WE are just weeks away from the fourth edition of the Polish Wine Fest.
The annual event, so well organised by Polish ex-pats Maggie Domaradzka and Maja Ignaczewska, is now an important part of the Irish wine calendar.
They will deliver a great range and variety of whites, reds, rosés and sparklers from right across the wine regions of their homeland, with many new vintages of the wines that have already excited Irish taste buds.
The event, at the Fumbally Stables, Dublin 8, on Sunday, April 6, has also enticed new winemakers to debut their wines on the day.
To date, 13 wineries have confirmed that their wines will be on show – with three travelling for the first time.
The day has been split into two sessions (12-3pm, and 4-7pm) with a one-hour Masterclass in each session delivered by Maciej Nowicki from Ferment Magazine.
Some 60 wines will be available for tasting, with the opportunity to purchase those you like and drink in the comfort of your home – or sip your favourites in the event’s wine bar.
And for those of you who have developed a taste for pierogies, those wonderful Polish delicacies will be on sale on the day, along with oscypek, a traditional smoked cheese made from sheep’s milk.
Tickets for either session (including admission to the Masterclass) is just €40.05 – and €15 from your ticket is fully redeemable on purchases or orders above €120 made on the day. (One ticket can only be redeemed per transaction above €120).
Tickets are selling fast and are available online here.
Chateau Bentejac 2022 (ABV 14 per cent)
Currently €9.95 @ O’Briens Wine
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
A SUPER wine to begin your journey through the vineyards of Bordeaux.
Merlot based (90 per cent), with Cabernet making up the rest of the blend, it has an appealing ruby colour.
The nose oozes ripe black summer fruit notes with a hint of oak and spice.
The welcoming palate is light and driven by soft summer fruit, with smooth tannins, good acidity and a touch of spice.
A seductive and more-ish wine.
Enjoy with: Flash-fried steak.
Star rating: ****
Colin Bourisset Bourgogne 2023 (ABV 13 per cent)
Currently €9.99 @ Lidl outlets
Grape: Chardonnay
UNFUSSY, easy drinking white Burgundy that hits the spot, perfect for Easter barbecue sipping.
Straw colour, with a light yellow hue, there is notes of green apple and stone fruit on the nose.
The palate is quite light, but fresh and delicate, with that green apple coming through, some citrus, some minerality, and a little nutty note on the finish.
Enjoy with: Light pasta dishes.
Star rating: ***
Castillo de Albai Gran Reserva Rioja 2017 (ABV 13.5 per cent)
Currently €11.99 @ Lidl Outlets
Grapes: Tempranillo
VERY approachable Rioja, a Gran Reserva no less – a whole five years in the making before being released.
A warming, medium cherry colour when poured, it has alluring aromas of stewed cherries, oak and spice.
The palate is balanced, elegant and velvety, with a nice dusting of sweet spice and oak, on top of ripe soft red fruits. Good length and a satisfying, pleasant finish.
Enjoy with: Slow-roast lamb shoulder.
Star rating: ***
Terredora Fiano de Avellino 2022 (ABV 12.5 per cent)
Currently €14.95 @ O’Briens Wine
Grape: Fiano
ONE of southern Italy’s great white varieties, the family-run Terredora estate in Puglia produces this super wine.
A straw yellow colour, it has aromas of citrus, with hints of pear and honey.
The palate is rich, elegant and complex, with a nice streak of minerality, a little smokiness, and notes of lemon, grapefruit, and apricot.
Enjoy with: Risotto.
Star rating: ****
San Giorgio Ciampoleto Rosso Di Montalcino 2022 (ABV 14 per cent)
Currently €25 @ Whelehan Wines
Grape: Sangiovese
FROM iconic vineyards close to Siena in Tuscany comes the fruit for this stunning red wine.
Medium ruby red in the glass, it has aromas of red berry fruits, blackcurrants, black cherry, and sage.
The palate has great depth and structure, with velvety tannins, and flavours of ripe berries, nutmeg, and delicate almond and savoury notes. Incredible length.
Enjoy with: Risotto.
Star rating: ****
Domaine la Sarabande ‘Les Espinasses’ 2019 (ABV 14.5 per cent)
Currently €30 @ Whelehan Wines
Grapes: Syrah, Mourvèdre
THIS is a wonderful expression of what Syrah is capable of producing in Faugères, one the best appellations in the Languedoc, France.
Irish woman Isla Gordon and her Australian husband Paul currently own several plots in the area and have built a reputation for crafting highly individual wines of real character.
This blockbuster has a deep violet colour, with notes of soft black summer fruit and plums on the nose.
The crunchy, full-on palate has crushed blackcurrant, blackberry and dark chocolate notes, with grainy tannins. It is long and has a very satisfying and memorable finish.
Enjoy with: Grilled meats, and the ripest cheeses.
Star rating: ****
THIS WEEK’S BARGAIN BOTTLE
OUR promise is to bring Irish Sun wine lovers a taste-tested wine each weekend for under a tenner.
The cost of glass, packaging, labelling and transport have sky-rocketed in recent years.
So, finding excellent value tipples is getting harder – but we have sourced some great wines and will bring you a super sipper recommendation every weekend.
Specially Selected Picpoul de Pinet 2024 (ABV 12.5 per cent)
Currently €9.99 @ Aldi outlets
Grape: Picpoul de Pinet
PICPOUL means ‘lip stinger’, on account of its zingy acidity, a characteristic of this thirst-quenching wine.
The colour is pale yellow with green tints, with aromas of grapefruit and exotic fruit.
The palate is racy and refreshing, with citrus and stone fruit notes, nice acidity and a hint of salinity.
Enjoy with: Any shellfish dish.
Star rating: ****
