Marqués de Griñon Clásico 2018 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Rioja from Spain that arrived as a brand new wine to the LCBO over the summer as part of the June 24 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Marqués de Griñon, a title and prestigious wine estate located in Toledo, in central Spain. The title and winery are linked to the family of Carlos Falcó, a Spanish aristocrat and winemaker who played a significant role in elevating the status of Spanish wines.

Carlos Falcó (1937-2020), the 5th Marqués de Griñón, was a visionary winemaker and a key figure in Spain's wine industry, dedicating himself to improving the quality of Spanish wines, particularly those from the Denominación de Origen (DO) regions of La Mancha and Dominio de Valdepusa. As a pioneer, he introduced new grape varieties and modern winemaking techniques to the Spanish wine industry.

In 1974, Carlos planted the first Cabernet Sauvignon vines in Castilla La Mancha, while also becoming the first in the world to use drip irrigation in the vineyard that same year. In 1982, he began using the consulting services of Émile Peynaud, professor of oenology at the University of Bordeaux, while in 1989 construction was completed on the brand new Dominio de Valdepusa winery that featured Spain's first climate-controlled ageing cellar. In 1991, he began using the consulting services of renowned oenologist Michel Rolland, while also being the first in Spain to plant Syrah, and a year later he was the first to plant Petit Verdot. In 1993, Carlos introduced trellis systems featuring the advanced Lira and Smart-Dyson designs. After planting the first Petit Verdot in Spain in 1992, two years later he launched the world's first single-varietal Petit Verdot wine.

The innovations continued in 1999 with the introduction of computerised electronic controls to monitor soil moisture, along with dendrometers to measure the water stress of the vines. At the turn of the century, they began experimenting with the Graciano varietal and also planted the small El Rincón estate vineyard in Aldea del Fresno, Madrid. Carlos was also instrumental in helping create DO Dominio de Valdepusa, a status that was granted by the Government of Castilla-La Mancha in 2002, and ratified by the European Commission in 2003, followed in 2006 by measurements and observations of the root systems within the DO with the assistance of international soil guru - Claude Bourguignon. The excellent results of the experimental planting of Graciano in DO Dominio de Valdepusa led to expanded plantings of the varietal.

This particular red wine is from their Signature Wines range and crafted with 100% Tempranillo that was grown in clay and limestone soils, from vines that average 20 years old. As a Crianza, it was aged for 2 years, with at least 1 year spent in American oak barrels. Let's see how this Tempranillo from Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MARQUÉS DE GRIÑON CLÁSICO 2018 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#30207) (XD) - $19.95
100% Tempranillo. The medium-high intensity nose is oak spice and dark fruit driven with coconut, dark cherry and blackberry aromas with a hint of floral. On the medium-full bodied palate it offers delicious coconut, oak spice, dark berry, black cherry flavours that leads to a mid-palate with graphite mineral notes. It's supported by tangy, juicy acidity and smooth, supple, nicely textured, and lightly grippy tannins with good structure. Very good length on the crisp, savoury, earthy, mineral-tinged finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines by Marqués de Griñon can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

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Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Rosé 2022 and Tinto 2020 (Portugal) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of very popular, wallet-friendly, and delicious wines from the Dão wine region of Portugal. You can grab both of these wines this weekend as the Tinto (red wine) will be on shelves this weekend as it will arrive in the August 19 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, while the rosé arrived at the LCBO last month in the July 22nd LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Cabriz is a well-known, entry-level brand of wines from Dão, the oldest winemaking region of Portugal. The brand is part of Dão Sul, which itself is the Dão branch of the Global Wines conglomerate, one of Portugal's leading wine producers. As a visionary company, they have done an excellent job of restoring the estate's 17th century manor and outlying buildings, as well as making a concerted effort to elevate wine tourism and fine dining within the region to the highest of international standards.

These two wines are among Cabriz's most popular, and when you look at the entire portfolio, it is like travelling to the heart of Portugal, through the plains, the mountains, the rivers, the food, and the people. The goal of the brand is to give more to those who choose Cabriz. They want to have a wine for everyone and for every moment, and made with the best that nature can provide, at the best possible price.

To craft Cabriz wines, the company draws fruit from 200 hectares of vines across the Dão. The winegrowing and production techniques used are ultra-modern and internationally-influenced. However, the wines do reflect Dão's terroir and style. After enjoying both the Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Rosé 2020 and Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Tinto 2019 last summer, let's see how the latest vintage of these two wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CABRIZ ROSÉ 2022 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#30445) (D) - $14.95
This unoaked blend of Touriga Nacional and Alfrocheiro has a medium+ intensity nose that offers enticing aromas of grapefruit, raspberry, honeysuckle, and citrus with a whiff of minerality. It has good weight on the medium+ to medium-full bodied palate with ripe citrus, grapefruit, raspberry, honeysuckle, apple, and red berry flavours. There is a vague impression of sweetness, but it's tempered by the fresh, crisp, and lively acidity. Nicely textured on the mid-palate, while oyster shell mineral and white cherry notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Delicious! Chill and enjoy this recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA TINTO 2020 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#247973) (D) - $14.95
Aged for 6 months in French oak barrels, this blend of 40% Alfrocheiro, 40% Aragonez (Tempranillo), and 20% Touriga Nacional has an intriguing, medium+ intensity nose of herbal and wood spices that surrounds a core of ripe, plummy, dark cherry-berry fruit. It's medium bodied with fine, bright acidity and dark cherry-berry, blackberry, wood spice, and dark plum flavours. Supple, well-structured tannins offer a nice mouthfeel, while cedary wood spice notes with hints of smoky mineral linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Cabriz can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Zonte's Footstep Splitting Hares Tempranillo / Grenache 2021 (Australia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious and unique blend of Tempranillo and Grenache from... Australia! This vegan-friendly red wine is a new arrival at the LCBO that landed on shelves across Ontario as part of the recent July 22nd LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Zonte's Footstep, a proudly independent wine producer that was established in Australia in 2003. They produce their wines using grapes from their own vineyards, as well as from their mates' vineyards, from regions that produce the desired expressive and varietal characteristics of the grapes, which are grounded by the soil that they are planted in. While they don't take themselves seriously, they are serious about their vineyards and wine. Their goal is simple - produce wines from regions such as McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Adelaide Hills, and the Barossa, that reflect a sense of place, style and purpose. Their aim is to bottle wines with personality and expression, hence each wine at Zonte's Footstep has its own name and face.

