Wine tasting in Dublin
I’d be the first to admit that, despite my frequent use and consumption of the fruit of the vine, I don’t know much about wine. This is something that I’ve been meaning to remedy by doing a wine-tasting course but life, somehow, always manages to get in the way. Perhaps a resolution for 2007? I’ve already missed the first night of the La Cave Wine Tasting Programme but, should I be organised enough, there’s plenty more to savour in the coming weeks – must see if I can get there for the evening that features New Zealand Pinot Noir! These events take place in the small French wine bar on South Anne Street from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Each tasting costs €30, which includes all wines and a light meal of cheese, salami and pâté.
Monday 29 January
Introduction to Wine Varietals: Part 1
Riesling (Germany), Sauvignon Blanc (New Zealand), Chardonnay (France), Viognier (Argentina), Cabernet Sauvignon (USA), Merlot (Chile), Shiraz (Australia), Grenache (France)
Monday 5 February
Introduction to Wine Varietals: Part 2
Pinot Grigio (Italy), Chenin Blanc (South Africa), Torrontes (Argentina), Albarino (Spain), Sangiovese (Italy), Tempranillo (Spain), Malbec (Argentina), Pinot Noir (New Zealand)
Monday 12 February
Introduction to French Wines: Part 1
Loire, Rhone
Monday 19 February
Introduction to French Wines: Part 2
Burgundy, Beaujolais, Alsace
Monday 26 February
Introduction to French Wines: Part 3
Bordeaux, Cahors/Bergerac/Madiran, Jura
Monday 5 March
Introduction to French Wines: Part 4
Champagne/Sparkling, Provence/Languedoc-Roussillon
Monday 12 March
Matching Food and Wine
What works, what doesn’t work
For more information and bookings, you can contact La Cave Wine Bar.
Sounds like great fun Caroline. I feel homesick for Dublin reading that, had many a good night playing drums and dancing on tables in La Cave!I still hanker after a gorgeous lamb and buttery couscous dish I had there years ago, but never managed to recreate, despite many attempts!Enjoy the tastings if you make it along.
Mmmm…lamb and buttery couscous sounds right up my street, Jenny. What kind of sauce was the lamb cooked in? Something for the wintery weekends, perhaps!Tried booking myself and the Writer in for next Monday’s tasting session today but to no avail – the very helpful Nuala told me that the February 5 session is booked out but that we’ve been added to a waiting list. Nothing to do now but keep the fingers crossed.PS. Sounds like you and your family enjoyed your post-Christmas trip to Bellinter House!
Twas a dark gently spiced creamy sauce with coriander, cumin and almonds I’m sure, but that alone doesn’t account for the depth of flavour the chef created. Have you any ideas?Hopefully you’ll bag a slot on the Feb 5 course – I feel the same about wine, I love it, drink plenty, have a couple of sure things I always resort to, but if I’m looking for something to pair with a new dish, I always rely on the guys in Bubble Brothers for help.Bellinter was a real treat – now I just need to convince the hubby to go there for a romantic weekend 🙂
That combination of coriander, cumin and almonds sounds gorgeous. No idea what it could be, however. Definitely something to watch out for, both on the menu at La Cave and in the multitude of cookbooks that I read.Bubble Brothers are great, aren’t they? Every time I’m in Cork I pop into their English Market shop and pick up a bottle. They had Brightwater Savignon Blanc (€17.90) from Nelson in NZ the last time I was there. Must delve more into their NZ stocks. No word on the wine course yet, however…Bellinter definitely sounds like a place to visit. Must see if I can persuade the Boyfriend to drive that way some weekend!
Oooh I’d want to go to all of those classes.
Thanks for the Sauvignon Blanc tip – will try it next time we’re in the Market!Enjoy Bellinter if you make it out to Meath…the Hill of Tara is nearby if you fancy a stroll before eating. Glorious views all around.
I know, Barbara. Methinks I’m going to have to try and book in for a few more, particularly the matching food and wine evening.