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!
Join me and the Niagara Grape and Wine Festival for the 19th Annual New Vintage Festival this June. I attended this event in 2012 and 2013 and enjoyed the food and wine each time (I missed it last year as I was out of the country).
Wine Country in Ontario presents a calendar of year-round events and none is as highly anticipated as the Annual TD Tailgate Party. The 6th installment of the Tailgate Party is set to take place on from 6:00-10:00 p.m. in the 2014/15 Grower of the Year’s vineyard in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Grape King, Kevin Buis represents the legacy of a Niagara grape-growing family and invites guests to join the Buis family in their vineyard for this special night.
The focus of this annual backyard-style event is squarely wine and culinary, and guests will experience the best food and wine that Niagara has to offer. Eight incredible chefs will serve up mouthwatering creations using the freshest local ingredients with an eye on culinary trends.
The Dairy Farmers of Canada will also be on hand to present a selection of artisanal cheeses that are unique and delicious.
And the TD Tailgate Party will host over 40 of Niagara’s favourite wineries and a showcase of their latest VQA releases; wines that are a perfect complement to summer entertaining. Join winemakers and wine industry personnel as they share their passion. From Vintage cars, to Vintage wines and incredible food and live entertainment, this is the kick-off to summer that everyone is talking about.
In addition to the Farm to Table experience at the TD Tailgate Party, guests can also sample the freshness of the season with the ever popular Discovery Pass Program. Culinary offerings produced with the first produce of the season or locally sourced ingredients will be served with perfectly paired wines.
The program takes place weekends June 13th through 21st, 2015. The Discovery Pass is your ticket to 8 wineries from the participating 41 winery partners across the region.
Discovery Passes are $40 and Tailgate Party tickets are $80 (plus HST). All are available by ordering online at www.niagarawinefestival.com or calling the Festival office at 905-688-0212.
Use Discount Code 'NV2015' before June 1st and Save $5 off your Discovery Pass.
AFFW was formed in 2009 by 12 of the most iconic family-owned wineries in Australia. Ten of the twelve wineries are represented in this release, with two wines from each winery. Overall, I thought this portion of the release was quite well-represented, with quality wines ranging across wide price points. However, I'm left with a feeling of wanting more.
Of the 20 wines featured, 6 made my list of wine picks. Included among them are both wines from Yalumba - a Viognier and GSM-blend (40% Grenache, 35% Shiraz and 25% Mataro) - and Tyrrell's Wines - a Shiraz and Semillon. The Semillon, in particular, is an exciting wine that will age and change quite dramatically over the next 5 years - buy 2 or more and taste the beauty of aged Semillon over the coming years. The other two Australian wines are both Cabernet Sauvignons - one from d'Arenberg and the other, which just might be the best value red from one of the AFFW, is from Howard Park Wines.
Fresh white wines for spring sipping is the mini-thematic of the release. Of the 11 wines featured, three made my list of wine picks below. All three of these wines are Sauvignon Blanc - one each from Chile, Ontario (Niagara) and the Stoneleigh Savvy from Marlborough, New Zealand. It would be interesting to try the two southern hemisphere wines, plus the Eradus Sauvignon Blanc and compare against each other, but also compare with the northern hemisphere Savvy from Niagara that is a year older. Sauvignon Blanc is typically meant to be enjoyed young, within 1-3 years after vintage.
There are two more dry rosé wines in this release that are worth your attention. The Delas from Rhône is a blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault, while the version from Château la Tour is a blend of 40% Cinsault, 35% Grenache, 12% Syrah and 5 grapes making up the blend.
Hope you enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!
Red Wine:
DON DAVID RESERVE MALBEC 2012 - Calchaquí Valley, Salta, Argentina (#064998) (XD) - $14.95
DE MORGENZON DMZ SYRAH 2012 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#404202) (XD) - $14.95
Another summery-type of day calls for a summery-type of wine. Tonight, it's yet another wine from Greece that is a white wine blend of Sauvignon Blanc and the local varietal Vilana.
