Dia daoibh, wine-lovers, agus let’s talk apples. I have a peculiar relationship with them from which we may discern invaluable truths about love, life and wine. An apple is not something I instinctively reach for. Were you to politely enquire- “Ar mhaith leat úll, Raymond?” I’d most likely respond “Níor mhaith”. I’d prefer a pear or a plum.
And yet, when I sink my fearsome fangs into a shiny ripe red apple, I’m invariably amazed- so crisp, sweet and flavoursome. As its juices dribble lasciviously down my chin, my gormlessly glazed, lovestruck eyes conceal a keen understanding of the forbidden fruit.
Similarly, were you to offer me a glass of rosé, I’d reply “b’fhearr liom gloine fíon dearg, le do thoil”. And the glass of red which I’d prefer comes from today’s WINE OF THE WEEK, the complex and richly textured 2023 Exceptional Bordeaux Superieur (£7.75, Asda).
This intriguing, medium-bodied claret has a fruity palate full of blackberry and plum flavours before a magnificently lengthy, deeply satisfying finish with hints of coffee and black pepper. My darling wife, the redoubtable Madame G., and I enjoyed ours at our lovely home, Rose Cottage, with beef strips, green peppers, beansprouts and noodles in a soy and ginger sauce.
This intriguing, medium-bodied claret has a fruity palate full of blackberry and plum flavours
Raymond Gleug
Nonetheless, much like the apple, had I accepted your offer of a splash of pink then I’d likely have been astonished by how much pleasure it imparted. Especially, if it was today’s second selection, the elegant, refined and racy 2025 Terre de Ferro Dao Rosé (£6.99, Lidl). This delicate salmon-pink rose is packed with rose petal, strawberry and forest fruit flavours which are expertly complemented by beguiling backnotes, suggestive of lemony biscuits. I matched it with my delicious homemade coq au vin in which the true stars were celeriac and parsnip.
Anyone for Mass? Thought not. It’s boring, messes up your Sunday plans and no-one really believes any more, do they? It was much the same for myself until my Madame cajoled me into joining the music ministry at our local chapel. In an appley turn of events, I find myself captivated each week by the mysterious magic and leave feeling spiritually enriched (whilst singing like Caruso) even though I probably still don’t truly believe. Or do I? Maybe I do like apples?
Read more: Uncorked with Raymond Gleug: In praise of women, horses and wonderful wine – The Irish News
Save the best till last- you’ve had lessons in life and in wine- time for lessons in lurve. Look at that useless oaf you married, lounging on the sofa, drinking beer and watching the horses. How can you resist a little smoochy time? Probably quite easily, says you. Like the apple, however, when you eventually tuck into it, it’ll be really special and beautiful, won’t it?
Small wonder that our apple comes from the Tree of Knowledge. It had to be an apple that fell on Newton’s head, revealing gravity, rather than a plum or a pear. And I’m pretty sure that Adam’s last words to his companion before being banished from the Garden were- “Hey Eve, take a bite of my apple, dontcha know it tastes real sweet?”.
Ar mhaith libh cúpla úlla, anois? Until next week, a chairde, sláinte!
