Alpamanta Breva Pét-Nat Sparkling Criolla 2021 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine review is a lovely unique and organic pét-nat sparkling wine crafted with the Criolla varietal from Argentina that was a new arrival at the LCBO in the August 27th LCBO VINTAGES Online Exclusives Release last summer.

It is produced by Bodega Alpamanta, a boutique winery that was established in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2005 by three close friends - Andrej Razumovsky from Austria and his cousin André Hoffmann from Switzerland, and Jeremie Delecourt from France. Andrej and André are from the noble Sayn Wittgenstain family who owned vineyards in Moldavia, while Jeremie's family are winegrowers and producers of rosé wines in Côtes de Provence. Together, this combination of rich heritage and passion for wine brought the Alpamanta project to life.

The name "Alpamanta" means "Love for the Earth" in the local indigenous culture. In the native culture, a key aspect is working and co-existing in harmony with nature and the environment. At Bodega Alpamanta, loving the earth is their motto and method of caring for the terroir.

They chose to establish their project in Mendoza because it offers the ideal conditions to produce organic wines. Since this region is a desert, it enjoys almost 330 days of sun and averages little rainfall of 220 mL per year. To ensure the vines receive water, they use drip irrigation which helps preserve water and reduce unnecessary waste. The climate in Mendoza is characterized by warm summers and cool nights, with thermal amplitudes that can reach around 20°C. Their vineyard was carefully chosen at 950 metres above sea level and the soils feature a combination of sand, clay, lime, and calcareous layers on the subsurface

Their vineyards are farmed certified organically and biodynamically, while focusing on respecting the soil and its biodiversity to help balance the ecosystem. They maintain a healthy and balanced vineyard, and avoid the spread of diseases by avoiding any chemical or synthetic products such as herbicides or fungicides.

Bodega Alpamanta has several ranges of wines, and this particular bubbly is from their Breva range. Breva means "fruit of the first harvest" and this sparkling wine is crafted with Criolla, one of the first native grape varieties in Argentina. This sparkling wine is made in the "Pét-Nat" style. Pét-Nat is short for "pétillant naturel", a French term that roughly translates to "naturally sparkling", and these types of sparkling wines undergo their primary fermentation in bottle with the sugars from the grapes providing the bubbles. This Breva Pét-Nat was fermented using native yeasts and no added sulfites, a truly natural wine. Let's see how this Criolla Pét-Nat from Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

ALPAMANTA BREVA PÉT-NAT SPARKLING CRIOLLA 2021 - Vegan, ancestral method, Mendoza, Argentina (#24889) (XD) - $32.95 $27.25
Crafted with the Criolla grape, this pét-nat sparkling wine is enclosed by crown cap has enticing, fragrant aromas of wild berries, cherry, currant, and blackberry joined by funky earthy, barnyard notes that blow off with time in the glass, leaving only wild berry tones. It's fresh and lively on the dry, light-to-mid-weighted palate with deliciously complex wild berry, cherry, currant, and blackberry replays, plus dried spices, thyme and mint adding intrigue. Gently tangy on the mid-palate, it's also nicely textured with a supple grip and succulent, juicy acids. Crisp bubbles and dry with some leesy mineral notes lingering on the long finish. Chill and enjoy this unique, highly recommended buy! Score: 91+ pts

This and one other Pét-Nat Sparkling are available on clearance in limited quantities at the LCBO, while wines from the entire Alpamanta portfolio can be ordered through their Agent - The Living Vine.

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Frind Pinot Noir Cuveé 2019 (British Columbia) - Wine Review

After being introduced to a pair of lovely wines by Frind Estate Winery a couple of years ago, including the 2018 Frind Chardonnay, tonight's red wine review is a Pinot Noir from the same producer that is new to the LCBO, arriving on shelves a few months ago as part of the December 3 LCBO VINTAGES Release and still available for purchase now (at a potentially reduced price in-store).

Frind Estate Winery is a fairly new producer that was established in 2017 by Markus Frind, the creator of the dating website Plenty of Fish. However, the property, which is situated lakeside in West Kelowna, British Columbia, was owned by the Bennett family of political fame for more than 50 years before it was sold to Markus. As a descendent of a generation of farmers, Markus, who was born in Germany and immigrated to Canada as a young boy with his parents, grew up on a farm in northeastern British Columbia. After studying Business and Computer Science at the British Columbia Institute of Technology and achieving many successes, he decided to follow his ambition into B.C. wine by combining his two passions: technology and agriculture.

