The first time I ever drank Savennieres was down in Limerick city’s Georgian quarter, at a dinner in the wonderful One Pery Square boutique hotel. It was a promising setting for a memorable food and wine pairing, given the attention that it has always paid to its wine sourcing and food provenance.
We were due to tuck into some fine locally cured pork (you don’t come to Pigtown and skip the bacon!) served Alsace choucroute-style with braised sauerkraut – and the late, great and much-missed Business Post wine writer Tomás Clancy had been tasked with choosing a suitable wine. He chose Savennieres, a white wine from a Loire Valley appellation that makes some of the most celebrated expressions of the versatile Chenin Blanc grape.
We’re going back some years now, so the details are hazy. Was the pork lightly smoked or simply salted? Was the wine off-dry for a subtle food-friendly sweetness, or fully dry? I don’t quite remember, though I’m guessing the former in both cases. What I do remember is falling in love with Savennieres, with its honey and chamomile aromas, its contrast of rich opulence and racy acidity.
A more obvious choice might have been an Alsace Riesling, with its expressive aromatics and brilliant acidity, but I loved that Tomás took us and our taste buds on an adventure.
Today’s wine of the week is – you guessed it – from Savennieres AOC. It is one of my favourite guest wines featuring in the ongoing French wine event running in SuperValu until September 24.
Last week’s wine column highlighted refreshing whites to toast the last of the summer’s sunshine, including some budget-friendly treats from the same promotion. This week, as promised, I’m highlighting some of the promotion’s premium bargains. These are wines worth stashing away for some upcoming entertaining over the autumn, or perhaps even for that yet-to-remain-unnamed season of twinkly lights and goodwill to all.
Bargain premium whites
Today’s News in 90 Seconds – September 5th 2025
Of course, one of the best ways to get the value from a special bottle is to choose your company wisely, and share it with wine lovers who will savour it with you – and pair it with food that will allow it to shine, even if that’s as simple as smoked cheese or a proper plate of bacon and cabbage.
From Loire’s Savennieres to Burgundy’s Montagny, Bordeaux’s Margaux to Rhône Vacqueyras and Saint Joseph, today’s selections are classics for good reason. For deeper pockets, Chateau Tour Baladoz Saint-Émilion 2021 is a robust powerhouse and a Specially Sourced steal at €30.
Wines of the week
Château de la Mulonniere L’effet Papillon 2022
Château de la Mulonniere L’effet Papillon 2022, Savennieres AOC, France, 13pc, €20
A bargain introduction to a Loire Valley appellation that expresses Chenin Blanc’s ability to age with grace, power and nuance. Still young but drinking with charm, with very pure aromas of bright lemon peel, crunchy pear and subtle spice, and crystalline acidity and mineral bite on the crisp yet medium-bodied palate. Ideal with seafood, goat’s cheese or white meats with richer sauces. Until September 24 or while stocks last; buy two if you can and age the second for a few years. SuperValu
Remy Ferbras Vacqueyras AOP 2022
Remy Ferbras Vacqueyras AOP 2022, Rhone Valley, France, 14.5pc, €10
From SuperValu’s Signature Range, this punches above its weight even at its regular price of €20. Think mellow red fruit aromas with powdery tannins on the palate, where peppered strawberry meets sweet clove, fresh leather and savoury balsamic cut by elderberry acidity. Go burger or steak sandwich. SuperValu
Delas Frères Les Challeys 2023
Delas Frères Les Challeys 2023, Saint Joseph AOC, France, 12.5pc, €15
Another guest wine (while stocks last), this is very aromatic with ripe vanilla-scented summer pudding fruits. Medium-bodied, plummy and rich on the palate, with peppery spice and ripe tannins, it’s a vibrant pairing for savoury meats like duck or steak with pepper sauce. SuperValu
Lady de Mour Margaux 2020
Lady de Mour Margaux 2020, Bordeaux, France, 12.5pc, €25 (from €37.99)
A perennial star of this French wine promotion, this award-winning Signature Range Medoc red is ever elegant. Savoury and fruity, with balsamic-scented winter berries and forest fruits, sweet spices and forest floor. Fleshy with fine-grained tannins, try with roast poultry, game, red meats or mushrooms. SuperValu
Montagny Les Buys Louis Latour 2023
Montagny Les Buys Louis Latour 2023, Burgundy, France, 13pc, €20
From Burgundy’s Côte D’Or, this is a white to bring to dinner at the in-laws: buttery, toasty and nutty, with baked apple and sweet baking spices, creamy texture and generous body but a singing acidity that will lift rich roast birds or white fish on the bone with creamy savoury sauces. Classy and classic. SuperValu
Dining and Cooking