23-05-2025
3 top bottles from little-known wine nation's outstanding vineyards with Sauvignon Blanc alternative well worth price
THOSE of you who have even a passing interest in Ireland's wine scene will have either read about, or met, Maggie Domaradzka and Maja Ignaczewska, both originally from Poland.
As a wine writer I attend dozens of tastings annually, events selling the attributes of the
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Polish pair Maggie Domaradzka and Maja Ignaczewska have become importers of wine from their home nation
It would be unusual if either Maggie or Maja were not there too, soaking up further knowledge on the wines of the world, and how the wine business in Ireland works.
Then, about three years ago, this dynamic duo began to promote the wines of their homeland, organising fun, innovative, and educational tasting events – on land and sea!
And the next, inevitable, step has come to fruition recently with this popular
Wines from Poland are relatively new to these shores, but there is already a growing fan base for them.
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It will, however, be an uphill battle to make the venture profitable going forward, vying for business in an extremely competitive and cost-conscious market.
Back home, wine has become very popular once again, slowly re-building vineyards and cellars since the fall of communism in 1989.
The industry has lured a coterie of young wine makers with modern ideas but with a respectful nod to tradition.
History reveals that wine was produced in Poland from the year 966, but by the end of the 1500s production was beginning to slip due to climate change – and wars!
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The industry was finally destroyed by the communist regime in the last century but is now beginning to thrive once again.
Much of what is produced remains in the home market, but exports are beginning to grow as the rest of the world gets to taste the quality of the wines.
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These will increase as production is stepped up over the next few vintages. For now what is available here is carefully selected by Maggie and Maja from seven outstanding vineyards.
Right now, the Blackrock Cellar, Wine Pair, The Fumbally, Barossa Wines, Mitchell & Son, Searsons and The Corkscrew in Dublin are stocking some of these great wines.
Dom Jantoń Blanc de Blancs NV (ABV 11.5%)
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€50 approx @ Searsons Wine Merchant, The Corkscrew
Grape: Seyval Blan
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THIS early-ripening hybrid grape, bred in France for the first time in the 1920s, is popular among the growing number of young and talented Polish wine makers.
Particularly suited for cool climate regions, this sparkling sipper, crafted in central Poland, has a light straw colour, with citrus and mineral notes on the nose.
The palate is light, crisp and refreshing. The dominant flavour profile has distinct green apple and lemon hints and finishes with a clean mineral note.
Enjoy with:
Super with summer salads.
Star rating: ***
Turnau Solaris 2023 (ABV 12.5%)
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€44 approx @ Blackrock Cellar & Barossa Wines
Grape: Solaris
THIS grape variety has proved to be extremely adaptable to the growing and climatic conditions in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway – but is particularly successful in Poland, and Turnau wine makers have managed to curb its tendencies towards over sweetness.
It has the flavour profile that would please Sauv Blanc fans, with it bright and lively aromatics, and zippy fruit notes.
This has a light straw yellow hue and bouquet of pear, stone fruit and honey.
The well balanced and intense palate has super acidity, with notes of apple and citrus. Satisfying, long length.
Enjoy with:
Fried chicken dishes.
Star rating: ****
Don Charbielin St Laurent 2024 (ABV 12%)
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€53 @ Blackrock Cellar
Grape: St Laurent
ONE of Austria's most prominent and versatile red varieties has found a new, and welcoming, home in Poland.
This very quaffable version is a dark ruby colour in the glass, with dark cherry and soft summer fruit aromas.
The smooth palate has a nice intensity, with blackberry, plum and black fruit notes, aligned with a hint of oak, from a little barrel ageing, a hint of spice, and silky tannins. Nice length on the finish.
Enjoy with:
Sticky glazed barbecue pork ribs.
Star rating: ****
