Aug. 17 Wine Picks: Italy + Aussie Whites

The next batch of wines will be on LCBO Vintages shelves this Saturday, August 17th. This edition highlights Italian wines off the beaten path from regions such as Calabria and Sicily from the south, Abruzzo, Lazio, and Umbria in central Italy, and Alto Adige/Trentino in the north. There's also a red wine from the island of Sardinia. These regions produce wines using local varietals that are generally not grown anywhere else and are relatively unknown around the globe.

Of the 16 wines featured from the nether regions of Italy, I can recommend three worthy buys. From Puglia in the south (the heel of the country), we have a Salice Salentino Rosso that is 80% Negromaro and 20% Malvasia Nera. Also from the south in Campania is the consistently good Greco di Tufo from Terradora. And finally, from the Friuli region in the north (near Veneto), we have a very interesting 100% Friulano. This is a great opportunity to try some new grapes!

The secondary feature highlights 4 summer white wines from Australia that are BBQ-friendly. The Yalumba Viognier should go nicely with seafood and vegetables off the grill, or even rotisserie chicken.

From the rest of the release, I was shocked to find the new wine from Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's estate in this release. The Miraval Rosé is organically cultivated (but not certified) and consists of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle. A little pricey, but worth the hype! The bottle is quite pretty too! The latest iteration of Rimauresq rosé wine makes its way into Vintages again with a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah. The third and final rosé is a Tavel and also extra dry and made with 60% Grenache, 10% Cinsault, 10% Syrah, 5% Carignan and 4 grapes making up the balance.

In red wine, the Caparzo is from Tuscany - probably the best-known wine region in Italy - and made with 100% Sangiovese. There are also 3 French wines that you should consider. A traditional GSM-blend from the famed 2010 Rhône vintage is the Domaine Marie, consisting of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre. Next are a couple of Bordeauxs from the very good 2009 and 2010 vintages. The 2009 Croix-Mouton is 86% Merlot and the rest mostly Cab Franc, while the 2010 Peyrabon is a blend of 60% Cab Sauv, 30% Merlot, 6.4% Cab Franc, and 3.6% Petit Verdot.

That's it for this week. Enjoy my wine picks!


Red Wine:

• TAURINO RISERVA SALICE SALENTINO ROSSO 2009 - DOP, Puglia, Italy (#177527) (XD) - $14.95
• DE MARTINO LEGADO RESERVA CARMENÈRE 2010 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#236059) (XD) - $15.95
• DOMAINE MARIE BLANCHE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES SIGNARGUES 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#328179) (XD) - $16.95
• CHÂTEAU CROIX-MOUTON 2009 - AC Bordeaux Supérieur, France (#192120) (XD) - $19.85
• CAPARZO ROSSO DI MONTALCINO 2010 - DOC, Tuscany, Italy (#333575) (XD) - $19.95
• DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR CLOS DE SIXTE LIRAC 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#076349) (XD) - $23.95
• CHÂTEAU PEYRABON 2010 - AC Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#336925) (XD) - $28.95
• KENWOOD JACK LONDON VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Sonoma Mountain, California, USA (#944843) (XD) - $39.95

White Wine:

• ANDRÉ BLANCK ET SES FILS ROSENBOURG PINOT BLANC 2011 - AC Alsace, France (#626606) (XD) - $14.95
• YALUMBA THE Y SERIES VIOGNIER 2012 - South Australia (#624502) (XD) - $16.95
• TERREDORA LOGGIA DELLA SERRA GRECO DI TUFO 2011 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#983197) (XD) - $17.95
• BASTIANICH ADRIATICO FRIULANO 2011 - DOC Coli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli, Italy (#277467) (XD) - $19.95
• SIMONNET-FEBVRE CHABLIS 2010 - AC, Burgundy, France (#041780) (XD) - $19.95
• J. LOHR OCTOBER NIGHT CHARDONNAY 2011 - Arroyo Seco, Monterey County, California, USA (#225375) (XD) - $26.95

Rosé Wine:

• PETIT RIMAURESQ GRENACHE/CINSAULT/SYRAH ROSÉ 2012 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#276360) (XD) - $13.95
• DOMAINE LAFOND ROC-ÉPINE TAVEL ROSÉ 2012 - AC, Rhône, France (#950709) (XD) - $17.95
• MIRAVAL ROSÉ 2012 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#342584) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• PIERRE SPARR BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT D’ALSACE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Alsace, France (#039016) (D) - $17.95

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

Read More

Studert-Prüm Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spätlese 2007 (Mosel) - Wine Review

Opened this on Monday to celebrate the recent birth of my first born. Purchased in March 2012 from a Vintages release that focused on food-friendly wines for Easter. This is a white wine that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food. I hope you bought this gorgeous wine last year, because it is sold out now.

