Ever Wonder? Does Ireland Produce Wines?

Photo by Yan Ming on Unsplash

Ireland does produce wine, but not in the traditional sense that many might expect from countries with extensive vineyards.

The Irish climate, characterized by mild temperatures and significant rainfall, is not particularly conducive to growing the traditional grape varieties used for wine production. However, there are a few vineyards in Ireland that have emerged in recent years, primarily in regions like the southern counties of Cork and Waterford.

One notable winery in Ireland is Kinsale Mead Co., located in County Cork. While primarily focused on mead—a honey-based alcoholic beverage—they also experiment with grape wines. Kinsale Mead Co. has gained attention for its innovative approach, combining traditional methods with local ingredients. They produce a variety of meads, from dry to sweet, and often incorporate local herbs and spices, showcasing the flavors of the region.

Another interesting vineyard is Longueville House, which has its own small vineyard where they produce limited quantities of wine, primarily focusing on fruit wines. They emphasize sustainable practices and local produce, offering a unique experience in the Irish wine landscape.

Both of these producers reflect the growing interest in winemaking in Ireland, even if on a smaller scale!

Irish wineries often focus on cool-climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and some are exploring hybrid varieties that are more resilient to the Irish climate. While the scale of production is small and the volume limited, Irish wines have been gaining recognition for their quality.

The burgeoning wine scene in Ireland is complemented by the country's rich culinary heritage, making wine an intriguing part of the broader food landscape. As the industry continues to grow, it may further establish Ireland as a niche producer of quality wines.

Behind the Cork™ - Sunstone Winery Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Sunstone Sauvignon Blanc ($28)

When the Rice family moved in 1989 from Santa Barbara to a peaceful 52-acre Santa Ynez ranch to grow wine grapes, little did they know that they would be stewards to the first organic vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County. 

Sunstone has been committed to growing wine grapes without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fungicides since the initial planting in 1990.

Named after the exposed sun-dappled shale and stones of the vineyard estate, Sunstone winery is located on the California Central Coast, just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara.

This Sauvignon Blanc is a pale gold in color with a medium-low nose of pear and apple. On the palate, this light-bodied wine is dry (14.5% RS) with medium acidity and flavors of pear and apple. Some research shows that Sunstone puts their Sauvignon Blanc through Malolactic Conversion which converts the sharper malic acid (found in green apples) into softer, smoother, creamy lactic acid (found in milk). This would explain the soft and smooth mouthfeel of this Sauvignon Blanc. It finishes nicely with just a bit of tartness.

This Sauvignon Blanc from Sunstone Winery is a terrific wine that is available at a great price. This make it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

It's International Pinotage Day!

Join in celebrating International Pinotage Day today, October 12th. This special day honors the remarkable Pinotage grape, a unique variety that originates from South Africa. Pinotage was created by a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

Known for its bold and expressive character, Pinotage offers a fascinating blend of flavors that can range from rich dark fruits to smoky undertones.

Discover the versatility of this extraordinary wine. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red to complement your grilled meats or a lighter option to pair with roasted vegetables, Pinotage has something for every palate. This is the perfect opportunity to explore both classic and modern interpretations of Pinotage from acclaimed wineries around the world.

Make International Pinotage Day a day of discovery and enjoyment. Raise a glass, share in the experience, and appreciate the rich heritage of Pinotage. Enjoy the journey, and let every pour of this unique wine remind you of the passion and tradition that goes into every bottle.

Cheers to International Pinotage Day!

Behind the Cork™ - Shadow Ranch Barbera

2017 Shadow Ranch Barbera ($25)

Shadow Ranch, located in the Sierra Foothills of California, embraces the concepts of sustainable farming and having as little impact on the environment as possible. Their operation is solar powered and their vineyards are organically farmed.

With ten acres of vineyards at Shadow Ranch, their vineyards are planted in the fine-grained, well drained, decomposed granite which is common in the Fair Play region. Hilltop exposure positions the vines to receive cooling breezes in summer, preventing the grapes from maturing too quickly. In the winter, the hilltop exposure allows cold air to drain to the valley, which limits the damage from frost. This allows the grapes to stay on the vines long enough to develop the necessary complexity and concentration required to make great wine.

Sourced from their Sierra Foothills Vineyards, these Barbera grapes soak up the warm days and cool evenings of the hillsides. Fermented in small lots, these wines were pressed to 30% new French oak and aged 21 Months prior to bottling.

This Shadow Ranch Barbera is delightful with flavors of raspberry and blackberry. It is medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and light tannins. If you love Barbera, like I do, from the Sierra Foothills, this is an excellent example. And, their 2022 vintage was a Gold Medal Winner at the 2024 Foothill Wine Festival!

This is a great wine at a very affordable price which makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.