Beat the January Blues with a little wine Education!

An informal and fun way to discover a whole world of wine!

€160 for 6 Weeks Limited to 8 Places

This course runs for 6 weeks, one evening per week, starting on Tuesday 2nd of October. The Wine Appreciation Course will give a comprehensive overview of the wines of the world. The various styles, vintages and the relationship of food and wine will all be covered. Each evening we will sample a selection of wines, notes will be provide. (Should you wish detail information that can be provide also) Each Class begins promptly at 7.30 pm and will run for one hour and half.

The next course, will begin at 7.30 on Tuesday January 28th, and will run every Tuesday until Tuesday 3rd of March.

Wine School Key Features:

• Basic tasting techniques including putting words to wine
• Tasting the major grape varieties
• Discovering your favourite styles of wine

The Tasting Schedule

Introduction to French Wines

Introducing the various styles, grapes and wine philosophies of the leading wine producing country in the world. It starts from basics and it covers France’s principal wine regions and grapes.

Introduction To Australia & New Zealand

Australia is country that is emerging from a bit of an identity crisis, now looking to produce regionally distinct wines. We reckon Australia has never made better wines. New Zealand has nailed it’s flag to great Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Come and sample Clare Riesling, Marlborough Sauvignon among others.

Introduction To Argentinean, Chilean and South African Wines

Much like Australia these countries that boomed for one style of wine and are now looking to attract people with their regionally distinct styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc,  Malbec, Carmenere, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Introduction to Spanish & Portuguese Wines

Spain the trendiest wine country at the minute. This course will acquaint you with Rioja, Rueda and Rias Baixas along with Tempranillo, Albarino and Garnacha. Portugal long in the Shadow of it’s bigger neighbour produces some stunning  Vinho Verde and Douro reds.

Introduction To Austria & Germany

Germany and Austria are fast become a customer favourites with their fruit driven stylish reds and crisp refreshing whites. This week is the one that surprises most!

Introduction to Italian Wines

This will introduce you to some of the major wine regions of Italy, a country that we could focus a whole six week course on and only cover one region. Areas covered will be Piedmont, Veneto and Tuscany.

Places can be booked by emailing tadhg@woodberrys.ie or alternatively by calling 091-533706

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Back to school

An informal and fun way to discover a whole world of wine!

€160 for 6 Weeks Limited to 10 Places

This course runs for 6 weeks, one evening per week, starting on Tuesday 2nd of October. The Wine Appreciation Course will give a comprehensive overview of the wines of the world. The various styles, vintages and the relationship of food and wine will all be covered. Each evening we will sample a selection of wines, notes will be provide. (Should you wish detail information that can be provide also) Each Class begins promptly at 7.30 pm and will run for one hour and half.

The next course, will begin at 7.30 on Tuesday September 24th, and will run every Tuesday until Tuesday 29th of October.

Wine School Key Features:

• Basic tasting techniques including putting words to wine
• Choosing from a restaurant wine list
• Tasting the major grape varieties
• Discovering your favourite styles of wine

The Tasting Schedule

Introduction to French Wines

Introducing the various styles, grapes and wine philosophies of the leading wine producing country in the world. It starts from basics and it covers France’s principal wine regions and grapes.

Introduction To Australian Wines

A country that is emerging from a bit of an identity crisis, now looking to produce regionally distinct wines. We reckon Australia has never made better wines. Come and sample Clare Riesling, Orange Pinot and Mudgee Shiraz among others.

Introduction To Argentinean, Chilean & New Zealand Wines

Much like Australia these countries that boomed for one style of wine and are now looking to attract people with their regionally distinct styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc,  Malbec, Carmenere, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Introduction To New Old World

Fairly new entrants to the Irish market Portugal and Austria are fast become a customer favourites with its fruit driven stylish reds and crisp refreshing whites. We will also take in a selection of German wines.

