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Archive for the 'Grape Varieties' Category

Feb

The Irish Connection

Categories: Franken, Germany, Grape Varieties, Riesling, Silvaner and Special Offers

German – Irish Wines?

With St. Patrick’s Day, our national holiday just around the corner, it got us thinking again about our ‘Irish Wines’. We have a number of wines which can someway or another be traced back to Ireland. So between now and the 17th March, we’ll be publishing a blog on each of our featured wines which we are offering 30% off from now until Patrick’s Day.

So let’s get started with Germany:

Burgerspital is located in a fantastically beautiful courtyard right in the middle of Würzburg, is one of the largest wine-growing estates in Germany and one of the most important with a wine-growing area of 110 hectares.

The slopes and steep sites of the hills along the River Main offer ideal conditions for growing wine. The sun smiles upon the vineyards quite early in the year, the Shelly limestone soil (Muschelkalk) storing the warmth. The location, the soil, the climate, the proximity to the river, the selection of the types of vine and the art of the Bürgerspital wine-growers enable exceptional wines to be grown here.

Burgerspital is renowned for using the “Bocksbeutel” - a flattened, round bottle-shaped like a leather pouch for bottling the wine – and yes it is a full-sized bottle holding 750ml.

In 1726 the Council of the City of Würzburg decided that the “Bocksbeutel” be the mark of quality compared with poorly produced wines. To this day, the first sealed specimens of the Bocksbeutel are stored in Bürgerspital’s cellars. Bürgerspital has been totally committed to the Bocksbeutel’s claim to quality right up to the present day

The Vineyard:

The most favourable conditions for viticulture in Germany are the south and southwest-facing slopes of protected valleys, e. g. along the Rhine and its tributaries as well as the valleys of the Elbe, Saale and Main rivers. The exposure to sunlight is more intense on slopes than on flat sites and slopes with a southern exposure also profit from longer periods of sunshine.All Bürgerspital sites are Einzellagen (individual vineyard sites) and located in the heart of the specified wine-growing region Franken (Franconia).

Würzburger Stein
They only cultivate classical varietals (Riesling, Silvaner, Weißer Burgunder, Gewürztraminer, Rieslaner, Scheurebe) on some 30 hectares in the world-renowned location Würzburger Stein. Its terroir being a rare combination of the micro-climate, soil and the slope inclination, direction and proximity to the river – offers wines of the very highest quality.

Bürgerspital wines have been awarded numerous prestigious national and international prizes and have won wine-tasting competitions held by celebrated sommeliers and wine journalists.

This wine-growing estate is a founding member of the VDP (Association of German Top-Quality Wine-Growing Estates). The VDP is the elite of Germany´s wine producers. A distinguishing feature all VDP wines show is the eagle on the neck of the bottle.

But what has this to do with Ireland I hear you ask, well, St Killian, who is the Patron Saint of Wurzburg, hailed originally from Co. Cavan. Burgerspital Cellars sit in the heart of Wurzburg town, in the shadow of St. Killian.

Saint Killian’s feast day is July 8 and he is usually portrayed, as in his statue at Würzburg, bearing a bishop’s crozier and wielding a sword. The Kiliani-Volksfest (two weeks in July) is the main civil and religious festival in the region around Würzburg.

Nov

Australian Stickies Tasting

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Australia, Grape Varieties, Sweet Wines, Tasting, Uncategorized and Victoria

With a savoury budget due on December 6th, a touch of sweetness is in order to, as Mary P would say, make the medicine go down.

So Wine Australia are hosting a delicious sweet wine tasting in Cork on the 6th December in the Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork City.

Affectionately known as “Stickies” Down-under, the story of the Australian wine world is steeped in fortified and dessert wine making. Often tricky to sell, the one time that they do find favour is around Christmas. So perfect timing for you to join us and try a range of these wines from Australia.

Joining us to lead the presentation duties is Chris Pfeiffer, owner and wine maker of Pfeiffer Wines in the Rutherglen. A regular visitor to Cork with a huge passion for these wine styles, Chris is the ideal person to take us on this sweet journey.

So whether you have a sweet tooth, are looking for a different present for the wine lover in your life or on occasion you’d just prefer to pour (instead of make) your dessert, this is the tasting for you.

The cost is €20 per person, which includes the tasting and tasty nibbles afterwards.

The tasting begins at 7pm, and with only 30 places, book your passage early.

To do so, please contact John at Wine Australia on ireland@wineaustralia.com or 065 7077 264.

If you need any further information, please get in touch.