Vilana is mainly found on Greek's largest island - Crete. And even though Crete is dominated by red grapes, Vilana is the most planted white grape on the island. This varietal is quite difficult to grow and produces wines that are thirst-quenching and easy to drink. It is also good for food pairing, especially when your meal contains a wide range of contrasting dishes. Tonight, I will be sipping on this with tomato and onion tiger shrimps, followed by dal bhat (rice).
This wine is available at the LCBO as part of General List and is readily available throughout the province of Ontario.
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Citrus, melon, pineapple and herbally aromas from the glass with much of the same character on the palate. It's light-weighted with a fleshy mouthfeel and some richness. Freshness shines through on mid-palate. Dry, lingering finish. Serve well-chilled. Score: 86 pts
It's a fine spring day here in Toronto and calls for a nice, spring-like wine. wine is this lovely Sauvignon Blanc that hails from the Awatere (Aw-wah-tree) Valley within the Marlborough region, located on the South Island of New Zealand. This is the latest vintage of this wine and will be available in the next VINTAGES release - .
ERADUS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#225557) (XD) - $18.95
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Quite aromatic with crisp citrus, guava, kiwi and hints of gooseberry. On the palate, it's juicy with crisp, balanced acids and a flavour profile filled with pleasing aroma replays and hints of fresh cut grass. Dry, well-balanced with a fine mineral streak on the medium-long finish. Recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts
, I had the pleasure of meeting Donatella Cinelli Colombini and tasting 8 of her wines at the Fine Wine Reserve. Donatella is a petite woman, but strong, and someone that I get a sense is very determined back home in Tuscany.
The history of the Colombini family dates back to 1592, when Donatella's ancestors began building Fattoria del Colle in Trequanda, while also paying taxes for the cultivation of Casato in Montalcino. They lost the property in Trequenda in disputes, but it eventually returned back to the family three hundred years later due to the efforts of Donatella's great-grandfather. Meanwhile, the Montalcino estate was always handed down, mostly from mother to daughter, and was eventually was handed over to Donatella. Later on, Donatella was appointed by her father to manage Fattoria del Colle.
Winemaking excellence began in the Colombini family in 1790, when Fattoria dei Barbi was founded. The heritage of Barbi continues on the labels of Dontella's wines with the (angled) shield on every wine. Furthermore, the Leono Rosso wine has a rampant lion on the label - this lion was the symbol of Donatella Cinelli Colombini's ancestors. Also found on the labels is a large white dove that appears to be flying away from the shield - this represents Donatella who is "fleeing the coop" so-to-speak from her ancestral roots.
Donatella has run the two estates since 1998 and has changed them dramatically by combining modern technology with tradition. Donatella has been a major force in the world of Italian wine, including conceptualizing "Cantine Aperte" - a nationwide day for winemakers to welcome visitors. She also salvaged the ancient Sienese rootstock "Foglia Tonda", a grape who's total acreage is apparently only 40 hectares worldwide, and now grown with much enthusiasm at Donatella's Fattoria del Colle estate in the relatively new DOC Orcia (inaugurated only in the year 2000.)
Casato Prime Donne winery was the first all-female winery in Italy, proving that producing great wines does not rely on gender, but on intelligence and spirit. Recently joining the team is world famous oenologist Valerie Lavigne. Hailing from Bordeaux, Valerie works on a team that consults with Chateau Marguax, Chateau d'Yquem, and Cheval Blanc. The only Italian winery that Valerie consults with is Donatella Cinelli Colombini.
All of these delicious wines are available through the winery's agent Le Sommelier via Consignment, except for the 2008 Brunello (which available via Private Order). Furthermore, at the time of this writing, there are a dozen bottles of the Brunello Riserva available in VINTAGES.