STUDERT-PRÜM WEHLENER SONNENUHR RIESLING SPÄTLESE 2007 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#114777) (M) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Lime and orange aromas from the cork. Fresh floral and honey aromas waft from the glass, which turn into orange, tropical fruit and mineral aromas as it warms up in the glass. Crisp acidity, tropical fruits and orange on the palate. Nicely balanced with a lengthy wet stone finish. Fabulous and highly recommended if you can get your hands on it.

Read More

Pierre Laplace Madiran 2009 (Southwest) - Wine Review

Purchased this red wine last December from the annual Vintages "Festive Season" release and opened it over the weekend. It's no longer available.

PIERRE LAPLACE MADIRAN 2009 - AC, Southwest, France (#103705) (XD) - $14.95

Tasting Note:
Blend of 80% Tannat and 20% Cabernets. Oak and raisin aromas from the cork. Medium-high intensity plum and black fruit aromas from the glass. Palate is medium-full bodied with plum, raisin, sweet blackberry, licorice and light spice flavours. Fruit is ripe with smooth, integrated tannins. Mouth-watering acidity and medium-length finish. Easy drinking.

Read More

Cat Amongst The Pigeons Fat Cat Shiraz Cabernet 2008 (Barossa) - Wine Review

As promised in my most recent wine review post, the next wine I open would be a red wine. I can't believe it's been more than 2 months since I last opened a red wine at home!

I purchased this wine back in June of 2011 from a Father's Day release and opened this last night. Unfortunately, it is no longer available at the LCBO.

CAT AMONGST THE PIGEONS FAT CAT SHIRAZ CABERNET 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia, Australia (#222042) - $17.95

Tasting Note:
Blend of 55% Shiraz and 45% Cab. Screw cap. Medium-high intensity aromas of black cherry, currant, cassis, chocolate and tilled earth. Medium-full bodied with a crisp mouthfeel. Ripe fruit on the palate with bumbleberry, blueberry, mint and cedar notes. Chunky tannins are nicely integrated. Crisp acids and medium-long dark chocolate-oak finish. Prime drinking window right now, serve slightly chilled. Was a decent pairing with deliciously made Chicken Korma.

Read More

Aug. 3 Wine Picks: Refreshing French Whites + Syrah & Shiraz

The next batch of wines will arrive on LCBO Vintages shelves on Saturday, August 3. The primary focus in this edition is on refreshing white wines from France. It is a very good selection of wines from various regions throughout France, from a diverse selection of grapes, and ranging in styles from extra dry to medium-sweet.

Of the 11 still wines and 2 sparkling wines featured, I can fully recommend 7 worthy buys from this Vintages release. At the top of my list is the Chevallier Chablis (unoaked Chardonnay) for under $20. If you like extra dry wines (i.e. not sweet), also check out the Picpoul de Pinet. Going up the sweetness level a notch is a Vouvray (Chenin Blanc) from Loire, and a Riesling from Alsace. Not many do a better Gewürztraminer than the Alsace region, and the medium-sweet version from André Blanck is a classic for the varietal. And finally, if you're like me and prefer off-dry styles (i.e. a little sweet) of Sparkling Wine, then take a look at the Montcontour Vouvray that's made in the traditional method, using Chenin Blanc.

The secondary focus of this release uses 7 wines to compare Syrah and Shiraz. In case you didn't know, "Syrah" and "Shiraz" are the same grape. In its ancestral home in France's Rhône Valley, it is known as Syrah. Elsewhere around the globe it is known as either Syrah or Shiraz, based on the style of wine produced. Wines labelled as Syrah tend to be spicier and elegant, while Shiraz tend to be fruitier and full-bodied. I enjoy both styles. I did't find anything too interesting among these 7 wines, but did find a lovely Australian Shiraz elsewhere in the magazine for those with deeper pockets.

From the rest of the release, the following wines all have a Syrah-component as part of its blend, which adds body, tannic structure and blueberry/red berry flavours. See if you can detect its presence! The Poggio al Tesoro is mostly Syrah, with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon added. The Cuvée Hector & Juliette is a blend of 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache. The Vacqueyras is also a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan. And finally, the Xavier is a Grenache-Mourvèdre-Syrah blend with most of the vines over 75 years old.