May

Domaine Bourdic

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Grape Varieties, Grenache, Languedoc, Merlot, Rose, Syrah, Uncategorized and Wines

The Couple:

Hans Hurlimann and Christa Vogel own Domaine Bourdic. Hans used to compose modern classical music in Basle and Christa was a teacher. Eleven years ago they came to live in the Languedoc “because it was raining in Italy.” That astutely-chosen holiday has borne fruit, literally, and their fourteen hectares of vineyard is now expertly cherished.

Hans and Christa are not what you’d call typically Swiss. They are meticulous, definitely, when it comes to their vineyard. There are three more members of the team. The Dutch footprints you’ll find at Domaine Bourdic belong to Henny Ebben who came for the vendange and decided to stay. She is our naturopath, therapist and linguist. Lizzie Betts-Gosling’s green thumbs nurture everything from broccoli to computers and Ali Ballantyne covers the paperwork.

The Domaine:

Domaine Bourdic, surrounded by vineyards, is in the lower foothills of the Cévennes, and near the historic town of Pézenas in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The buildings, on the lower slopes of a small but steep hill, date from the 18th century. They were restored at the beginning of the 1990s, and reequipped the cellars completely. The house and cellars are at the centre of our 16 hectares of vineyards (about 40 acres). In this wonderful region of France, helped by the soil and the warm Mediterranean climate, the aim is to make wines that are wholly typical of the south, with a subtle character and an incomparable taste.

A Respect for nature
The basis of our viticulture is a vineyard soil of elements that are in balance, composed of adequate organic matter, and well-structured as a result of microbiological activity.

This outlook obliges us to reduce to a minimum the amount of fertiliser and sprays that we use, and to renounce absolutely the use of chemical fertiliser.

Sustainable viticulture
In the year 2000 we started to work in full accordance with the agreed standards laid down by Vitealis for “viticulture raisonnée contrôlée”. These state, amongst other things, that the plants must be regularly inspected for disease and infestation. At every check the number of diseased plants and other observations are formally recorded, and no treatment may be made until a certain threshold is passed. There are also limitations on the use of agrochemical products and the levels of use. An independent organisation, Vitealys, keeps an independent check on conformance with these rules.

Vinification
We do not harvest until the grapes are fully ripe. Besides checking on the acidity/sugar level balance. The grapes are destemmed and crushed, and very quickly poured into the fermentation vats. Each variety is handled separately and with the greatest care. The normal time for maceration and fermentation is between 25-30 days at a low temperature, to yield the maximum extraction.

Maturation
At this point, in terms of its vinification, the young wine is now in its final phase. Some 60% of our production is set aside to mature in barrel. For the varietal wines we use barrels of French oak (from the Allier).

The Wines

Spanish and Italian grapes grown in French soil? Bourdic grows Tempranillo and Vermentino, while mixing in some traditional French varieties: Cinsault / Syrah / Rousanne / Merlot

From this vast selection of varieties here’s a selection of their wines:

Density - Vermentino Roussanne Blend

Rose - Cinsault Grenache

Zappa - Syrah, Grenache and Tempranillo

Octrandre - Cinsault/Grenache/Cab/Syrah/Tempranillo/Roussanne and Merlot

Merlot – French Oak

Tempranillo – French Oak

The Bourdic wines where recently featured in the Irish Examiner newspaper, see what they had to say:

Jan

Paul Osicka Shiraz 30% off

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grape Varieties, Heathcote, Paul Osicka, Producers, Shiraz, Special Offers, Victoria, Wine Websites and Wines

Paul Osicka Shiraz 2002

Established: 1955
Region: Australia – Victoria – Bendigo
Winemaker: Paul Osicka
Winery Owner: Paul Osicka
Winery Area: 30 acres (12 ha)

Paul Osicka Wines is one of the longest established wine producers in the Heathcote wine region with the original Shiraz vines planted over 45 years ago. Grown without irrigation on sandy loam soil over quartz and red ironstone gravels, the vineyard is managed according to organic principles, without the use of herbicides or insecticides. The vines are hand pruned to balance the yield and the grapes are hand picked to achieve optimum fruit quality, in turn producing small, intensely flavoured and coloured fruit to make premium wines.

“The Osicka family arrived in Australia from Czechoslovakia in the early 1950s. Vignerons in their own country, they settled at Graytown, and commenced planting vines in 1955. Their vineyard was the first new venture in Central and Southern Victoria for over half a century. It keeps a low profile, but produces consistently good shiraz from the 10 ha of estate plantings (the remainder cabernet sauvignon, merlot and riesling). Produces consistently good shiraz”
James Halliday

Wine background
Produced from non-irrigated, 40-year-old vines grown on sandy gravel soils. Matured in American oak hogsheads (one-third new, two-thirds second and third fill) for 14 months.

