Bargain and blowout whites to pair with summer seafood
Today's wine recommendations are all chosen as seafood-friendly pairings and include midweek into-the-basket bargains as well as special blowout options.
As always with food and wine pairings, drink what you enjoy. If you're not a white wine fan, then a dry rosé is an obvious alternative, whether a simple bargain like Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose 2023 Coteaux de Beziers (€12, SuperValu) or a complex Provencal star like Clos de l'Ours 'l'Accent' Rosé 2024 (€30, drinkstore.ie).
Don't rule red wines out either. Opt for fresh, light-bodied, low-tannin styles that won't overpower the seafood: brighter styles of Pinot Noir (as opposed to heavy-hitter Burgundy), floral Gamay from Beaujolais crus like Fleurie, Spanish clarete or other 'vin de soif' red wines that suit a light chilling... the list goes on.
However, white wine is classic with seafood for a reason — especially those produced with freshness in mind, and where the grapes' natural acidity has been preserved along with its aromatic characteristics.
They say that 'what grows together, goes together', meaning that local foods and wines from particular regions often pair well together. Coastal wines often work with local seafood, as several of today's examples bear out. Margaret River in south-western Australia, Muscadet where the Loire meets the Atlantic, Rias Baixas in Galicia where the Albariño grape is queen: these are all wine-growing regions where cooling sea winds help to slow the ripening of the grapes and preserve their natural acidity.
For fans of the classic pairing of flinty Sancerre with shellfish-like oysters, today's Greek island wine makes a fascinating alternative with lots of smoky volcanic minerality. Or for seafood dishes with sunnier, bolder flavours — say of a Thai-style curry — think riper wines such as new world Sauvignon Blanc or a Cotes de Gascogne blend like La Salette l'Essentiel (€15, O'Briens Wines) with its tropical fruit and flower notes. These punchier styles also work well with more robust fish like mackerel or — that ultimate taste of sea and sunshine — grilled sardines.
Wines of the week
Fillaboa Albariño 2023, Rias Baixas DO, Galicia, Spain, 12.5pc, €27
Saline Albariño from the coastal Val do Salnés subregion is a classic pairing for local lobster, octopus, mussels, clams and fresh fish, but don't rule out inland subregions like Condado de Tea, where this wine hails from a steep riverside plot. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 13 months on the lees, the complex result has honeysuckle, white tea and savoury aromas, silky weight and great length but also taut acidity with grapefruit and green apple freshness balancing riper pineapple notes. Wines Direct (Mullingar and Athlone); winesdirect.ie
Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Western Australia, 13.5pc, €10.99
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This generous but bone-dry Sauvignon (and a touch of Semillon) with exotic fruit aromas and hints of grassiness on the fresh palate is a robust match for Thai spiced seafood, as is Aldi's organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (€9.99) with fragrant peach, papaya and nettle notes. Aldi
Livia Sous le Végétal 2019, Samos, Greece, 13.5pc, €33
If you're looking to wow with an aperitif pairing for Irish oysters, this electric-fresh natural wine from the Aegean island of Samos just west of Turkey is made from old-vine Moschato Aspro (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) aged in old barrels to add layers to its smoky, mineral, flinty profile. MacCurtain Wine Cellar (Cork), Fallon&Byrne, Ely (Maynooth); elywinebar.ie
Isolado Branco 2023, Douro, Portugal, 12.5pc, €10.99
Portugal delivers value in general, but Lidl's two Douro whites are real steals. Fresh, dry and crisp with attractive lemon peel and fresh pear character, this high-altitude blend of Verdelho and Rabigato is €8.99 until July 23 with Lidl Plus. Or try the simpler but crisp and clean Parcelas Douro Branco (€9.99). Lidl
Domaine Haute Févrie Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine sur lie, France, 12.2pc, €22
Bright, lemony, crisp and bone dry, and a versatile pairing for any seafood — or raise the bar with Haute Févrie's lean, mineral Clos Joubert Muscadet (€24.50, Barossa Wines) or Jerome Bretaudeau's earthy, linear Granite 'Clos de Perrieres' Muscadet (€45, Green Man Wines). The Arch (Cobh), Pinto Wines, Blackrock Cellar, wineonline.ie
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Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Irish Independent
Bargain and blowout whites to pair with summer seafood
