Drink

John Wilson: O’Briens is having a Spanish wine sale. Here’s what to buy

Wines for the Weekend: The off-licence chain is offering up to 40 per cent off

Wines for the weekend: De Alberto Rueda and Tandem Ars in Vitro

John Wilson's face
John Wilson
Fri Aug 6 2021 - 11:00

O'Briens is having a Spanish wine sale, with up to 40 per cent off selected bottles. Among them are some very tasty Galician whites that are perfect for summer drinking, including one of my favourites, Lagar de Costa Rías Baixas Albariño (€16.95, down from €19.95), as well as Granbazán Etiqueta Verde Rías Baixas (€14.95, down from €19.95).

If your preference is for red wines, the rich, full-bodied Luzón Finca la Solana (€9, down from €13.45) would go very nicely with barbecued red meats. Or, if you fancy treating yourself, the smooth, elegant Marqués de Murrieta Rioja Reserva (€21.95, down from €24.95) would go perfectly with a roast of lamb studded with garlic and rosemary.

De Alberto Rueda 2020, Verdejo (organic)
€11.95, down from €14.95
Albariño has become deservedly popular in Ireland, but we should not forget Verdejo, another Spanish speciality. From Rueda, a region northwest of Madrid, the wines can be very good. This example has plump pear and apricot fruits with a touch of dried herbs.

Ars in Vitro 2017, Tandem, Navarra (vegan)
€10.95, down from €14.95
Elegant, mature and soft, with refreshing dark fruits, this is a very tasty wine from one of my favourite producers in Navarra. This would go very nicely with most white and red meats. Garlicky grilled pork chops would make a nice accompaniment.