Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Brut Sparkling 2018 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a beautiful bubbly that was locally crafted in Niagara using the traditional method. It returned to the LCBO in last weekend's June 6th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Jackson-Triggs, one of Canada's most recognizable wine brands. It was established as a wine brand in 1993 by Allan Jackson and Donald Triggs under their company Vincor. By 2001, the estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake was opened, and it became a flagship centre for premium VQA wine production. From the start, the Jackson-Triggs estate in Niagara was designed from the start to produce premium VQA wines, and is noted for its gravity-flow production facility, sustainable architectural design, and visitor experience centred around wine tourism.

Jackson-Triggs was one of the first Canadian wine brands to achieve national distribution, and by the early 2000s it had become one of Canada's largest wine labels. Jackson-Triggs helped introduce many Canadians (including myself) to VQA wines and supported the growth of the Niagara wine industry. In 2006, Vincor and all its brands, including Jackson-Triggs, were acquired by Constellation Brands, who managed it for a decade until the Canadian division was sold to the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

Today, Jackson-Triggs is owned by Arterra Wines Canada. The estate in Niagara-on-the-Lake is planted with mostly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling vines, and also features an outdoor amphitheatre that hosts concerts throughout the warmer months. The modern wine estate of Jackson-Triggs is considered to be one of the landmark winery buildings in Canada as the 45,000 square foot facility combines both production and hospitality under one roof.

The estate winemaker at Jackson-Triggs is Chris Holman, who was raised in Burlington, Ontario. His interest in agriculture was sown when he spent time on his grandparent's farm. Chris is a graduate of Winemaking and Viticulture programs at both Niagara College and Brock University and has held winemaking roles at a number of wineries in British Columbia and Australia. Chris also led the VQA sparkling and white winemaking programs for Arterra Wines Canada at Niagara Falls Cellars. In early 2024, Chris was appointed estate winemaker at Jackson-Triggs.

This lovely sparkling wine was crafted using a blend of 53% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier that was predominantly hand-harvested from their estate vineyard. Each varietal was whole-bunch pressed, clarified, and fermented separately. The base blend was carefully assembled to create an elegant and balanced wine. Secondary fermentation occurred in bottle with carefully selected yeast, and was aged on lees (sur lie) for five years.

In 2018, the growing season began with a cool spring, which delayed the start. In early May, the vines started taking off and made up for lost time, and enjoyed the ideal, hot and dry summer days from June to August. With above-average temperatures, the hot summer was perfect for grape development for all varieties. As harvest season approached, things got challenging as the weather shifted to high heat, humidity, and a bit of rain. Thin-skinned grapes and early-ripening varieties, such as those for this sparkling wine, were harvested at optimal quality thanks to ideal growing conditions throughout the summer. Let's see how this 2018 vintage traditional method sparkling wine from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING 2018 - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#234161) (XD) - $34.95
Blend of 53% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier that was aged on its lees for 5 years. The medium-high intensity nose has a slightly mature feel to it with elegant and complex aromas of poached apple/pear, toasty brioche, pastry, autolytic, lemon citrus, and yeasty minerals. It is mid-weighted and dry with lovely, tangy apple, pear, lemon citrus, toasty, brioche, and yeasty mineral flavours in a complex profile. It has small, very finely beaded bubbles, alongside crisp and fresh acidity. Apple, pear, and lemon notes give away to toasty, leesy minerals on the long, savoury finish. Enjoy on your next special occasion. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other lovely wines by Jackson-Triggs can be found not only at the LCBO, but also at Great Estates, Wine Rack, and Arterra Wines Canada.

Read More

Antech Cuvée Françoise Brut Nature Blanquette de Limoux (Languedoc) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely bubbly crafted in the traditional method with 100% Mauzac from Limoux (Languedoc). This arrived at the LCBO late last year in the December 20th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (and is likely sold out by now), while the Cuvée Françoise Brut Blanquette de Limoux arrived in the recent May 23 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Cuvée Françoise is a range of premium wines crafted by Famille Antech. The brand is named in honour of its creator, Françoise Antech-Gazeau, the sixth generation of a family of winemakers in Limoux. Françoise was born and raised in Limoux, in the South of France, and pursued higher education in Paris. She combined her business degree with a passion for "French-style" know-how and taste for international affairs and found employment at L'Oréal.

However, after a decade at this large company, Françoise desired to return to her roots and in 1995 she returned to Limoux to join her father, Georges, and her uncle, Roger, and put her energy and enthusiasm into a project that was dear to her.

With the Cuvée Françoise range there is a constant quest for excellence based on an approach of Learning, Leading, and Sharing. With great respect for the prior generations, Françoise spent her early years learning from her father and uncle, while also discovering and listening. As a leader in Limoux with many vintages in which Françoise was able to understand the history and terroir, Françoise affirmed her ambitions since the beginning of the century and laid the foundations for sustainable viticulture and ambitious winemaking to finally recognize the potential of Limoux sparkling wines. Françoise shares her know-how with family members who joined the team, including her son, Baptiste, who joined the project in 2020.

