Latest news with #Kadarka
Irish Independent
23-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
From ‘happy juice' to claret: the rise of dark rosés and pale reds
Our wine expert on the rise of the summery 'inbetweeners' At a recent tasting of wonderful wines from Poland, Hungary, Slovenia, Georgia and Greece, I got chatting to one of Hungary's most interesting young winemakers, whose wines I've previously recommended. Zoltan 'Zoli' Heimann Jr of Heimann & Fiai is building on the reputation of his parent's winery in Szekszárd, southern Hungary, but focusing his attention on modern, low-intervention, terroir-driven interpretations of indigenous grapes. His delicate Kadarka and richer Kekfrankos (aka Blaufrankisch) are as poised as ever, but I love his new addition, which is today's wine of the week: a very pale red wine which he describes as 'happy juice' to chill lightly for a refreshing summer's glass. He is proud of the low alcohol (not easy to achieve in a warm climate like Szekszárd), and juicy, well-balanced but restrained flavours achieved with gentle extraction and whole-bunch complexity. It's the perfect bottle to have chilling in your fridge, ready to take out about half an hour before pouring. There's been an uptick in wines described as a dark rosé or pale red — you decide: summer quaffers with the freshness and aromatic red fruits of rosé and the savoury character, weight and tannic structure of red wine, if delicate rather than dense. Wine writer Jamie Goode describes them (on as 'in-between' wines, and an emerging fifth category of still wines alongside red, white, rosé and skin-contact (aka amber or orange) wines. He includes 'vin gris' in this bracket: made from pink-skinned grapes typically used for white wines, like Pinot Gris/Grigio, but fermented in contact with their skins like a red wine. This arguably makes them an orange wine — except the pink ('gris') hues of the skin makes them look more like a rich pink-orange rosé. Bosinakis Aspela (MacCurtain's Wine Cellar, €40) is a charming Greek example made from Moschofilero grapes. Clarete is another in-between style with traditional roots enjoying a modern revival. This ancient pre-cursor to rosé sees white and red grapes co-planted, co-harvested and co-fermented like a red wine. Short maceration times keep things light, while ageing in large old barrels, often on the lees, develops complexity. They have a little (if light) tannic structure, unlike rosé, plus lots of freshness. Traditional to northern Spain's Ribera del Duero and Cigales, today's example is from Bierzo. Or try Albamar Clarete (€33, Lilith Wines), made from Mencia, Caino and Albarino grapes in coastal Rias Baixas, or clarete's Portuguese equivalent of 'palhete' from Folias de Baco's Uivo Renegado (€23, Wines of the week Heimann & Fiai Piros 2024, Szekszárd, Hungary, 11.5pc, €24 A light red so pale it's rosé, with herbal-floral red fruit notes (pomegranate, hibiscus and rosehip) drinking soft and easy with juicy, peppery moreishness, this 70:30 blend of Kekfrankos and Kadarka was direct pressed for gentle extraction of flavour, colour and tannin (rather than crushing the grapes and macerating the skins) and fermented and aged in concrete like a rosé but with whole berries and stems for complexity. Delicious chilled. BaRossa Wines, Blackrock Cellar, Cooper's Bottleshop, Clontarf Wines, Delgany Wine Cottage, Pinto Wines; Lavina Aladasturi 2023, Kakheti, Georgia, 11pc, €30-€33 ADVERTISEMENT A pale, light and chillable fruity red made from Aladasturi grapes, one of 500 varieties indigenous to Georgia, where winemaking production goes back at least 6,000 years. Expect red cherry, raspberry and pomegranate notes, with a herbal perfume and light tannins. BaRossa Wines, Lilith, Redmond's of Ranelagh, The Wine Pair, The Wine Buff, Blackrock Cellar; Casa Aurora Pepink Clarete 2022, Bierzo, Spain, 13pc, €23.80 A joyous, bright red field blend of