Wine producers from across Europe and beyond, met with representatives from Ireland’s hospitality sector at Dublin’s Westbury Hotel, for Classic Drinks’ annual Portfolio Wine Tasting which took place last week.
Now in its 21st year, the Classic Drinks business has developed its portfolio with an emphasis on providing quality wines sourced from small producers who are experts in their appellations. Over the course of the day, local hoteliers, sommeliers, and restaurateurs had the opportunity to meet with and sample the wines of some of those producers, along with those of famous producers such as Alvario Palacios and Tenuta San Leonardo.
“With an ever greater focus on quality, our approach has been to extend our range, working with a number of boutique and smaller production wineries where we are confident there is a great deal of care put into the process at every stage from the grape to the end product,” said Mark Donohoe. “Today we are pleased to showcase the wines of these producers, bringing to our customers an extensive range that offers quality at every price point.”
From celebrated estates including Marchesi di Frescobaldi, to relative newcomers such as Irish winemaker Andrew Eakin, there was plenty to tempt attendees.
Originally from Cavan, Andrew Eakin moved to live in France in 2016, with the aim of producing quality wines at a reasonable price in the Bordeaux appellation.
Speaking at the event Andrew said “It is lovely returning home to take part in events such as this and get the opportunity to talk to Classic Drinks’ customers about our wines and how we make them. At Chateau Puynard, we set out to produce low intervention wines that we are ourselves want to drink and bring the joy of that to others. Producing organic wines in Bordeaux is complex and challenging but we have met those challenges and in doing so stepped out of many of the ways in which you are ‘meant’ to produce wine in the appellation.”
Melissa Tondini, export manager of Frescobaldi, also attended the event. The name Frescobaldi is synonymous with the legacy of premium winemaking in Tuscany. Their wine making legacy dates back to 1300s and they are celebrated as expert producers of Brunello di Montalcino, Chainti Rufina and Pomino.
Speaking about the portfolio tasting, Melissa said that the event is particularly valuable to the label as it presents her “with the opportunity to hear directly from sommeliers and restaurateurs on the latest tastes of Ireland’s wine drinking consumers.”