Whether you are a complete novice or a well-educated wine enthusiast, you may have come across some common myths about wine. Some have a smidgen of truth to them and some are based on superstitious beliefs. Here are a few common beliefs about wine and whether they are fact or myth.
1) Screw top wines denote lower quality, MYTH
Many traditionalists think that because a wine has a screw top cap instead of cork it might be inferior. This probably came from the idea that, the very first winemakers to produce wine on a large scale came from old world countries like France, Italy, and Spain. In these countries where traditional methods are followed for hundreds of years and many family generations meant that the use of corks have been associated with ‘top quality’. However due to advancing technologies, using a screw cap provides more reliability as there is no chance for the wine to become ‘corked’. That is not to say that corked wines are lesser than screw cap. They both have their pros and cons. Screw cap – prevents oxidisation and keeps the flavours of the wine fresher and vibrant for longer; cork – allows wines to age and develop over a long period of time, but runs the risk of being spoiled by the cork itself.
2) A silverspoon will keep your bottle of fizz fresh, MYTH
Placing a silver spoon in the top of a bottle of sparkling wine does not keep it fizzy. The idea behind this is that since the silver spoon is a good conductor, it will stay colder and as a result, would keep the fizz colder and help to retain carbonation. However, this is no more than superstitious belief as the spoon does not stop the process of depressurisation. The only way that can make your sparkling wine last longer is to use a champagne stopper which prevents the air escaping or a vacuum stopper which removes the air inside the bottle and keeps the bottle pressurised.
3) “Organic wines” are healthier, MYTH
Much like organic foods, the nutritional values of organic wines are pretty much the same as ordinarily grown wines. The only difference is in the way the grapes are grown and cultivated. Organic wines are made from grapes without the use of synthetic chemicals or fertilisers and results in being more environmentally friendly. A similar belief is that organic wines do not give hangovers as they have less sulphites. All wines contain trace amounts of sulphites (a little more may be added) and they are what keep them from spoiling and allow wines to be aged for long periods of time. In fact there are even everyday product that contain sulphites such as dried fruits, potatoes, maraschino cherries, yet very few people suffer headaches from these products. If you keep getting hangovers and headaches from drinking wine, keep an eye on the alcohol level. A higher ABV level will have much more impact on how you feel than whether a wine has sulphites.
These are only a few misconceptions surrounding wine and there are no doubt many more. Make sure you have done your research to better understand wine and to help to pick a wine that you would not have otherwise chosen due to superstitious belief.
As a novice to wine culture it can be very daunting to learn all the technicalities such as the geography, terminology and even the varieties of grapes is so huge. Nevertheless if you really open yourself up to the experience of tasting wine, the knowledge will follow, one glass at a time. I, myself have been a bartender for most of my career and know many things spirits and cocktails, however wine is so vast and complex I never gave it a chance to learn more until now.
This week I will be learning about Peique Tinto Mencia (2018) from the region of El Bierzo, Spain. Located about three hours northwest of Madrid, the terrain is mostly hilly and so the grapes are hand-harvested. The Mencia grapes are grown on vines between forty five and fifty five years of age on clay and sandy soil which surprisingly comes through in the tasting of the wine. Currently, it is run by Bodegas Peique with Jorge, Mar and Luis Peique looking after the whole operation.
The wine itself gives off a beautiful deep ruby colour. The aromas include hints of red fruit on the nose. Tasting notes include slight acidity at first which then evolves into a nice dry earthiness with subtle notes of blackberry in the background, before finishing with nice and easy tannins. Medium bodied, overall a genuinely nice bottle of wine for those who enjoy dry and earthy notes in a red. A new drinker of wine, there is no need to over-complicate flavours. See what you can taste by comparing it to flavours you had before. If you have a bad memory like myself, jot down your tasting notes so you can compare it to futures wines.
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
Join us for Spanish wine tasting on Friday October 18th between 5pm and 7pm. Come and sample some great Rioja wine and their new competitors from Ribera del Duero, Jumilla and more as we travel along our very own wine road. We will be introducing some new
Entrance tickets are €5, which includes a €5 voucher redeemable against any wines purchased that weekend*. Tickets can be gotten here
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.
Join us for our first tasting of the summer, when we will be showcasing 10 of our favourite, fabulous wines summer wines! Think sizzling BBQs,grassy gardens, balmy evenings and sunny weekends.
Taste your way through different styles of bubbly, shades of rosé, zippy Sauvignon, crisp Riesling, summer berry reds, and big bbq reds!
Let us tell you the story of small, boutique, craft & family run winemakers.
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.
Its back for the 16th year our annual Winter Wine Fair. A fantastic opportunity to sample over 100 wines from all over the world at your own pace with knowledgeable and friendly staff on hand to answer and questions you may have. We will have wines open on the evening from Austria, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand Portugal and Spain. We will have the big names like Rioja, Burgundy, Chablis open along with more eclectic wines such as Scheureube and Graciano and Teroldego.
Not to be missed if you’re a wine lover! Grab your ticket, which will be reimbursed as €10 Woodberrys Gift Card, so technically it’s FREE!
Our Annual Christmas wine tasting is quickly approaching, Thursday 29th from 5pm-9pm. We will be featuring returning favourites as well as new arrivals. This is a great opportunity to sample over 100 wines from all over the world including Austria, Germany, France, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Portugal and Spain. We will have everything from Amarone and Albarino to Rioja and Zinfandel open to sample on the evening…. and it’s all for FREE! Well pretty much free. You do have to purchase a ticket ahead of time to reserve a spot; however the ticket price will be reimbursed to you in the form of a €10 Gift Card to be used in the shop before 31st December 2018.
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.
We are running our wine classes again this June, Starting Tuesday 5th of June and running for 4 weeks through until Tuesday 26th June. Each class begins at 7.30 and runs for about one and a half hours. We will sample between 8 and 10 wines each evening witht the themes as follows.
Introduction to Cabernet Sauvignon / Sauvignon Blanc
Introduction To Pinot Noir / Chardonnay
Introduction To Syrah, Grenache / Riesling
Introduction to National Heroes ( Tempranillo / Gruner Veltliner etc. )
LIMITED TO 8 PLACES
€120 FOR ALL FOUR EVENINGS. THIS INCLUDES NOTES ON THE WINES AND 8-10 WINES TASTED PER EVENING. Places can be booked by emailing tadhg@woodberrys.ie or alternatively by calling 091-533706. The course is sold as a complete 4 week course.
As a novice to wine culture it can be very daunting to learn all the technicalities such as the geography, terminology and even the varieties of grapes is so huge. Nevertheless if you really open yourself up to the experience of tasting wine, the knowledge will follow, one glass at a time. I, myself have been a bartender for most of my career and know many things spirits and cocktails, however wine is so vast and complex I never gave it a chance to learn more until now.
Join us for Spanish wine tasting on Friday October 18th between 5pm and 7pm. Come and sample some great Rioja wine and their new competitors from Ribera del Duero, Jumilla and more as we travel along our very own wine road. We will be introducing some new
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