WINE: Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2000 and Genius Loci Sangiovese, Toscana, Burchino 2000.
Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva 2000. As a region, Rioja is a very mixed bag, crammed with far too many mediocre wines at inflated prices. Against this backdrop, it's a pleasure to find a wine that is both classy and classic from one of the best-known bodegas. With its Christmas cake aromas and rich, meaty flavours fanning out on the palate, this is a beauty. Pop a roast in the oven before you pull the cork. From selected SuperValus/Centras; O'Briens; Molloys; Brechin Watchorn, Ranelagh; Eldons, Clonmel; Pettitts in the south-east; O'Donovans, Cork; Fahys, Ballina and many others, about €16.99.
Genius Loci Sangiovese, Toscana, Burchino 2000. "Cherries, plums, herbs, liquorice, spice, damp earth, rich, lovely" my tasting notes begin - and we're only talking about aromas. "Smooth attack, springs into life with a host of flavours, fine tannins deliver grip in long mocha and caramel-edged finish," runs the section on palate. A rich, smouldering red that is stuffed with interest, I might have said - at a reasonable price, considering Tuscany's ritzy image. This one also needs meat - maybe roast pork with rosemary, or a beef casserole with tomatoes and herbs. From Dunnes Stores selected outlets, €13.99.