Climate
The size of the region, by implication, results in variations in climate, geology and topography. The north is drier than the south and typically receives an average of 5-10mm less rain per month during the vines growing season (October to April). The region’s southern vineyards experience cooler temperatures during the growing season. These can vary between 1.8 and 1.4 degrees Celsius lower, resulting in an extended growing season. This variation in temperature during the grape ripening period results in a spread of picking dates and subsequently the development of a range of different flavour profiles.

Soil
Located to the north of the Great Dividing Range, the Heathcote region is at elevations between 160m and 380m. The majority of soil under vine is Cambrian – red and deep with excellent water retention.
In fact, some vignerons do not irrigate, aiming for smaller fruit that is intensely rich in flavour. The region’s rainfall is evenly distributed between the seasons and the climate is temperate, with cooling winds blowing from the south.

Heathcote wines are defined by their inky depth of colour, and deep, dark, complex fruit. Voluptuous and well balanced, acid and tannin melt together in a way that does not dominate the fruit, but gives the wine great cellaring ability.

These characteristics are a product not only of winemaking skills, but of the vineyard itself. It is the ‘terroir’ of the different vineyards that is responsible. Whilst the terroirs of Heathcote differ, they all produce high quality fruit – and can be credited with the burgeoning fame and demand for Heathcote wines.

To celebrate this outstanding producer, we are offering a very special 30% discount off our Shiraz

Jan

Bird in the Hand or Two in the Bush?

By karwigwines 1 Comment

Categories: Adelaide Hills, Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grape Varieties, Producers, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Shiraz, Special Offers, Tasting and Wines

Full range of Australian Wines are on Sale for a massive 25% off for the month of January

Our Bird in the Hand / Two in the Bush wines are produced by the Nugent family based in Adelaide Hills.

Andrew Nugent the viticulturalist and winemaker, grew up next door to Penfolds at Magill and from there started his profession in South Australia’s McLaren Vale.

Moving to the emerging wine region of the Adelaide Hills, in 1997, Andrew Nugent planted vineyards and an olive grove on 100 acres on Bird in Hand Road, Woodside. The road itself was named after the “Bird in Hand” gold mine that operated in the district in the 1850s. Four hundred metres above sea level, the vineyards face north and boast deep, well drained red earth, formed from metamorphic rock.

To extend the winemaking range available to Bird in Hand, another vineyard in the famous wine-growing region of Clare has been acquired to provide fruit for world class Riesling and Shiraz.

The Nugent family lives and works on the picturesque property, reflecting the strong sense of community in the Adelaide Hills. Andrew exudes a quiet but steely determination to grow Bird in Hand into one of the world’s great wineries. “We live and work at the winery. We know the best thing we can do for our community is grow and produce the best wine and olives we can. Our success will be our community’s success. A high tide lifts all the boats in the bay. At Bird in Hand we’ve assembled the best team of people, we’ve painstakingly selected the perfect terroir and we’re well on our way.” Tasting notes on some of the wines:

Bird in Hand Riesling, Clare Valley

2005 vintage was considered to be amongst the best that Clare has produced, fast gaining the same iconic reputation as the 2002. Bird in Hand Riesling, from the northern slopes of the Clare Valley has an intriguing aroma of white flowers. On the palate it offers the classic lime and citrus characters of the Clare Valley, underlining a mineral finish.

James Halliday – Australian Wine Companion 2007 – 93 Points

Bird in Hand Cabernet Sauvignon, MT Lofty Ranges

The 2006 Bird in Hand Cabernet Sauvignon has been aged for over 17 months in tight grained French oak. This limited release is an elegant example of classic varietal Cabernet. It is a vibrant deep red colour, exhibiting appealing aromas of blackberry, cassis and a mix of subtle fruit and oak spice. The palate is a rich and intense expression of its aromas offering great complexity, mouth feel and length. It is silky in texture with persistent tannins. It is drinking beautifully now and will age gracefully developing cedar and cigar box characteristics over time.

Two in the Bush Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills

The 2008 vintage is a lively and vibrant example of this classic blend. The bright zesty lemon characteristics from the Semillon are enhanced and made more complex by the intense tropical aromas and flavours of the Sauvignon Blanc. The Semillon also provides palate weight, texture and roundness. Crisp, fresh and full flavoured, this wine is best enjoyed young.

