July 6, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: White Wine for Summer Sunshine

Here are my top wine picks from the July 6, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which is titled Fine White Wine for Summer Sunshine as the theme of the release. All the wines are already on shelves. However, since stores are closed during the strike, the LCBO is currently offering free home delivery with no minimum spend required. With nearly 140 products offered, this is a very big release, similar to what we see during the holidays.

We'll begin with the theme on Fine White Wine for Summer Sunshine. It's a large theme with twenty-four wines included as part of the feature and six wines included among my top wine picks. Somewhat surprisingly, all of my white wine picks from the theme are single varietal wines. From Italy, there is a Verdicchio from Marche, and a Pinot Grigio from Friuli. There's also a fine Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, as well as a Chardonnay from Stellenbosch. Lastly, in the uncommon category, there is a delicious, skin contact Pinot Grigio from Niagara, as well as White Malbec from Argentina.

White wine picks from the rest of the release starts with Chardonnay - a pair of local wines from Niagara/Ontario, followed by one from Argentina, and one from the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley in South Africa. There's also a pair of wines from Greece - a Moschofilero from Peloponnese, and an 85/15 blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Assyrtiko from Drama. The last wine is a Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley.

Most of my red wine recommendations are single varietal wines. The blends include the Pekin Red from South Africa that is crafted using Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, while the Rhône red is a blend of mainly Grenache and Syrah. The Rioja from Spain is also a blend, and it consists of mainly Tempranillo, plus a small amount of Graciano.

Among my rosé wine picks, the Greek rosé is a lovely 70/30 blend of Agiorgitiko and Moscofilero, while the Niagara rosé is composed of Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio, Gamay, and Cabernet Franc, and lastly, the rosé from the Rhône Valley is a made with 70% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah. The lone bubbly among my wine picks is a Champagne that is crafted using 45% Pinot Meunier, 45% Pinot Noir, and 10% Chardonnay.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• ORAPIENA MONTEPULCIANO D'ABRUZZO RISERVA 2019 - DOC, Abruzzo, Italy (#36526) (XD) - $17.95  90 pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU D'AIGUEVILLE CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2019 - AC, France (#544031) (XD) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• AVONDALE JONTY'S DUCKS PEKIN RED 2018 - WO Paarl, South Africa (#383547) (XD) - $18.95  89 pts  wine review
• GLENELLY GLASS COLLECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#13316) (XD) - $18.95  90+ pts  wine review
• CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2020 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#123489) (XD) - $18.95
• D'ANGELO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE 2019 - DOC, Campania, Italy (#971689) (XD) - $19.95
• TAWSE GROWER'S BLEND GAMAY 2021 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#32824) (XD) - $23.15  90+ pts  wine review
• DEEP WOODS HILLSIDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#33418) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE PINOT NOIR 2020 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment, Ontario, Canada (#268391) (XD) - $27.95  90 pts  wine review
• BARÓN DE LEY GRAN RESERVA 2017 - Vegan, DOCa Rioja, Spain (#642496) (XD) - $33.95

White Wine:

• ARTESANO DE ARGENTO AGRELO VINEYARD ORGANIC WHITE MALBEC 2023 - Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina (#37223) (XD) - $14.95
• ZACHARIAS MOSCHOFILERO 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#548222) (XD) - $15.95  89 pts  wine review
• FEATHERSTONE PINOT GRIGIO 2023 - Sustainable, Vegan, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#20599) (D) - $17.95  89 pts  wine review
• VINUM CHARDONNAY 2022 - Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#37412) (XD) - $18.95  90+ pts  wine review
• ATTEMS PINOT GRIGIO 2023 - DOC Friuli, Italy (#707950) (XD) - $19.95  89 pts  wine review
• AUNTSFIELD SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023 - Sustainable, Southern Val.leys, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#663286) (XD) - $22.95

