ely wines for Summer 2014 #003

The weather has been really good here in Ireland and we hope that you got to enjoy some of the wines we chosen so far. We already looked into Paparuda Pinot Noir from Romania, Raphael Palacios ‘Bolo’ Godello from Spain, Wagner Stempel Riesling from Germany and the great Franz Haas Pinot Nero from Italy. Here goes two more wines for your summertime enjoyment.

Nyetimber English 2009 Classic Cuvee

The concept of an English sparkling wine may be relatively new to us, but in fact these wines have a massive reputation across the water, and have been building a loyal following here in recent times. Southern England shares the same soil type that runs through Champagne, and while the temperatures are ever so slightly cooler, it is still warm enough to achieve perfect ripeness in the grapes.

Of all the sparkling wine producers in England, Nyetimber are quite possibly the best. The range is fantastic- the Classic Cuvee and Blanc de Blancs are both vintage, there is a delicious Rose, a single vineyard and even a demi-sec. They grow only the “holy trinity” of sparkling wine grapes – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier.

Our current favourite is the 2009 Classic Cuvee! Ripe, rich and biscuity, with a lovely, lemon fresh acidity, this is not just a credible alternative to Champagne; this is a world class wine in its own right! The secret is out.

Domaine Decelle-Villa Cote de Brouilly, Burgundy, France 2012

Two outstanding winemakers – Olivier Decelle of Mas Amiel & Ch. Jean Faure, and Pierre Jean Villa from Cote Rotie and Condrieu- joined forces to create this exciting new Domaine. Having taken over an abandoned cellar in Nuits St. Georges, they started producing wines from their own plots and from bought grapes. Their style, whether from Burgundy or Beaujolais leans very much towards elegance and finesse.

Their Brouilly is classic Beaujolais at its best – beautifully perfumed with red summer fruits – think fresh strawberry and cherry – matched to a wonderfully silky texture. Soft, elegant and extremely refined, this will make you fall for Brouilly all over again.

Check out ely wines for Summer 2014:

ely wines for Summer #001

ely wines for Summer #002

ely wines for Summer #003

ely wines for Summer #004

ely wines for Summer #005

ely wines for Summer #006

ely wines for Summer #007

ely wines for Summer #008

Join us for an ely wine tasting evening and learn more about wines.
Each week a guest speaker will present a selection of wines from the given region and we’ll serve up a supper dish to match. All wine tastings take place at ely bar & brasserie and start at 7pm. See more at http://www.elywinebar.ie/about/wine-apreciation/ely-wine-tastings

So the first ely Big Tasting of 2014 is finally upon us!

Thanks to all of our brilliant suppliers, along with many of the ely favourites, we have some wonderful new wines, craft beers and ciders for you to taste.

Don’t miss the new Romanian Pinot, or the sparkling wine from Hungary. Try the Ballyhook flyer or Stonewell ciders alongside some of the finest of Irish cheeses, or the organic smoked beef from our family farm matched with some great craft beers. There will also be a fantastic selection of wines from France, Spain, Italy, Australia, Argentina, USA and beyond.

Bar manager at ely gastro bar, Barry Rowan will be plucking out some of his favourite Irish and International craft beers from ely gastro bar’s range of over 50 craft beers.

Don’t forget to make sure you get the chance to taste the Nyetimber- an English sparkling wine that rivals many a Champagne for quality.

However, the purists among you can rest easy- we’ll have some Champagne superstars there too! It’s looking like it’s going to be a beautiful day- come join us on the terrace for a glass of bubbles before, or a cleansing craft beer after!

