Wine Cathal McBride: A grape as noble as cab sav, to be francCabernet franc doesn’t receive the same attention as its offspring cabernet sauvignon, but it holds its own as a single varietal
Wine Cathal McBride: Getting into the Christmas spiritWhether you’re looking for that special gift for someone, or just treating yourself, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to filling the Christmas stocking with that luxurious bottle of whiskey, wine or Champagne
Wine Cathal McBride: Take comfort in chardonnay’s move to qualityThe fresh white had been over-produced and at times found wanting, but thanks to the availability of some fine examples, a resurgence is under way
Wine Cathal McBride: Well-known tempranillo can still reveal hidden delights World Tempranillo Day celebrated the universally known grape variety even if it is synonymous with the Spanish red wine industry
wine Cathal McBride: Game for a meaty good wine matchWhether it’s partridge, woodcock, hare or deer, there are some important things to consider when pairing with wine, and don’t forget the accompanying sauce plays a role too
Wine Cathal McBride: Embracing the unusual doesn’t have to be scaryThere are a myriad of ‘off the beaten track’ wines, resurrected grapes and undiscovered gems out there waiting to be experienced and enjoyed
Wine Cathal McBride: Reflections of autumn in orange winesDespite common misconceptions, there are no oranges used in their production, but orange wines are characterised by citrus and tangerine flavours in a wide variety of styles
Wine Cathal McBride: Make wine your winning ingredientWorld Food Day brings a timely reminder that we should not let food go to waste, and one way to do that is to include any leftover wine in your cooking
wine Cathal McBride: Ways to refine your taste for red wineThere are many ways to enhance your knowledge of wine, but for those coming new to the experience, decanting is a good place to start
wine Cathal McBride: Sustainably produced wines that don’t cost the earthMore winemakers are adopting green principles to reduce their carbon footprint while still delivering excellent produce
wine Cathal McBride: Why tomatoes are the perfect accompaniment to wineWhen pairing wines with tomatoes, everything from sauvignon blanc to a vibrant rosé is an option
wine Cathal McBride: Picpoul de Pinet comes out of its shell for oyster seasonThe Languedoc white wine’s saline qualities along with lip-smacking acidity and texture make it a delicious pairing choice with seafood
Wine Cathal McBride: Get wise to garnacha’s eleganceTogether, the red and white grapes of this heat-loving variety offer an unlikely but delicious balance
Wine Cathal McBride: Austria is ready to claim a place on Europe’s wine mapAn impressive selection of bio-dynamic wines and an exciting new sparkling offering are bringing Austria to the attention of wine drinkers
Wine Cathal McBride: Let cabernet sauvignon seduce you with its star qualitiesNew and exciting wines coming out of Chile and southern Australia in recent times showcase the appeal of the king of grapes
Wine Cathal McBride: Developing your palate won’t happen overnight, but stepping outside your comfort zone is a good startTasting wines side by side allows for an immediate comparison of different aromas, tastes and winemaking styles, so go to a tasting, or better still organise your own at home with a few friends
Wine Cathal McBride: Scaling the pinnacle of pinotThough long associated with high social status and nobility, pinot noir doesn’t always have to be a pricey tipple
Wine Cathal McBride: A Ballyfin welcome for Bordeaux’s Wine GeeseBallyfin Demesne has been renovated in exquisite detail and its wine tastings celebrating Bordeaux’s Irish connections are held in the stunning original limestone columned cellar
Wine Cathal McBride: Time and tradition are an essential part of the magic of ChampagneChampagne comes from centuries-old traditions and practices that have made it the kingpin of sparkling wines
Wine A Catalonian cornucopia leads the way in sustainable wine-makingThe Perelada estate in northern Spain has invested €40m in an award-winning winery focusing on sustainability and vinitourism
