Monday, June 29, 2009

ROSEY ROSÉ




Rosé wines

W
ith the weather we are having at the moment (long may it last!) I feel I have to chat about one of my favourite wine styles – Rosé wines.
Now before you tune out & dismiss the notion that Rosé wines are but wines that ‘are neither here nor there’ I feel you should give them another try.

If you're invited to a trendy summer party, chances are you'll find some lovely pink choices at the wine table. Don't assume your connoisseur host has suddenly developed a taste for "sweet White Zin in a box." Dry Rosé wines are officially back in vogue (& not just in Woodberrys) and there is much to enjoy in these mouth-watering wines.

Rosé's chequered Past in Europe, dry Rosé wines are a must on hot summer days in the southern regions, where locals call for a refreshing dry wine that still bears some resemblance to its red counterpart, but without the weight. Some of the finest High quality Rosé is produced in France, Spain, Australia & New Zealand and is served throughout the summer months.
In the US, dry Rosé were enjoyed well into the '70s. But in the '80s, wine marketers began to call inexpensive, sweet Rosé "white," introducing the hugely popular "White Zinfandel." Since the advent of White Zin, this misunderstood wine style has battled a dubious reputation at best, and left many wine drinkers wary of anything pink in the glass.


Pink is the New White we are happy to report that the tide has officially turned. With the release of a number of excellent dry Rosé wines from around the world, Rosé is a stylish summer choice.


I was recently reading that ‘The New York Times.’ ran an article on Rosé titled "The Summer Drink to be seen with," claiming that Rosé has replaced the cosmopolitan as the "chick drink" in NYC bars. Do you think Carrie Bradshaw will be drinking Rosé in the upcoming film? – remember you heard it here first!


Creating the Perfect Pink

To put it simply, Rosé is crushed like a red wine, and then fermented like a white wine. Rosé can be made from a variety of red grapes - Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and are often blends of several varietals. Rosé provides all the typical fruit flavours that are found in the red version of a varietal, but with a really juicy, fresh expression. Like a red wine, after the grapes are pressed, the juice is left in contact with the skins for a day or two, extracting flavour, structure and, above all, colour.

Now the process described above is where the recent Rosé wine controversy springs into play, it seems many commercial wine companies decided the above process was too time consuming & probably too costly, therefore they decided to make Rosé wine by simply adding a bit of red wine to a white wine, now this is where cheap wine gets a bad name, the quality is obviously a disaster & the flavours are a mixed jumble of mixed up wine which does not know if it is supposed to be a red or a white wine! Hopefully the new regulations – which will hopefully be enforced soon - will prevent this cowboy method of Rosé wine making from continuing.


While Rosé styles vary dramatically, the best are bone-dry and elegant, fresh and crisp, and unusually juicy on the palate. Rosé wines tend to have has a lovely, bright wild strawberry colour and bursts with flavours of peach, strawberry, watermelon and red cherry in the mouth. (Obviously depending upon the grapes used)Rosés are refreshing spring or summer aperitifs - always served well chilled. While many enjoy Rosé with light food & fruits, particularly the new world Rosé wines – as they tend to be punchier & fruit forward.

Old world rosé wines should probably be served without food, as they tend to be more delicate in flavour, but look, that is the beauty of wine it is a personal choice, just give it a try............

Thursday, June 18, 2009

20% off 20 Wines.

“God Bless the recession. It's the Patron Saint of Wine Value.”

We have 20% off 20 wines, but hurry stocks are limited on all wines, as always first come first serve basis.

THE REDS

DOMAINE MAZURD COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ‘ VALREAS’ 2005 (France) Regular Price € 16.95 SLASHED TO €13.56 ( Save 20% )

WAIPARA SPRINGS PINOT NOIR 2008 (New Zealand) Regular Price € 17.95 SLASHED TO €14.36 ( Save 20% )

LENGS & COOTER ‘THE VICTOR’ SHIRAZ 2004 (Australia)
Regular Price € 14.95 SLASHED TO €11.96 ( Save 20% )

ZENATO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2007 (Italy)
Regular Price € 13.95 SLASHED TO €11.16 ( Save 20% )

ZENATO RIPASSA SUPERIORE 2007 (Italy) Regular Price € 21.95 SLASHED TO €17.56 ( Save 20% )