Each bottle of Frind Estate wines features an abstract golden pinecone representing three aspects meaningful to the founder and his family - science, symbolism, and sentiment. Markus Frind is passionate about science and math, and over a decade ago he cracked a mathematical sequence used as supporting research for another academic paper that helped its author win the Nobel Prize in math. The bottom of any pine cone features a beautiful spiral pattern, also found in snail shells and roses, that is the result of Fibonacci sequences. Coincidentally, the City of Kelowna logo also represents the geometry of a pinecone. Symbolism is represented by Bacchus, the Roman God of wine, who is often depicted wielding a Thyrsus - a staff topped with a pinecone that represents fertility, prosperity, and could turn water into wine. The pinecone is also sentimental to the family because the property is sprinkled with beautiful, old growth Ponderosa Pine trees, and it was on the property where Markus and his daughter Ava found the perfect pinecone to artistically render for the brand.

Frind Estate Winery strives to celebrate and preserve the rich history of this spectacular location in West Kelowna. They are committed to lead through innovation and technology to create smooth, fruit forward wines, while also growing the business and inspiring the international wine industry. Let's see how this 2019 Pinot Noir from British Columbia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FRIND PINOT NOIR CUVEÉ 2019 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (#25655) (XD) - $29.95
This 100% Pinot Noir was sourced from vineyards in Summerland and Kelowna, from various soil types and different Pinot clones, and aged in French barrels for five months. Enclosed by screw cap, the medium-high intensity nose offers a pleasing mix of ripe, slightly desiccated, bright and dark red cherries, and blackberry aromas with hints of red plum, sweet spice, and mineral. It has good weight on the medium+ bodied, well-structured palate with ripe red and dark cherry, currant, strawberry, red plum, and spice flavours which are supported by fresh acidity and supple, dusty textured, and mouth-coating tannins. Cherry notes are joined by minerals and touches of dried herbs on the long, juicy finish. Enjoy this recommended buy over the next couple of years. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Frind Estate Winery can be ordered through their Agent - Noble Estates Wines & Spirits.

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Cabana Coast Dirty Shirley (Canada) - Cocktail Review

Tonight's cocktail review is a delicious, ready-to-drink, hard cocktail that was launched just a few weeks ago and is widely available at LCBO outlets across Ontario.

It is produced by Cabana Coast Cocktails right here in Canada and they are one of a number of brands that are part of Ace Beverage Group. Cabana Coast Cocktails produces a few hard cocktails, including the Original Mule, and the Dirty Shirley is their newest creation!

The Cabana Coast Dirty Shirley is an adult take on a nostalgic, sweet, and classic beverage that many of us know from the good old days. The Cabana Coast Dirty Shirley is the Shirley Temple flavour you love that is infused with premium vodka to create a tasty, alcoholic twist on an all-time nostalgic drink. Let's get dirty and see how Dirty Shirley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

CABANA COAST DIRTY SHIRLEY - Ontario, Canada (#31253) (473 mL) - $3.15
Small-batch crafted, it has delicious maraschino cherry, currant, and grenadine flavours with a touch of citrus in a fresh, carbonated style with bright bubbles. It's smooth and refreshing, while citrusy, cherry, and vodka notes linger on the crisp finish, with very good length. A delicious, recommended buy suitable for year-round sipping!

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April 1, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Easter Feasts

Here are my top wine picks from the April 1, 2023 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, and annual Easter release which focuses on Perfect Old World and New World Wine Pairings for Easter Feasts. Although it is once again a small-ish release, there are many highly quality wines worth getting your hands on, while the sub-$20 category is fading to memory.

We'll begin with the theme on food & wine pairings centered around New World vs. Old World Wines for Easter Feasts. In all there are twenty wines featured across the six pairings and seven wines that are recommended buys. For pairing with appetizers, try the Pinot Grigio from Südtirol - Alto Adige or the sparkling brut rosé sparkling wine from South Africa that is crafted with 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. For pairing with Prime Rib or Lamb Breast, you'll want a big, high tannin red such as the Cabernet Sauvignon from Paraje Altamira in Argentina. To pair wine with a Turkey Dinner, try New World wines such as the Pinot Noir from Chile or the Chardonnay from Twenty Mile Bench in Niagara. With Baked Ham, try the medium-sweet Riesling from Niagara, and to pair with Mushrooms try the Chianti Classico that is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino / Canaiolo.

Red wine recommendations from the rest of the release start in Italy with an Amarone that is crafted with 60% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, and 5% Rondinella / Croatina Veronese, then followed by the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Tuscany that is a blend of mainly Sangiovese (Prugnolo Gentile), plus Canaiolo and other permitted grape varieties. The only other blend is by Mascota Vineyards in Argentina that consists of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Malbec, and 15% Cabernet Franc. Single varietal wines include a pair of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Australia, a Garnacha (aka Grenache) from Spain, and a Malbec from Argentina.

