Sept. 28 Wine Picks: Tuscany + Chile + Thanksgiving

The upcoming LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves this Saturday, September 28th. The main feature in this release focuses on premium-quality wines from Tuscany, which range in price from $15.95 to $48.95. In all, there are 16 wines featured, and 3 made my list of wine picks below. It just so happens that all three are north of $20.

The Frassinello is an IGT wine that is made using 50% Sangioveto (essentially a localized clone of Sangiovese), 25% Cab Sauv, and 25% Merlot. The Carpineto is also an IGT wine and is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The San Felice is made using the more traditional Tuscan grape - Sangiovese.

Five wines from Chile are in secondary feature, which focuses on premium wines from local pioneers and international influencers. I was fortunate enough to meet the CEO of Lapostolle last June (international influencer) and had the opportunity to taste their Apalta Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, which is made using organic grapes. I am definitely pleased that this wine is among my top picks from this release. Not part of the Chilean feature, but in my list below is a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc. At $13.95, the Matetic Corralillo is a steal and a must buy! I'm a big fan of Chilean Savvy!

This issue also contains the annual Thanksgiving feature which highlights 11 wines suitable for your Thanksgiving get-together. The Tawse Riesling, the Reichsgraf Riesling Kabinett, and the Château des Charmes Vidal Icewine are all worthy buys for your holiday gathering.

From the rest of the release, there are a couple of Australian reds worth your attention. The Sister's Run is a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Shiraz, 5% Mataro, while the D'Arenberg D'Arry's Original is 53% Grenache and 47% Syrah. There are also 2 outstanding reds that I will likely be adding to my collection: The Lacroix-Vanel from Midi is mostly Grenache, and the rest likely Syrah, while the Villacreces from Spain is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Cab Sauv.

Normally, I stay away from the Spirits section of the Vintages release, but I had to make an exception for the G.E. Massenez Vieux Calvados (#271726, $64.95), which is an apple brandy that actually contains an apple inside the bottle! It's quite unique and I'm sure a treat to taste.

That's it for this week. Enjoy!


Red Wine:

• SISTER’S RUN COW’S CORNER GRENACHE/SHIRAZ/MATARO 2011 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#346510) (XD) - $15.95
• TESSELLAE VIEILLES VIGNES CARIGNAN 2011 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Southwest, France (#343509) (XD) - $16.95
• D’ARENBERG D’ARRY’S ORIGINAL SHIRAZ/GRENACHE 2010 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#942904) (D) - $19.95
• LACROIX-VANEL FINE AMOR PÉZENAS 2008 - AC Coteaux du Languedoc, Midi, France (#343418) (XD) - $19.95
• FINCA VILLACRECES PRUNO 2011 - DO Ribera del Duero, Spain (#312140) (XD) - $19.95
• LAPOSTOLLE CUVÉE ALEXANDRE APALTA VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#947929) (XD) - $24.95  reviewed here
• SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#716266) (XD) - $26.95
• ROCCA DI FRASSINELLO LE SUGHERE DI FRASSINELLO 2010 - IGT Maremma Toscana, Italy (#025700) (XD) - $29.95
• CARPINETO FARNITO CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#996553) (XD) - $29.95

White Wine:

• MATETIC CORRALILLO SAUVIGNON BLANC 2012 - San Antonio Valley, Chile (#347740) (XD) - $13.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#089029) (M) - $17.95
• INNISKILLIN RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#177766) (D) - $19.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM BARREL FERMENTED ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2011 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#268342) (XD) - $19.95
• REICHSGRAF VON KESSELSTATT SCHARZHOFBERGER RIESLING KABINETT 2008 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#282343) (M) - $20.95
• NIKOLAIHOF HEFEABZUG GRÜNER VELTLINER 2010 - Qualitätswein, Austria (#328948) (XD) - $24.95

Dessert Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DES CHARMES VIDAL ICEWINE 2009 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#565861) (S) (200 mL) - $25.95
• PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI YELLOW MUSCAT 2012 - Tokaj-Hegyalja, Hungary (#046508) (M) - $15.95

Sparkling Wine:

• AIMERY GRAND CUVÉE 1531 CRÉMANT DE LIMOUX - AC Crémant de Limoux, Southwest, France (#350371) (D) - $19.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale 2008 (Tuscany) - Wine Review

Received this red wine as a gift earlier this year. It's from the LCBO General List and is made using at least 80% Sangiovese, with the balance being Cabernet and Merlot. This wine was first made in 1927.