The style of Cuvée Françoise wines has evolved over the years, always seeking more freshness and precision, while long ageing on lees allows for magnification of minimalist, but very demanding, cellar work. As Françoise is in love with the terroir of Limoux, she has always been a fervent ambassador of this unique place that produces fantastic sparkling wines.

This sparkling wine is crafted with the indigenous Mauzac varietal gown in the Limoux wine region of Languedoc. Some parcels of Mauzac benefitted from the seaside Mediterranean climate, while others were located in the foothills of the cooler Pyrenees mountains. The vineyards were planted on limestone soil, cultivated according to Certified TERRA VITIS standards, and are in conversion to organic farming. The higher altitude vineyards in the Pyrenees were dry farmed. With a firm commitment to sustainability, this wine is bottled in a lightweight bottle that is 15% lighter than average, and is also made from 90% recycled glass. Furthermore, the bio-sourced label is made of natural cotton.

To craft this sparkling wine, the grapes were hand-harvested, then pressed using direct slow and low pressure. Only the freshest juices were selected for this cuvée. It underwent secondary fermentation in bottle and was aged on its lees for an average of 30 months. In the Brut Nature style, no dosage was added.

Tasting Note:

ANTECH CUVÉE FRANÇOISE BRUT NATURE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional Method, AOP, Languedoc, France (#44204) (XD) - $22.95
100% Mauzac aged on its lees for 30 months. The open, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose offers a fine mix of lemon citrus, leesy mineral, and ripe apple aromas with touches of toasty brioche, white floral, autolytic, and savoury characters. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is dry and gently honeyed with delicious, sliightly tangy flavours of apple, lemon, and citrus tapering to savoury, leesy minerals, and toasty brioche. It has fresh acidity and crisp bubbles, along with a fine mineral texture. The mineral notes carry through to the long, savoury, and textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Very small quanities of other wines by Antech are available at the LCBO, while the full range (and in larger quantities) can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

Kew Tradition Sparkling 2021 (Niagara) - Wine Review

To start off my weekend, tonight's wine review is this beautiful, Pinot-based vintage sparkling wine from Niagara that was crafted in the traditional method. It arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago in the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on April 25th.

It is produced by Kew Vineyards, a boutique winery situated in the heart of Niagara on a 160-year-old estate, in Beamsville, Ontario. The Kew homestead was built by William Kew and used by the family to successfully produce carriages. Descendants of the Kew family lived on the property until the late-1960s until it was purchased by Dieter Gutler and his wife Ingrid and began a new chapter.

In 1975, Mr. Hermann Weis brought his own clones from the Mosel Valley in Germany and planted some of Niagara's first Riesling vines on the estate at Kew Vineyards. While Mr. Weis was relentlessly met with skepticism as the community said he could never do it, he would go on to become a true pioneer of Ontario's wine region as most of Niagara's Rieslings today are based on the Weis Clone.

After the passing of Ingrid in 2021, the historical property Kew Vineyards and its 80+ acres of vineyards were acquired by Arterra Wines Canada in 2023. Today, Kew Vineyards is a hidden gem of Niagara's wine country history. The vineyards are situated on sloping land and well-drained soils, with ideal growing temperatures. The philosophy at Kew is based on small-batch winemaking and that wine is the ultimate expression of passion. At Kew, there is passion for the art of wine making, passion for the land, and passion for the way in which it celebrates daily life.

The winemaker at Kew Vineyards is Phillip Brown, who grew up in the agricultural community of Campbellville, Ontario, within the Niagara Escarpment. Phillip's father's passion for wine and extensive cellar nurtured his curiosity and desire to understand more about the world of wine. Phillip joined Niagara College’s Winery and Viticulture Technician program and gained experience at wineries in Ontario before moving to New Zealand in 2015 to work at a large-scale winery. Upon his return to Arterra, Phillip helped revive the Le Clos Jordanne project in 2017 and has been part of the Arterra winemaking team ever since. In early 2024, Phillip officially became the winemaker at Kew Vineyards.

As one of Niagara's sparkling wine specialists, Kew Vineyards produces seven unique, traditional method sparkling wines. Some of these bubblies are made using one varietal, while others are blends. Named "Tradition", this particular vintage sparkling wine is crafted as a blended wine, which is a true balancing act as winemakers must not only incorporate all the positive traits of each varietal, but also minimize the impact of their negative characteristics from one vintage to the next. This balancing act has been employed by Champagne producers for centuries as they balance the roles of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier.

This sparkling wine is crafted using a fairly traditional blend of 49% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, and 22% Pinot Meunier, while also incorporating a unique twist with 6% Pinot Blanc. All the grapes were grown at the Estate Vineyard in the Beamsville Bench appellation of the Niagara Escarpment. The blend of the three traditional varietals results in a wine with gorgeous structure and depth, along with elegance and complexity that is unparalleled by any single varietal sparkling wine. In the traditional method, it underwent primary fermentation in stainless steel, while secondary fermentation took place in bottle. The wine was aged on its lees for 4 years and was released to the market in February 2026.