When Zonte's Footstep made their first wine in 2003, they needed a name for the company and looked back into the history of the region for some inspiration. In 1893, there was a vineyard planted with Zante currant to produce table grapes for the growing population of Adelaide. In the 1920s, the vineyard was replanted with Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, grapes which were eventually used to make their first wine. As a tribute to the journey of the grapes in the vineyard - and because one isn't legally allowed to mention a grape variety unless it's contained in the wine - it was decided to change the "A" to an "O" to form ZONTE'S. The other half of the company name came about when a group of friends gathered together in 1999 and purchased a vineyard to plant Viognier, Sangiovese, and other exciting varieties to experiment with. During the replanting of the vineyard, they discovered large boulders with footprints of the largest known marsupial to have ever lived: the Diprotodon. This unique, fossilized FOOTSTEP cemented the company's name and journey that they started just before the turn of the century and are continuing on as Zonte's Footstep today.

This red wine is a blend of Tempranillo and Grenache that was grown in the Fleurieu wine zone, south of Adelaide in South Australia. These two very different varieties were brought together by making small winemaking decisions that deliver a big impact and achieving perfect balance in the wine. To craft this wine, it came down to splitting hairs - hence the name of this wine - as they tweaked the proportions of the blend in tiny one percent increments until perfect balance was achieved. The final blend consists of 65% Tempranillo and 35% Grenache and is the exact point at which the juicy, fragrant Grenache tames the savoury chewiness of the Tempranillo.

The grapes underwent alcoholic fermentation in 5 tonne open fermenters, then completed a natural malolactic fermentation in tank. The wine was then pressed off its skins and transferred into well-seasoned hogshead barrels and aged for up to 12 months, and then bottled with minimal filtration. Let's see how this unique 2021 Tempranillo / Grenache blend from Australia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP SPLITTING HARES TEMPRANILLO / GRENACHE 2021 - Vegan, Fleurieu, South Australia (#30847) (XD) - $21.95
Screw cap. This blend of 65% Tempranillo and 35% Grenache has intriguing, fragrant, and medium-high intensity aromatics offering black-purple-blue fruited aromas, plus floral and spice layered over wet earth notes. On the dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it has a delicious savoury, dark fruited, and spicy core of flavours accented with blackberry, nut, cocoa, and clove spice notes. It has fresh, juicy acidity, while the firm, grainy tannins are slightly grippy. It's nicely balanced with savoury, spicy, and tangy dark fruit flavours lingering on the juicy finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Many other delicious wines by Zonte's Footstep are widely available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Cru Wine Merchants.

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Altanza Reserva 2016 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Staying in Spain, tonight's red wine review is a delicious vegan-friendly Tempranillo from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the July 22 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Bodegas Altanza, one of the leading wineries in the renowned Rioja appellation. Bodegas Altanza was founded in the heart of Rioja, Spain, in 1998 by a group of winegrowers who were committed to producing 100% Tempranillo wines of exceptional quality. The estate, which spans 300 hectares, of which 220 hectares are planted with vines, is situated in the higher elevation town of Fuenmayor, in Rioja Alta. They own and manage their own vineyards, which surround the town of Fuenmayor, in an area that benefits from the region's favourable climate and diverse soils that are ideal for cultivating high-quality Tempranillo grapes.

The name "Atlanza" is a synonym for "quality", and their goal is to offer modern wines with an authentic touch that respects the winemaking traditions of Rioja. Tradition is reflected in the beautiful main building of the winery and its French gardens. Modernity is reflected in their state-of-the-art winery, which has many stainless steel tanks of varying sizes, which allows them to better customize the fermentation process depending on the varietal and style of wine they wish to craft. Each tank is also fitted with a temperature-control jacket and managed by a central control panel. Since their founding, Altanza's goal has been to offer the best quality wines at a competitive price.

The 2016 vintage in Rioja was rated as one of the best in the past two decades. Spring was rainy, while the highest temperatures of the season arrived in June. Temperatures were unusually cool in July, which helped slow down the growing cycle for Tempranillo. August was hot and dry, while September brought some rain that helped prolong the growing season. The wines of 2016 have an ideal balance of acidity, body weight, aromatics, and persistence, as well as lower alcohol levels than in hotter years, producing wines that are fresher and more profound. Let's see how this 2016 Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALTANZA RESERVA 2016 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#208223) (XD) - $23.95
100% Tempranillo that was aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, followed by a further 3 months in 22 hL Allier French oak foudres. The medium+ to medium-high intensity nose is savoury with fine oak spices, wet earth, forest floor, and coconut aromas with hints of olive surrounding a core of dark berry and dark cherry fruit. It's medium-full bodied on the dry and spicy palate with delicious dark berry, dark cherry, and blackberry flavours, plus savoury, oak spice, coconut, and earthy flavours. It has fresh, juicy, and succulent acidity, while the lightly grainy tannins are smooth and supple. Very good length on the savoury, oak spiced, and earthy finish. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Bodegas Altanza can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Montebuena Cuvée KPF 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2019 Montebuena Cuvée KPF nearly a couple of years ago, tonight's red wine review is the latest vintage of this delicious Tempranillo from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the July 22nd LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced for Kysela Pere et Fils, Ltd. by a co-op that was established in the 1960s and is now the largest co-operative in the Basque Country in northern Spain. Kysela was founded in 1994 by Master Sommelier Fran Kysela, who inherited his interest in wine from his father, one of the top collectors of fine wine in Spain, and still maintains a 4,000 bottle cellar in Cleveland, Ohio. While attending graduate school at Cleveland State University and majoring in Zoology, Fran took a position selling Fetzer & Gallo wines for a local distributor, knowing he could use the extra money and work in the wine business only part-time. Little did he know that the wine business would soon become all-consuming and, consequently, he left graduate school altogether.

Being in the wine business for 43 years, Fran has worked as a wholesale representative, wine steward, national sales director and, since founding his business in 1994, a wine importer. In 1989, Fran received his Master Sommelier award from the British Court of Master Sommeliers, while in 1992 he passed the tasting half of the Master of Wine exam and hopes to complete the remainder of the MW exam in the future.

This red wine is named Montebuena, which means "good mountain", and comes from one of the best winegrowing areas in Labastida. It is situated in an area located in the eastern part of the village which covers more than 160 hectares in northern Spain. The viticultural records of Labastida go back several centuries, with the best evidence of its winemaking history being the "lagares rupestres", or rock presses. The lagares rupestres are human-origin formations that were carved into large rocks in the vineyards, consisting of three holes where the grapes were pressed to obtain the juice prior to fermentation, and were in use between the 9th & 18th centuries.

