Rivarose Brut Prestige Sparkling Rosé (Provence) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely sparkling rosé from Provence that will be arriving at the LCBO next weekend as part of the July 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The history of Rivarose begins in 1909 when a renowned French economist, Edmond Thery, fell in love with sparkling wines. He created a wine house in the city of Rognac in Bouches-du-Rhône and created a cellar 10 metres underground below the rocks, which was unique for Provence. Until the 1930s, Edmond produced base wines for Champagne houses and had to stop when strict demarcation production areas came into effect. At this point, Edmond began producing his sparkling wines to order.

Moving to more recent history, a second production site was built in 1988 in Salon de Provence under the name of Auran and is dedicated to the production of sparkling wines using new techniques such as Charmat Method, carbonation, and the production of flavoured and alcohol-free sparkling products. In 1998, the wine house joins Famille Piffaut Vins et Domaines family to take the quality of the wines to the next level. In 2016, the production sites in Rognac and Salon de Provence were brought together on a new, larger site in Salon de Provence and Rivarose was borne to become the oldest and largest producer of sparkling wines in the Mediterranean.

This sparkling rosé wine is crafted using a blend of Syrah and Grenache grapes that were grown in the Vaucluse region in the southern Rhône Valley. The grapes were carefully harvested at night in order to retain maximum freshness. Upon arriving at the winery after harvest, skin maceration is carried out and followed by pressing to extract aromatic intensity from the fruit. Syrah adds vibrant red fruit aromas, while Grenache provides aromatic intensity. After initial fermentation, a second fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled vats with frequent stirring of the lees over a period of one month. The wine is then aged on its lees for a minimum of 5 months. Let's see how this sparkling rosé is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

RIVAROSE BRUT PRESTIGE SPARKLING ROSÉ - Salon de Provence, IGP Mediterranean, Provence, France (#515288) (D) - $19.95
Crafted in the tank method, this blend of Syrah and Grenache has a generous, medium+ intensity nose with enticing aromas of grapefruit, strawberry, orange zest, citrus, raspberry, and leesy mineral with hints of floral. The medium+ bodied palate is essentially dry with delicious grapefruit, orange, citrus, and mineral replays with red berry fruited touches like strawberry, raspberry, and cherry. Fine, beady bubbles and fresh, juicy, thirst-quenching acidity carry through to the dry, minerally, floral, and lip-smacking finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Rivarose are available through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

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Filare Italia Wine Tasting Dinner (May 2022)

On May 9th, I had the pleasure (and finally felt somewhat comfortable) attending my first wine tasting dinner since the start of the pandemic. The dinner was hosted by Caliber Fine Wines & Spirits with wines from Filare Italia and held at Posticino Ristorante in Etobicoke. Joining us from the company that produced these wines were Marco Tam and Vincenzo Castana who talked about some of their initiatives, processes, and goals.

Filare Italia was founded recently by two families, Tam and Gardisan, who since 1947 have each had love and respect for the land and the cultivation of the vine. After more than 70 years, the two families united to form Gruppo Greenway, a new agricultural project that not only includes the production of green energy from biogas, but also the launch of the Filare Italia brand of wines.

They are located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in northeastern Italy, with the vineyards located in a basin between the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomites. The 100 hectares of vineyards are located in Grave del Friuli, with 40% by the group, and the rest owned by the two families. 10% of the vineyards are farmed organically, while the other 90% are farmed sustainably. The favourable microclimate in Grave del Friuli helps the ripening of bunches, making their wines unique with gentle characteristics and pronounced aromas. The families have partnered with a winery that was founded in 1960 in Bertiolo, a small village located in the center of Friuli, and the winery is involved in every phase of the winemaking process from vineyard management to the final tasting.

Filare Italia aims to be contemporary and innovative, while also promoting the "art of living well" with low alcohol wines perfect for aperitifs and moments of conviviality. The wines are packaged to evoke the value of made in Italy with terrazzo floors adorning the labels, as well as adding liveliness, elegance, and minimalism.

Chef Antonio prepared the dinner and did a very fine job of pairing each course with the wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia. I particularly enjoyed the the jumbo shrimp paired with the Ribolla Gialla still table wine. It was also fascinating to try the Brut sparkling wine with the Tiramisu to cap off the meal.

The Ribolla Gialla was the star varietal of the night, with the 2020 Ribolla Gialla the unanimous wine of the night. The 2020 Ribolla Gialla will be coming to LCBO VINTAGES on June 18, while the rest of portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Caliber Fine Wines & Spirits. Thank you Sandy of Caliber, as well as Marco and Vincenzo for a lovely evening!

