Ireland

The western European island nation of Ireland (Eire) with its capital Dublin comprises about five-sixths of the island of the same name, covering an area of 70,273 km², as well as a number of smaller islands. The independent republic does not belong to the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland". However, the region of Northern Ireland, located in the north of the island, is included.

Viticulture

The climate is humid and unpredictable, making it not particularly suitable for grape cultivation. Therefore, mostly fruit wines are produced. To a limited extent, there is also viticulture with grapes. On the "Emerald Isle", there are said to have been initial attempts as early as the 5th century through monasteries. The approximately 100 hectares of grape vineyards are mainly located in the southwest in County Cork. Primarily, white wine varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Reichensteiner are cultivated.

The most popular alcoholic beverage in Ireland is beer, followed by wine and spirits such as whiskey (here spelled as Whiskey). Per capita alcohol consumption is relatively high. In 2023, the government decided to mandate warning labels on alcoholic beverage labels.

Producers

On the "Thomas Walk Vineyard" estate near Kinsale, table grapes were presumably planted in Ireland for the first time. From the Rondo grape variety, red and rosé wines and a sparkling wine are produced. Other producers include Blackwater Valley Vineyard, Bunratty Winery, Longueville House, and West Waterford Vineyard. In the history of Bordeaux, some Irish families played an important role. Among them were the Barton and Lynch families, who founded the wineries Château Langoa-Barton, Château Léoville-Barton, and Château Lynch-Bages in Pauillac.

Map: © Goruma
Flag: by Éire - Drawn by User:SKopp, Public Domain, Link
Coat of Arms: by Setanta Saki - Own work, Public Domain, Link
Source 1st paragraph: WIKIPEDIA Ireland