Tasting Notes:
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI LEONE ROSSO 2010 - DOC Orcia, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $20.95
Blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Merlot. Medium+ intensity aromas with a musky, matchstick, and smoke nose with underlying red cherry and berry notes.. It's fairly light-weighted with fresh acidity and fruit-forward flavours of red cherry, currant and red berries. Matured 18 months in French oak, the tannins are well-integrated. Finish is medium-length with subtle oak spice notes. Made in a very approachable style. Score: 88+ pts
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI CENERENTOLA 2010 - DOC Orcia, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $42.95
Blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% of the relativey rare Foglia Tonda. Nose seemed somewhat closed but showed elegant florals and cherries. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with oak spice, red and black cherry, blackberry and leather notes. Medium level of tannins with integrated oak and balanced acids. Spice elements come to the fore on the mid-palate, while the finish is medium-long with currant flavours. This will pair well with bigger meat dishes. Score 87 pts
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI IL DRAGO E LE 8 COLOMBE 2010 - IGT Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $31.95
First vintage for winemaker Valerie Lavigne and contains 60% Sangiovese Grosso, 20% Merlot and 20% Sagrantino. Elegant flowers, dark cherry, tar, mineral, and spice scented nose with very nice aroma replays on the juicy palate. It's medium-to-full bodied with grippy tannins and fresh, vibrant acids. Well-balanced and lengthy finish. Could be cellared up to 5-6 years. Score: 90+ pts
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $63.95
Medium intensity aromas featuring smoke, cherry, underbrush, blackberry and floral notes. Medium-bodied, lush mouthfeel on the palate with black cherry, plum, sweet spice and subtle oak flavours. It has fresh acids and firm tannins that are integrating nicely. Excellent length on the finish. Score: 90 pts
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2008 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $63.95
Highly aromatic with tobacco, leather, earth, and red fruits in a savoury, elegant style. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with integrated tannins, slightly chalky mouthfeel, and pleasing aroma replays. This is a well-balanced wine with balanced acids, good structure and clean, long finish. Score: 92 pts
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#113357) (XD) - $63.95
Elegant, savoury aromas of barnyard, earth and red fruits of high intensity. Medium-bodied palate with nice aroma replays and subtle sweet spice notes. It is well-balanced with tannins integrating very nicely. It has very good structure, mouth-watering acids, and a very long finish. Score: 91 pts
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO PRIME DONNE 2010 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#) (XD) - $79.95
Medium-to-high aromatics with subtle tobacco, earth, black cherry, and smoked hickory notes. On the medium-to-full bodied palate, it displays a savoury, earthy profile with sweet oak spice, tobacco, cherry to keep things interesting. It is well-structured with mouth-watering acids and good balance overall. Drying tannins on woodsy, lengthy finish. Enjoyable now, but I would age this a couple of years. Score: 92 pts
DONATELLA CINELLI COLOMBINI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO RISERVA 2007 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#107508) (XD) - $97.00
Aged 3.5 years in oak barrels. Highly aromatic nose featuring florals, plum, red cherry, sweet spice and hints of barnyard and earth. It's medium+ bodied on the palate with pleasing floral, red & black cherry and blackberry flavours with fresh, mouth-watering acids. Finish length is excellent. Has good structure, but tannins are still a bit tight - would cellar 3-4 years. Score: 91 pts
The next LCBO VINTAGES release will be on shelves across Ontario on . With warm weather approaching in the coming weeks (days?), this release focuses on wines from two countries - New Zealand and Germany - that are primarily known for their white wines and make excellent warm weather sippers. Also in the release is a feature on rosé wines - another fine category of wines for warm-weather sipping.
Of the 11 wines featured as part of the feature on New Zealand, three made my list of wine picks. New Zealand is known for its Sauvignon Blanc. The Savvy from Sugar Loaf Wines, being from Marlborough, is on the tropical fruit side of the spectrum. New Zealand's take on Pinot Gris tends to lean towards to the robust, sweeter versions found in Alsace, such as the version from Waimea Estates that's found in this release. Also from Waimea Estates is a just off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) Riesling that hails from Nelson on the South Island. Lastly, placed near the back of the magazine as part of the Flagship Store Exclusive is a stunning Pinot Noir from Dog Point Vineyard.