Montebuena sets itself apart with its unique position where the river Ebro is closest to the Sierra Cantabria mountains, creating a blend of Mediterranean and Continental climates that prevents an excess of rain and extreme cold. Moreover, the shallow and calcareous soils limit yields and the size of grapes, while increasing the volume of the skin, resulting in deeper colour and greater concentration of flavours. To craft this wine, which is 100% Tempranillo from 20-25 year-old vines in Rioja Alavesa within Rioja DOC, they use precise viticultural techniques and advanced technologies to track the vegetative cycle by using a system of weather stations to monitor the vineyards' health and prevent destructive diseases. The grapes were hand-harvested and aged for 3-4 months in new French oak. From a very good vintage, let's see how this 2020 Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MONTEBUENA CUVÉE KPF 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#211029) (XD) - $17.95
Enclosed by screw cap, this 100% Tempranillo has a medium to medium-high intensity that nose delivers appealing ripe red and black cherry, sweet spices, sandalwood, and dried herbs aromas layered over stony-earthy minerals and flecks of dried cherry and florals. It's dry, spicy, and ripe on the medium+ palate with delicious red cherry, black cherry, red plum, vanilla, and cocoa flavours. It has fresh, juicy acidity, while the supple tannins have a pleasing, slightly chalky textured grip. Cocoa notes linger through to the long, savoury, and earthy finish. Give it a light chill and enjoy this recommended buy! Score: 88+ pts

Other delicious wines by Kysela and Montebuena can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits or Connexion Oenophilia.

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Barón de Ley Gran Reserva 2015 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, vegan-friendly blend of Tempranillo and Graciano from the Classic European Wine Region of Rioja that arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the April 29th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection and is still widely available across the province.

It is produced by Barón de Ley, a family-owned winery located in Rioja, Spain's most celebrated wine region with a privileged terroir to farm and craft premium quality wines. A relatively young winery, Barón de Ley was founded in 1985 as a ground-breaking project in DOCa Rioja as a vineyard-focused winery that was inspired by French châteaux and specializing in premium Rioja wines. They are housed in a monastery that was built in 1548 on the banks of the Ebro river where vineyards and winemaking were introduced by monks in 1568. The Estate changed hands numerous times over the years and was eventually purchased by a family that remained there for three generations as they farmed crops and raised livestock until it was acquired and re-born as Barón de Ley. The name "de ley" comes from the Spanish expression for "legit", and at at Barón de Ley they take care of every little detail to offer in every bottle an excellent, trustworthy wine - a genuinely good Rioja.

Barón de Ley launched their first wines in 1990, including this Gran Reserva which is one of the signature wines of the Estate. After growing the business throughout the 90s, In 2000, Barón de Ley renewed their winemaking philosophy with Gonzalo Rodríguez recruited as the new Chief Winemaker, encouraging the planting of new indigenous grape varieties. Success and growth continued over the ensuing decade, and by 2008 they owned over 600 hectares of vineyards across different sub-regions with a variety of micro-climates and soils. In 2018, they renovated their vinification facilities with state-of-the-art winemaking techniques and constructed a new oak ageing cellar to expand their ageing capacity. As a specialist in Reserva and Gran Reserva wines, Barón de Ley honours Rioja's acclaimed tradition of long ageing in French and American oak barrels.

This red wine is a blend of mainly Tempranillo plus some Graciano. The grapes were grown in the best terroirs in their old vineyards in Cenicero, in Rioja Alta, in an area with Mediterranean climate with a clear Atlantic influence, and low yields. These conditions are ideal for creating elegant wines with ageing capacity. After manually harvesting and selecting the bunches, the individual berries were mechanically selected using their state-of-the-art sorting table. This process ensures that only the best grapes are used, which in turn helps deliver the maximum quality of the wine. After fermentation, the wine was aged for a minimum of 24 months in American and French oak casks, followed by a further 36 months in bottle.

Only marketed in the best vintages, the 2015 vintage was a very good one in Rioja that began with a balmy and dry spring. Temperatures rose quickly thereafter, but Rioja did receive some rejuvenating showers in June. Heat records were broken in July and the intense heatwave continued for much of the summer. Fortunately, temperatures cooled for the most part in August and September, leading to an early harvest with balanced ripening and exceptionally healthy grapes. The higher (and cooler) vineyards produced wines of great aromatic complexity and concentration, and stand out for their finesse and elegance. Let's see how this 2015 Gran Reserva from Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2015 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#642496) (XD) - $34.95
Blend of Tempranillo and Graciano. Lovely, slowly emerging and complex aromas of Indian spices, red and black cherry, underbrush, forest floor, olive, pot pourri, and sandalwood rise out of the glass. It's medium-full to full-bodied with very good depth and delicious flavours of red and black cherry, spices, cedar wood, underbrush, and forest floor in a dry, lightly tangy profile. It has very good, juicy acidity, while the well-structured, dusty textured tannins are lightly chalky and grippy on the back palate. Cedary, sandalwood, and earthy notes linger on the long savoury finish, with excellent length. Enjoy this highly recommended buy to the end of the decade. Score: 92+ pts

Limited quantities of the Reserva is available at the LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Alejandro Fernández Dehesa La Granja 2016 (Spain) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Tempranillo from Spain that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the May 27 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Familia Fernández Rivera, a family winery that was established in 1972 when Alejandro Fernández and Esperanza Rivera bought a small, 16th century stone winery, which they called Tinto Pesquera, and began to produce wines from these lands in Ribera del Duero in Spain. With Alejandro Fernández as the head of the company, the wines of Familia Fernández Rivera were gaining recognition and the potential of Ribera del Duero's wines starting to be realized, in 1982 the Designation of Origin Ribera del Duero was created.

During the 1990s, the family business underwent a period of expansion by adding the highly acclaimed Condado de Haza in 1995, adding the three centuries old Dehesa de la Granja in 1998, and building the El Vínculo winery in Campo de Criptana in 1999. From this small, family winery in Ribera del Duero, with hard work and family unity, the group now boasts four bodegas, a hotel, and more than 120 people. In 1985, Robert Parker stated that Familia Fernandez Rivera produces one of the best wines in the world. More recently, the granddaughters of Esperanza and Alejandro took over the reins of the winemaking group in 2019 and represent the third-generation of Familia Fernández Rivera. Together, they continue to adapt to the times and expand the family business.

