Bradleys Off Licence In Store Wine Tasting Friday 16th December

Yes the wine tasting season continues and this Friday the 16th of December, I’ll be in the wonderful Bradleys Off Licence in the North Main Street, the heart of Cork City.

Bradleys have been around for a few years, in fact since 1850. No, thats not a typo. Bradleys have been serving the people of Cork, Munster, Ireland and the World for that long !

No better man than Michael Creedon, proprietor of Bradleys to describe what his wonderful company is all about

“A family business since 1850, Bradleys is a specialist off-licence with a convenience/grocery store attached.

Based on the North Main Street, in the historic centre of Cork city, we pride ourselves in carrying the most extensive range of wines, beers, spirits and liqueurs available in Cork.  That’s right – apart from the brands you expect to find in a quality off-licence, we also carry those you just can’t find anywhere else!   Furthermore, if we don’t stock what you are looking for, we also specialise in sourcing your requests.  Maybe you are looking for a wine for your wedding, or that special bottle for a big occasion.  Possibly a chocolate stout is more to your taste, or an after dinner Limoncello.  Whatever it might be, look no further!

Next time you are in Cork, please feel free to visit us and browse our shelves.  And if you can’t carry it home, nationwide delivery can be arranged. “

We are going to kick off the wine tasting at 5pm and I’ll be pouring a selection of wines. We are starting with the following and will go on from there  . . . . . . . . . .

Beso De Vino Macabeo 2010

Little Beauty Sauvignon Bland 2009

Beso De Vino Seleccion (Syrah / Garnacha) 2009

Kangarilla Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

So if you are in the area come on in and have a taste of some delicious new wines and some old favourites

See you then !

Corona de Aragon Crianza 2008

Country / Region : Cariñena, Spain

Year : 2008

Grape Variety : Tempranillo / Cabernet Sauvignon / Garnacha / Carinena

Style : Intense, Fruity Red

ABV : 13 %

Drink By : 2016

Price : €12 to €14 RRP

The Winemakers

The Winery and its vineyards are geographically located in the heart of the Cariñena Denomination of Origin, one of Spain’s most traditional wine-producing regions. The vineyards are located in the 14 towns of the Region, at the bottom of the Algairén and Pecos mountain ranges, between the Huerva and Jalón rivers, at heights of between 320 and 850 metres above sea level.

Our wines are produced based on three fundamental aspects that form the essence of each one of them: the land, the climate and the variety. 100% of Garnacha and Cariñena vines are handpicked. The average age of our Garnacha and Cariñena vines are 40 years old.

The Wine

The main varieties are Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon, which give it a modern and international character, without losing its local character, reinforced by the intense supply of fruit and freshness from the Garnacha and Cariñena varieties. All this power of the varieties is intensified by leaving it in oak barrels (70% American and 30% French) for 8 months, where the wine acquires a balance in its notes and flavours. With this process we have obtained an intensely fruity wine with smoky and spicy notes. It is elegant, balanced and long lasting on the palate.

Beso De Vino Old Vine Garnacha 2009 Cariñena, Spain

Country / Region : Cariñena, Spain

Year : 2009

Grape Variety : Garnacha

Style : Warm, Savoury Red

ABV : 13.5 %

Drink By : 2015

Price : €9 to €11 RRP

The Winemakers

Grandes Vinos y Viñedos S.A. was founded in 1997 and focus on quality, innovation and commitment to the surroundings and the environment and striving for modern, new working systems and better control of all the processes right from the vine stock, creating unique wines with a great character, typical of the region. The Winery and its vineyards are geographically located in the heart of the Cariñena Denominación de Origen, Appellation of Origin, one of Spain’s most traditional wine-producing regions.

The wines are produced based on three fundamental aspects that form the essence of each wine: the land, the climate and the variety. The average age of the vineyard is over 40 years old, with yields of less than 6,000 kgs. per hectare. (2.75 tons/acre)

The Wine

Beso de Vino’s red wines begin with the 2009 Beso de Vino Garnacha V.V. (old vines) which spend 4 months in French oak. It displays super fragrant aromas of black cherry, red licorice, and lavender leading to a dense, layered wine that over-delivers big-time for its humble price. Enjoy it over the next 3 years. Grandes Vinos y Vinedos’ collection is replete with stunning values”.

Jay Miller.

89 POINTS THE WINE ADVOCATE ROBERT PARKER.

By the way, the three holes you will see on the top of the screwcap are not from Antonio´s horns!

Corona de Aragon Old Vine Garnacha 2009 Cariñena, Spain

Country / Region : Cariñena, Spain

Year : 2009

Grape Variety : 100% Garnacha

Style : Savoury, Full Red

ABV : 13.5 %

Drink By : 2016

Price : €11 to €13 RRP

The Winemakers

The Winery and its vineyards are geographically located in the heart of the Cariñena Denomination of Origin, one of Spain’s most traditional wine-producing regions. The vineyards are located in the 14 towns of the Region, at the bottom of the Algairén and Pecos mountain ranges, between the Huerva and Jalón rivers, at heights of between 320 and 850 metres above sea level.

Our wines are produced based on three fundamental aspects that form the essence of each one of them: the land, the climate and the variety. 100% of Garnacha and Cariñena vines are handpicked. The average age of our Garnacha and Cariñena vines are 40 years old.

The Wine

“The 2009 Corona de Aragón Garnacha spent 4 months is French oak. Notes of cedar, eucalyptus, and black cherry lead to a supple, round, savoury, concentrated wine that is a steal at the humble asking price. Grandes Vinos y Viñedos ́ collection is replete with stunning values”

Jay Miller.

