IN VINO VERITAS
04/12/16 – 19:00 by Sandra
Interview with a local wine connoisseur
I recently interviewed my friend Helen, who knows a lot about wine and I asked her about some common myths and tips about wine for our readers. She also knows where you can get the best coffee around town but that’s a story for another day.
Wine Catchers: “How can I tell if I am buying a good or a bad wine? I always check the depth of the bottle’s “punt”. Is the hole at the end a good indicator, or for having a better grip at the bottle when pouring?” Helen: “I always do the-hole –in-the-bottle-test. So yes! I also like a heavy bottle, and the wine bottle shouldn’t feel too cold (I think glass heaviness and bottle temperature are related but not I’m too sure of the exact science on that).” Wine Catchers: “Should I decant my wine, just to impress my friends?” Helen: “No, that’s just pretentious! The idea is to get oxygen into the wine to remove any sediment. However, it does make a bit of a show. So go for it!” TIP: Watch here how to decant wine! |
Wine Catchers: “I recently got a bottle of Portuguese wine and it was called out on the label “It must be decanted!” It was a wonderful wine and I wish I remember where I got it.
Helen: “There’s an app for finding wine! I use Vivino which is an app that scans wine. Read more here! Wine Catchers: “What wines are worth spending some extra €€?” Helen: “Any that have a special meaning or for a special occasion. It’s always worth it to stash bottles like this to build up the anticipation.” Wine Catchers: “What's new? Or should we stick to the classic wine making countries?” Helen: “No, I’m from the New World, so we are always open to new innovations in wine, this keeps things interesting and moving in a positive direction! Sauvignon Gris is one example of this, it is a great combination!” |
Wine Catchers: “Yes! We recently posted about a new blue wine made in Spain? You wouldn’t be fan of such experiments?” Helen: “This is weird!! Blue is not a natural colour for anything food or drink related unless its blueberries! Electric blue just belongs as a song back in the 80s in my opinion!!!!” Wine Catchers: “What is your favourite wine and why?” Helen: “Any wine from the Barossa region in South Australia. My sister lives close by so I have lots of awesome travel memories linked with the wine, also any wine from the Martinborough region in New Zealand, for the same reason, and since I don’t drive I always do the tasting and have the best day out.” Wine Catchers: “What goes well with wine? Would you have some basic tips or rules for our readers, i.e. fish and seafood should be served with white wine and red meat paired with red wine?” Helen: “Red wine with dark chocolate for a great combination that always works. I really also like rosé wine with salmon or prawns, purely for aesthetic reasons. In general, yes to white wine with fish but there is always exceptions, like for example a tomato based fish stew would go with either. Apart from those things, wine goes with wine and that’s the most important thing at the end of the day!!!” |
Wine Catchers: “Exactly! Helen, thank you for this interview.”
There is no better way to meet a friend than “glass to glass” and having a great conversation about the good things in life while the world goes by!
Now go and arrange a wine date with your mates!
Sláinte!
- By Wine Catcher Sandra
Did you like this article? Leave your comments!
Visit our Facebook page and Instagram account!
There is no better way to meet a friend than “glass to glass” and having a great conversation about the good things in life while the world goes by!
Now go and arrange a wine date with your mates!
Sláinte!
- By Wine Catcher Sandra
Did you like this article? Leave your comments!
Visit our Facebook page and Instagram account!
WHY WINE?
01/12/2016 - 18:38 by Juan
Exploring the wine phenomenon through an amateur palate
A smooth crimson tide hits the inside of the glass, dramatically swirls up and fills a quarter of the recipient while my hand gently pulls the bottle away. It has been a hectic day at the office, the cold outside is relentless and all I want to do is slow down the rush of stress in my head that has been building up for the past few hours. Quenching my desire, I reach for the glass of red wine and take a careful sip that tastes like victory.
Have you ever wondered why you drink wine? To me drinking wine is not just about drinking. You see, it’s not about deciding whether to have a cup of tea, some coffee or a pint of beer. To me, drinking wine is an action: a unique moment which has a broader meaning. No, I don’t need a cigar and a record of Miles Davis playing in the background to enjoy it either, yet depending on those nuances the joy comes in different forms and pleasures. |
Besides the hundred reasons why one should drink wine, some of them actually beneficial for your health, I think it would ring a bell if I told you that I did not always liked wine. In fact, when I was 18 I just couldn’t drink it. However I started developing a taste and a liking to it by occasionally drinking with my father at specific dinner celebrations, at some special events with my friends, and even on a date with someone I wanted to impress (no shame). To this day, I am still unable to determine whether I started to like it due to a biological maturation of my palate or simply because the circumstances alongside those moments conditioned my taste so I could enjoy this silky treasure.
Although I am not what I would consider a connoisseur on the matter and most of the ones I drink come from good recommendations or from joyful discoveries, I am picky about the grape, the taste and the texture of the wine I choose. However it is just as important to me as the people I drink it with, or as the moment that surrounds it.
Although I am not what I would consider a connoisseur on the matter and most of the ones I drink come from good recommendations or from joyful discoveries, I am picky about the grape, the taste and the texture of the wine I choose. However it is just as important to me as the people I drink it with, or as the moment that surrounds it.