They also provide us with excellent cold-water seafood — so good that we export much of it to the likes of France and Spain, where we end up eating it on our holidays. Maybe it's time to channel those holiday flavours at home? Today's wine recommendations are all chosen as seafood-friendly pairings and include midweek into-the-basket bargains as well as special blowout options. As always with food and wine pairings, drink what you enjoy. If you're not a white wine fan, then a dry rosé is an obvious alternative, whether a simple bargain like Le Bijou de Sophie Valrose 2023 Coteaux de Beziers (€12, SuperValu) or a complex Provencal star like Clos de l'Ours 'l'Accent' Rosé 2024 (€30, Don't rule red wines out either. Opt for fresh, light-bodied, low-tannin styles that won't overpower the seafood: brighter styles of Pinot Noir (as opposed to heavy-hitter Burgundy), floral Gamay from Beaujolais crus like Fleurie, Spanish clarete or other 'vin de soif' red wines that suit a light chilling... the list goes on. However, white wine is classic with seafood for a reason — especially those produced with freshness in mind, and where the grapes' natural acidity has been preserved along with its aromatic characteristics. They say that 'what grows together, goes together', meaning that local foods and wines from particular regions often pair well together. Coastal wines often work with local seafood, as several of today's examples bear out. Margaret River in south-western Australia, Muscadet where the Loire meets the Atlantic, Rias Baixas in Galicia where the Albariño grape is queen: these are all wine-growing regions where cooling sea winds help to slow the ripening of the grapes and preserve their natural acidity. For fans of the classic pairing of flinty Sancerre with shellfish-like oysters, today's Greek island wine makes a fascinating alternative with lots of smoky volcanic minerality. Or for seafood dishes with sunnier, bolder flavours — say of a Thai-style curry — think riper wines such as new world Sauvignon Blanc or a Cotes de Gascogne blend like La Salette l'Essentiel (€15, O'Briens Wines) with its tropical fruit and flower notes. These punchier styles also work well with more robust fish like mackerel or — that ultimate taste of sea and sunshine — grilled sardines. Wines of the week Fillaboa Albariño 2023, Rias Baixas DO, Galicia, Spain, 12.5pc, €27 Saline Albariño from the coastal Val do Salnés subregion is a classic pairing for local lobster, octopus, mussels, clams and fresh fish, but don't rule out inland subregions like Condado de Tea, where this wine hails from a steep riverside plot. Fermented with indigenous yeasts and aged 13 months on the lees, the complex result has honeysuckle, white tea and savoury aromas, silky weight and great length but also taut acidity with grapefruit and green apple freshness balancing riper pineapple notes. Wines Direct (Mullingar and Athlone); Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Western Australia, 13.5pc, €10.99 ADVERTISEMENT Learn more This generous but bone-dry Sauvignon (and a touch of Semillon) with exotic fruit aromas and hints of grassiness on the fresh palate is a robust match for Thai spiced seafood, as is Aldi's organic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc (€9.99) with fragrant peach, papaya and nettle notes. Aldi Livia Sous le Végétal 2019, Samos, Greece, 13.5pc, €33 If you're looking to wow with an aperitif pairing for Irish oysters, this electric-fresh natural wine from the Aegean island of Samos just west of Turkey is made from old-vine Moschato Aspro (Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains) aged in old barrels to add layers to its smoky, mineral, flinty profile. MacCurtain Wine Cellar (Cork), Fallon&Byrne, Ely (Maynooth); Isolado Branco 2023, Douro, Portugal, 12.5pc, €10.99 Portugal delivers value in general, but Lidl's two Douro whites are real steals. Fresh, dry and crisp with attractive lemon peel and fresh pear character, this high-altitude blend of Verdelho and Rabigato is €8.99 until July 23 with Lidl Plus. Or try the simpler but crisp and clean Parcelas Douro Branco (€9.99). Lidl Domaine Haute Févrie Muscadet-Sèvre et Maine sur lie, France, 12.2pc, €22 Bright, lemony, crisp and bone dry, and a versatile pairing for any seafood — or raise the bar with Haute Févrie's lean, mineral Clos Joubert Muscadet (€24.50, Barossa Wines) or Jerome Bretaudeau's earthy, linear Granite 'Clos de Perrieres' Muscadet (€45, Green Man Wines). The Arch (Cobh), Pinto Wines, Blackrock Cellar,
Irish Times
12-07-2025
- Irish Times
Four great wines from lesser-known parts of France
For many consumers, France is wine . The country vies with Italy and Spain to be the largest producer in the world. It has a lot of the best-known names, including Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, as well as most of the most popular grapes such as the cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir, sauvignon and chardonnay. These days, it no longer enjoys the dominant position it once had (in Ireland it lags behind Chile, Spain and Australia in volume), but France is still the point of reference for most wine lovers and producers around the world. One of the great pleasures of French wine is its sheer range and diversity. Every region seems to have its own set of specialities and grape varieties, often only known locally. You are more likely to find value for money here, although quality wines from small producers will always cost a little more. As a pre-celebration of Bastille Day on July 14th, this week we have four wines from lesser-known parts of France. READ MORE The Roussillon, usually lumped in with the Languedoc, is the Catalan part of France, adjacent to the border with Spain. It the best known for fortified wines as well as some rich, full-bodied, fruit-filled reds. Bergerac lies next door to Bordeaux. This picturesque region, which is well worth a visit, produces red and white wines using the Bordelais grapes. They can offer great value. Another area worth visiting is the Savoie, in the French Alps. White