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  • Date publishedTuesday, July 16, 2024

Trius Showcase Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2020 (Niagara) - Wine Review

white wine review is an excellent, single vineyard Chardonnay from Niagara that was featured in the piece on Local Talent in the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. It will be available at the LCBO once the strike ends, but can be ordered directly today from the winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake or via The Wine Shop.

It is produced by Trius Winery, a Canadian wine industry game changer that was established by Hillebrand Estates in 1979. Initially, the Trius brand at Hillebrand only consisted of one wine - the Trius Red - a wine that received international acclaim after it was recognized as the Best Red Wine in the World in 1991. This recognition marked an important step in the Canadian wine industry as it meant that Canadian wines could stand on their own against wines from other top wine-producing regions.

While the Trius Red continues to be recognized as one of Canada's most iconic wines, the portfolio has grown to include several other ranges and many top wines, including sparkling wines, white wines, and Icewine. In 2007, Hillebrand was acquired by Andrew Peller Limited, and in 2012, the Hillebrand Winery property was renovated and born as Trius Winery to become one of Niagara-on-the-Lake's top wine destinations.

With renowned Winemaker Craig MacDonald leading the winemaking team, Trius has evolved to become a world-class winery with roots, while also noting that the heart and soul of all Trius wines come from the one-of-a-kind vineyards where they grow their grapes. Major factors that lead to high-quality grapes include the sun-soaked shale that the vines sink their roots into, as well as convection currents from Lake Ontario that cool down the hot, summer nights. At Trius, they celebrate the connection between the land and their wines, and it is at the heart of everything in creating iconic Canadian wines for everyone to enjoy.

This particular white wine is from Trius' Showcase range of wines which are crafted using the best hand-selected fruit from the best vineyards, and often from a single vineyard and a single barrel. Showcase wines showcase the character of the soil and the distinct personality of the individual vineyard. These collectible, age-worthy wines are crafted in an unrushed approach with innovative winemaking techniques in very limited quantities, which show Trius' exemplary passion for making great wines that is on full display in every Trius Showcase bottle of wine.

This beautiful white wine is crafted with 100% Chardonnay that was grown in the Watching Tree Vineyard situated in the VQA Lincoln Lakeshore sub-appellation of Niagara. Lincoln Lakeshore has long, gentle slopes which are highly influenced by Lake Ontario, a long temperate growing season, and numerous seasonal streams. The lake effect makes Lincoln Lakeshore ideal for growing white wine varieties that can fully mature on the vine over a long period, producing wines with great intensity, complexity, structure, and elegance. The Watching Tree Vineyard is named after the lone tree that stands tall alongside the vineyard, like a protector watching over the vines. This vineyard was once an ancient riverbed and was planted in 1989 with clone 95 and 96 Chardonnay vines on stony, pebbly soil. To craft this Chardonnay, the grapes were hand-picked and whole-bunch pressed. The juice was cold settled in tank, then sent directly to barrel for wild yeast fermentation. The wine was aged "sur lie" for 10 months in 225L French oak barriques, 20% new.

The 2020 growing season delivered near-perfect growing conditions, one of the best ever by all accounts, with white wine varieties having surprisingly great acidity. From this exceptional vintage, let's see how this 2020 Chardonnay from Niagara is tasting tonight...

Trius Showcase Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2020 (92+ pts)

Tasting Note:

TRIUS SHOWCASE WILD FERMENT CHARDONNAY 2020 - VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#199273) (XD) - $38.00
Lovely, perfumed, and highly aromatic nose of ripe apple, lemon citrus, tropical fruit, smoky oak, and buttery aromas with touches of spice, coffee, roasted nuts, and flinty mineral adding further complexity. On the dry, medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it is gently spicy with lemon citrus, ripe apple, toasty oak spice, butter, and nutty oak flavours. It's supported by crisp and juicy acidity, along with lovely textured mouthfeel on the mid-palate. Refined and elegant with flinty mineral and toasty notes lingering on the dry finish, with excellent length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 92+ pts

Other lovely wines by Trius Winery can be purchased directly from the winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake, at The Wine Shop locations across Ontario, or LCBO outlets once they re-open.