Download ely_Big_tasting_wines_2014

Follow us on twitter @elywinebars #elybigtasting

Grapecircus @ Sheridans
Gruner Veltliner Arndorfer, Austria 2011
Edalo Blanco Contreras Ruiz 2012
Rosso Piceno Vigna di Gino San Lorenzo
Rosso di Monteraponi, Tuscany
Chianti When we Dance, Il Palagio 2012
Barbera Conterno Fantino, Piemonte 2011
Tenuta di Aglaea ‘N’anticchia’ Etna Rosso, Sicily 2009

Febvre
Benziger Merlot, Sonoma Valley 2010
Benziger Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley 2012
De Martino Legado Chardonnay, Chile 2011
De Martino Organic Sauvignon Blanc, Chile 2012
De Martino Legado Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Paparuda Pinot Noir, Romania 2012
Paparuda Pinot Grigio, Romania 2013
Taittinger Nocturne Champagne
Warres Otima 10yr Tawny port

Nomad Wines
Lombeline ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ Loire Valley 2012
Lucien Crochet ‘Le Chene’ Sancerre 2012
Domaine Chavy-Chouet Meursault ‘Vireuil ‘2010
Chateau de Leyguette Bordeaux 2011
Domaine Hauts Blanville ‘Peyras’ Coteaux du Languedoc 2010
Simon Bize ‘Les Perrieres’ Bourgogne 2009

Vinostito
La Goya’ Manzanilla, San Lucar de Barrameda
Rafael Palacios ‘Bolo’ Godello, Valdeorras, Spain 2012
Ch. La Grolet, AoC Bordeaux, France 2010
Domaine Moureau, Madiran, France 2010
Acon Roble, Ribera del Duero 2011
Bodegas Ponce ‘P.F’ Manchuela, Spain 2010
Bodegas y Vinedos Gancedo ‘Xestal’ Bierzo, Spain 2007

On the Grapevine
Verus Pinot Gris, Slovenia 2012
Waltner Gruner Veltliner, Austria 2013
Kiryianni Petra, Greece 2013
Kiryianni Ramnista, Greece 2010
Les Hauts de Montforts, Minervois, France 2011
Degani Amarone, Italy

Wicklow Wine Company
Gruner Veltliner HASEL, Birgit Eichinger, Kamptal, Austria 2012
Riesling trocken, Wagner-Stempel, Rheinhessen, Germany 2012
Vinhas do Lasso Branco , Lisboa, Portugal 2011
Spatburgunder, Wagner-Stempel, Rheinhessen, Germany 2011
Sa de Baixo, Douro, Portugal 2012
Paco dos Cunhas, Dao, Portugal 2010

Le Caveau
Domaine de Ménard “Cuvée Marine”, Cotes de Gascogne, France 2012
Bodegas Menade, Verdejo, Rueda, Spain 2013
Valli Unite “Ciapé”, Cortese, Piedmont, Italy 2012
Henri Marionnet, Touraine Gamay, Loire, France 2012
Poggio Argentiera, Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy 2011
Domaine Chaume Arnaud ‘Vinsobres’, Rhone, France 2011

Liberty Wines
Nyetimber Classic Cuvee, England 2009
Vesevo Falanghina, Campagnia, Italy 2012
Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2013
Innocent Bystander Pinot Gris, Yarra Valley, Australia 2012
Azamor, Alentejo, Portugal 2009
Alpha Zeta ‘R’ Ripasso, Veneto 2012
Domaine Boisset Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2012
Isole e Olena Chianti Classico, Tuscany Italy 2011
Willunga 100 Grenache, Mclaren Vale, Austraila 2010
Gran Sasso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy 2013
Innocent Bystander Syrah, Yarra Valley, Australia 2010

Nicholsons
Finca Montepedrosa, Rueda, Spain 2012
Soalheiro Alvarinho, Portugal 2013
La Source de Vignelaure Rose, Provence 2012
Domaine Joncier “Le Gourmand” Lirac 2012
Cline Pinot Noir, California 2012
Carmelo Rodero ‘9 months’ Tempranillo, Pedrosa del Duero 2012

Wines Direct
Domaine Feline Jourdaine Picpoul de Pinet 2012
Paddy Borthwick Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ 2013
Craiglee Chardonnay, Sunbury, Victoria 2009
Bret Brothers St. Veran, Burgundy 2011
Haut Rian Cuvee Prestige
Paper Road Pinot Noir, Marlborough, NZ 2012
Mas Julian, Les Terasses du Larzac 2010
L’Hortus Grande Cuvee, Coteaux du Languedoc 2010
Feytit-Clinet “Les Colombieres”, Pomerol 2011
Chateau Haut Segottes St. Emilion Grand Cru 2006
Chateau Lalande, St. Julien, Bordeaux 2008

