Grape Spy: Jean Smullen
I’ve got two great reds from Italy and Spain for you this week — make sure you add these to your shopping list.
2020 Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
2020 Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo €18.99
One of Italy’s finest red grapes, Montepulciano is found in the region of Abruzzo. The red wines from this part of Italy are light and fresh with tons of red cherry fruit and lots of soft tannin. Known as ‘Twiggy’ due to the vine tied to the bottle, this one has a great following among Irish consumers.
Because of its soft tannins and medium alcohol, the versatile wine will work equally well with steak or pizza. Look out for it on offer in SuperValu for just €16.99.
2018 Marques de Caceres Crianza
2018 Marques de Caceres Crianza €16.99
This Crianza is from the Rioja region in Spain. Crianza means the wine has been aged for a year in an oak barrel and a few months in the bottle sale.
It has soft vanilla flavours and red cherry fruit, with a little spice, a hint of mocha and gorgeous soft tannins. The perfect wine to serve with roast turkey, pork or chicken.
On promotion for Christmas in SuperValu, Dunnes Stores, and Tesco. It is also available in independent off licences.
See jeansmullen.com
Today's Headlines
RIP | Tributes paid to Catherine Henry online after man arrested over Dundalk murder
F-Éir-WELL | Forecaster Evelyn Cusack retires today after 42 years at Met Éireann
CONVICTED | Dublin man (43) shouted ‘burn n***** burn’ while playing Guns N’ Roses loudly
Robbing Hood | Men rob cash in transit worker after threatening him with fake gun in Dublin
LATEST | Two men charged with dangerous driving following garda car chase in Dublin
INVESTIGATION | Five men charged over killing of Irish peacekeeper Private Sean Rooney in Lebanon
serious incident | Man (60s) airlifted to hospital with ‘serious injuries’ following crash in Cork
big beef | ‘I’ll beat the f*** out of you’ – Jake Paul calls out UFC star Conor McGregor
'DREAM ROLE' | Irish actor Brian Gilligan lands role of Scar in The Lion King musical
disclosure | Irish UFO expert believes orbs discussed in NASA meeting are a ‘global defence network’