In other reds, we also have the Noblaie Chinon that is made using 100% Cabernet Franc from 30-year-old vines, while the LAN Reserva is a blend of 80% Tempranillo, 10% Mazuelo (Carignan), and 10% Garnacha (Grenache).

If you like fresh and extra dry rosé wines, we have the Coeur Clementine that's made with 30% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 30% Tibouren, and 10% Syrah, while the Bandol Rosé is a blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault.

Enjoy my wine picks for this week! Cheers!


Red Wine:

• DOMAINE DE LA NOBLAIE CHINON 2010 - AC, Loire, France (#325639) (XD) - $15.95
• FEATHERSTONE CABERNET FRANC 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#64618) (XD) - $16.95  reviewed here
• BERNARD ALIAS CUVÉE HECTOR & JULIETTE CORBIÈRES 2010 - AC, Midi, France (#340984) (XD) - $17.95
• VIGNERONS DE CARACTÈRE SEIGNEUR DE FONTIMPLE VACQUEYRAS 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#234013) (XD) - $19.95
• BODEGAS LAN RESERVA 2007 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#042929) (XD) - $21.95
• POGGIO AL TESORO MEDITERRA 2010 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#333567) (XD) - $23.95
• TAWSE LAUNDRY VINEYARD CABERNET FRANC 2010 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#130997) (XD) - $31.95  reviewed here
• ST. HALLETT BLACKWELL SHIRAZ 2009 - Barossa, South Australia (#535104) (XD) - $34.95
• XAVIER CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2010 - AP, Rhône, France (#244814) (XD) - $39.95

White Wine:

• DOMAINE DES LAURIERS PRESTIGE PICPOUL DE PINET 2011 - AP Languedoc, France (#336222) (XD) - $13.95
• PEDRO ESCUDERO FUENTE ELVIRA VERDEJO 2011 - DO Rueda, Spain (#218313) (XD) - $15.95
• ANDRÉ BLANCK ALTENBURG GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2012 - AC Alsace, France (#168906) (MS) - $18.95
• DOMAINE CHEVALLIER CHABLIS 2010 - AC, Burgundy, France (#112227) (XD) - $19.95
• MARC BRÉDIF VOUVRAY 2011 - AC, Loire, France (#685362) (D) - $19.95
• RITUAL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2011 - Casablanca Valley, Chile (#328401) (XD) - $19.95
• ROLLY GASSMANN RIESLING 2009 - AC Alsace, France (#328898) (D) - $20.95
• GLORIA FERRER ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2009 - Carneros, California, USA (#083345) (XD) - $22.95
• ALAIN GEOFFROY BEAUROY 1^er CRU CHABLIS 2011 - AC, Burgundy, France (#733501) (XD) - $27.95
• PAUL HOBBS CHARDONNAY 2010 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#329615) (D) - $49.95

Rosé Wine:

• COEUR CLEMENTINE CÔTES DE PROVENCE ROSÉ 2012 - AC, Provence, France (#326603) (XD) - $14.95
• LA CADIERENNE CUVÉE GRANDE TRADITION BANDOL ROSÉ 2012 - AC, Provence, France (#119453) (XD) - $18.95

Sparkling Wine:

• CHÂTEAU MONCONTOUR TÊTE DE CUVÉE BRUT VOUVRAY - AC, Loire, France (#207936) (D) - $16.95

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

Read More

La Ferme Du Mont Wine Tasting with Stéphane Vedeau

On July 12, I attended a wine tasting luncheon hosted by Eurovintage Wines & Spirits that was held at Café Nicole, inside the Novotel Toronto Centre. The purpose of this tasting was to sample a portfolio of wines from the southern Rhône winery - La Ferme Du Mont. Leading the tasting was none other than Owner and Winemaker at La Ferme Du Mont - Stéphane Vedeau.

La Ferme Du Mont is a family-owned and operated winery based in southern Rhône. All of their wines are organic - the vineyards are chemical- and pesticide-free, and only organic fertilizers are used. The cellars are also gravity-fed. All of this is to grow grapes naturally and in harmony with the environment, while also being gentler with the grapes.

Stéphane uses natural yeasts in his wines and in very wide, open tanks. This affects the tannins by making them softer, which was perceptible in the wines tasted at the luncheon. In all, we tasted 5 wines to go with a 5-course tasting menu, along with a special surprise brought in by the winemaker. We finished off our meal with a chocolate tuxedo cup filled with fresh fruits.

Overall, the results of these organic wines are impeccable, as you will see from my tasting notes below. No longer should there be any hesitation towards buying organic wines, as the quality has definitely arrived. A couple of these wines you will find at the LCBO, while you can purchase nearly all of these directly from Eurovintage.

