Wine with Leslie: More recommendations from Spain's wine scene
So the wine column is off to Spain again this week, partly because it is still Eat Spain Drink Spain month, the annual promotion run by the Spanish commercial office to promote all the nice things to eat and drink that come from Spain.
So the wine column is off to Spain again this week, partly because it is still Eat Spain Drink Spain month, the annual promotion run by the Spanish commercial office to promote all the nice things to eat and drink that come from Spain.
You don’t need me to tell you about Rioja, Cava and Ribera del Duero, I am guessing, and least of all about Albariño, given how much we consume in Ireland (we are still no. 3 in the world in volume sales).
By now you likely know about the Verdejo grape from Rueda, which is Spain’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc, but with a bonus herbal bitter lemon note.
Similarly, I have mentioned meaty, sensual Monastrell (from Valencia/Alicante) a few times.
There are lots of good value versions out there, in particular from Bodegas Castaño in Yecla (Bradleys, €16) and the Luzón range from Jumilla (O’Briens) are all worth a try.
Selections this week are three lesser-spotted Spanish wines. Priorat does get mentioned here a lot, but it is expensive so don’t miss the Mosaic Priorat in SuperValu for just €16, you won’t regret it.
It's about time I featured one of Brian O’Connor’s wines, Cork’s own brilliant natural wine specialist.
You will find Brian’s Wines in every decent restaurant and wine shop in Cork, and he is often about town, so watch for a big tall fella with a bottle of natural wine in his hand.
I featured my first Mencía in a while, a grape not nearly as common in Ireland as I would like.
Found in central Galicia (Valdeorras and Ribeira Sacra), and in Bierzo in Castilla Y Leon, the province to the east of Galicia.
Always bright and fruit-driven and with a lip-smacking freshness that works on its own or with tapas and even cheeseburgers.
Priorat is expensive, the vines produce tiny quantities, the steep sloped terrain has to be hand farmed and the region has fame.
I'm always happy then when this wine is on promotion as it is this week – a typical blend of Cariñena and Garnacha plus a little Syrah.
Ripe blackberry fruit aromas, supple and fruity on the palate with dark berry fruits and with an earthy edge on the crunchy finish.
This is reduced from €30 this month so a perfect time to try this tasty Mencía from central Galicia.
Tolo do Xisto means ‘Mad About Schist’ (a nod to their soils), aromatic and fruity with black cherry, cranberry and black pepper.
Bright, juicy and floral with some brusque acidity and freshness making this complex but also a rather joyously easy drinker.
Not quite a bargain but trust me – there is ‘atin’ and drinkin’ in this wine from Penedès.
Organic and natural with 30 days skin contact and aged in amphora for 5 months, made with Carignan blanc grapes.
Aromas of blood orange, grapefruit, apricots and lemon pith, beautifully textured and layered and a fine match for everything from pork chops to a salad niçoise.
A perfect beer for autumn from the always creative Kinnegar Brewing in Donegal.
This is a stout, pouring a dark chocolate brown colour with a creamy head, but has been cool fermented with a lager yeast to keep it fresh.
Aromas of roasted coffee and cacao with a chocolate and mocha palate and pleasing refreshing bitterness and acidity, fine body and a complex finish.