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  • Date publishedThursday, July 11, 2024

Deep Woods Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (Margaret River) - Wine Review

After enjoying the lovely 2023 Deep Woods Margaret River Chardonnay last month, red wine review is a lovely follow-up from the same producer. This red wine is a brand-new arrival at the LCBO as part of the recent LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the Chardonnay, it is produced by Deep Woods Estate, a winery situated in the Margaret River wine region of Western Australia that is highly regarded and known for producing high-quality wines. It was originally established in 1987 by Dr. Thomas Cullity, who named the winery after a fictitious location from the popular "Phantom" comic that he was a fan of. The Deep Woods logo is also based on the Phantom ring.

In 1992, the estate winery was acquired by the Gould family, and it remained in their hands until 2005, when it was purchased by the Fogarty family. Under the ownership of Fogarty Wine Group, Deep Woods Estate was transformed into one of Margaret River's most highly regarded wineries as the vineyards were re-worked, while also implementing sustainable vineyard practices to improve fruit quality with smaller yields. Wine production at Deep Woods is based on a combination of traditional philosophy using modern techniques.

Situated in the heart of the Yallingup Hills in Margaret River, Western Australia, Deep Woods Estate is perched high on a ridge overlooking the valley and surrounded by large jarrah and marri trees. The terroir in this area is unique with soils that are comprised of deep, sandy gravels over clay, as well as a dual maritime influence from both the Indian Ocean and Geographe Bay - factors that contribute to this world-class wine region.

Deep Woods Estate has a number of ranges of wines. By combining sustainable viticultural practices with Margaret River's exceptional and unique terroir, Deep Woods is able to get incredibly high-quality fruit, for each vintage, in an unwavering pursuit of excellence. This red wine is from Deep Woods' Hillside range - a group of ripe, delicate, and limited-production wines made from low-yielding fruit that is grown on the steepest slopes on the estate and showcases their dedication to site-selection and pure varietal expression.

Crafted with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this red wine is a unique expression from the Margaret River wine region - one of the best Cabernet producing areas in the world. The fruit for this wine is mostly from vineyards located on the Deep Woods Estate in Yallingup, with the vines just coming of age and showing great intensity and verve. To vinify this wine, the grapes underwent 10-14 days of skin contact during fermentation and were then pressed directly to barrel. It was aged for approximately 12 months in barrels, with 15% new oak.

The 2021 growing season in Margaret River was unusually challenging and wet. Canopy management, timing of harvest, and careful fruit selection were vital components in ensuring high-quality fruit. The work in the vineyard was especially difficult due to a season of labour shortages. proved vital, a tricky balancing act in a season of labour shortages. The cooler and drier conditions in March and April improved aromatics, vibrancy, and fine tannins. The result was that the 2021 vintage produced very fine and refined wines. Let's see how this 2021 Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon is tasting tonight...

Deep Woods Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (90+ pts)

Tasting Note:

DEEP WOODS HILLSIDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021 - Margaret River, Western Australia (#33418) (XD) - $24.95
Screw cap. The fragrant, medium-high+ intensity nose offers lovely, perfumed aromas of red & black fruits, currant, cassis, blackberry, black plum, grilled herbs, and mild oak spice. On the dry, well-structured, and medium+ to medium-full bodied palate it delivers ripe and stylish red & black fruits, cassis, currant, black cherry, blackberry, grilled herbs, smoky mineral, gentle vanilla oak spice, and savoury earth flavours. It's nicely balanced throughout with fresh and succulent acidity. It has smooth, refined tannins, with just a touch of grip and spice notes on the back palate. Savoury with graphite and dried herbal characters linger on the long, juicy finish. Very approachable right now and a highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

Other fine wines by Deep Woods Estate can be ordered through their Agent - Eurovintage Wines & Spirits, and perhaps at the LCBO when stores re-open after the strike ends.


