Altosur Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (Argentina) - Wine Review

After enjoying the delicious 2018 Finca SOPHENIA Altosur Malbec last September, tonight's wine review is a lovely white wine from the same producer. This Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina is new to the LCBO and arrived on shelves across Ontario last weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release. This is the first of what will be many posts in the coming weeks highlighting the exciting and diverse Wines of Argentina.

Roberto Luka, the former President of Wines of Argentina, founded Finca SOPHENIA in 1997 by combining the names of his partner's daughter, Sophia, and his own daughter, Eugenia. The wine producer is based in the high-altitude sub-zone of Gualtallary in Tupungato, within the Uco Valley in Mendoza. Today, Finca SOPHENIA is recognized as one of the highest quality wine producers in Argentina. Finca SOPHENIA is Sustainability Certified and the young, dynamic, and ambitious winemaking team is led by Ing. Julia Halupczok and winemaker Matías Michelini; Eugenia Luka has also joined the family business.

Finca SOPHENIA is a pioneer in the cultivation of vines in Gualtallary. Tupungato has an ideal micro-climate that allows for the slow ripening of grapes. The combination of height, cold weather, and sandy and stony soils result in wines with ideal natural acidity, intense aromas and flavours, concentration, and good structure. The small terroir of Gualtallary yields wines that are some of Argentina's most freshest and minerally.

With Argentina's unique conditions, notably the Andes mountain range and its latitudinal extension, the country is able to cultivate a wide range of grapes to produce many distinct styles of wines. Although Sauvignon Blanc isn't widely planted, it is being cultivated more in recent years and is now the fifth most widely planted white varietal in the country.

This particular Sauvignon Blanc is from their "Altosur" range of wines. Altosur translates to "high in the south", referring to the elevation of its terroir at the southern part of the world. It was grown in Finca SOPHENIA's high-altitude estate vineyard by the Andes in the Gualtallary sub-zone of Tupungato, in the Uco Valley, at an altitude of 1,219 metres (4,000 feet) above sea level. The soils here are of alluvial origin, loose and highly permeable structure. To obtain a balanced vineyard with high quality grapes, special pruning, irrigation and canopy management tasks are performed. The grapes are harvested manually and vinified using gentle pressing at low pressures in a pneumatic press, and fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. Let's see how this delicious Argentinean Sauvignon Blanc is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALTOSUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Estate grown and bottled, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19385) (XD) - $16.95
Screw cap. The fresh, intense nose is highly aromatic with ripe guava, kiwi, melon, tropical fruit, and citrus aromas nuanced with earthy minerals and herbs. The clean, fresh palate has more ripe tropical fruit, guava, kiwi, citrus, and melon flavours in a spicy profile with fresh, clean acidity. Juicy herbs with citrus and melon linger on the long, distinctively mineral finish. Recommended buy. Score: 89 pts

While a few Altosur Malbec's are still available at the LCBO, other delicious wines from Finca SOPHENIA can be purchased through their Agent - Sylvestre Wines & Spirits.

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Vanderpump Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 and Sonoma Coast Chardonnay 2018 (California) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's wine reviews are a pair of lovely wines from Sonoma - a California Cabernet Sauvignon and California Chardonnay. Both of these wines are new to the LCBO and arrived on VINTAGES shelves across Ontario this weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

With many decades in the hospitality industry worldwide, the Vanderpump family developed a passion for outstanding wines. The family has deep roots in California - it is where they call home and raised their family. Vanderpump Wines was founded in 2016, when Lisa and her family decided to collaborate with renowned Winemaker Tom Hinde to produce wines that combine the family's love of Old World style with the excellence of New World fruit from Sonoma.

Their first wine was a rosé, which they launched in 2017 after developing a passion for it from living in the South of France for many years. Last year, they expanded their portfolio with the addition of these two wines, both crafted using fruit Sonoma within their home state of California. Both of these "celebrity wines" beat my expectations and have impressively high quality.

