Tom Dunne was joined LIVE from the Galmont Hotel, Galway by Olivia Fahy, Sarina Bellissimo and Leslie Williams with thanks to Marks and Spencer.
Today's wines are listed below:
All wines are available at Marks and Spencer:
1. Altamar Sauvignon Blanc - €14
A lively, crisp, refreshing white wine with flavours of lime, lemon, gooseberry.
A delicious Sauvignon Blanc from Chile's premium, cool climate Leyda Valley with intense aromas of grapefruit and lime, a hint of black pepper and delicate floral notes. The harmonious and refreshing citrus flavours pair so well with grilled salmon, chicken dishes or creamy pasta.
2. Guia Real Rioja - €14
Back in the 1970s when we were all a lot poorer if you were served wine in Ireland it was generally sweet German wines or dodgy French vin de table with added sugar to make them drinkable. The exception on our shelves in those days was Rioja. We took to Rioja early and we still love it. Tempranillo aged in oak barrels to give juicy fruity wines with a background of cedar and spice.
An easy-going Rioja made from Tempranillo grapes, with floral aromas and flavours of fresh red cherries. Mellow enough to enjoy on its own, this rich and fruity, medium-bodied wine is perfect with lighter meats, pizza and pasta dishes. Suitable for vegans.
3. Salentein Malbec - €23
Ahh Malbec, the Irish love Malbec! I've never met a butcher that didn't want to tell me how good Malbec is with a fine big lump of steak, and they are not wrong. From sunny high altitude vineyards that get loads of heat in the daytime but at night cool down to give the grapes a rest and preserve acidity. This gives big juicy black fruit flavours but crucially also freshness. I actually like to serve this a little cool - around 10-12 degrees or so to bring out those fresh black berry and liquorice flavours.
A rich, flavourful and complex wine with flavours of dark fruits, violets and spices.