County Cork Wine Pub

County Cork Wine Pub Chooses Maryland Wines

 

The County Cork Wine Pub in Eldersburg, Maryland, made an early commitment to Maryland wines.

“We have had Maryland wines on our wine list since we first opened in December, 2010,” said County Cork’s Bar Manager Jennifer Sweger recently. “Right now we have three wines from two Maryland wineries.”

And what wines they are: the Albarino and Basilisk from Serpent Ridge and Black Ankle’s Rolling Hills! The winery describes the Albarino as a Spanish varietal that is crisp with an enormous bouquet. It pairs well with shellfish,white fish, appetizers, spicy foods, and cheeses. It would be perfect with County Cork’s Spanish Style Mussels, Smoked King Mackerel Dip, Veggie Grilled Flatbread Pizza, or the Grilled Mahi.

The Basilisk is a blend of 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 35 percent Cabernet Franc. It is aged in French and American oak, and has aromas of coffee, mocha, and wild berries with a hint of white pepper on the finish, according to Serpent Ridge. Try it with County Cork’s Steak Braciole or perhaps with their 14-ounce New York Strip Steak.

Rolling Hills from Black Ankle is a full-bodied Bordeaux-style blend that is rich and complex. It is a blend of 47 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 21 percent Cabernet Franc, 21 percent Merlot, 8 percent Malbec, and 3 percent Petit Verdot. Likely pairings from the County Cork menu include the Braciole and Strip Steak, and you might want to try it with some hearty choices for the Butcher Block and Cheese Board. Also check out the Chef’s Pasta — the day you are there it might be the perfect pairing for this delicious wine!

There are many felicitous things about County Cork Wine Pub besides the fact that they have three superb Maryland wines on their wine list. For instance, many establishments that have a Happy Hour limit the HH benefits to those who sit at the bar. Not so with County Cork. You are welcome to sit anywhere in the cozy place to enjoy half-price appetizers and $4 glasses of the Wine of the Month.

Also of interest to wine lovers:

• You can taste three wines from their decent wine menu for $10 — or $8 on Flight Night (Wednesday) when you can also snag a free appetizer with the purchase of two entrees.
• The first Tuesday of every month is a wine tasting (paired with food) that takes place from 6 PM to 7 PM ($25).
• Every Tuesday you can treat yourself to a half-priced bottle of wine.

Although the location does not exactly scream “haute cuisine”, it is easy to get to and the parking is ample and free. The food is good, the atmosphere is pleasant, the service is top-notch – and there are plans afoot to add more Maryland wines to the list!

“We want to introduce our patrons to something new,” said Sweger. “We are looking to add wines – probably one red and one white – from another Maryland winery. We just haven’t decided which winery yet.”

With more than 50 wineries and hundreds of wines to choose from, Sweger has an enviable task ahead of her!

The scoop: County Cork Wine Pub is located at 1716 Liberty Road in Eldersburg (in a small strip mall just past the McDonald’s if you are heading West on Liberty Road). They are open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch (11 AM to 3 PM) and for dinner from 4 PM to 1 AM. Sunday hours are 10 AM to 11 PM; Sunday Brunch is a treat that is offered (with $10 all-you-can-drink Mimosas or Bloody Marys) from 10 AM to 1 PM. Check out their specials, events, and menus at County Cork Wine Pub. Phone: 410.970.8110.

Written by Muphen R. Whitney