Best Cellars: the perfect bottles of wine to gift every type of loved one

Sponsored By

Best Cellars: the perfect bottles of wine to gift every type of loved one

Trying to choose the perfect bottle of wine as a gift? Lynne Coyle, Master of Wine and Wine Director for O’Briens is making this pairing challenge easier with wines that are sure to delight.

In the world of wine, qualifying as a Master of Wine is nothing short of a Herculean task. More people can boast that they have travelled to space than can claim this particular oenophile honour. There are currently 380 Masters of Wine in the world, across 30 countries; six of which live in Ireland; two of which are women – and one of which is Lynne Coyle. Lynne’s accolades do not stop there, either, as she was recently nominated in our IMAGE Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2018, under the Management Professional of the Year category.

It speaks volumes about the O’Brien brothers, founders of O’Briens wines, that this is the level of expertise they have at the helm at the company. A brand they have built up from humble beginnings in Bray, Co Wicklow, to a nationally recognised and trusted wine supplier with 34 shops across Ireland. Lynne’s remit for O’Briens is simple – to travel the world visiting winemakers and tasting every new vintage from existing suppliers to find the best quality wines at the best prices for their Irish customers. Lucky us.

For the wine lover: Robert Weil Riesling Trocken, was €24.95, now €22.95

The Riesling grape is one of the best-kept secrets in the wine trade and all wine lovers love Riesling. With Germany as its spiritual home, there’s no better place to start than with this top estate’s dry Trocken, laden with green apple, refreshing acidity and a lingering honeyed character – delicious!

For the foodie: Lagar de Costa Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain. Was €19.95, now €16.95

The vineyards of this small family winery are located right beside the Atlantic on the Galician coast. The wine has an amazing textural quality along with refreshing salinity on the palate, making it a dream choice for shellfish and seafood lovers.

For your best friend: Insight Sauvignon Blanc, was €18.95, now €12.95

Lifted and aromatic with a clean and herbaceous palate, this is good with or without food. Everyone loves a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and who better to gift it to or indeed enjoy it with than your best friend?

For the trendsetter: Casa de Uco Salvaje Malbec, was €19.95, now €16.95

Malbec is trending across the globe at present, so it’s a great gift for your friend with their finger on the pulse. This one is extra special. Grown in high altitude Mendoza vineyards, the wine has supple bright fruit balanced and a lingering freshness.

As a thank you: Sierra Cantabria Rioja Gran Reserva, €31.95

Everyone loves Rioja, so say an extra special thank you with a Gran Reserva, from one of the top wine makers in Spain. With bramble fruited, hints of spice and an intense and lingering palate, this wine has the capacity to intrigue and beguile.

To impress: Sénéchaux Châteauneuf-du-Pape, €43.95

A modern take on a classic; pure fruited and intense, with loads of pepper and spice. Impress your friend with the fact that this award- winning estate is owned by that most famous of all the Irish wine geese, Château Lynch-Bages from Pauillac in Bordeaux.

For the party animal: Rizzardi Prosecco, was €20.95, now €17.95

It has to be Prosecco, but at this time of year push the boat out and go for the full experience with a popping cork. This Rizzardi is single estate, defined by its floral and apple aromas and offers an off-dry light elegant palate. It’s a delight.

For the one you love: Beaumont des Crayéres Fleur Blanche, €47

This is a special treat. This Champagne has the classic brioche and toasty character you would hope to find from a top wine, plus it has a richness and concentration on the palate balanced by a refreshing and lingering length – not cheap, but worth the little extra for your loved one.

Featured wines are available in O’Briens stores and online at obrienswine.ie. Prices are correct at time of publication but are subject to change. For the most up to date pricing, see any O’Briens store or www.obrienswine.ie