• DOMAINE COSTA LAZARIDI AMETHYSTOS BLANC 2022 - Vegan, PGI Drama, Greece (#984864) (XD) - $23.95  89 pts  wine review
• LEANING POST THE FIFTY CHARDONNAY 2021 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#578864) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• TENUTE PIERALISI VILLAIA CLASSICO SUPERIORE VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI 2021 - Vegan, DOC, Marche, Italy (#36551) (XD) - $24.95  90+ pts  wine review
• JEAN-MAX ROGER MENETOU-SALON CUVÉE LE CHARNAY 2020 - AC, Loire, France (#35895) (XD) - $27.95
• EL ENEMIGO CHARDONNAY 2022 - Mendoza, Argentina (#482984) (XD) - $27.95  92 pts  wine review
• TRIUS SHOWCASE WILD FERMENT CHARDONNAY 2020 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#199273) (XD) - $38.00  92+ pts  wine review
• HAMILTON RUSSELL CHARDONNAY 2023 - Vegan, WO Hemel-en-Aarde Valley, South Africa (#931006) (XD) - $64.95

Rosé Wine:

• SKOURAS CUVÉE PRESTIGE AGIORGITIKO / MOSCOFILERO ROSÉ 2023 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#25745) (XD) - $15.95  90 pts  wine review
• IZADI LARROSA GARNACHA ROSÉ 2023 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#490961) (XD) - $17.95
• TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA ROSÉ 2022 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#172643) (D) - $18.95  88+ pts  wine review
• E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2023 - AC, France (#225003) (XD) - $21.95
• LA CREMA PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2023 - Sustainable, Monterey County, California, USA (#668376) (XD) - $29.95

Sparkling Wine:

• FRESNE DUCRET LES NOUVEAUX EXPLORATEURS BRUT 1ER CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#36189) (XD) - $58.95

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Tenute Pieralisi Villaia Classico Superiore Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2021 (Marche) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is a lovely organic and vegan Verdicchio white wine from Marche. It is brand-new to the LCBO, arriving on shelves across Ontario and online, and featured as a Refreshing White in the upcoming July 6 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by Tenute Pieralisi, an estate winery that was established along with Monte Schiavo winery in 1976 by one of the most famous families of entrepreneurs and winemakers in the Marche region. The estate is situated at Scorcelletti within the commune of Maiolati Spontini, in the province of Ancona, which is the heart of the classic production area of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.

With innovation in their DNA, the Pieralisi family's attachment to the land and region has guided the family's path since 1888, when Adeodato Pieralisi founded the first workshop for the maintenance of agricultural machinery. Today, Tenute Pieralisi boasts wine production excellence thanks to land that is particularly suited for viticulture and cutting-edge processes, while under the guidance of first-class oenologists and master winemakers who aim to guarantee taste and high-quality.

At Tenute Pieralisi, the key to quality products is genuineness. As such, they are forever guided by their deep respect for the land and its natural processes, with authenticity at the origin the key to quality products. Tenute Pieralisi is certified as Organic Farming, while also fully complying with the rules for the production of Vegan wines. All the wines come from the large, 20 hectare Colle del Sole vineyard which surrounds the winery. The short distance between the vineyard and the winery significantly reduces the time from harvest to pressing, thus allowing only the best of nature in the winemaking process and preventing the alteration of natural aromas and flavours. The alluvial soil in the vineyard is rich in fine gravel, with a high content of clay and limestone, and a fair amount of organic matter. The microclimate is a product of the influence of the sea to the east, the sun, the breezes, the rainfall, and the protection of the Apennine mountains.

Named "Villaia", this white wine's name has its origins from the rural tradition of the Marche region, where the threshing-floor outside rural houses was not just where the grain was threshed, but also the centre of the family's social activity. As Verdicchio wine was always present in the convivial moments of country life in Marche, Tenute Pieralisi would like to re-evoke these traditional country rites with Villaia's natural typicality.

This white wine is crafted with 100% Verdicchio that was grown in the Colle del Sole vineyard, which is located in the municipality of Maiolati Spontini in central Marche. The vines were cultivated on the eastern part of the hill on 4 hectares of soft, hilly terrain, at an average altitude of 120 metres
above sea level. The vines were trained using the Guyot system on soil that is rich in clay and silt. After hand-harvesting and selecting the grapes at the end of September, it underwent a spontaneous alcoholic fermentation for approximately 50 days in a stainless steel vat, at relatively cool temperatures. The wine was then aged on its fine lees for about 6 months prior to bottling.

