O'Briens is introducing about 40 new wines for autumn – far more than some rivals, which may have brought in no more than a dozen. Some are well-known names such as Albariño, but there is also a Chenin Blanc from New Zealand, plus wines from Hungary, Quincy (in the Loire Valley) and Saint-Chinian (in Languedoc), as well as a Shiraz-Barbera blend. To whet your appetite, here are four very tasty new wines.
La Huida Albariño, Rías Baixas 2020, €12.95 (down from €14.95 until October 31st)
Light and refreshing, with pear and pineapple fruits given real zip by the citrus acidity. Perfect on its own or alongside creamy prawns with pasta.
Disznókó Dry Furmint 2020, Tokaji, €15.95 (down from €17.95 until October 31st)
A key ingredient in the great dessert wines of Tokaji, Furmint is also used to make some very good dry white wines. Typically they have a lovely combination of textured fruits and pronounced acidity. The Disznókó is light to medium bodied, with very attractive refreshing apricot and pear fruits. Try it with sushi, sashimi or a burrata-and-tomato salad.
Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Cabernet Franc, Loire Valley 2019, €16.95
I am a big fan of Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley and was delighted to see this very affordable example appear. Light to medium bodied, with delicious juicy ripe red fruits, it is perfect served cool (not chilled) with cold meats and pates or a ham-and-mushroom pie.
Connemara Saint-Chinian 2018, Laurent Miquel, €13.95 (down from €15.95 until October 31st)
Its grapes don't actually come from Connemara; they're from Saint-Chinian. But, made by the Franco-Irish couple Laurent and Neasa Miquel, this wine is a celebration of two wild and beautiful areas close to their hearts. This has very moreish dark ripe fruits and wild herbs on the nose and palate, with a lovely smooth finish. Pair it with roast lamb or beef, or some firm cheeses.