Tasting Notes:

FILARE ITALIA PINOT GRIGIO 2019 - DOC Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy (XD) - $16
Fresh, white floral, orange citrus, and hints of lemon and stone fruit aromas rise out of the glass. It's quite concentrated on the dry, medium+ bodied, slightly creamy palate with gentle, balanced acidity and pleasing aroma replays. A touch spicy and minerally on the mid-palate and lingering through to the juicy finish, with very good length. Evolved quite nicely in the glass throughout dinner. Score: 88+ pts

FILARE ITALIA RIBOLLA GIALLA 2020 - IGT Venezia Giulia, Italy (#23098) (XD) - $14.95
Elegant, medium-high intensity nose is musky with herbs and floral aromas, along with hints of orange citrus and honeysuckle. On the concentrated, structured, medium-full bodied palate it has lovely citrus and peach flavours lifted by fresh acidity. Dry with stony mineral notes coming through on the long, juicy, and crisp finish. Coming to LCBO VINTAGES June 18. Score: 90+ pts

FILARE ITALIA RIVE MERLOT 2020 - DOC Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy (D) - $16.75
The fresh, fruity nose offers plummy, dark-black cherry, and blackberry aromas with hints of chocolate and earth. The ripe, medium-bodied palate has spiced, plummy, and fruit forward aroma replays, if a touch grapey and sweet. It has good acidity and soft, supple tannins. Good length on the slightly sweet finish. Crowd pleaser. Score: 87 pts

FILARE ITALIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - DOC Friuli, Italy (XD) - $16.75
Aromas of black pepper, cassis, currant, and wood spice rise out of the glass with medium-high intensity. On the medium-full bodied palate it has supple, structured tannins with peppery, dark fruited replays on the flavour profile. Fresh acids carry through to the crisp finish, with very good length. Score: 88+ pts

FILARE ITALIA RIBOLLA GIALLA BRUT - DOC Friuli, Italy (XD) - $19
Craft using the Méthode Champenoise technique (i.e. traditional method), the medium-high intensity nose is toasty and complex with citrus, peach, apple, biscuit, yeasty, and leesy aromas. It has fine bubbles and crisp acids on the dry, structured palate with peach, citrus, biscuit, orange, and Flintstone vitamins with just a pinch of appealing sweetness. Very good length on the long, persistent, crisp finish. Score: 90 pts

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J. Laurens Le Moulin Brut Blanquette de Limoux (Midi) - Wine Review (Apr. 2022)

I've enjoyed this lovely Limoux sparkling wine on a couple of occasions now, including most recently in May 2021 when it showed up in VINTAGES that month. For tonight's sparkling wine review, I bring you the latest batch of this delicious sparkling wine that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the April 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Limoux wine is produced around the city of Limoux in Languedoc, in southwestern France, with sparkling wines dominating the production. The main grape of the region is Mauzac, known locally as Blanquette because of a fine white coating that forms on its leaves, followed by Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Historically, it is widely believed that the world's first sparkling wines were produced in the region of Limoux in 1531 by the monks of the abbey in Saint-Hilaire. Fast forward to 1929 and the Limoux production area was the first delimited area in France, followed by the first Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in Languedoc (and one of the very first in France) in 1938.

This Limoux sparkling wine is produced by Domaine J. Laurens. Established in the 1980s by Michel Dervin of Champagne, J. Laurens is located in the south of France in the small village of La Digne d'Aval, 5 kilometres from Limoux, a stone’s throw away from the famous old city of Carcassonne, one hour from Toulouse, and two hours from Montpellier. A native of Limoux, Jacques Calvel took over the domaine in 2002 and with the help of Michel and cellar master Henri Albrus, the domaine was expanded and modernized in order to guarantee high quality wines every year.

Today, J. Laurens produces a fine range of AOC Limoux sparkling wines in the traditional method. Among the many rules of the AOC, yields are limited to 50 hl/hectare, hand-harvested and uncrushed grapes only, and the wines must rest on their lees for a minimum of 9 months. J. Laurens is aware of the importance of protecting the environment and respecting biological diversity, and applies the principles of sustainable agriculture with the help of a qualified technician.

Tasting Note:

J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95
This non-vintage traditional method sparkling wine is a blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay and has fresh golden apple and lemon citrus aromas mingling with yeasty and biscuit notes of generous intensity rising out of the glass. On the crisp, light-to-mid weighted palate it has lightly frothy mousse and more ripe apple, lemon citrus, and yeasty notes joined by lightly honeyed and grapefruit flavours in a dry profile with fresh, zesty acidity. Citrus, apple, and yeasty notes linger on the dry, clean, and crisp finish, with very good length. Lot L21344.1. Always a recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other fine wines by J. Laurens can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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November 27, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Finest Holiday Wines + Local Sparkling

The November 27, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release is the 2nd to last release of the year and the main theme is titled "Finest Holiday Wines", while in the Local Talent feature there are a few, fine sparkling wines from Ontario. All of these wines should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme on Finest Holiday Wines - a group of sixteen wines which can be purchased as gifts or to add to your personal collection. While many of the wines featured in this thematic are of high-quality, I have opted to include just five of these wines. At the top of this list is the latest vintage of the Solaia Super Tuscan that is a blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 7% Cabernet Franc. From Bolgheri, the Guado al Tasso is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, while the iconic Ornellaia consists of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. Moving away from Italy, the Red from Niagara is a blend of 32% Cabernet Franc, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, and 6% Tannat, while the Rioja consists of 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, and 5% Graciano.

In the feature on Local Talent, the theme is on sparkling wines and there are a few beauties among the group and all of my recommendations are crafted in the traditional method. First up is the 2016 Blanc de Blancs that is made with Chardonnay, while the 2015 sparkling wine from 13th Street is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. Lastly, the Sparkling Rosé is made with Pinot Noir.