Two in the Bush Shiraz, Adelaide Hills / Mt Lofty Ranges

The 2006 “Two in the Bush” shiraz has been aged for 12 months in French and American oak. It is deep red with purple hues and exhibits intense aromas of rich dark berries and exotic spice. The palate has hallmark cool climate white pepper together with blackberry and licorice characteristics and a long flavoursome finish. The “Two in the Bush” reds are outstanding wines with instant appeal combined with balance and structure to age gracefully.

Full range of Australian Wines are on Sale for a massive 25% off for the month of January

Nov

South African Sale

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, Grape Varieties, Merlot, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, South Africa, Syrah, Uncategorized and Wines

To celebrate this amazing country, we are offering a whopping 25% off all our South African wines for the next 2 weeks, all of which are available to taste in our shop in Carrigaline.

South Africa is an important wine-producing country, with most of its major wine regions occupying the southernmost tip of the African continent. The heart of the country’s wine industry lies in and around the Cape Peninsula and the Coastal Region, both of which are exposed to the maritime influences of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. Overall, the climate can be termed as Mediterranean, which is marked by dry heat and intense sunlight. These features, along with other growing conditions and a long tradition of quality winemaking, are reflected in South Africa’s wine styles.

South Africa is one of the few wine-growing countries which demonstrate a mix of Old and New World cultures when it comes to the styles of wine produced. While its sparkling wine and the majority of it’s still wines follow New world winemaking practices, there are many well-known fortified and dessert wines which are more in line with their Old World counterparts.

A diverse range of grapes are grown throughout South Africa’s wine-producing regions. Chenin Blanc (locally known as Steen) and Chardonnay top the whites list whereas Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah are notable reds. Pinotage is another important variety that produces a signature style in South Africa.

We are offering a whopping 25% off all our South African wines for the next 2 weeks, all of which are available to taste in our shop in Carrigaline. We hope to see you soon ….

Nov

Mosel – Saar – Ruwer

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Germany, Grape Varieties, Riesling, Uncategorized and Wines

Mosel – Saar – Ruwer

We were asked on Saturday what wine producing area of Germany would Joe Karwig choose over all the others. After a long discussion he settled on the Mosel region, for their outstanding wines.

The wine region is defined by the hauntingly beautiful and eerily still Mosel River, which cuts a deep snakelike gorge through the land, winds back and forth for 145 miles northeast until it empties into the Rhine near the town of Koblenz. The Saar and Ruwer are small tributaries of the Mosel.

The grape of the Mosel is Riesling. The vineyards are among the steepest in the world. This would be one thing if they were located someplace warm and sunny. But the vineyards of the Mosel are also among the most Northern in Germany. Steepness in a cold, northern wine region means the sun is in contact with the vines for limited hours of the day. The total number of sunlight hours during the growing season is also modest (the Mosel gets in a good year about a third of the sunlight hours that Provence does). As a result of this, the river is used to its full potential. The Mosel’s vineyards hug only South facing slopes. At each turn of the river where the banks face north, the slopes have no vines.

With sugar low and acidity high you would expect the wines to be tart and thin. There are miraculously two underlying factors: first, the amazing resourceful Riesling which can produce wines of great finesse even if the grape has not fully ripened, and secondly the slate. The famous gunmetal grey slate of the Mosel is highly porous and both heat retaining and heat reflecting, these qualities help the Riesling to ripen. But in ways that are still a mystery to us, the grape can absorb the slatey, minerally, wet stone flavours. No other wines in Germany process the finesse and raciness and elegance as the Mosel Riesling…

Here are some of our suggestions: Mosel Wines

Oct

Halloween Favourites

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Gewurztraminer, Grape Varieties, Shiraz, Sweet Wines, Wine Food Matching and Wines

Halloween Favourites

With Halloween only a few days away, here’re some interesting facts about pumpkins that we here at Karwig’s didn’t know:

A pumpkin is really a squash?
It is! It’s a member of the Cucurbita family which includes squash and cucumbers.

That pumpkins are grown all over the world?
Six of the seven continents can grow pumpkins including Alaska! Antarctica is the only continent that they won’t grow in.

That the “pumpkin capital” of the world is Morton, Illinois?
This self proclaimed pumpkin capital is where you’ll find the home of the Libby corporation’s pumpkin industry.

That the Irish brought this tradition of pumpkin carving to America?
The tradition originally started with the carving of turnips. When the Irish immigrated to the U.S., they found pumpkins a plenty and they were much easier to carve for their ancient holiday.