JIM BARRY ‘THE COVER DRIVE’ CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 (Australia) Regular Price € 17.95 SLASHED TO €14.36 ( Save 20% )

ETERNUM VITI TORO 2007 (Spain)
Regular Price € 14.95 SLASHED TO €11.96 ( Save 20% )

ARGENTO MALBEC RESERVA 2007 (Argentina)
Regular Price € 12.95 SLASHED TO €10.36 ( Save 20% )

CATENA MALBEC 2006 (Argentina)
Regular Price € 17.95 SLASHED TO €14.36 ( Save 20% )

THE WHITES

CAVE DE LUGNY MACON LUGNY 2006 (France)
Regular Price € 13.95 SLASHED TO €11.16 ( Save 20% )

WAIPARA SPRINGS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2008 (New Zealand)
Regular Price € 14.95 SLASHED TO €11.96 ( Save 20% )

YALUMBA Y SERIES UNWOODED CHARDONNAY 2007 (Australia)
Regular Price € 13.95 SLASHED TO €11.16 ( Save 20% )

ZENATO LUGANA 2008 (Italy)
Regular Price € 13.95 SLASHED TO €11.16 ( Save 20% )

FINCA REMENDIO VERDEJO 2007 (Spain)
Regular Price € 14.95 SLASHED TO €11.96 ( Save 20% )

ARGENTO CHARDONNAY RESERVA 2007 (Argentina)
Regular Price € 12.95 SLASHED TO €10.36 ( Save 20% )

CATENA CHARDONNAY 2006 (Argentina)
Regular Price € 17.95 SLASHED TO €14.36 ( Save 20% )

THE BUBBLES

LOUIS ROERDER BRUT CHAMPAGNE (France)
Regular Price € 53.95 SLASHED TO €43.16 ( Save 20% )

MIONETTO SERGIO (Italy) Regular Price € 19.95 SLASHED TO €15.96 ( Save 20% )

MIONETTO SERGIO ROSE (Italy)
Regular Price € 21.95 SLASHED TO €17.56 ( Save 20% )

RENAIXENCA CAVA BRUT (Spain)
Regular Price € 15.95 SLASHED TO €12.76 ( Save 20% )

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

100% Natural 110% Delicious, The Belvoir Pressés

One of the big hits in the shop over the last few weeks, has been the Belvoir farm pressés. The pressés come in six different flavours and each is made with 100% natural ingredients. Belvoir Farm is located in Lincolnshire, England and all the ingredients are sourced locally to ensure freshness. Theses ingredients fruits, flowers and spices blended are with fresh water from the springs at Belvoir and because they use so much real fruit juices in each one they taste great with no cloying aftertaste of flavourings (as the drinks don't use any!). In fact the whole range of belvoir products we stock, not just the organic ones, are completely preservative free, no artificial flavourings and no E-numbers making them a healthier, not to mention flavoursome option.


Belvoir Pressé


Cranberry Pressé
A refreshing blend of the finest cranberry juice (15%) with a touch of blackcurrant and blueberry juice together with spring water gives a deliciously dry, fruity taste.


Lime & Lemongrass Pressé
A deliciously aromatic blend of fresh lime juice and a hand-made pressed extract of lemongrass to give a crisp and refreshing soft drink. Wonderful thirst quencher when served chilled or over ice.


Summer Cooler
Fresh cucumber, fresh mint extract (extracted at Belvoir farm), spring water and a hint of geranium blossom – what better way to refresh your body and soul on a summers day than with the Summer Cooler pressé served chilled? This delightful and unique blend is a real thirst-quencher. A huge hit with us, and well worth a try!


Organic Elderflower Pressé
Made from the masses of freshly picked elderflowers from the organic elder flower plantations at Belvoir, blended with whole sliced organic lemons and spring water to give the delicate scented and incredibly refreshing taste. Serve it chilled as a sophisticated alternative to white wine.


Belvoir Organic Hand-made Lemonade
Ever wanted lemonade like we see in American films, well now is your chance. This pressé is lightly sparkling and hand made. It is made following a home recipe from organic lemons and includes cooking the rinds to extract the natural lemon oil. Zesty, lemony and light - a perfect healthy summer refresher just like in the movies.