Palomino (the neutral white grape in sherry) with 10pc red grapes (Mencia, Garnacha Tintorera, Garnacha, Trousseau), co-fermented like a red wine, aged in amphora under flor and large old barrels, as was the daily tipple of the winemaker's grandparents. Lilith Wines, Weninger Rózsa Petsovits MMXXII, Burgenland, European wine, 12.5pc, €25 Fragrant with vibrant redcurrant, raspberry and rosehip and savoury hints of balsamic and white pepper, this very pale yet fleshy red is an organic cross-border blend of Austrian-grown Blaufrankisch and Pinot Noir with Hungarian Syrah and Zweigelt. BaRossa Wines, Cooper's Bottleshop, Delgany Wine Cottage, Blackrock Cellar, Martins, Sweeney's D3, Pinto Wines; Foradori Lezer 2022, IGT Vigneti Delle Dolomiti Rosso, Italy, 12.5pc, €25.95 A pale dusky 'vin de soif' red from Trentino, blending Teroldego with Schiava, Merlot and Lagrein and offering heady wild hedgerow flowers and fruit, light tannins and gorgeous mountain freshness. Certified organic and biodynamic. Seagull Bakery (Waterford), Dodi Stockroom (Lahinch), L'Atitude 51 (Cork), Blackrock Cellars, Sweeney's D3, Lilith (all Dublin),
The Irish Sun
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Two Aldi super sippers summer wines – unique orange & Rosé blend that's just €11.99 and €9.99 bargain for next heatwave
THERE are some exciting consumer events coming up that will certainly interest many wine lovers. This is just a small selection if those on offer over the coming weeks. Advertisement 6 Read below to find out the Irish Sun's bargain wine bottle this week Credit: Getty Images - Getty We will endeavour to keep you informed over the Summer period on those you should try not to miss. May 1: 7pm to 9pm: WHELEHAN Wines, at the Silver Tassie, Loughlinstown, Co Joining proprietor David Whelehan will be French cheese expert Julien Comte for an evening celebrating the perfect pairing of cheese and The event will explore some of France's most renowned cheese regions, discovering a selection of exceptional cheeses, each expertly matched with a carefully chosen wine. Advertisement Read more on Wine There are only 25 tickets available for this intimate event which promises a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both enthusiasts and newcomers alike. For more information email wineschool@ or telephone on 01-901 1144, Monday to Saturday from 10am - 6pm. May 1: 7pm to 9pm ANNA Van Der Niepoort, from Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Exclusive Anna will explore the region of Spitzerberg and its key grape, Blaufränkisch. This special tasting will include regional, village and single vineyard wines from the appellation and feature a vertical tasting of wines from one of their best single vineyards. Wine buffs are tricked into drinking gourmet wine - but it's actually from Aldi May 10: 6pm to 8pm ZOLTAN Heimann, AKA 'Kadarka Man', from Heimann & Fiai, will be a guest at Blackrock Cellar as he hosts a special Advertisement He will explore the region of Szekszard and its two main grapes: Kadarka and Kekfrankos, and the tasting will include different levels of appellations: regional, village and single vineyard, as well as a very interesting vertical tasting of a very special single vineyard block. There are also special ticket bundle offers - buy two get 25 per cent off, buy three or more and get 50 per cent off. May 11: 1pm to 3pm & 4pm to 6pm CENTRAL Europe and Ancient East Wine Fair, Fumbally Stables, Fumbally Lane, The Liberties, Dublin 8. Advertisement A chance to discover and taste some exceptional wines from countries that still remain quite new to Irish consumers. Some 120 wines from Austria, Georgia, There is a growing interest in all of these wines so this is a wonderful opportunity to begin to enjoy and learn about some of Europe's oldest wine producing nations. Advertisement June 5: 7pm to 9pm BBQ Tutored Tasting @ Whelehan Wines¸ the Silver Tassie, Loughlinstown, Co