Check out Joyce’s new and exclusive wine range from Spain and Portugal selected by Masters of Wine student Antonia Dominguez from Antonia’s Wines.
Antonia Dominguez was born in Jerez, Spain, famed for its sherry production, and was raised in Ireland. She is a holder of the WSET Level 4 diploma in wines and spirits and is currently a student on the prestigious Masters of Wine programme, the only MW student in Ireland. Her expertise stretches far beyond Spanish wines, extending to all notable wine regions of the world. Under her meticulous and quality-orientated selection process, she sources stand-out wines at a range of price points and styles, representing wineries from both undiscovered and classic regions. Her selection is based on offering expressive wines with personality, and on bringing Irish consumers as close as possible to an authentic wine experience.
With the rise in popularity of Sauvignon Blanc in recent years, we have seen an increasing number of consumers shift to the ‘ABC’ (anything but Chardonnay ) camp. Some new world renditions of Chardonnay over the past decade have propelled this shift. Cheaply-made, cloying, overly tropical, or excessively-oaked versions have contributed to poor impressions of this variety. Truth is, this grape is capable of making exquisite, refined, elegant wines. Why else would French producers select Chardonnay as the only grape for making top-class Burgundy whites?
The Enate Chardonnay selected for Joyce’s new wine range is close to Burgundian in style, but with more ripeness. The region of Somontano, meaning ‘beneath the mountain’, lies at the foot of the Pyrenees, in unique, cool-climate terroir ideal for winemaking. Hugely popular in its home market, this wine has an intense bouquet of yellow apple and peach, with hints of fennel, subtle minerality, and crisp acidity. Though not oak-aged, it has an ample, rounded, mouthfeel and long, fresh, finish, sure to convert the ‘ABC’ wine drinker.
A perfect match with roasted chicken or pork shoulder, it is also suited to pan-fried salmon or trout, grilled cod or hake, served with lemon butter sauce, and creamy pasta dishes.