Organic Ginger Beer
Anyone who has ever read the ‘Famous Five’ books or seen the TV show has heard of ginger beer. But few of us have ever had the opportunity to try it! The Organic Ginger beer is made by cooking the fresh ginger to give the beer a real bite. This pressé is really refreshing, but be warned it is not for the faint hearted, the ‘ginger bite’ packs a wallop. This pressé is a big hit with everyone who has tried it and is must try!!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

Mionetto Prosecco Brut Back In Stock



As I'm sure some of you will have noticed over the last two weeks Mionetto's wonderful prosecco brut has been out of sight but not out of mind, as many of you have been asking for it. The good news is the Mionetto Prosecco Brut is back and it appears to have brought some warm Italian Sunshine with it. Now we can all enjoy a relaxing glass of our favourite sparkling wine in the lazy sunny evenings. Also look out for the fantastic Mionetto Sergio Prosecco. The Sergio is the top of the line when it comes to Mionetto's prosecco and is well worth a try if you love their Prosecco Brut. The Sergio is made to a 100 year old family formula and is superbly dry with fantastic granny smith flavour and a touch of Asian pear.



As well as the return of Mionetto's great prosecco, the stunning new vintage of Il Poggione's Rosso di Montalcino has arrived. This great wine is the little brother Il Poggione's Brunello di Montalcino( Brunellos are some of Italy's most famous and sought after wines). It has great aromas of wild red berrys and a palate that is velvety and rich, leading to a long lingering finish!

Friday, June 12, 2009

New Zealand Wine Tasting

Last night we held our New Zealand wine tasting in the lovely Gallery Café in the Galway City museum, many thanks to Elaine of the Gallery Café for having us. A big thank you also to Joyce Austin of New Zealand Boutique Wines, our guest for the evening. Joyce is currently living in New Zealand and works on the ground with many of the producers whose wines that were on the evening. The following is a list of the wines tried.

All of these wines are also part of our 48 hour Special New Zealand promotion.

The Whites

Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 20% off was €16.95 now €13.56

The Greenhough wines come from Nelson an area in the North of New Zealand’s South Island not far from Marlborough. Whites from Nelson tend to be a bit rounder and fuller than those from Marlborough. This particular wine offers citrus and finishes with bright acidity and mouth-watering zest. Really outclasses many of its rivals from Marlborough.

Waipara Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2008 20% off was €14.95 now €11.96

Clean and focused backed up by crisp ripe acidity and concentration. Pungent aromas of passion fruit, spearmint and lime complement a rich palate with focused acidity and great length.

Muddy Water Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 20% off was €16.95 now €13.56

This wine displays green capsicum, gooseberry and tropical fruit flavour not as grassy as some of its compatriots. This has an almost eternal texture and a truly satisfying finish. If you love Sancerre this is a must try wine! This wine different in style from many of the well known New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs and because of this was many peoples favourite Sauvignon of the night.

Muddy Water Chardonnay 2006, 20% off was €24.95 now €19.96

A Woodberrys Icon this fantastic wine is matured for 11 months in French oak barriques. It is an elegant, rich and youthful wine with grapefruit-like, gently oaked, slightly buttery flavours and fresh and lively acidity, this is a fantastic food wine. A steal at this price!

Greenhough 'Hope Vineyard' Chardonnay 2006, 20% off was €21.95 now €17.56

This impressive single vineyard wine surprised many last night and was probably a close tie with the Muddy Water Sauvignon Blanc as most impressive white tried on the evening. It has a pale straw colour and has hints of cream and butterscotch. It is delicate yet complex with ripe, citrusy slightly minerally nutty flavours and a wonderfully texture and fresh acidity.

The Reds

Waipara Springs Pinot Noir 2008, 20% off was €17.95 now €14.36

This delicate fresh young wine has an almost rosé colour, it exhibits fresh red berry fruits like cherry and raspberries. This combines with minerality and concentration on the palate make this wine a wonderful fresh red. A great way to try this would be to slightly chill it and enjoy it on a warm summer evening.

Greenhough Pinot Noir 2007, 20% off was €19.95 now €15.96

Lots of fruit flavour, with nice tannins and a seductive juicy finish. This is an extremely food friendly pinot. This wine drinks like a charm, with a core of succulent fruit and a spicy, herbal complexity. It has a lingering savoury finish. A real Bargin at this price!