In 2021, the growing season began with above-average temperatures during winter, followed by a warmer spring. In May, conditions were dry with optimal temperatures, just in time for bud break. During the summer months, there were very high temperatures with minimal rain, which forced producers to manage drought. Conditions were looking exceptional heading into and throughout August. However, rain during harvest in September was problematic as the increased levels of moisture brought along with it elevated levels of rot, disease, and swelling of the grapes. While this is not a good vintage for late-ripening varieties, it is an incredible vintage for sparkling wines and early-ripening varieties. Let's see how this 2021 traditional method sparkling from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

KEW TRADITION SPARKLING 2021 - Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#491092) (XD) - $32.95
This lovely sparkling wine is a blend of 49% Pinot Noir, 23% Chardonnay, 22% Pinot Meunier, and 6% Pinot Blanc. Elegant, medium-high intensity nose features toasty, brioche, lemon citrus, apple, and pastry aromas nuanced with autolytic characters. The mid-weighted palate is dry with a lovely, finely elegant bead of persistent bubbles, along with delicious flavours of apple, lemon citrus, toasty, brioche, and autolytic notes. Acids are crisp and fresh. Brioche and leesy mineral notes come to the fore on the long, crisp, and gently chalky textured finish. Will be an elegant accompaniment to Mother's Day brunch and is a highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Several lovely wines by Kew Vineyards are available at the LCBO, as well as your local Wine Rack, while the full range can be ordered directly from winery in Niagara and through Arterra Wines Canada.

Read More

Parés Baltà V Brut Cava 2023 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely, vegan, and organic Vintage Brut Cava. It is brand-new to the LCBO, arriving in-store and online in the recent March 7 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and was also featured in the release as part of the thematic on Women in Wine.

It is produced by Parés Baltà, a well-respected and family-owned estate winery situated in the Penedes wine region of Spain, just 50 km south of Barcelona. The family has a long winemaking history that goes back to 1790, when the first vineyards were planted on the Parés Baltà estate, surrounding the manor house where the winery is located.

As the son of a family of winegrowers, Joan Cusiné Hill was born in 1917 in a small village in Penedes and dedicated his entire life to the cultivation of vines and creating the finest quality wines. During the 1980s, Joan Cusiné Cusiné, son of Joan Cusiné Hill, took over the winery and produced their first white wine that has become a classic at the winery. His wife, Maria Angels Carol, has always been by her husband’s side and supported him to get Parés Balta table wines and sparkling wines recognized and admired across the globe.

Today, Parés Baltà is led by the third generation of the Cusiné family. Brothers Joan and Josep head the winery with the unconditional help of their parents and their wives, María Elena and Marta, two women that fell in love with the brothers while learning about the world of wine. After working their first harvest, both women decided to study oenology at the University of Tarragona (Spain) and upon their return became lead winemakers at the winery, a position they have now held for more than 20 years. Their primary challenge was to combine tradition with innovation, ultimately sparking a revolution that converted their vineyards to organic and biodynamic certification in the span of a decade. Together, they have shared values and a vision that is invariably linked to respect for nature and care for their environment, a family legacy that was inherited from the first generation, Joan Cusiné Hill and Rosa Cusiné.

Faithful to their grandfather and father, the Cusiné brothers continue to produce high-quality organic and biodynamic table wines and sparkling wines with the premise of leaving the land that they inherited in peak condition for future generations. They continue to use their old cava cellar, which was constructed stone by stone at the beginning of the twentieth century. This cellar is located 10 metres underground and has a natural and constant temperature of 14–15ºC, conditions which are perfect for ageing cavas.

This sparkling wine is a blend of the three traditional grape varieties from Penedes: Parellada, Macabeu, and Xarel·lo. The Parellada comes from 59-year-old vines at Viñas del Pi and Viña de Cal Pons, on the foothills of the highest mountains of the Penedes - the Ancosa Mountains, between 610–635 metres above sea level, where loam and gypsum are the most highlighted components in the soil that was formed during the Triassic period. The Macabeu comes from 44-year-old vines at Vinyes de Macabeu, from the foothills of the Prelitoral Mountains at 230 metres above sea level, on loam soil with low permeability and good water retention, which makes it difficult to suffer from water stress and loss of aromatics. The Xarel·lo comes from 44-year-old vines grown in the Penedes Central Valley at 254 metres above sea level on loamy soils and continental sediments whose origins are from the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs of the Quaternary period. To this wine, Parellada contributes the floral freshness, which is preserved from its special microclimate, while Macabeu brings fruit and Xarel·lo provides the body to the final wine, and together, they complete this special cava.

