Wine with Leslie: Wine recommendations with island heritage
Pic: iStock
All my recommendations this week are from islands with their own distinct viticultural heritage.
All three are lighter in texture than you would expect, especially the Mount Etna and Tenerife wines grown on volcanic soil which adds a mineral character.
All will taste even better if drunk on their respective islands of course, but they are also pretty good in a suburban Irish garden, ideally served a little cool.
From a family winery with many 100 year old pre-phylloxera ungrafted vines including vines grown in the traditional braided fashion.
Made from Listán Negro and Tintilla grapes this has salty mineral aromas mixed with red fruits - bright juicy and supple with a tang of bitter cherry skin. Not to every taste but I love it!
Made from biodynamically grown Callet and Montonegro-Fogoneu, both grapes are native to Mallorca.
Dark ruby hue with herbal red fruit aromas mixed with leather and spice — elegant and supple and packed with ripe berry fruits. Any Mallorcan wine made with Callet is worth trying.
From the Mandrarossa Co-Op who have several Sicilian wines available in the independent sector — watch for their Grillo, Fiano or Nero d’Avola.
From Nerello Mascalese grapes grown on volcanic soils with blackberry and red currants and a hint of mineral salts - fruity and soft, elegant and medium-bodied and perfect for warm days.
As prices creep up it is good to see Aldi continue to support craft beer and cider producers. Armagh Cider is made by the Troughton family who have been growing apples in the Orchard County since 1898 and currently have 80 acres of orchards.
There is a Dry, Medium and Sweet with the dry being my favourite. Al are made with fresh pressed apples. Pouring a straw gold colour with aromas of bruised apple and sweet pear this is crisp, bright and fruity with a pleasing apple-lemon tang on the finish.