89 POINTS THE WINE ADVOCATE ROBERT PARKER.

Decanter Award (Bronze) 2011

IWC Bronze Medal 2011

Corona de Aragon Garnacha / Carinena Special Selection 2008 Cariñena, Spain

Country / Region : Cariñena, Spain

Year : 2008

Grape Variety : 85% Garnacha / 15% Carinena

Style : Warm, Full Red

ABV : 13.5 %

Drink By : 2016

Price : €13 to €15 RRP

The Winemakers

The Winery and its vineyards are geographically located in the heart of the Cariñena Denomination of Origin, one of Spain’s most traditional wine-producing regions. The vineyards are located in the 14 towns of the Region, at the bottom of the Algairén and Pecos mountain ranges, between the Huerva and Jalón rivers, at heights of between 320 and 850 metres above sea level.

Our wines are produced based on three fundamental aspects that form the essence of each one of them: the land, the climate and the variety. 100% of Garnacha and Cariñena vines are handpicked. The average age of our Garnacha and Cariñena vines are 40 years old.

The Wine

The 2008 Corona de Aragon Garnacha (85%) – Carinena (15%) was sourced from vineyards planted in 1950. The wine was aged for 5 months in French oak. It delivers a nose of cedar, violets, black cherry and plum. On the palate it is full flavoured, has excellent volume, and a pure lengthy finish. Drink it now and over the next five years.

Jay Miller.

89 POINTS THE WINE ADVOCATE ROBERT PARKER.

Decanter Award (Bronze) 2011

IWC Bronze Medal 2011

Beso De Vino Garnacha Rose 2010 Cariñena, Spain

Country / Region : Cariñena, Spain

Year : 2010

Grape Variety : 100% Garnacha

Style : Fruity Rose

ABV : 13 %

Drink By : 2012

Price : €9 to €11 RRP

The Winemakers

Grandes Vinos y Viñedos S.A. was founded in 1997 and focus on quality, innovation and commitment to the surroundings and the environment and striving for modern, new working systems and better control of all the processes right from the vine stock, creating unique wines with a great character, typical of the region. The Winery and its vineyards are geographically located in the heart of the Cariñena Denominación de Origen, Appellation of Origin, one of Spain’s most traditional wine-producing regions.

The wines are produced based on three fundamental aspects that form the essence of each wine: the land, the climate and the variety. The average age of the vineyard is over 40 years old, with yields of less than 6,000 kgs. per hectare. (2.75 tons/acre)

The Wine

“The 2009 Beso de Vino Garnacha Rosado is a savoury, just off-dry Rose with scents of mineral, cherry, and raspberry. It has plenty of flavour and a refreshing finish. It is an ideal picnic wine. Grandes Vinos y Vinedos’ collection is replete with stunning values”.

Jay Miller.

87 POINTS (2009)

THE WINE ADVOCATE ROBERT PARKER.

Beso De Vino Seleccion 2009 Cariñena, Spain

Country / Region : Cariñena, Spain

Year : 2009

Grape Variety : 85% Syrah, 15% Garnacha

Style : Warm, Spicy Red

ABV : 13.5 %

Drink By : 2015

Price : €9 to €11 RRP

The Winemakers

Grandes Vinos y Viñedos S.A. was founded in 1997 and focus on quality, innovation and commitment to the surroundings and the environment and striving for modern, new working systems and better control of all the processes right from the vine stock, creating unique wines with a great character, typical of the region. The Winery and its vineyards are geographically located in the heart of the Cariñena Denominación de Origen, Appellation of Origin, one of Spain’s most traditional wine-producing regions.

The wines are produced based on three fundamental aspects that form the essence of each wine: the land, the climate and the variety. The average age of the vineyard is over 40 years old, with yields of less than 6,000 kgs. per hectare. (2.75 tons/acre)

The Wine

The 2009 Beso de Vino Seleccion is a blend of 85% Syrah (15 yr old vines) and 15% Garnacha (40 yr old vines) aged for 3 months in French oak. Black cherry and blueberry aromas lead to a dense, plush, savory wine which finishes with no hard edges. It is shockingly good for the money. Grandes Vinos y Vinedos’ collection is replete with stunning values.

Jay Miller.

90 POINTS THE WINE ADVOCATE ROBERT PARKER.

By the way, the three holes you will see on the top of the screwcap are not from Antonio´s horns!

Mas De Vigneron Rouge 2009

Country / Region : Pays De Vaucluse, France

Year : 2009

Grape Variety : Grenache Noir (70%), Syrah (30%)

Style : Soft, Fruity, Spicy Red

ABV : 13%

Drink By : 2014

RRP : €7 to €9 RRP

The Winemakers

Pays de Vaucluse is the local wine of the southern Rhone valley – the vineyards surrounding the appellations of villages such as Gigondas, Cairanne and Séguret produce Pays de Vaucluse. Of course neither the terroir nor aspect here is the same as appellation contrôlée vineyards, the yields are higher, but the ample, full fruit they yield are indelibly stamped Rhône.

Vaucluse reds have the fullness of fruit and roundness of smooth tannins to make a wine with sufficient body to be enjoyed on their own as well as being stamped with sufficient character to partner food. Made under the expert hand of winemaker Eric Monnin.

The Wine

Instant first impressions are of a classic Rhone red, friendly and warming, ample, sweet rich fruit adorned with that classic Rhone hallmark – spice of Grenache sprinkled with Syrah; lusciously textured plum and strawberry fruit rounds off the palate, making this a delicious, uncomplicated medium-bodied, soft, fruity and very drinkable red … yet serious enough to accompany food..

Drink with hearty food such as grilled meats and casseroles. Also great with Pizzas and medium mature, hard cheeses.