Château Rigaud 2012 (Midi) - Wine Review

Opened up this pretty red wine from Midi tonight ahead of its VINTAGES Release on August 6th.

This wine comes from Languedoc's Faugères appellation, located 20 km northwest of Beziers, a town just off the Mediterranean sea. Château Rigaud is produced by Jean Paux-Rosset, owner of Château de la Négly, and his consulting winemaker, Claude Gros. The Faugères area has multi-coloured sandy schist soils that naturally imparts acidity and elegance to the grapes. Furthermore, the area is unique in that it has the only homogeneous terroir in the region.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU RIGAUD 2012 - AP Faugères, Midi, France (#393561) (XD) - $16.95
Blend of 55% Syrah, 26% Mourvèdre and 19% Grenache, from organically-grown grapes on flaky schist soils with southern exposure. Black plum, dark fruit and some sweet oak spice aromas from the cork. Initially a rustic earthy nose that gives way to ripe blackberry, black cherry, and hints of floral and sweet oak spice. With air, lovely floral aromas really pop from the glass. Full-bodied on the palate with pretty floral, red and black fruits, and sweet oak spice flavours layered over earth. Slightly tart acids are fresh and juicy. Fine-grained tannins gain texture in the glass. Long, satisfying finish with hints of minerality. A lot going on in this bottle, evolving very nicely from sip-to-sip. Enjoy tasting and smelling this pretty wine over an evening. Score: 88 pts

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Les Vignerons du Castelas Vieilles Vignes Signargues Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2013 (France) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine will be available on LCBO shelves in a couple of weeks, as part of the VINTAGES Release on August 6.

It is produced by Les Vignerons du Castelas, a co-op that was formed in 1952 by a handful of winemakers that wanted to pool their efforts. Today, the co-op is comprised of 50 different winemakers. Furthermore, these winemakers strive to pursue the "lutte rasionnée" form of viticulture which aims to use chemicals less often and less aggressively than conventional growers.

The winery is located in southern Rhône, near the Rhône river, between Pont d'Avignon and Pont du Gard in Rochefort du Gard. The name of the winery comes from an 11th century Romanesque chapel that is perched atop the village. Together, the growers cultivate 500 hectares of vines, with the majority in the Cotes du Rhône appellation. Signargues is one of their top terroirs.

Look for this yummy red wine on VINTAGES shelves beginning Saturday, August 6th.

Tasting Note:

LES VIGNERONS DU CASTELAS VIEILLES VIGNES SIGNARGUES CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#034116) (XD) - $17.95
Blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 20% Carignan. Ripe raspberry, blackberry and kirsch liqueur on top of a layer of forest floor, and hints of sweet spice aromas from the glass. Medium+ bodied on the palate with plush, dusty tannins and flavours of blackberry, dark fruits, spice and earth. Acids are juicy. Fruit holds up well to the 14% abv. Long finish with just a touch of tannic grip. Enjoy over the next 3-5 years. Score: 88+ pts

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Byrrh Grand Quinquina (France) - Review

Here's an interesting wine-based apertif I received to review and is now available at LCBO locations throughout the province.

Byrrh (pronounced "beer") was created in 1866 by brothers Pallade and Simon Violet in the small village of Thuir, France. Initially, it was distributed in pharmacies and appreciated for its medicinal benefits. Over time, Byrrh became a feature in bistros and grew in popularity through the Belle Époque (1890s - 1910s) and the Années folles (1920s). By 1935, Byrrh was the leading apertif brand in France with sales of more than 35 million litres.

The Bryrrh Grand Quinquina original recipe has remained unchanged since 1866 and is amazingly still produced in the original production facility in Thuir that was designed by Gustave Eiffel (of the famed tower) and created in 1873.

It is hand-crafted and produced by the maceration of the mistelles, naturally sweet and fruity wines (Macabeu and Grenache) which are then infused in alcohol with aromatic plants including coffee, bitter orange, colombo, cocoa, and the finest cinchona (quinine) barks. The final blend is then aged several years in one of the world's largest oak vats (1 million litres).