From my top red wine recommendations, the red wine from Bordeaux is a blend of 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Rhône red consists of 75% Grenache, the rest Syrah, and a dollop of Mourvedre to complete the blend. The Portuguese red consists of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro. New Zealand has a large and strong showing in this release with a pair of lovely reds included among my wine picks - an excellent Marlborough Pinot Noir and a red blend from Hawke's Bay that consists of 32% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 4% Malbec. From Italy, the Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese, while the Brunello is made with 100% Sangiovese Grosso, and lastly, the Barolo is 100% Nebbiolo.

Additionally, there are also a couple of lovely reds not listed below as they came through VINTAGES earlier this year, but have returned to the LCBO as part of this release - the 2018 Clos de Los Siete (90+ pts, $25) and the 2015 Lealtanza Reserva (90 pts, $22) - and both are worth checking out if you missed them the first time.

Among my white wine picks, the only blend is the wine from Roussillon that consists of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Macabeu. Notable single varietal wines includes a beautiful 2019 Sancerre (which is made with Sauvignon Blanc), as well as a pair of Sauvignon Blanc wines from New Zealand. If you like your wines a little sweet, look for the delicious Pinot Gris from New Zealand or the semi-sweet Riesling from Mosel.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CUVÉE SABRINE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2017 - AC, France (#538496) (XD) - $15.95
• ENRIQUE MENDOZA LA TREMENDA MONASTRELL 2018 - DO Alicante, Spain (#490011) (XD) - $16.95
• CAP ROYAL ROUGE 2018 - Vegan, AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#486761) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• TRINITY HILL THE TRINITY RED BLEND 2018 - Hawke's Bay, North Island, New Zealand (#551630) (XD) - $19.95   89 pts  wine review
• QUINTA DO PENEDO RESERVA 2013 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#21809) (XD) - $19.95

• IL MOLINO DI GRACE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#382945) (XD) - $27.95
• TRAPICHE GRAN MEDALLA MALBEC 2017 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#467977) (XD) - $28.95  91+ pts  wine review
• HERAS CORDÓN RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#144113) (XD) - $32.95
• STRATUS RED 2017 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#312058) (D) - $49.20
• DOG POINT PINOT NOIR 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#329672) (XD) - $49.95  FE  92 pts  wine review

• LA TORRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2016 - Estate bottled, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17626) (XD) - $59.95
• RENATO RATTI MARCENASCO BAROLO 2017 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#713479) (XD) - $69.95
• GUADO AL TASSO 2018 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#986380) (XD) - $161.95
• ORNELLAIA 2018 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $249.95
• SOLAIA 2018 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#987586) (XD) - $475.95

White Wine:

• LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON BLANC 2020 - AP, Midi, France (#485656) (XD) - $15.95  90 pts  wine review
• FONTANAFREDDA PRADALUPO ROERO ARNEIS 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#577700) (XD) - $18.95
• INVIVO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#14199) (XD) - $18.95
• RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2019 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $18.95
• ELGIN VINTNERS CHARDONNAY 2019 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#21156) (XD) - $19.95
• SELBACH TRADITION FEINHERB RIESLING KABINETT 2018 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#21031) (M) - $24.95
• GREYWACKE MARLBOROUGH PINOT GRIS 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#994939) (D) - $29.95  FE  93 pts  wine review
• VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447474) (XD) - $29.95  91+ pts  wine review
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE GENÈSE SANCERRE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#189126) (XD) - $32.95  92 pts  wine review
• DOG POINT CHARDONNAY 2018 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#238568) (XD) - $44.95  FE

Sparkling Wine:

• BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDOBBIADENE SUPERIORE - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#53215) (D) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• MEGALOMANIAC BUBBLEHEAD SPARKLING ROSÉ - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#363655) (D) - $34.95  91 pts  wine review
• 13TH STREET PREMIER CUVÉE SPARKLING 2015 - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#142679) (XD) - $39.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANCS 2016 - Traditional method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (XD) - $49.95
• VILMART ET CIE GRANDE RÉSERVE 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#12619) (XD) - $73.95  92 pts  wine review

Fortified:

• BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review
  
• WARRE'S QUINTA DA CAVADINHA VINTAGE PORT 2005 - DOP, Portugal (#21811) (S) - $54.95

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Juvé y Camps Pinot Noir Brut Rosé Cava (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely Brut Rosé Cava made with Pinot Noir that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago as part of the October 16th LCBO VINTAGES Release, just in time for the holidays.

The story of Juvé y Camps begins in 1796 when a curious, meticulous, and forward-thinking winemaker, Joan Juvé Mir, laid the groundwork for the company. Some years later, his son Antoni Juvé Escaiola took over the vineyards and successfully tackled the horrible scourge of phylloxera. In 1921, Joan Juvé Baqués, son of Antoni Juvé Escaiola and husband of Teresa Camps Ferrer, set up the underground facilities in the family home in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia and made the first sparkling wine under the Juvé brand name.

In 1940, The sons of Joan and Teresa - Josep and Joan Juvé Camps - joined the family business in 1940 and helped build a new winery outside of Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. Under the leadership of brothers Josep and Joan Juvé Camps, the underground cellars were expanded and important technical advances were introduced so that they could produce top-quality cava. During the 1970s, they expand their portfolio of top cava, growing the business to global markets by the 1980s. In 1991, construction begins on a new winery at the family estate in Espiells for making cuvees for cava and ageing still wines. Within the last decade, Juvé y Camps began moving towards integrated and organic winemaking, with a focus on obtaining better quality grapes that also express the soils where they are grown.