The feature on German wines is titled "Next-Generation Germany" and focuses on 8 winemakers who are making waves within the German wine world and abroad. Seven of the eight wines featured are included among my wine recommendations, with wines ranging from bone-dry to medium-sweet, and include grapes (styles) such as Pinot Blanc (Trocken/dry), Pinot Gris, Riesling, Riesling (Kabinett), and Gewürztraminer (Spätlese/late harvest.)
The rosé feature had 10 wines listed, three of which are included below. All three wines are dry in style (i.e. not sweet) - my preferred style of rosé. The version from Torres is a blend of Garnacha (a.k.a. Grenache) and Cariñena (a.k.a. Carignan.) Meanwhile, the two rosés from Rhône both contain Grenache and Syrah, while the Mas des Bressades adds some Cinsault.
From the rest of the release, there is a trifecta of Spanish wines worth your attention. The Costaño is made with 70% Monastrell, 15% Garnacha Tintorera, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, while the mature 2005 Hacienda Lopez de Haro is a blend of Tempranillo and Graciano. Lastly, the 2005 Marqués de Cáceres is a blend of mostly Tempranillo, with small amounts of Grenache and Graciano added. More Grenache (75%) is found in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape, along with 11% Mourvèdre, 11% Syrah and 3 other grapes making up the final blend.
Last, but definitely not least, is a dessert wine from Austria that's made using botrytis-affected grapes and blended as 41% Sämling (Scheurebe), 24% Muscat Ottonel, 22% Chardonnay and 13% Weissburgunder (Pinot Blanc.)
Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!
wine is the final instalment in my series of Wines from Peloponnese (links to part 1, part 2 and part 3).
Once again, this is 100% Agiorgitiko with all the grapes coming from the Nemea PDO. However, in this case, the grapes hail from small vineyards in the Mountains of Nemea at an altitiude of 750 - 900 metres. It has gone through malolactic fermentation and maturation in French and American oak barrels for about 18 months, then bottled for another 12 months prior to release.
This particular red wine was featured last year in the November 22 LCBO VINTAGES release. Quite a few bottles are still available on shelves.
Tasting Note:
Plum, dried fig and herb aromas from the cork. Medium+ aromatics from the glass with blackcurrant, leather, cocoa and plum notes. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with rubber, wild herb, leather, raspberry, and spice flavours. It has very good acidity, dusty tannins, and shows hints of cocoa on the medium-length finish. This fine, maturing wine will drink nicely for another 2-3 years. Score: 88 pts
Opened up this fragrant beauty of a wine on in my continuuing series on wines from Peloponnese (part 1, part 2), Greece.
Grapes for this wine were sourced within Mantinia PDO, from selected vineyards within the communes of Rizes, Lithovounia and Agiorgitika in Arcadia. The region is known for producing wines of distinct aromatic and flavour profiles using the grapes Moschofilero and Asproudes (a term often used to refer to unknown varietals.) This white wine is a classic, textbook example of Moschofilero with its fragrant qualities and naturally fresh acidity.
The wine was featured among my wine picks in the December 6th LCBO VINTAGES release at $17.95, but has now come down in price by $3 - excellent value at this price point! Small quantities are available throughout the province, so you should be able to find this bottle at your local LCBO outlet.
Tasting Note:
100% Moschofilero. Light orange-pinkish hue. Perfumed nose of orange, peach, blossom flowers, very Muscat-like. Palate is medium-bodied and dry (not sweet) with orange peel, citrus and floral notes, vibrant acidity. Quite warm mouthfeel with 13% alcohol. Excellent length on the finish. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts
The next LCBO VINTAGES release will be in stores across Ontario on . In this release, the major theme centres around "Family", with Europe's Primum Familiae Vini (PFV) and California's Wagner Family being the focus.