The 2021 growing season in Marche began with a spring that was characterized by very little rainfall and low temperatures, with a few frosts. The summer was warm and dry, with continuous high temperatures. Rain arrived at the end of August, which also brought significant diurnal temperature shifts. Overall, the vintage delivered great quality, albeit with slightly reduced yields. Let's see how this 2021 Verdicchio from Marche is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TENUTE PIERALISI VILLAIA CLASSICO SUPERIORE VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI 2021 - Vegan, DOC, Marche, Italy (#36551) (XD) - $24.95
This organic and vegan white wine has elegant, medium-high to high intensity aromatics of ripe orchard fruit (apple, pear), grapefruit citrus, wild herb, and lemon aromas with underlying leesy minerals wafting out of the glass with impressive depth. On the dry, medium+ bodied palate it has lovely ripe orchard fruit, grapefruit, wild herb, and citrusy replays, plus pithy, honeysuckle, and saline flavours adding complexity. It has crisp, lively acidity, along with some spice touches and a very finely textured mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Savoury, leesy, and saline mineral notes linger on the long, juicy finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other lovely wines by Tenute Pieralisi can be ordered through their Agent - Rare Earth Wines.

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Terre di Ger Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2021 (Friuli Venezia Giulia) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a delicious Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso from the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in northeast Italy. It is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO as a Destination Collection product which you purchase online or at the Italy Destination Collection store in Woodbridge.

It is produced by Terre di Ger, a winery that arose with Gianni Spinazzè's passion for viticulture which began as a child when he walked around his family's vineyards in the Treviso area. During the 1960s, Gianni began manufacturing concrete poles to provide better support for vineyards in the Piave river basin in Northern Italy, a company which grew to become the Spinazzè group and one of the most important manufacturing companies in the grape growing and fruit business worldwide.

In 1975, Gianni planted his first vineyard with native grape varieties as a hobby and a personal diversion from his pole manufacturing business. Over the next two decades, fuelled by his passion for Friuli and refined wines, Gianni decided to start a wine business in the village of Frattina, around the Pordenone area, and produced wines under the "Podere del Ger" label, which eventually became "Terre di Ger" after the acquisition of new land and vineyards.

Over the last decade, Terre di Ger marked a turning point as the project has taken on new agronomic and oenological initiatives, starting with planting of new, resistant grape varieties and researching the resulting wines obtained from them. Additionally, the goal is to reduce the environmental impact of phytosanitary treatments, safeguard nature, and combine organic farming with organoleptic diversity. At its core, the mission of Gianni and Robert Spinazzè of Terre di Ger is to value the territory, respect the environment, and return to nature.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, a variety from the Refosco family of grapes that derives its name from its red stems. As a single vineyard, the grapes were grown at their Villaraccolta Vineyard in Pasiano di Pordenone at an altitude of only 10 metres above sea level, with north-south exposure to the sun. The soil where these grapes were grown has a medium clay texture with seashells. The fully ripened grapes were mechanically harvested at the end of September. After selecting the grapes, they were carefully pressed and then fermented in stainless steel tanks at 28°C over two weeks. It was matured in stainless steel tanks.

The 2021 growing season in Friuli Venezia Giulia was characterized by a dry spring, with rainfall concentration higher between May and June. Summer was warm and sunny, which guaranteed optimal ripening of the grapes and resulted in very good aroma precursors and alcoholic strength. With generally very good growing conditions in northern Italy, let's see how this 2021 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso from Friuli Venezia Giulia is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

TERRE DI GER REFOSCO DAL PEDUNCOLO ROSSO 2021 - IGP Trevenezie, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy (#28440) (D) - $19.95
This unoaked, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso has a medium+ intensity nose that is ripe and fruity with dark berry, blackberry, raisiny, black currant, and peppery spice aromas rising out of the glass. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is ripe and a touch sweet-fruited with blackberry, sour cherry, black currant, and violet flavours accented by peppery spice and stony minerality. It's fresh and juicy with very good, food-friendly acidity. Gentle tannins have a pleasing, chalky mineral textured grip. Savoury, stony mineral notes linger on the long, dry, and gently grippy finish, with very good length. Recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

A Merlot by Terre di Ger is available at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.

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Dionysos Wines (Greece) - Wine Reviews

Tonight's post features a trio of lovely wines from Greece. All three wines are new arrivals as Destination Collection products at the LCBO and can be purchased online or by visiting the LCBO Destination Collection stores on Danforth (Toronto) or Erin Mills Parkway (Mississauga).

All three of these wines are produced by Dionysos Winery S.A., a wine producer that was founded in 1936 in Athens by Asimakis Koutsouros and Stelios Gikas. Greece is known for its rich heritage and high-quality wines, which reflect the country's deep-rooted viticultural traditions.