Tasting Notes:

VANDERPUMP SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY 2018 - Estate grown, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#18636) (XD) - $37.95
Hand-sorted and whole cluster pressed, this barrel-fermented Chardonnay with some lees ageing was raised in French oak for 11 months. It has a fresh, medium-high intensity nose with aromas of ripe stone fruits such as pear, apple, and lemon citrus, along with some tropical fruit and peach layered over butter and toasty vanilla notes. It's medium+ bodied on the slightly warming palate with more ripe apple, pear, and lemon citrus notes joined by vanilla and butter flavours. Acids are well-balanced, while some leesy mineral and coffee notes linger on the finish, with very good length. Score: 91 pts

VANDERPUMP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#20176) (XD) - $49.95
The grapes for this lovely blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot were sourced from Sonoma Valley and Alexander Valley, and aged in French oak for 18 months. Elegant, medium-high intensity aromas of dark fruited, blackberry, black cherry, plum, and currant notes are nuanced with cocoa and sweet spices. It's full-bodied and chewy with lovely dark fruited aroma replays plus cocoa, sweet spice, and vanilla flavours adding savoury complexity. It's supported by juicy, well-balanced acidity and very smooth, refined tannins that have a supple texture. Savoury and earthy with dark fruited notes linger on the long, elegant finish. Score: 92 pts

The portfolio of Vanderpump wines and are proudly represented by their Agent - Dionysus Wines & Spirits.

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July 10, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: BBQ + Cool-Climate Chardonnay

As we head into the sizzling heat of the summer, the main theme of the July 10, 2021 LCBO VINTAGES Release focuses on all-purpose BBQ wines that will appeal to many tastes and budgets, while in the mini-theme we cool off with the annual Cool-Climate Chardonnay selection. All of these wines, including those from the main release should be on shelves across Ontario by this Saturday.

We begin with the theme on BBQ wines, of which six of the eighteen wines featured are among my top wine picks, with all three colours represented. The white wines are an organic Vernaccia from Tuscany and a barrel-fermented Chardonnay from Sonoma. The red wines are a Brunello di Montalcino made with 100% Sangiovese, and a consistently delicious Malbec from Argentina. The pink wines include a rosé from Spain that is made with 100% old-vine Garnacha, while the other rosé is from Coteaux d'Aix en Provence and consists of 60% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, and 5% Syrah.

From the mini-theme on Cool-Climate Chardonnay wines, two of the eleven wines featured are included among my top Chardonnay recommendations. Both of these delightful white wines are $25 and come from Niagara.

At the top of my red wine picks is the Châteauneuf-du-Pape that is a blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, and the rest a mix of other red and wine varieties. Also from Rhône is the Lirac that consists of 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, while the Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah. The last wine from France is the Madiran which consists of 60% Tannat and 40% Cabernet Franc. From Portugal, the Douro red is mainly Touriga Nacional with Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Souzão in support, while the Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma is a blend of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, and 3% Petit Verdot.

Among my white wine recommendations, the Vinho Verde is a blend of mainly Alvarinho with Trajadura in support, while the Rioja Blanco is a barrel-fermented blend of 70% Viura and 30% Maturana Blanca. From France, the Rhône white is a blend of roughly 70% Viognier and the rest equal parts Grenache Blanc and Clairette, while the Roussillon white is mainly Grenache Blanc with 20% Roussanne making up the final blend. Single varietal wines include a fine Chardonnay from Oregon, and an high-altitude Sauvignon Blanc from Argentina. The only wine with some sweetness is the off-dry Riesling Kabinett from Mosel.

Enjoy my wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• JERZU MARGHIA CANNONAU DI SARDEGNA 2018 - DOC, Sardinia, Italy (#508630) (XD) - $17.95
• SEAWARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Sustainable, WO Coastal Region, South Africa (#19577) (XD) - $17.95
• HALOS DE JUPITER CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2019 - AC, France (#276956) (XD) - $18.95
• PLANTAGENET THREE LIONS SHIRAZ 2017 - Great Southern, Western Australia (#18482) (XD) - $19.95
• ZUCCARDI Q MALBEC 2019 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#723478) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• QUADRUS RED 2015 - DOP Douro, Portugal (#440305) (XD) - $22.95
• CHÂTEAU PEYROS VIEILLES VIGNES MADIRAN 2016 - AC, South West, France (#234997) (XD) - $23.95  91 pts  wine review
• ALAIN JAUME CLOS DE SIXTE LIRAC 2016 - AC, Rhône, France (#76349) (XD) - $26.95
• VANDERPUMP CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017 - Sonoma County, California, USA (#20176) (XD) - $49.95  92 pts  wine review
• IL GRAPPOLO SASSOCHETO BRUNELLO DI MONTALCINO 2015 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#550038) (XD) - $56.95
• CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2018 - AC, Rhône, France (#711317) (XD) - $93.95
  

