The annual Noffla Gold Star Award winners (“Nofflas” for short) were announced last week. Noffla stands for National Off-Licence Association and, as the name suggests, is made up of the nation’s off-licences and wine shops.
As well as representing the interests of their members, Noffla hold an annual wine competition. More than six hundred wines were entered and tasted blind by two panels of qualified judges. Prizes were awarded in various categories, with fourteen wines winning the ultimate Gold Star Award.
It was good to see two German Rieslings winning Gold Star Awards. As well as the wine below, seek out the excellent Gabel Organic Riesling Trocken (€19.99).
I previously featured the Santa Rita Sémillon 2017 (€13.50), the Carmen 1850 Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (€14) and the Santa Rita Estate Reserve Merlot 2012, all from Chile, in The Irish Times magazine. It shows you what value Chile offers the consumer. The Nuevo Mondo cabernet is made by De Martino, one of the country’s leading quality producers. Chile produces excellent cabernet and this is a good example at a very keen price.
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Award-winning wines to try from neighbourhood off-licences
Hans Baer Riesling Trocken 2022, Rheinhessen
Judged to be the best Old World White under €12, this is an off-dry wine but the slight sweetness is nicely balanced by a vibrant acidity. Light in alcohol, this would work nicely as an aperitif or with crab cakes. 10.5% abv, €11.99
Nuevo Mundo Cabernet Sauvignon, Organic 2020, Chile
The Best New World for under €15, this has good ripe red cherry and plum fruits with a light spiciness and light tannins on the finish. Enjoy with roast lamb or a bean casserole. 13.5% abv, €14
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Both are available from Noffla members nationwide, including the Molloys; Carry Out; Gibneys, Malahide; McHughs, D5; Redmonds, D6; The Vintry, D6; O’Donovans, Cork; The Coach House, D14; Deveneys, D14; and Blackrock Cellar and Jus de Vine, Portmarnock.