LA FERME DU MONT LA TRUFFIÈRE 2011 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#234716) (XD) - $15.95
This white wine is a blend of 50% Grenache blanc, 40% Viognier, and 10% Clairette and matured in concrete vats for at least 8 months. Quite aromatic with crisp, fresh herbal, pear, floral and mineral aromas, along with hints of mushroom. Crisp acidity on the medium-bodied palate with floral, leesy, lemon, and grapefruit notes. Extra dry, medium-long finish. Pairs well with lighter seafood dishes, and could also be enjoyed on its own on the patio. Was part of the July 20 Vintages release and still available. Score: 88+ pts

LA FERME DU MONT PREMIÈRE CÔTE 2009 - AC Côtes du Rhône, France (#251645) (XD) - $15.95
Blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Medium-intensity aromas of plum, blackberry and hints of currants. Palate is medium-bodied with flavours of blackberry liquer, kirsch, black currant, cherry and spice. Light tannic grip and a finish that is a touch hot. Could be enjoyed now or in 3-4 years. Paired with bocconcini sandwiched between slices of tomato in between layers of tomato, and all topped with a balsamic reduction and a side of garlic focaccia crostini. The pairing was well done as the cheese helped cut through the tannin, while the balsamic and tomato added fresh acidity to wine to create a vibrant mouthfeel. Score: 88 pts

LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2011 - AP, France (#171371) (XD) - $17.00
This red wine was one of my top picks from the June 22 Vintages release (and plenty still in stock). Grenache-dominated blend. Medium-high intensity aromas of lush blackberry, black fruits, and hints of oak. Medium-full bodied with smooth, integrated tannins. Complex palate consists of dark currants, exotic spices, and hints of violets and oak. Has mouth-watering acidity and a lingering finish. The brie served with pesto aioli coated the tannins very nicely leading to a very elegant pairing. Very nice and highly recommended! Score: 90 pts

LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VENDANGE BLANC 2011 - AP, France (#) (XD) - $????
This was not originally on the menu, but Stéphane was kind enough to share a bottle from his suitcase. Quite rare to find a white Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was bottle #434 of 500, and made using Grenache blanc, Marsanne and 5% late-harvested Roussanne. Low-medium intensity citrus, flowers and lemon aromas. Medium-bodied with a chalky mouthfeel. Lemon, fresh flowers, and hints of tropical fruit palate that is bordering on off-dry. Medium-long finish. Score: 88 pts

LA FERME DU MONT GIGONDAS CÔTES JUGUNDA 2010 - AC, Rhône, France (#354118) (XD) - $29.95
Blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Medium-intensity aromas of ripe red fruits and red currants that are clear and focused. Medium-full bodied with currant, spice and cedar flavours on the palate. Smooth, velvety tannins and a medium-long finish. Would pair nicely with seasoned poultry. Score: 90 pts

LA FERME DU MONT CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CÔTES CAPELAN 2010 - AC, Rhone, France (#078857) (XD) - $63.00
Another blend with 80% Grenache (some vines 50+ years old), 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Black licorice, milk chocolate and black fruit aromas. Black currants, kirsch, coconut, and milk chocolate on the palate. Mouth-watering acidity. Full-bodied with big, yet silky smooth, tannins. Could be aged at least 10 years, but drinking great right now. This wine is meant for red meats, and was paired with a grilled lamb chop topped with melted blue cheese, over a bowl of cous cous. Score: 93 pts

Read More

Inniskillin Winemaker's Series Two Vineyards Riesling 2011 (Ontario) - Wine Review

My usual trend of opening wines at home is to switch between red and white wines, but looking back my recent tasting notes, including last night's wine, I see that I've now opened 4 whites in a row! I think we know that the next one MUST be a red.

Sunday night's wine was received as a gift back in May and I chose to open it on this night because of guests that typically enjoy the sweeter style of the wine spectrum.

INNISKILLIN WINEMAKER'S SERIES TWO VINEYARDS RIESLING 2011 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#105387) (D) - $14.75

Tasting Note:
Screw cap. Medium-high intensity petrol dominates the nose with pleasant floral undertones and notable mandarin oranges. Lively acidity and medium-bodied with nice aroma replays, plus slate on palate. Off-dry (slightly sweet). Finish is long finish with slate + delicious honey coming to the fore. Reminds me of a Mosel. Flavours were very complementary when paired with Dungeness crab curry. However, it paired really well with Vidal Icewine Jelly (from Niagara) & Crackers. Enjoyable overall. Score: 87 pts

Read More