"TO BE HONEST, there are few wines that I wouldn't enjoy sharing with friends. My most enjoyable bottles have often been memorable for the circumstances and occasion in which I've drunk them, more than for their quality alone."
"And I think anyone who has visited a vineyard will agree, wines enjoyed in their home place are just that bit special.
One wine I've always enjoyed, but even more now due to a memorable visit there, is sherry. The great thing about visiting the towns of the area (Jerez de la Frontera, El Puerto de Santa Maria and Sanlúcar de Barrameda . . . don't those names sound delicious) is that very few people travel there and enjoy this lovely area. Those that do are obviously enthusiasts and the hospitality received is usually warm and generous.
One highlight was tasting the full range of Lustau sherries in their cellars, buried deep in the walls of the old town. Earthen floors, arching ceilings and 26 wines, from the palest manzanilla to the deepest oloroso viejo. A treat. Another, the magnificent La Concha and Apostles cellars at Gonzáles Byass (the former all intricate iron work, designed by Eiffel himself). These, coupled with delicious tapas, great architecture, flamenco music and dance and the famous Equestrian School, would leave any visitor a fan of the area.
Bready, fresh fino with local olives; delicate, tangy manzanilla with seafood; roast chicken and almonds with a dry, nutty amontillado, and to finish, a rich oloroso with blue cheese . . . now that's a feast, I say. What to try? Tio Pepe, sherry's most famous offering, is widely available. Chill it and drink up, using wine glasses. Lustau's half bottles are delicious and great value. (Available from Mitchells and many independent off-licences.)
Thomas Woodberry's in Galway is a good place to find a great Italian and Australian wine selection. Go to Egan's in Liscannor for a chance to buy bottles of wine usually only seen at auction, while Vanilla Grape in Kenmare gets my vote for one of the quirkier wines shops around."
John McDonnell is based in Ballyvaughan, Co Clare. He works for Wine Australia, and regularly lectures on all aspects of wine. He founded the Ennis Wine Club