Cellar Door Wines
Mohua Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ 2012
Mohua Pinot Noir, Marlborough, NZ 2009
Perigrine Pinot Noir, Marlborough NZ 2009
Findlater Wines
Bollinger ‘Special Cuvee’ Champagne NV
Pionero Mundi Albarino, Spain 2012
St Clair Gruner Veltliner, NZ 2012
Cono Sur ’20 Barrells’ Pinot Noir, Chile 2011
Penfolds Koonunga Hill ’76’ Shiraz Cabernet, South 2012
Beringer Zinfandel, California 2011

Mitchells Wine Merchants
Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Frizzante
Chateau Dereszla Tokaji Dry 2012
Alta Vista Premium Malbec 2012 150cl
Alta Vista Terroir Selection Malbec 2010
Sipp Mack Riesling Tradition 2011
Sipp Mack Pinot Blanc 2012
Lustau Los Arcos Amontillado
Lustau Solera Reserva Brandy de Jerez

Irish Craft Cider
Craigies
Longueville
Stonewell

Irish & International Craft Beers
1
2
3

ely’s Classic Wine Bar experience

Two outstanding wines, only one place to try them.

Following the enormous success of our last ‘Classic Wine Bar Experience’ we are very excited about this one!
This summer’s Classic Wine Bar Experience features two lesser known grape varieties from a little known region in Spain. The one thing they have in common is that they are both the finest expressions of these grape varieties that we’ve ever come across. They have totally captured our imaginations as lovers of great wine and we think they will do the same for you.

Both wines usually list at €69 but we are delighted to offer them at €39
Also available by the glass €9.75

Rafael Palacios ‘As Sortes’ 2010

100% Godello
Biodynamic
The Godello grape, native to Galicia in north-west Spain was once close to extinction but has seen a remarkable resurgence in recent times, both in popularity and in quality.
Leading the pack is Rafael Palacios, who’s ‘As Sortes’ is surely the very pinnacle of modern Godello.  This wonderfully complex wine shows classic Godello character on the nose – lemon, pear and white fruit followed by lightly toasty oak. The palate is rich and rounded- a result of maturing for 8 months on its lees- but cut through by a vibrant citrusy acidity and precise minerality.
All of these components combine beautifully for a persistent and hugely satisfying finish.  This wine will compliment most fish dishes but works especially well with monkfish.

Domini do Bibei ‘Lalama’ Ribero Sacro 2008

85% Mencia, 15% Garnacha & Brancellao
Also from the Galicia region in north-west Spain, ‘Lalama’ is a blend of Mencia (85%) Garnacha and Brancellao, with vines ranging between 15 and 100yrs of age.
Mencia from old vines is now producing some extraordinary wines and this is definitely our favourite. Strikingly different to the majority of Spanish wines, this comes across more like an intriguing cross between Northern Rhone and Cote de Nuits – The savoury, spicy blackberry flavours of a great Cote Rotie, but with the silky texture and violet aromatics of a great Burgundy.
This wine spends 21 months in barrel, followed by 18 months in bottle before it is released and it is drinking perfectly now. As in right now. If you’re a fan of great Burgundy, great Rhone or just great wine you should check this out. The subtlety of flavour and natural acidity make this a perfect partner for duck.

This offer is exclusive to ely winebar, Ely Place. We have good stocks of both wines and hope they will see us through until August, but at these prices they could be gone sooner. Be sure to call in and try them for yourself! 

Contact us on elyplace@elywinebar.com or 01 676-8986

Wines for summer #001

Wines for summer – now that it’s officially here!

Vorgeschmack, Martin Arndorfer, Kamptal 2011

This unconventional wine seems to break way too many rules – A Gruner Veltliner blended with barrel fermented Riesling ??? However, one taste will dispel and doubts. The 80:20 Gruner Riesling works brilliantly – the dry, vibrant and lightly spicy Gruner is lifted by the citrus and mineral Riesling. The tiny amount of oak is almost unnoticeable – it just adds a softness to the finish. Fresh, crisp and certainly different, this is practically summer in a glass!

