Providing a Unique & Affordable Selection of High Quality Red Wines and White Wines for Your Enjoyment. Also featured: Rosé, Port, Icewine, Champagne and Sparkling Wine for Special Occasions. Cheers!
Monte Tabor has been cultivating vines organically since 1970. In 2006, Monte Tabor began managing another 50 hectares of Soave vineyards in Illasi. Today, viticulturalists and oenologists collaborate on the production of organic wines from these vineyards with the Fasoli family - a family that has been organic producers in the area for over 25 years.
This organic wine is featured in the LCBO VINTAGES release and will be on shelves this Saturday.
SAN RAFFAELE MONTE TABOR SOAVE 2013 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#277392) (XD) - $13.95
Tasting Note:
100% Garganega. Elegant lime, peach and orange aromas from the cork. In the glass, aromas are low-to-medium intensity with ripe notes of citrus, peach and almond with much of same on the medium-bodied palate. Vibrant acids give way to mineral notes and a kiss of citrus sweetness. Decent length. Score: 86 pts
Tonight's pair of wines are from Canada's first certified organic and biodynamic winery - Southbrook Vineyards. Both are quite easy-drinking and are suitable for gatherings with friends and family.
Tasting Note:
Stelvin screw cap. Medium intensity nose with toasty oak, chocolate, plum, dark cherries and currant aromas. Palate is definitely on the sweeter side with ripe red berries, jammy fruit and chocolate overtones. Medium-level tannins are slightly grippy, while acids are bright and the finish is medium-length. If you like sweeter red wines, this one is for you. Should have wide crowd-appeal. In VINTAGES and currently on promotion ($2.50 off) until . Score: 86 pts
SOUTHBROOK CANADIAN FRAMBOISE - Ontario, Canada (#341024) (375 mL) (S) - $15.95
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Raspberries and candied red fruit aromas from the glass. It's medium-bodied on the sweet palate with nice aroma replays. Acids are bright, while the finish has very good length. Serve nicely chilled. Would be a nice way to end the night after a fine meal on . Score: 88 pts
Tasting Note:
Non-vintage, organic sparkling wine made using 58% Parellada, 25% Macabeo and 17% Xarel-lo. Lifted nose featuring leesy, green apple and toast aromas. Medium+ bodied with green apple, lemon peel, green melon, wild herb, and yeasty flavours with hints of sweetness. Balanced mousse. Dry, mineral and lime finish that is medium in length. Serve nicely chilled. Score: 88 pts
Tonight's white wine is organic & biodynamic and comes from a family-owned winery with traditions dating back to 1970 (although you wouldn't have guessed it given the very modern look of the label.) It is available by Consignment only via Trialto Wine Group.
Tasting Note:
Made using 100% Xarel-lo, a grape traditionally used to make Cava. Screw cap. Medium intensity nose with lemony and grapefruit aromas. Medium-full bodied with very chalky, mineral mouthfeel with tarty lemon, grapefruit pith and salty flavours on the dry palate. Fresh, balanced acids and a long, tart finish. Would serve this with oily foods such as fish & chips. Score: 87 pts
I arrived for the Gourmet Food & Wine Expo VIP Night at the Metro Convention Centre, where it has always been held since as far back as I can remember, checked in at the Trade & Media booth to get my badge and wristband, and then proceeded down the hall to first attend a seminar on Wine Faults.
This was a very interesting seminar, as we learned about the 2 basic types of faults – oxidative and reductive. We tasted some Sauvignon Blanc that was fresh and typical of the varietal, then compared this same wine that had been either artificially oxidized and reduced. One of these glasses had an oxidized Savvy, and tasted like it was off with a nose of stewed orchard fruit, green apple and wet dog flavours. The other three glasses had a Savvy that had been reduced to various different levels. Prominent notes of sulphur and rotten eggs were found in glasses 3 and 4, while the 5th glass had aromas of rubber and mineral.