As a 2023 vintage traditional method bubbly, this is crafted using a blend of 59% Parellada, 33% Macabeu, and 8% Xarel·lo. The grapes were hand-harvested from vineyards that were organically and biodynamically farmed. It underwent its first fermentation for two weeks in stainless steel tanks at 16°C. The wine underwent its second fermentation in bottle, following the traditional method, with a minimum ageing of 12 months, and without any oak ageing.

The vegetative cycle for this vintage begins in October 2022, when it had lower-than-usual rainfall and was the warmest October in history. The winter months were warm and wet, while drought set in from the end of February to the end of April, as there were 61 consecutive days without rain. May and June were warm and quite rainy, while July featured a heat spike that reached a record 40.2ºC. In August, there was an intense and persistent heat wave, while a short harvest was completed over about 7 weeks from August to September. This was a low-yielding vintage where, unusually, the red varieties ripened earlier than the white varieties. From an excellent vintage for sparkling wines, let's see how this 2023 Brut Cava from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

PARÉS BALTÀ V BRUT CAVA 2023 - Vegan, Traditional Method, DO, Spain (#650648) (XD) - $17.95
This organic sparkling wine is a blend of 59% Parellada, 33% Macabeu, and 8% Xarel·lo with medium+ intensity aromatics offering enticing lemon, floral, apple, and autolytic notes with touches of peach and brioche. The mid-weighted palate is dry with a creamy mouthfeel and delicious pear, apple, lemon, floral, and autolytic flavours in a gently tangy profile. More savoury with leesy minerals on the mid-palate and touches of spice on the back-palate. Acids are bright and lively, while the mousse is well-balanced. Leesy mineral notes linger on the long, savoury finish. A delicious, highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Parés Baltà can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

Antech Cuvée Françoise Brut Nature Blanquette de Limoux (Languedoc) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a lovely, traditional method sparkling wine from Limoux. It is brand-new to the LCBO, arriving as part of the feature on Special Sparklers in the December 20th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection - with plenty of bottles still available for your next celebratory event.

It is produced by Famille Antech (pronounced "An-tesh"), a well-respected, celebrated, and family-owned winery that specializes in the production of traditional method sparkling wines made with the Mauzac varietal grown on the hillsides of the Limoux wine region in Languedoc. The winery has been passed down from one generation to the next and is currently run by Françoise Antech-Gazeau and her son, Baptiste, the sixth and seventh generations of the family, respectively.

Limoux is believed to be the birthplace of traditional method sparkling wine (where secondary fermentation takes place in bottle), with records dating back to 1544 in the abbey of Saint-Hilaire, near Limoux. Antech's history begins in 1860, when the winery was founded by Zélie and Jules, who followed their family's passion for the vine and wine. Women played a central role in the history of the winery each step of the way, and in 1996 Françoise joined the family estate and played an instrumental role in elevating Antech into one of the region's top sparkling wine producers.

Today, Famille Antech continues to cultivate the land in Limoux, where the unique terroir mixes the freshness of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean climate. The vineyards located at 400 metres above sea level enjoy ideal winegrowing with natural drainage, significant diurnal temperatures, and freshness from the snow-covered slopes of the Pyrenees until May.

In 2020, Françoise's son, Baptiste, joined the winery to work alongside his mother and continue the family's long-standing traditions, while also introducing fresh energy to the project. Since 2020, Antech has begun their tradition to organic viticulture and prefers agriculture that respects the environment, including harnessing the ubiquitous winds off the hillsides. They are also making a concerted effort to further develop the Mauzac grape varietal, which is perfectly suited to this microclimate.

At Antech, the philosophy is to combine tradition with innovation in their work every year by combining their centenary knowledge with inspiration from their travels to other wine regions. A minimalist approach is preferred, thereby allowing the terroir to express itself naturally.

This sparkling wine is crafted in the traditional method using 100% Mauzac that was grown on limestone soil and hand-harvested from parcels located in two areas - those that benefit from the seaside Mediterranean climate, and those located in the cooler Pyrenees mountains. The vineyards are in conversion to organic, while the vineyards located at altitude in the foothills of the Pyrenees are dry farmed. To vinify this wine, the grapes were direct pressed using slow and low pressure and fermented in the traditional method with zero dosage. It was aged for an average of 30 months on its lees.