PFV is an exclusive guild of top winemakers from Europe, making many top wines that I'm sure you have at least heard of. Wines from all 11 members are featured in this release, and you can taste many, if not all, of these wines at a special VINTAGES walk-around tasting event on April 22 and also meet each of these winemakers at a reception/dinner on April 23. Tickets and details can be found here.
Established by Eloy Lecanda in 1864, the Vega Sicilia estate has changed owners many times before finally settling into the hands of the Alvarez family in 1982; the Vega Sicilia Alion is 100% Tempranillo. Symington Family Estates was established in 1882 and now remains the only family-owned Port company; Master Blender Charles Symington brings us his 2000 Warre's Colheita Tawny Port. Pol Roger was established in 1849 and produces some of best Champagne around. In this release, there is the 2004 Brut (60% Pinot Noir / 40% Chardonnay) and the 2006 Brut Rosé which is based on the Brut Vintage, but adds approximately 15% of still Pinot Noir prior to bottling and second fermentation - both of these Champagnes are a little sweet.
I've been a big fan of wines from Famille Perrin, and their Beaucastel CdP is back in VINTAGES, consisting of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Counoise, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, and can be enjoyed now or cellared for up to 2 decades. Marchesi Antinori is arguably the most recognizable name in Italian wine and his 2011 Solaia (75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Franc) is featured as the benchmark in this release; it should be cellared for a few years and enjoyed over the next decade.
The last PFV wine is from Egon Müller-Scharzhof. His great-great-grandfather Jean-Jacques Koch purchased the legendary Scharzhof estate in 1797, a site widely believed to be planted by the Romans and in near-continuous use ever since. Egon Müller makes wine in several countries, but only produces Riesling, including the Château Belá Riesling from Slovakia.
From the rest of the release, the latest vintage of the Bila-Haut is back in VINTAGES with an unspecified blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. A pair of Spanish red wines are returning to VINTAGES a year older - the 2006 Abad Dom Bueno (100% Mencía) and the 2007 Conde de Valdemar (90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo/Carignan and 5% Graciano.) From Veneto is the Brigaldara that consists of 40% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 40% Rondinella / Molinara / Sangiovese.
For fans of sweet Riesling, seek out the Ontario wines from Cave Spring and Henry of Pelham. If you prefer dry Rieslings, check out the Trimbach version or venture off the beaten path with the wine from Slovakia. Look at the Buissonnier Montagny if you prefer your Chardonnay unoaked, as the other two Chardonnays recommended below are oaked.
Lastly, the Blanc de Blancs Cremant sparkling wine has a little bit of sweetness and is made using Pinot Blanc and Auxerrois.
This was a very good release at the low end of the price scale for red wines. Stock up and enjoy my wine recommendations for this week. Cheers!
RAMEY RITCHIE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2011 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#394528) (XD) - $90.00 Flagship Store Exclusivereviewed here
Sparkling Wine:
CAVE DE HOEN MAUSBERG BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT CRÉMANT D’ALSACE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Alsace, France (#171785) (D) - $17.95
POL ROGER VINTAGE EXTRA CUVEE DE RESERVE BRUT CHAMPAGNE 2004 - AC, France (#411793) (D) - $94.95
POL ROGER VINTAGE EXTRA CUVEE DE RESERVE BRUT ROSÉ CHAMPAGNE 2006 - AC, France (#411819) (D) - $105.95
Dessert Wine:
REIF VIDAL ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara River, Ontario, Canada (#544791) (S) (200 mL) - $24.95
CHÂTEAU SUDUIRAUT 2011 - AC Sauternes, 1 er Cru Classé, Bordeaux, France (#296012) (S) (375 mL) - $55.85 Flagship Store Exclusive
Fortified:
WARRE’S COLHEITA TAWNY PORT 2000 - DOC, Portugal (#411702) (S) - $39.95
The rest of the wines from this release can be found here.
This is the 4th wine in my series featuring wines from the Peloponnese region of Greece. My first post about wines from Peloponnese featured a very easy drinking Agiorgitiko. red wine is made from the same grape, but is more robust, shows more complexity and is more my style of wine.