Named after the ancient Greek god of wine, Dionysus, the two families that established Dionysos Winery had a passion for Greece's native grape varieties and a vision to create world-class wines. Today, the business is still owned by the Koutsouros and Gikas families, and because creating quality wines is what counts the most, the families have invested heavily in their modest winery to move forward and create quality wines.

Dionysos Winery is located about 30 minutes southwest of Athens in Lechio, within the Corinthos wine district - the most important quality vine growing region in the Peloponnese. In this location, the Mediterranean climate from the south meets the continental winds from the north to create superb winegrowing conditions that result in fruit forward, lively, temperamental, and complex wines.

Tasting Notes:

DIONYSOS LA CULTURE EN ROSE CUVÉE LIMITÉE 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#35720) (XD) - $21.95
A blend of 95% Mavrofilero and 5% Grenache Noir that was grown in the Mountainous Mantinia region of Peloponnese. The oxidative, sherry-like, medium-high intensity nose has prominent florals with lemon blossom and rose aromas joined by macerated citrus and fig adding complexity. There is a sense of sweetness on the dry, medium-full bodied palate with blood orange, floral, citrus, and grapefruit flavours in a slightly oxidative style. It has very good, juicy, and slightly tangy acidity, along with a nicely textured, and well-structured mouthfeel. Florals and citrus notes linger on the long, juicy, and dry finish. Score: 90+ pts

DIONYSOS MANTINIA MOSCHOFILERO 2022 - PDO Mantinia, Greece (#547232) (XD) - $21.95
Fragrant, medium-high intensity nose delivers yellow and white citrus and floral aromas nuanced with leesy mineral, bergamot, and wild herbs. On the dry, ripe, light-to-medium bodied palate it has a very slightly honeyed profile of lemon citrus, floral, spice, and wild herb flavours with touches of leesy mineral notes. It has fresh, crisp, and juicy acidity, along with a fine, chalky textured mouthfeel. The spice notes give way to leesy minerals on the impressively long, dry finish. Score: 90+ pts

DIONYSOS OENOMELO SWEET WHITE WINE - Peloponnese, Greece (#35722) (S) - $25.95
This blend of 60% Muscat, 20% Moschofilero, and 20% Roditis has a medium+ to medium-high intensity nose that offers sweet aromas of candied lemon and ginger, honey, yellow floral, honeysuckle, and roses. It's medium+ to medium-full bodied and deliciously sweet on the palate with lovely candied lemon, honey, candied ginger spice, and floral notes on the flavour profile. It has fresh, well-balanced acidity, while candied lemon and honey notes taper to floral on the finish, with very good length. Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Dionysos Winery can be ordered through their Agent - Don Ackerman's Wines & Spirits.

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June 22, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES Release Wine Picks: Online & Flagship Exclusives

Here's my top wine picks from the June 22, 2024 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection, which is an Online & Flagship Exclusives release. There are forty-two wines in this release, with thirteen included among my top wine picks. As noted by the title of the release, all the wines will be available for purchase only online through LCBO.com, and the 16 Flagship Stores that are located mostly in and around Toronto, and a few other cities in Ontario. All of these wines can be purchased by this Saturday.

While there is no theme to the release, it could have very well been South Africa as they had a number of lovely wines in this release, including four wines among my top wine recommendations. The vintage sparkling wine and the white wine from South Africa are both crafted with Chardonnay, while the red wine from WO Piekenierskloof is made with Grenache. One of the few red blends in the release is the Black Rock, which is composed of 43% Syrah, 19% Cinsault, 16% Carignan, 14% Grenache, and 8% Mourvèdre.

Most of my other red wine recommendations from this release are mono-varietal wines, with the only blend being the Chianti Classico, which is made predominantly with Sangiovese. The other two wines are a Cabernet Sauvignon from McLaren Vale, and a Barbera from Piedmont.

Among my top white wine picks, almost all the wines are single varietal wines. The only blend is the fine Santorini Assyrtiko which includes 5% Aïdani. Single varietal wines include the lovely Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, as well as a Gewürztraminer from Niagara. If you prefer sweeter wines, seek out the excellent Riesling Kabinett from Mosel. The last wine is a skin contact Viognier from Colchagua Valley, otherwise known as an Orange Wine.

Enjoy my top wine recommendations from this release! Cheers!