Introduction to Spanish Wines

Spain the trendiest wine country at the minute. This course will acquaint you with Rioja, Rueda and Rias Baixas along with Tempranillo, Albarino and Garnacha.

Introduction to Italian Wines

This will introduce you to some of the major wine regions of Italy, a country that we could focus a whole six week course on and only cover one region. Areas covered will be Piedmont, Valpolicella and Tuscany.

Places can be booked by emailing tadhg@woodberrys.ie or alternatively by calling 091-533706.

The course is sold as a complete 6 week course with full payment of €160 required to secure a place.

The New Arrivals: Areal Vinho Verde

Quinta da Pousada is located in the sub-region of Vale do Ave in the heart of the Vinho Verde region. Owned by José Areal & family, Quinta da Pousada has 6 hectares of vineyards and is understood as a family farm, devoting itself diligently to produce high quality wines.  All oenological practices applied are intended to elevate the high quality wines. The Region of Vinho Verde is a region dominated by the influence of the Atlantic, creating a microclimate in the sub-region of Vale do Ave influencing very particularly the vineyards of Quinta da Pousada. The temperature does not show extreme values, resulting in a mild climate of not too cold winters with heavy rainfall and summers relatively dry and cool.

With vineyards of granitic sandy loam soil and South exposure it allows the correct number of hours of sunlight necessary for the best maturation of the grapes.The vineyards of Quinta da Pousada have a modern system of planting, acquiring more harmonious maturation and achieving wine of distinctive quality. In addition, the evolved technology used in the vinification process, ensures the strict protection of the typicality of the grapes.

Throughout the year there is an extreme care to preserve the vineyard. Defoliation is done regularly, but never in excess, allowing the grapes to breathe and absorb the sun without burning. There were significant investments starting with the vineyard (the most important for the quality of our wines) with the expansion of over 700 m² planted last year, then continue with the remodeling of the winery, a process of great dedication and passion and at the same time of continuous learning and improvement.

Areal Vinho Verde 2018 €13.95

The Vinho Verde Areal – Colheita Seleccionada , our Selected Harvest, a blend of the 4 grape varieties Arinto, Loureiro, Trajadura and Alvarinho, presents citrine color and clear and bright look. At taste the flavor is delicate, hot and melodious.

Areal Arinto Vinho Verde 2018 €14.95

The Vinho Verde Areal – Arinto reveales on tasting a fresh, lively and persistent flavor. Outstanding mineral notes, with a very pretty nose of green apple and lemon. Presents a clear appearance with bright and citrus color. Very refreshing.

A Portuguese Original

Quinta de Chocapalha Castelão 2014

Castelão, one of Portugal’s most famed and widely planted varieties, is known for its beautiful, fruit character. Quinta de Chocapalha’s interpretation of this varietal is a stunning example. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak for 12 months, this Castelão retains its fresh fruit essence long after its 6 month of refinement in bottle.

Quinta de Chocapalha Castelão is a radiant purple in color with an alluring nose of fresh raspberries, ripe cherries and subtle nuances of cocoa. The silky tannins and supple body attribute great balance and elegance to the palate. The perfect pairing for casual barbecue or charcuterie plates.

Normally €17.95 but currently on Promotion at €14.95

Discover something new about wine!

An informal and fun way to discover a whole world of wine!

€160 for 6 Weeks Limited to 10 Places

This course runs for 6 weeks, one evening per week, starting on Tuesday 5th of February . The Wine Appreciation Course will give a comprehensive overview of the wines of the world. The various styles, vintages and the relationship of food and wine will all be covered. Each evening we will sample a selection of wines, notes will be provide. (Should you wish detail information that can be provide also) Each Class begins promptly at 7.30 pm and will run for one hour and half.