Famille Antech's commitment to sustainability is evident in this wine as they have used a 15% lighter weight bottle that is made using 90% recycled glass, as well as the label that is bio-sourced and made from natural cotton. Let's see how this traditional method Blanquette de Limoux crafted with Mauzac is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ANTECH CUVÉE FRANÇOISE BRUT NATURE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional Method, AOP, Languedoc, France (#44204) (XD) - $22.95
100% Mauzac. The medium+ intensity nose is autolytic, toasty, and yeasty layered over lemon citrus and ripe apple aromas in an elegant and delicate profile. It is light to medium-bodied with fresh and racy acidity on the dry palate, with lively bubbles and toasty, autolytic, yeasty, leesy, lemon citrus, apple, and spice flavours. Silky, juicy mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Yeasty and autolytic notes taper to leesy minerals on the long, clean, crisp, and juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

One other sparkling wine by Famille Antech is available on clearance in very small quantities at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

Bottega Il Vino dei Poeti Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore 2024 (Veneto) - Wine Review

Tonight's sparkling wine review is a delicious, premium Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG that made its debut at the LCBO last month. It was included as part of the feature on Finest Festive Wines in the December 6 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bottega SpA, a family-owned winery and distillery with deep roots in the Veneto wine region of northeastern Italy. Their story begins in 1635 when their forefather, Andrea, cultivated vines in the hills near Molinetto della Croda in Refrontolo, a comune in the Province of Treviso. The family were tenant farmers for the Counts of Collalto until they gained their freedom, after which they started to farm their own lands.

The more recent history of the family begins in the 1920s with Domingo Bottega, a wine trader and passionate oenologist who was able to easily identify the best grapes in the vineyard. In the 1950s and 1960s, Aldo Bottega, son of Domingo, expanded on his father's passion for the vine and established a distillery. In 1977, Bottega SpA was founded by Aldo and his wife, Rosina, in Pianzano di Godega, within the Province of Treviso, the heartland and historical home of Prosecco.

Today, Bottega is run by the children of Aldo and Rosina - siblings Sandro, Barbara, and Stefano. Sandro became the company director in 1983. In 1992, they added a winery to the distillery and began producing Prosecco Spumante. In 2007, the company moved its premises to a big 18th century farmhouse situated in Bibano di Godega di Sant'Urbano, 50 km from Venice, near Conegliano Veneto, among 10 hectares of vineyards. This farmhouse was renovated according to state-of-the-art environmental standards, while also keeping its original architectural features.

The mission and values at Bottega are based on quality and typicality, design and innovation, and sustainability. As a major international exporter, Bottega's products are available in over 150 countries worldwide. Bottega is particularly known for their portfolio of Prosecco sparkling wines, many of which come in distinctive packaging that are immediately recognizable as Bottega.

In the pyramid of Prosecco quality, this sparkling wine is part of the upper, higher-quality pyramid of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco. The story of this DOCG begins in the hilly area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, in northeast Italy, about 50 km from Venice and 100 km from the Dolomites. Locals have grown grapes to produce Prosecco Superiore in this area for over three centuries, with success arriving in 1876 after the founding of Italy's first School of Oenology. The production area of Conegliano Valdobbiadene covers 15 communes and represents the heart of the world of Prosecco. Italy first recognized this historic denomination in 1969, and in 2009 it was elevated it to a Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG), the highest level of quality for Italian wines.

This vintage Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is crafted with 100% Glera that was grown in the hilly area close to the Venetian Prealps. This area has a temperate climate with mild winters and fresh summers, while also offering a wide diurnal temperature range which stimulates the aromatic compounds in the grapes, resulting in finer and more intense aromas. This area also has a diversity of soils, sun exposure, and slopes, which helps craft complex Prosecco wines.

To craft this wine, the grapes were hand-harvested at various times according to their ripeness at the end of September. Only ripe, healthy, and suitable grapes were selected, and then softly pressed to protect grape integrity. The must was stored at low temperatures in steel tanks, followed by first fermentation using selected yeasts. In accordance with the Martinotti (aka Charmat) method, the second fermentation took place in cuve close (sealed tank) at a controlled temperature of
15°C in order to preserve the primary aromas of the grapes. The wine was left in contact with its lees to enhance the body, structure, and aroma of the wine, while also balancing sugar residues. It was then cold-stabilized, filtered, and finally bottled. The wine rests for a few days in bottle to restore its natural balance prior to release.

In 2024, the growing season in Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG was unstable with many challenges. Spring was unusually cold and rainy with near-record rainfall from April to mid-June. These weather conditions significantly delayed vegetative development until early July, which resulted in uneven fruit set, loose clusters, and irregular berries. However, improved conditions leading up to and during harvest allowed growers to bring in a generally healthy crop, albeit with slightly reduced yields. From a promising vintage, let's see how this 2024 Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BOTTEGA IL VINO DEI POETI BRUT VALDOBBIADENE PROSECCO SUPERIORE 2024 - Sustainable, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#46058) (D) - $29.95
100% Glera. Clean, medium+ to medium-high intensity nose of peach, nectarine, yellow citrus, white floral, and acacia aromas with hints of orange peel and leesy mineral. On the mid-weighted palate it has delicious peach, nectarine, white floral, acacia, and yellow citrus flavours with pleasing touches of savoury bitterness and leesy notes, plus a pinch of balancing sugar in a mostly dry flavour profile. It has clean and fresh acidity, along with refined bubbles. It's nicely balanced throughout with citrus and leesy notes on the lengthy, lip-smacking finish. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next 1-2 years. Score: 89 pts

Many other lovely wines by Bottega SpA are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

Read More

December 20, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Special Sparklers