Dublin Prepare to celebrate summer with the perfect BBQ wines, with the opportunity to explore a selection of wines that pair beautifully with grilled dishes and outdoor gatherings. Early booking is recommended for the chance to expand your wine knowledge during an evening presented by two of Ireland's best known educators; Liam Campbell and Dale Gatcum. Knowledge of wine enhances its enjoyment and Liam and Dale will certainly prove this to be true. Advertisement Tickets (€40 each) are AN orange wine from the Krasna Hora Le Blanca 2022 (ABV 12%) 6 €23rrp from good independents Advertisement Grapes: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Neuburger THE wines of Moravia in the Czech Republic make their way in this column – and what an entrance. With several of the five grape varieties allowed to spend time on their skins, this organic wine exhibits a vibrant light orange when poured. Layered notes of pear, citrus, stone fruit and honey on the nose while the dry palate has excellent acidity and fine structure, delivering up distinct flavours of lemon, nectarine and a long finish. Advertisement Enjoy with: Chicken and pasta dishes. Star rating: **** Babich Hawke's Bay Syrah 2018 (ABV 13%) 6 €37.95rrp @ good independents Advertisement Grape: Syrah FROM New Zealand's North Island comes this vibrant, juicy and award-winning Syrah. A deep crimson colour, it has black cherry, plum, a wisp of raspberry and fruitcake aromatics. The palate is elegant, warm, generous and full, with decidedly soft tannins, savoury notes of ripe plum, soft dark fruit, spice, vanilla and black pepper flavours. Great length. Advertisement Enjoy with: Slow-braised oxtail. Star rating: **** Jean Leon Xarel Lo 2021 (ABV 13%) 6 €24.50rrp @ good independents Advertisement Grape: Xarel Lo PRONOUNCED Cha-rell-oh, this indigenous Catalan white is a celebrated part of Cava's blend, bringing structure and aromatic complexity to Spain's favourite sparkler. But over the past decade or so winemakers have discovered its ability to make still wines with good acidity and minerality. This is a wonderful example, with a light, lemon straw hue and aromas of citrus, apple, and flint. Advertisement The palate is quite rounded with lovely freshness, zippy acidity and notes of citrus and stone fruit. Good length. Enjoy with: Grilled light flavoured white fish. Star rating: **** Chassaux Et Fils Rosorange 2023 (ABV 13%) 6 Advertisement Currently €11.99 @ Aldi outlets Grapes: Cinsault, Grenache, Grenache Gris Macabeu & Vermentino THIS is an interesting, if puzzling, cross between an orange and a Rosé wine! When poured it has a light coppery colour, with lifted notes of peach, citrus, soft red berries and spice on the nose. Advertisement The medium-bodied, fruit-driven palate is surprisingly lively and quite enjoyable, with hints of honey, peaches and orange. Decent length. Enjoy with: Summer salads, with cold meats. Star rating: *** THIS WEEK'S IRISH SUN BARGAIN BOTTLE WE promise to bring Irish Sun wine lovers a taste-tested vino each weekend that won't hurt your pocket - and is under a tenner. Advertisement The cost of glass, packaging, labelling and transport have sky-rocketed in recent years. Finding excellent value wines is getting harder, but we have managed to find some great bottles that would grace any dinner table or be a super mid-week couch sipper. Specially Selected Costières de Nîmes Blanc 2024 (ABV 12.5%) 6 Currently €9.99 @ Aldi outlets Advertisement Grapes: Grenache Blanc, Vermentino, Roussanne SUPER southern Rhone sipper that's perfect for those hazy, sun-drenched summer days just around the corner. A light straw lemon colour, it has seductive ripe pear, lemon and melon aromas. It has a crisp and refreshingly clean palate with good balance and highlighted by lively acidity with notes of peach, pear and citrus fruit. Satisfying length. Advertisement Enjoy with: Baked salmon Star rating: ****