Keep in mind that some oxidation can be desirable in some wines - such as big, red Cabs or even Port wine, which also usually change their colour to brick-red or brown; the colour of white wines tends to change to a darker yellow or brownish tones. Only when a wine is over-oxidized do undesirable traits being to show. The principal is much the same for reduced wines, where too much reductive activity will lead to undesirable wines.
The last part of this seminar involved adding a few drops of Copper Sulphate to a few of the wines and see the results. The first wine, which was normal, suddenly tasted like it had been aged and oxidized a number years in just a couple of minutes. When we added Copper Sulphate to wine #3, it cleared up the wine completely and smelled and tasted quite normal. However, adding the chemical to wine #4 did not make any difference. Thus, the experiment shows that wines that have been slightly reduced can be fixed. Please do not try this with your wines at home.
Once the seminar was finished, I made my way through the trade & media entrance and began tasting some wine. The crowd was still fairly light on this VIP Thursday evening, which I didn't mind considering how packed it was last year. Methodically going through the aisles one-by-one, it seemed as though there were more smaller exhibitors, and fewer big displays. Maybe it's just me, but there also seemed to be fewer restaurants participating this year.
Photos and wine scores of many of my favourite wines that I tasted on this night are posted below, many of which can be found at the LCBO. Due to the volume of yummy wines I tasted, detailed reviews will be posted at a later date. As usual, the Hidden Bench booth is a must stop for any wine aficionado. As well, wine shows are a great place to try some new wines that you may have never heard about or considered purchasing - keep that in mind as you peruse the floor.
One of the highlights was meeting the recently-crowned German Wine Queen, Janina Huhn. We spoke at length about wines and how being crowned 'The 66th Queen' has changed her life. She can be found all weekend long, along with her Royal Chair, at the Wines of Germany booth to engage in conversation or take photos.
Given my self-imposed dietary restrictions, food options seemed quite limited. After having toured the entire venue and tasting many, many wines, I was famished, and headed straight to the Fire in the Kitchen booth, where I had seen earlier in the night their full-sized grilled cheese stuffed with chicken, caramelized onions and pickles. This really hit the spot and tasted even better when topped with some of their specialty rubs & spices!
Next, with time running out and still many tickets remaining in-hand, I found Ourrr Lobster Shack and settled for a 6" lobster roll. At $9, it was a bit pricey, but yummy. Still not quite full, I searched for Amaya Restaurant, but by the time I finally found them, they had already run out of food and were packing up. So, I decided at this point that dessert might be my best option to close out the night.
Two orders of Marble Slab Creamery would fit the bill nicely. Vanilla cheesecake ice cream mashed with raspberries and chocolate brownie, followed by a decadent Gingerbread ice cream topped with graham cracker crumbs and caramel - both satisfied my sweet tooth.
Lastly, it was great to see so many friendly faces on both sides of the counter, many of whom I met over the last few years. It was also very nice to meet some new folks - hopefully, our paths will cross again.
Hope everyone enjoys the show as much as I did this year. The Gourmet Food & Wine Expo runs until Sunday. Tickets can be purchased here. Cheers!
