Weekend wine with Blake Creedon

THE annual National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) Gold Star awards comprise an eclectic range of wines across several price bands which is, crucially, selected through blind tastings.

On sale now in some 350 off-licences around the country, it’s a terrific way to simplify the dauntingly large range of wines in our shops without dumbing down. Here are four highlights.

* THE annual Portuguese Wine Fair takes place this year at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 8 on Monday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Phone [phone] or email [e-mail].

* On Wednesday at 5.30pm, Graham’s Port and Lily O’Briens present a port and chocolate tasting in The Port House, Dublin 2. Phone [phone] or see www.porthouse.ie.

* The Franciscan Well brewpub in Cork celebrates Octoberfest next weekend. See Beer Of The Week on page 23 for details.

* For more events all over the country, see my blog at blakecreedon.wordpress.com, and if you are involved in such events, email the details to [e-mail].

Sauvignon L’Abbaye 2010, Old world white — under €8

Light, slight sauvignon blanc from the Loire with a terrific new-world-style nose of lemon and grass.

Castillo de Benazir Cosecha 2010, Old world red — under €8

Medium-bodied La Mancha tempranillo scented like bruised black cherry. Needs air so let it breathe.

Contrada Del Falco 2009, Old world red —under €14

This light-bodied red is a winner for its scent alone, redolent of red apples, berries and spice.

Campo Viejo Cava Brut Reserva NV, Sparkling wine — under €25

This is why Cava is butting Champagne to one side: Splendid, friendly, medium bubbly for about €13.