WINE: With a good six weeks of the barbecue season still to run, it's worth stocking up on gutsy, well-priced reds, writes Mary Doorley
Like these two: Pélican Bleu Grenache-Syrah, Vin de Pays d'Oc 2001. France is meeting the challenge of the New World head on - and winning. There's a lot of oomph in this modern, likeable southern blend, with its rich, brambly fruit, hint of herbs and smooth, lingering finish. Unbeatable value. Tasty with or without food. From Cabot & Co IFSC; Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dawson St; Drinks Store, Manor St; Donnybrook Fair, Donnybrook; Vintry, Rathgar; Grape Escape, Lucan; Mill Wine Cellar, Maynooth; Wicklow Wine Co; Sky & Ground, Wexford; Vineyard, Galway; Gaffneys, Ballina & Castlebar and many others, €7.99-€8.99.
Flagstone Longitude Red, Western Cape 2001/2. Take a vigorous sniff of this smoky, meaty South African and you'll swear it was made with a barbecue blazing in the background. It's an adventurous mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Pinotage, in varying proportions depending on the year. The Merlot-dominated 2001, sampled recently, is damsony and velvet-smooth with a mineral streak and a firm dry finish. The freshly landed 2002 is a little chunkier, but whatever the year, this wine tastes best alongside chargrilled meat. From Oddbins, €9.99.
MARY DOWEY'S COLUMN WILL RETURN NEXT WEEK