Here are my top wine picks from the last release of the year - the December 20, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here). We are back to a manageable release size with just over 100 products offered in this release. The feature story is titled "Special Sparklers" and focuses on fine sparkling wines to cap off the year. All the wines should be readily available for purchase both online and in-store at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

We'll begin with the feature story that looks at special sparkling wines for your next (special) occasion, whether its New Year's celebrations or something else months from now. Of the dozen bubblies that were included as part of the theme, five are among my top sparkling wine picks. From Champagne, the Blanc de Blancs is crafted with 100% Chardonnay, while the Zero Dosage Champagne is composed of 50% Pinot Meunier, 25% Chardonnay, and 25% Pinot Noir. Also from France, the Limoux is crafted with the indigenous Mauzac grape varietal. On the local front, from Niagara, the 2018 Brut Sparkling is a blend of 53% Pinot Noir, 42% Chardonnay, and 5% Pinot Meunier, while the Rosé Sparkling is made with 68% Chardonnay and 32% Pinot Noir, with dosage of Cabernet Franc.

Other sparkling wines not part of the feature story include the 2021 Brut Sparkling from Prince Edward County that is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay, while the Crémant de Bourgogne is 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir.

Italy leads the way among my top red wine picks from this release, and at the top of the pecking order is the excellent Nerello Mascalese from Sicily. Tuscany has a quartet of lovely red wines, with Sangiovese the centrepiece. The Brunello di Montalcino is crafted with Sangiovese Grosso, while the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is a blend of Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), Canaiolo, and other permitted varieties. The Riserva Chianti Classico is 100% Sangiovese, while the Chianti Classico Annata is composed of 90% Sangioveto (Sangiovese) and 10% Canaiolo. From France, both the Vacqueyras and the Corbières are blends made with Grenache and Syrah. Among the mono-varietal wines, both Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Australia will delight, as well as the Pinotage from South Africa.

All of my top white wine recommendations in this release are mono-varietal wines and dry, including the Rieslings from Australia and Austria. Chardonnay wine lovers should find joy in examples from Niagara, Burgundy, and Australia. Other mono-varietal white wines include the Chenin Blanc from South Africa, an Italian Pinot Grigio from Trentino, a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc, and a Spanish Verdejo from Rueda.

Happy holidays and see you in 2026! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• MONTES LIMITED SELECTION PINOT NOIR 2023 - DO Aconcagua Costa, Chile (#37937) (XD) - $16.95  88+ pts  wine review
• FALERNIA GRAN RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2021 - Sustainable, Valle de Elqui, Chile (#269175) (XD) - $17.95
• VITIS ÚNICA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - DO Valle del Maipo, Chile (#668707) (XD) - $18.95
• ANGOVE FAMILY CREST CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#20886) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• AUBERT & MATHIEU MARIE ANTOINETTE CORBIÈRES 2023 - AOP, Languedoc, France (#25811) (XD) - $19.95

• KANONKOP KADETTE PINOTAGE 2022 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#30191) (XD) - $21.95  90 pts  wine review
• ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP 1ST OFF THE RANK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#33417) (XD) - $21.95  92 pts  wine review
• FAMILLE PERRIN LES CHRISTINS VACQUEYRAS 2022 - AOC, Rhône, France (#973453) (XD) - $25.95
• NOZZOLE RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2021 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#11109) (XD) - $27.95  91+ pts  wine review
• CASTELLARE DI CASTELLINA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#970095) (XD) - $29.95  91 pts  wine review

• BLACK BANK HILL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#48739) (XD) - $34.95
• CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#368910) (XD) - $34.95  91+ pts  wine review
• TORNATORE PIETRARIZZO ETNA ROSSO 2021 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#18926) (XD) - $40.95  92+ pts  wine review
• PECCHENINO SAN GIUSEPPE BAROLO 2019 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#181396) (XD) - $76.95
• LA TORRE BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17626) (XD) - $81.95

White Wine:

• TRASIEGO GREEN QUARTZ SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#47080) (XD) - $16.95
• ALVI'S DRIFT 221 CHENIN BLANC 2024 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#45189) (XD) - $17.95
• MOUNTADAM EDEN VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2024 - Eden Valley, South Australia (#10411) (XD) - $18.95
• PAGO DEL CIELO CELESTE ON THE LEES SUR LIES VERDEJO 2024 - DO Rueda, Spain (#44756) (XD) - $19.95
• CONTESSA GIOVANNI MANCI PINOT GRIGIO 2024 - DOC Trentino, Italy (#46527) (XD) - $19.95
• KILIKANOON MORT'S BLOCK WATERVALE RIESLING 2023 - Clare Valley, South Australia (#428342) (XD) - $19.95  90+ pts  wine review
• CAVE DE LUGNY MÂCON-CHARDONNAY 2023 - Sustainable, AOC, Burgundy, France (#45272) (XD) - $23.95  90 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2023 - VQA West Niagara, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20455) (XD) - $30.00
• DOMÄNE WACHAU RIED LOIBENBERG FEDERSPIEL RIESLING 2023 - Wachau, Austria (#45352) (XD) - $32.95

