I don’t do favourites. I have no favourite colour, book, song or wine. However, if I have noticed that in recent years I am drawn to fresher brighter red wines — Mencía from Spain, Blaufrankisch from Austria, Pinot Noirs from almost everywhere, and Nebbiolos from Piedmont.

A wine bar and restaurant company co-owned by TD Mick Wallace made a profit of €40,000 last year, although the firm’s debts continued to grow by €63,732 to nearly €400,000.

Bastible, 111 South Circular Road, Dublin 8; tel: 01-4737409; www.bastible.com 

In recent days the vineyards of Champagne and those of the Cote d’Or in Burgundy were both given United Nations World Heritage Status for the continuity and quality of their wines and ancient vineyards.