Wine of the Week for May , 2011

If you happen to want a change from well-known varietal wines, maybe you'll be interested in a couple of interesting blends.

The Knappstein Insider White 2010 - $14.95
Style: W3
Australia

Be on the lookout for forward stone fruit aromas, alongside  talc, honey, macintosh, and lime. Dry and crisp with apple/citrus flavour and just a hint of tropical fruits. Good body and very good length, this blend of riesling and gewurz and comes across a bit like pinot gris. I'd go with ravioli, quiche or sushi. (LCBO 212746)

Currently 180 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Ridgepoint Monticello Bianco 2009 - $13.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

Rich and complex with peach, toffee, apple, pear, and lime aromas. Medium dry with soft acidity, ripe peach and tropical fruit flavours and a silky close. Very good body and length. Serve with something fruity or enjoy on its own with the next snap of warm weather. (LCBO 218651)

Currently 68 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for April 11, 2011

Ca' De Riva Valpolicella Ripasso 2008 - $13.95
Style: R3
Italy: Veneto

The nose here is very full, with aromas of roses, dark cherries, all-spice and vanilla. Quite big and juicy, showing vanilla, dark berries, solid tannins, and a pleasantly bitter close. Big and long, it's scrumptious and a worthy addition to your table or cellar. Try with  roast beast, duck, or hard cheeses. (LCBO 174482)

Currently 123 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for April 4, 2011

Mondavi Woodbridge Moscato 2009 - $11.95
Style: W3
USA: California


A rich muscat nose showing green grapes, yellow plum, lychee and floral with traces of peach and mint. The palate is equally lush -- medium sweet with layers of grape, passionfruit, lychee and mango atop a soft acidity. Good body; very good length. An excellent offering of this under appreciated grape and style. Partner with chocolate cake, crème caramel or pork with fruit. (LCBO 199216)

Currently 196 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for March 28, 2011

Argento Riserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 - $12.95
Style: R3

Argentina

Deep garnet-black cherry colour, showing an opulent nose of rich spice, plum, tobacco, and chocolate. Silky smooth on the palate with cherry/raspberry flavour, firm acidity and soft tannins. Quite big and with very good  length. A great nose here with youngish palate. Could cellar well for 2-3 years plus, but yummy right now paired with beef tenderloin, rich stews are hearty cheeses.  (LCBO 164764)

Currently 137 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

Wine of the Week for March 21, 2011

Two Faces of Semillon *

Jacobs Creek Semillon Chardonnay 2009 - $11.30
Style: W1
Australia

Look for lush aromas of citrus and pineapple with hints of vanilla and apple. The palate is crisp and refreshing, with gobs of mixed citrus, tropical fruits and a smokey close. Very good body and length. Try with full flavoured fish, pork or cream sauces. (LCBO 219105)

Currently 161 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment

Alvar Semillon Sauvignon Blanc VQA 2009 - $12.95
Style: W2
Canada: Pelee Island

Rich platinum straw. 'creamy' aromas of citrus, pear and lanolin. Quite full with a sweet-and-sour impression, with a tart apple/citrus flavour. Very good body and length: the heft of a chardonnay with food friendly citrus and acidity. A good match for chicken salad or seafoods. (LCBO 215392)

Currently 130 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

* Semiillon  is often used to add some aroma to chardonnay and to add body to  sauvignon blanc.

Wine of the Week for March 14, 2011

Zenato  Veneto Rosso IGT 2008 - $11.60
Style: R1
Italy: Veneto

Pleasantly chianti-like on the nose, with plum, dark chocolate, espresso and rosebud aromas.  More dark chocolate and espresso evident on the palate mixed  with cherry and mild tannins. Very good body and length, and a good expression of the local style. An ideal mid-week pizza, spaghetti or burger wine . (LCBO 208579)

 

Currently 146 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)

A Canadian Moment ...

East Dell Gamay Noir 2008 - $12.95
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara

It's hard to beat Ontario gamay for great price:performance ratio. Subtle aromas include raspberry, beet root and pepper with traces of oak. Nicely balanced tannins and acidity, with raspberry/strawberry flavour and a smokey close. Try with tex-mex or charcuterie. (LCBO 214890)

Currently 99 LCBO stores have 6 or more bottles (according to on-line database)