 

Domaine Decelle-Villa Bourgogne Pinot Noir, Burgundy, France 2011               

Two outstanding winemakers –one from the Rhone, one from Languedoc- took over this Domaine and the results have been remarkable. This is classic Burundian Pinot at its best – beautifully perfumed with red summer fruits – think fresh strawberry and cherry – matched to a wonderfully soft, silky texture. This will remind you why you love Pinot the most……

Check out our upcoming wine tastings at elywinebar.com

The wines of Alsace with Jean Trimbach – July 2nd 2012

By Sommelier Ian Brosnan

Jean Trimbach was in ely winebar 22 Ely Place last night hosting an intimate wine tasting dinner in the new private dining room. Guest were treated to a selection for his finest wines from the classic Riesling up to the Cuvee Frederic Emile.
Standout wines from the evening included the aperitif- Muscat Reserve 2009 which was grapey, fragrant and fresh; the Riesling Reserve 2006 surprising even Jean himself – rich yet beautifully balanced despite coming from an admittedly difficult vintage. Of the two CFE Rieslings, 2005 was more forward and immediate, but for me the star was the 2004. Remarkably concentrated, yet, like all Trimbach wines, possessed with a seemingly inbuilt finesse and elegance.
The bright, minerally core gave way to fresh grapefruit and white peach on the palate, and superb length. And it has years ahead it. Last wine of the evening was the Gewurztraminer ‘Cuvee des Seigneurs de Ribeaupierre’ 2001 which was wonderfully rich and perfumed, clearly gaining in complexity over the years yet showing no signs of getting old. The wines were tasted  over a dish of Organic Burren Suckling Pig with cider potatoes, celeriac and apple, and the dish brought out something different in each wine.  Our thanks to Jean for sharing in an evening of good conversation, great food and wonderful wines. And singing….. we must include the singing!

See below ely winebar upcoming wine tastings:

Red wines of Burgundy:  Thursday July 12th 
Burgundy can be the most complicated of all regions- despite using only one grape!
One of Ireland’s foremost Burgundy experts Charles Derrain will present a class on navigating the minefield that is Burgundian reds- covering winemakers, villages and vintages.
Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pm
Cost €45 pay here dinner included

Australia- Thursday  July 26th 
No country in the ‘New World’ as embraced regionality more than Australia, and the result is a new generation of wines that express  distinctive,  characteristics. Along with John McDonnell of Wine Australia, we will compare(and contrast!) the great wine regions of Margaret River, Victoria and Barossa.
Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pm
Cost €40 pay here dinner included
Germany & Austria-  Thursday August 9th 
Two of the most underappreciated wine making countries in Europe will be showing off their finest exports, Riesling and Gruner Veltliner. If you’re fan of serious white wines this is one you will not want to miss.
Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pm
Cost €35 pay here dinner included

White wines of Italy: Thursday August 23rd 
Italy has recently become home to some of the most exciting white wines on the market, the majority of which come from relatively unknown native grapes like Falanghina, Greco, Trebbiano, Garganega, Cortese and many others. We will cover Italy north to south, looking at the best of these wonderfully diverse wines.
Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC @ 7pm
Cost €35 pay here dinner included

Winemakers Dinner-Barolo and wines of Piedmont  with Giuseppe Vajra… Thursday  September 6th 
Aldo Vajra is a traditionalist, saying that “traditional wines are more elegant, with more delicate perfumes and offering more pleasure at the table.”  His wines aim not for the power found in some Barolo, but for texture, a Burgundian intensity and a purity of flavour that makes them stand out in Barolo.  Join us for a tasting of these remarkable wines, which will be enjoyed-as they should be- over dinner.
Where: ely winebar 22 Ely Place @ 7pm
Cost €60 pay here dinner included

THE BIG TASTING: Friday Sept 28th
ely’s Big Tasting is back, and it’s bigger than ever- with over 100 wines from more than 15 countries, including classics from the old world, modern classics from the new, not to mention Champagnes, Ports, sherries and dessert wines. We will also feature artisan beers, Sheridans Cheesemongers, organic beef from our family farm, Monto’s handmade chocolates, artisan breads and more…

Where: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC – 2 sessions
Cost €25 pay here 6pm
Cost €25 pay here 8pm

ely wine tastings and winemaker dinners 2012

|  cookbook  |   |  cookery courses  |   |  gift card  |

Each week a guest speaker will present a selection if wines from the given region and we’ll serve up a supper dish to match. All wine tastings take place at ely bar & brasserie and start at 6.45pm sharp.