Tasting Note:

BYRRH GRAND QUINQUINA - Roussillon, France (#440909) (S) - $14.90
Grapey, caramel, nutty, golden raisin aromas, along with hints of sweet spice from the glass. Viscous, silky mouthfeel that's slightly warming with flavours of blackberry, orange peel, raisin, some potpourri and walnut. The palate is initially sweet, but finishes long and on the earthy, nutty side. Ideal as an apertif. I enjoyed this well-chilled, but it can also be mixed into a cocktail. Score: 87 pts

Serving Suggestions:

Byrrh on the Rocks - Served on ice

Byrrh Tonic - 1 part Byrrh Grand Quinquina, 1/2 freshly squeezed Lemon, 1 part Tonic water

Byyrh Blood & Sand - 1 part Byrrh Grand Quinquina, 1 part Te Bheag Scotch Whisky, 1 part freshly squeezed Orange Juice, 1 part Cherry Heering or Filthy Black Cherry

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Fleur du Cap Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (South Africa) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine just arrived at the LCBO last week and is now widely available throughout the province.

The grapes for this Fleur du Cap Cabernet Sauvignon were sourced from the Somerset West vineyards, planted in decomposed shale and Stellenbosch vines in decomposed granite. The vines are between 14 and 17 years of age. Pest and disease control was implemented according to South African Integrated Production of Wine (IPW) standards that focus on environmental sustainability. It was aged for 12 months in a combination of new French, and 2nd and 3rd use American oak barrels.

Tasting Note:

FLEUR DU CAP BERGKELDER SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2013 - WO Western Cape, South Africa (#457101) (XD) - $12.95
Currant and dark plum aromas from the cork. Lush aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, dark fruits with touches of smoke, cocoa and earth. It's medium-to-full bodied with ripe red cherry flavours and some spice notes. It has fresh acids to go with supple tannins that are integrated and smooth. Good length on the earthy finish. Perfectly fine mid-week red. Enjoying with some aged cheddar. Score: 87 pts

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VINTAGES Release July 23: Spain + Sauvignon Blanc

The VINTAGES Release on July 23 is a value-laden one with the main focus being on wines from 6 of Spain's lesser-known wine regions. Meanwhile, the mini-theme focuses on the Sauvignon Blanc varietal.

We'll being with Spain, where 5 of the 12 wines are included among my wine picks. From the DOP of Almansa in western Spain is the Laya that is a blend of Garnacha Tintorera (Grenache) and Monastrell, from vineyards are located between 700 to 1000 metres above sea level. From DO Bierzo, in northeastern Spain, is a wine made with Mencía. From the Cariñena DOP in western Spain is a modern Garnacha from 80-year-old bush vines that could use a couple of years cellar time prior to opening. The only white Spanish wine is the Albariño from DO Rías Baixas, located in a far-western Spain, very close to Portugal. Lastly, from the vast region of Castilla y León is an aged Tempranillo.

The Sauvignon Blanc mini-theme listed 8 wines and 3 are included among my wine recommendations. The Savvys from Chile and New Zealand are both designed to be opened really soon rather than later, while the Sancerre can be aged for at least half a decade.

From the rest of the release, the Greek wine is a very ageable blend of 50% Xinomavro, 30% Merlot and 20% Syrah, while the Anselmi white wine that is a Flagship Store Exclusive (FSE) is 100% Garganega. Both rosé wines are blends, with the Berne Rosé consisting of 40% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 30% Cabernet, while the Bandol Rosé contains Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, Carignan, and Syrah.

Enjoy my wine picks from this release. Salud!