White Wine:

• MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE 2020 - Monção e Melgaço, DOC Vinho Verde, Portugal (#80374) (XD) - $15.95
• ALTOSUR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2019 - Estate grown and bottled, Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#19385) (XD) - $16.95  89 pts  wine review
• OLIVIER & LAFONT CÔTES DU RHÔNE 2019 - AC, France (#18646) (XD) - $16.95
• SAINT-ROCH VIEILLES VIGNES CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON GRENACHE BLANC / ROUSSANNE 2019 - AP, Midi, France (#175232) (XD) - $17.95
• SAN DONATO DI FRENZI VERNACCIA DI SAN GIMIGNANO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#17827) (XD) - $17.95
• NIVARIUS LIMITED EDITION BLANCO 2016 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#15591) (XD) - $21.95
• LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2019 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20455) (XD) - $24.95
• 2027 CELLARS WISMER VINEYARD FOXCROFT BLOCK CHARDONNAY 2019 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#421362) (XD) - $24.95
• SOKOL BLOSSER DUNDEE HILLS ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2018 - Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA (#16988) (XD) - $28.95  91+ pts  wine review
• VANDERPUMP SONOMA COAST CHARDONNAY 2018 - Estate grown, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA (#18636) (XD) - $37.95  91 pts  wine review
• SELBACH-OSTER ZELTINGER HIMMELREICH RIESLING KABINETT HALBTROCKEN 2018 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#18922) (D) - $34.95  FE
  

Rosé Wine:

• IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#490961) (XD) - $16.95  88+ pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU LA TOUR DE L'ÉVÊQUE ROSÉ 2020 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#319392) (XD) - $19.95
• VILLA AIX EN PROVENCE ROSÉ 2020 - AP Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, France (#668426) (XD) - $19.95
  

Sparkling Wine:

• VILMART ET CIE GRANDE RÉSERVE 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, Champagne, France (#12619) (XD) - $72.95  FE  92 pts  wine review

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Izadi Larrosa Garnacha Rosé 2020 (Rioja) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a delicious rosé from Spain that arrives at the LCBO this weekend as part of the July 10 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

A relatively new producer, Bodegas Izadi was founded 1987 in the heart of Rioja Alavesa, when Gonzalo Antón, who had a passion for wine and good food, and a group of friends and business people began the ground breaking project. This innovative bodega is located in the village of Villabuena de Alava, in northern Spain, where Gonzalo's family was already growing grapes, and focuses on making fine wine.

With Gonzalo's knowledge of hotels and restaurants, Izadi wines became some of the most highly regarded wines in gastronomic circles. Over time, Izadi has introduced new winemaking techniques and improved their quality to set a particular house style of wine. In 2000, Lalo Antón, Gonzalo's son, joined the company and further expanded its reach around the globe, including adding other brands to the portfolio.

Izadi, which means nature, was the name chosen because they wanted the bodega to show the fruits of its natural surroundings. The 178 hectares of vineyards (70 of which are their own) that Izadi has access to are located in a triangle between the villages of Villabuena, Samaniego, and Abalos. These old, south-facing vineyards have a special micro-climate and are cultivated in an integrated approach with respect for its natural surroundings. The building is on a steep slope, with a 50-metre difference from top to bottom. They use gravity flow to gently move the grapes and wine throughout the 5 levels of the winery.

This particular dry rosé is 100% Garnacha from a selection of low-yield vineyards which were first planted in 1972 at an high-altitude of 790 metres above sea level. On a slope, the soils are clay-chalk with pebbles and are influenced by both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. The grape were manually harvested and vinified in stainless steel tanks. Let's see how this delightful dry rosé is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ 2020 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#490961) (XD) - $16.95
This 100% old-vine Garnacha pours a pretty, pale salmon colour. The medium+ intensity nose offers aromas of grapefruit, red berry, citrus, and herbs with subtle honey and floral undertones. The dry, mid-weighted palate is fleshy with ripe red berry, strawberry, grapefruit, citrus, and floral flavours with subtle herb and white pepper spice notes adding further interest. It has fresh, balanced acidity and zesty flavour replays on the dry, slightly minerally finish, with very good length. Chill well and enjoy this recommended buy. Score: 88+ pts