PERSUASION DRAGON BLEND 2010 - Sonoma, California, USA (#) (XD) - $37.95
Booth: Noteworthy Wines booth. Blend of Russian River Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Chalk Hill Merlot. Available for licensees only, so you'll want to try this here. Score: 90 pts
CORNERSTONE CABERNET-MERLOT 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#) (XD) - $19.00
Booth: Winery. Hails from the great 2010 vintage, highly aromatic nose featuring smoky, black fruits and hints of barnyard. Palate it big and full-bodied with dark fruit, flowers and rhubarb flavours. Balanced acids and very good length on the finish. Could age another 4-5 years, but drinking well now. Not many left, according to the owner. Score: 89 pts
GARCIA CARRION MAYOR DE CASTILLA CRIANZA 2010 - DO Ribera del Duero, Spain (#318931) (D) - $15.95
Booth: Christoper Stewart Wine & Spirits. 100% Tempranillo. Medium intensity nose showing dark fruits, dark cherry, currant and cedar oak aromas. It's medium-to-full bodied with balanced oak and dark, stewed fruits, black cherry, and blackberry flavours. Has balanced acids and a long finish. Very good value. Score: 89 pts
RIO MADRE 2013 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#354753) (XD) - $14.95
Booth: Christoper Stewart Wine & Spirits. Rare to see 100% Graciano wine. Low-to-medium intensity nose with black cherry, black currant, cedar oak, and hints of cherry aromas. Palate is medium+bodied with flavours of blackberry, floral, oak, and sweet ripe fruits. Good acids, rounded tannins and a medium length finish. Will be available in VINTAGES on January 10. Score: 87+ pts
CANTINA DI NEGRAR AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2010 - Veneto, Italy (#044784) (D) - $36.95
Booth: Mark Anthony Brands. Quite dry with just a hint of sweetness. Will be on sale at the LCBO very soon. Score: 89 pts
HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2013 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $23.95
Booth: Winery. Organically grown from estate vineyards. Medium-high intensity aromas with lovely orange, Flintstones vitamins, and citrus with crisp aroma replays on a light frame. Medium-dry in sweetness and juicy, with bracing acids and very good length on the finish. Quality stuff. Was released into VINTAGES on August 2nd. Score: 89+ pts
HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2012 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada (#068817) (XD) - $28.95
Booth: Winery. Barrel fermented in French oak; partial malolactic fermentation. Ripe pear and butter aroma profile with much of the same on the palate, plus some butterscotch and caramel for complexity. Medium-to-full bodied with restrained use of oak and just a kiss of sweetness on the palate. There's a fine seam of acidity and the finish is excellent in length. Released in VINTAGES on November 8th. Score: 90 pts
HIDDEN BENCH PINOT NOIR 2012 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada (#274753) (XD) - $29.95
Booth: Winery. Classic Pinot aromas and flavours. Elegant nose of sour cherry, strawberry and beetroot of medium-high intensity with balanced aroma replays on the palate, along with hints of mushroom and subtle oak spice. Medium+ level of tannins are not overbearing and show good balance with the very good acids. Well-balanced red wine with excellent length on the finish. Drink now or over the next 5 years. Available in VINTAGES. Score: 91 pts
HIDDEN BENCH TERROIR CACHÉ 2010 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Ontario, Canada (#505610) (XD) - $38.20
Booth: Winery. Blend of 53% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 12% Malbec. Seductive medley of purple, black and red fruits, along with floral, cherry, licorice, forest floor, sweet vanilla and hints of cocoa. On the palate, it's full-bodied and has violet, cassis, black & red currants, licorice and oak flavours. Complex and poised with mouth-watering acids and a finish that lasts! Amazing wine! Released in VINTAGES on November 8th. Score: 92 pts
HEINRICH BLAUFRÄNKISCH 2012 - DAC Burgenland, Austria (#) (XD) - $24.95
Booth: Wines of Austria. Made using the Blaufränkisch grape (also known as Lemberger), this comes across as quite similar to Pinot Noir with earthy, sour cherry, beetroot aromas. It's light-to-medium bodied with strawberry, cherry, red fruit and oak spice flavours on the palate. Has very good acids and a long finish. Score: 89 pts
DR. LOOSEN ÜRZIGER WÜRZGARTEN RIESLING KABINETT 2013 - Pradikätswein, Mosel, Germany (#927756) (MD) - $21.95
Booth: Wines of Germany. Medium-high intensity aromatics showing lovely citrus, petrol and orange aromas, with all making a balanced appearance on the palate. Medium-dry sweet with vibrant acids and a lengthy finish. Released in VINTAGES on October 11th. Score: 91 pts
STUDERT-PRÜM WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2012 - Pradikätswein, Mosel, Germany (#912659) (M) - $28.95
Booth: Wines of Germany. Mineral-driven orange zest and petrol aromas of medium-high intensity. Vibrant acids on the mineral-driven palate with peach flavours dominating the flavour profile. Medium in sweetness and excellent length on the finish. Gorgeous wine for those that enjoy sweet wines. Released in VINTAGES on October 11th. Score: 91 pts