Red Wine:

• LAYA 2014 - DOP Almansa, Spain (#132605) (D) - $15.95
• MENGUANTE SELECCIÓN GARNACHA 2012 - DOP Cariñena, Spain (#313833) (XD) - $16.95
• CANONICA A CERRETO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2012 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#283697) (XD) - $17.95
• SANTA RITA MEDALLA REAL SYRAH 2012 - Limarí Valley, Chile (#443523) (XD) - $17.95
• DOMAINE LAFAGE VIEILLES VIGNES NICOLAS GRENACHE NOIR 2014 - IGP Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon, France (#354191) (D) - $18.95
• KIR-YIANNI KITMA YIANAKOHORI HILLS 2012 - PGI Imathia, Greece (#419234) (D) - $19.95
• MERAYO LAS TRES FILAS MENCÍA 2014 - DO Bierzo, Spain (#462788) (XD) - $19.95
• ALEJANDRO FERNÁNDEZ DEHESA LA GRANJA 2008 - Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Spain (#192476) (XD) - $19.95
• QUERCIABELLA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2013 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#728816) (XD) - $37.95
• BENI DI BATASIOLO RISERVA BAROLO 2006 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#330704) (XD) - $39.95

White Wine:

• BOYA SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Leyda Valley, Chile (#389726) (XD) - $15.95
• PALA I FIORI VERMENTINO DI SARDEGNA 2015 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#052068) (XD) - $15.95
• PACO & LOLA ALBARIÑO 2014 - DO Rías Baixas, Spain (#350041) (XD) - $17.95
• REDSTONE LIMESTONE VINEYARD SOUTH RIESLING 2012 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#381251) (M) - $19.20  reviewed here
• VILLA MARIA CELLAR SELECTION PINOT GRIS 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#447490) (D) - $19.95
• STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2015 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#324228) (XD) - $21.95  reviewed here
• ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE 2014 - AC, Loire, France (#082255) (XD) - $26.95
• ANSELMI CAPITEL CROCE 2014 - IGT Veneto, Italy (#966655) (XD) - $26.95  FSE
• FLOWERS CHARDONNAY 2014 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#215210) (XD) - $68.95  FSE

Rosé Wine:

• CHÂTEAU DE BERNE TERRES DE BERNE ROSÉ 2015 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#278861) (XD) - $16.95
• HECHT & BANNIER BANDOL ROSÉ 2015 - AC, Provence, France (#450767) (XD) - $24.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BILLECART-SALMON EXTRA BRUT CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#458570) (XD) - $73.95

Dessert Wine:

• REIF VIDAL ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara River, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#544791) (S) (200 mL) - $24.95  reviewed here

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The Tragically Hip Ahead by a Century Chardonnay 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is a limited edition that was released at the beginning of May, 2016 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Tragically Hip's highly acclaimed 5th album – Trouble at the Henhouse. This Chardonnay is a nice follow-up to the critically-acclaimed Fully Completely Grand Reserve Red that sold out very quickly! The band members Gord Downie, Paul Langlois, Rob Baker, Gord Sinclair and Johnny Fay worked directly with Stoney Ridge head winemaker Jeff Hundertmark to create this rich and elegant Chardonnay.

The grapes for this wine come from the famed Wiens Farm in Niagara-on-the-Lake and underwent and cool dry fermentation using natural indigenous yeasts. The wine was left on its lees for an additional 6 months, then allowed to undergo malo-lactic fermentation. It was oak aged a further 10 months prior to bottling.

This rich, buttery Chardonnay can be picked up at Stoney Ridge's wine boutique in Vineland, or can be purchased on-line via stoneyridge.com.

