"My interest in wine started about 30 years ago, when it began to taste an awful lot better than beer, and the following morning, I felt better too. As a parent of young children, socialising became more home-based. I loved cooking and wine was a natural companion, writes David Houlihan
There were the trips abroad on holiday. Most of the wines were probably very ropey, but they were great fun at the time. One stood out in France, because I couldn't even pronounce the name. A case of Cru Bourgeois Château Chasse-Spleen 1986 was the first step into building a collection.
France was the starting point, but I moved swiftly on through Spain and Italy, and then on to the New World. South Africa was fascinating. Hamilton Russell Pinot Noir stood out for me, and to this day we still drink it. I have a passion for Burgundy, red and white, although Riesling is my favourite white variety, and Pinot Noir my favourite red. The icing on the cake was doing a diploma in wine. It gave me a serious technical foundation. But because I am not in the trade, I don't have to analyse wine. I drink it purely for pleasure. I don't always play by the rules on matching food and wine. I often drink light red wine with fish and I would always partner white meats, including turkey, with a white wine, such as a good Chardonnay.
Lately, I have been drinking more white wines. They are so refreshing and uplifting. I have built up a cellar of red Bordeaux, yet I drink more white and more Burgundy. I love edgy wines with a bit of bite. That is why I have been around the world and come back to Italy, France and Spain.
Blackwood Park Riesling is my favourite midweek wine. It is fresh and youthful, with great balance. Generally, I buy my Burgundy from Conor Richardson of Burgundy Direct. My current treat is his Bourgogne Blanc from Patrick Javillier.
Other favourites include the wines of the Mâcon, Tim Adams's Riesling from Australia, and the Freie Weingärtner Riesling from Austria. I have a soft spot for sparkling wines, and always start a meal with one. Wolf Blass sparkling is really nice, and great value, but my all-time favourite has to be Billecart-Salmon Champagne."
Blackwood Park Riesling 2006, 12.5%, €9.99. Stockist: Dunnes Stores.
Bourgogne Blanc 2005, Cuvée des Forgets, Domaine Patrick Javillier, 13%, €19.95.
Stockist: Burgundy Direct, 01-2896615.