Fun Facts about the Pumpkin!

Pumpkins contain potassium and Vitamin A.
Pumpkin flowers are edible.
The largest pumpkin pie ever made was over five feet in diameter and weighed over 350 pounds. It used 80 pounds of cooked pumpkin, 36 pounds of sugar, 12 dozen eggs and took six hours to bake.
In early colonial times, pumpkins were used as an ingredient for the crust of pies, not the filling.
Pumpkins were once recommended for removing freckles and curing snake bites.
The largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,140 pounds.
Pumpkins are 90 percent water.
Eighty percent of the pumpkin supply in the United States is available in October.
Native Americans flattened strips of pumpkins, dried them and made mats.

Once we’d learned these we decided to see what wines went best with Pumpkin dishes.

Here’s what we decided for Pumpkin Soup:

Gewürztraminer http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults_custom.asp?customfield=3&SearchValues=230&vLM=Grape&vLMC=

Gamay http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults_custom.asp?customfield=3&SearchValues=35&vLM=Grape&vLMC=

Campolieti http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/Valpolicella-Campolietti-Righetti-9p214.htm

If pumpkin soup’s not your thing try some Pumpkin pie, all of the wines below go brilliantly with it

French Muscat http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=H&resultCnt=9&keyword=chateau+de+stony

Sauternes http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults.asp?pageStyle=H&resultCnt=9&keyword=Sauternes

Tokaji http://www.karwigwines.ie/pc/showsearchresults_custom.asp?customfield=3&SearchValues=244&vLM=Grape&vLMC=

Karwig’s would like to take the opportunity to wish all off you, our customers and readers a safe and enjoyable Halloween. And don’t forget your penny for the pucha!

Till next time….

Jul

Pinot Noir – Wine’s Holy Grail

By karwigwines 5 Comments

Categories: Australia, Burgundy, California, Grape Varieties, New Zealand, South Africa and Wines

Domaine De La Romanee Conti

They say all wine roads eventually lead to Burgundy and specifically to its Pinot Noir wines. Some of the most respected (and expensive) wines come from here, none more famous or expensive than those of Domaine De La Romanee Conti.

Pinot Noir is a small berry grape with sweet juice and little tannin due to its thin skin. This thin skin and tight bunch formation can lead to problems of rot. Its temperamental for sure but when its good, it’s simply sublime.

Remember the movie “Sideways” and the monologue from Miles on Pinot . . . . . . . . .

“Um, it’s a hard grape to grow … it’s thin-skinned, temperamental, ripens early … it’s not a survivor like Cabernet, which can just grow anywhere and thrive even when it’s neglected. No, Pinot needs constant care and attention … it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time to understand Pinot’s potential can then coax it into its fullest expression.”

How could you not rush out and buy a bottle after that

So here are some flavours and aromas to look out for . . . .

Cherry
Strawberry
Pickle
Stalky
Cranberry
Raspberry
Blackberry
Plum
Violet
Rose Petals
Gamey
Barnyard
Bacon Fat
Earthy
Beetroot
Forest Floor
Truffle
Cola
Tar
Prune
Spice

Outside of Burgundy, lovely examples can be found elsewhere in France, Germany (Spatburgunder), New Zealand, Australia, Chile, South Africa and California to name a few. Of course it is also one of the three grape varieties in Champagne.

So head off down that Pinot Noir road and enjoy the journey.

Jun

Chardonnay. A Classic

By karwigwines 2 Comments

Categories: Chardonnay, Education and Grape Varieties

Chateau Maligny Chablis

Wait ! Dont click away just yet.

But its chardonnay you say. Noone drinks chardonnay.

Chardonnay has got a lot of abuse over the last few years. People have been way too quick to write it off though and its such a pity as there are many wonderful, great value examples around. Now I understand peoples reluctance, especially people who have been burned by the over-oaked cheap Chardonnay that flooded the market in recent years. But as they say, there is Chardonnay and then there is Chardonnay.

Pfeiffer Chardonnay Marsanne

Try a nice Chablis from Northern Burgundy for a steely, acidic, green apple style or a more tropical fruit, low acidity, full body example from Australia. Very different but both fabulous and delicious when done well. Variety is the spice of life and Chardonnay has it in spades.

Here are some aromas and flavours to look out for

Green Apple
Grapefruit
Citrus
Cucumber
Celery
Minerality
Flint
Lime
Perfumed
Honey
Nectarine
White Peach
Pineapple
Peach
Melon
Mamgo
Quince
Fig
Hazelnut
Chestnut
Tobacco

There are lots of great examples to try from France, California, Spain, Italy, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand and many more. Seriously, its worth checking out again !!