Among my white wine picks, all are mono varietal wines and the most unique might be the wine from Greece that is made with Mavrofilero, a clone of Moschofilero. Other white wines include a pair of Chardonnays - one from Argentina and the other from Jordan Village in Niagara, as well as a pair of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wines. There is also a Chenin Blanc from South Africa and a Grüner Veltliner from Austria.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• CHILENSIS SIGNATURE SERIES PINOT NOIR 2017 - Sustainable, Valle de Casablanca, Chile (#28591) (XD) - $19.95
• MENGUANTE SELECCIÓN GARNACHA 2017 - DOP Cariñena, Spain (#313833) (XD) - $19.95
• SOPHENIA KARMA MALBEC 2020 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28085) (XD) - $21.95
• PENLEY PHOENIX CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#639575) (XD) - $22.95
• CASTELLO DI RADDA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2019 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#16448) (XD) - $23.95
• MASCOTA UNÁNIME GRAN VINO TINTO 2018 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#466938) (XD) - $26.95
• ZAHA TOKO VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#28080) (XD) - $27.95
• CARPINETO RISERVA VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2017 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#368910) (XD) - $34.95
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE BLACK LABEL CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#84996) (XD) - $47.95
• PIEROPAN VIGNA GARZON AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA 2016 - Sustainable, DOCG, Veneto, Italy (#16087) (D) - $72.95

White Wine:

• RADFORD DALE VINUM CHENIN BLANC 2021 - Vegan, sustainable, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13338) (XD) - $19.95
• ALLAN SCOTT SAUVIGNON BLANC 2022 - Vegan, sustainable, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#27022) (XD) - $21.95
• KELLEREI BOZEN PINOT GRIGIO 2020 - DOC Südtirol - Alto Adige, Italy (#249466) (XD) - $21.95
• SKOURAS SALTO WILD YEAST MAVROFILERO 2021 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#31521) (XD) - $23.95
• STAETE LANDT ANNABEL SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021 - Sustainable, estate grown, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#648691) (XD) - $24.95
• LOIMER GRÜNER VELTLINER 2021 - DAC Kamptal, Austria (#142240) (XD) - $24.95
• HIDDEN BENCH ESTATE RIESLING 2019 - VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#183491) (M) - $24.95
  
• EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2020 - Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $27.95
• LE CLOS JORDANNE JORDAN VILLAGE CHARDONNAY 2020 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20455) (XD) - $29.95
• LE CLOS JORDANNE LE GRAND CLOS CHARDONNAY 2020 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#184549) (XD) - $49.95

Sparkling Wine:

• L'ORMARINS BRUT ROSÉ CAP CLASSIQUE SPARKLING 2016 - Traditional method, WO Western Cape, South Africa (#28586) (XD) - $25.95

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Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2021 (Provence) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Pinot Noir produced by the famed Burgundian producer Maison Louis Latour. However, this red wine is not from Burgundy, but instead from the Var appellation in Provence and was featured on the cover of the most recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on March 18th.

Maison Louis Latour has a long history in wine that begins in 1731 when they acquired their first, and some of the top, vineyards in Burgundy. This wine, however, is from their Domaine in Provence called Domaine de Valmoissine and they have been cultivating Pinot Noir at this site since 1989.

The Valmoissine project was launched in the mid-1980s, not long after initial trials with Chardonnay in Ardèche were successful. As these trials were conducted in collaboration with a wine cooperative in Haut Var, Louis Latour soon began the search for their own land to establish their own estate and in 1990 they planted their first vines - 35 hectares in the village of Aups, in an area that had never been planted with vines. The domaine gets its name from the former collegiate church of Valmoissine which stood nearby from the year 900 up to the 15th century. Domaine de Valmoissine is situated in the heart of a region of rolling valleys, close to the Verdon Gorges, and on the site of the former monastery at 500 metres above sea level.

Today, Domaine to Valmoissine spans 100 hectares and the combination of clay and limestone soils with a fully south-facing aspect was important in the selection of this site where the conditions are similar to their terroir of choice - the Hill of Corton in Burgundy, the perfect terroir for the Burgundian grape variety of Pinot Noir. This area experiences a southern climate with hot, sunny days, and cool nights which allows the Pinot Noir grapes to brave the high temperatures of summer. The seasons are well defined in this area with hot summers and cold winters, while the southerly exposure and higher altitude limit the risk of spring frost.

The vineyard management and winemaking techniques used by Maison Latour in Var are identical to those used in Burgundy, with the objective of producing a refined and elegant wine of irreproachable quality. Yields are kept low to ensure good maturity and aromatic concentration of the grapes. The wines are crafted at the former Cave La Verdière, an old wine co-operative that was purchased by Maison Latour, and the vats were completely renewed in 1997 to provide the best possible conditions for the creation of an exceptional wine.

