Tonel 78 Barrel Select Malbec/Bonarda 2017 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely blend consisting of Argentina's two most widely planted grapes - Malbec and Bonarda. This red wine is a new arrival to Ontario and was released into LCBO VINTAGES on March 6th - with plenty of bottles still available across the province.

It is produced by Bodega Los Toneles, a winery founded by the Armando family in 1922. It was initially known as Armando Hermanos, but soon changed its name to Bodega de los Toneles - meaning "winery of the tuns" - due the prominent, huge French oak barrels in which its wines were aged. In 2002, the winery was purchased by the Millán family and they revived its vintage spirit by combining it with a modern approach to return the estate to its former glory.

The winery is located within the city of Mendoza, but its vineyards are scattered across the province. From the beginning, Bodega Toneles determined that wine was the manifestation of the earth and the work of human beings. Thus, they decided that the winery would only use grapes from small-scale vineyards where quality is favoured over quantity, thus preserving the values and personality of each vineyard. The Don Arturo Vineyard is located in El Manzano (Uco Valley) at 1,400 metres above sea level and has calcareous and sandy soils with a high percentage of rocks, resulting in wines of great intensity and aromas, and touches of minerals. The Mantrax Vineyard is located in Chacayes (Uco Valley) at 1,250 metres above sea level and has poor soils with very little rainfall, resulting in small berries with high concentrations of polyphenols.

This Tonel 78 red wine is a unique blend of 50% Malbec and 50% Bonarda that was crafted from selected grapes across their vineyards. It is a tribute to the great Argentine national soccer team that won the '78 World Cup. Let's see if this wine is also a winner...

Tasting Note:

TONEL 78 BARREL SELECT MALBEC/BONARDA 2017 - Mendoza, Argentina (#17380) (XD) - $20.95
This 50/50 blend of Malbec and Bonarda was aged in French oak barrels for 12 months. The medium+ intensity aromas offer ripe dark berry, blackberry, and plum that mingle with smoky mineral and wood notes. It's full-bodied on the palate with lovely, balanced aroma replays of ripe dark berry, blackberry, plum, mineral, and wood spice. It has fresh acidity with refined, dense, and chewy tannins and some spicy notes on the mid-palate. Smoky mineral and wood spice notes linger on the slightly grippy finish, with very good length. Enjoy this winner over the next 3-4 years. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Bodega Los Toneles can be found through their Agent - Perigon Beverage Group.

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March 20, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Brand New Wines + Easter

The main theme of the March 20, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release features Brand New Wines specially selected by the LCBO buyers, while the mini-theme looks at wines for Easter. All of these wines, plus those from the main release should be on shelves by Saturday.

We begin with the main theme that looks Brand New Wines specially selected by the buyers. Of the thirteen wines featured, two are included among my top wine picks. First up is a wine from South Africa's classic white grape - Chenin Blanc, while the second wine is the O: Tu Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

Wines for pairing with Easter entrées is the mini-theme of this release and of the twelve wines featured, just one is included among my wine recommendations. The lone wine is a Gamay from Beaujolais that is suggested to pair with vegetarian mains.

There are many lovely red wines from the rest of the release. First up is the excellent wine from Chile that consists of 92% Carmenere and 8% Petit Verdot, while the Portuguese red is a blend of Trincadeira, Aragonez (Tempranillo), and Castelão. From France, both Rhône reds are made with Syrah, while the Corbières is a tank-aged blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache. From Italy, the Chianti Classico is a blend of 80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, and 7% Malvasia Nera, while the always lovely Amarone is a blend of traditional grapes Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and Molinara. Single varietal wines include the Malbec from Argentina, and the Barolo that is 100% Nebbiolo.

