We Irish love Albarino, and Albarino loves us: its spiritual home of the Atlantic-fringed Rias Baixas region in Galicia counts Ireland as the third-largest export market after the US and UK, by volume alone. We can both afford to spread the love then, Albarino and us. Today’s selection of white wines features friends from inland Galicia and south into neighbouring northern Portugal.
One of my favourite discoveries over Christmas was a non-alcoholic sparkling mead imported exclusively by drinknolo.ie, which has joined thevirginmarybar.com in the online non-alcoholic retail space here in Ireland. The beautifully packaged bottle of Bemuse Brut Mead felt fitting for pouring into elegant champagne coupes for a pre-lunch toast with a sense of occasion, and it made for a very lovely aperitif to wake up the tastebuds gently while keeping heads fresh and clear.