May

Sangiovese – the superstar from Tuscany

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Education, Grape Varieties, Sangiovese, Tuscany and Wine Food Matching

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is one of the classic Italian grapes. It finds its home in Tuscany where it makes some of the best wines in the world from Chianti Classico to Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano to the incredible Brunello Di Montalcino. Its the primary grape in ”Super Tuscans” too. Australia, South America, South Africa and the US experiment with the variety with some very interesting results.

So what should you look out for on the nose and on the palate . . . .

Dark Sour Cherry
Rhubarb
Raspberry
Plum
Perfume
Spice
Gamey
Tobacco
Farmyard
Foresr Fruit
Rustic
Earthy

Wines made from sangiovese are brilliant food wines as their high tannic character match beautifully with the local cuisine. You can find some lovely examples here

Apr

Malbec : under-rated deliciousness

By karwigwines 6 Comments

Categories: Argentina, Education, Grape Varieties, Malbec, Wine Books and Wine Tasting

Malbec

Malbec can be seriously delicious. From the inky ”Black Wines” of Cahors to its New World expression, notably in Argentina, its one of those varieties that may have slipped past your radar. Its one to seek out as it can produce some fabulous wines. It origins are in Bordeaux where it blends wonderfully with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The Malbecs from Argentina are more accessable than the tannic versions from Cahors (and are more widely available). I love Cahors wines ever since I read the wonderful book Families Of The Vines. Well worth a read.

Here are some of the aroma and tasting characteristics of this wonderful grape

Plums
Bramble
Tobacco
Blackcurrant
Herbs
Spice
Chewy
Ripe Strawberry
Vanilla
Fruitcake

I recently has a bottle of Malbec from Argentina with some home cooked roast beef and it was magic. Go to any Argentinian steakhouse and order a bottle of Malbec to go with it. I’m telling you, it’s a match made in heaven.

Apr

A review of the Burgerspital Wurzberg Silvaner Trocken ’08 by Kevin of Fenns Quay Restaurant

By karwigwines 2 Comments

Categories: Franken, Germany, Grape Varieties, Guest Blogger, Silvaner, Tasting, Wine Tasting and Wines

Not content with changing the food world with his wonderful Fenns Quay Restaurant, Kevin Crowley recently launched his own online video review channel.

Its called “Kevin’s Tried And Tasted”

Kevin is a true wine lover and its brilliant to see him launching his video reviews.

We were honoured when he choose our Burgerspital Wurzburg Silvaner Trocken 2008 to kick off proceedings.

If you missed it, check out his video review below. Enjoy.

And watch out Gary Vaynerchuk !

Apr

Chateauneuf Du Pape. It changed my wine world.

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Chateauneuf Du Pape, Grape Varieties, Grenache and Rhone

Red Chateauneuf and Galets

Many moons ago I had just a passing interest in wine. I liked it but it had not captured my full attention (boy has that changed). I tended to buy wines I liked. I played it safe. And sure, how bad.

I was working with a guy who was seriously into his wine. We got to talking one day and he asked me a series of questions about wines I was buying. It turns out I had a liking for wines from the Rhone, particurally those of the southern Rhone. A couple of days later he walked into my office with a bottle of wine in hand. Try that he said. You will love it.

Lazaret Castle

I looked at the label and it’s name was familiar, though I was sure I had never tried it. It was the Domaine Du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf Du Pape. The bottle was the first thing that grabbed me. A picture of a fortress castle, on a high grade paper label. The bottle had the words CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE in bold raised glass with papal symbols also prominent. All this on a very dark, heavy glass bottle. It looked classy, even before I tasted it. [Châteauneuf-du-Pape loosely translates to "The Pope's New Castle" and this appellation has lots of papal conections. In the 1300's, Pope Clement V moved the papacy to Avignon. Hence the raised glass papal symbols on the bottle to this day.]

The wine was wonderful. Deep crimson in colour. Ripe dark berries, turning to spices. Very smooth and persistent with aromatic fullness. I was hooked immediately. Though the alcohol was up there at 14.5%, it was beautifully balanced and not noticeable at all. A really lovely wine.

I started to read a little about the wine and the area. Striking images of the pudding stones (Galets) were amazing. I loved the fact that it was here that the whole system of Appellation Controlee was founded. No machine harvesting allowed and grapes must be sorted by hand. It all seemed to result in a wine of real quality. And then of course, there’s the grapes. Some examples can have 13 different permitted grape varieties. Yep, 13 I kid you not. Grenache is the most dominant in the reds followed by syrah and mourvedre. All grapes I loved. No wonder it was a big hit.