Among my white wine recommendations from the rest of the Release, the only blend is a white wine from Rhône that consists of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Viognier. For those that prefer sweeter wines, check out that Niagara Riesling that is $3 off for a limited time. The rest of the white wines consist of a fine Sauvignon Blanc and a lovely quartet of Chardonnay wines from British Columbia, Niagara, Burgundy, and California.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this Release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CARMIM TERRA LENTA PREMIUM 2018 - DOC Alentejo, Portugal (#646083) (XD) - $13.95
• TERROIRS DU VENT LA VIOLETTE SYRAH 2017 - IGP Pays d'Oc, Languedoc, France (#18501) (XD) - $17.95
• VAUCHER PÈRE & FILS FLEURIE 2018 - AC, Beaujolais, France (#534339) (XD) - $17.95
• CHÂTEAU DE TRÉVIAC CORBIÈRES 2017 - AP, Languedoc, France (#670505) (XD) - $18.95  90 pts  wine review
• KAIKEN ULTRA LAS ROCAS MALBEC 2018 - Vegan, Mendoza, Argentina (#50849) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• FAYOLLE LA CUVÉE NICOLAS CROZES-HERMITAGE 2017 - AC, Rhône, France (#19283) (XD) - $33.95
• CASTELLO DI AMA SAN LORENZO GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2016 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#12751) (XD) - $57.95
• CORINO DEL COMUNE DI LA MORRA BAROLO 2015 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#17538) (XD) - $58.95
• MASI RISERVA DI COSTASERA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO 2015 - DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#324137) (D) - $69.95
• MONTES PURPLE ANGEL 2017 - DO Colchagua Valley, Chile (#62364) (XD) - $69.95  92 pts  wine review

White Wine:

• THE WINERY OF GOOD HOPE BUSH VINE CHENIN BLANC 2019 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#18685) (XD) - $13.95
• GABRIEL MEFFRE SAINT-VINCENT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2019 - AP, France (#17890) (XD) - $16.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING 2017 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#89029) (M) - $18.95 $15.95 until Mar. 28
• O: TU LIMITED RELEASE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Otuwhero Top Block Vineyard, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#17548) (XD) - $19.95
• DOG POINT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#677450) (XD) - $27.95  91 pts  wine review
• DOMAINE CHARLY NICOLLE PER ASPERA CHABLIS 2018 - AC, Burgundy, France (#18469) (XD) - $29.95
• BACHELDER LES VILLAGES CHARDONNAY 2018 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#16059) (XD) - $34.95  FE
• STAGS' LEAP WINERY CHARDONNAY 2018 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#655381) (XD) - $39.95
• QUAILS' GATE STEWART FAMILY RESERVE CHARDONNAY 2017 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#639641) (XD) - $44.95  FE

Sparkling Wine:

• CHARLES MIGNON CUVÉE COMTE DE MARNE BRUT GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, Champagne, France (#18133) (XD) - $69.95  FE
• BILLECART-SALMON BRUT NATURE CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#458570) (XD) - $85.95

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Zuccardi Q Chardonnay 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the first in a series of wines from Argentina that arrived at the LCBO earlier this month as part of the March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release that featured the wines of Argentina - The Land of Extremes.

Sebastián Zuccardi of Zuccardi Wines crafted this fine Chardonnay. He is the third generation of a winemaking family that's had a strong visionary and innovative spirit that began in 1963 when Sebastián's grandfather planted his first hectares of grapevines in Maipú, Mendoza. Sebastián inherited his father's determination and desire to constantly strive for excellence to help make Zuccardi Wines a leader in Argentina wine production.

Like the 2018 Zuccardi Q Malbec that I enjoyed back in January, this lovely white wine is also a frequent visitor to Ontario and comes from Zuccardi's Regional collection of Mountain Wines. The 2019 vintage of this lovely Chardonnay comes from selected vineyard lots in Gualtallary that was grown at 1,250 metres above sea-level, and in El Peral at 1,150 metres altitude. Gualtallary and El Peral are actually neighbouring wine regions in Tupungato that stretch from the base of the Andes Mountains down into the Uco Valley. Gualtallary is one of the most exciting wine regions in South America due to the combination of its most diverse climate and soils. The soil profile of this Chardonnay is alluvial, with gravel covered with calcium carbonate at a shallow depth, and caliche and calcareous sands. With the 2019 vintage considered to be exceptional, I fully expect this consistently delicious Chardonnay from a quality producer to also be exceptional. Let's see how it's tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ZUCCARDI Q CHARDONNAY 2019 - Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#232702) (XD) - $19.95
100% Chardonnay from Gualtallary and El Peral that was fermented using native yeasts in concrete and used oak barrels, and aged "sur lie". The medium-high intensity aromatics are ripe with stone fruit, pear, apple, and citrus with hints of pineapple and banana. It's medium-full bodied on the ripe, fruit forward palate with stone fruit, apple, and pear flavours along with a touch of vanilla in a slightly honeyed profile. Acids are crisp and fresh, while leesy mineral notes come through on the long, slightly spicy, chalky textured finish. Lovely! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Zuccardi are available at LCBO, while the full portfolio can be ordered via their Agent - The Bacchus Group.

