Grape Spy: Jean Smullen
With Christmas around the corner, it’s time for a few recommendations for good quality party wines for your festive get-togethers.
2021 Les Ormières IGP Côtes du Tarn
2021 Les Ormières IGP Côtes du Tarn €10.99
A zesty, zippy white from southwest France with a lively acidity and mouth-puckering citrus flavours. If you like acidity in a white wine, you will LOVE this.
Made from a blend of 70pc Colombard and 30pc Sauvignon Blanc, this is the perfect wine to serve with canapes made with cream cheese or smoked salmon.
Available from Spar, EuroSpar, Mace and Londis, this is new on their shelves and will be widely available this Christmas. A super white for parties.
2020 Tussock Jumper Nero d’Avola
2020 Tussock Jumper Nero d’Avola €10.99
Nero d’Avola is a red grape of great historical importance in Sicily, where this wine is from. Named after the island’s town of Avola, Nero means black.
This young version of the grape has aromas of plum and spice. It is full- bodied with a little tannin and tons of luscious juicy blackcurrant and chocolate flavours.
Perfect served with pizza or pasta dishes, or for that informal dinner party with friends. Available from Spar, EuroSpar, Mace & Londis.
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