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  • Date publishedMonday, July 8, 2024

Skouras Cuvée Prestige Agiorgitiko / Moscofilero Rosé 2023 (Greece) - Wine Review

rosé wine review is a lovely dry rosé from Greece that arrived at the LCBO as part of last weekend's LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

Like the lovely 2022 Skouras Moscofilero I enjoyed a few months ago, this rosé is also produced by the well-known and highly-regarded Domaine Skouras. The winery was established in 1986 by George Skouras, a man who was born in the Peloponnese town of Argos, one of Europe's oldest towns with a rich, 3,000-year-old tradition of wine and culture.

With an interest in wine, George studied Agriculture at the University of Dijon, in Burgundy, France, where he encountered Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and famous local winegrowers that put a spell on him. After graduating with a degree in Oenology, George set out to gain experience in the classic wine-producing regions of France, Italy, and Greece, and upon returning home, he realized his dream of having his own winery - a small winemaking facility which was located in the small village of Pyrgela, on the outskirts of Argos.

The next chapter in Mr. Skouras' wine career led him to create a boutique winery in the Nemea Appellation of the northeastern Peloponnese, where he put in countless hours of manual work to learn invaluable lessons about the Agiorgitiko variety and the Nemea denomination.

Today, Domaine Skouras is an ultra-modern winery situated in the highlands of Argolida, an area that is blessed with ideal winegrowing conditions, particularly for Agiorgitiko. Situated near the winery is the PDO of Mantinia, a region which has a Mediterranean climate with continental influences and known for its Moscofilero. The philosophy at Skouras is focused on purity, varietal clarity, tracing of the region's mesoclimate, and imprint of the terroir, with the aim of achieving optimum ripeness and obtaining the best possible grape. George Skouras is dedicated to crafting high-quality wines that showcase Greek terroir, while embracing modern techniques and putting a strong emphasis on minimal intervention in the winemaking process.

This rosé is a blend of 70% Agiorgitiko and 30% Moscofilero that is classified as PGI Peloponnese because the grapes come from two different areas within the Peloponnese. From 28-year-old vines, the Agiorgitiko was grown in Corinthia on calcareous soil at an altitude of 850 metres above sea level, while the Moscofilero is from 30-year-old vines grown on sandy soil in Mantinia at an altitude of 750 metres above sea level. The grapes were harvested from the end of September to the beginning of October. To craft this rosé, the Moscofilero had skin contact for 6 hours, while blending and alcoholic fermentation occurred in stainless steel vats, without undergoing malolactic fermentation. It was aged for a short period on its fine lees, and then bottled under screw cap.

From a warm vintage that had a prevalence of downy mildew that reduced yields, let's see how this 2023 Rosé from Greece is tasting tonight...

Skouras Cuvée Prestige Agiorgitiko / Moscofilero Rosé 2023 (90 pts)

Tasting Note:

SKOURAS CUVÉE PRESTIGE AGIORGITIKO / MOSCOFILERO ROSÉ 2023 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#25745) (XD) - $15.95
Blend of 70% Agiorgitiko and 30% Moscofilero that is enclosed by screw cap. Pours a pretty shade of pink salmon colour. Lovely, medium-high intensity aromatics are fresh, zesty, and minerally, with red berry, strawberry, currant, cherry, and grapefruit citrus notes. The mid-weighted palate is dry, ripe, and lightly honeyed with tart red berry, strawberry, currant, and grapefruit citrus flavours joined by spicy notes on the mid-palate. Acids are crisp, fresh, and juicy, while tart red berry and grapefruit citrus notes with touches of leesy minerals linger on the finish, with very good length. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90 pts

Other fine wines by Domaine Skouras can be found through their Agent - Kolonaki Fine Wines & Spirits - or at the LCBO.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, July 6, 2024

Zacharias Moschofilero 2022 (Greece) - Wine Review

After enjoying the excellent 2022 Zacharias Assyrtiko last month, white wine review is another lovely wine from the same producer that arrived at the LCBO today as part of the LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection. While stores may be closed due to the strike, this can be ordered online from lcbo.com.

Like the Assyrtiko, this white wine is produced by Zacharias Winery, a notable family-owned winery that was established over 30 years ago in the Nemea region of northeastern Peloponnese, Greece. The family has forty hectares of blessed land located on slopes that embrace the village of Leontio, Nemea. These vineyards are spread out and produce some of Greece's finest fruit, which leads to high-quality wines.