Grenache Vines and Galets

This led me on to other wines from the area. Gigondas, Lirac, Rasteau and Cotes Du Rhone’s all appealed to me and remain some of my favourites to this day. I turned my eyes north where wines from Hermitage, Crozes Hermitage, Cornas, Cote Rotie and St Joseph crept onto my radar. I was amazed at the differences in style and the fascinating stories associated with the Northern Rhone.

Its this diversity of styles (even within a single grape variety) that so appeals to me. You can start off finding a wine you like and then travel down a road of exploration and it can take you to wonderful places and incredible wines. Thats my kind of exploring.

Apr

Grenache / Garnacha – its not a shy one

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Australia, California, Grape Varieties and Grenache

Chateauneuf Du Pape

This has to be in my top 5 favourite grape varieties. The wonderful Grenache (or Garnacha as the Spanish call it). You’ll find it in France, especially in the Southern Rhone Valley (where it is the main grape in Chateauneuf Du Pape no less), in Spain where it is widely planted, in California and in Australia (especially in the McLaren Vale region) to name a few.

Grenache / Garnacha produces lovely wines that are high in alcohol, low in tannins and are full bodied and fruity.

Here are some flavours and aromas to look out for . . . .

Strawberry
White Pepper
Spice
Raspberry
Bubblegum
Confectionary
Cherry
Briar
Blackberry
Plum
Orange Peel
Gamey
Meaty
Earthy
Prune
Leather
Tar

If you fancy checking out one to go with your roast beef or selection of cheeses, you can start here

Apr

From Cobh to Tulbagh – The Pielows Wine Story

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Grape Varieties, Restaurant, Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa, Syrah and Wines

Tulbagh, South Africa

Early in 2005 Colin and Teresa Pielow were selling their business in Cork (Robin Hill Restaurant) to return to Dublin. Before returning to the capital, they planned to tour Europe in a camper van for a few months. All this changed however when they decided instead to take a holiday in South Africa when friends offered the use of a holiday home in Tulbagh, an hour and a half north of Cape Town.

They obviously really loved the place as by the end of the week, they had bought Honeyoaks Cottage, a traditional cape Dutch house on 1.5 hectares. Never ones to hang about, they moved lock, stock and barrel (sorry) to Tulbagh, including their two beautiful labradors. Pielows Restaurant at the De Oude Herberg Guest House opened just across the road from Honeyoaks Cottage in October of that year

HoneyOaks Vineyard

Perhaps some of you followed their adventure in the documentary, The Great Escape on RTE ? The documentary was filmed over a 12 month period and showed the restaurant setup, the establishment of the vineyard at Honeyoaks and their winemaking with the very talented David Jordan from Manley’s Private Cellar.

We are delighted to carry two of thier fabulous wines, the Shiraz and the Sauvignon Blanc.

Pielows Shiraz

Made from grapes from Tulbagh Valley at Manley’s private cellar.

Deep intense red colour. Complex smokey, red berry aromas with hints of oak. Palate enters with berry fruits supported by layers of vanilla. Well-rounded tannins have a firm mouthfeel and lends this wine great ageing potential

Pielows Sauvignon Blanc

Made by Dewaldt Heyns, an elected member of the Cape Wine Makers guild.

The wine has a translucent colour with a green edge, showing tropical, gooseberry and fruit salad flavours, underscored by grass and hints of green pepper.

If you fancy trying delicious South African wines with an Irish connection and a lovely story, you should give them a try.

Apr

The Aromas and Flavours of Zinfandel

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: California, Education, Grape Varieties, Primitivo, Wine Tasting and Zinfandel

A rather nice bottle of Zinfandel

Zinfandel, a great name and a misunderstood grape variety. Mention “Zin” to a lot of people and they will immediately think of the ever popular “white zinfandel”, the semi sweet blush style rose from California. Its sweetness and easy drinkability have made it incredibly popular. Its not for everyones palate but thats the beauty of wine is it not ?

The Zinfandel I am writing about is the robust red wine style. In fact, genetically it is linked with Primitivo from southern Italy where gorgeous wines are made in the region of Puglia, the heel of Italy.