Sparkling wines of the world: Thursday June 21st pay here

From Prosecco and Cava to Champagne and beyond; an insightful look into the sparkling wines of the world, how they are made and why they are different…. and how to spot a sparkling bargain when you see one!

Cost €40 pay here

The wines of Alsace with Jean Trimbach:  Monday July 2nd pay here
Established in1626, Trimbach are one of the legendary names in French wine. Jean Trimbach himself will be on hand to guide us through the wonderful varieties and wines of Alsace, including two vintages of one of France’s greatest white wines- Cuvee Frederic Emile Riesling.

Cost €40 pay here

Red wines of Burgundy:  Thursday July 12th pay here

Burgundy can be the most complicated of all regions- despite using only one grape!

One of Ireland’s foremost Burgundy experts Charles Derrain will present a class on navigating the minefield that is Burgundian reds- covering winemakers, villages and vintages.

Cost €45 pay here

Australia- Thursday  July 26th pay here

No country in the ‘New World’ as embraced regionality more than Australia, and the result is a new generation of wines that express  distinctive,  characteristics. Along with John McDonnell of Wine Australia, we will compare(and contrast!) the great wine regions of Margaret River, Victoria and Barossa.

Cost €40 pay here

Germany & Austria-  Thursday August 9th pay here

Two of the most underappreciated wine making countries in Europe will be showing off their finest exports, Riesling and Gruner Veltliner. If you’re fan of serious white wines this is one you will not want to miss.

Cost €35 pay here

White wines of Italy: Thursday August 23rd pay here

Italy has recently become home to some of the most exciting white wines on the market, the majority of which come from relatively unknown native grapes like Falanghina, Greco, Trebbiano, Garganega, Cortese and many others. We will cover Italy north to south, looking at the best of these wonderfully diverse wines.

Cost €35 pay here

Winemakers Dinner-Barolo and wines of Piedmont  with Giuseppe Vajra… Thursday  September 6th pay here

Aldo Vajra is a traditionalist, saying that “traditional wines are more elegant, with more delicate perfumes and offering more pleasure at the table.”  His wines aim not for the power found in some Barolo, but for texture, a Burgundian intensity and a purity of flavour that makes them stand out in Barolo.  Join us for a tasting of these remarkable wines, which will be enjoyed-as they should be- over dinner.

Cost €60 pay here

Time: All tastings start at 7pm and take place in ely bar & brasserie, IFSC unless otherwise stated. All wine tasting evenings include supper, which will be chosen to complement the wines being tasted.

To make a booking or for more information please contact wineclub@elywinebar.com or call 01 676 8986.

Wine Tasting: Sauvignon Blanc’s of the World and many more!

The Old World v New World tasting took place last night in ely winebar.

24 enthusiasts arrived at 7pm delighted for the excuse to learn and, ahem, drink delicious wines on a Monday evening! Start as you mean to go on was the motto as Michele Jordan introduced the white wines of the evening.

WHITES
First up we looked at a grape native to Sardinia and Corsica but grown across Tuscany called Vermentino. Poggiotondo Bianco, made by the very talented winemaker Alberto Antonini is bright and zippy with delicate floral hints. The perfect summer wine! We compared this to it’s Aussie counterpart  a Vermentino grown in McLaren Vale. McLaren Vale is tempered by the sea breezes and produces wines with real finesse. Mitolo Vermentino is no exception. At 10% alcohol and light in body it is extremely refreshing, as a drink in its own right and as a wine style coming from the hot climes of Australia.