WEGELER RÜDESHEIMER BERG SCHLOSSBERG RIESLING KABINETT 2012 - Rheingau, Germany (#378083) (M) - $25.95
Booth: Wines of Germany. Highly aromatic nose featuring sweet beeswax, citrus, and honey wafting out of the glass. Medium-bodied palate is medium sweet with honeyed fruit and orange flavours. Excellent balance overall with finely tuned acids and a mineral-tinged finish that goes on forever. My favourite wine of the evening and was released in VINTAGES on September 27th. Score: 93 pts
JEAN-MARC BROCARD SAINTE CLAIRE VIEILLES VIGNES CHABLIS 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#329995) (XD) - $24.95
Booth: Sommelier Tasting Bar in VIP Area. Released in VINTAGES on November 8th. Grapes for this wine come from 60-year-old vines. Unoaked. Elegant buttered popcorn and buttery apple aromas with very nice aroma replays on the medium+ bodied, creamy palate. Good balance over all, with balanced acids and a long, smooth finish. Delightful! Score: 90 pts
MUSKOKA LAKES WINERY RED MAPLE 2012 - (#) (S) $23.95
Booth: Winery. Delicious dessert wine made with cranberry and some maple syrup. Score: 90 pts
While the 2012 Southbrook Triomphe Chardonnay was classified as VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, the 2013 edition is VQA Niagara Peninsula. It is certified organic and vegan friendly, with grapes sourced from 5 different vineyards within the Niagara Peninsula: Laundry, Southbrook, Sabourin, Reimer and Saunders vineyards.
This delicious white wine was opened over the and will be available on shelves as part of the LCBO VINTAGES release.
Tasting Note:
Stelvin screw cap. Medium-high, complex aromatics with buttered popcorn, apple, pear, pineapple and whiffs of smoke and pineapple which all make an appearance on the flavour profile. Palate is medium+ bodied, lean with some creaminess, and a hint of sweetness. The very good acids keep the slightly sweet fruit in check. Slight heat on the long finish which also has honeyed fruit and vanilla spice flavours. Enjoy over the next 3 years. Score: 90 pts
I received these wines to celebrate Southbrook Vineyards' recent inclusion into the high-quality prepared food section of distinguished British retailer Marks & Spencer. Southbrook is now the sole Canadian vintner to be found in this section. This is also Southbrook's first foray into the U.K. market with Demeter-certified biodynamic wine.
"We are thrilled and honoured with the Marks & Spencer designation," says Bill Redelmeier, co-owner of Southbrook Vineyards.
"Our focus is on the importance of organic and biodynamic viticulture in the production of great wine, something which places us on the leading edge of winemaking globally. It is a wonderful opportunity for us to partner with one of the world's great retailers in one of the world's great wine markets."
All three of the wines below are certified organic, while the two Cabernets are also certified biodynamic. Furthermore, all three of these of wines are available (or will be available soon) in the LCBO Vintages section.
Tasting Notes: SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#117556) (D) - $21.95
Stelvin screw cap. Medium intensity, elegant lime and mineral nose with hints of lychee, floral and citrus coming from the 5% (Reimer Vineyard) Gewürztraminer that adds some interesting complexity. Honeyed fruits with floral tones lead the way on medium-bodied palate. Also notable pink grapefruit flavours. Bright acids are nicely balanced, while finish long and honeyed. Slightly off-dry. 95% Laundry Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Certified organic and vegan-friendly. Will be in September 27 Vintages release. Not your typical Savvy, but tasty nonetheless. Recommended. Score: 89 pts
SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#193573) (XD) - $22.95
Stelvin screw cap. Slightly closed nose with red currants, hints of violet, and smoky cassis undertones. On the medium-bodied palate, it has flavours of blackberry, red currants and oak spice. Tannins integrating nicely. Finish is medium in length. Vintages Essentials product and always available. Score: 87 pts
SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#275958) (XD) - $21.95
Stelvin screw cap. Contains 12.4% Merlot. Medium+ intensity aromas with barnyard, earthy notes dominating, layered with black cherry, black currants, and fresh cedar oak. Palate is medium+ bodied with firm tannins and a flavour profile consisting of blackberry, black cherry, sweet vanillan oak, and slight meaty character. Mouth-watering acids and medium-length finish. Enjoy over the next 2-4 years. Just released in the upcoming September 13 Vintages release. Recommended. Score: 89 pts
Tonight's organic red wine is a lovely Petit Verdot that I heard was specially crafted for the LCBO and was purchased from the September 14, 2013 Vintages release. As it's completely sold out, I wouldn't be surprised to see it show up in Vintages again later this year. If you have this bottle, you may want to open it soon.
EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA PETIT VERDOT 2011 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#325662) (XD) - $15.95
Tasting Note:
Blackcurrant, cola and oak aromas from the cork. Medium+ intensity aromas from the glass that show blackberry, black cherry, cola and new oak notes. Full-bodied and very dense on the palate. Flavour profile consists of blackberry, earth, vanillan oak, and ash. Mouth-watering acids. Tannins with firm, drying, and nicely integrated. Long, smooth finish that is definitely bitter. Fruit is starting to fade - drink over the next year. Enjoyed with homemade chicken curry. Score: 89 pts
All the grapes for this certified organic Chardonnay were sourced from 3 different estate vineyards within Niagara-on-the-Lake. It was released in Vintages last February and there is currently good inventory remaining on shelves.
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Fruit-driven apple and pear aromas of medium intensity. Medium+ bodied palate with balanced acids. Apple and pear flavours with a distinct caramel note on the lengthy finish that also shows some minerality. Oak is definitely in the background. Just off-dry and nicely balanced. Serve only lightly chilled. Recommended. Score: 88+ pts
Tonight's wine is the second in a series of wines from Southbrook Vineyards (first up was their Triomphe Cab Franc Rosé).
This red wine is certfied organic and biodynamic. In fact, the entire Triomphe line of wines has been certified organic since 2010. Furthermore, Southbrook was Canada's first certified biodynamic winery.
As this wine is a Vintages Essentials product, it is always available in the Vintages section. The 2012 version was featured as part of the Cabernet Sauvignon focus in the March 1 Vintages Release.
Tasting Note:
Stelvin screw cap closure. In addition to Cab Sauv, it contains 6.1% Petit Verdot, 3% Syrah, 2.3% Merlot, and 2.2% Cab Franc. Barnyard, vanillan oak, red currant aromas that also shows some meaty notes as it warms up in the glass. Medium-bodied with firm tannins. Flavour profile consists of sweet red currants, blackberries, subtle spice, and vanillan oak in the background. Good acids and a long finish that has hints of milk chocolate. Could be cellared another 2-3 years, but drinking well now. Has good crowd appeal. Score: 87 pts
Last night's wine is the first in a series of wines that I'll be reviewing from Southbrook Vineyards.
The roots of this winery began as a farm in the 1860s at the head of the Don River by the Patterson family. William Redelmeier, who is the grandfather of current owner Bill Redelmeier, purchased Don Head Farms in 1941. In the 1980s, Bill and partner/co-owner Marilyn evolve the business from a roadside stand into a thriving farm market, which led to the creation of "Southbrook Farms". In 1991, a boutique winery and event space was born.
Today, Southbrook Vineyards is one of the leading organic and biodynamic wineries in Ontario. Their hospitality pavilion was the first winery to receive Gold level of LEED status back in November, 2008.
This rosé wine is certified organic and also vegan-friendly. It has been in Vintages previously but is now part of the LCBO General List and is available in small quantities throughout the province.