This Brut Rosé Cava is crafted using Pinot Noir grapes from their Espiells estate vineyard, The Espiells estate is the largest of their estates with over 200 hectares of vineyards in what is recognized as the best winemaking zone in the Alt Penedès, on the slopes of Montserrat - a mountain that emerged from the sea millions of years ago and presides over the country, protecting it from the cold, north winds. To make this Brut Rosé Cava, they used free-run juice from Pinot Noir grapes with a slight maceration to add colour, flavour, and texture. It was aged for an average of 12 months in bottle prior to release. Let's see how this fine sparkling wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

JUVÉ Y CAMPS PINOT NOIR BRUT ROSÉ CAVA - Traditional method, DO, Spain (#385088) (D) - $24.95
The delicate, medium+ intensity nose offers pretty aromas of slightly sweet and honeyed red fruit notes of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry. The palate is essentially dry with 10 g/L residual sugar with fresh acids and creamy, effervescent mousse supporting the toasty, flavourful red fruit replays of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry on the dry, balanced flavour profile. Some white floral and citrus notes join on the mid-palate, adding complexity, and linger through to the long, dry, clean, and crisp finish. Recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Juvé y Camps are available through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Henri Champliau Brut Crémant de Bourgogne Rosé (France) - Wine Review (Aug. 2021)

Tonight's wine review is a lovely pink Crémant from Burgundy that is a new arrival to the LCBO this weekend. This Traditional Method sparkling wine is featured in the "Taste Wine Like A Pro" theme in the August 21 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Henri Champliau, a family winery located in the village of Mercurey, in the heart of the Côte Chalonnaise sub-region of Burgundy. It was founded by Alexandre Graffard, the grandson of Henri Champliau. Alexandre's grandfather was a man who was passionate about his region of Burgundy and the riches it offered. He loved fine food, great wines, and owned vineyards in Mercurey, while always taking time to share his passion with Alexandre and others in the family. Alexandre's interest in wine started when he was 7 years old and today has an absolute admiration for the terroir and craftsmanship of Burgundy.

Henri Champliau produces only sparkling wines of Crémant de Bourgogne appellation, as well as a pair of Signature Cuvées that pay homage to Henri's passion for horse racing as a breeder and owner. They seek to craft wines of elegance, clarity, strength, and freshness. In order to achieve this level of quality, they pay great attention to the blend selection, respect the time spent maturing in the cellar, and use precise dosage quantities.

This non-vintage traditional method sparkling wine is crafted with fruit primarily from the 2016 vintage from vineyard plots dedicated to the production of Crémant de Bourgogne. The vines in these plots are worked specifically to obtain the best possible base wines, including limiting yields. The grapes are harvested by hand, gently pressed, and the bases are then vinified separately. To create their house style of wines, the base wines are meticulously blended, then bottled, while respecting the traditional method of second fermentation to create the bubbles and aged for a minimum of 12 months. To complete the wine, they carry out disgorgement, dosage, and finally label the bottles. This particular bubbly is predominantly Pinot Noir, which brings elegance and strength, and is joined by the freshness of Chardonnay, and the generosity and delicacy of Gamay, and was aged on its lees for at least a year. Let's see how this rosé sparkling wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

HENRI CHAMPLIAU BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE ROSÉ - Traditional method, AC, Burgundy, France (#20945) (XD) - $24.95
This blend of approximately 75% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, and 10% Gamay has a pretty, salmon-pink colour. The focused, intense nose offers fragrant toasty and brioche aromas accented with grapefruit, citrus, floral, and red berry notes. The crisp and dry palate has good weight along with fresh, vibrant acidity and bubbles. Appealing grapefruit, citrus, floral, red berry, and brioche flavours with a fine mineral texture. Elegant and nicely balanced overall with leesy mineral and brioche notes lingering on the long finish. Highly recommended dry sparkling wine. Lot #L1832-4HC. Score: 91 pts

Other lovely sparkling wines from Henri Champliau can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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The Spritz Pack - Distelleria Amalfi Aperitivo Liqueur & Spritz

Last Spring, I enjoyed the locally made, ready-to-drink Amalfi Aperitivo Spritz that was launched by Distilleria Amalfi & Co. This year, the company located just north of Toronto launched a 750 mL bottle of their aperitivo liqueur named "Distilleria Amalfi & Co. Aperitivo Liqueur".

Both of these products were created by brothers Davide and Bruno Codispoti, who were born and raised in Vaughan, Ontario. Over the years, the brothers have introduced numerous beverage and food concepts in Canada, including the ever-popular (and one of my personal favourites) "Crazy Uncle" line of cocktails. After many trips to Italy, Davide and Bruno fell in love with the tradition of "Aperitivo Hour" and wanted to bring this tradition back to Canada with the aim of launching an authentic, locally crafted Aperitivo using real sparkling wine in their Spritz and natural flavours in the Aperitivo.

The Distilleria Amalfi & Co. Aperitivo Liqueur, or Amalfi Aperitivo for short, is an Aperitivo Liqueur made in small batches with natural flavours. As printed on the back label, some of the ingredients include Hibiscus flowers, Chamomile blossoms, Rosehips, Lemon peel, and Quinine. You can enjoy this delicious Aperitivo Liqueur chilled or on the rocks, as well as play mixologist. One of surely many recipes is recommended on the back - pour equal parts Amalfi Aperitivo Liqueur and Sparkling Wine over ice, then add a Blood Orange Slice and Mint Leaves to enhance the flavours.