wines dominate here – usually aromatic and fresh. I am a big fan. Château de Jau 2022, Côtes du Roussillon Villages, Organic 14.5%, €14.95 (down from €19.95) New to O'Briens, a lovely big, rich and supple red with a sprinkling of black pepper. Perfect with roast, grilled or barbecued red meats and Mediterranean vegetables. From O'Briens Parcelles Pinot Gris 2023, Val de Loire, Rethore Davy 13%, €17.50 Lightly aromatic with succulent, fresh red apple and apricot fruits. This would be great with Asian seafood or mixed summer salads. From Wicklow Wine Co, Wicklow; Blackrock Cellar, Blackrock, Co Dublin; Red Island, Skerries, Co Dublin; Morton's, Dublin 6 Château Le Payral 2022, Bergerac 12.5%, €18.50 A classic merlot/cabernet blend with cool, concentrated plum and blackcurrant fruits and light tannins on the finish. With grilled or roast red meats. From Green Man, Dublin 6; McCurtain, Cork; Ennis Butcher, Dublin 8; Kari Stores, Dublin 8 Roussette de Savoie 2023, Domaine Lupin 12.5%, €23.40 A delightful light wine with luscious pear fruits, hazelnuts and honey. A lovely aperitif, with fruits de mer, or local cheeses. From: Blackrock Cellars; Delgany Wine Cottage, Co Wicklow; The Drinks Store, Dublin 7; The Corkscrew, Dublin 2; ; MacCurtain, Cork; Pop Crowley's, Macroom, Co Cork; Seagull Bakery, Waterford; 64 Wine, Glasthule
Irish Examiner
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Wine with Leslie: Intriguing tastes of Nebbiolo
I've often been asked what led me to fall in love with wine, and I think it was probably just my innate hedonism. I adore the scents, flavours and textures to be found in even modest bottles of wine, and of course in great wines from say Burgundy, Bordeaux and Piedmont (to name just three of my favourite regions). What inspired this column was a fragrant and fruit-driven Nebbiolo di Langhe in Lidl this month as part of their Italian celebration. Given that my last two columns covered southern Italy, I decided I needed to give other countries a chance, so I have chosen two other wines that offer similar pleasures. Nebbiolo is rarely a bargain and this is because it is such a difficult variety to manage. Nebbiolo is picky about the soil it is planted in, it is the first variety to bud but also the last to ripen (usually mid-October). It needs a long growing season with plenty of sunshine and well-drained soils so it is particularly suited to Piedmont. You will find examples in Australia, California and almost every new world region, but none have come close to recreating the complex aromas and flavour profile of the wines of Piedmont. Nebbiolo can have scents of violets, cherry and plums but also tar, ink, and cold tea. The best Barolo and Barbarescos are fragrant, elegant and enticing, but also much more grippy and structured than you would expect from such a beguiling aroma. I'm also recommending a Spanish Mencía which can also offer intrigue and complexity, but is generally a more easy drinking wine. And of course I had to include a Bourgogne Pinot Noir which is all about the seductive scents matched with structure and acidity; even Riedel recommend the same glass for both wines. There are finer Bourgognes to try, but this one is a good place to start. Santenzo Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont; €10.99 Santenzo Langhe Nebbiolo, Piedmont; €10.99 Lidl This has to be the best value Nebbiolo in the country and is one of number of good Italian wines in Lidl this month (also look for Fiano and the Riccardi Chianti Colli Senesi). Blackcurrant and dark plum fruits with a touch of ink, fruity and ripe with noticeable weight and texture. Tannins are present, but they are integrated and overall this is quite the charmer. Brezo de Gregory Perez, Bierzo, Spain; €21 Brezo de Gregory Perez, Bierzo, Spain; €21 MacCurtain Wine Cellar; Sheridans Dublin and Galway Mencía has similar molecular properties to black truffles, they say, and matches them brilliantly, as does Nebbiolo. Mencía offers scents of violets and lively ripe fruits such as blackberry and cherry, but also an earthy tone. This is one of my favourites, with pastille aromas, supple and layered fruits, but with a lightness of touch and lingering red and black fruits. Louis Jadot Pinot Noir, Bourgogne, France; €32-33 Louis Jadot Pinot Noir, Bourgogne, France; €32-33 JJ O'Driscolls; La Touche; Molloys; O'Briens Pinot Noir is an obvious grape to compare to Nebbiolo and this Bourgogne version is even somewhat affordable; Jadot are big but they are consistent. Bright cherry-strawberry aromas with a hint of earth; supple, textured and lingering tangy red fruits. O'Driscolls also stock the excellent Two Paddocks & Two Picnics Pinot from NZ, both made by Sam Neil (yes, that Sam Neil). Beer of the Week 8 Degrees Brewing 'Full Irish' Single Malt IPA, 6% ABV, 440ml €3.75 8 Degrees Brewing 'Full Irish' Single Malt IPA, 6% ABV, 440ml €3.75 Bradleys; Matsons; Tesco; Independents; I first tasted this in 2014 (initially for a festival but soon brought into the core range) but have not featured it here. From Irish grown barley malted in Cork, but using New World hops (simcoe, cascade, citra and amarillo). As expected from those hops this is a hop-bomb, packed with lime and lychee fruits but with a good hit of malt on the mid palate. Perfect summer drinking. Read More Wine with Leslie: Deep reds to savour from my Italian excursion
