This week's other world stories in brief ...
Vieux Télégraphe tasting
One of the top winemakers of the Rhône valley, Daniel Brunier, will host a wine-tasting dinner at Harvey Nichols, Dublin 14, on Tuesday, April 21st. This promises to be a very special evening, with a four-course dinner created by chef Thomas Haughton, to go alongside some great wines. Highlights of the evening will be the tasting of the Vieux Télégraphe 2005 and Domaine La Roquette 2005. The cost is €75 per person. For reservations call 01-2910488 or e-mail firstfloorres@harveynichols.com
California dreamin’
Californian winemaker Paul Dolan will host a wine dinner at Wilde, in the Westbury Hotel on March 27th. Chef Kevin Cleary has created a six-course dinner menu to match a range of award-winning wines. Paul Dolan is a fourth-generation winemaker, whose roots can be traced back to Co Wexford and the Aran Islands. Tickets are €70 per person (inclusive of food and wines). To book, tel: 01-6791122 or e-mail westbury@doylecollection.com.
Wine sale
Superquinn will hold its second spring French wine sale from March 18th to April 7th, featuring more than 40 wines, with reductions of up to 50 per cent. Domaine Begude Chardonnay 2007 is good value at €10, and a steal at €8. The Domaine Grès St Vincent Côtes du Rhône (€8) is a favourite of mine, and I would also be tempted by the Fortin St Veran, a very stylish white Burgundy, for €12. For a splurge, the Grangeon Châteauneuf-du-Pape at €20 is a hedonist’s delight. There is a further 5 per cent discount when you buy six bottles or more.