Grape Spy: Jean Smullen
Is it too early to say the “C” word? This month I’ve been tasting and reviewing wines for Christmas I’ve found two in Lidl that I think you may enjoy during this year.
2020 Riesling Brauneberger Kurfürstlay €7.49
This wine from Germany’s Mosel region is what we call “off dry” meaning quite a lot of natural sweetness still present. Riesling a native of Germany, produces beautiful acidic white wines. The slightly sweeter style is less common these days, but still very appealing . When tasted you get the wonderful honied character, acidity, citrus fruit flavours and sweet fruit flavours. I love blue cheese and serve it with walnuts and crackers. Try this with a lump of blue cheese and be prepared for a glorious food and wine experience.
2019 Primitivo di Manduria DOC Italy €9.99
This red wine from Italy, is from Puglia in the “heel” of Italy’s “boot” down on the Adriatic coast. Red wines from here tend to be full bodied with lots of firm tannin. This one is no exception, a lovely big wine, perfect for cold evenings. The ABV is 14.5% but I loved the layers of dark forest floor fruit and the robust flavours of this wine. I have a recipe for Italian beef stew slow cooked in tomato and red wine sauce in the oven. Add a tin of anchovies to the dish and you’ll be amazed at the rich flavours they add. A lovely warming winter treat.
Today's Headlines
remanded | Man (44) covers face with hand as he is charged with ‘vicious’ murder of pensioner Thomas O’Halloran
Dancing queen | Finland's 'Party PM' Sanna Marin takes drug test as new footage with male pop star emerges
fighting words | Jake Paul calls out Conor McGregor's sparring partner Dylan Moran as he reignites feud
3-mmc | New ‘designer drug’ hits streets of Ireland
kind gesture | Sarah Jessica Parker offers to help in kitchen at short-staffed Dublin restaurant
witness appeal | Infant boy dies following tragic collision with jeep in Co Roscommon
Miami bust | Feds in Florida release images of two Irishmen arrested with gun and $32,000 in cash
toy claim | Co. Louth man claims he was not robbing filling station with a water pistol, court hears
Tragic | Family of Cork woman launch fundraiser to bring body home after death following charity hike in Scotland
famous face | Ryan Tubridy says there is no escape from fans as he is recognised all over the world