Tasting Note:

THE TRAGICALLY HIP AHEAD BY A CENTURY CHARDONNAY 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#483875) (XD) - $19.95
Screw cap. Binned apple, buttery aromas with hints of vanilla and oak of medium intensity. The palate is medium-bodied and creamy with more apple, butter, vanilla notes, joined by pineapple and butterscotch flavours. Oak is well-integrated, acids are juicy. Good length on the finish. Ideal for rich seafood such as crab and lobster. I'll be enjoying this with crab curry. Score: 88 pts

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Food Truck Fest 2016 at Mike Weir Winery

On Saturday, July 16, 2016, Mike Weir Winery will be hosting it's 3rd Annual Food Truck Fest. This event provides an excellent opportunity to celebrate summer in the vineyards at Mike Weir Winery, where the Food Truck Fest is held annually in their Merlot Block. Some of the winery's best wines will be poured by the glass, to go along with Live Music all day, and the best local eats you can get around town! As a bonus, all gourmet eats will be prepared using ingredients sourced from local farmers within the Lincoln area, ensuring freshness across the board.

The entire venue is licensed and guests may walk through our vineyards, the Bruce Trail, and enjoy panoramic views from the property. The retail and hospitality building will be in full function as well, offering wines by the glass and tastings all day to the general public and Food Truck Fest guests.

To keep the event fun and festive, the Groovy Food Band will be performing ALL DAY, rocking grooves from all decades and easy rock tunes! Furthermore, you can tune in to 105.7 FM as they will be playing live-to-air easy rock from the event.

The Vendors:

• Avella’s Wood Fired Pizza – Handmade, Fresh to order
• The Yellow Pear – Farm-to-Table cuisine, offering Gluten Free and Vegan Options*
• The Wandering Gourmet – Authentic Californian Fresh Taco Cart, Farm-to-table
• 494 Kitchen – International comfort food with a modern twist*
• The Panwich Company – Anything in a panini, and I mean anything!
• Eh Jose – Authentic Mexican
• Gourmet Guyz – Fresh and Seasonal Fare
• The Go-Go Food Co. (Cucina a-go-go) – Authentic Italian Street style
• Scratch Bakery – Niagara's first Pie-Hole Approved bakery!
• Hometown Ice Cream Truck – Creative Flavours you wouldn’t have thought, but unbelievable! (all local ingredients)

• The Cigar Experience – Selling top quality stogies from internationally around the world. Makes a GREAT gift!

Location and Time:

Mike Weir Winery
4041 Locust Lane, Beamsville (Lincoln), Ontario L0R 1B0
Saturday, July 16, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Costs:

Entry fee is $5.00 per person (payable online or on-site), and includes one souvenir Govino glass, don’t lose it!

Vendors will have different ranges of pricing according to their menu by items. (usually between $5.00-$20.00 per plate - and worth EVERY penny)

Wine by the glass will be offered through a ticket system. Wine Tickets will be sold for $5.00 and then redeemed at the wine booth for a 5 oz. glass of wine. Wine varieties will be confirmed closer to the date, but you can bet there will be fresh, summery wines such as a rosé, Riesling, and fun reds. Here are a couple of wines that should be available at the event.

MIKE WEIR CRASH ROSÉ 2011 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada - $11.95
100% Cabernet Franc. Light, honeyed red fruit aromas from the cork. Medium-intensity nose has cooked strawberry and red cherry aromas with hints of flowers. The palate is medium+ bodied with aromas more cooked strawberry and cherry coming through on the palate, followed by herbally sage notes that add complexity and continue through to the medium-length finish. Just a touch of honey mid-palate, but essentially dry overall with juicy acids. A food wine that will go great with many of the offerings at the Food Truck Fest. Available at winery only. Score: 86 pts

MIKE WEIR PINOT NOIR 2009 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#000075) (D)- $16.95
Ripe red berry, cherry aromas from the cork. Showing just a touch of brown on the rim. Lovely blend of spices followed by maturing red fruits, cherry and earth aromas. It's light-to-medium bodied with just a touch of tannic grip. Acids are fresh. Cherry-cranberry flavours with earthy and beetroot tones on the palate. Very good length on the finish. Enjoy by 2017. A wine that is widely available at the LCBO, but may not be the 2009 vintage. The 2009 is available at the winery. Score: 88 pts

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