The Aperitivo Liqueur, Spritz, and Toro Bravo sparkling wine are all widely available at the LCBO outlets across Ontario. Enjoy Aperitivo Hour this summer with delicious Aperitivo Liqueur that is currently $2 off for a limited time.

Tasting Notes:

DISTILLERIA AMALFI & CO. APERITIVO LIQUEUR - Ontario, Canada (#19417) - $28.95 $26.95 until July 18
A locally made premium bitter liqueur produced in small batches. On the rocks, this has an attractive, fresh, and fragrant nose of blood orange accented with floral and citrus aromas. There's some initial sweetness on the palate, but it gives way to bitter orange, floral, and citrus notes that carry the mid-weighted palate through to the very long, bitter, floral, and savoury finish. Delicious! Must try.

It's very refreshing (and delicious) when mixed with the Toro Bravo sparkling wine, with a more balanced and even-keeled aroma and flavour profile from start to finish.

AMALFI APERITIVO SPRITZ - Ontario, Canada (#14515) (4 x 355 mL) - $12.95
This ready-to-drink, refreshing cocktail has attractive aromas of sweet blood oranges joined by bitter notes on the spritzy palate. Chill and enjoy or, ideally, pour over ice in a stemmed wine glass and garnish with an orange.

TORO BRAVO SPARKLING SECCO WHITE - Spain (#16191) (D) - $11.95
Made using Spain's traditional cava grapes Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, this Charmat method sparkling wine is enclosed by screw cap and has pear, citrus, ripe apple, and floral aromas rise out of the glass. The off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) palate is frothy and lightly textured with fresh, balanced acidity. It has pleasant aroma replays of pear, citrus, and apple, and floral on the flavour profile that lingers to the finish. Chill well and enjoy. Score: 85 pts

The Amalfi products are proudly represented by Churchill Cellars Ltd.

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June 12, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Chile + Fizz

The main theme from the June 12, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on wines from Chile, while the mini-feature looks at sparkling wines. All of these wines from the themes, as well as those from the main release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks at the wine valleys of Chile. Among the thirteen wines featured, six are included among my top wine picks. Starting in one of Chile's northernmost winegrowing regions, the Limarí Valley, there is a traditional method sparkling wine made with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. From the coastal part of the Aconcagua Valley, just north of Santiago, is a lovely cool-climate Syrah. Moving to the south-side of Santiago, from Cachapoal Valley, which is a sub-region of the Rapel Valley, the Sideral is a blend of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Syrah, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, and 3% Carmenère. Just south of Cachapoal Valley is the Colchagua Valley, and from here there is a fine Sauvignon Gris - a clonal mutation of Sauvignon Blanc, as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon that is blended with 5% Petit Verdot. The fifth and final wine is a little further south, from the Maule Valley, Chile's largest winemaking region, and this red wine is made with 100% Carignan.

In all, there are eight wines featured as part of the mini-theme on sparkling wines and just one bubbly is included among my wine recommendations. Surprisingly, the lone fizz is from New Mexico (!) and is made in the traditional method using 100% Pinot Noir.

From my red wine picks, the Côtes du Rhône-Villages is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, while the Bordeaux red consists of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc. The rest are all single varietal wines that offer a fairly wide array of options for just about any palate.

Among my white wine picks, all are single varietal wines with quite a few Chardonnay recommendations, including an unoaked Chardonnay from Niagara. Other wines include a Torrontés from Argentina, a Vermentino from Italy, and a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. If you want a wine with a little bit of sweetness, the Niagara Riesling is your choice!

Both of my rosé recommendations are dry rosé wines. The lovely rosé from Provence is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle (aka Vermentino), while the rosé from Roussillon consists of 45% Grenache Gris, 45% Grenache Noir, and 10% Macabeu.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Salud!

Red Wine:

• CHÂTEAU LE GRAND RETOUR PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2018 - AC, France (#224592) (XD) - $15.95
• LAURA HARTWIG SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#13428) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU SAINT-SERNIN MALBEC DE CALCAIRE 2015 - AC Cahors, Southwest, France (#15773) (XD) - $18.95
• PENLEY PHOENIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#639575) (XD) - $18.95
• EMILIANA VIGNO VIGNADORES DE CARIGNAN 2017 - Vegan, sustainable, DO Maule Valley, Chile (#19247) (XD) - $19.95
• PAXTON MV SHIRAZ 2019 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#327403) (XD) - $19.95

• ERRÁZURIZ SYRAH 2018 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#387910) (XD) - $21.95  91 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2016 - AC Montagne-Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $23.95  91 pts  wine review
• ANTHONY JOSEPH VIDAL RESERVE PINOT NOIR 2017 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#538900) (XD) - $24.95  90 pts  wine review
• SAN PEDRO SIDERAL 2018 - DO Cachapoal Valley Andes, Chile (#632927) (XD) - $29.95
• QUINTA DO COVÃO RESERVA TOURIGA NACIONAL 2016 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#18410) (XD) - $33.95
• BRAMASOLE LA BRACCESCA SYRAH 2017 - DOC Cortona, Tuscany, Italy (#12741) (XD) - $66.95  FE

White Wine:

• FLAT ROCK UNPLUGGED UNOAKED CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sustainable, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#68015) (XD) - $17.95
• KAIKEN TERROIR SERIES TORRONTÉS 2020 - Vegan, Cafayate, Salta, Argentina (#330407) (XD) - $18.95
• CASA SILVA 1912 VINES SAUVIGNON GRIS 2020 - Sustainable, DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#19580) (XD) - $19.95
• CANTINE DI DOLIANOVA PRENDAS VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA 2019 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#17770) (XD) - $21.95
• VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC 2020 - Sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#974527) (XD) - $21.95
• NAUTILUS CHARDONNAY 2019 - Vegan, sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#331652) (XD) - $27.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING 2019 - Sustainable, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#643361) (D) - $27.95
• SOUTHBROOK LAUNDRY VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2018 - Vegan, VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#16078) (XD) - $35.00  FE
• KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY 2019 - Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#251223) (XD) - $96.95

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DES FERRAGES MON PLAISIR SAINTE-VICTOIRE ROSÉ 2020 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#19834) (XD) - $22.95  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE LAFAGE GALLICA ROSÉ 2020 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, France (#19848) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• GEMMA SPARKLING ROSÉ - Traditional method, Limarí Valley, Chile (#18558) (XD) - $18.95
• GRUET BRUT SPARKLING ROSÉ - Traditional method, New Mexico, USA (#15686) (XD) - $25.95

Dessert Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES VIDAL ICEWINE 2018 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#565861) (S) (200 mL) - $28.95

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J. Laurens Le Moulin Brut Blanquette de Limoux (Midi) - Wine Review (May 2021)

Tonight's wine review is a very nice sparkling wine that I last enjoyed four years ago and am delighted to see return to the LCBO this weekend. It is featured as part of the theme on fresh French sippers in the May 15th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

The story of Domaine J. Laurens begins in the 1980s, when Michel Dervin of Champagne decided to settle in the village of La Digne d'Aval in the south of France, less than 5 kilometres from Limoux. He purchased a few hectares of vines so he could produce the famous Blanquette de Limoux sparkling wine. In 2002, Jacques Calvel took over the domaine, and with the help of Michel and cellar master Henri Albrus, Jacques expanded and modernized the cellar to improve the consistency and quality of the wines. Today, Domaine J. Laurens produces a fine range of quality AOC sparkling wines while respecting the environment and preferring the use of sustainable agricultural techniques.

The climate in Limoux is a well balanced mixture of Mediterranean and Atlantic influences with hot, sunny days, followed by cool nights. These conditions help create a perfect acid-sugar balance - a fundamental element in the taste of sparkling wines. This particular sparkling wine is a blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay. The Mauzac varietal is planted on granular, clay-limestone slopes which are less fertile, but have regular rainfall, while the Chardonnay is planted in deep, fertile, well-drained soils. Let's see how the latest edition of this Blanquette de Limoux is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional method, AP, Midi, France (#180323) (XD) - $19.95
A blend of 90% Mauzac and 10% Chardonnay that was hand-harvested and aged for at least 9 months prior to disgorgement. The medium+ intensity nose offers elegant aromas of ripe apple and pear. citrus, honeyed floral, and biscuity notes. It's medium-full bodied on the weighty, slightly creamy palate with crisp, vibrant acidity and dry flavours of lemon citrus, apple, biscuit, and yeast. It's finely balanced overall with lemon, yeasty, and touches of oyster shell mineral notes on the finish, with very good length. Lot L20363-3. Great buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Domaine J. Laurens can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Desiderius Pongrácz Brut Cap Classique Sparkling Chardonnay / Pinot Noir (South Africa) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I bring you this excellent bubbly that I actually intended to open on New Year's Eve 2019, but for reasons I don't recall, I ended up not opening it.

This lovely traditional method, dry sparkling wine from South Africa came to the LCBO last year as part of the December 7, 2019 LCBO VINTAGES Release. I had the privilege of tasting this wine at the LCBO tasting lab prior to it being available in stores and was delighted to have purchased a bottle as it did not show up in stores again in 2020.

After what started out as a great year, 2020 turned out to be a year like no other and full of challenges, to say the least. But, I think we have all adapted to these trying times and feel hopeful for a better 2021!

Tasting Note:

DESIDERIUS PONGRÁCZ BRUT CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING CHARDONNAY / PINOT NOIR - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#404111) (XD) - $16.95
Made in the traditional method from hand-harvested, maritime cooled vineyards, this is a blend of 60% Pinot Noir from deep red soils and 40% Chardonnay that sees two years of lees ageing. Clean, highly fragrant aromas of brioche, autolytic, and toast layered over nuanced notes of honey, lemony citrus, and almond. It's very fine on the palate with smooth, finely beaded bubbles and creamy textured mousse. The flavour profile is dry with lovely autolytic, brioche, and lemon citrus notes with touches of honey. It has fine acidity and a somewhat textural, chalky grip on the mid-palate. Leesy and mineral notes linger on the long, mouth-watering finish. Lovely! Score: 91 pts

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Toro Bravo Sparkling Secco White (Spain) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I have this accessibly-priced, easy drinking, and vegan-friendly sparkling wine from Spain that is a recent arrival to the LCBO and widely available across Ontario.