This particular wine is from their Dehesa La Granja estate which is located in western Spain in the province of Zamora. Twenty-five years ago, Familia Fernández Rivera launched this wine project with a winery built on a sprawling ranch with 250 hectares of vines planted to high-quality Tempranillo. In the Tierra del Vino de Zamora appellation, Familia Fernández Rivera planted these Tempranillo vines which were taken from grafts from the Condado de Haza estate. Today, Dehesa La Granja is considered one of the most beautiful estates in the province and is noted for its 3000 m² underground cave cellar that was built in 1750.

The grapes for this red wine come from vineyards at the Dehesa La Granja in the southwest of the province of Zamora, an area that now covers 800 hectares and is dedicated to both livestock and crops, with 100 hectares planted to vines. The vines average 25 years old and are situated between 700 to 750 metres above sea level on soils which are made up of sediments of sandstone, clay and limestone
puddingstone over which limestone soils have formed with a mix of silt and coarse and fine-grained sandstone. After harvesting and fermentation, the wine was aged for 24 months in American oak barrels.

The 2016 vintage is regarded as an excellent vintage. The growing season began with especially warm and wet weather in January and February, followed by a cold spring and continuous rain until May. This resulted in bud-break around the usual dates, while the shoots grew quickly due to abundant rainfall. Summer temperatures were usual for the season, but the weather was very dry from June to August, limiting the growth of the berries. However, due to the rainfall in spring, the vines produced numerous bunches. In September, a late heatwave occurred, along with rain and cooler temperatures to help slow the ripening process and even out ripening during this period. With perfect timing of autumn rainfall and very good diurnal temperatures between hot days and cool nights during ripening, the 2016 harvest produced grapes of great health and excellent quality. Let's see how this 2016 Tempranillo from Spain is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA 2016 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#192476) (XD) - $23.95
Crafted with 100% Tempranillo and aged for 24 months in American oak barrels, this has a fragrant, medium-high intensity nose offering ripe and stewed blackberry, black cherry, fine wood spices, coconut, vanilla spice, and licorice aromas with a hint of black plum. Maturing nicely, it has lovely, lightly dried black cherry, blackberry, baking spices, earthy wood, coconut, and vanilla spice flavours on the well-structured, medium-full bodied frame that is supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity. Chewy on the mid-palate with chalky, drying, dusty textured tannins, while savoury wood, earthy, and coconut notes linger on the long, flavourful finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

Other lovely wines from the Familia Fernández Rivera portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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El Coto de Imaz Gran Reserva 2015 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is this excellent Gran Reserva from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO last weekend as part of the March 18th LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is crafted by El Coto, a wine producer that carried out its first harvest in 1970 in the Denomination of Origin Rioja and inaugurated its first facility in Oyón, within the province of Álava, in 1976. After the management team led by Eduardo Santos-Ruiz came together in 1979, the commercial network was built throughout the 80s, laying the foundation for the creation of a great brand.

In 1990, El Coto consolidated its position as a benchmark in Rioja wines and, consequently, greatly increased its international presence and demand. In order to meet this increase in demand, they expanded the winery several times throughout the 90s. In 2000, at the beginning of the new millenium, El Coto de Rioja established itself as the leading Crianza and Reserva brand in the Spanish market, and in 2004 their property Los Almendros became the largest vineyard in all of the Denomination of Origin Rioja.

Depicted on the labels of each El Coto wine brand is a portion of the original handcrafted engraving, or in the case of their top Coto Real wine - a complete reproduction, that incorporates details directly linked to the company's history. This engraving is a natural vignette with iconic elements for El Coto de Rioja and includes the deer that receives visitors at the entrance to the winery and the Monastery of Imaz, as well as emblematic and historical elements that now also form part of their presentations.

El Coto is an artisan of wine. They owns eight vineyards, all of which surround their property. Because they own all of their vineyards, they are able to control their production year-after-year in search of the quality that they want for their wines. This attention to detail continues in the winery as they have twelve small, independent wineries situated near each other, each with a specific purpose, yet connected to each other by the knowledge, the work, and the hand of man. Each process in the development of the wine is carried out with the utmost care.

This Gran Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano that was vinified in stainless steel tanks for 21-30 days, with just enough maceration to achieve the balance between fruit and extract. It was aged for a minimum of 24 months in American and French oak barrels, followed by a further 36 months of refinement in bottle. From a very good, hot and dry vintage, let's see how this 2015 Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

EL COTO DE IMAZ GRAN RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#976811) (XD) - $34.95
This blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano is open, fragrant, and intensely aromatic with such an attractive nose of fresh and dried red cherry and floral, plus sweet baking spices, cinnamon, vanilla, and savoury cedary and earth undertones adding further complexity. It's medium-full bodied on the dry palate with lovely fresh & dried red cherry and floral, coconut, sandalwood, and oak spice flavours with some tangy notes. It has fresh acidity and well-structured, gently grippy tannins. Savoury, earthy, and cedary with touches of graphite lingering on the long, very satisfying finish. Enjoy over the next 5-7 years. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92+ pts

Other excellent wines by El Coto de Rioja can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2015 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is an excellent, vegan-friendly Gran Reserva from Rioja that arrived at the LCBO over the long weekend as part of the February 18 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Bodegas Altanza, a relatively young winery that was established in 1998 by a group of friends with a shared dream to make high quality, 100% Tempranillo wines. Their name is a synonym for 'quality' and their goal is to offer modern wines with an authentic touch, while also producing the best possible quality wine at a sensible price. The estate of Bodegas Altanza is situated in the higher elevation town of Fuenmayor, in Rioja Alta, and spans 300 hectares, of which 220 hectares are planted to vines. At Altanza's state-of-the-art, modern winery, they have many stainless steel tanks of varying sizes which allows them to better customize the fermentation process depending on the varietal and style of wine they wish to craft. Each tank is also fitted with a temperature-control jacket and managed by a central control panel.

Like the 2011 Lealtanza Gran Reserva that I enjoyed a couple of years ago, this vintage is also crafted with 100% Tempranillo. In fact, they craft all of their red wines with 100% Tempranillo! It was fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks with natural yeasts. The wine was aged for 24 months in 50% French and 50% American oak barrels, as well as a further three months in large 22,000 L French oak vats.