Red Wine:

• REVA BARBERA D'ALBA SUPERIORE 2021 - DOC, Piedmont, Italy (#36427) (XD) - $29.95
• RADFORD DALE BLACK ROCK 2020 - Vegan, WO Swartland, South Africa (#485490) (XD) - $29.95
• VILLA CALCINAIA CHIANTI CLASSICO 2020 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#974006) (XD) - $32.95
• KEN FORRESTER THE MISFITS GRENACHE 2022 - WO Piekenierskloof, South Africa (#37380) (XD) - $34.95  92+ pts  wine review
• PERTARINGA TIPSY HILL SINGLE VINEYARD CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018 - McLaren Vale, South Australia (#20408) (XD) - $95.00

White Wine:

• RIVERVIEW ANGELINA'S RESERVE GEWÜRZTRAMINER 2020 - VQA Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#511642) (XD) - $25.15  90+ pts  wine review
• SIEGEL NARANJO VIOGNIER 2022 - Skin contact, Sustainable, Valle de Colchagua, Chile (#37759) (XD) - $26.95
• RADFORD DALE CHARDONNAY 2021 - Vegan, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#37732) (XD) - $29.95
• MAX FERD. RICHTER ELISENBERGER RIESLING KABINETT 2022 - Prädikatswein, Mosel, Germany (#665984) (S) - $31.95
• LA CREMA RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY CHARDONNAY 2021 - Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#67231) (XD) - $54.95  91+ pts  wine review
• MIKRA THIRA ASSYRTIKO 2021 - PDO Santorini, Greece (#37210) (XD) - $69.95

Rosé Wine:

• CAVES D'ESCLANS ROCK ANGEL ROSÉ 2022 - AC Côtes de Provence, France (#491027) (XD) - $48.95

Sparkling Wine:

• PIERRE JOURDAN BLANC DE BLANCS CAP CLASSIQUE 2017 - Traditional method, WO Franschhoek, South Africa (#32668) (XD) - $41.00

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Mega Spileo Assyrtiko 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine review is yet another lovely white wine from Greece. This refreshing Assyrtiko arrived at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection on June 8th.

Like the lovely 2022 Mega Spileo Malagousia that I enjoyed last month, this white wine is also produced by the historic and significant winery and monastery - Mega Spileo Estate.

Situated near the town of Kalavryta, in the Achaea region of northern Peloponnese, Mega Spileo holds a special place in Greek orthodox tradition and history. It is built into the side of a steep cliff overlooking the Vouraikos Gorge and offers stunning natural views of the landscape. Originally established in 362 A.D. by brothers who were also monks, the monastery added vine cultivation to its lands around the mid-15th century. The grapes were used by the monks to produce wine for both the Holy Communion and a nutritious dietary supplement. During this period, a massive barrel called "Angelis" was acquired and used to store 12 tonnes of wine - a barrel which still survives to this day.

In 1999, the latest chapter of the long and storied history of Mega Spileo Estate began after brothers Giannis and Theodoros Anastasiou received a long-term lease on the Estate from the Monastery. The vision of the Anastasiou brothers was to revitalize the historical vineyard using a team of experienced oenologists and wine producers. In order to create a completely new and unique estate, the team re-planted the vines and implemented best practices in the vineyard and winery, including protecting the environment and using sustainable agricultural techniques. The process led to the cultivation of high-quality grapes, which in turn to the production of high-quality wines, resulting in Mega Spileo Estate becoming a significant point of reference for Greek wine production.

Today, Mega Spileo Estate is situated just a few minutes away from the historic monastery, and within the UNESCO Chelmos-Vouraikos Global Geopark, which covers an area of 647 sq. km. It was included as part of the UNESCO program in 2015 thanks to its unique characters - a combination of rare geological, natural, and cultural elements. The area surrounding the Estate has tall mountains, plateaus, sheer gorges, ancient trees, wild herbs, flowers, and cool breezes, all of which come together to create a unique micro-climate.

