Planning a summer get-together with friends and family? Wines of the World founder Kate Barry, shares her must-have tipples!
Kate, why do you think celebrity wines are so popular at the moment?
People see their name on the bottle, they’re curious, so try it, love it and go back for more. It’s a nice brand association and the quality of the wines are great! I suppose Graham Norton started off the trend in 2014 with his first launch.
In 2019 Sarah Jessica Parker first released her multi award winning Sauvignon Blanc, followed by her Sud De France Rosé and then in 2020 Kylie Minogue entered into the wine market with quite the range. Graham Norton currently has five wines in the portfolio and will be adding an Argentinian Malbec this October.
What have you noticed is the most popular choice for summer?
Oh, Rosé! Ireland used to have quite a small market for Rosé. It was almost a 50/50 split between red and white, but the sales of Rosé are growing dramatically.
Kylie has a Vin De France Rosé which has a €13 price point and then a more premium Provence Rosé which is €22. SJP has the Sud De Franc Rosé at €18 and Graham Norton has a New Zealand Rosé at €14. All the celebs are going with the Rosé trend – all delicious yet they are all so different!
For a celebration, what would you recommend buying from Wines of the World?
I guess it depends on the occasion, the weather, who you’re meeting etc. but any time there’s a little celebration, I’d go for the Prosecco. Graham Norton’s style is very easy drinking – he has a Frizzante Prosecco and a Frizzante Rosé both at €12. Kylie has a Prosecco Spumante Rosé €18 and Frizzante Rosé €14 the bottle alone for Kylie’s Prosecco range is stunning.
I personally believe it doesn’t matter if you’re having Champagne or Prosecco, when it’s bubbles, it makes the moment feel special.
Now that we’re allowed meet loved ones outdoors, what would you suggest people have for entertaining in the garden?
Oh, a little mix! You could have a little celebration with Prosecco to begin and then some Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc – all crowd pleasers in my eyes. Sarah Jessica Parker’s multi award winning Sauvignon Blanc is outstanding at €18 a bottle. It’s so fresh and fruity, one of our best sellers on Wines Of The World.
Finally, do you have an nonalcoholic options as well on Wines of the World?
Yes, we certainly do – Belle & Co have two sparkling lines – both awesome but for me personally I prefer the Rosé bubbles. Both vegan and low sugar. If one would prefer a still wine option look no further than Ireland’s Number 1 Australian Wine brand – McGuigan, they have a full Zero range with Rosé, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Frizzante, with Sauvignon Blanc coming soon!
Kylie Côtes de Provence Rosé €22.00
Pair with: You can enjoy it by itself but if you’re having it with food, maybe an antipasti; some mozzarella, parma ham, crackers and olive oil. It would go well with a halloumi salad, something a bit lighter in flavour. If you’re having a pasta dish, use an oil based sauce and not tomato as it’d be too strong.
Graham Norton Prosecco Frizzante; €12.00
Pair with: The best pairing with a glass of bubbles is fish and chips from the local chipper. They are always a bit greasy on the palate so when you take a sip of Prosecco or Champagne, the refreshing acidity cleanses your palate so you’re ready for your next bite.
Invivo Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc; €18
Pair with: I’d pair it with light cheeses, salads, fish or grilled chicken. It’s fruity and refreshing, so I wouldn’t suggest pairing it with any creamy dishes. It’s also great with sushi, or a stir fry, once it’s not too spicy because that will overpower the flavour of the wine.
For more visit winesoftheworld.ie. Purchase a minimum of six bottles, and get free delivery to your door all across Ireland!