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
FASHION VICTIM | Ian Bailey selling his own range of t-shirts for €20 a pop
Tasty timepiece | Conor McGregor eyes up ‘tasty’ custom Rolex watch worth more than 100k
Disturbing | Chicago Fourth of July shooter identified as Donald Trump supporting rapper
Challenge rejected | Gemma O’Doherty and John Waters’ appeal over constitutionality of Covid laws dismissed
Loving life | Watch: Dancing security guard at Dublin’s Longitude festival goes viral
live and kicking | Ronan Keating laughs off son Jack's claims on Love Island that he has retired
Ready steady crook | Kinahan mobster Peadar Keating sacked from kitchen job in Portlaoise Prison
Garda appeal | Woman arrested after hit-and-run that injured off-duty Garda released without charge
controversy | Graeme McDowell says he has ‘had death threats over Saudi decision’
'Brutal' | Irish man rescued from New York swamp after going missing for three days following hike