The Rioja Control Board declared the 2015 vintage as "Very Good" back in 2016. However, more recent reports suggest that the vintage was excellent. Although the 2015 growing season in Spain was difficult at times, it all turned out good in the end. Spring was balmy and dry, but temperatures quickly rose and drought became an issue. However, Rioja was lucky enough to receive some rejuvenating showers in June. In July, heat records were being broken and the intense heatwave continued for much of the summer. Temperatures cooled for the most part in August and September. The end result was wines with a bit more higher-than-normal alcoholic levels, with Rioja producing richly concentrated wines with the potential to age. The higher, cooler vineyards of Rioja are showing especially high quality. Let's see how this 2015 Rioja is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2015 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#453548) (XD) - $30.95
100% Tempranillo. The fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers attractive aromas of sandalwood, elegant spices, leather, red & black cherry and coconut. On the rich, medium-full bodied palate, it shows very good concentration with delicious sandalwood, earthy wood spices, leather, coconut, red & black cherry, raspberry, and licorice flavours. It has fresh, well-balanced acidity and supple, still-grippy tannins that will continue to soften and integrate with time in the cellar. The sandalwood, oak spice, and earthen notes linger through to the long, savoury finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92 pts

Other lovely wines by Bodegas Altanza can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Portugal: A Region to Dream About

Tonight's red wine reviews are a trio of wines from some of Portugal's best red wine growing appellations - Douro (& Porto), Dão, and Alentejo.

Given the time of year when the days are cold and the leaves have long fallen, many wine lovers gravitate to sipping a warming glass of red wine and daydream about warmer climes. If you combine the two on a vinous reverie - you will reach sunny Portugal!

With a mainly hot, dry Mediterranean climate, Portugal offers a wealth of elegant, structured wines. For lighter reds, you can head further north on the Atlantic coast. Portugal boasts an impressive diversity of vineyard terroirs, from rugged mountains to verdant river valleys. There are more than 250 native grape varieties grown in Portugal, and they are often crafted into highly distinctive wines in a variety of styles. Portuguese wines are the ideal choice for adventurous wine lovers looking for wines off-the-beaten track. To get started, let's look at some of Portugal's best red wine appellations.

Situated in northern Portugal, the Douro region is made up of mainly granite and schist slopes, and the steep, terraced vineyards follow the sinuous path of the Douro River from the Spanish border, gradually flattening as they near Porto. I visited Porto many years ago and the slopes along the Douro River are quite the sight and a must visit for every wine enthusiast. The rugged beauty and long-standing quality reputation of Douro wines have garnered the region UNESCO World Heritage status.

In the hot, dry climate of the Douro, which is protected from wet coastal weather by the Serra do Marão mountains, red grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinto Cão thrive. These are the favoured varieties to craft the Douro's famous fortified dessert Port wines, as well as the region's ageworthy, structured, and dark fruited dry red wines.

Travelling southwest from Douro, we arrive in the mountainous region of Dão. The Dão appellation is sheltered from the extremes of both continental and maritime weather patterns, giving it a temperate climate. Like the Douro, the Dão winegrowing region takes its name from the river of the same name that traverses its vineyards. The reigning red grape in Dão is Touriga Nacional and it is often blended with Tinta Roriz, while the granite soils in Dão offer a a slightly fresher, more mineral-laced quality to these red blends compared to Douro wines. Excellent red wines are also being made from the region's Alfrocheiro and Jaen varieties.

The third wine region covered in this post is Alentejo. Located in the southwestern part of Portugal, the hot, dry region of Alentejo represents one-third of Portugal's total surface area. Due to it's size, the appellation is divided into eight distinct sub-regions because of the multitude of different soil types and varied topography, from steep mountainous terrain in the north to vast, gently undulating vineyards further south. Alentejo is known as the heartland of Portugal's red wine production and the major grapes grown here include Alfrocheiro, Alicante Bouschet, Aragonez, Castelão, and Trincadeira. Although difficult to generalize given the region's wide diversity, red wines are commonly rich, velvety, and ripe-fruited.

Portugal has a proud tradition for fine winemaking dating back thousands of years. Each Portuguese wine is unique and tells us a story that, if you let it, can transport you into the heart of its vineyards.

The Alentejo red in this post is part of the VINTAGES Essentials Collection and is available year-round, while the Dão and Douro red wines arrived at the LCBO as part of a VINTAGES Release earlier this year and are still available for purchase. To explore more Portuguese wines from these producers, you can look on lcbo.com or contact each producer's Agent, while other wines from Portugal can be found at the LCBO, including their Portugal Destination Collection store located at 2151 St Clair Ave. West in Toronto.

Tasting Notes:

JOSÉ MARIA DA FONSECA DOMINI 2019 - DOP Douro, Portugal (#452730) (XD) - $17.95 $15.25
Blend of Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Touriga Francesa grown on schist soils and aged for 3 months in new French and American oak. Ripe and fruity medium+ intensity nose is dark fruited with blackberry, black plum, peppery spice, and mineral undertones. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has ripe plummy and blackberry flavours along with some peppery spice, herbs, and minerals adding a pleasant savoury component. Acids are fresh, juicy, and well-balanced, while the supple tannins have a nice, textural mouthfeel. Savoury minerals linger on the long, juicy finish. Agent: Dandurand. Score: 88+ pts 

CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA 2019 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#247973) (D) - $14.95
Blend of 40% Alfrocheiro Preto, 30% Aragonez (Tempranillo), and 30% Touriga Nacional. The medium-high intensity nose offers intriguing aromas of red berry, cherry, raspberry, and spices and touches of plummy. Savoury mineral notes add further interest. On the medium-bodied palate it is ripe with red berry, plum, cran-cherry-raspberry, and subtle spice flavours. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the tannins are smooth and supple. Nicely balanced with minerally and smoky notes on the finish, with very good length. In a nice place right now compared to when first tasted earlier this year. Agent: Noble Estates Wines & Spirits. Score: 88+ pts

ESPORÃO RESERVA RED 2019 - DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#606590) (XD) - $26.95
Blend of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Syrah, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Touriga Franca that was grown organically on granite/schist soils with clay/loam structure. It was aged for 12 months in 60% American and 40% French oak barrels. The medium+ intensity nose seems a bit shy, offering aromas of sweet wood spice, sandalwood, and ripe dark berries, blackberry, and hints of licorice. It is also very ripe on the medium-full bodied palate with youthful, gritty tannins and fresh acidity. Dark berry, blackberry, sweet wood spice, sandalwood, and licorice flavours on the palate, turning savoury and smoky on the finish, with very good length. Interesting fact: Each vintage of this wine features a new label graced with works from some of Portugal's finest artists. Agent: FWP Trading Inc. Score: 89 pts

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Somm Grand Cru - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a trio of lovely wines from Spain that I received back in March as part of my Somm Grand Cru Membership.