The Toro Bravo brand was born a few years from a collaboration between Alex Patinios of Dionysus Wines & Spirits Ltd. (Ontario Agent) and Melanie Nathou, a négociant who owns Wines & Company S.L.U. in Valencia, Spain. After recognizing that very few new value-based wines were coming into Ontario, Alex approached Melanie and together they came up with Toro Bravo.

Today, there are a number of wines bearing the Toro Bravo label. This particular sparkling wine is crafted in the Charmat method using 50% Macabeo, 30% Parellada, and 20% Xarel-lo, with the majority of the grapes coming from vineyards located between 350 to 600 meters above sea level in rocky areas of the Cataluña region. It is crafted in a very approachable style with some sweetness that will appeal to many. I found it very interesting that this sparkling wine is enclosed by easy-to-open and re-sealable screw cap. The cap was specially designed to withstand the pressures of sparkling wine. I've been tasting it over the last few days and the bubbles and flavours are still quite fresh and persistent.

Tasting Note:

TORO BRAVO SPARKLING SECCO WHITE - Spain (#16191) (D) - $11.95
This sparkling wine is made in the Charmat method using a blend of 50% Macabeo, 30% Parellada, and 20% Xarel-lo, and enclosed by screw cap. Sweet citrus, floral, peach, and pear aromas rise out of the glass. On the medium-bodied, creamy palate it has frothy mousse and fine bubbles with pleasantly off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) aroma replays on the flavour profile that linger through to the finish, with decent length. Casual, uncomplicated bubbly to enjoy as an aperitif or in a sparkling wine cocktail. Score: 85 pts

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13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut (Niagara) - Wine Review (Dec. 2020)

For tonight's wine review, I opened this lovely Rosé Brut Sparkling Wine from Niagara. It is part of the VINTAGES Essentials collection at the LCBO - which means it is always available in the VINTAGES section, and is currently on promotion at $5 off until January 3rd, 2021. It is also available at the winery for the same price with a home delivery option.

This dry sparkling wine is produced by Niagara's 13th Street Winery. Founded in 1998 in St. Catharines, Ontario, and purchased by the Mann and Whitty families in 2008, 13th Street has grown to develop a reputation for crafting a wide range of quality sparkling wines from Niagara. One of the most talented French-trained winemakers, Jean-Pierre Colas joined the team in 2009 and has been instrumental in the rise of quality wines at 13th Street, which starts by using the best grapes from some of Niagara's best vineyards.

I last enjoyed 13th Street Cuvée Rosé Brut back in December 2019 and am delighted to see how the latest incarnation of this sparkling wine is tasting. This bottling is a blend of 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay - which is significantly more Pinot Noir than Chardonnay when compared to last December's bottle - with 70% of the fruit comes from the 2014 vintage. Pinot Noir provides fruit, power, and richness to the wine, while the Chardonnay adds structure and backbone. It underwent secondary fermentation in the final bottle and was aged sur lattes (en tirage / on yeasts) for a minimum of 18 months during which the bubbles became smaller and more compact, and the wine became slightly autolytic in character. A dosage of 8 grams of sugar was mixed with reserve Pinot Noir and added to the wine, then aged for another 3 months to allow the wine to integrate prior to release.

Tasting Note:

13TH STREET CUVÉE ROSÉ BRUT - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147504) (XD) - $29.95 $24.95 until Jan. 3.
Made in the traditional method using 71% Pinot Noir and 29% Chardonnay, this has lovely, fresh brioche and autolytic aromas off the top, with medium+ intensity, layered over bright red berries - strawberry, cherry, and raspberry - and some citrusy notes. It is medium+ bodied on the creamy, dry palate with fine mousse and flavours of autolytic, red berry, and citrus with honeyed accents. It has tart, bracing acidity, while mineral notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 90 pts

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Tenuta del Buonamico Particolare Brut Rosé Sparkling (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a nice, vegan-friendly Charmat method sparkling rosé wine from Tuscany that is a new arrival to the LCBO as part of the November 14 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Located southwest of Montecarlo, in the Province of Lucca, the story of Tenuta del Buonamico begins around the year 1870 with Giulio Magnani, the owner of the farming estate Marchi-Magnani, Giulio is from Montecarlo and his knowledge and passion for winemaking drew him to France learn the grape varieties and techniques used by the French to create highly valued wines. He travelled to Bordeaux, Rhone, and Burgundy and brought back grapes from each of these classic wine regions. Upon his return, he experimented with these grapes by blending them with Trebbiano, eventually finding success. From that time, wineries in Montecarlo began producing high quality wines.

The 100 hectare Buonamico Estate is located in the Cercatoja area, southwest of Montecarlo, with 48 hectares planted to vineyards. The current winery was founded in the early 1960s by renowned restaurateurs from Turin (Italy) to furnish their restaurant with Montecarlo wines.

Today, Tenuta del Buonamico is owned by the Fontana family. They have expanded the vineyards and wine cellar, while preserving the essential characteristics of a traditional winemaking style. Beginning in 2008, world renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini was brought in long-term to help improve the wines. This assistance has helped Buonamico become one of Montecarlo's leading wine producers.

