Curious Wines has taken on the agency for Ireland for the French collective Dom Brial. The Cork-based company will distribute two reds, one white and a fortified wine from the  Dom Brial portfolio.

Dom Brial is a collective of 250 growers cultivating over 2,000 hectares of vineyards in the Côtes du Roussillon. The  vineyards include a range of terroirs and microclimates from the region.

Curious Wines will initially offer four wines from the  Dom Brial portfolio.

Dom Brial ‘Les Camines’ Blanc 2022

A blend of Rhône grapes Grenache Blanc and Viognier a fresh lively wine with aromas of white flowers and tropical fruits, ripe and round with sweet stone fruit flavours and a clean, citrussy finish.

Dom Brial ‘Les Camines’ Rouge 2021

A blend of Merlot, Grenache and Syrah, fermented and matured in stainless steel. Supple and fruity, it offers aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant and a hint of earthy garrigue, with a summer fruit bowl on the palate, raspberries and damsons providing sweetness and depth, with a dry, elegant finish.

 Dom Brial ‘Mirade’ 2021

A three-grape blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre from Hautes Terrasse, clay terraces with a proliferation of round stones. There is no oak involved in the winemaking, just 12 months maturation in steel. Jam-packed with summer berries and dried black fruit, with a fine tannin structure and minerally texture, hints of smoky meats and fruitcake.

Dom Brial Rivesaltes Ambré Hors d’Age

Rivesaltes, a sweet, fortified wine, made in a similar way to Port, with the addition of grape brandy stopping the fermentation early. There’s a more oxidised effect to Rivesaltes though and for that reason they’re a bit more like Madeira in terms of their style. With a minimum of three years in oak barrels and two years in bottle, this speciality of Dom Brial is a treat. The balance on the palate is exquisite — viscous and sweet, dried apricot and candied orange combining with vanilla toffee, with a tangy citrus peel acidity and dry, piquant nuttiness giving the wine a savoury dimension and mouth-watering finish.

Curious Wines are a family-owned wine importer based in Cork City. The company was founded in 2008 by Mike and Mary Kane and specialises in the supply of less well known quality wine regions and styles.  The company distributes wine to both consumers and the trade throughout the Republic of Ireland from their headquarters and warehouse on Tramore Road, Cork, and via their online shop

 www.curiouswines.ie.

For more information, contact: Lucy Holme, lucy@curiouswines.ie