+34
This region was where wine was (probably) born, so they know what they’re talking about
A recent visit to Armenia was fascinating. Under Soviet rule, Georgia and Moldova were designated as wine producers, while it was decided that Armenia would produce brandy instead.
As a result Armenia still produces some excellent aged brandy that is well worth trying. One big producer is owned by French luxury goods group LVMH.
However, like Georgia, Armenia also has hundreds of indigenous grape varieties, some of which produce excellent wine. I feature one below made from the very promising areni noir grape. I haven’t made it to Georgia yet, but I sometimes feel as if I have after listening to John Wurdeman. Wurdeman is an American artist and collector of songs who arrived in Georgia to study Georgian folk music.
There he fell in love with the unique wines, and founded a winery called Pheasant’s Tears in 2006, as well as several restaurants and a travel company. He also tours the world promoting the wines. The tradition in Georgia, going back 6,000 years, is to ferment and age wine in qvevri, large clay amphorae, that are buried in the ground of the winery. Sometimes whole bunches of grapes are included for varying periods of time.
Usually made from white grapes, the resulting wines have a deep colour and often some tannins too. This is the original home ofJohn Wilson’s eight best rules for pairing wine with cheeseIntensely floral with a complex mix of dried herbs, apricots and peaches with light tannins on the finish. A personal favourite of mine, this is a great introduction to orange wine at an exceptional price. Light and refreshing with delicious tangy honey, orange peel and spicy, exotic fruits.
Attractive grippy light tannins on the finish. Lightly spicy aromas with vibrant piquant red cherry and redcurrant fruits and refreshing acidity.
Very different and very delicious. 64 Wine, Glasthule, Co Dublin; The Corkscrew, Dublin 2; Mitchell & Son, Glasthule and Hatch Street, Dublin 2; Woodberrys.ie, Galway; Wineonline.ieAffordable wines: Two French reds now on sale at a big discountPatrick Bergin, co-star of Julia Roberts in Sleeping with the Enemy, seeks buyer for Offaly castleTroy Parrott goal sends Real Betis to victory against Real Madrid ‘I had an episode bigger than usual’: Patrick O’Donovan says life has changed ‘dramatically’ since falling ill in BrusselsSebastian Barry: ‘My mother was interesting, extravagant. It was difficult to be a child of such a person’
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Irish Fantasy Debut Her Hidden Fire Set for Young Adult TV AdaptationThe bestselling debut novel Her Hidden Fire is being optioned for a multi-season television series by Great Island, bringing a tale of magic, dragons, and social class to the screen.
Read more »
Affordable wines: Two French reds now on sale at a big discountWines for the Weekend: The SuperValu French wine sale offers very good value on a range of both whites and reds
Read more »
‘Sad to see him go’: Josh van der Flier wants to make Leo Cullen’s final season a great oneVeteran Leinster flanker admits he can barely recall a time when Cullen wasn’t involved with the province
Read more »
GB&I Team Faces Tough Wind and Opponents at Walker CupThe Great Britain and Ireland (GB&I) team, led by captain Dean Robertson, is set to take on the dominant United States squad in the 51st Walker Cup. Despite the USA's recent winning streak and superior global rankings, Robertson is optimistic that his team's preparation and the challenging wind conditions will lead to a competitive match.
Read more »