Talking to a number of retailers over the last few weeks, most were cautiously optimistic about the coming busy season. Many have seen a move to more expensive wines, partly driven by increased prices, but also by consumers drinking less but better. This is a welcome and continuing trend and is a positive for independent wine shops that cannot hope to compete with our supermarkets on price but can offer a better and more interesting range of wines.
Each year Noffla, the organisation representing independent off-licences and wine shops, invites importers to put forward wines to compete for their Star Awards. More than 600 wines were entered this year, covering a spread of prices and producer countries. The wines are tasted blind by two expert panels and whittled down to the best. Only 25 wines win a gold award, with one crowned Best White Wine and one getting Best Red Wine of the Year. This year, Spanish wines dominated, taking eight of the 25 awards, perhaps evidence of the value that Spain offers these days. However, 11 countries received awards.
Possibly the hardest ones to win are the best value awards, so I include two of those below. I have featured the wines of Romanian producer Cremale Recas several times before, but never the cabernet. Likewise, I have always been a fan of the Porcupine Ridge syrah, but don’t remember tasting the sauvignon before.
Of course, there are far more than 600 wines imported into the country and many distributors did not enter any wines. But the award-winning wines should give you a few ideas on what to buy this weekend. See Noffla.ie for full results. All Noffla members should have a selection of the wines on sale.
Porcupine Ridge Sauvignon Blanc 2024, South Africa
12%, €11-12
The Best New-World white under €12, this is fresh, light and zesty with lime peel and gooseberries finishing dry. Enjoy solo or with herby Asian fish and chicken dishes.
From independents and off-licences
Paparuda Cabernet Sauvignon 2022, Romania
13%, €12 (or a little less)
Winner of Best Old-World Red Under €12, this is a maturing wine with soft leafy red fruits and a rounded finish. Perfect with or without food, this would go nicely with cold meats, baked ham or lighter pasta dishes.
From independents and off-licences
Lopez de Haro Rioja Blanco 2018, Spain
12.5%, €23
Awarded White Wine of the Year, this is a delicious light wine packed with flavour; grilled nuts, pineapples and other tropical fruits balanced nicely by a lively lime zest acidity.
From independent and off-licences
Larga Historia Garnacha 2023, Spain
13.5%, under €20
Supple lightly spicy smooth strawberry fruits with a tannin-free finish. Perfect by itself or with bean casseroles or lamb chops.
From independents and off-licences