The grapes for this particular Pinot Noir were grown on the clay and limestone soils of the Verdon Hills in Provence, from vines averaging 15 years old. It was hand-picked and mechanically harvested, and completely de-stemmed upon arrival at the winery. It was fermented traditionally in open vats and followed by gentle pneumatic pressing. The free-run juice and the pressed wine were re-assembled and aged in stainless steel vats for 10 to 12 months. Cultivated in the contrasting climate of the Verdon Hills, the elegance of Pinot Noir is revealed in this wine by the application of the finest winemaking skills of Burgundy. Let's see how this 2021 Pinot Noir from Var in Provence is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

VALMOISSINE PINOT NOIR 2021 - IGP Var, Provence, France (#714451) (XD) - $25.95
This unoaked, 100% Pinot Noir has a medium-high intensity nose offering attractive aromas of sour dark red cherry, spice, dark currant, strawberry, forest floor, and earthy minerality, with hints of tea leaf and dried herbs emerging with time in the glass. On the medium+ bodied palate it delivers spiced dark berries, cherry, currant, and forest floor replays on the flavour profile. It has fresh, juicy acidity and light, slightly grippy and youthful tannins that offer a pleasing textural mouthfeel. Nicely balanced throughout with dark berry, sour cherry and forest floor notes lingering on the long, succulent finish. Quite impressive and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Louis Latour are available through the LCBO, and through their Agent - Mark Anthony Wine & Spirits.

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French Door Estate Winery Héritage 2020 (British Columbia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a sneak preview of a lovely red wine from B.C. that is expected to be released by the winery this Spring!

It is produced by French Door Estate Winery, a small, boutique, family-owned and -operated winery and vineyard that was founded in 2019 by Audra and Jason Shull. They are located on the beautiful Black Sage Bench at 365 metres above sea level on a plateau edge overlooking the valley, south of the town of Oliver, in the southern Okanagan Valley.

With a passion for quality wine, the 10-acre property is planted with 100% vinifera vines, both red and white, on beautiful, expressive soils that have resulted in rich, lush, and character driven wines. The soils on the property are sandy and rocky, with a gravel and clay base that are very well drained, with a granitic sub-soil. Their goal is to produce honest, low-intervention wines, from sustainably grown grapes, in a classic old-world French style.

The name "French Door Estate Winery" came to mind because the family was inspired by the simplicity and quality of French architecture, cuisine, and wine during their travels to Provence. As they believe that the Okanagan valley has a similar uniqueness about it, the Shull family wanted to bring these parallels to life through the way their wine is made and discussed.

Their consultant winemaker is Pascal Madevon, a man who integrates his French heritage into all of his wine creations. All of the wines are produced in the Barrel Room where there are three Tonneau French oak vats and French oak barrels. The French theme continues with a white and bright with black accents colour scheme throughout the winery, resembling the look and feel of a French farmhouse. The symbol of the "French door" is representative of their aspiration to incorporate the traditional aesthetics and values of beautiful Provence into their own backyard, with a modern twist.

This red wine from the Okanagan Valley is a blend of 41% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 6% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. The grapes were grown at their estate vineyard which experiences long days of sunshine, while the Oliver wind in the afternoon cools the grapes until the sun goes behind Mount Kobau. Each vineyard block and variety is cultivated with precise care depending on the vines' needs. To vinify this wine, all of the grapes were hand-harvested and sorted before being de-stemmed and gently crushed into tanks. Each variety was fermented separately and was followed by an extended maceration to extract colour and tannins. Free run wine was drained directly into barrels, while the rest was pressed off the following day, and then aged for 14 months in 60% neutral and 40% new French oak barrels before being bottled.

The 2020 growing season in the Okanagan started wet and cool, which meant a smaller fruit set than usual. The result was a smaller grape harvest, which in turn meant less wine. However, the grape quality of what was picked was excellent due to perfect ripening conditions, and the quality of the wines will be among the best of the decade. According to French Door, their 2020 Héritage could be their most refined yet. Let's see how this 2020 Okanagan Valley red wine is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

FRENCH DOOR ESTATE WINERY HÉRITAGE 2020 - BC VQA Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada (XD) - $52
Blend of 41% Merlot, 28% Cabernet Franc, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Syrah, 6% Malbec, and 5% Petit Verdot. The medium+ intensity nose seems a bit shy, offering elegant dark fruited aromas of black currant, cassis, and blackberry nuanced with savoury freshly tilled earth, olive, dried herbs, and oak spice adding complexity. On the elegant, refined, medium-full bodied, and dry palate it has lovely dark currant, blackberry, black cherry, olive, and earthy flavours. It has fresh acidity and elegantly refined, well-structured tannins, with savoury cocoa and herbal notes lingering on the long, juicy finish. Really elegant and refined throughout. Once released, this is a highly recommended buy! Score: 92+ pts

While this 2020 vintage isn't available for purchase as of yet at the time of this post, the 2019 vintage of this terrific wine is available direct from the winery.

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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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