On Sunday I said goodbye to Bandon and hello to Ballincollig. Perhaps I still have a bit of the student in me, but to be a stones throw away from the beating heart of Cork City is a great experience.

With living away from my dearest brother (and, might I add, I’m deeply saddened by the fact that I will no longer be awoken by three screaming children at 6 in the morning), I’ve had to think about starting a wine collection for myself, instead of raiding his.

So here’s the collection of my personal everyday favourites that are helping to make the wine rack look a bit more healthy… for now anyway.

The three whites:

Palazzi Chardonnay: Pure and simple, this white from the Piemonte region of Italy is all about the varietal. There’s been no contact with oak and fermentation was carried out in stainless steel tanks. The kind of Chardonnay that would convert any non-Chardonnay drinker.

Sierra Grande Sauvignon Blanc: It’s organic, but that’s not the reason I’ve picked it. I love New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but I can’t afford to drink it everyday, so in this case Chile fills the role for a racy Sauvi to keep the NZ temptation at bay.

Domaine du Chateau d’Eau Viognier: Another organic white (honestly, I’m not usually this health conscious). Viognier just does it for me, and it’s a great alternative to any of the noble grape varieties. Elegant aromas of peach, apricot and flowers - although a natural match to pork, it’s stunning next to my once-a-week fish dish (there’s a great fishmonger in Bandon who I’ll keep going to).

The three reds:

Cuvee Jean Paul Rouge: The first I opened upon my arrival, and it coped well with a Guinness stew and my new house mates. I don’t think they were just being polite saying that they loved it as well. Simply good grape selection and great wine making.

Santa Alicia Reserve Malbec: This knocks the socks off any other Malbec at this price. Although I’m mad for the other reds in this range, the Malbec has something a little different. Naturally a little more vegetal (in a nice way) than the noble grape varieties, it’s had the treatment in the winery that you would expect of a €15 bottle.

Stickleback Red: Had to have the big Aussie in there somewhere. I love the almost milkshake-like consistency of warm climate Shiraz, which in this wine, is blended with Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ben Glaetzer is one of the world’s top winemakers and Stickleback is his entry level range. Worth decanting.

So if you have a perfect six, feel free to tweet me or leave a comment. Bet they’re not as nice as mine.

So far so good. We’ve learned of several of our wines landing awards and accolades for 2009 already, with more that we’ll be advised on later.

Aureus Blanc de Blancs Brut: International Wine & Spirits Competition Silver Medal (Best in Class). This Crement de Loire is our sparkling star. Champagne quality at half the price, it has that classic biscuity nose, with pure fruit from the Chardonnay grape, and a perfectly dry finish. We knew this would be a great candidate for an IWSC Medal.

Dignite Syrah 2005: Concours National des Vin de Pays Silver Medal. This Syrah picked up a silver medal at Syrah du Monde last year, which is the world’s top competition for assessing Syrah with exceptional varietal character. Eric Monnin is a rebel winemaker, producing reds that are bigger, bolder and fruitier (perhaps more in line with the New World philospohy you might say), but essentially making top quality wine in minute quantities.

Mirabello Pinot Grigio Rosé 2007: Decanter Commendation. Made from the same grapes that go into its white partner, the Mirabello Rosé is the in-fashion pink drink of the summer. There’s a small proportion of the black Pinot Nero grape, to help develop a fuller colour and flavour.

Palazzi Negro Amaro 2006: Decanter Commendation. A definite foodie wine for those Italian obsessives. This robust, slightly bitter red has flavours of ripe berries, and has developed absurd complexity for the price, after spending 9 months in Slavonian oak casks. A real winner for true wine drinkers.

Stayed tuned for more wines that we’ll be introducing to the range in the next week or two, including a Pinot Noir from the Languedoc which made the Top 100 French Vin de Pays.

Wines or wineries that have achieved awards or accolades will be listed on their individual product pages. Simply hold your cursor over the medals that are pictured for more detail.