RUFFINO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA DUCALE 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#045195) (D) - $24.95

Tasting Note:
Sweet cedar and meaty aromas from cork. Medium intensity violets, plum, forest floor and tobacco aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with dark fruits, boysenberry, anise and herbal notes. Finish is medium-long and spicy, with hints of tobacco and cedar. Tannins are ripe and well-integrated. Has good acidity. Ready to drink now, but could be aged another 1-2 years. It will be enjoyed with one of my favourite dishes - homemade chicken curry.

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Argiano Tasting at Fine Wine Reserve

I recently had the opportunity to taste some very fine wines from the historic Tuscan winery Tenuta di Argiano. The tasting event was hosted by Trialto Wine Group at the Fine Wine Reserve that is located in the King W and Spadina area.

There were 4 wines available for tasting and purchase - reviews are below. Two other wines - the Brunello di Montalcino 2004 ($50) and Solengo 2004 ($80) - were available strictly for purchase. All of these wines were Consignment Wines, meaning that they are not available at the LCBO and only available in cases of 6 bottles via the wine agent, Trialto.

At the summit of a hill, southwest of Montalcino in Tuscany, the Villa of Argiano was built during the Renaissance-period by the Pecci's, a noble family from Siena. Remaining for some decades under the Pecci family, it then passed to the Counts of Pieri, who bequeath it to the Marquis of Ballanti Merli and to the Duchess of Caetani from the Counts Lovatelli.

In 1992, the estate was purchased by Countess Noemi Marone Cinzano and was sold just last week. Winemaker Hans Vinding-Diers joined Argiano in 2003 and is the craftsman behind the wines. He will remain with Argiano. On hand to pour the wines was the Marketing Director Bernardino Sani.

The Argiano Estate covers 100 hectares - with nearly half dedicated to vineyards - while being protected in the southeast by Mount Amiata. Being from the Old World, the Argiano vineyards have been cultivated by noble families since the 1500's. Argiano has some of the oldest vines in Montalcino, at over 60+ years old. Wines from these vineyards have garnered awards dating back to 1934 and are consistently high-quality.

ARGIANO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2009 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $28.80
Hand-picked 100% Sangiovese grosso. The Rosso is considered the younger brother of the Brunello. Nice aromas of crushed blackcherry, red currant and cedar waft from the glass. Medium bodied on the palate with dark red fruits, cherry, oak, and hints of earth on the flavour profile. Very finely integrated tannins that is velvety smooth, with a medium-long finish and balanced throughout. Likely my favourite of the evening. Score: 89-90 pts

ARGIANO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $45.00
First tasted last November. Light smoky oak, dried fruit and fig aromas from the glass. Full-bodied with mouth-watering acidity. Palate consists of more dark fruits and fig. Quite well-balanced. Tannins still somewhat tight, will reward 3-5 years in cellar. Score: 91 pts

ARGIANO 'NC' NON CONFUNDITUR 2011 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#072397) (XD) - $23.95
The 2009 was released in Vintages last July and is virtually sold out. Non Confunditur's initials "NC" are often though to refer to Argiano's longstanding owner Noemi Cinzano. The truth is that Non Confunditur is a latin term meaning "don't get confused". The 2011 is a blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 20% Sangiovese and has fruity aromas of red fruits and cherries. Medium-full bodied and round with more red fruits, cranberry-cherry notes and oak. Very good acidity, but overpowering at mid-palate with a very long finish. Chalky tannins show this red wine is still a bit young. Very long finish. Give it 2-3 years. Score: 88 pts

ARGIANO SOLENGO 2009 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#) (XD) - $75.00
Blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Syrah. Lovely violet, lavender aromas from the glass. Medium-full bodied with big tannins that need at least 7+ years to integrate. Nicely structured and shows finesse with black fruits and blueberries on the palate. Very nice wine that needs time, can be enjoyed up to 20 years from now. Score: 91+ pts

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Feb. 16 Wine Picks: Tuscan Triumphs

The next LCBO Vintages wine release will be in stores across Ontario on Saturday, February 16. The major focus of this release is on wines from Tuscany, highlighting four of their more notable appellations. The secondary focus is on Kosher wines for the upcoming Purim holiday and Passover festival.

