England vs Croatia on the radio and I find myself opening a bottle of Setanta Cuchulain Shiraz 2004. A pure coincidence that my choice of wine this evening shares the name of the beleaguered Satellite company that has endured sustained criticism from irate armchair fans all day.
The wine is from the Adelaide Hills region of Australia, just 20 minutes from the city. The region is known for producing full bodied and spicy fruit Shiraz, and this wine is true to type. In keeping with the recent trend of Australian Shiraz producers, a touch of Viognier has been added to both soften and add perfume. Matured in new and aged French and American oak for 12 months, the tannins are in perfect balance to create a luxury taste of velvet. Great stuff.
Setanta Winery is a true boutique producer. Founded by an aviator, a nurse and a scientist with no family links or history of winemaking, the vineyard takes it’s name from Irish legend. Setanta was the original name for Cuchulain the Irish mythological hero from Ancient Gaelic literature. Legend knows him for his terrifying battle frenzy, gaining the name Cuchulain as a child after he killed a fierce guard-dog in self-defence, and offered to take its place until a replacement could be reared. At the age of seventeen he defended Ulster single-handedly against the armies of queen Medb of Connacht. Not a bad effort from the young man.
The Shiraz is worthy of the warriors name it bears. It’s heavy on the alcohol at 14.5% and the suggested food pairings are Roast beef or venison, meaty casseroles or hard, cooked and washed-rind cheeses. Me? I’m having mine with a Chicken Tikka Masala from Sainsburys. Hardly the perfect match but it’s worked for me tonight.
And of what of the other Setanta? Well, it certainly takes something to overhaul Sky as the most despised broadcaster in Britain. The controversy relates to the match highlights not being available on terrestrial telly after the live game. And yet I have some sympathy for them, having exclusive rights to the most overrated football team in history… hang on Theo has just got his hat-trick! We’re gonna win the world cup!