Sparkling Wine:

• ANTECH CUVÉE FRANÇOISE BRUT NATURE BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX - Traditional Method, AOP, Languedoc, France (#44204) (XD) - $22.95  90+ pts  wine review
• JACKSON-TRIGGS ENTOURAGE GRAND RESERVE BRUT SPARKLING 2018 - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#234161) (XD) - $34.95  91+ pts  wine review
• LOUIS BOUILLOT FLASHBACK 1975 EXTRA BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Anniversary Edition, Traditional Method, AOC, Burgundy, France (#46346) (XD) - $39.95
• TWO SISTERS LUSH ROSÉ SPARKLING 2021 - Traditional Method, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#42955) (D) - $58.00
• LAFONTAINE DU LOUP BRUT SPARKLING 2021 - Ttraditional Method, VQA Ontario, Canada (#48424) (D) - $65.45
• NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CHAMPAGNE 2019 - AOC, France (#13831) (XD) - $66.95
• BRUNO PAILLARD DOSAGE ZÉRO D:Z CHAMPAGNE - AOP, France (#45268) (XD) - $127.95

Dessert Wine:

• LAKEVIEW CELLARS RIESLING ICEWINE 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#471839, 200 mL) (S) - $34.95  92 pts  wine review
• INNISKILLIN NIAGARA ESTATE CABERNET FRANC ICEWINE 2023 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#48391, 375 mL) (S) - $99.95  92+ pts  wine review

Read More

November 22, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Gifts + Niagara Sparklers

Here are my top wine picks from the November 22, 2025 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection (digital edition here), which has Giftable Wines as the feature story of the release, while Sparkling Wines from Niagara is the mini-thematic, as well as the topic in Local Talent. This is a fairly large release with almost 130 products offered, with about two-thirds of the wines coming in at under $35. Overall, it is a very good release with many delicious examples from across the globe, including Australia, which is notably strong in this release. All the wines should be readily available for purchase online and in-stores across Ontario.

Of the twenty-nine wines included as part of the feature story on Giftable Wines, nine are included among my top wine picks. The lone bubbly is the 2017 Blanc de Blancs that is 100% Chardonnay and aged on its lees for 54 months. Giftable white wines are the Chardonnay from New Zealand, and a Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre in Loire. For big spenders, the most giftable red wine is the Amarone, which consists of 50% Corvina, 20% Rondinella, 20% Corvinone, and 10% other permitted varieties. Also from Italy is the Brunello di Montalcino, which is 100% Sangiovese, while the Saint-Estèphe from Bordeaux is composed of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot. From Spain, the Rioja is a 90/10 blend of Tempranillo and Graciano, while the Ribera del Duero is 100% Tempranillo. On the local front, there is a fine Pinot Noir from the Twenty Mile Bench in Niagara.

From the mini-thematic on Niagara Sparkling Wines, two of the four wines featured are among my recommended buys. First up is the 2020 Sparkling, which is a blend of 50% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Meunier, and 20% Pinot Noir, while the second recommended buy is the 2022 Brut Rosé Sparkling, which is crafted with 100% Pinot Noir.

Red wine recommendations from the main release begin in Italy and the Wine of the Month - the Crognolo Super Tuscan, which is a 95/5 blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. Also from Italy, the Etna Rosso is mainly Nerello Mascalese and a small amount of Nerello Cappuccio, while the Chianti Classico is Sangiovese, and the wine from Abruzzo is crafted with Montepulciano. Australia also shows strongly in this release with a quartet of reds - the single varietal wines are a Shiraz, a Grenache, and a Cabernet Sauvignon, while the blend is a GSM composed of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre. There are a couple of blends from France, with the Plan de Dieu composed of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, and 5% Mourvèdre, while the Côtes de Gascogne from Southwest France is 50/50 Tannat and Merlot. Other blends include the Carmenère (which has 5% Petit Verdot) from Chile, and the Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot blend from South Africa. Other wines that may not be obvious which varietals they are crafted from are the Naoussa from Greece, which is 100% Xinomavro, and the Blaufränkisch from Austria.