So here are some things to look out for

Raspberry
Herbal
Blackcurrant
Herbal
Tomato
Pepper
Spice
Cherry
Loganberry
Plum
Fruitcake
Walnut
Cola
Raisin
Earthy
Tar

There are some wonderful examples available across the full price spectrum. If you fancy trying a rather serious option, check out a stunning example from one of the most iconic producers in the US, the fabulous Limerick Lane.

Mar

Cabernet Sauvignon, its one of the biggies

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Education, Grape Varieties and Wines

Chateau Margaux

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the worlds most famous grape varieties. Even the very casual wine drinker has heard of it and with good reason. It grows all around the world and is responsible for many of the finest wines, most famously on Bordeaux’s Left Bank.

So what flavours and aromas should you look out for in this most noble of grapes. Here are some to get you started

Blackberry
Tomato Leaf
Asparagus
Plum
Menthol
Herbal
Black Olive
Blackcurrant
Mulberry
Bramble
Mint
Aniseed
Violet
Fruitcake
Prune
Tea Leaf
Tocacco

The wines of Cabernet Sauvignon can be brilliant on their own and also blend beautifully with other varieties, especially with the other Bordeaux red grape varieties including Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. The range of styles is amazing. A wine from Margaux in Bordeaux will be very different to one from the Adelaide Hills in Australia. Different in style. Both brilliant

Enjoy exploring the woirld of Cabernet Sauvignon.

Mar

Blind tasting wines with Kevin from Fenns Quay and a brilliant prize up for grabs !!!!

By karwigwines 3 Comments

Categories: Blind Tasting, Competition, Education, Friends, Grape Varieties, Restaurant and Wine Tasting

Kevin from Fenns Quay was in with us recently (see the last post) to chat about wine. As he was here, we did a little bit of blind wine tasting. One white chosen by Kevin and one red chosen by me.

Heres whats happened.

The white chosen by Kevin was the Greco Di Tufo

Straw yellow colour. Bright intense fragrance and rather persistent.. Fruity with fresh pulp scent. Floral. Medium bodied, well balanced. Rather intense and persistent.

Its a good time to try this wine as its currently on special offer this month with 25% off !

Ok, moving on to the red wine tasting

The wine I choose was the Chateau St Eulalie La Cantilene Minervois.

A beautiful intense and deep color. A delicately woody wine, with ripe fruits and toasted nose. A full body with fine and powerful tannins. Long, lingering finish. A full, rich and fleshy wine.

Kevin and I spoke about food and wine matching and Kevin was incredibly generous in offering a prize (a meal for two with wine in Fenns Quay !!!) for the best viewers comment to his question. Check out Kevins question in the next video clip

Thanks again to Kevin from Fenns Quay Restaurant for calling in and he will pick the best comment posted at the end of the month. Remember, a meal for two people with wine is up for grabs for the best comment.

[Apologies for the audio / video being slightly out of sync - the original file was massive and despite numerous attempts to edit it with, the audio/video remain slightly out of sync.]

Mar

The name’s traminer . . . . gewurztraminer

By karwigwines Leave a Comment

Categories: Education, Gewurztraminer, Grape Varieties and Wines

gewurztraminer

Up next in our aroma and taste profiles of the world’s grape varieties is the very hard to pronounce gewurztraminer (guh-voorts-truh-ma-nur). There is a reason people call it gewurz for short !

Heres some things to look out for when you pick up the next one from France, Germany, New Zealand or any of your favourite cool climate regions

gewurztraminer

Grapefruit
Citrus
Perfumed
Rose
Musk
Lavendar
Pot Pourri
Floral
Lychee
Passionfruit
Mango
Guava
Tropical Fruit
Spice

If you have never tried one, you really should check one out. Its a really deliciously different white wine and works brilliantly with Asian food in particular but also smoked salmon and cheeses.

Because Life Is Too Short To Drink Boring Wine . . .

Karwig Wines are importers, wholesalers and retailers of selected and estate bottled wines from all over the world. Its all about the wine. We have one of the broadest selections of wine from quality Old World and New World producers.

Archive for the 'Grape Varieties' Category

German – Irish Wines?

To celebrate this outstanding producer, we are offering a very special 30% discount off our Shiraz

Full range of Australian Wines are on Sale for a massive 25% off for the month of January

Full range of Australian Wines are on Sale for a massive 25% off for the month of January

To celebrate this amazing country, we are offering a whopping 25% off all our South African wines for the next 2 weeks, all of which are available to taste in our shop in Carrigaline.

We are offering a whopping 25% off all our South African wines for the next 2 weeks, all of which are available to taste in our shop in Carrigaline. We hope to see you soon ….

Mosel – Saar – Ruwer

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gewurztraminer

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