For instance, nowadays when I visit a friend for dinner I always bring a bottle of a trusted wine with me, or order an empowering white or red when I have dinner with my girlfriend, and behind every glass or refill there’s always something meaningful; the echo of a laughter, a colorful story or an embracing smile reflecting back from the other side of the table.
So perhaps next time they ask you why you drink wine, there’s no need to engage in a tedious conversation. Simply open a bottle and invite that someone to become the moment that makes this act so special.
Now if you excuse me, it’s 6:30 PM and there’s a reason why I keep a bottle of Merlot in the cellar…
Sláinte!
- By Wine Catcher Juan
Did you like this article? Leave your comments!
Visit our Facebook page and Instagram account!
So perhaps next time they ask you why you drink wine, there’s no need to engage in a tedious conversation. Simply open a bottle and invite that someone to become the moment that makes this act so special.
Now if you excuse me, it’s 6:30 PM and there’s a reason why I keep a bottle of Merlot in the cellar…
Sláinte!
- By Wine Catcher Juan
Did you like this article? Leave your comments!
Visit our Facebook page and Instagram account!
IRELAND, WINE & ME
28/11/2016 - 18:45 by Cinthia
Introduction to Irish Wine
Today is Saturday, I am in Dublin and the weather is cold. The temperature this evening is not more than 7 degrees but it feels like 2 or less, at least to someone who comes from a warmer country. It is about dinner time, not to say wine o'clock, in our house and I am thinking what better way is there than starting the weekend with a good glass of wine?
Oh, I can hear you saying, why doesn't she appreciate a good pint of that black stuff or a glass of heart-warming Irish whiskey?! I do appreciate it but I rather fancy a glass of wine or maybe two tonight. And I dare to think, perhaps a glass of Irish wine. Irish wine, yes you read correctly. Trust your eyes. There is such a thing, and "Winot"?! You are surely surprised, dear reader, just like me, my Irish friends and family too. What the fudge? So, if you are intrigued I will tell you what I have recently found out. Ireland has been officially listed as a "wine producing country" by the European Commission. |
When I think about wine producers, the first thing that comes to my mind is a beautiful vineyard with the sun beaming down the grapes while they are shining like pearls against the blue sky. Does it mean now that wine doesn't need sunshine and warm hills to grow and prosper? It is very hard to believe that it is indeed possible to cultivate vines under the Irish climate! Wow! Here's a new fact to impress your friends with. Ireland has not only one, but a few vineyards around the country!
There are some people who must have known Ireland's best kept secret, like Susan Boyle. She has written and performed the show "A Wine Goose Chase" back in 2012. (Check her show here). During her performance, she tells how Irish people contributed to the wine industry around the world (check link here). She describes herself as an "oenophile" (a lover or connoisseur of wine) and states that Ireland has 2000 years of wine history. Who knew? Maybe you, if you are a historian. As it stands it was the Celts who were responsible for bringing wine to the Emerald Island. Well, cheers to that!
Are you curious now to find out more? I am! And I found out that there is an actual place that you can visit to dive into history.
Desmond Castle & The International Museum of Wine, located in Kinsale, County Cork. “The Museum details the history of the Wine Geese; the intriguing story of Ireland’s wine links with Europe and the wider world.”
Last but not least, meet David. David Llewellyn to be precise, well-known producer of what is currently Ireland’s only available wine. He was so excited after working with winemakers in Germany that he started growing vines as a hobby. In 2002 he planted his own vineyard and is currently producing about 500 litres each year of his "Lusca" wine. The wine is described as “light, fruity, slightly oaked, dry red wine made in Lusk from grapes grown on Lusk soil”. Puzzled?! Read more about David, his adventure and the success of Lusca Irish Wine.
There are some people who must have known Ireland's best kept secret, like Susan Boyle. She has written and performed the show "A Wine Goose Chase" back in 2012. (Check her show here). During her performance, she tells how Irish people contributed to the wine industry around the world (check link here). She describes herself as an "oenophile" (a lover or connoisseur of wine) and states that Ireland has 2000 years of wine history. Who knew? Maybe you, if you are a historian. As it stands it was the Celts who were responsible for bringing wine to the Emerald Island. Well, cheers to that!
Are you curious now to find out more? I am! And I found out that there is an actual place that you can visit to dive into history.
Desmond Castle & The International Museum of Wine, located in Kinsale, County Cork. “The Museum details the history of the Wine Geese; the intriguing story of Ireland’s wine links with Europe and the wider world.”
Last but not least, meet David. David Llewellyn to be precise, well-known producer of what is currently Ireland’s only available wine. He was so excited after working with winemakers in Germany that he started growing vines as a hobby. In 2002 he planted his own vineyard and is currently producing about 500 litres each year of his "Lusca" wine. The wine is described as “light, fruity, slightly oaked, dry red wine made in Lusk from grapes grown on Lusk soil”. Puzzled?! Read more about David, his adventure and the success of Lusca Irish Wine.
It can be purchased from the following sites and stores:
www.winesonthegreen.com
www.fallonandbyrne.com
www.drinkstore.ie
www.terroirs.ie
Suddenly, the glass of ordinary Merlot I just poured doesn't taste that sexy anymore.
And I can’t wait to taste my new discovery! What about you?
Sláinte!
- By Wine Catcher Cinthia
Did you like this article? Leave your comments and let’s wine about it ;)
Visit our Facebook page and Instagram account!