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Château Clarke 2016 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is an excellent Left Bank Bordeaux red wine from the Listrac-Médoc AOC that arrived at the LCBO last month as part of the February 20, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release - with plenty of bottles still available across Ontario.

Château Clarke bears the name of the Irish family that acquired this wine estate in 1771. Over the next 200 years, the estate has been handed down over several generations while keeping the winemaking tradition alive. With a love for wine like many of his family members, Baron Edmond de Rothschild acquired Château Clarke in 1973 with a dream to turn this intimate, unassuming, and promising vineyard into a masterpiece with the pursuit of excellence. After the acquisition, the neglected vineyard was re-created over several years to the 54 hectares of vines that exist today. The focus on excellence in the vineyard and cellar has elevated Château Clarke to rank among best wines of Médoc. With the passing of Baron Edmond de Rothschild in January, the estate was inherited by his son, Benjamin de Rothschild.

Listrac-Médoc AOC, which itself is located in lower-central Médoc, is known for its three gravel terraces on limestone foundation soils. The nearby Atlantic Ocean gives the terroir in Listrac-Médoc a freshness that is reflected in the aromatic brilliance of the wine. While all Left Bank Bordeaux wines are usually blends with Cabernet Sauvignon the dominant varietal, there are exceptions such as Château Clarke. The vines at Château Clarke are planted on clay-limestone hilltops that are ideal for Merlot. Thus, this red wine is predominantly Merlot, and the 2016 is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

I've had the pleasure of tasting previous vintages of this wine and have always been impressed by it. From an excellent 2016 Bordeaux vintage, let's see how this is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU CLARKE 2016 - AC Listrac-Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#503904) (XD) - $54.95
Blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. The shy nose slowly reveals itself with aromas of crushed dark berry, blackberry, black cherry, raspberry, and earthy wood aromas with whiffs of pretty red florals and herb. The full-bodied, concentrated, and structured palate has elegance and very good depth of fruit with nicely balanced spicy flavours of dark berry, black cherry, raspberry, and savoury earthy notes joined by stony mineral and sour cherry flavours. There's a touch of warmth on the mid-palate, but it's still well-balanced by juicy acids and firm, slightly chalky tannins. Savoury, stony mineral, and red berry flavours linger on the finish, with excellent length. A lovely Bordeaux to enjoy now through to the mid-2030s. Score: 92+ pts

To find other lovely wines by Château Clarke, please contact Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

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Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties - Sangiovese & Vernaccia di San Gimignano

After enjoying last month's masterclass on Great Italian Wines - Understanding Indigenous Grape Varieties featuring Nebbiolo & Valpolicella, I travelled to Tuscany yesterday evening (virtually, of course) to learn about the grape varietals Sangiovese & Vernaccia di San Gimignano. This class is the second in the series being held by the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario Canada (ICCO Canada).

Tuscany is Italy's oldest wine producing region with winegrowing activities by the Etruscans occurring as far back as the 8th century BC. The hilly terrain is ideal for producing world class wines, and although Tuscany is the 4th most widely planted wine region in Italy by acreage, they are 6th most by volume due to the focus on lower yields and higher quality. Of the total wine production, 85% is devoted to producing red and rosé wines, and 15% to white wines. Sangiovese is the most widely planted varietal in Tuscany, while Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is considered to be Tuscany's most noblest white wine.

Vernaccia is a white wine grape grown mainly in the commune of San Gimignano within the province of Siena, Tuscany, in north-central Italy. The earliest record of Vernaccia in San Gimignano dates back to the year 1276. Vernaccia is yellow-green and amber coloured and grows in big bunches with medium-sized berries. It prefers sandstone with marly clay soils at altitudes between 200 and 400 metres above sea-level.

Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG is a designation of quality, similar to the French AOC system. To meet DOCG standards, 85% of of the wine must be cultivated within San Gimignano, and 15% of the wine can be blended with other local white, non-aromatic grapes. Riserva wines are aged in wood for a minimum of 11 months, plus a further 3 months in bottle prior to release. Typical aromas and flavours of Vernaccia di San Gimignano wines are white flowers, green apple, citrus, and honey, as I detected in the fine, unoaked example that was featured in the masterclass.

Sangiovese is one of the most important grape varieties in Italy and among the top 10 in the world. Approximately 10% of all vineyards in Italy are planted to Sangiovese, while more than 60% of vineyards in Tuscany are home to Sangiovese. Although Sangiovese's origins are unknown, it is thought to come from domesticated wild vines of Etruscan origin. There is also some DNA evidence that suggests it came from the south as a cross between varietals Ciliegiolo and Calabrese di Montenuovo. The name "Sangiovese" comes from the latin term "sanguis Jovis", which translates to "the blood of Jove or Jupiter".

In the vineyard, Sangiovese buds early and is slow to ripen. It thrives on hillsides and higher altitudes (up to a certain point), and prefers the direct sunlight, warmth, and dry climate that is found in Tuscany. Sangiovese is very sensitive to terroir and prefers soils with limestone such as Galestro and Alberese. As the king of Tuscan viticulture, Sangiovese produces wines of many different styles from many places in Tuscany. Notable wines include Chianti DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG, Morellino di Scansano DOCG, and the Super Tuscans. Typical fruit aromas and flavours are in the red cherry, sour cherry, strawberry, and raspberry spectrum, plus savoury notes of earth, leather, licorice, and tobacco, as well as floral notes. High acidity and firm tannins are also characteristics of Sangiovese wines, lending itself to be highly ageable.

Both of the lovely wines featured in the masterclass are represented by Cavinona, an Ontario-based wine agency that specializes in Italian wine, and can be purchased by the bottle at their wine shops - contact Cavinona directly for details. You can also purchase the Vernaccia by the case and use discount code ICCOMARCH for 10% off until April 14th. This special discount code can be used on any case purchase on cavinona.com.

The small bites included as part of the tasting package contained some Pecorino Toscano DOP and Grana Padano DOP cheeses, as well as Taggiasche and Baresane Olives. The package also included Patè di Fegatini with crostini (Tuscan chicken liver patè) and Focaccia Toscana, all of which were made in-house by Chef Boris and Head Butcher at Spaccio, Terroni's production kitchen.

The final masterclass in the series is on April 15th and will focus on the grape varieties Aglianico & Montepulciano. You can join us by registering for the free class here. To order your wines for the April 15th masterclass, please visit Bottega di Terroni. To participate on social media, follow @trueitaliantaste and these hashtags on Instagram: #ExtraordinaryItalianTaste #TrueItalianTaste #iffoodcouldtalk.

Tasting Notes:

IL COLOMBAIO DI SANTA CHIARA SELVABIANCA VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD) - $29.24
100% Vernaccia di San Gimignano that was organically grown on sandy soils rich in stone and fossils, and deep soil with mixed consistency and pebbles. Hand-harvested and fermented in cement vats and stainless steel tanks, while also spending some months on the lees. Fresh, medium-high intensity nose offers delightful aromas of white florals, lemon citrus, green apple, leesy mineral, and wet stone characters. It's medium-full to full-bodied on the ripe, concentrated, palate with flavours of honeysuckle, floral, lemon, and stony-leesy mineral notes. It has succulent, juicy acidity while leesy, mineral and some saline notes linger on the long, chalky textured finish. Best enjoyed on the cool side. Score: 91 pts

ISTINE VIGNA CAVARCHIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (XD) - $57.49
Organically farmed, 100% Sangiovese from the best selection of the vineyard in the Radda in Chianti sub-zone. It was fermented in concrete tanks and aged in 20 hL Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months. Fragrant, intense, perfumed aromatics are elegant with notes of red cherry, cinnamon, red floral, sweet spice, and clove. On the medium-full to full-bodied on the palate it has very good fruit concentration with lovely aroma replays of red cherry, floral, sweet cinnamon spice, and savoury earthy notes. It has very good acidity and some structure to the slightly chalky textured tannins. Excellent length on the long, savoury, and juicy finish. Gorgeous! Score: 92 pts