All of my top white wine picks from the main release are mono-varietal wines. We'll begin on the national front with a lovely dry Riesling from British Columbia, followed by a medium-sweet Riesling from Niagara. From Australia, there is an excellent Sémillon from the Barossa Valley, as well as a lovely Viognier from Eden Valley. Other fine wines include the Malagouzia from Greece, and a Grüner Veltliner from Austria. There's also a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, a Chenin Blanc from South Africa, and a Chardonnay from Argentina.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CAPE PASTORAL ORGANIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON/ MERLOT 2023 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#36978) (XD) - $13.95  88+ pts  wine review
• UMANI RONCHI PODERE MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO 2023 - DOC, Italy (#46567) (XD) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• RÉMY FERBRAS PLAN DE DIEU CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2023 - AOP, France (#538009) (XD) - $17.95  90+ pts  wine review
• MAISON FONTAN TATTOO T&M ROUGE 2022 - IGP Côtes de Gascogne, Southwest, France (#43894) (D) - $18.95  88 pts  wine review
• ESTERHÁZY ESTORAS BLAUFRÄNKISCH 2021 - Qualitätswein, DAC Leithaberg, Austria (#45354) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• PÉREZ CRUZ LIMITED EDITION CARMENÈRE 2023 - Sustainable, DO Valle del Maipo Andes, Chile (#670539) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• BOUTARI NAOUSSA RED 2022 - PDO Naoussa, Macedonia, Greece (#23218) (XD) - $19.95  90+ pts  wine review

• FAMILIA TORRES PAGO DEL CIELO CELESTE CRIANZA 2020 - Toronto Skyline Limited Edition, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain (#44753) (XD) - $21.95  89 pts  wine review
• YALUMBA SAMUEL'S COLLECTION BUSH VINE GRENACHE 2023 - Barossa, South Australia (#531228) (XD) - $21.95
• ANGOVE FAMILY CREST GRENACHE SHIRAZ MOURVÈDRE 2022 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#534750) (XD) - $22.95  89 pts  wine review
• HEIRLOOM COONAWARRA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2022 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#493577) (XD) - $22.95  90+ pts  wine review
• TORNATORE ETNA ROSSO 2022 - DOC, Sicily, Italy (#487090) (XD) - $24.95
• IL MOLINO DI GRACE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2023 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#85209) (XD) - $24.95
• UNDURRAGA TERROIR HUNTER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2023 - Alto Maipo, Valle del Maipo, Chile (#630350) (XD) - $27.95
• TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SHIRAZ 2023 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#927533) (XD) - $29.95  91+ pts  wine review

• ESCARPMENT NOIR PINOT NOIR 2023 - Martinborough, North Island, New Zealand (#41810) (XD) - $29.95  92+ pts  wine review
• TENUTA SETTE PONTI CROGNOLO 2022 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#727636) (XD) - $34.95  91+ pts  wine review
• COTO DE IMAZ GRAN RESERVA 2018 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#976811) (XD) - $34.95
• REDSTONE ESTATE SYRAH 2020 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#437376) (XD) - $40.95  91 pts  wine review
• TAWSE CHERRY AVENUE PINOT NOIR 2022 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#398347) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• POGGIO LANDI BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#573980) (XD) - $49.95  93 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU BEAU-SITE 2018 - AOC Saint-Estèphe, Bordeaux, France (#647933) (XD) - $52.95  93 pts  wine review
• LE RAGOSE RISERVA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#32699) (XD) - $101.95

White Wine:

• FOGOLAR HUGHES VINEYARD RIESLING 2022 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#30664) (M) - $19.95
• ZUCCARDI MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS CHARDONNAY 2023 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#46400) (XD) - $19.95
• BELLINGHAM THE OLD ORCHARDS CHENIN BLANC 2024 - WO Coastal Region, South Africa (#484055) (XD) - $19.95
• ALPHA ESTATE TURTLES SINGLE VINEYARD MALAGOUZIA 2024 - Vegan, PGI Florina, Greece (#32161) (XD) - $19.95  91+ pts  wine review
• YALUMBA VIOGNIER 2022 - Vegan, Sustainable, Eden Valley, South Australia (#954644) (XD) - $21.95
• CLOS HENRI ESTATE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#927186) (XD) - $24.95
• ESTERHÁZY ESTORAS GRÜNER VELTLINER 2024 - DAC Leithaberg, Austria (#40882) (XD) - $24.95  91 pts  wine review
• TORBRECK WOODCUTTER'S SEMILLON 2024 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#927541) (XD) - $29.95  92 pts  wine review
• CULMINA DECORA RIESLING 2021 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#46638) (XD) - $36.95
• HUBERT BROCHARD SANCERRE 2023 - AOC, Loire, France (#42444) (XD) - $39.95
• CLOUDY BAY CHARDONNAY 2023 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#359513) (XD) - $50.95

Sparkling Wine:

• KEW TRADITION SPARKLING 2020 - Traditional Method, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#491092) (XD) - $32.95
• WESTCOTT BRILLIANT ROSÉ SPARKLING 2022 - Traditional Method, VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#38733) (XD) - $40.00
• HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANCS 2017 - Sustainable, Traditional Method, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (XD) - $49.95  93+ pts  wine review

Fortified Wine:

• TORO ALBALÁ POLEY PEDRO XIMÉNEZ DULCE MONTILLA-MORILES 2019 - DO, Spain (#46830, 500 mL) (S) - $29.95

Dessert Wine:

• INNISKILLIN NIAGARA ESTATE RIESLING ICEWINE 2023 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#558288, 375 mL) (S) - $89.95

Read More