Round two was a comparison of Sauvignon Blanc from Australia, New Zealand and France. Everyone at the tasting had tried many a Sauvignon Blanc but couldn’t hide their delight at comparing the 3 key styles. Sancerre is an appellation in Loire, France that produces the archetypal Sauvignon Blanc: lean and focused with great minerality and green fruit whilst the Delta Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough jumped out of the glass with its tropical fruit aromas and brilliant intensity. Australia’s interpretation was easily the winner of the evening. Made in the Adelaide Hills by Shaw and Smith, it was definitely one of the stars of the evening. Restrained and elegant with a  full creamy texture and appley fruit aromatics. It sat perfectly in between France and New Zealand. Unusual for an Australia to retain all the subtle aromatics of Sauvignon Blanc and the tasters couldn’t help but be enamoured by the whole package.

REDS
The red flights included Pinot Noir from Australia, France and New Zealand and an extremely interesting comparison of Sangiovese made in its home town of Chianti, Italy and also in Heathcote, Australia. Interestingly there was no clear favourite in either comparison. Domaine Lafarge ‘s Volnay was the lightest in body with savoury aromas and dark cherries, New Zealand’s offering was Delta’s Hatters Hill Pinot. I have tasted this wine many a time and last night it was truly delicious. The 2008 vintage has really come out of its shell with yummy fresh summer fruit and undertones of spice. Yummy YUMMY. The last in the flight was Shaw and Smith’s Pinot Noir from the Adelaide Hills. Denser in colour and driven more by sweet fruit than savoury spice it is the most full-bodied of the three.

Most people love the taste of Chianti without ever knowing what the magic ingredient is that makes it so delicious – the grape Sangiovese! Widely grown across the Tuscan hills it produces wines with cherry and raspberry aromas, herbaceous tones, refreshing acidity and ripe tannins. Good Chianti is a wonderful thing and we experienced two delicious interpretations last night. Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore and Greenstone Sangiovese. My preference is for the richer, full bodied Aussie number which had aged well with soft fine tannins and lots of fruit whist other liked the softer and more delicate Italian one.

Just a quick update on the next session of wine tastings!

April Tastings

April 13th  – The Malbecs of Argentina and France
April 20th – New Zealand
April 27th – Barossa Valley v Rhone Valley – Shiraz on 2 continents.

Summer Wine Tasting Sessions

25th May: Summer Rose
1st June: Summer Whites
8th June: Summer Reds
15th June: Summer Sparklers
22nd June: Organic and Biodynamic Wine – tasting the difference

Visit our website for more details or contact Michelle Lawlor at 01 678 7867 / wineclub@elywinebar.com
Thanks for reading!

Stockists for the wines are as follows!

Stockists

Mitchells, Glasthule & IFSC

Fallon & Byrne, Dublin 2

Jus De Vine, Portmarnock

Red Island Wine Co, Skerries

Sweeneys, Glasnevin

64 Wine, Glasthule

On the Grapevine, Dalkey

Drinkstore, Manor St

Next Door, Enfield

Callans, Dundalk

Red Nose Wine, Clonmel

Redmonds of Ranelagh

Terroirs, Donnybrook

Donnybrook Fair

Corkscrew, Dublin 2

Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dublin 2

The Vineyard, Galway

World Wide Wines, Waterford

Wine tasting in Dublin – Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Burgundy

On Wednesday night at ely winebar we tasted through some of the great wines of  Burgundy with Conor Richardson of Burgundy Direct.

We looked at 5 wines from the region: 2 white and 3 red to illustrate the value and style available from the region.

1. Bourgogne, Jean Grivot, 2007 (Rouge)
2. Macon Solutre ‘Les Clos’, Domaine des Gerbeaux 2010
3. Pouilly Fuisse, Domaine des Gerbeaux 2009
4. Vosne Romanee ‘Bossieres’, Domaine Jean Grivot 2006
5. Gevrey Chambertin, Christian Serafin 2003

Conor proposed an interesting tasting order – Starting first with a red rather than the whites! Why? So as not to attack our palate with the acidity, but rather to caress it with silky tannins and gentle red fruit. It was a stroke of genius –  Jean Grivot Bourgogne is from the commune of Vosne Romanee  and makes the perfect aperitif. The 2007 vintage is beautiful in youth with elegant fruit aromas of red and morello cherries, strawberries and raspberries. Conor assured us that it was the perfect way to relax after a hard days work.