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San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (Chile) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a fine Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile that returned to the LCBO over the weekend as part of the March 6th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Founded in 1865 in the Curicó Valley by the Correa brothers, Viña San Pedro is today one of Chile's most important producers. The brothers were pioneers in bringing different varieties from the Old World to the Curicó, exploring the rich and varied soils of Chile, while also welcoming new opportunities to further the progress of Chilean winemaking. Viña San Pedro produces a diverse range of wines of exceptional quality from distinct origins, while also working in harmony with nature and the environment to meet their sustainable goals.

This particular Cabernet Sauvignon is from the 1865 Wines Collection - a distinct set of wines that was created in 1997 to honour the founding of San Pedro in 1865 and highlights the unique regions and styles. Each bottle of 1865 wine is the product of careful selection of emblematic varietals from Chile's most recognized wine regions. The grapes for this Cabernet Sauvignon come from Chile's finest terroir in the Maipo Valley. It was grown mainly in the Los Piedros Vineyard at the foothills of the Andes Mountains where the soils are poor and gravelly. In this vineyard, there is also a second terrace that has alluvial soil from the Maipo River, a terroir that helps produce Chile's best Cabernet Sauvignon.

I have tasted and recommended previous editions of this fine Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon, so let's see how the 2018 is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

SAN PEDRO 1865 SELECTED VINEYARDS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - DO Maipo Valley, Chile (#37911) (XD) - $19.95
The medium+ intensity nose offers fresh red and black berry fruit, and cassis with touches of minty herb, wood spice, and a whiff of earthy mineral. The full-bodied, concentrated palate is spicy with more red and black fruit, and savoury oak flavours. It has fresh, lively acidity and refined, structured tannins that have some chalky grip. The minty herbal notes arrive on the mid-palate, joined by savoury oak on the satisfying finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines from Viña San Pedro can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Philippe Dandurand Wines Ltd.

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Michael David Freakshow Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (California) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious California Cabernet Sauvignon from the Lodi Appellation. The Freakshow is a frequent visitor to the LCBO and the latest vintage arrived in Ontario today as part of the March 6, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

It is produced by Michael David Winery, a family-run producer that has long and deep roots in Lodi - a wine region that sits east of San Francisco Bay and the west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Founded by brothers Michael and David Phillips, they are the 5th generation of the Phillips family that have been farming the soils of Lodi since the 1860's and winegrowing since the early 20th century. Michael's son, Kevin, and daughter, Melissa, are now the 6th generation of the family to join the team.

With a drive to leave the land in a better condition for future generations, it is a family legacy to focus on sustainability. Although Michael David wines can be unconventional, they are all responsibly grown in a sustainable manner - environmental, social, and economic - according to appellation rules, of which there are more than 100 standards that account for all aspects to making quality wine.

There are a few ranges of wines in the Michael David portfolio, including some that are packaged in cans. Thus, there is something for everyone. Michael and David are also known for their quirky personalities, while their wines are known for standing apart from the crowd, as the label of this wine illustrates. This particular red wine is from their Freakshow range, with the Cabernet Sauvignon coming from "Super Freak" himself, Michael Phillips' own Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard.

Tasting Note:

MICHAEL DAVID FREAKSHOW CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Lodi, California, USA (#405175) (D) - $29.95
A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petite Sirah, and 2% Syrah that was raised in French oak (40% new), it has an inviting and somewhat exotic medium+ intensity aromas of Bing cherry, red berry, cinnamon, strawberry preserve, baking spice, and touches of milk chocolate wafting out of the glass. On the nicely balanced, full-bodied palate it has flavours of ripe cassis, cherry, red berry, clove, and baking spice notes that are supported by smooth, refined tannins and juicy acidity. Closes with savoury, earthy, clove spice, and chocolate notes on the juicy finish, with very good length. Freakishly delicious! Score: 89 pts

Other delicious wines from Michael David Winery can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.

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