Wine School Key Features:

• Basic tasting techniques including putting words to wine
• Choosing from a restaurant wine list
• Tasting the major grape varieties
• Discovering your favourite styles of wine

The Tasting Schedule

Introduction to French Wines

Introducing the various styles, grapes and wine philosophies of the leading wine producing country in the world. It starts from basics and it covers France’s principal wine regions and grapes.

Introduction To Australian Wines

A country that is emerging from a bit of an identity crisis, now looking to produce regionally distinct wines. We reckon Australia has never made better wines. Come and sample Clare Riesling, Orange Pinot and Mudgee Shiraz among others.

Introduction To Argentinean, Chilean & New Zealand Wines

Much like Australia these countries that boomed for one style of wine and are now looking to attract people with their regionally distinct styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc,  Malbec, Carmenere, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Introduction To New Old World

Fairly new entrants to the Irish market Portugal and Austria are fast become a customer favourites with its fruit driven stylish reds and crisp refreshing whites. We will also take in a selection of German wines.

Introduction to Spanish Wines

Spain the trendiest wine country at the minute. This course will acquaint you with Rioja, Rueda and Rias Baixas along with Tempranillo, Albarino and Garnacha.

Introduction to Italian Wines

This will introduce you to some of the major wine regions of Italy, a country that we could focus a whole six week course on and only cover one region. Areas covered will be Piedmont, Valpolicella and Tuscany.

Places can be booked by emailing tadhg@woodberrys.ie or alternatively by calling 091-533706.

The course is sold as a complete 6 week course with full payment of €160 required to secure a place.

Back to school

An informal and fun way to discover a whole world of wine!

€160 for 6 Weeks Limited to 10 Places

This course runs for 6 weeks, one evening per week, starting on Tuesday 2nd of October. The Wine Appreciation Course will give a comprehensive overview of the wines of the world. The various styles, vintages and the relationship of food and wine will all be covered. Each evening we will sample a selection of wines, notes will be provide. (Should you wish detail information that can be provide also) Each Class begins promptly at 7.30 pm and will run for one hour and half.

Wine School Key Features:

• Basic tasting techniques including putting words to wine
• Choosing from a restaurant wine list
• Tasting the major grape varieties
• Discovering your favourite styles of wine

The Tasting Schedule

Introduction to French Wines

Introducing the various styles, grapes and wine philosophies of the leading wine producing country in the world. It starts from basics and it covers France’s principal wine regions and grapes.

Introduction To Australian Wines

A country that is emerging from a bit of an identity crisis, now looking to produce regionally distinct wines. We reckon Australia has never made better wines. Come and sample Clare Riesling, Orange Pinot and Mudgee Shiraz among others.

Introduction To Argentinean, Chilean & New Zealand Wines

Much like Australia these countries that boomed for one style of wine and are now looking to attract people with their regionally distinct styles of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc,  Malbec, Carmenere, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.

Introduction To New Old World

Fairly new entrants to the Irish market Portugal and Austria are fast become a customer favourites with its fruit driven stylish reds and crisp refreshing whites. We will also take in a selection of German wines.

Introduction to Spanish Wines

Spain the trendiest wine country at the minute. This course will acquaint you with Rioja, Rueda and Rias Baixas along with Tempranillo, Albarino and Garnacha.

Introduction to Italian Wines

This will introduce you to some of the major wine regions of Italy, a country that we could focus a whole six week course on and only cover one region. Areas covered will be Piedmont, Valpolicella and Tuscany.

Places can be booked by emailing tadhg@woodberrys.ie or alternatively by calling 091-533706.

The course is sold as a complete 6 week course with full payment of €160 required to secure a place.

New Year, New Wines

The new year is here and I am sure you are all compiling list of resolutions, attend the gym more, get fit, drink less, eat healthier the usual. We would suggest another addition which may even fall in with the drink less weirdly. We often hear phases such as drink less drink better and while there is sound reasoning behind this suggestion we would also advocate drinking less but drinking different. The new year offers up opportunities to break old habits and why not break that habit of New Zealand Sauvignon or Rioja and try something different, who knows you may even like it better.