The Sangiovese varietal is Tuscany's most prominent, however, many towns have their own local version of this grape. Within the Chianti region, there is the sub-region called "Chianti Classico". The Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico Riserva is made from 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo, and was first produced in 1897.

Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is an appellation surrounding the town of Montepulciano. Wines from this region have been documented as far back as year 789. The version from Poliziano is made from 85% Prugnolo Gentile (local clone of Sangiovese) and 15% Colorino/Canaiolo/Merlot.

Last, but not least, we have two wines from the Brunello di Montalcino appellation, which surrounds the town of Montalcino. The Brunello's from Caparzo and Altesino are both 100% Sangiovese and are from the excellent 2007 vintage. The Caparzo is drinkable now, while the Altesino needs at least 1 year in bottle, while both could be aged for at least the next 7 years.

From the rest of the release, the La Montesa from Spain is Tempranillo-blend, while the Château Cailleteau is a mostly Merlot-blend. In white wine, the Croix de Montceau is an oaked Chardonnay and the Clos Floridène is a blend of 51% Sémillon, 47% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. Enjoy


Red Wine:

• TRAPICHE FINCAS LAS PALMAS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2007 - Mendoza, Argentina (#143206) (XD) - $16.95
• PALACIOS REMONDO LA MONTESA 2009 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#674572) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU CAILLETEAU BERGERON 2010 - AC Blaye-Côtes-de-Bordeaux, France (#309138) (XD) - $17.95
• MAS DES BRESSADES LES VIGNES DE MON PÈRE CABERNET/SYRAH 2009 - Vin de Pays du Gard, Midi, France (#712174) (XD) - $19.95
• ROSEWOOD ESTATES MERLOT 2010 - VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#211896) (D) - $22.00 reviewed here
• POLIZIANO VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2009 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#988055) (XD) - $25.95
• CASTELLO DI QUERCETO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#650754) (XD) - $27.95
• GIRIBALDI BARBARESCO 2006 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#101147) (XD) - $31.95
• CAPARZO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#579094) (XD) - $41.95
• ALTESINO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#994095) (XD) - $57.95

White Wine:

• ANSELMANN GEWÜRZTRAMINER KABINETT 2011 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#909697) (MS) - $14.95
• IN SITU SIGNATURE CHARDONNAY/VIOGNIER 2011 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#311746) (D) - $15.95
• FIELDING ESTATE RIESLING 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#251439) (D) - $18.95 reviewed here
• CROIX DE MONTCEAU SAINT-VÉRAN 2010 - AC, Burgundy, France (#159046) (XD) - $18.95
• SALOMON-UNDHOF WIEDEN & BERG TRADITION GRÜNER VELTLINER 2011 - DAC Kremstal, Austria (#670513) (D) - $19.95
• KONZELMANN 4 GENERATIONS BARREL FERMENTED CHARDONNAY 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#148460) (XD) - $30.00
• CLOS FLORIDÈNE BLANC 2009 - AC Graves, Bordeaux, France (#189357) (XD) - $31.85

Fortifieds:

• QUINTA DE LA ROSA VINTAGE PORT 2009 - Estate Bottled, DOC Douro, Portugal (#741397) (S) - $49.95

Dessert Wine:

• COTNARI VIN ALB DULCE TÃMÂIOASÃ ROMÂNEASCÃ 2010 - DOC Cotnari, Romania (#651653) (MS) - $12.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Castellani Sommavite Santovino (Italy) - Wine Review

Baking almond biscotti today, I decided to open this Vin Santo that was purchased from the May 5th release way back in 2009. Unfortunately, like many of my other dessert wines, I tend to forget about them and then realize that I should have opened them years ago.

