The 10th Superquinn French wine sale began on Wednesday. In recent years the supermarket chain has lost its position in the wine hierarchy, and its new management says it is keen on regaining Superquinn's reputation for sourcing new, and different, wines.
Among the 50 in the sale, look out for the following. A lovely sharp Riesling from Alsace, Willy Gisselbrecht 2004 (down from €11.49 to €8.99) A fresh, apple-filled mouthful, Le Passe Authentique, Côtes de Saint Mont 2004 (down from €11.99 to €8.99, pictured) A smoky Pouilly Fumé, Domaine De Breugnon 2004 (down from €18.99 to €13.69) The rich, berry fruit of the Haut Médoc wine Château Cambon la Pelouse 2002 (down from €29.99 to €21.89) The dark, spiced fruit of Cuvée "Gaia" Minervois La Liviniere 2002 (down from €13.99 to €10.99) The heavyweight Château La Croix Martelle Grand Reserve 1999 (down from €17.99 to €15.99).
Also, the National Off-licence Association has named its Irish Wine Show award-winners. The winning entries should be available from all 300-plus members of the organisation. Dopff & Irion "Les Murailles" Riesling 2002 (€18.39), from Cassidy Wines, was white wine of the year; Carmen Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2003 (€13.49), from Edward Dillon & Co, was red of the year. Both are worthy winners.