10 great whites under €15
The Renegade Dry White No 1, Vin de Pays d'Oc, Osborne & Lynch 2003.
The Languedoc has exerted its spell over Ciaran Lynch, who used to work in the Dublin wine trade (and whose parents own Chatsfield estate in Western Australia). Crafted by his winemaking partner Richard Osborne, this is smashing, highly unusual white wine, made from a rare parcel of Semillon blended with Chardonnay and Viognier. Heady aromas of peaches and pears point to opulent fruit, yet the overall impression is of lightness, finesse and pure pleasure. The Renegade Dry Red No 1, Minervois 2002 is a cracker, too, at the same mouthwatering price. From Molloys, 8.99
Vidal Marlborough Riesling 2003. How many smart New Zealand wines have you come across at this price? From a sister company of Villa Maria, this stylish, flavour-packed Riesling with hints of orange peel and honey has a rewardingly long, dry finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with Asian food. From Carry-Out off-licences nationwide including Cork (Washington Street, Shandon Street, Blackpool, Glanmire, Douglas, Mallow, Bandon, Skibbereen, Fermoy and others); Tipperary (Nenagh, Tipperary town, Roscrea); Kerry (Killarney, Listowel); Waterford (Ferrybank, Lismore, Barrack Street); Wexford (South Main Street); Kildare (Kildare town, Celbridge); Roscommon Town; Galway (Gort); Limerick (Alandale), Dublin (Mulhuddart, Clondalkin), €11.99.
Domaine de Saint-Lannes Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne 2004. The ultimate deckchair wine, with heaps of summery, fruit flavours - pears, grapes, honeydew melons - and a refreshing citrus finish. An instant pick-me-up at a great price. From O'Briens, usually €8.99; two for €15 in current promotion ending tomorrow.
Casa Santos Lima Fernão Pires, Estremadura, 2003. Portugal is still under-represented in the Irish wine market - a shame when it can produce cracking wines like this one at such a tempting price. There are lovely hints of honey and spice here, with underlying minerality. Give it a whirl. From Oddbins, €9.49.
Brown Brothers Chenin Blanc, Victoria 2004. A textbook New World Chenin at an uncomplicated price. It is a lively medley of tropical fruit tones, with guava and lime to the fore. Enjoy solo or with mild-to-medium-hot Indian vegetable or chicken dishes. From Tesco; Superquinn; Dunnes Stores; many SuperValus/Centras; Molloys and many other outlets, €9.99-€
Bidoli Friuli Grave Sauvignon 2004. Do we need another Sauvignon, you may wonder - especially when Italy has so many unique and intriguing white grapes? Yes, we do, if it delivers the pure, intense flavours this one manages for just over a tenner. Smooth but zingy gooseberry and lime all the way through. From Wines Direct, minimum purchase six bottles (which may be mixed), €10.45.
Snake Creek Goulburn Marsanne, Victoria 2002. For a Marsanne which is a few years old, this tastes very young and fresh in style, with delicate floral aromas and a juicy, citrussy core. Deliciously different, with food or without. From Oddbins, €10.99.
Château Val Joanis Côtes du Luberon 2003. Grab a bit of creamy goats' cheese or rustle up a tomato salad and you'll be in heaven (Provençal-style) with this enticing Rhône blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Ugni Blanc. Perfectly balanced and extremely appetising. From McHughs, Kilbarrack; Redmonds, Ranelagh; McCabes, Mount Merrion & Gables, Foxrock; Cheers-Gibneys, Malahide, about €11.99.
Gaba do Xil, Valdeorras, Viños Telmo Rodriguez 2003/4. A new white wine made in Galicia by go-ahead young Spanish winemaker Telmo Rodriguez to showcase the local Godello grape. Genetically close to Verdelho (which is newly-fashionable in Australia), it has the same crisp, lemony appeal. Smashing with fish. From Listons, Camden St; Brechin Watchorn, Ranelagh; Michael's Wines, Mount Merrion; Andersons, Glasnevin; Cheers-Gibneys, Malahide; Wicklow Wine Co; McCambridges, Galway; Kingdom, Tralee and others, €12.95-€14.45.
De Bortoli Deen Vat 6 Verdelho, South Eastern Australia 2003. While some Verdelhos are a tad wishy-washy, with a vague citrus charm, this one is a real star. You can count on superb depth of flavour and a lively tang, paving the way for a long, bone-dry finish. Most light dishes would be enhanced by this, but try it with shellfish, if you can. From Claudio's, George's St Arcade; Vintry, Rathgar; Bin No 9, Clonskeagh; Grape Escape, Lucan; Russells, Limerick; Vintage Store, Tullamore; Lynchs, Glanmire; Bradleys, Cork; Kingdom, Tralee, about €13.99.