Not sure which wine to try this weekend? Wine Editor MARY DOWEY recommends a juicy red to honour a MONSTER WINE FAIR this weekend, the Domaine Bégude Pinot Noir, Haute Vallée de l’Aude IGP 2015
In the lead-up to Christmas there’s a tendency to focus on whopping red wines – the kind that will make a big impression and stand up to the richest food. But the truth is that medium-bodied reds are much more versatile – and often more appealing. You can serve them with lunch, dinner, a snack or by themselves and enjoy a couple of glasses without feeling floored.
This well-priced organic Pinot Noir from the south of France is exactly the sort of more-ish young middleweight that wine-loving households should stock up on before Christmas. With enticing aromas of raspberries and cherries, it’s silky in texture and wonderfully juicy with a gentle squeeze of tannin ensuring a firm finish.While many Languedoc Pinots can be rather jammy, this one is refreshing because it comes from an estate up in the cool hills around Limoux. On special offer for the rest of November and December, It will slip down especially well with duck, cold meats of all kinds (turkey included) as well as cheese or vegetable-based main courses and many gently spicy dishes.
James Kinglake, the owner of Domaine Bégude, is just one of 50 producers pouring their best bottles at O’Briens wine fair at the Printworks in Dublin Castle this weekend. Now the biggest annual consumer wine event in Ireland, this year’s fair offers free wine tasting masterclasses as well as the choice of 250 wines to sample. Proceeds will be divided between LauraLynn Ireland Children’s Hospice and Downs Syndrome Ireland. You’d be mad to miss it. Ticket details below.
Alcohol: 13.5%
From O’Briens outlets nationwide, down from €16.95 to €14.95 during November and December.
Tickets for O’Briens wine fair at the Printworks in Dublin Castle (Friday November 11, 6-9pm or Saturday November 12, 1-4pm or 5-8pm), €15 from all 32 O’Briens outlets or www.wine.ie. The price covers unlimited tasting samples and entry to all masterclasses.
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