30 June 2022
By Mary Bermingham
mary@TheCork.ie
English sparkling wine is typically produced to the traditional method and mostly using the same varieties of grapes as used in Champagne – Chardonnay, Pinot noir and Pinot Meunier. English sparkling wine producers often employ Champagne terminology to describe the styles of their wine, such as “Classic Cuvée”, “Blanc de Blancs” or “Demi-Sec”
Ballymaloe House played host to a very English sparkling wine evening recently. Acclaimed winemaker Dermot Sugrue and his wife, of three days at the time, Ana Dogic, both winemakers of ‘Sugrue South Downs’ honeymooned at Ballymaloe House and took time out to share their story and award-winning sparkling wines.
Group Photo by Colm Mc Cann. From left to right – Kevin O’Gorman and Billy Leighton from Jameson, John Wilson, Darina Allen, Dermot and Ana Sugrue.
The evening was held at a round table dinner, with wines paired to compliment the food. Prominent Irish Times wine scribe John Wilson hosted the bubbly event.
Master Distiller, Kevin O’Gorman and Master Blender, Billy Leighton from Jameson’s Midleton Distillery also joined on the night. They shared the Green Spot Château Léoville Barton, a Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey which is renowned for its excellent quality to end the evening in celebration of the newly wedded Mr and Mrs Sugrue-Dogic.
Many other guests supported the evening to share fascinating stories while being dined by Ballymaloe House Head Chef Dervilla O’Flynn and her team. Dishes included Roast John Dory with Herb Oat Crumb, Bretonne Sauce, served with mouth watering sautéed kale.
General Manager at Ballymaloe House, Laura Behan, said “It was delightful to share such a wonderful evening with one of England’s most foremost sparkling winemakers. Also surrounded by delicious food and great company, Ballymaloe House looks forward to hosting further events in the near future for everyone welcome to come and join”.
There are plenty of events taking place at Ballymaloe House this summer including the open air Irish sculpture exhibition.
For more information about future events to be held at Ballymaloe House, is available on their website www.ballymaloe.ie