Latest news with #MaggieDomaradzka
The Irish Sun
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Irish Sun
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 4 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. Read more in Fabulous 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! Most read in Fabulous 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. Jose Mourinho launches new side hustle alongside Fenerbahce job as John Terry vows to be first customer 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%) 4 €50 approx @ Searsons Wine Merchant, The Corkscrew Grape: Seyval Blan c 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%) 4 €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%) 4 €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: ****
Irish Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Times
Poland's best kept secret: great wines worth celebrating
As climate change increases temperatures in Europe, many northern countries find themselves able to ripen grapes and produce wine. The UK, Netherlands and Scandinavian countries all produce wine, as does Ireland. But did you know Poland has a burgeoning wine business? Under communism, no wine was produced in Poland . The very first sales took place in 2009. Since then the wine business has expanded rapidly. There are now more than 700 growers and 500 wineries, mostly very small. Production is mainly white wine, but there are red and dessert wines and a booming market in sparkling wine. Some are made from Vitis Vinifera, the standard wine grape, other from hybrids, grapes designed to thrive in cooler or wetter climates. Wine tourism is flourishing with locals and foreigners alike enjoying tours, tastings, food and accommodation. There is also a vibrant wine fair scene with more than 40 events annually. At a recent tasting in Dublin, I tasted some great wines, worth seeking out. The two people behind the event were the entrepreneurial Maja Ignaczewska and Maggie Domaradzka. The pair now import and distribute a range of Polish wines here; see for details. 'We tried Polish wine and were amazed,' says Domaradzka. 'What started as a small gig grew into a festival, and now Polish Wine Fest is Ireland's sole importer and wholesale distributor of Polish wines, and the organiser of the largest Polish wine festival outside of Poland.' READ MORE They have been pleased with the reaction from both Irish and Polish people. 'Irish people were genuinely curious and open-minded. Once they tasted the wine, they were positively surprised at the quality. As for the Polish community, most had no idea Poland even had a wine industry, let alone one worth celebrating. It flips their expectations completely. Selling them is still a real challenge. It's a process – one that takes time, storytelling, investment of time, energy and money.' Today three Polish wines, along with a less expensive wine from Aldi. Other stockists include Mitchell & Son, Glasthule and Hatch Street; The Corkscrew; Wine Pair. Specially Selected French Rosorange Rosé 2024, France Specially Selected French Rosorange Rosé 2024, France 12.5%, €11.99 A unique and very tasty mix of rosé and orange wine. Fresh orange peel and peaches with a mouth-watering tangy dry finish. From Aldi Kamil Barczentewicz Pinot Blanc Beton 2023, Poland Kamil Barczentewicz Pinot Blanc Beton 2023, Poland 12%, €29 Lightly floral aromas, fresh green apples, pears and lemon zest, finishing dry. A very stylish wine. Enjoy as an aperitif, or with lighter fish dishes. From The Fumbally Café; Searsons, Monkstown Turnau Solaris 2023, Poland Turnau Solaris 2023, Poland 12.5%, €38-€44 Medium-bodied with appetising refreshing textured green and subtle tropical fruits. From Blackrock Cellar; Barossa Wines, Sandymount Kojder Johanniter 2021, Organic, Poland Kojder Johanniter 2021, Organic, Poland 12.5%, €49 Vivid and fresh with racy pear fruits and a crisp dry finish. From Rustic Boowa, Tralee