Waipara Springs ‘Premo’ Pinot Noir 2007, 20% off was €23.95 now €19.16

This wine recently got 93 points in The Wine Spector. And you can see why this wine is smooth and beautifully focused. It has delicous cream accented currant and blueberry flavours with a hint of nutmeg leading to a long lingering expressive finsih finish.

Greenhough ‘Hope Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2005, 20% off was €32.95 now €26.36

The Greenhough Hope vineyard pinot noir ranks among New Zealands top pinots. And with this wine you could see why, it is blessed with a nose of brambles, dark cherry and exotic spices. the palate is densely concentrated mix of berry and hints of cocoa, licorice and spice. All this blends together to create an exceptional pinot noir.

Muddy Water ‘Slow Hand’ Pinot Noir 2006, 20% off was €27.95 now €22.36

This Single vineyard wine from Muddy Water deep rich cherry red colour, with a soft preserved plum and red leather with a hint of forest floor character on the nose. this wine has a wonderful silky texture with a fine and savoury palate. The finish is long and persistent.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

48 Hour New Zealand Special Offer

48 hour Special Offer 20% Off any 6 bottle mix.
This offer ends this Saturday 14th of June at 7 p.m


Buy any mixed case of 6 bottles of any of the following wines and get 20% off.


The Whites

Waipara Springs Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 20% off was €14.95 now €11.96

Greenhough Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 20% off was €16.95 now €13.56

Muddy Water Sauvignon Blanc 2008, 20% off was €16.95 now €13.56

Greenhough 'Hope Vineyard' Chardonnay 2006, 20% off was €21.95 now €17.56

Muddy Water Chardonnay 2006, 20% off was €24.95 now €19.96


The Reds

Waipara Springs Pinot Noir 2008, 20% off was €17.95 now €14.36

Greenhough Pinot Noir 2007, 20% off was €19.95 now €15.96

Waipara Springs ‘Premo’ Pinot Noir 2007, 20% off was €23.95 now €19.16

Muddy Water ‘Slow Hand’ Pinot Noir 2006, 20% off was €27.95 now €22.36

Greenhough ‘Hope Vineyard’ Pinot Noir 2005, 20% off was €32.95 now €26.36

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

There is more to Spain than Rioja.

Its amazing to see we’ve taken to the hot weather like a fish to water everywhere I looked last weekend people we either loading up and heading to the beach or preparing for the new great love of the Irish people the barbeque. And who could blame us after the terrible summer last year when most barbequing was done inside the door of the shed watching the rain teeming down. Now we all know a lovely Aussie shiraz goes lovely with the Barbeque, and Rioja provides a great alternative, but I began to wonder this weekend about great Spainish alternatives to Rioja.

The other wine producing areas in Spain, Toro, Bierzo and Ribera del Duero have been leading the charge in the challenge to Riojas supremacy. And this competition that can only mean good news for you and me. In the last few years these regions have really come into their own and out from the shadow of Rioja and are now producing wines to equal some of their more well known Rioja Rivals. I have put together a list, below, of three alternative Spanish reds all around the price of a good Rioja Crianza. If you love Rioja, but are looking for something different try these and let us know what you think.

Obra Roble, Ribera Del Duero

This fantastic red is from Ribera del Duero, by far the and away the leader of the pack in regions chasing Rioja, has inviting dark and red fruit aromas on the nose with an interesting floral hint. The palate has sumptuous red fruit flavours and a touch of chocolate leading to a long lasting finish. This is an absolutely great wine to have with cooked red meat of any kind.


Eternum Viti, Toro

What can I say about this wine, once you try it you’ll wonder what life was like with out it. 100% Tinto de Toro (Tempranillo) from Spain’s up and coming region in the north west, Toro. The world renowned wine critic Robert Parker gave this wine 90 points recently. And its no wonder, once you try this dark inky wine, with its alluring nose of toasty oak, black fruits, tobacco and leather. The palate has huge black fruit flavours that is smooth and sweet. What a wine! Just try it with steak.

Motivo, Bierzo

From another up and coming region in North West Spain, Bierzo This is a fantastic everyday drinking red has an interesting nose of dried coffee grounds with nutty hints. It has an soft mouthfeel violets and gentle fruits, and good balanced acidity a lovely finish.


It not just all about Rioja anymore.