Other lovely wines from Bodegas Izadi can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Cave de Tain Héritiers Gambert Nobles Rives Crozes-Hermitage 2018 (Rhône) - Wine Review

After enjoying the 2015 Cave de Tain Grand Classique Crozes-Hermitage a couple of years ago, tonight's red wine review is another lovely Syrah from the same producer that arrived at the LCBO a couple of weeks ago, as part of the June 26th LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Cave de Tain was founded in 1933 by Louis Gambert de Loche on the Hermitage slope in northern Rhône. It is a large co-operative and unique in that they own all of their 1,000 hectares of vineyards. These vineyards are spread across the five prestigious appellations of northern Rhône, making Cave de Tain the leading producer of cru wines in the region. Cave de Tain is also a pioneer in sustainable winegrowing and conservation of their unique grape varieties. Today, four generations of growers have contributed to the craftsmanship of terroir-driven wines of Cave de Tain using the latest, cutting-edge tools.

This 100% Syrah was grown on Cave de Tain's primary vineyard, on the left bank of the northern Rhône, on its two emblematic soil types - granite and galets which are small surface stones. Most of the grapes come from alluvial terraces with rolled pebbles (galets) from the Rhône River, along with some loess soils. The climate here is continental with a Mediterranean influence. The grapes were completely de-stemmed prior to gentle fermentation in temperature-controlled stainless steel and/or concrete tanks. It was aged in vats (60%) for 6 to 11 months, while the remaining 40% of the was aged in 400 L oak barrels. In 2018, northern Rhône experienced a very hot and dry vintage, resulting in a plentiful and ripe crop. Let's see how this Syrah is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CAVE DE TAIN HÉRITIERS GAMBERT NOBLES RIVES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2018 - Sustainable, AC, Rhône, France (#572230) (XD) - $25.95
This excellent, sustainably crafted Syrah has fresh, intense, and complex aromas of dark berry, blackberry, black cherry, smoke, black pepper spice, herbs, and meaty notes with a savoury, earthy core. Some pretty floral aromas with time in the glass. It's medium-full bodied on the structured palate with very good concentration. Lovely black pepper, blackberry, dark cherry, and herbal flavours that turn savoury, meaty, smoky, and minerally on the mid-palate. It's supported by fresh, balanced acidity and fine-grained tannins that have a some structure and grip. Savoury, stony mineral, and coffee notes linger on the very long finish. Wow. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

Other fine wines from Cave de Tain can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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The Spritz Pack - Distelleria Amalfi Aperitivo Liqueur & Spritz

Last Spring, I enjoyed the locally made, ready-to-drink Amalfi Aperitivo Spritz that was launched by Distilleria Amalfi & Co. This year, the company located just north of Toronto launched a 750 mL bottle of their aperitivo liqueur named "Distilleria Amalfi & Co. Aperitivo Liqueur".

Both of these products were created by brothers Davide and Bruno Codispoti, who were born and raised in Vaughan, Ontario. Over the years, the brothers have introduced numerous beverage and food concepts in Canada, including the ever-popular (and one of my personal favourites) "Crazy Uncle" line of cocktails. After many trips to Italy, Davide and Bruno fell in love with the tradition of "Aperitivo Hour" and wanted to bring this tradition back to Canada with the aim of launching an authentic, locally crafted Aperitivo using real sparkling wine in their Spritz and natural flavours in the Aperitivo.

The Distilleria Amalfi & Co. Aperitivo Liqueur, or Amalfi Aperitivo for short, is an Aperitivo Liqueur made in small batches with natural flavours. As printed on the back label, some of the ingredients include Hibiscus flowers, Chamomile blossoms, Rosehips, Lemon peel, and Quinine. You can enjoy this delicious Aperitivo Liqueur chilled or on the rocks, as well as play mixologist. One of surely many recipes is recommended on the back - pour equal parts Amalfi Aperitivo Liqueur and Sparkling Wine over ice, then add a Blood Orange Slice and Mint Leaves to enhance the flavours.

The Aperitivo Liqueur, Spritz, and Toro Bravo sparkling wine are all widely available at the LCBO outlets across Ontario. Enjoy Aperitivo Hour this summer with delicious Aperitivo Liqueur that is currently $2 off for a limited time.

