Take it home: a Cork-based Belgian Dubbel and a good-priced Bordeaux

Radiakle Rubenesque Belgian Dubbel 7.2% €4.29

Belgian Alain Dekoster worked in real estate in the US before arriving in Cork city four years ago, when he decided to turn his love of good beer into a day job.

For the moment the beers are made in 9 White Deer Brewery in West Cork. Dekoster intends building  his own brewery but cannot afford it yet. He produces Hopster, a very tasty American Pale Ale made with Chinook hops, that is mildly hoppy and balanced nicely by some sweet malty flavours. There is also the Curious Brew, the Hopster aged in Blackwater Gin casks. Curious doesn’t begin to describe it.

My favourite was the delicious Rubenesque, a Belgian-style Dubbel. "Very classic with very little hops but lots of yeast and malt," says Alain, with a big grin on his face.  It is a lovely beer. Beware though; the big soft fruits,  the ginger spice and lovely maltiness mask a high level of alcohol. This could be a dangerous beer.

Ch Maugresin de Clotte 2010, Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux €11.99

Apparently Lidl bought up 5 per cent of the entire production of Bordeaux last year.

Last year’s French Wine sale in Ireland was a huge success, so this year they offer more of the same. It is largely made up of Bordeaux, all keenly-priced but not the amazing bargains some have suggested.

Of all the wines I tasted, my absolute favourite was a Sauternes, Ch Mauras (€14.99 for a 50cl bottle). A sweet wine oozing with rich peach and refreshing marmalade and orange peel fruits. If it is red wine you are after, my pick would be the Maugresin de Clotte 2010 from Castillon. The region of Castillon is a continuation of the St Emilion plateau, so the wines share the same soils and grapes as their more illustrious neighbour.

The wine has a good solid tannic structure and plenty of  tasty plum fruits. One to take out the next time roast lamb is on the menu.