23, the Hayfield Manor Wine Society presents a five-course dinner prepared by executive chef Graeme Campbell paired with wines from the Santa Sofia winery in Italy selected by sommelière Sandra Biret-Crowley. It begins with aperitifs at 7pm, and dinner is served from 7.30pm. The event costs €79 per person. Book on 021-4845909 or at events@hayfieldmanor.ie.
Giesen Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, €9.99
Other Kiwi sauv blancs are sometimes cheaper on special offer, but at its regular price of under €10 this electric number has to be the best value on the market. Nationwide Wineonline, Cork O’Donovan’s; Dublin area Jus de Vine; Deveney’s; & D.SIX Harold’s X; Red Island, Skerries; Martins, Fairview; Londis, Malahide; Gibneys, Malahide; Savages Swords; Power & Smullen, Lucan; Hollands Bray; Plantagen Malahide, Clonee, Dunboyne; Avoca, & Blackrock.
Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011, €12.95
Despite the name change from Montana, this is one of the most recognisable New Zealand wines and indeed the most widely available. Often featured in supermarkets’ loss-leader sales, don’t wait til then: grassy, racy and vibrant, it deserves to be savoured young and is terrific value even at full price. Widely available at supermarkets and independents alike.
Elephant Hill Sauv Blanc Hawke’s Bay 2010, €12
A relative newcomer first launched in 2006, this is a soft, fragrant, mouthwatering sauv blanc inflected with the tantalising aroma of red apple. Imported by Nash Wines, stockists include the following. Cork Matsons Bandon; Dublin The Hole in the Wall, Blackhorse Avenue; Galway Cases; Waterford Ardkeen; Wicklow The Parting Glass, Enniskerry.
Saint Clair Vicar’s Choice Sauv Blanc 2010, €13.39
If your mission is affordable but now dumbed-down kiwi quality, start here. An alert sauvignon that’s ripe for shellfish. Imported by Findlater, stockists include the following. Nationwide O’Briens, Nextdoor, Fine Wines Dublin Mitchells & Sons; Cork Bradleys, O’Driscolls; Tipp Eldons of Clonmel; Galway Cases; Joyces.
Mud house Sauv Blanc Marlborough 2011, €16.50
If there’s one common thread to this premium range, it’s alert aromatic on the nose followed through by a crisp, calm palate. The range, including a gorgeous off-dry riesling, is imported by James Nicholson Wines and available at www.jnwine.com.
Aotea Sauvignon Blanc Nelson 2011, €16.49
Marlborough isn’t New Zealand’s only wine regions you know — here’s an old favourite from Nelson, a subtly expressive aromatic. Imported by Classic Drinks. Stockists include Cork Pinecroft, Grange; Matsons, Bandon; Mannings, Bantry. Dublin Hole in the Wall, D7; Tipp The Wine Cellar, Cashel; Waterford No 5 Off-Licence; Worldwide Wines.
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