Wine Trends for 2025 - Ireland AM 31/1

Close your eyes and imagine you are drinking Chablis. That's exactly what this exciting wine from Crete tastes like! Made from 100% Assyrtiko which is an indigenous grape to the island, this is bone dry, crisp and elegant with a light touch of salinity. Lyrarakis began making wine in the 1960s and have been at the forefront of high quality wines made from indigenous grapes. A multi award-winning and high accoladed winery run by a small family, they truly showcase the potential of wines produced in Crete.

Radiating a luminous garnet hue, the 2023 Hans Baer Pinot Noir offers redcurrants, wild strawberries, and a hint of rose petals on the nose. Delicate cranberry and pomegranate notes grace the palate, framed by fine tannins that lead to a harmonious finish with a touch of baking spices. Pair this German gem with roasted duck breast for a succulent meat contrast, or alongside creamy mushroom risotto for an elegant vegetarian option. And on a hot day, you can serve it straight out of the fridge... magic! The Hans Baer Pinot Noir's versatility shines through as it complements a range of dishes. Its red fruit characteristics and gentle acidity elevate British roast chicken, while also harmonizing with the richness of a lamb casserole. For an unconventional twist, try it with pan-seared salmon and herb sauce, demonstrating its ability to enhance diverse culinary experiences. With every sip, this Pinot Noir adds delight to the table.

Combel La Serre, Le Pur Fruit du Causse Cahors is an organically certified, light, and fruit-forward Malbec from Cahors. Hand-harvested and fermented with indigenous yeasts at cool temperatures, it showcases a bright and intense purple hue, bursting with bramble fruit and characteristic Malbec grip. Aged in cement vats, the wine offers a round, enveloping mouthfeel with velvety tannins, and a lively explosion of summer fruit, complemented by a long finish of chalky and spicy notes. With just 12.5% alcohol, it's a refreshing vin de soif, perfect for serving slightly chilled in warmer months or pairing with roast poultry, vegetables, and red meat dishes.

A full bodied, rich and unctuous red wine from Ribero del Duero. Unoaked, with flavours of fresh blackberries, blueberries and plums. Made exclusively from Tempranillo, you would be forgiven for expecting it to taste similar to a Rioja, however Ribero is a much hotter place resulting in a much more robust style of wine. If you like Malbec, this one will be right up your street. The climate along the Duero is extreme, with hot dry summers and harsh winters. The hot summer days and cool evenings result in intense and full bodied reds with a firm structure and refreshing acidity.