CASTELLANI SOMMAVITE SANTOVINO N.V. - Tuscany, Italy (#000927) (S) (500 mL) - $10.95

Tasting Note:
Plum and raisin notes from the cork. Closed nose with some aromas of raisin and hazelnut. Creamy mouthfeel with mouth-watering acidity and flavours of nutty caramel. It's well past its prime and really should have been opened back in 2009. This non-vintage dessert wine was featured recently in the Sept. 29 release and I wouldn't hesitate to try it again as it looks like it would be pretty good during its prime drinking window. At least the homemade almond biscotti that my wife baked was delicious!

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Sept. 29 LCBO Wine Picks: Tuscany + Pinot Noir

The next Vintages wine release will be in LCBO outlets across Ontario on Saturday, September 29. This release focuses on Tuscan Traditions, which includes some very nice red wines at a very high price points.

The Poggio Al Tesoro (blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc) and the Tenuta (blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Sangiovese) are both cellar dwellars right now should be aged for at least 3-4 years. While the Antinori Brunello di Montalcino is made using 100% Sangiovese (Brunello) and can be enjoyed now or cellared for at least the next decade.

The secondary feature is on Pinot Noir from two very specific regions in Australia and New Zealand, of which a version from the Mornington Peninsula (Victoria, AU) is worth checking out. There is also a small feature on pairing wine with Thanksgiving side dishes, with the Vouvray, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling Spätlese all making my list - and can be enjoyed on their own as well.

Among the rest of the wines from this release, the Spanish Monastrell (a.k.a. Mataró or Mourvèdre) offers great value at only $13.95, while the barrel-fermented Finca Nueva Blanco is made using the Viura varietal. The Finca Flichman from Argentina consists of 55% Syrah, 35% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. From France, we have a Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend from the superb 2009 Bordeaux vintage, and a 2010 southern Rhône that is blended with 50% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre, and 15% Syrah.

Enjoy my picks for this week! Cheers!


Red Wine:

• CASA CASTILLO MONASTRELL 2010 - DO Jumilla, Spain (#165621) (XD) - $13.95
• FINCA FLICHMAN PAISAJE DE BARRANCAS 2009 - Mendoza, Argentina (#017129) (D) - $17.95
• HOGUE GENESIS MERLOT 2008 - Columbia Valley, Washington, USA (#349415) (D) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU MAISON BLANCHE 2009 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#295824) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE LES GRANDS BOIS CUVÉE MAXIMILIEN CAIRANNE 2010 - Unfiltered, AC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France (#286336) (XD) - $21.95
• STONIER PINOT NOIR 2010 - Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia (#025338) (XD) - $24.95

• POGGIO AL TESORO SONDRAIA 2008 - DOC Bolgheri, Tuscany, Italy (#292391) (XD) - $44.95
• ANTINORI PIAN DELLE VIGNE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2006 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#651141) (XD) - $59.95
• TENUTA SETTE PONTI ORENO 2009 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#735597) (XD) - $71.95

White Wine:

• DOMAINE DE VAUGONDY DRY VOUVRAY 2010 - AC, Loire, France (#189142) (D) - $14.95
• FINCA NUEVA FERMENTADO EN BARRICA BLANCO 2010 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#280560) (XD) - $15.95
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE BOTTLED CAVE SPRING VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2010 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#256552) (XD) - $18.95
• HOFFMANN-SIMON PIESPORTER GOLDTRÖPFCHEN RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2011 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#216499) (MS) - $21.95
• DOG POINT VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $21.95
• PALMINA LARNER VINEYARD MALVASIA BIANCA 2010 - Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara, California, USA (#289157) (D) - $35.95

Icewine:

• TAWSE CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#306035) (S) (200 mL) - $34.95

The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.

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Renzo Masi Chianti Riserva 2007 (Italy) - Wine Review

Here's my review of this Tuscan wine purchased last month as part of the May 28th Vintages Release. I decided to open this Chianti tonight knowing that it was ripe and ready to drink now, and ageing it would certainly reduce it's quality and appeal.

RENZO MASI CHIANTI RISERVA 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#969469) - $14.95

Tasting Note:
Ripe black cherry, blueberry, cedar, mocha, plum aromas. Full of blackberry, cola, tobacco flavours. Quite bitter for my palate. A touch of acidity on the medium-bodied, long finish. Ready tannins. Having this tonight with chicken meatballs in Indian curry.

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