Somm is a free Wine and Culinary App that is available for both Android and iOS devices. Through the app, Somm provides free wine recommendations based on food pairings and your personal preferences. An upgrade to the Somm Cru Membership adds perks such as complimentary wine at restaurants, discounts at hotels, and free wine tastings at wineries, as well as free shipping and discounts from wine agencies.

I enjoyed the top tier Somm Grand Cru Membership, which not only includes all of the perks from Cru Membership, but also adds three specially selected bottles of wine which are delivered to your door every month. The wines are selected by a rotating group of Somm's partners, with generally two bundles for you to choose from, and wine delivery occurring at the end of the month. For March, the wine bundles were curated by Cosecha Imports.

Somm Grand Cru also includes exclusive invitations to sommelier-led virtual and in-person tastings. I attended a special in-person wine tasting event at the end of March which was hosted by Master Sommelier Elyse Lambert of Somm and focused on Celebrating Women's History Month and indigenous varieties from Spain.

Tasting Notes:

JOSEP FORASTER PETITA JULIETA 2020 - DO Conca de Barberà, Spain (XD) - $22
Blend of Ull de Llebre (Tempranillo), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Trepat. The perfumed, medium-high intensity nose offers spicy, red cherry, red berry, funky wet earth, and wild herb aromas. On the ripe, medium-full bodied palate it has fresh, vibrant acidity and smooth, fine-grained tannins that support the cran-cherry, raspberry, earthy minerals, and wild herb flavours. A little tight on the back palate with slightly chalky tannins. Fine earthy mineral notes linger on the long, tight, and crisp finish. Enjoyable now, but should be even better in a year or two. Score: 90 pts

BARCO DEL CORNETA CUCÚ 2020 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Léon, Spain (XD) - $26
100% Verdejo that was organically grown at 718 metres altitude on siliceous sands and stones over clay and limestone subsoils. The grapes were handpicked and fermented in stainless steel using natural yeasts, followed by ageing for 8 months in 90% stainless steel and 10% French tonneau. Fragrant, medium-high to highly aromatic nose offers elegant aromas of lemon citrus, flinty mineral, and herbs accented with ripe white peach, apple, and pear notes. On the creamy, medium-full bodied palate it has fine lemon citrus, flinty mineral, and herbal replays, along with some spice tones. Acids are crisp and juicy. Stone fruits, apple, citrus, and flinty mineral notes linger on the long, succulent finish. Score: 90+ pts

ALVAR DE DIOS HERNANDEZ TIO UCO 2020 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y Léon, Spain (XD) - $24
This blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha was grown in the Toro appellation at an average of altitude of 750 metres above sea level on soils which are mostly sand and sandstone. It was fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in a combination of used 3,500, 1,200, and 1,000 Litre oak foudres for five months. Fresh, ripe and fruit forward aromas of red and black cherry with earthy-stony minerality rise out of the glass. On the chewy, medium-full bodied palate it has pleasing aroma replays, plus notes of pomegranate, cran-cherry, and dried spices. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the refined tannins have a slightly dusty and chalky texture. Slightly grippy and tangy on the fresh, juicy, minerally finish, with very good length. Score: 90 pts

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Cabriz Colheita Selecionada 2019 and Rosé 2020 (Portugal) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of delicious, budget-friendly wines from Cabriz of Portugal. Both wines arrived at the LCBO recently as part of the June 18 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Cabriz wines are part of Global Wines and are one of the leading brands and best-selling wines from the Dão wine region in Portugal. Quinta de Cabriz is located in the heart of Dão in Carregal do Sal and is also the headquarters of Global Wines. Dão is one of the oldest established wine regions in Portugal and it's located in the mountainous northern central part of the country and has a temperate climate. The rugged terrain has predominantly granitic soils with a high thermal amplitude. One of the main red grape varieties of Portugal is Touriga Nacional and it originated in Dão.

In 2015, Global Wines celebrated 25 years of the Cabriz brand. Today, the Cabriz portfolio consists of Colheita Selecionada everyday wines, two of which are reviewed below, along with premium Reserva wines, organic wines, as well as Portugal's first white wine made with Touriga Nacional. Cabriz also makes a range of sparkling wines and a limited production fortified wine. The wines of Cabriz are known for the consistent quality, harvest after harvest, and are very popular globally. Let's see how their Cabriz Colheita Selecionada Tinto and Rosé wines are tasting tonight...

Tasting Notes:

CABRIZ ROSÉ 2020 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#30445) (D) - $13.95
Blend of 50% Touriga Nacional and 50% Alfrocheiro that was de-stemmed and underwent soft pneumatic pressing. Unoaked and aged for at least 2 months in bottle. The medium+ intensity nose has aromas of red berry, cherry, raspberry, and grapefruit with mineral accents. It is medium+ bodied, ripe, tangy, and honeyed on the palate with cherry, raspberry, cranberry, and grapefruit flavours with a kiss of sweetness that's balanced by fresh, crisp acidity. Some apple and stone fruit flavours come through on the back palate, joining the cherry and raspberry notes, plus touches of leesy mineral that linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

CABRIZ COLHEITA SELECIONADA 2019 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#247973) (D) - $14.95
Blend of 40% Alfrocheiro Preto, 30% Aragonez (Tempranillo), and 30% Touriga Nacional. Fresh, perfumed aromas are generously intense with dark cherry, violet, dark currant, and floral notes accented with touches of oak spice and licorice. On the medium-full bodied palate it is ripe with plummy, dark cherry, currant, and sweet vanillin oak spice flavours that have a touch of sweetness, tempered by fresh, vibrant acidity. Smooth, refined tannins have a subtly dusty and chalky texture. Cherry, plum, and smoky oak notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines by Cabriz can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Marqués de Cáceres Excellens Cuvée Especial Crianza 2017 (Rioja) - Wine Review

For tonight's wine review, I Arrive in Style with this lovely, vegan-friendly Tempranillo that came to the LCBO last weekend as part of the November 13th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Produced by Marqués de Cáceres, and although the winery was only founded by Enrique Forner in 1970, the enterprising family's origins in wine go back much further to 1920, when Enrique's grandfather and father established a family business in Valencia devoted to the production, sale, and export of wine.