Since its founding in 1974 and as one of the region's most historic wineries, the art of winemaking for the Zacharias family has been more than a passion. Zacharias has continuously offered a vision, mood, and work ethic to qualitatively improve the wines made with Agiorgitiko. In addition to Agiorgitiko, the family also plants twelve other grape varieties, including top indigenous varieties such as Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Roditis, and Mavrodaphne, as well as some international varieties. The vineyards are managed to produce small yields, while using an integrated environmental management system which respects both nature and man, which results in concentrated grapes to produce quality wines. The aim of Zacharias Winery is to offer approachable wines with a unique identity, while preserving the tradition and dissemination of grape varieties of the PDO Nemea and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) Peloponnese appellations, which are an integral part of the cultural heritage of the place.

The PGI Peloponnese appellation was established in 1989 and consists of seven regional units. While not the same quality as PDO wines, PGI wines largely demonstrate authenticity and formality with respect to varieties and regions. The PGI wines crafted by Zacharias Winery use grapes grown in the administrative boundaries of the Municipality of Nemea, in Corinthia of the Peloponnese, and Mantinia of Arcadia. The climate in the Peloponnese varies depending on the region and altitude, but in general, it has a privileged Mediterranean climate where it is mild and warm on the coast, and cold in the interior lands.

This 100% Moschofilero was organically farmed in the PGI Peloponnese appellation and hand-harvested from late-September to early-October. To vinify this wine, the grapes underwent a cold maceration for 3 hours for 20% of the final blend, and fermentation at a low, controlled temperature in stainless tanks. Let's see how this 2022 Moschofilero from Greece is tasting tonight...

Zacharias Moschofilero 2022 (89 pts)

Tasting Note:

ZACHARIAS MOSCHOFILERO 2022 - PGI Peloponnese, Greece (#548222) (XD) - $15.95
The attractive, medium-high intensity nose offers pretty aromas of Mandarin orange, honeysuckle, floral, grapefruit, lychee, and citrus. The medium+ to medium-full bodied palate is dry, ripe, and slightly honeyed with delicious citrus, grapefruit, honeysuckle, orange blossom, and floral flavours with touches of spice, wild herbs, and lychee adding further complexity. Acids are fresh, juicy, and mouth-watering. There's a touch of zesty spice on the mid-palate, while savoury, leesy notes come through on the juicy finish, with very good length. Perfect thirst quencher for summer drinking and a highly recommended buy! Score: 89 pts

Other lovely wines by Zacharias Winery can be found at the LCBO, as well as through their Agent - Profile Wine Group.


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  • Date publishedSaturday, July 6, 2024

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

LCBO Wine Picks: July 6, 2024 VINTAGES New Release Collection
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.

Tenute Pieralisi Villaia Classico Superiore Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2021 (90+ pts)Vinum Chardonnay 2022 (90+ pts)

Attems Pinot Grigio 2023 (89 pts)Featherstone Pinot Grigio 2023 (89 pts)

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.

Trius Showcase Wild Ferment Chardonnay 2020 (92+ pts)El Enemigo Chardonnay 2022 (92 pts)

Leaning Post The Fifty Chardonnay 2021 (90+ pts)

Zacharias Moschofilero 2022 (89 pts)Domaine Costa Lazaridi Amethystos Blanc 2022 (89 pts)

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.

Avondale Jonty's Ducks Pekin Red 2018 (89 pts)Château d'Aigueville Côtes du Rhône-Villages 2019 (88+ pts)

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.

Skouras Cuvée Prestige Agiorgitiko/Moscofilero Rosé 2023 (90 pts)Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rosé 2022 (88+ pts)

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
Deep Woods Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 (90+ pts)Tawse Grower's Blend Gamay 2021 (90+ pts)

Glenelly Glass Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (90+ pts)

Orapiena Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2019 (90 pts)Henry of Pelham Estate Pinot Noir 2020 (90 pts)

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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  • Date publishedWednesday, July 3, 2024

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

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 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...

Tenute Pieralisi Villaia Classico Superiore Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi 2021 (90+ pts)

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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  • Date publishedSunday, June 30, 2024

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

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...

Terre di Ger Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2021 (89 pts)

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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