THIS week I asked David Power, Catherine Griffith and Sandy O'Byrne, all Wine Development Board lecturers, to choose wines they feel are outstanding but affordable examples of some of the classic grape varieties.
WHITE CHARDONNAY
. Fortant de France Collection Chardonnay Via de Pays d'Oc 1993 (Molloys Nutgrove and some other outlets, about £8.50).
The basic Fortant range is now familiar, but the higher quality collection wines are new to the Irish market, and well worth seeking out. This well balanced, full bodied Chardonnay is a superb example of what Robert Skalli is doing in the south of France toasty and creamy with the style of a top Burgundy at an affordable price.
SAUVIGNON BLANC
. Montana Sauvignon Blanc 1995 (very widely available, usually £6.99).
Our bottle of the week three weeks ago. "Lovely gooseberry fruit flavours and clean, fresh acidity," says David Power.
SEMILLON
. Rosemount Estate Semillon 1995 (Foleys Cabinteely Deveneys Dundrum, Vintry and other outlets, about £8.50).
From Australia's Hunter Valley, famous for its Semillons, a lightly oaked bone dry wine with lemon and watermelon aromas and crisp, fruity flavours. Don't be afraid to keep this one it will improve with age.
RIESLING
. Ungsteiner Nussriegel Riesling Kabiaett Trocken 1995 (Wine Barrel Sligo, Findlaters, Wine Cellar Raheny, Gibneys Malahide and other outlets, about £8.50).
Pronounced aromas of honey and citrus fruits followed by peach and apricot flavours. A lovely balance of fruit, acid and alcohol, which is what great Riesling is all about.
CHENIN BLANC
. Marc Bredif Vouvray 1990 (Foleys Cabinteely, about £10).
One of Sandy O'Byrne's choices, representing a grape variety that's often dismissed. "Austere yet rewarding flavours which will develop further," she says. "An excellent choice for rich food."
RED CABERNET SAUVIGNON
. Morago Cabernet Sauvignon Vino da Tavola del Veneto Riserva 1993 (Molloys, McCabes, Limerick Fine Wines, £7.69-£7.99).
Now here's a surprise instead of the expected classic Bordeaux Cabernet, a fine example from the north east of Italy mint and black cherry flavours, earthiness and a long, fruity after taste. A great food wine.
PINOT NOIR
. Bouchard Hautes Cotes de Beaune 1993 (McCambridges Galway and some other outlets, about £10.99).
A good introduction to Burgundy at an unBurgundian price. Typical, Pinot strawberry flavours and firm structure.
MERLOT
. Chateau de Ia Dauphine Fronsac 1992 (Searsons, £10.70)
A really elegant, Merlot dominated wine from Bordeaux's right bank beautifully rich, ripe fruit with balancing tannins and length of flavour.
SYRAH
. Guigal Cotes du Rhone 1993 (widely available, about £8).
Another wine column favourite from quality driven Marcel Guigal full bodied with lots of fruit and a touch of spice in the finish. See Bottle of the Week.
SANGIOVESE
. Castello di Nipozzano Chianti Rufina Riserva 1992 (Redmonds, Farm Produce, Cheers Malahide, Vineyard Galway, Galvins Cork, about £10.50).
This was a wine we urged Santa to bring so lovely it demands to be tried before next Christmas Layers of aroma and flavour in a very stylish, traditional Rufina.