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Also contains 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Gamay. Nose seems rather closed but shows an earthy character with notes of cherry and wild berries. Medium-bodied palate with tart fruit, and cherry flavours. It's dry (i.e. not sweet), with good acids and a medium-length finish. Serve only lightly chilled. Will be enjoyed with spiced rotisserie chicken off the BBQ. Score: 87 pts
On , I attended a wine tasting luncheon hosted by Eurovintage Wines & Spirits that was held at Café Nicole, inside the Novotel Toronto Centre. The purpose of this tasting was to sample a portfolio of wines from the southern Rhône winery - La Ferme Du Mont. Leading the tasting was none other than Owner and Winemaker at La Ferme Du Mont - Stéphane Vedeau.
La Ferme Du Mont is a family-owned and operated winery based in southern Rhône. All of their wines are organic - the vineyards are chemical- and pesticide-free, and only organic fertilizers are used. The cellars are also gravity-fed. All of this is to grow grapes naturally and in harmony with the environment, while also being gentler with the grapes.
Stéphane uses natural yeasts in his wines and in very wide, open tanks. This affects the tannins by making them softer, which was perceptible in the wines tasted at the luncheon. In all, we tasted 5 wines to go with a 5-course tasting menu, along with a special surprise brought in by the winemaker. We finished off our meal with a chocolate tuxedo cup filled with fresh fruits.
Overall, the results of these organic wines are impeccable, as you will see from my tasting notes below. No longer should there be any hesitation towards buying organic wines, as the quality has definitely arrived. A couple of these wines you will find at the LCBO, while you can purchase nearly all of these directly from Eurovintage.
LA FERME DU MONT LA TRUFFIÈRE 2011 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#234716) (XD) - $15.95
This white wine is a blend of 50% Grenache blanc, 40% Viognier, and 10% Clairette and matured in concrete vats for at least 8 months. Quite aromatic with crisp, fresh herbal, pear, floral and mineral aromas, along with hints of mushroom. Crisp acidity on the medium-bodied palate with floral, leesy, lemon, and grapefruit notes. Extra dry, medium-long finish. Pairs well with lighter seafood dishes, and could also be enjoyed on its own on the patio. Was part of the July 20 Vintages release and still available. Score: 88+ pts
LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#251645) (XD) - $15.95
Blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Medium-intensity aromas of plum, blackberry and hints of currants. Palate is medium-bodied with flavours of blackberry liquer, kirsch, black currant, cherry and spice. Light tannic grip and a finish that is a touch hot. Could be enjoyed now or in 3-4 years. Paired with bocconcini sandwiched between slices of tomato in between layers of tomato, and all topped with a balsamic reduction and a side of garlic focaccia crostini. The pairing was well done as the cheese helped cut through the tannin, while the balsamic and tomato added fresh acidity to wine to create a vibrant mouthfeel. Score: 88 pts
LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2011 - AP, France (#171371) (XD) - $17.00
This red wine was one of my top picks from the June 22 Vintages release (and plenty still in stock). Grenache-dominated blend. Medium-high intensity aromas of lush blackberry, black fruits, and hints of oak. Medium-full bodied with smooth, integrated tannins. Complex palate consists of dark currants, exotic spices, and hints of violets and oak. Has mouth-watering acidity and a lingering finish. The brie served with pesto aioli coated the tannins very nicely leading to a very elegant pairing. Very nice and highly recommended! Score: 90 pts
LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VENDANGE BLANC 2011 - AP, France (#) (XD) - $????
