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Cathal McBride

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Cathal McBride: Women making their mark in the world of wine

Mother’s Day gives us a chance to throw a deserved spotlight on the talents of women in the wine industry with half of the eight Masters of Wine in Ireland being women

Cathal McBride: Discovering the spirit of Ireland in its many distilleries

Ireland is strewn with a range of exciting distilleries open to visitors, where you can discover the fascinating process of spirit making and perhaps sample the brands on a tasting tour

Cathal McBride: For wining and dining, don’t be afraid to give pairings a push

Classic combinations are the safe bet when it comes to matching wine to a particular food, but a much greater choice of cuisine these days gives more scope for experimentation

Cathal McBride: The waiting game – wines that mellow well and age gracefully

Most wines are best consumed within one to three years of release, but a select few can benefit from longer maturation to reach their full potential

Cathal McBride on wine: Allow the grape to sing aloud without oak

Non-reactive, hard-wearing, easy to clean and less costly than oak barrels, the use of stainless steel tanks has become increasingly popular with winemakers

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A vine romance: Cathal McBride’s wine picks for Valentine’s Day

A Valentine’s date at home has so many things to recommend it: not least the opportunity to open a delicious bottle of wine together. These are some of my favourite wines from the Dunnes Stores Simply Better range; each selected to beautifully complement a romantic night in.

Cathal McBride: Rosé Champagne adds the sparkle to romance

Valentine’s Day is upon us once more and what sweeter way to celebrate it than with the best of sparkling wines paired with luxurious chocolate

Cathal McBride: Give your palate a treat by taking a punt on wines from Portugal

Don’t be deterred by unfamiliar grape varieties – both red and white Portuguese wines offer bang for your buck, especially in the €15-€30 range

Cathal McBride: Consider a visit to a vineyard for a vintage vacation

On a wine tourism trip, you can take in one or more wineries in a region while also enjoying good food and fabulous accommodation

Cathal McBride: Finding the sweet spot in the balance between sugar and alcohol

There’s been great improvements made in the production of low alcohol wines as people look to reduce their intake yet challenges remain as they retain a high sugar content

Cathal McBride: Matching fruit and vegetables comes naturally to vegan wines

Whether you’re looking to partner salads and light dishes or hearty vegetarian roasts, there’s a vegan wine for every occasion

Cathal McBride: Heat is on to find wines that can deal with climate change

Higher temperatures can lead to problems in the grapes like excessive alcohol levels, so the industry is responding by reintroducing varietals that can cope with the hotter climate

Cathal McBride: Champagne corks start popping with a little online shopping

With New Year’s Eve fast approaching, here is a selection of Champagne and wines that you can order without leaving the house

Cathal McBride: Celebrating family with fine wines

From bubbles to Burgundy, we help you choose the best wines for your seasonal family gatherings and celebrations

Wine with Cathal McBride: these affordable wines and sparkling options will hit the right notes for Christmas

Cathal McBride: Choosing wines for a large gathering

Are you hosting this Christmas? We can recommend some reasonably priced and well-balanced wines that will cater for a range of tastes

Cathal McBride: A grape as noble as cab sav, to be franc

Cabernet franc doesn’t receive the same attention as its offspring cabernet sauvignon, but it holds its own as a single varietal

Cathal McBride: Getting into the Christmas spirit

Whether 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

Cathal McBride: Take comfort in chardonnay’s move to quality

The 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

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