Tasting Notes:

DISTILLERIA AMALFI & CO. APERITIVO LIQUEUR - Ontario, Canada (#19417) - $28.95 $26.95 until July 18
A locally made premium bitter liqueur produced in small batches. On the rocks, this has an attractive, fresh, and fragrant nose of blood orange accented with floral and citrus aromas. There's some initial sweetness on the palate, but it gives way to bitter orange, floral, and citrus notes that carry the mid-weighted palate through to the very long, bitter, floral, and savoury finish. Delicious! Must try.

It's very refreshing (and delicious) when mixed with the Toro Bravo sparkling wine, with a more balanced and even-keeled aroma and flavour profile from start to finish.

AMALFI APERITIVO SPRITZ - Ontario, Canada (#14515) (4 x 355 mL) - $12.95
This ready-to-drink, refreshing cocktail has attractive aromas of sweet blood oranges joined by bitter notes on the spritzy palate. Chill and enjoy or, ideally, pour over ice in a stemmed wine glass and garnish with an orange.

TORO BRAVO SPARKLING SECCO WHITE - Spain (#16191) (D) - $11.95
Made using Spain's traditional cava grapes Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo, this Charmat method sparkling wine is enclosed by screw cap and has pear, citrus, ripe apple, and floral aromas rise out of the glass. The off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) palate is frothy and lightly textured with fresh, balanced acidity. It has pleasant aroma replays of pear, citrus, and apple, and floral on the flavour profile that lingers to the finish. Chill well and enjoy. Score: 85 pts

The Amalfi products are proudly represented by Churchill Cellars Ltd.

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Le Fils des Gras Moutons Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine 2019 (Loire) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is the latest vintage of this lovely Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine white wine that is made using the Melon de Bourgogne varietal. It arrived at the LCBO over the weekend, as part of the LCBO VINTAGES Release on June 26.

Domaine la Haute Févrie was founded in the heart of the Muscadet Sèvre et Maine appellation, 18 km southeast of Nantes, Loire, during the First World War by Claude Branger's grandfather. Claude worked alongside his father for many years, and in 2007, Sébastien Branger, Claude's son, joined the domain to become the fourth generation of the family to carefully tend the vines. The estate vines are grown on hills overlooking the Sèvre River, ‎between the communes of Saint-Fiacre and Monnières, and enjoy optimum ripening conditions. The Branger's are conscientious winegrowers, harvesting all of the grapes by hand. Starting in 2016, Sébastien embarked on a vision to convert all of their vineyards to organic farming, and by 2019 all of the domain's parcels was fully certified to organic.

The grapes for this wine come from their "Les Gras Moutons" named single vineyard, which translates to "Fat Sheep", perhaps because there was a well-fed sheep that used to graze on this land. The wine is named "Le Fils des Gras Moutons", which translates to "The Son of the Fat Sheep", perhaps because the first sheep was the father of a lamb.

In all seriousness, "mouton" is actually a variant on the Old French word motton, which means a slight rise or small hill. Thus, "Gras Moutons" refers to larger hill where the grapes for this wine were grown. It is made with 100% Melon de Bourgogne from 26 acres of vines in earlier maturing plots of the Les Gras Moutons vineyard. The vines average 40+ years old and are planted on soils that sit on granite bedrock that is metamorphic gneiss full of mica and quartz. The grapes are hand-picked and rest on lees for 6-7 months prior to bottling.

I've enjoyed this white wine numerous times over the years, including most recently last July when the 2018 Le Fils des Gras Moutons Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine arrived in LCBO VINTAGES last June. Although yields were down in 2019, the quality was very good, especially for white wines. Let's see how this white wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LE FILS DES GRAS MOUTONS SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE-ET-MAINE 2019 - AC, Loire, France (#363150) (XD) - $16.95
100% Melon de Bourgogne. Fresh, intense, lemon-lime citrus, and wet stone aromas with hints of saline, orange peel and musky spice notes rising out of the glass. It's medium+ bodied and ripe on the palate with very good concentration and flavours of lemon-lime citrus, wet stone, oyster shell mineral, saline, and touches of honey. It's nicely balanced throughout with very good acidity and a finely textured mid-palate. It finishes with lovely wet stone minerals and tart lemons on the lip-smacking, juicy finish, with excellent length. Easily the best vintage I've tasted. Chill and enjoy this highly recommended buy. Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines from Domaine la Haute Févrie can be ordered through their Agent - Connexion Oenophilia.

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