This was not originally on the menu, but Stéphane was kind enough to share a bottle from his suitcase. Quite rare to find a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was bottle #434 of 500, and made using Grenache blanc, Marsanne and 5% late-harvested Roussanne. Low-medium intensity citrus, flowers and lemon aromas. Medium-bodied with a chalky mouthfeel. Lemon, fresh flowers, and hints of tropical fruit palate that is bordering on off-dry. Medium-long finish. Score: 88 pts
LA FERME DU MONT GIGONDAS CÔTES JUGUNDA 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#354118) (XD) - $29.95
Blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Medium-intensity aromas of ripe red fruits and red currants that are clear and focused. Medium-full bodied with currant, spice and cedar flavours on the palate. Smooth, velvety tannins and a medium-long finish. Would pair nicely with seasoned poultry. Score: 90 pts
LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CÔTES CAPELAN 2010 - AC, Rhone, France (#078857) (XD) - $63.00
Another blend with 80% Grenache (some vines 50+ years old), 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Black licorice, milk chocolate and black fruit aromas. Black currants, kirsch, coconut, and milk chocolate on the palate. Mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied with big, yet silky smooth, tannins. Could be aged at least 10 years, but drinking great right now. This wine is meant for red meats, and was paired with a grilled lamb chop topped with melted blue cheese, over a bowl of cous cous. Score: 93 pts
The next Vintages release will be on LCBO shelves on . The main feature in this release is on Italian wines that use the appassimento method to make wines, while the secondary feature is on organic wines.
Appassimento-method wines involve drying the grapes prior to pressing and fermenting. There are various ways to dry grapes, such as laying on racks or mats, mounting from rafters, often in barns; modern techniques of drying grapes involve temperature controlled chambers. The appassimento-style is usually applied to red wines using local varietals, while producing sweeter (off-dry) wines. However, the Masi Grandarella is a dry wine made using Refosco, and the international varietal Carmenère.
Amarone wines are also made using the appassimento method, however, these wines are allowed to ferment to full dryness, producing wines which have greater intensity of flavours and tannins. In this wine release, check out the Monte del Frà (80% Corvina veronese and Corvinone, 20% Rondinella) - you won't be disappointed.
Ripasso (meaning "repassed") is my personal favourite appassimento-style, and comes between the lighter Valpolicella and the robust Amarone. Essentially, leftover grape skins and seeds from Amarone (and Recioto) production are added to batches of Valpolicella to produce fuller bodied red wines that are more complex and flavourful than Valpolicella. The Remo Farina is a good example of this style and is made using 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, and 10% other grapes.
Recioto is the ancestor to both Amarone and Ripasso. Grapes for Reciotos are picked very late and very ripe, then dried on mats or racks for 4-6 months. This allows the sugars and flavours to concentrate, producing very sweet wines. If you'd like to taste this style, the Antolini is your best best in this release. It's made using a blend of Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella.
Eco-friendly winemaking and organic wines are the secondary feature in this release. It wasn't too long ago when one immediately thought that organic wine equated to poor tasting wine. Times have changed quickly. Of the 6 wines featured, 3 are on my list and worth pursuing. Weingut Wittmann has been organic since 1990 and biodynamic since 2004, and their Riesling in this release is dry (not sweet). La Cappuccina winery has been family-owned since 1890, with the 4th generation controlling the reins now; they've been practicing organic farming since 1985; their Soave is made with 100% Garganega. And finally, we have an organic California chardonnay from Frog's Leap, a winery that also practices biodynamic farming techniques. The name "Frog's Leap" actually comes from a combination of "Frog Farm" (where it's first wines were made) and "Stag's Leap" (where Winemaker John Williams began his winemaking career, and a place I visited recently).
From the rest of the release, we have a couple of fine Italian single-varietal red wines. The Torrevento from Puglia is made from Nero di Troia, while the Fontanafredda from Piedmont is 100% Nebbiolo.
Enjoy my wine picks for this week! Let me know if you buy and taste any of these. I'd love to hear from you. Cheers!
I'm a big fan of Chilean wines, so tonight's wine is an Organic version from Nativa. Purchased only last month as part of the April 30th Vintages Release.
NATIVA SINGLE VINEYARD GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 - Organically Grown, Maipo Valley, Chile (#975359) - $19.95
Tasting Note:
Gorgeous herbs (eucalyptus), pepper/spice, earth aromas. Raspberry, blackberry, herbal, cocoa/coffee flavours. Prevalent tannins would reward some years in cellar. Oak lays in (far) background. Dry. Medium-full bodied. Very nicely made for an organic wine. Recommended. Will be having this with Cajun Chicken Sliders and Fries.
Tuesday, February 3, 2015
Tasting Note:
