Nativ Rue 333 Taurasi 2018 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Aglianico from the DOCG Taurasi appellation in Campania. It is a recent, brand-new arrival at the LCBO that is available as a Destination Collection item which can be ordered online or picked up in-store at the Italy Destination Collection outlet in Woodbridge.

Like the excellent 2018 Nativ Bicento Irpinia Campi Taurasini I enjoyed last year, this red wine is also produced by Vini Nativ, a winery that was founded in 2008 on the slopes of the immaculate hills of Taurasi, in the heart of Irpinia, within the commune of Paternopoli, Province of Avellino, and region of Campania in southern Italy. Vini Nativ was established by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned Oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a Specialist in Food Science, and together they have quickly become recognized for producing wines of excellence resulting from important and deep experiences in their respective fields. Their aim is to produce typical wines of the territory using indigenous varieties such as Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Aglianico, and (like tonight's wine) Aglianico of Taurasi.

The grapes for each of their wines are grown across the estate's approximately 15 hectares of land. These precious vineyards are spread out between Paternopoli and Taurasi, on fertile, volcanic soils. The name "Nativ" was chosen to represent Native Productions - the origin of Irpinia viticulture and outlining the concept of "native to the place", while using grapes typical of the territory to craft wines that reflect the unique terroir. Each Nativ wine has a unique and unequivocal character, as it is produced through innovative winemaking methods, while respecting tradition, and always keeping the organoleptic structure of the grape unaltered. The engine that drives the company is love and respect for the terroir and vine, and it is the realization of a profession, way of living, and doing business. Nativ has several ranges of wines in their portfolio, with this red wine part of their top-of-the-line Cru range.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Aglianico that was grown in the Taurasi DOCG in Irpinia, a sub-region of Campania. The grapes were grown on highly suitable, hilly soils that are mainly volcanic in nature, while the vines were trained using the Avellinese radial, trellis system with spurred cordon in new vineyards. After harvesting the grapes from late October to early November, the grapes were brought to the winery and macerated for about 20 days. It underwent alcoholic fermentation using both autochthonous (wild) yeast and selected yeast, and was refined in 225 L French oak barrels for 24 months in the modern, cutting-edge cellar.

The growing season during the 2018 vintage was quite problematic in Campania due to a cold winter, plentiful rain, and some hail in spring, while late summer heat helped speed up the ripening process. Many wines are unbalanced with low acidity, while the size of harvest was also very small. Let's see how this 2018 Taurasi from Campania is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NATIV RUE 333 TAURASI 2018 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#34403) (D) - $46.95
100% Aglianico. The intense, highly aromatic nose offers a lovely bouquet of ripe dark berry, black plum, blackberry, black cherry, dark spices, and mineral aromas. On the rich, concentrated, and medium-full to full-bodied palate it has ripe, sweet fruited flavours of blackberry, black cherry, and plum that surrounds a savoury core of dark mineral ash, savoury earth, and smoky oak notes. Lemony acids are crisp and juicy, while the approachable tannins have some pleasantly chalky, youthful grip. Savoury with mineral and smoky oak notes linger on the long, dry finish. Enjoy this highly recommended buy over the next 8-10 years. Score: 92 pts

Other fine wines by Vini Nativ can be ordered through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.

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Nativ Bicento Irpinia Campi Taurasini 2018 (Campania) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2013 Nativ Bicento over four years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest edition of this terrific old vine wine from Campania that arrived at the LCBO today in the May 13 Online & Flagship Exclusives New Release Collection.

It is produced by Vini Nativ, a winery founded in 2008 on the slopes of the immaculate hills of Taurasi, in the heart of Irpinia, within the commune of Paternopoli, in the Province of Avellino, and region of Campania in southern Italy. It was formed by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned Oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a Specialist in Food Science. Together, they aim to produce wines of excellence resulting from the important and deep experiences in their fields. They also aim to produce wines typical of the territory, in particular Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Aglianico, and (like tonight's wine) Aglianico of Taurasi.

The vines for their wines are grown across 15 hectares of precious vineyards spread out between Paternopoli and Taurasi, on soils that are well-known for their fertility thanks to their volcanic origins. The name "Nativ" represents the origin of the Viticulture of Irpina, through an autochthonous production of grapes which outlines the concept of "original of the place”, and carried out through the production of wines coming from grapes typical of the territory. Each Nativ wine has a unique and unequivocal character, as it is produced through innovative winemaking methods, while respecting tradition, and always keeping the organoleptic structure of the grape unaltered. Nativ has several ranges of wines in their portfolio, with this red wine part of their top Cru range. The engine that drives the company is the love and respect for the terroir and vine, and it is the realization of a profession, way of living, and doing business.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Aglianico of Taurasi. It gets its name "Bicento", which translates literally to "twice 100", or two-hundred, because the grapes were grown on 200-year-old ungrafted vines. The vines are planted on volcanic soils situated in the hills of Taurasi, 500 metres above sea level. After hand-harvesting the grapes at the end of October, the grapes were transported to the winery and lightly pressed and macerated in steel silos. After fermentation, the wine was aged in new 225 hectolitre French oak barrels for 12 to 18 months.

The growing season during the 2018 vintage was quite problematic in Campania due to a cold winter, plentiful rain, and some hail in spring, with late summer heat helping speed up ripening. The harvest was also very small in size. Let's see how this Aglianico of Taurisini from Campania is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NATIV BICENTO IRPINIA CAMPI TAURASINI 2018 - DOC, Campania, Italy (#575035) (D) - $44.95
100% Aglianico from 200 year-old vines, this has a clean, fragrant, and open nose that is highly aromatic with spicy notes layered over ripe dark berries, plum, and milk chocolate aromas. It's full-bodied, dense, and well-structured with ripe dark berries, black cherry, peppery spice, with savoury touches of earth, cedary oak flavours. There's a kiss of sweetness due to the ripe fruit flavours, but it comes off as dry due to the high, structured acidity. It has well-structured, mildly grippy tannins, while cedary oak, mocha chocolate, earth, and some minerality notes linger on the long, dry finish, with excellent length. Will provide pleasure now and over the next 10 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 93+ pts

Other fine wines by Vini Nativ can be ordered through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.

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Nativ Suadens Bianco 2020 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely blend crafted in a slightly sweet style from Campania that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the November 19 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Vini Nativ was born in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia, in the comune Paternopoli, Campania, by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a specialist in food science, with the aim of producing wines of excellence. Together, they are dedicated to the production of typical wines of the territory using the native varieties of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Aglianico, and Aglianico of Taurasi. The vines are grown on 15 hectares between Paternopoli and Taurasion on the soils of the property known for its particular fertility thanks to its volcanic origin.

The name "Nativ" represents the origin of the viticulture of Irpina through autochthonous production and the concept of "original of place" with love and respect for the terroir. The wines are crafted using innovative winemaking methods while also respecting tradition, and always paying attention to keep the organoleptic structure of the grape unaltered. Nativ has a wide range of wines in their portfolio that can satisfy every palate, and this particular wine is from their IGT line that is an emblem of Campania.

This white wine is named Suadens to represent the suaveness of the wine. This wine is also a molecular project aimed at valorizing not only the autochthonous vines of Irpinia, but also the typical local fruits that aren't generally cultivated anywhere else in the world. This white wine is a unique blend of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, and Falanghina Beneventana that was grown on medium soils with some calcareous-clay using the trellis vine-training system with guyot pruning. At the winery, whole clusters of grapes were lightly pressed and fermented with selected yeasts at controlled temperatures, then aged in stainless steel tanks with a brief passage through oak barrels.

Having enjoyed several wines from Nativ in the past, including tasting a previous vintage of this particular wine, let's see how this 2020 white wine from Campania is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NATIV SUADENS BIANCO 2020 - IGT Campania, Italy (#577767) (M) - $27.95
This unique blend of Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo and Falanghina Beneventana has rich, fragrant and perfumed aromas of yellow and white florals, lemon citrus, tropical fruit, and melon with herbal undertones. It is impressively concentrated on the creamy, full-bodied palate with juicy, well-balanced acidity and slightly sweet flavours of apricot, peach, honeysuckle, lemon citrus, yellow & white floral, and ripe apple. Subtly spicy on the mid-palate, giving way to a long, dry-ish, leesy and apricot flavoured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines by Nativ are available through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits, as well as in limited quantities at the LCBO.

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Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Fiano di Avellino & Primitivo

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the 4th masterclass in the series on "Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties". This class focused on the white wine Fiano di Avellino, and the red wine Primitivo, which you may also know as Zinfandel.

In this masterclass, we first travel to the southwestern Italy, to visit the wine growing region of Campania. Forming the "shin" of Italy’s boot, the region is surrounded by the wine regions Lazio, Molise, Puglia, and Basilicata, and on its western coast is the famous Amalfi coastline that borders that Tyrrhenian Sea. Campania is made up of 5 Provinces - Naples (Capital), Caserta, Benevento, Avellino, and Sorrento, and also has 3 islands - Capri, Ischia, and Procida.

Campania owes much of its winegrowing success to its varied climates and terroirs. It has an abundance of sunshine, dry and hot summers, mild winters, a long growing season and the volcanic soils from Mount Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei, and Mount Epomeo. The coastal Mediterranean breezes blow in from the Tyrrhenian Sea, tempering the heat and adding freshness and bright acidity to the fruit.

With vine growing and winemaking dating back to the 12th century, Campania is among the oldest wine regions in Italy. They cultivate a wide variety of indigenous grapes, most of which are grown on hilly and mountainous terrain. 60% of the wines produced are red and rosé wines, while 40% are white wines. In my view, Campania makes some of the most interesting white wines in Italy using the varieties Fiano, Greco, and Falanghina.

Fiano is one of Italy's oldest grape varieties and was cultivated during Roman Times. The Romans called this grape "Vitis Apiana", which was Latin for "vine of the bees" as the bees were very attracted to the sweet pulp of this grape. Fiano is mostly grown in Southern Italy, primarily in Campania in the hills surrounding Avellino, and thrives in this warm, dry climate, while also preferring high altitudes and volcanic soils.

The Fiano grape is straw yellow in colour and offers intense aromas and flavours of tropical fruits like pineapple, peach, golden apple, pear, citrus, floral, nutty hazelnut, spice and honey notes with balanced acidity, good weight and texture on the palate, and has good ageing potential. The wine we tasted in this masterclass is from the Summonte sub-zone withing the Fiano di Avellino DOCG appellation, an appellation known for producing some of Italy's most distinguished white wines. This DOCG specifies that 85% of the wine must be Fiano, with varieties Greco, Coda di Volpe, and Trebbiano Toscano permitted to make up the final blend.

For the second topic of this masterclass, we travel east to the winegrowing region of Puglia, the heel of Italy's boot, which is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea to the east, and the Ionian Sea to the south. Puglia is a land of agriculture and a leader in wine and olive production. Although Puglia produces the second most volume of wine in Italy (behind Veneto), a new era has emerged in recent times with a focus on quality over quantity. Approximately two-thirds of the wine produced in Puglia is red, while the remainder is white wine. The landscape is mostly flat, with some hilly terrain, while the climate is sunny, hot, and dry, with Mediterranean winds blowing in from the seas.

Primitivo's origin's are unknown at this time, but it is thought to have existed since the 8th century B.C., before Greek colonization. The name Primitivo translates to "early one" as this varietal is early ripening. Today, Primitivo's home is in Puglia and is the region's most famous variety. With over 12,000 hectares of vines cultivated, Primitivo is among Italy's top 10 most planted red varieties. It is worth mentioning that Zinfandel - commonly found in California - is genetically the same as Primitivo.

Primitivo is a dark blue skinned grape with high pigmentation, but can be fussy to cultivate and cellar. It grows best in dry and hot climates and accumulates a lot of sugar - hence, the perceived sweetness in many Primitivo wines. The aromas and flavours commonly found in Primitivo wines are fruit forward with black cherry, blueberry, blackberry, plum, prune, marmalade, violet, spice, and earthiness, and acquire additional complexities when aged in wood. The wines tend to be high in alcohol with good tannins, full bodied, rich, and smooth.

The tasting kit for this masterclass included an antipasto platter with authentically Italian Grana Padano DOP cheese, Fior di Latte from Campania, Olive Verdi di Cerignola from Puglia, and a traditionally Puglian Focaccia Barese that was made in-house by Head Baker Luca Rotatori at Spaccio, Terroni's central kitchen.

Previous masterclasses explored Montepulciano & Aglianico, Sangiovese & Vernaccia di San Gimignano, and Nebbiolo & Valpolicella. These classes are quite informative and the wines are fantastic! I am very much looking forward to the final masterclass in the series that takes place in September, where we will explore the volcanic wines of Mount Etna in Sicily. Anyone can register for the free online masterclass via the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada, as well as purchase the wines by the bottle through the Agent - Cavinona - so you can taste along. For a limited time, use special discount code ICCOJUNE for 10% off any case purchase on Cavinona.com.

@trueitaliantaste #ExtraordinaryItalianTaste #TrueItalianTaste #iffoodcouldtalk

Tasting Notes:

GUIDO MARSELLA FIANO DI AVELLINO 2018 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (XD) - $43.93
100% Fiano from Summonte that was organically grown at 650 metres elevation on clay and rocky soils. Aged on fine lees in stainless steel tanks for 12 months. Clean, fragrant, and elegant aromas of ripe tropical fruit, peach, golden apple, and citrus with subtle nutty notes. It’s medium+ bodied with very good fruit concentration and slightly oily texture on the structured palate with ripe golden apple, pear, and citrus with leesy mineral and saline adding savoury notes to the flavour profile. It has fresh, bright acidity, while the leesy mineral flavours linger on the long, structured finish. Score: 92 pts

CARVINEA PRIMITIVO 2017 - IGT Salento, Puglia, Italy (D) - $28.11
Grown on tufaceous and calcareous soils, this 100% Primitivo was aged in French oak for 9 months. The fresh, medium-high intensity aromas offer sweet spice, dark berry and cherry notes with touches of plum and raisin. Pretty floral aromas appear with time in the glass. On the medium+ bodied palate, it has juicy acidity and refined, textured tannins. It is slightly off-dry (i.e. a touch sweet) and jammy on the flavour profile with more sweet spices, dark berry, and licorice flavours that tapers to savoury, minerally and slightly spicy with very good length on the persistent finish. Score: 90+ pts

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Nativ Rue dell'Inchiostro Aglianico 2017 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely red wine made with Aglianico from Campania. This bottle was so popular when it arrived in VINTAGES in May 2019 that the LCBO decided to bring it back for another round this year. As such, this Aglianico is coming to the LCBO as part of the June 27 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Nativ, a winery founded in Campania in 2008 and focused on making typical wines of the region. Each wine from Nativ has a unique character - produced through the use of innovative winemaking techniques, while also respecting tradition. The grapes are grown on their own lands which are known for their particular fertility thanks to the presence of volcanic soils, extending for about 15 hectares between Paternopoli and Taurasi. In particular, the grapes Nativ focuses on are Fiano di Avellino, Greco di Tufo, Falanghina, Aglianico, and Aglianico of Taurasi.

The Aglianico grape was introduced to Campania by the Greeks along the Tyrrhenian coast (the western coast of Italy) sometime around the 6th or 7th century B.C. It is one of Italy's oldest grape verieties. The grapes for this Aglianico come from within the town and commune of Paternopoli, which is in the province of Avellino in Campania. They were grown on hilly soils of predominantly volcanic and clay-limestone, rich in minerals, at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level.

I've enjoyed other wines from Nativ previously, including most recently their 2018 Nativ Greco di Tufo, and am sure this will also be delightful. Let's see how it is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

NATIV RUE DELL'INCHIOSTRO AGLIANICO 2017 - IGT Campania, Italy (#631606) (D) - $19.95
This Aglianico was raised completely in tank, followed by a short time in bottle prior to release. The medium+ intensity aromas are fresh and fruity with inky dark fruit, dark berry, and sweet spice flavours flecked with black pepper and savoury undertones. It is medium-full bodied on the slightly sweet palate with delicious ripe dark berry fruit flavours with some raisin, savoury, and peppery spice notes adding interest. Acids are fresh and lively while tannins are refined and dusty. Fruity with subtle savoury mineral notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

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Nativ Greco di Tufo 2018 (Campania) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2013 Nativ Bicento a couple of years ago, for tonight's wine review I am delighted to try a Greco di Tufo from the same producer. This lovely white wine from Campania is a new arrival in LCBO VINTAGES on May 2nd.

Nativ was founded in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia, within the town and comune in Paternopoli, Campania, by internationally renowned oenologist Dr. Mario Ercolino, and food science specialist Dr. Roberta Pirone. The goal was to produce wines of excellence from grapes that are typical of the region and territory. The wines should also exhibit of a sense of place. Each Nativ wine has a unique and unequivocal character, as it is produced through innovative winemaking methods, in the respect of tradition, always paying attention to keep the organoleptic structure of the grape unaltered.

Greco di Tufo is a clone of Greco Bianco and produced from ancient Greek vines called "Aminea Gemina". It was brought to Campania by the Pelagians, an ancient people from Thessaly in Greece. The name Tufo refers not only to one of the villages from which the wine comes from, but also the type of rock - which is made of ash ejected during an eruption and then compacts - that the village was built on. In Italy, this varietal was initially cultivated in the province of Naples and later introduced in some areas of the province of Avellino, in particular Tufo, whose sulphur-rich soil was particularly suitable for the cultivation of this grape variety.

Tasting Note:

NATIV GRECO DI TUFO 2018 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#13640) (D) - $23.95
This Greco di Tufo was grown at an altitude of 450 metres above sea-level, on soils derived from the decomposition of clay rocks over thousands of years and are highly rich in calcium. Delicate, elegant nose is minerally off the top with honeyed citrus, yellow stone fruit, and whiffs of herb and smoke. It is medium+ bodied on the finely textured, off-dry palate with lively, citrusy acids that keeps the sweetness in check. Lovely aroma replays of honeyed citrus, yellow fruit, and flinty minerality on the flavour profile. Fine mineral and citrus notes linger on the persistent, dry finish, with excellent length. Recommended buy. Score: 90+ pts

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release June 8, 2019: Euro Regions + Chile

The main theme of the upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on June 8, 2019 features European wine regions that should be on your radar, while the mini theme looks at wines from Chile. All of these wines, plus many others that are part of this Release will be available on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that features wines from a few up-and-coming and lesser-known European wine regions. Of the twelve wines featured, four are included among my top wine picks. Three of the wines are from Languedoc-Roussillon. From Corbières, and one of the best buys of the Release, is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache that was raised in tank. The red wine from Languedoc is also a blend of Grenache and Syrah, but was raised in concrete tanks. Lastly, the Roussillon wines is made with Grenache from 65-year-old vines. The lone white is a Falanghina from the mountainous and rugged region of Campania.

The mini-theme of this release is titled "Spicy Chile" and features ten wines from the cool-climate wine-growing region of Chile. Three of these wines are among my top wine recommendations, including a Cabernet Sauvignon, a Carmenère, and an oaked Chardonnay. Last, but not least, no conversation of hot Chilean wines would be complete without mentioning the 2015 Montes Purple Angel (92 pts, review) that is an outstanding blend of 92% Carmenère and 8% Petit Verdot.

Red wines from the main Release includes a South African wine made with 52% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. The Bordeaux red hails from the great 2010 vintage and consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Lastly, from Tuscany, the Fonterutoli contains 65% Sangiovese, 30% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot, while the latest edition of the iconic Ornellaia is a blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 18% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot.

Among my white wine picks, all are dry, single varietal and some are unique wines that are worth a look. Included among them are a Moschofilero from Greece and an Aligoté from Burgundy. There is also a barrel-fermented Torrontés from Argentina. Of course, the Pouilly-Fumé is made with Sauvignon Blanc, while the Chablis is made with Chardonnay.

Lastly, a pair of local wines, the rosé is a blend of Gamay and Pinot Noir, while the sparkling wine is 100% Chardonnay.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER SÉLECTION 2017 - AP Languedoc, France (#644468) (XD) - $14.95  88 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2016 - AP, Midi, France (#670505) (XD) - $16.95  90 pts  wine review
• SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CARMENÈRE 2017 - DO Maule Valley, Chile (#249201) (XD) - $19.95  88 pts  wine review
• MAZZEI POGGIO BADIOLA DI FONTERUTOLI 2016 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#330951) (XD) - $19.95  88+ pts  wine review
• DOMAINE LAFAGE CUVÉE NICOLAS VIEILLES VIGNES GRENACHE NOIR 2017 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#354191) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• MIGUEL TORRES CORDILLERA DE LOS ANDES CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#541169) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• SPY VALLEY PINOT NOIR 2015 - Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#734681) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
• RUSTENBERG JOHN X MERRIMAN 2015 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#707323) (XD) - $24.95
• ASCHERI BAROLO 2013 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#496851) (XD) - $49.95
• LA LECCIAIA BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#121905) (XD) - $66.95
• CHÂTEAU LES ORMES 2010 - AC Saint-Julien, Bordeaux, France (#648295) (XD) - $69.95  92 pts  wine review
• ORNELLAIA 2016 - “La Tensione” label, DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#722470) (XD) - $239.95

White Wine:

• TROUPIS FTERI MOSCHOFILERO 2017 - PGI Arcadia, Greece (#647388) (XD) - $16.95  88 pts  wine review
• BLASON DE BOURGOGNE ALIGOTÉ 2017 - AC Bourgogne, France (#648436) (D) - $17.95  88 pts  wine review
• VILLA MATILDE ROCCA DEI LEONI FALANGHINA 2017 - IGT, Campania, Italy (#631747) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• CAVE SPRING ESTATE RIESLING 2016 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#286377) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE BARREL FERMENTED TORRONTÉS 2017 - Uco Valley, Argentina (#384339) (XD) - $19.95
• CASABLANCA NIMBUS SINGLE VINEYARD CHARDONNAY 2017 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#638411) (XD) - $24.95  89 pts  wine review
• CHATELAIN LES VIGNES DE SAINT-LAURENT L’ABBAYE POUILLY-FUMÉ 2017 - AC, Loire, France (#958801) (XD) - $26.95
• NAUTILUS CHARDONNAY 2017 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#331652) (XD) - $27.95
• DOMAINE LAROCHE VIEILLES VIGNES LES VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2017 - AC, Burgundy, France (#991893) (XD) - $39.95  92 pts  wine review
• GREYWACKE WILD SAUVIGNON 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#282806) (D) - $39.95  FE

Rose Wine:

• FIELDING ROSÉ 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#053421) (XD) - $15.95

Sparkling Wine:

• CAVE SPRING BLANC DE BLANCS BRUT SPARKLING - Traditional method, VQA Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#213983) (XD) - $29.95

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Nativ Bicento 2013 (Campania) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely new wine that arrived as part of the October 27 LCBO VINTAGES Release that featured some illustrious Italian wines in its main theme.

It is produced by Nativ and was founded in 2008 in the heart of Irpinia, in Paternopoli, Campania (the shin of Italy's boot), by Dr. Mario Ercolino, an internationally renowned oenologist, and Dr. Roberta Pirone, a specialist in food science, with the aim of producing excellent wines from grapes that are typical of the territory.

The name "Nativ" was chosen to represent the origin of the Viticulture of Irpina, through autochthonous production which outlines the concept of "origin of place", and is carried out through the production of wines from indigenous varietals, using vines that are known for their particular fertility in volcanic soils. The winery's precious vineyards span approximately 15 hectares between Paternopoli and Taurasi.

"Bicento" is the name of this important red wine, which translated literally means “twice 100”. It is named as such because the grapes for this wine come from 200-year-old ungrafted vines that are grown on volcanic soils on the Taurasi hills, 500 metres above sea level. These vines are among the oldest in all of Europe!

Tasting Note:

NATIV BICENTO 2013 - DOC Irpinia Campi Taurasini, Campania, Italy (#575035) (XD) - $41.95
100% Aglianico aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. Medium-high intensity aromatics are complex with spicy, blackberry, dark berry, leather, herbs, earth, and a touch of savoury funk. Some smoky mineral notes develop with air. It is full-bodied and concentrated with nicely balanced aroma replays, plus black pepper, fig, and floral nuances supported by fresh, bright acidity to keep things quite light on the palate. Firm, drying, mouth-puckering tannins have a dusty and chalky texture. The finish length is excellent with dark berry, black plum, licorice, and spice flavours. Lovely savoury-earthy character throughout. A pleasure now, but will be better in 5 years as tannins soften and integrate. An amazing wine to enjoy over the next 10-15 years. Buy 4 and enjoy one every 5 years. Score: 94 pts

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release August 4, 2018: Eco-Friendly + Puglia + Campania

The upcoming LCBO VINTAGES Release on August 4, 2018 takes a look at Eco-Friendly Wines in its main theme, while the mini-theme compares the southern Italian wine regions of Puglia and Campania. All of these wines be on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario beginning this Saturday.

We'll begin with the main theme that lists sixteen wines that are Eco-Friendly, including wines that are organic, biodynamic, and sustainable. Only one wine from this feature made my list of wine picks - a biodynamic wine from Spain that is a blend of 50/50 Cabernet Sauvignon and Graciano.

The mini-theme features the two southern Italian neighbouring wine regions of Puglia and Campania. Puglia is the "heel" of Italy, while Campania is the "shin". Puglia is mostly flat and known for producing big, rustic reds, and was historically known as a bulk wine producing region. Campania, on the other hand, is mostly hilly and produces sophisticated whites and aromatic reds, historically for Rome's emperors. It's a small theme, listing just six wines, but three of these wines are included among my top wine picks. From Puglia, there is a red wine made with the ancient Negroamaro grape. From Campania, there are a pair of white wines - a Falanghina and a Fiano.

Among red wines from the rest of the Release, the Minervois is a blend of Syrah and Carignan, while the 2010 Bordeaux is maturing well and consists of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet Franc. From Veneto, the Ripasso is a blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Corvinone, while the Amarone is a blend of 70% Corvina/Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, and 10% Croatina/Oseleta. The Quanta da Rede from Portugal is a Touriga Nacional based blend, while the Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a Grenache based blend. And lastly, the Brunello is, of course, made with 100% Sangiovese.

Among my top white wine picks, you're looking at mostly dry whites - Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Albariño. For sweet wine lovers, the 13th Street Riesling is off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet), while the Nomad Riesling is medium sweet, kicking up the sweetness levels a few notches.