After our aperitif we began the tasting. Fresh from the vineyard, our tasters were some of the first people to take a look at the 2010 vintage of the Macon Solutre from Domaine Gerbeaux.  The white wines of Macon are made from Chardonnay and generally have bright, simple fruit, fresh acidity and are unoaked. The Macon Solutre was absolutely stunning and a real crowd pleaser. Unoaked, elegant and brimming with minerality it has great intensity and depth of lemony citrus characters, ripe apples and melons. It was the surprise of the night. Whereas the Macon Solutre is unoaked with lovely apple characteristics, the Pouilly Fuisse oozes with rich, creamy oak and tropical fruit. Not for the faint hearted this Pouilly Fuisse has lots of body and depth with layers of sweet and savoury oak. Pouilly Fuisse certainly offers exceptional value for money for those who like robust Chardonnay.

The red wines of Burgundy are made from 100% Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is notoriously difficult to grow, disliking hot weather and susceptible to rot, it takes a lot of work in the vineyard and crafting in the winery to make these sumptuous sweet, earthy wines.
Vosne Romanee produces elegant, delicately perfumed and fragrant red wines and the Jean Grivot ‘Bossieres’ 2006 is no exception! Light in colour and body it has layers of red fruits, spice and earthy tones with a deliciously velvety mouthfeel – this was one of the favourites of the night! We then moved on the Gevrey Chambertin 2003 from Christian Serafin. 2003 was a very hot and difficult vintage. The crop was half the normal size due to dehydration of the grapes.You have to be a very skilled winemaker to produce a good wine in such extreme conditiond and Christian Serafin has done a great job.  The vintage conditions lead to a robust full-bodied Pinot with very concentrated ripe,  fruit flavours.

Although everybody had their favourites, what the tasters really enjoyed was the opportunityh to taste 3 reds from the same region and the same grape variety that varied greatly in style!

If you would like to know where you can buy any of the delicious wines mentioned  or any other greats from Burgundy please contact Conor Richardson at info@burgundydirect.ie.

For more information on up coming tastings please visit our website or contact Michelle Lawlor on 01 678 7867 or wineclub@elywinebar.com

Thanks for reading!

Wine tasting in Dublin: a Masterclass in Europe v the Southern Hemisphere

Wine Masterclass
New World v Old World

On the 11^th April ely bar & brasserie will present a masterclass in global wine styles featuring guest speaker Michele Jordan.

Michele Jordan has worked in the wine trade for over 20 years and represents some of the world’s most highly acclaimed winemakers. Through the evening Michele will talk us through the key differences between Europe, Australia and New Zealand, explaining why Europe looks towards Australia and New Zealand for emerging styles and why Australia and New Zealand are starting to emulate their European counterparts.

Ever wondered why wines from the Southern Hemisphere taste so different from those of Europe, or why New Zealand now rivals France on world class production of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The masterclass will feature 4 flights including a comparison of Sauvignon Blancs from Australia, New Zealand and France, Pinot Noirs from Australia, New Zealand and France and look at Italian varietals emerging from Australia!

Ticket price: €45
Date: 11^th April 2011
Venue: ely bar & brasserie, IFSC
Time: 7pm

1ST FLIGHT
2009 Poggiotondo Bianco, Tuscany

Alberto Antonini, Poggiotondo's winemaker

2010 Mitolo Vermentino, McLaren Vale

 2ND FLIGHT
2010 Delta Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough

2010 Shaw & Smith Sauvignon Blanc, Adelaide Hills

2009 Sautereau Sancerre, Loire

 3RD FLIGHT
2008 Delta Hatters Hill Pinot Noir, Marlborough
2008 Shaw & Smith Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills
2004 Domaine Lafarge Volnay, Burgundy

4TH FLIGHT
2008 Poggiotondo Chianti Superiore, Tuscany
2007 Greenstone Sangiovese, Heathcote

For more information or to book your place please contact Michelle Lawlor on 01 678 7867 or email wineclub@elywinebar.com.