Seduce your lover with a drink that conjours up their favourite celeb of the silver screen, writes JOHN WILSON
AS THE JAMESON Film festival starts just after St Valentine’s Day, I thought I would match film stars to wines that are suitable for the serious business of romance. A glass or two of wine can be a vital part of the seduction process, although an excess is bound to lead to disappointment.
All of the wines listed below are well worth drinking in their own right, even if you have no interest in wooing a man or woman. However, I take no responsibility for any failures on the night.
TO SEDUCE THE WOMAN IN YOUR LIFE
For the Robert Pattinson fan
First Cape Rosé nv, South Africa, 12%, €5.99
Rosy-cheeked, light and charming. Immediately appealing with some sweetness but lacking real depth. Perfect for a light flirtation and a bit of fun. A youthful bit of pleasure fizz that won’t tax the mind or break the bank. Stockists: Widely available in independent off-licences, Super-Valu and Tesco
For the George Clooney fan
Beaumont des Crayères Rosé Champagne NV, 12%, €33.99
For the demanding woman who wants it all. It has a combination of class and style. This is suave sophisticated and complex, with a pleasing maturity and plenty of hidden depth; knows how to make you feel good, and won’t leave you regretting anything bad the next morning. Stockist: O’Briens
For the Jack Black fan
Clairette de Die Pierre Salabelle, 8%, €18.95
Fun and full of fizz – a real individual; not for everyone but will certainly please those who seek out the maverick. Possibly lacks real class but more than makes up for it with sheer entertainment value. Definitely worth investigating. Stockist: The Wicklow Wine Company, Wicklow, wicklowwineco.ie
TO SEDUCE THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE
For the Reese Witherspoon fan
Beaujolais Villages Domaine André Cologne 2007, 13%, €13.49
Light, forward and entertaining, with plenty of instant up-front appeal. Rounded and smooth, without ever really trying to satisfy your inner soul. A perfect party animal too. Stockists: Superquinn
For the Julianne Moore fan
Saint Aubin Les Argilliers 2008 Domaine Marc Colin, 13%, €23.99
The thinking man’s Valentine. Not immediately obvious but with great depth, complexity and style, and a cool edge at times. It doesn’t fall in to the dark and mysterious category; more lively and interesting. Savour slowly with food. Stockists: Fahys Off-Licence in Ballina; 64 Wine, Glasthule; Burgundy Direct, burgundydirect.ie
For the Angelina Jolie fan
Ata Rangi Pinot Noir, Martinborough 2009, 14%, €53.99
Big, voluptuous, smooth and rounded with a whiff of smoke and a steely core. Expensive but there are times when you have to pay for quality. This is well worth it. Stockists: Jus De Vine; Fallon Byrne Wine Cellar; World Wide Wines; 64 Wine; thewineshop.ie and O’Briens
GIFT IDEAS
La Touche Wines is doing it Italian style this year, offering a bottle of Tomassi Romeo (red), and Tomassi Giuletta (white) at €10.99 each, or these two bottles plus a bottle of Prosecco in a gift box for €30. La Touche Wines, Greystones, latouchewines4u.ie
Deveney’s in Dundrum has a Valentine’s beer box, containing 12 Valentine-themed beers, a beer glass and a Valentine snack. This can be delivered nationwide for €50 (all inclusive). Details on deveneysbeer.blogspot.com.
Ely is opening up its cellars at the IFSC next Friday, February 18th to host what looks to be an excellent wine tasting, with more than 90 wines from all parts of the globe. Ely suppliers will be on hand to answer questions. Erik Robson will also be uncorking some fine and rare wines from the Ely cellars.
All of the tasting wines will be available by the bottle in the restaurant at a special price. Tickets cost €15 a head; for those who would like to have dinner afterwards, there is a three-course set menu at €35 each. Contact wineclub@elywinebar.com or Michelle Lawlor at 01-6768986.
Tasty offer
Come along to our next
Irish Timeswine-tasting evening with John Wilson, for an opportunity to taste wines from
Guerrieri Rizzardi from the Veneto region. Count Giuseppe Rizzardi will talk readers through a selection of his Italian
wines, and canapés will also be served. The event is on March 3rd from 6.30-8pm, at the Gibson hotel, Point Village, Dublin. Places are limited and guests will be chosen via a draw and notified as to how they can buy tickets prior to the event. Register your interest online at irishtimes.com/winetasting. Tickets cost €20 each plus booking fee
with all proceeds going to Bee for Battens, the Irish charity supporting those with Battens Disease.