Today, Enrique's daughter, Cristina Forner, manages the winery with pride. The Forner family is one of the great Spanish wine families, known for producing high-quality wines, while the wines of Marqués de Cáceres can be found globally in more than 120 countries now thanks to the key role played by Cristina. In the early years of Marqués de Cáceres, Enrique Forner was advised by a friend having success in Bordeaux to apply new growing and production techniques - vineyard control, grape selection, cold production in order to extract the first aromas, ageing in new and semi-new French oak, and long refinement in the bottle in order to strengthen the great virtues of the Tempranillo grape. All of these improvements resulted in wines of finesse and elegance. Marqués de Cáceres continues it's success today by investing in technology and innovation while offering consumers a wine they can consistently enjoy.

This 100% Tempranillo was grown on mainly clay and limestone soils, with some parcels having more iron-rich subsoils, from vineyards planted on gentle hillsides to those 'drooping' at the town's highest altitudes. The grapes were manually harvested, parcel by parcel, and took place as the grapes reached maturity, meaning that they had to return to some vineyards several times because the grape were reaching maturity at different times. At the winery, the grapes were de-stemmed and crushed, followed by fermentation and long skin-contact maceration in stainless steel tanks. It was aged for 14 months in medium-toast French oak barrels and followed by at least 12 months in bottle prior to release.

After liking the 2015 Marqués de Cáceres Excellens Cuvée Especial a couple of years ago, let's see how this bottling, which is from a very good vintage, is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MARQUÉS DE CÁCERES EXCELLENS CUVÉE ESPECIAL CRIANZA 2017 - Collecion Privada, Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#10684) (XD) - $17.95
100% Tempranillo. The medium to medium-high intensity nose offers lovely rich black and dark red berry aromas alongside sweet & fine wood spice, tobacco, coconut, and earthy notes. On the medium-full bodied palate the sweet and fine wood spice notes really shine, followed by black and red berry, black cherry, sweet spices, clove, and savoury wet earth flavours. Acids are succulent and well-balanced, while the structured tannins are a touch chalky and drying. Earthy notes linger on the lengthy finish. Excellent, as the name suggests, and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Marqués de Cáceres are available through their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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Montebuena Cuvée KPF 2019 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious Rioja that returned to the LCBO this weekend after a five year hiatus. This new vintage was released into VINTAGES as part of today's November 13 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This red wine by Bodegas Montebuena is from the portfolio of Kysela Pere et Fils, Ltd., hence the name "KPF" on the bottle. Montebuena - meaning "good mountain" - is located on the eastern part of the ancient winemaking village of Labastida, in what is considered to be one of the best vineyards in Rioja Alavesa, and covers an area of more than 160 hectares. Viticulture in Labastida goes back several centuries, but the most interesting historical evidence of winemaking in the area is its "lagares rupestres" - man-made formations carved into large rocks in the vineyards that consisted of three holes where the grapes were pressed to obtain the juice prior to fermentation - which were in use between the 9th and 18th centuries.

Montebuena sets itself apart with its unique position where the river Ebro is closest to the Sierra Cantabria mountains, creating a blend of Mediterranean and Continental climates that prevents an excess of rain and extreme cold. Moreover, the shallow and calcareous soils limit yields and the size of grapes while increasing the volume of the skin, resulting in deeper colour and greater concentration of flavours.

Kysela's Montebuena Cuvée is made with 100% Tempranillo from 20-25 year-old vines grown in Rioja Alavesa. The grapes were hand-harvested, and after fermentation the wine was aged for 3-4 months in new French oak. Having enjoyed the 2014 Montebuena Cuvée KPF five years ago, let's see how this new vintage is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MONTEBUENA CUVÉE KPF 2019 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#211029) (XD) - $17.95
100% Tempranillo from 20 to 25 year-old vines grown in Rioja Alavesa. Screw cap. The medium+ intensity nose is very ripe with dark red cherry, black cherry, sweet spice and sandalwood aromas. On the medium bodied palate it has smooth, lightly textured tannins and fresh, lively acidity with ripe, plummy flavours of dark red cherry, black cherry, and savoury wood spice. Very good length on the savoury, earthy, and juicy finish. Highly quaffable for everyday enjoyment. Recommended buy. Score: 88 pts

Other delicious wines from Bodegas Montebuena can be found through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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Lealtanza Gran Reserva 2011 (Rioja) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2015 Lealtanza Reserva back in April, we go up a notch with this Gran Reserva from the same producer that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month as part of the October 2nd LCBO VINTAGES Release.

This Rioja Gran Reserva is made by Bodegas Altanza, a producer whose story begins in 1998 and is a synonym of quality and dedicated exclusively to top Reserva wines. Altanaza's goal since the beginning has been to offer the best quality wines that combine tradition with modernity, at a sensible price.

Bodegas Altanza is located in Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta, and the estate spans 300 hectares, with 200 hectares of land planted with vineyards. They craft all of their red wines with 100% Tempranillo and fermented using natural yeasts. Being a modern winery, they have stainless steel tanks of several sizes, all of which are equipped with temperature-controlled jackets and surveyed by a control panel - this allows for customization of each wine during fermentation and tank ageing process. Bodegas Altanza also has their own lab and wine-storage facilities. The wines are aged primarily in French oak barrels, as well as a few large 22,000 L vats.

I recall enjoying the 2010 Gran Reserva back in November 2019, let's see how this latest vintage is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LEALTANZA GRAN RESERVA 2011 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#453548) (XD) - $32.95
100% Tempranillo that was aged for 24 months in equal parts French and American oak barrels, followed by another three months in 22,000 L French oak vats. The medium-high intensity nose offers lovely aromas of sandalwood, coconut, wood spice, and sweet red cherry with subtle wet earth notes. The spicy, medium+ bodied palate has flavours of sweet spice, red cherry, cinnamon, clove, along with some raspberry and strawberry nuances. Some maturing dried cherry and floral notes appear with time in the glass. Slightly tangy on the mid-palate with juicy, well-balanced acidity and fine, dusty textured tannins that have a subtle chalky grip. Savoury, wet earth and cocoa notes linger on the aftertaste, with very good length. A recommended buy, best enjoyed over the next 3-5 years. Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas Altanza are available at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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Vini Ventures - A New Experience in Virtual Wine Tastings

In response to growing demand for private and corporate sustainable wine tastings, Toronto-based entrepreneur Michelle Paris, DipWSET, launched Vini Ventures - Canada's first virtual wine tasting company that focuses on environmental and sustainable practices. I received this sample box of six wines to experience Vini Ventures firsthand.

Launched to great acclaim over the summer, Vini Ventures creates one hundred per cent bespoke, high quality wine tasting kits delivered directly and safely to the customer's door. With an ongoing commitment to a plastic-free planet, Vini Ventures' wine kits are produced using recyclable and reusable glass bottles, packaging made with minimum 75 per cent recycled paper, and recyclable packing materials.