Tasting Note:

TENUTA DEL BUONAMICO PARTICOLARE BRUT ROSÉ SPARKLING - Charmat method, Tuscany, Italy (#16712) (D) - $20.95
A vegan-friendly blend of Sangiovese and Syrah grown in a hilly area in Montecarlo, within the Province of Lucca, just west of Florence in Tuscany. Modest aromas of red berry, floral, orange citrus and grapefruit rise out of the glass. The palate is chalky textured with tart, lively acidity and bubbles that comes off as essentially dry on the flavour profile with grapefruit, citrus, and red berry flavours with touches of Flintstone vitamins. Mineral notes arrive on the mid-palate and linger through to the citrus, minerally finish, with very good length. Score: 88 pts

A few wines from Tenuta del Buonamico are available in small quantities at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered via their Agent - Capital B Wines.

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13th Street Premier Cuvée Sparkling 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is this lovely sparkling wine from Niagara that arrives in LCBO VINTAGES on November 14th. It is featured in this Release as part of the theme called "Holiday Cheer" and would make fine gift for the holidays.

13th Street Winery has become somewhat of a powerhouse in the world of Niagara sparkling wine, with a full lineup of high-quality, traditional method sparkling wines crafted from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. To push the envelope of innovation, they also have a vintage sparkling wine made with Gamay - a varietal that 13th Street has much success with.

This particular vintage sparkling wine is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the 2014 vintage, with both varieties primarily sourced from their estate vineyards in the Creek Shores sub-appellation, along with some fruit coming from some of their favourite growers in both Creek Shores and Niagara-on-the-Lake. After harvest, both varieties went into the press with the free run juice being kept separate from the press wine. Each varietal went through primary fermentation separately, and then blended and bottled for secondary fermentation. The wine was aged on lees for a minimum of 48 months - during this period the bubbles become smaller and more compact, along with the development of slight autolytic, toast and bread characters. After disgorging, Winemaker Jean-Pierre Colas decided that the wine was in perfect balance and opted to not add any sugar to the dosage, resulting in a classically dry sparkling wine in the zero-dosage style.

Along with enjoying other fine sparkling wines from 13th Street Winery, I've had the pleasure of tasting the past two vintages of this lovely bubbly. It has been on my recommended list each of the last two times that it appeared in VINTAGES. Let's see how the 2014 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

13TH STREET PREMIER CUVÉE SPARKLING 2014 - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#142679) (XD) - $39.95
A blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay that was aged on the lees for a minimum of 48 months and has zero-dosage. Maturing, toasty brioche, autolytic, yeast, and baked apple aromatics with touches of lemon citrus and honey adding complexity. It's medium+ bodied on the crisp, dry palate with fine mousse and lively acidity. The dry flavour profile offers toasty, brioche, leesy, lemon citrus, and mineral characters. The mineral notes linger on the finish, with excellent length. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Score: 91 pts

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Pierre Sparr Réserve Brut Crémant d'Alsace and Brut Rosé Crémant d'Alsace (France) - Wine Reviews

For tonight's wine reviews, I bring you a couple of sparkling wines from popular Alsatian producer Pierre Sparr. Both of these sparkling wines are VINTAGES products at the LCBO - one arrived in stores last month, while the other will be in stores by next weekend.

The Sparr family has been winemaking for more than 300 years, beginning in 1680 during the reign of King Louis XIV. Over the years, the family's passion for viticulture and winemaking was passed on from generation to generation. In more times, Charles Sparr developed the business further by focusing on activities in trade and wine ageing. His son, Pierre Sparr, took succession of the property in the early 1900s at the tender young age of 20 and became a pioneer of estate bottling in Alsace.

Maison Pierre Sparr Successeurs, as it is official known, is based in the heart of Alsace's most famous vineyard - Sigolsheim - in an area that was destroyed by WWII, and Pierre rebuilt the winery to become one of Alsace's most beautiful and prestigious Domaines. Today, the 9th generation of the Sparr family aims to continue the family's tradition, passion and emotion for wine. They produce wines using grapes from their own 15 hectares of vines, as well as 130 hectares sourced from experienced winegrowers.

The portfolio of Pierre Sparr consists of mostly white wines, some dessert wines, and a few Cremant sparkling wines such as the two reviewed below. Crémant is a sparkling wine made in the Traditional Method by using the same techniques used to produce Champagne - but are made outside of the famous region.

Tasting Notes:

PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT D'ALSACE - Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France (#388603) (D) - $18.95
A blend of 80% Pinot Blanc and 20% Pinot Auxerrois grown on limestone, granite, chalky-clay, and gneiss soils that spent 12-16 months on the lees prior to disgorgement. The medium+ intensity nose has bready, yeasty, and autolytic aromas mingling with lemon citrus and floral. It's light-to-medium bodied on the palate with bready, yeasty, lemon citrus, and pear characters supported by fine mousse and balanced acidity. Essential dry overall with hints of mineral, honey, and nut carrying through to the fresh finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Coming to LCBO VINTAGES July 25, 2020. Score: 88+ pts

PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D'ALSACE - Traditional method, AC, Alsace, France (#39016) (D) - $19.95
100% Pinot Noir grown on limestone, granite, chalky-clay, and gneiss soils. Soft nose featuring tart red berry, citrus, and leesy characters. The medium-bodied palate is slightly frothy with gentle acids and a dry flavour profile of red berry, citrus, and bready flavours with a touch of herbal bitter notes. Good length on the dry, slightly bitter finish. Released in LCBO VINTAGES June 27, 2020. Score: 87 pts

Other wines from Pierre Sparr can be ordered via their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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