Lastly, there are three lovely dry rosé wines, all at $20 a bottle. From Rhône, the first rosé is from Costières de Nîmes and is made with old vines consisting of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, while the second rosé is a Tavel that is blended with Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. The rose from Niagara is made with Pinot Noir. I would recommend trying all three of these wines to see which one(s) you like the most.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• TABALÍ PEDREGOSO GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2014 - DO Cachapoal Valley, Chile (#569681) (XD) - $15.95
• LI VELI PASSAMANTE NEGROAMARO 2016 - DOC Salice Salentino, Puglia, Italy (#570077) (XD) - $16.95
• GÉRARD BERTRAND MINERVOIS SYRAH/CARIGNAN 2015 - AP, Midi, France (#952804) (XD) - $16.95
• TEZZA MA ROAT RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA SUPERIORE 2015 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#084053) (XD) - $17.95
• PABLO CLARO BIODYNAMIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/GRACIANO 2015 - Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla, Spain (#574467) (XD) - $18.95
• CHÂTEAU LA CARDONNE 2010 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#550244) (XD) - $26.95
• QUINTA DA REDE GRANDE RESERVA 2013 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#491993) (XD) - $28.95  FE
• DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2015 - AC, Rhône, France (#539882) (XD) - $47.95
• LATIUM MORINI CAMPO LEÒN AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2012 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#334300) (D) - $48.95
• FATTORIA DEI BARBI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#928028) (XD) - $54.95  92 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• INDOMITO FALANGHINA DEL BENEVENTANO 2016 - IGT, Campania, Italy (#562454) (XD) - $14.95
• NOMAD TRAVELLERS RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Lakeshore, Ontario, Canada (#445775) (M) - $16.95
• DONNACHIARA MONTEFALCIONE FIANO DI AVELLINO 2015 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#372482) (XD) - $18.95
• 13TH STREET JUNE’S VINEYARD RIESLING 2016 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95
• PAZO DAS BRUXAS ALBARIÑO 2016 - DO Rîas Baixas, Spain (#417667) (XD) - $19.95
• LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2015 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#578864) (XD) - $21.95
• AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2017 - Southern Valleys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $21.95
• STAGS’ LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY 2016 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#655381) (XD) - $39.95
• DE MORGENZON CHENIN BLANC RESERVE 2016 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#339762) (XD) - $39.95  FE
• DOMAINE FEVRE VAULORENT CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2015 - AC, Burgundy, France (#558593) (XD) - $49.95  FE

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE NAGES VIEILLES VIGNES ROSÉ 2017 - AP Costières de Nîmes, Rhône, France (#496919) (XD) - $19.95  90 pts  wine review
• FAMILLE PERRIN TAVEL 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#680801) (XD) - $19.95
• MALIVOIRE VIVANT ROSÉ 2017 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#498535) (XD) - $19.95  91 pts  wine review

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Wine Picks LCBO VINTAGES Release May 27, 2017: Southern Italy + Santa Barbara

The upcoming May 27, 2017 LCBO VINTAGES Release features wines from 5 sunny Southern Italy hot spots in its main theme, while the mini-theme focuses on wines from Santa Barbara. Wines from this release will be on shelves at LCBO outlets across Ontario this Saturday.

We'll begin my top wine picks from this release with the focus on southern Italy because nothing from Santa Barbara made the cut. The hot and sunny wine regions of Campania, Puglia, Basilicata, Sicily, and Sardinia are featured, with a total of 12 wines listed and only 2 are included among my top wine picks. From the island of Sicily, there is a nice Grillo, one of the key white wine grapes on the island. One of the major grapes in Campania is Aglianico, and there is a nice little wine for $14 in this release. The last wine from Southern Italy is a Chardonnay from Puglia, and is actually listed near the back the VINTAGES Magazine as a Flagship Store Exclusive (FSE) - with limited availability.

From the rest of the release, the Domaine Guisset is a spicy blend of Syrah, Carignan and Grenache, while the Black Rock from South Africa is 68% Syrah that was co-fermented with other Rhône varieties to produce this multi-varietal blend. The latest vintage of the Emiliana Coyam is organic & biodynamic and consists of 48% Syrah, 24% Carmenere, 11% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Mourvedre, 3% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot. The pair of big Cabernet Sauvignon wines from California are also blends, with the Chateau Montelena including 1.5% Cabernet Franc and 1.5% Petit Verdot, while the La Jota includes one quarter other grapes - 10.5% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc, 4.5% Petit Verdot, and 2% Malbec.

My white wine recommendations from this release consist of either Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay or Riesling. As is quite common, Riesling can be produced in styles ranging from bone dry to very sweet. From this release, the Pearl Morissette Riesling is bone dry, while the Hidden Bench Riesling will have a kiss of sweetness to it, and the Waimea Riesling is off-dry (i.e. slight sweet).

Among my sparkling wine picks, the Cava is a blend of Parellada, Xarel-lo and Macabeo, while the vintage Champagne is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, and 10% Pinot Meunier.

Enjoy my top wine picks from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CAMPOREALE AGLIANICO 2015 - IGP Campania, Italy (#475251) (XD) - $13.95
• DOMAINE GUISSET 2014 - AP Côtes du Roussillon, Roussillon, France (#480863) (XD) - $15.95
• CHILCAS RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2014 - Lolol, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#486050) (XD) - $18.95
• FABRE MONTMAYOU RESERVA MALBEC 2014 - Mendoza, Argentina (#261867) (XD) - $18.95
• CONO SUR SINGLE VINEYARD EL RECURSO BLOCK 18 CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2015 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#439364) (D) - $19.95
• EMILIANA COYAM 2013 - Los Robles Estate, Colchagua Valley, Chile (#063891) (XD) - $29.95  reviewed here
• RADFORD DALE BLACK ROCK 2013 - WO Swartland, South Africa (#485490) (XD) - $29.95
• COSTA DI BUSSIA CAMPO DEI BUOI BAROLO 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#475277) (XD) - $47.95
• BACHELDER LA PETITE CHARMOTTE NUITS-SAINT-GEORGES 2011 - AC, Burgundy, France (#357228) (XD) - $49.95  FSE
• CHATEAU MONTELENA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA (#718452) (XD) - $74.95
• KISTLER PINOT NOIR 2014 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#377259) (XD) - $109.95  FSE
• LA JOTA HOWELL MOUNTAIN ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#659755) (XD) - $110.95  FSE

White Wine:

• FEUDO MACCARI GRILLO 2015 - IGT Terre Siciliane, Sicily, Italy (#477877) (XD) - $14.95
• RIVERA PRELUDIO NO. 1 CHARDONNAY 2015 - DOC Castel del Monte, Puglia, Italy (#177303) (XD) - $16.00  FSE
• MAYCAS DEL LIMARÍ RESERVA ESPECIAL CHARDONNAY 2015 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#143768) (XD) - $18.95
• WAIMEA CLASSIC RIESLING 2016 - Nelson, South Island, New Zealand (#408666) (D) - $18.95
• PAUL CLUVER SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - WO Elgin, South Africa (#483743) (XD) - $19.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2015 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (D) - $23.95
• CLOS HENRI SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#675629) (XD) - $29.95
• PEARL MORISSETTE CUVÉE BLACK BALL RIESLING 2014 - Product of Canada (#416073) (XD) - $36.20  FSE
• DOMAINE BILLAUD-SIMON LES VAILLONS CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2014 - AC, Burgundy, France (#330175) (XD) - $39.95  FSE
• KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY 2015 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#251223) (XD) - $99.95

Sparkling Wine:

• CYGNUS ORGANIC BRUT NATURE RESERVA CAVA - Méthode champenoise, DO Penedès, Spain (#352856) (XD) - $16.95
• ANDRÉ ET MICHEL DRAPPIER PINOT NOIR BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE - Zero dosage, AC, France (#179275) (XD) - $58.95
• BEAUMONT DES CRAYERES FLEUR DE PRESTIGE CHAMPAGNE 2006 - AC, France (#483099) (D) - $68.95

Fortified:

• FONSECA LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE PORT 2011 - Unfiltered, DOP, Portugal (#087551) (S) - $22.95

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Terredora Aglianico 2010 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine was purchased almost 2 years ago from the November 23 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Even though Aglianico is one of the my favourite indigenous varietals from Italy, this is the first Aglianico I've opened at home since I started blogging in 2011.

Tasting Note:

TERREDORA AGLIANICO 2010 - IGT Campania, Italy (#602284) (XD) - $16.95
Black licorice, sandalwood and wild herb aromas from the cork. Dried flower, woodsy nose of medium+ intensity with some herbal and dried red fruit aromas. On the medium-to-full bodied palate it has herbal, cassis, and black cherry flavours with a hint of leather. Acids are mouth-watering, while tannins are integrated very well. Juicy, with some tannic grip on the long finish. Still has good structure to age a couple more years, but drinking great right now! Score: 89 pts

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2009 Terredora Loggia della Serra Greco di Tufo (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine was purchased only a couple of weeks ago from the July 23 Vintages Release. Normally, I'm not a fan of white wines from Italy, but this was one I HAD to try. I'm glad I did - it was worth it! I would go even as far to say that this is the best white wine I've ever had from Italy.

TERREDORA LOGGIA DELLA SERRA GRECO DI TUFO 2009 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#983197) (XD) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Lime, minerals, flowers and wet earth aromas all come through on the palate. Well integrated. Dry and delicious. Creamy long finish (even the bottle was creamy, for some strange reason. LOL.) Very highly recommended if you like dry white wines. Will be enjoying the rest of this wine with whiting fish fried in masala.

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