Weekend wine with Blake Creedon

THE public wine tastings featured here last week — and the suggestion that wine fans shouldn’t miss the opportunity — all still rings true.

But that autumn line-up has since been joined by arguably the best annual wine tasting in this country — albeit with a change of venue.

The Wines Of Spain open public tasting, organised each year by the Spanish embassy, has this year moved from its usual home in Dublin and will now take place at the Imperial Hotel, South Mall, Cork, on Thursday from 5.30pm to 7pm.

More than 180 reds, whites, rosés and of course sparkling Cavas will be open to taste, ranging from good solid everyday fare to elegant luxury wines.

Tickets, €20, are available from Sarah Currey on 01-2405387 or by email to [e-mail].

It’s a busy time for such events, with a dozen dos all over the country in the next fortnight alone. For instance, on the same night as the Spanish tasting, there’s another treat in Cork — a tutored tasting led by Emma Shaw of the excellent Langmeil winery in Australia’s Barossa region.

That event is repeated on the following evening in Dublin. Get details of these and all this season’s public wine events on my blog at blakecreedon.wordpress.com.

Of more immediate interest is Tesco’s Autumn Wine Festival on now until Tuesday, October 4, with reductions on at least 235 wines.

One of my highlights in that sale is from the terribly under-appreciated Madiran appellation in the south of France, which produces deep sumptuous reds driven by the robust but aromatic tannat grape.

There’s one other thing you should know about Madiran.

That innocent appellation has unfortunately attracted some nonsensical quackery suggesting it is particularly “good for” your health. The so-called ‘research’ I’ve seen, which is proffered to back up this claim, shows no such thing.

Rather than anxiously seeking magic wine, we’d all be better off enjoying it in moderation, with good grub, and in good company.

Now that sounds like the healthy option.

Tesco Finest Nero D’Avola Sicilia 2010, Reduced from €11.99 to €6 at Tesco

In one word — bargain! The robust Sicilian Nero d’Avola shares with many of its posh cousins on mainland Italy a delicious whiff of cherry and spice.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Reduced from €12.99 to €8 at Tesco

A mouthwatering white that’s sizzling with freshness, just one example of the good New Zealand sauvignon blancs on the market for under a tenner — Tesco’s special offers also include Brancott Estate and Grove Mill.

Tesco Finest Madiran Les Tuguets 2008, Down from €13.99 to €7 at Tesco

Ignore the health claims made for Madiran (see above) but do stock up on this for the sake of deliciousness. Rich and savoury, it’s a powerful autumnal red like a fruitbowl of plums with an herbal aroma that’ll put a glow in your cheeks.

Ringbolt Cabernet Sauvignon Margaret River, Reduced from €12.99 to €10 at Tesco

I never thought I’d see the day when a wine from posh western Australia would be so accessible in terms of price, but this lush, soft-textured cab sauv is practically a staple at this stage. Rich and dense it’d be my first choice with a steak.

Croix Des Bardes Lalande-de-Pomerol 2010, Down from €19.99 to €10 at Tesco

A lovely tart brambly merlot-dominated Bordeaux. I’m not convinced that this should ever command €20, but at a tenner it rocks, as does Tesco Finest Chateau Le Barrail 2009 and Réserve Saint-Clair Puisseguin Saint-Emilion 2009. Fill yer boots.

Tim Adams Semillon 2008 Clare Valley, Tesco; reduced from €19.99 to €10

Here’s another chance to try this outstanding wine — a slightly fleshy, pithy white shot through with electric acidity — at a bargain price. While you’re at it, you might enjoy comparing it with the multi-award winning McWilliams ‘Elizabeth’ Semillon 2005, which is similiarly reduced.