Vini Ventures' uses a vacuum bottle filler system to ensure the wines are fresh and stable. Given that the wines have had minimal exposure to oxygen, all bottles are topped with ArT Wine Preserver to remove oxygen and replaced with Argon - the industry standard for food and wine preservation. Furthermore, by using only glass bottles, the wine is fully protected from oxygen ingress.

The wine kits are fully customizable from three to six bottles per box, and bottle sizes start at two ounces - which are ideal for wine classes, study and tasting groups. There's also a handy QR code in each box so recipients can access tasting notes for each wine that is selected either by the client or Vini Ventures. The company also provides expertise on planning and executing wine tasting events that are fully- or self-guided, large or small, and their clients have ranged from wine associations and producers, to corporate, consumer and private companies. Labels on the bottles can also be customized to suit your brand and needs.

To perfect the art of food and wine pairing, Vini Ventures has partnered with Toronto's La Palette, Cheese Boutique, and other local providers to further personalize each tasting kit. There is a range of quality charcuterie, cheeses, and snacks at different price points which can be customized for each unique Vini Ventures delivery.

All of the wines in my sample box that I tasted tonight were fresh and tasted great - my full tasting notes are provided below. In case you are interested in any of these wines, you might be able to find them at the LCBO.

Contact Vini Ventures to get started on your wine adventure!

Tasting Notes:

LITORALE VAL DELLE ROSE VERMENTINO 2019 - DOC Maremma Toscana, Italy (XD)
Fresh, intense aromas of lemon citrus, herbs, and ripe pear, accented by hints of lemon pith, leesy and saline mineral. The medium-full to full-bodied palate is creamy textured and ripe with lovely pear, apple, lemon citrus flavours, along with herbal touches. Refreshing acids lift the palate, along with saline notes on the mid-palate. Slightly spicy on the tail end with saline, leesy mineral, and zesty notes lingering on the long finish. Score: 90 pts

ROBERT MONDAVI FUMÉ BLANC 2018 - Napa Valley, California, USA (XD)
The highly aromatic nose offers intense tropical fruit aromas of guava, kiwi, and passion fruit that mingle with subtle smoky and oak influence. It’s full bodied with lovely interplays between the oak vanillin and tropical fruit flavours on the crunchy palate, joined by grapefruit and lemon citrus notes that add complexity. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced. Crisp and long on the lip-smacking finish. Score: 90 pts

XAVIER VIGNON CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2019 - AC, France (XD)
This has a medium+ intensity nose that is ripe and fruit forward with plummy, dark red cherry, blueberry, candied licorice and sweet spice aromas. The medium+ bodied palate is also ripe with black-red-blue berry, dark plum, and spice flavours, with savoury, stony mineral undertones. Acids are well-balanced, while the tannins are smooth, supple, and refined. Savoury and stony on the finish, with very good length. Score: 88+ pts

BARON DE LEY RESERVA 2015 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (XD)
Made with Tempranillo, the medium-high intensity nose delivers sandalwood, sweet oak vanillin, red cherry, and coconut aromas, all of which come through on the flavour profile of the medium-full bodied palate, joined by some maturing dried cherry and floral notes. It has very good, juicy acidity, while the well-integrated tannins have a slight grip. Very good length on the finish with savoury, earthy, wood, and red cherry notes with a touch of graphite. Score: 89 pts

ZONTE'S FOOTSTEP BARON VON NEMESIS SHIRAZ 2018 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (XD)
The medium-high intensity nose is ripe and fruit with slightly jammy aromas of blackberry, mint, herbs, and cedar wood with some underlying meaty notes. It’s medium-full bodied with smooth, ripe, and sweet tannins on the dry palate with pleasing aroma replays of ripe dark fruit, blackberry, herbal mint, and wood spice. Acids are fresh and nicely balanced, while the finish length is very good. Score: 89 pts

LUIGI BOSCA MALBEC 2019 - Mendoza, Argentina (XD)
The medium+ intensity nose has aromas of dark fruit, blackberry, black cherry, and smoke, with touches of olive, herb and wood spice adding interest. The ripe, full-bodied palate has delightful aroma replays of blackberry and black cherry with touches of violet, boysenberry, smoke, and bramble with a savoury and spicy underpinning and fresh acidity. The elegant, well-structured tannins provide a nice mouthfeel. Smoky mineral notes linger on the long-lasting finish. Score: 89 pts

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Lealtanza Reserva 2015 (Rioja) - Wine Review (Apr. 2021)

For tonight's wine review, I look at this lovely, vegan-friendly Rioja from Spain that arrived at the LCBO over the weekend as part of the April 3, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release. I last enjoyed the 2015 Lealtanza Reserva back in August when it arrived in VINTAGES earlier that month and am delighted to see it return to shelves across Ontario.

This red wine is crafted by Bodegas Altanza, a wine producer that was founded in 1998 with a name that is a synonym of quality and dedicated to producing top Reserva wines. Bodegas Altanza is located in Fuenmayor, Rioja Alta, and known for combining tradition with modernity to craft the best quality wines at competitive prices. The estate owns 220 hectares of vineyards and represents approximately 60% of their needs, with the rest sourced from winegrowers using a strict selection process.

All of their red wines are crafted using 100% Tempranillo, the "queen" of Rioja autochthonous varieties, and the most popular red varietal in Spain. Altanza's wines are fermented with natural yeasts, and while most wines from Rioja are aged in American oak barrels, Altanza chooses to age all of their wines primarily in French oak barrels, including the use of 22,000 Litre Allier vats.

Back in August, I suggested that this fine red wine could be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years, so let's see how it has evolved since that time.

Tasting Note:

LEALTANZA RESERVA 2015 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#208223) (XD) - $22.95
100% Tempranillo that was aged for 18 months in French barrels, followed by 3 months in 22,000 Litre French oak vats. The medium-high intensity nose is pleasantly savoury and mature in profile with sweet spice, sandalwood, and earthy aromas alongside dried berry, cherry, and touches of dried floral. It's medium+ bodied on the savoury palate with more earthy, sandalwood, sweet spice, and some dried cherry and floral flavours. Acids are well-balanced, while the fine-grained tannins have a subtle textured grip. Well-balanced throughout with lovely savoury, sandalwood, and dried cherry notes lingering on the long, slightly chalky finish. Enjoy this fine, maturing Rioja over the next 3-4 years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas Altanza can be ordered through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.

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