There are so many styles and varieties available in wine that it is a shame not to sample more than the one or two that you love. This January we would propose you drink differently. We have selected a red and a white below neither of which is two wildly different but are a good way to dip your toes into the exciting world of other wines.

Rivera Negroamaro 2016 €14.95

Medium bodied red from the very tip of the heel of Italy,  Puglia. It pours a ruby colour; complex bouquet of bitter cherries and raspberry; medium bodied on the palate with a long complex aftertaste exhibiting the pleasant, bitterish note typical of the negroamaro (the name means bitter black one). Pair this with pork chops in a spicy sauce or a sunday roast.

Quinta do Chocapalha Arinto 2016 €14.95

Hailing from the Lisboa region in Portugal this is a crisp & refreshing white that has
aromas of fresh citrus, tangy lime and minerality lead to a wonderfully brisk and crisp palate. Pair with some spicy sausages.

 

 

Its a Cabernet Guys

Right a whole of the wines we talk about here are made from “interesting” grape varieties like Albarino, Zweigelt and Gruner Veltliner, that is not to say Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz and the more common ones aren’t interesting but generally we tend to stick to the more exotic sounding ones. Well recognising this and needing a nice bottle of red wine to entertain some friends last friday evening i decided to grab the first “regular” wine that I saw on the shelves. Turned out to be a Cabernet Sauvignon, which was nice because I have noticed that Cabernet tends to ignored quite often in our little shop as boring and typical! This wine however was slightly different coming as it did from Quinta de Chocapalha, in Lisboa in Portugal.

The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the Tavares family estate, and aged for 16 months in oak, about half of which was new. An intense violet colour, the nose is classic Cabernet with elegant and restrained blackcurrant fruit and some herby notes and a hint of mint. In the mouth juicy cassis and blackberry fruits are complimented dark chocolate and cocoa, and again a touch of fresh mint. A really elegant red that opens up beautifully and was difficult to convince my friends was a Cab. To me the style sits nice between the tightly restrained style of good Bordeaux and the sometimes overly fruity Chilean and Aussies.

Lisbon and the wonderful Quinta Do Chocapalha

http://www.winesofportugal.info/

Lisboa is a prolific wine region located at the center of Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Despite being one of the country’s most productive vinicultural areas, its name remains relatively obscure, as its wines have traditionally been labeled with the names of the local sub-regions rather than of  Lisboa itself.  To further complicate matters until recently Lisboa was known as Estremadura. Confused?

We were too! But here is our take on Lisboa wine.  Most wine here is now produced under the VR (Vinho Regional) Lisboa but the area also contains 9 DOC (Listed in the image above).  More than 30 grape varieties are used (Portugal rivals Italy in the diversity of its vine portfolio), the majority for white wine production. But in the past few decades the likes of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot have increasingly been used, as have Portugal’s traditional (and some say superior in this climate) varieties Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz/Aragonez (Tempranillo).

We began importing some very interesting wines from this region last November, from a family run Estate call Quinta Do Chocapalha. Alice and her Husband Paulo bought their estate in the Lisboa Region in the 1980s and made significant investments in its 45ha of vineyard. The introduction of new cultivation methods has allowed the family to consolidate the quality and reputation of their wines. Their daughter Sandra is in charge of the winemaking and is famous in her own right for producing some of the Douro’s best wines (Wine&Soul Winery, which she runs with her winemaking husband Jorge Serôdio Borges and whose wines could be seen very soon on these shores). We started with five of their wines 3 reds and 2 wonderful whites.

• Quinta De Chocapalha Arinto 2010
  
• Quinta De Chocapalha Tinto 2008
  
• Quinta De Chocapalha Sauvignon Blanc 2011
  
• Quinta De Chocapalha Reserva 2008
  
• CH BY Chocapalha Old Vine Touriga Nacional 2009