The Noffla Star Awards take place around this time every year. Noffla is the National Off-Licence Association, a body that represents the independent off-licences and wine shops of Ireland. A group of interested importers submit wines for consideration by a panel of judges who select a range of award winners within each price category. I took part in the blind tastings this year.
All four of the wines below won Gold Star Awards. Overall, the results were interesting, with Portugal doing particularly well, perhaps showing what value is available there. I include the award-winning red below. I also feature a Romanian white wine, a step up from the usual offering in price and quality. The 1100 on the Doña Paula refers to the altitude at which the vines are grown. The wines tend to have very pure fruits and a real elegance, evident in this wine. Framingham is one of my favourite New Zealand producers. As well as the excellent sauvignon below, look out for their pinot noir and Riesling.
While they may not always be able to match supermarket prices (although some are very competitive), wine shops and off-licences deserve our support. The good ones offer a greater range of more interesting wines, along with some expert advice to help you choose.
Imprudente Tinto 2022, Lisboa, Casa Santos Lima, Portugal
13%, €11.99
Smooth, with supple sweet ripe dark fruits and a rounded finish. A good all-rounder to go with red or white meats.
Widely available including MacGuinness, Dundalk; Martins, D3; D Six: Leonards, Trim; Number 21 off-licences; La Touche, Greystones; Sheil’s, Malahide; McHughs, D5
Doña Paula 1100 Blend, 2016, Mendoza, Argentina
14%, €15
Maturing nicely with an attractive spiciness on nose and palate, concentrated elegant red fruits and smooth tannins.
From Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; The Grapevine, D9 & D5; Wineonline.ie, TheAllotment.ie
Paparuda Estate Reserve Chardonnay Feteascǎ Regalǎ 2022, Romania
13%, €14.99
Zesty and fresh with very attractive rich peach fruits. Try it with creamy dishes including cauliflower cheese, chicken or fish pie.
From Barnhill Stores, Dalkey; McHughs, D5; Bradleys, Cork; Grenhams, Ballinasloe; Martins, D3
Framingham Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023
13%, €23-€25
A very seductive, complex wine with lifted aromas, lots of pithy citrus and layered, lightly smoky stone fruits. By itself or with lightly spicy Asian prawn or chicken dishes.
Widely available including Avoca; McHughs, D5; Clontarf Wines; Gibney’s, Malahide; Barnhill Stores; Power & Co, Lucan; Neighbourhood Wines; The Cinnamon Cottage Cork; Martins, D3; Wineonline.ie; Thenudewineco.ie