Agiorgitiko is grown almost exclusively within Nemea, the largest PDO appellation of Greece. Nemea is located in northeast Peloponnese. Falling between Gaia Wines' Notios Red (which is meant to be enjoyed in its youth) and the Gaia Estate (with its long ageing potential), the Agiorgitiko by Gaia is a wine that can be enjoyed now or cellared for a few years after bottling.
The enclosure used on this wine is a synthetic cork made by Nomacorc. There is some writing in Greek (or some other language) written on the cork. It's included in picture below and if anyone can read that, I'd love to know what it says.
Tasting Note:
Synthetic Nomacorc cork. Perfumed nose of cherries, red currant, and raspberry with underlying cedar oak and vanilla aromas. On the mid-weighted palate, it has much of the same aromas, with fine, dusty tannins, good structure and fresh acidity. Slight warmth on the mid-palate. Bitter, lengthy finish that has hints of oak. Enjoyable now or cellar up to 3 years. Available on Consignment via Agent The Small Winemakers Collection. Score: 88 pts
This is the first post in a series that will feature the wines of Peloponnese to celebrate (April 12th) this year. In addition to the wines, I also received some very nice Greek products that I will be tweeting about over the coming days.
The Peloponnese wine region is located in the southern peninsula of Greece and is (mostly) separated from mainland Greece by the Gulf of Corinth. It is also the largest winemaking area in Greece. This region is home to ancient Olympia, site of the first Olympic Games, and has been producing wine for at least 4,000 years. Popular native grape varieties grown within the Peloponnese are Agiorgitiko, Moschofilero and Mavrodaphne.
Moschofilero (MOH-skoh-FEE-leh-roh) is a fragrant white grape with gray/pink/purple skin that exhibits floral, spice and perfumed characteristics. The wine reviewed below comes from Arcadia, in central Peloponnese, and shows very good typicity for the grape.
Agiorgitiko (ah-yohr-YEE-tee-koh) has to be one of the most difficult-to-pronounce grapes around. Fortunately, it also goes by the name 'St. George'. This black-skinned grape produces red wines that are quite fruity, as in the version below, similar to the Italian Barbera. Agiorgitiko is the second most widely planted red grape in all of Greece.
The last wine reviewed below is a blend using the Mavrodaphne and Black Korinthiaki grapes. The Mavrodaphne varietal is a black wine grape native to the Achaea region in Northern Peloponnese. It is typically used to produce fortified wine, as the Kourtaki is below. It is also typically blended using the solera method, which then produces a non-vintage wine.
The 2013 vintage of the Greek harvest is being hailed as one of the best in recent years, especially for white grapes. It showed in the Moschofilero. All the three wines reviewed below were quite easy drinking, have good crowd-appeal, and come at attractive price points at the LCBO.
Stay with me as I find kefi while taking you through the three remaining wines (two of which are from the 2013 vintage) to celebrate Easter and the wines of Peloponnese.
Tasting Notes: TROUPIS FTERI MOSCHOFILERO 2013 - IGP Arcadia, Peloponnese, Greece (#392936) (XD) - $15.20
Very pale yellow colour, almost clear white. Fragrant aromatics that show floral, citrus, peach and some lychee and herbal notes as it warms up. The palate is medium-bodied and creamy with balanced acids. Flavour profile consists of floral, white peach and hints of orange. Initial kiss of sweetness tapers off into the dry spectrum. Decent length on the finish. A very good introduction to the grape. Readily available as it's LCBO General List. Score: 87 pts
BOUTARI AGIORGITIKO 2013 - PDO Nemea, Peloponnese, Greece (#172148) (XD) - $11.85
Plum and prune aromas from the cork. Medium intensity nose with red cherry, red currant and soft floral aromas. Palate is medium-bodied and dry, with soft, rounded tannins, balanced acids and red currant, cherry and mild spice flavours. Average length finish. Simple, easy drinking red. Readily available as it's LCBO General List. Score: 86 pts
KOURTAKI MAVRODAPHNE OF PATRAS - PDO, Peloponnese, Greece (#208413) (S) - $14.95
Blend of Mavrodaphne and Black Korinthiaki. Prune and raisin aromas from the cork. Medium intensity aroams of raisins, dried figs, caramel and dates with medium sweet aroma replays on the palate. Smooth, slightly creamy texture, light-to-mid weight body with good acids. Medium length finish that has notes of semi-sweet milk chocolate from a hot fudge sundae. Serve well-chilled. This fortified wine was recently released into VINTAGES on March 21 and has good inventory levels. Score: 86 pts
Opened this delicious, sweet-flavoured white wine . It was purchased last summer from the July 19th LCBO VINTAGES release with the intention of opening it for guests during my daughter's 1st birthday party. Unfortunately, I never got around to opening it that day.
Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Medium+ intensity aromas featuring nectarine, petrol, limestone mineral, citrus and hints of lemon and smoke. On the palate, it's mid-weighted with crisp acids and medium-dry sweet flavours of stone fruit, lemon/lime, and minerals. Slightly chalky on the mid-palate. Interesting stone flavours on the crisp, lengthy finish. Yummy. Paired really well with Masala Fried Chicken. Score: 88+ pts
The next LCBO VINTAGES release will be on shelves this . For those folks in Toronto's downtown core, you may find wines on shelves as early as Wednesday and some stores in and around the city may have them out as early as Thursday or Friday. Pay a visit to your local store prior to Saturday to see when they stock the shelves.
In this release, the major theme is on wines from Veneto, while the secondary theme highlights Ontario wines for upcoming feasts.
The VINTAGES team did something interesting in this release with the Veneto thematic by trying to associate each letter of the alphabet with something from the region (e.g. A is for Amarone, B is for Baroque Music, C is for Corvina, etc.). However, only 11 wines were selected as part of the theme, four of which fell under V is for Valpolicella.
Only three Veneto wines are included among my wine picks, including one of the aforementioned Valpolicellas from Feudi San Pio that is made using the Ripasso technique - expect some sweet-fruited flavours. From the letter "R" is a Recioto from Monte Faustino that takes the sweetness levels up a few notches in this red wine. Lastly, under the letter "S" is a Soave, Veneto's signature white wine, from Montresor that is made using Garganega.
The mini-theme of Ontario wines for Easter featured 6 wines, and only the Fielding Viognier made my wine picks. Other Ontario wines not part of the thematic, but I think would also be perfectly suitable for Easter are the Flat Rock Riesling (medium sweet), Creekside Laura's White (a blend that is mostly Sauvignon Blanc), and Henry of Pelham Chardonnay.
From the rest of the release are a pair of matured Spanish reds, including the 10-year-old Monasterio de las Viñas (60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo and 10% Cariñena) and the 7-year-old Bodegas Muriel Reserva that is 100% Tempranillo. Another fabulous wine from the great 2010 Bordeaux vintage is the Château Haut Selve Réserve that is nearly 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blend and should be cellared for at least a couple of years prior to opening.
And finally, if you want to end your Easter festivities this year with one terrific wine, check out the Château La Tour Blanche. This sweet dessert wine is a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle, from Noble Rot-affected grapes. You may see me lining at a VINTAGES Flagship Store up for this one.
Enjoy my wine recommendations for this week and Happy Easter. Cheers!
Red Wine:
AGRIVERDE PIANE DI MAGGIO MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO 2013 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#394999) (D) - $15.95
MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA 2005 - DO Cariñena, Spain (#082024) (XD) - $16.95
FEUDI SAN PIO RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE 2012 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#181446) (D) - $17.95
CARMEN GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2012 - Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#439166) (XD) - $17.95
Tonight's red wine is courtesy of the fine folks at Kylix Wines. Periodically, this wine does show up at the LCBO. However, the latest vintage of this wine (2013) is currently only available via Consignment through Kylix Wines. This wine was aged 4 months (i.e. 4 meses) in French and American oak barrels.
