After a clatter of winemaker and celebrity interviews (with more to come) I thought it was about time we asked a few questions to one of the Masters of Wine behind a number of our labels in the Curious Wines range.

1. With less than 300 MW’s in the world, you’re obviously one of a rare breed. What was the biggest challenge that you had to overcome on your journey to becoming a Master of Wine?

Very simply, finding enough time for study, job and family. There’s a lot of mystique surrounding the MW qualification because of the low pass rate – but if it was a full time degree course it would be a different story. My teenage son asked me recently – ‘so why are there so few? Is it really that hard or just that no one else can be arsed to do it?’ I didn’t answer!

2. Was there a particular experience, whether it be with a person or a particular wine, that helped you choose the career path you did?

Many people but notably David Gleave and Nicolas Belfrage, both MW’s and experts on Italian wines, who I was lucky enough to work with and combine commercial acumen with passion and enthusiasm. The first wine I remember making a real impression and gave me my first glimpse of ‘fine wine’ was a 1976 Maximin Grunhauser Auslese.

3. We’re very fortunate with the range of wines available to us in Ireland, but are there any dark horses out there? Any regions or grape varieties we really should be paying more attention to?

There’s always more to discover, that’s what makes wine constantly fascinating. To name but three – Monastrell from Murcia, Barbera from Piemonte and Gruner Veltliner from Austria. All well known in their native countries but still relatively undiscovered here.

4. As a buyer of Spanish wines, including our Valliciergo and Quinta el Refugio range, what do you look for when considering wines to bring to market?

They need to good examples of their variety and region and true to their origin while at the same time offering enjoyment, drinkability and value for money. The Quinta el Refugio is a great example of a wine that ticks all the boxes.

5. For everyday drinking wine, what grape varieties and region/country would you be most loyal to? And briefly, do you have a desert island wine?

The two countries I work with most, Spain and Italy, are those I turn to for everyday drinking. Spain for approachable, vibrant wines that over deliver on all fronts, Italy for diversity and its ability to surprise. Both produce wines with bold flavours and bags of personality. I’d hate to be restricted to a single wine, however good. The huge spectrum of styles and flavours is what keeps wine exciting. If I had to choose though, it would have to be good red Burgundy. At its best, mature Pinot Noir is unrivalled.

Thanks to Tony Brown MW & Lesley Atkins of Boutinot.