WITH Valentine’s Day just weeks away, I found Cormac Gibson’s question in my email bag quite apt this week.
Cormac, from Co Kildare, wants to surprise his partner with a special wine on this romantic of days.
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Wine is a great present idea for Valentine’s DayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
But the Leixlip native asks: “I want to spend up to €40, but how can I tell that a bottle from my local wine store or off-licence has been stored properly?
“I splash out on an expensive wine now and then only to find out that on more than one occasion it is defective or faulty.
“I often wonder if the wine has been badly stored or has been kept at the wrong temperature. How can I make sure that what I am buying is in good condition?”
Well Michael, I know exactly where you are coming from. I have had more than the odd heated conversation with sales staff who have either handed me a bottle straight out of a sun-filled window display, or a dusty bottle – a giveaway sign that shelves are not regularly cleaned, and bottles rotated.
A busy store is always a good bet as the stock will generally be moving regularly, with new bottles to replace those sold, and these off-licences usually have staff who have a real interest in wine and are eager to advise or guide you.
These are also the kind of outlets who are more than happy to replace a bottle if any complaint you have is genuine.
SEDIMENT FOUND
THE appearance of sediment in a bottle is the subject of our second letter this week.
James Geraghty, of Greystones, Co Wicklow, writes: “I got a present of a bottle of red wine at Christmas from my boss and he told me it was ‘expensive’.
“But when I opened it there was sediment inside. I found that off-putting. Does it mean that the wine is bad?”
The sediment you found is the natural byproduct of winemaking.
After the grapes have been crushed, bits of skin, stems and seeds may remain in the juice, and after fermentation the spent yeast cells, and tartrates can still remain in the liquid.
After filtration tiny particles can still remain in the wine before finally falling out of suspension and collecting as sediment inside the bottle.
Compounds like tannins can also bond to create additional sediment.
Although unattractive to look at in the glass, this gritty sediment is perfectly safe to drink.
If you have a query on wine send your questions to: winenow@gmail.com.
Dominio Basconcillos, Vina Magna Crianza 2021 (ABV 14.5%)
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€39.95 RRP @ selected independent outlets
Grape: Tempranillo
THE mid-January blues were washed away last Sunday with a hearty lamb tagine and a bottle of this rather special, warming delight from Spain’s Ribera Del Duero.
With an intense garnet colour, it has dominant aromas of ripe strawberry, raspberry and blackberry fruit, along with a whiff of coffee.
The palate is beautifully balanced, with that basket of ripe red and black fruit also prominent, silky tannins, good acidity, and a nice fresh, creamy finish.
Enjoy with: The aforementioned lamb tagine.
Star rating: ****
Longview Devil’s Elbow Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (ABV 14%)
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Currently €17.95 @ O’Briens Wine
Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon
FROM a family-owned vineyard in the Adelaide Hills, east of the city on Australia’s south coast, comes this sumptuous red.
Recognised as one of Oz’s best “cool climate” areas, it produces the slow ripening fruit that goes into this elegant red.
A deep ruby red, it has lifted aromas of blueberry and blackcurrant fruit, and spice.
The full-bodied palate has supple tannins with a ripe soft black summer fruit flavour profile. The finish is long and satisfying.
Enjoy with: Beef casserole.
Star rating: ****
THIS WEEK’S IRISH SUN BARGAIN BOTTLE
WE promise to bring Irish Sun wine lovers a taste-tested vino each weekend that won’t hurt your pocket – and is under a tenner.
The cost of glass, packaging, labelling and transport have sky-rocketed in recent years.
Finding excellent value wines is getting harder, but we have managed to find some great bottles that would grace any dinner table or be a super mid-week couch sipper.
Original Series Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2023 (ABV 13.5%)
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Just €7.99 @ at Aldi outlets until January 29
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot
ALL the way from South Africa’s Stellenbosch region – the nation’s home for the best Cabernet and Merlot fruit, – comes this very satisfying, medium-bodied, red blend.
A rich ruby colour, it has pleasant notes of cherry and cranberry fruit, and a hint of smoke, on the nose.
The palate is soft and juicy but surprisingly rich, with a nice dusting of vanilla, plum and raspberry fruit, softening tannins and a silky finish.
Enjoy with: Peppered steak
Star rating: ***