Crafted with 100% Assytriko, the grapes were grown on mountain vineyards in Aigialeia and Kalavryta, at an altitude of more than 700 metres above sea level. After harvesting the grapes in late-September, it underwent a static racking of the grape must for 48 hours, followed by a low-temperature, alcoholic fermentation using selected yeasts. The wine stayed in contact with its fine lees for 3 months in stainless steel tanks, after which one-third of the wine was transferred into oak barrels and matured for a further 3 months, then reassembled and bottled. Let's see how this 2022 Assyrtiko from Greece is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

MEGA SPILEO ASSYRTIKO 2022 - PGI Achaia, Greece (#31680) (XD) - $22.95
Fresh and fragrant, the medium-high intensity nose offers lovely, slightly perfumed aromas of ripe lemon citrus, orchard fruit, apple, pear, and mineral notes with touches of spice. It's mid-weighted on the palate with a fine, textural mouthfeel that supports the ripe, lightly honeyed flavours of lemon citrus, leesy mineral, ripe apple/pear, grapefruit, and mild spice notes. Complex and nicely balanced with fresh, lively acidity, and a gently chalky textured mouthfeel. Spice notes taper to leesy minerals and lime citrus on the long, textured finish. Chill and enjoy this highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other lovely wines by Mega Spileo can be found at the LCBO, or ordered through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits.

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La Ferme du Mont Le Ponnant Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2022 (France) - Wine Review

To celebrate Father's Day, tonight's red wine review is an excellent GSM-blend Côtes du Rhône-Villages that is a frequent visitor to the LCBO, with the latest vintage arriving on shelves across Ontario last weekend in the June 8 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

It is produced by La Ferme du Mont, a notable winery situated in the Southern Rhône Valley of France. La Ferme du Mont is a relatively new project in the context of French winemaking, led by winemaker Stéphane Vedeau, and has gained notoriety for its high-quality wines and attention to detail.

With more than two decades of experience as a viticulturist and winemaker, Stéphane Vedeau is a 3rd generation winemaker who continues the traditions from his mother's side of the family. Stéphane has a deep understanding of the Rhône Valley's terroir and winemaking traditions. With La Ferme du Mont, the aim is to create wines that express the unique characteristics of the terroir, emphasizing minimal intervention in the winemaking process to allow the terroir to shine through.

In the vineyard, the goal is harmony. The plants live in a permanent equilibrium in the middle of a biotope rich in different species. The goal is to have the healthiest grapes, which take up most of the time and effort, as well as grapes that are balanced and in harmony with the plant and the natural environment, as well as be in harmony of fruit, juices, and breeding.

Having tasted several vintages of this red wine in the past, this is generally a Grenache-led blend, with this 2022 vintage composed of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. The grapes were grown in the Southern Rhône Valley in a region dominated by a rocky peak and rounded stones in the vineyards, while the climate is warm, dry, and influenced by the powerful Mistral winds. The combination of these factors allows Stéphane to use an environmentally-friendly approach to viticulture, with minimal intervention. To vinify this wine, the grapes were lightly pressed and then underwent a long fermentation of 5 to 6 weeks, with soft extractions. To fully express the terroir, two-thirds of the wine was matured in concrete tubs for at least 8 months, out of contact with air, while the remaining was aged 225 L and 500 L barrels to increase complexity. The wine is bottled without filtration.

The 2022 growing season was marked by intense heat and drought. The year began with a dry winter that saw very little rain, followed by a spring that rapidly warmed up, although April did experience a fleeting cold snap. Budburst and flowering were a success, even though temperatures continued to rise. May was abnormally hot, while rain in June brought some relief. The summer months were marked by heat and drought, conditions which keep rot and disease at bay. The vines were revived in August thanks to some humidity, and benefited the red grape varieties Grenache and Syrah. Overall, grape quality is high, which will produce some sophisticated, age-worthy wines. Let's see how this 2022 Côtes du Rhône-Villages red wine from the Southern Rhône Valley is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LA FERME DU MONT LE PONNANT CÔTES DU RHÔNE-VILLAGES 2022 - AP, unfiltered, France (#171371) (XD) - $26.95
This lovely GSM blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre has a lifted, medium-high to highly aromatic, and complex nose of black cherry, raspberry, kirsch liqueur, black peppercorn, and spice with hints of stony minerality. On the medium-full bodied palate it is chewy, ripe, dry, slightly warming and spicy with delicious dark berry-cherry, black raspberry, black peppercorn, stony mineral, and earthy flavours. Acids are crisp and refreshing, while the smooth tannins have some structural and textured grip. Lovely stony mineral notes linger on the long, grippy finish. Should drink nicely to the end of the decade. Highly recommended buy! Score: 91 pts

One other lovely wine by La Ferme du Mont is available at the LCBO, while the entire range can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits.

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