Dawn Williams explores the history of St Patrick’s Day and sprinkles some mouth-watering wine and Irish Whiskey inspiration.
Why is St Patrick’s Day celebrated all over the world each year? It started as a feast day on 17th March to mark the death of the patron saint. Surprisingly, he was born in Britain, kidnapped at the age of 16, sold into slavery in Ireland, escaped and was celebrated for returning and introducing Christianity there. This date would fall during Lent, a time of abstinence, however, restrictions would be lifted for the day resulting in St Patrick’s Day becoming associated with drinking and a chance to celebrate Irish culture and tradition. The 18th century saw the first parades organized by Irish Americans celebrating their national heritage and these still take place today with revellers all dressed in green, symbolic of The Emerald Isle.
Although earlier depictions of St Patrick show him wearing blue, the “wearing of the green” may have been taken literally rather than as a display of Christian faith when the shamrock was used as a symbol to explain the Holy Trinity. Another reason, according to Irish folklore, was if anyone wore green, they would be invisible to leprechauns and would avoid being painfully pinched.
A not-so-famous folklore relation of the leprechaun is the clurichaun, known for his great love of drinking and tendency to haunt distilleries, taverns and wine cellars. Despite being troublesome, these characters are loyal to the families they attach themselves to and will protect, as well as indulge in, the contents of the household wine cellar. However, if mistreated in any way, they will wreak havoc on the perpetrator’s home and spoil their wine.
Take this opportunity to inspect your own wine reserves and look at some alternatives to shamrock art foamed pints of Guinness (or equivalent during this national shortage!). We do have bottles of Jamesons, Bushmills and Teelings Irish Whiskey in stock to enjoy the craic with. To continue with the green theme, a lively, crisp Portuguese Vinho Verde (literally green wine) from Vidigal or from João Portugal Ramos would be grand. For conscience-free enjoyment, try the full flavoursome Running Duck Chenin/Sauvignon Blanc from South Africa combining peach Chenin fruit with Sauvignon Blanc flavours of gooseberries, freshly mown grass and green peppers.
Another type of “green” wine is one produced organically and biodynamically, becoming increasingly popular with the environmentally conscious due to their sustainable production methods and complex flavours. Greenhough “River Garden” Sauvignon Blanc, Nelson, is an ideal organic wine from New Zealand with tropical notes and citrus flavours plus extra St Patrick’s day points for having Green in the name of the vineyard and winery. Another producer where sustainability and environmental responsibility is very important to them is Müller -Grossman and their signature range of Grüner-Veltiners, which translates to ’green grape from the village of Veltlin in the Tirol', including the aromatic Grüner Veltliner, Satz Viertel, Kremstal which has a hint of pepperiness.
Whatever you choose to toast St Patrick, may the clurichauns be kind to you, your wines be secure, and your celebrations be green. Sláinte!