JUAN GIL 4 MESES 2011 - DO Jumilla, Spain (#013656) (XD) - $15.95
Tasting Note:
100% Monastrell (a.k.a. Mourvèdre). Plum, prune and menthol aromas from the cork. In the glass, it has aromas of within the dark spectrum with black currant, blackberry and dark cocoa with hints of raisins. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with a complex flavour profile featuring new cedar oak, spice, new leather, wild herb, and dark fruit, along with hints of floral and violets. Acids are fresh, while tannins are still quite firm. Medium length on the earthy-toned finish. This could be cellared another 3-5 years, but is enjoyable now. Will be paired tonight with Tandoori-style chicken wings. Score: 88+ pts
After a successful run in Montreal last December, the largest and most extravagant mixology competitive event, MadeWithLove™, continues its tour across Canada to the great city of Toronto. The finals will be held on at Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex located at 25 British Columbia Rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $65 at www.enjoyMadeWithLove.com or at participating locations.
21 bartenders from across the city will compete during the finals to impress over 1000 cocktail enthusiasts with exclusive and innovative creations. Each cocktail will be judged based on its originality, creativity and taste. This year marks the start of a new trend at the competition, a food pairing; a promising new addition which will only serve to enhance the overall experience of the event.
Come and enjoy the cocktails created by the finalists who qualified at College Street Bar in early January (click here to watch the video):
Aaron Male, Campagnolo
Alex James, Hopgood’s Foodliner
Andrés Márquez, Fonda Lola
Andrew Hunter, The County General
Brett Intrater, Independent
Dan Tavares, Mr. Flamingo
Ger Cullen, Her Majesty’s Pleasure
Jake Valianes, Linwood Essentials
Joe Howell, The Spoke Club
Holly Dewan, The Whirppoorwill Restaurant & Tavern
Japhet Bower, Parlor Foods & Co
Mana Moghada, Blowfish Restaurant & Sake Bar
Michael Crispo. Soho House
Michael Fortier, Drake One Fifty
Michele Maffei, Balsamico
Nick Incretolli, Urban Tavern On George
Parham Rahimi, Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie
Rob Renda, BartenderOne
Rory West, Pastizza
Ryan Desjardins, College Street Bar
Will Howden, Howden Bar Service
The People's Choice and Judge's Choice winners will represent the city at the National Finale which is slated to be held in Toronto on .
Click here to purchase your tickets. Your ticket will give to access to taste the 21 cocktails, the food pairing and afford you the right to vote for the People's Choice.
Join us on at Airship 37 (37 Parliament Street, Toronto) and sample some of the best wines Prince Edward County has to offer! Over twenty different County wineries under one Toronto roof!
At the 4th annual "County in the City" presented by WineAlign, samples of more than 50 different wines will be tasted to delight the palates of Torontonians and introduce them to some of the most enticing flavours of Prince Edward County; the world’s fastest growing wine region. Over 20 small-batch and family-owned wineries will showcase their pride and joy (including new vintages and specialty wines) from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Some returning wineries this year are Casa Dea Estates Winery, Lighthall Vineyards, Karlo Estates Winery, Harwood Estate Vineyard and Norman Hardie Winery to name a few. Some new-comers include Trail Estate Winery and Black Prince Winery!
Many of the County wines showcased at the event are not available at retail wine outlets in the GTA, so guests are strongly encouraged to take part in the "Try and Buy" program and have delicious County wines delivered right to their door. Mix and match bottles from different wineries and receive FREE shipping (minimum 6 bottles).
I've attended each year and will once again be in attendance. Here are past posts about this event and its wines:
Admission:
$49 (includes food and all wine samples).
$60 at the door (subject to availability)
Tickets can be purchased here and includes a FREE Thursday ticket to the Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival ($20 Value) in June when you purchase your tickets using my link: http://goo.gl/KOl8Fu
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Blogarama
