Delighted to see three of my wines listed in the Christmas Crackers selection by the best selling magazine Irish Tatler. Thanks to Corinna Hardgrave !
First up is the Little Beauty Pinot Noir 2009
Followed closely by the Isidro Pegoes Branco 2010
And last but by no means least the Kangarilla Road Chardonnay 2010
Hope one or all of the above make it onto your own Christmas wine list !
Click here for a list of retail shops
With thanks to Corinna Hardgrave for the use of the tasting notes
In the latest of our Meet The Wine Retailers series, we travel to the sunny south east to speak with Christian Pauritsch of Partridges Bistro in Gorey, County Wexford.
Located in the heart of this bustling town, Partridges offer a fabulous array of wines, cheeses, meats, pate’s, olives, breads and cakes in their deli. They have a thriving breakfast, lunch time and evening trade and cater for all kinds of celebrations. Full details are available on their website – check it out !
So Christian, give us a brief history of your company
Partridges Bistro started in 2006 as a fine food shop and deli and grew over the years. Its now a cafe/bistro with the opening of a bakery in November this year. This is in partnership with a local French baker.
What got you into wine first day ?
It was part of my job and training in Austria. Got to love it. Also my father in law is to blame as he used to be a wine importer. He’s now retired.
Why do people visit Partridges ?
Because they trust us and our advise, excellent customer service and if something goes wrong, they know that we will look after them without any quibble. And of course we stock very good quality products.
What do you look for in a wine range ?
Quality,value and not the norm. We like to offer our customers something different and special.
Whats your favourite wine region ?
Burgundy (but its far too expensive) and Styria and Thermenregion in Austria (I’m biased) 
Whats the next big thing in wine ?
Not sure,but I hope it will be Austrian reds, some of them are just stunning
Whats the most valuable lesson you learned selling to customers ?
Rule no 1 – the customer is always right. If in doubt refer to rule no 1 !
Whats your best wine memory ?
Organising and drinking a magnum of Burgundy from the private cellars from Faiveley. This was for my father in laws 75th birthday. He used to represent Faiveley in Ireland. The wine came from the inner sanctum and was a single vineyard Gevrey Chambertin with a late 1970 vintage. It brought tears to our eyes.
Whats your favourite Wine Alliance wine / range ?
At the moment it has to be Little Beauty simply because it is a new world wine made in old world style and is great value. Beso de Vino is also a great every day wine.
Whats your desert island wine ?
The above mentioned bottle of Burgundy – in a magnum ! It is something I’ll probably taste only once in my life and happily die afterwards 
In the first of our series of interviews with the independant wine retailers of Ireland, we head to the beautiful town of Kinsale in County Cork to meet with Ken Murphy, owner of the wonderful 1601 Off Licence
Tell us a little bit about the history of your company
My wife Catherine and I took over the ownership of the off licence nearly four years ago. We had managed it for six years previously. We felt it was the time to go for it. We knew the customers, loved the place. Its a great place to work and we are very happy.
What got you into wine first day ?
I started in wine quite by accident. At the tender age of 12, I got a part time job with Barry Galvin of Galvins Wine and Spirits. He was a pioneer and I learned a lot in my time there. I also had a great love of french in school so that also led me more into wine and French wine in particular.
Why do people shop in your off licence verses elsewhere ?
The ambiance. The wide product range. Our friendly staff. We work hard to have a well merchandised, attractive shop. Our wine, beers and spirits are keenly priced. All of our people working here have in-depth product knowledge. Above all, customer service is very important to us
What do you look for in a wine range ?
Quality at every price level. Real value for money. Diversity !
Whats your favourite wine region ?
It would have to be Burgundy. We sell wines from this region throughout the year, though more red than white. French pinot noir is classic. We recommend our Burgundy wines to customers and they come back time and time again for more.
Whats the next big thing in wine ?
I see Albarino really on the rise. Malbec from Argentina is getting bigger and bigger. Its been around for a while but its really coming into its own now. I think Portugal has huge potential. More and more people are looking for wines from there.
Whats the most valuable lesson you learned selling to customers ?
Give the customers what they want, not what you think they want.
Whats your best wine memory ?
1982 Château Cos d’Estournel. That specific ! I had it maybe twenty years ago in Goleen, West Cork. I shared it with one of my best friends and we had some delicious West Cork cheese with it. Simply amazing.
Whats your favourite Wine Alliance wine / range ?
I love the Portuguese Stella Rosso and Stella Blanco. They sell really well for us. The Little Beauty range, in particular, the Sauvignon Blanc is amazing. The whole of the Kangarilla Road range is great from start to finish.
Whats your desert island wine ?
Beaune Gréves ‘Vigne de L’Enfant Jesus’ 1er Cru Bouchard BOUCHARD Pére & Fils, Red, Burgundy, 2005. That will do me. Thank you very much
Thanks to Ken for his time. If you are in Kinsale, make a point of calling in to say hello and tell Ken I sent you !
1601 Off Licence
Pearse Street
Kinsale
Co Cork
Owner : Ken Murphy
(021) 4772529
