Corks pop for top off-licence

THE importance of knowing the difference between a vintage wine and cheap plonk was highlighted during efforts to find the country’s finest off-licence yesterday.

The champagne corks popped for the Wine Centre in Kilkenny City, when it was named as the National Off-Licence of the Year at the RDS in Dublin.

The final stage of judging for the 25 finalists was a blind-tasting test, to ascertain each retailers’ palate for fine wines. With growing numbers developing a taste for good wine, helpful advice from store staff is a rapidly emerging demand from customers.