Wine of the Week for December 28, 2009

This is the list of sparkling wines that I included in my December Newsletter.  Any one of them would make a great choice to usher in the new year.

$12 – 15

Codorniu Brut Clasico NV - $12.40, Spain
The nose presents mainly lemon and green apple with a hint of spice. Rather mouthfilling, with ripe apple, lemon and a bit of melon. (LCBO 6262)

Astoria Prosecco La Robinia Extra Dry - $12.80, Italy: Veneto
Rich citrus, peach and some vanilla aromas. Smooth and tangy with peach and grapefruit flavour and just a touch of sugar. Very nice. (LCBO 593855)

Bottega Petalo 'Il Vino del l'Amore Moscato Sparkling - $12.95, Italy: Veneto
Subtle grape and peach aromas and a vigorous mousse. Crisp yet soft with grapey raspberry flavours. A delightful example. (9% alcohol, 9g/l sugar) (LCBO 588780)

Casella Wines Yellow Tail Bubbles Blanc - $13.95, Australia
Nice peach and lime aromas, baked apple flavour and a crisp acidity. Better value than the rosé. (LCBO 50625)

Casella Wines Yellow Tail Bubbles Rosé - $13.95, Australia
Light aromas and flavours of cherry and raspberry with a crisp finish. OK value. (LCBO 90399)

Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut D.O. Cava – $13.95, Spain
Subtle apple and melon with just a hint of clove on the nose. Like a crisp green apple on the palate, with a smooth, gentle acidity. A consistently high quality wine. (LCBO 88591)

Codorniu Reserva Seleccíon Raventos Brut Cava - $14.95, Spain
A lively nose with assorted citrus, melon and mineral. Crisp, slightly tart, with apple on the mid palate and a lemony finish. Nicely done (Vintages 521773)

$15-30

Wolf Blass Yellow Label Brut - $17.95, Australia
Delicate floral, talc, apple, and a whiff of oak. Nice, gentle acidity, ripe apple and lemon flavour, likely chardonnay driven. Quite elegant – nicely done. (LCBO 649996)

Henry of Pelham Catherine Brut NV - $29.95, Canada: Niagara
Nicely balanced on the nose, with apple and citrus aromas atop toasty lees. Crisp and tangy, fresh and yummy, with very good body and length. Would go nicely with cream sauces. (LCBO 616441, Winery)

$40 and above

Feuillette Reserve Particular Brut - $49.70, France
Subdued aromas of earth, grass and muscat. Very tangy with green apple, lime and a cleansing acidity. Quite perky. (LCBO 537605)

Pol Roger Brut Reserve - $58.50, France
Piquant aromas of nuts, lees and apple with a hint of pine bough. Quite tangy, with green apple flavour atop a crisp acidity and a touch of grapefruit on the close. Decent value. (LCBO 51953)

Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut NV - $59.95, France
Delicate aromas of apple, citrus and nuances of wood and lees. Smooth as silk, with crisp acidity. A total class act. (LCBO 308056)

Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut NV - $64.95, France
Gentle aromas of talc, macintosh, and a hint of wood. Rich and juicy with a tangy acidity, green apple flavour, and a fine mousse. Elegant and very nicely balanced. (LCBO 50278)

Mumm Carte Classique NV - $59.95,France
Interesting golden straw colour with a caramel tone to the mousse. Light on the nose, with earthy aromas and suggestion of cheese(?). Silky smooth round dominated by chardonnay, with a tangy close. (Vintages 308064)

Taittinger Brut Millesime 2002 – $87.95,France
Tangy aromas of green apple, spice and passionfruit. Quite soft, with a fine acidity, ripe apple and grapefruit flavours. Understated but dripping in elegance. (Vintages 989905)

Wine of the Week for December 21, 2009

Trapiche Malbec  2008 -$8.95
Style: R2
Argentina

Deep crimson-ruby. Subtle dark berries, wood, earth and a touch of rose. Quite yummy, with dense blackberry, raspberry, plum, a spicy acidity and easy-going tannins. Very good body and length. A yummy fruit bomb that would have broad appeal. Would work with ham, roast beef, red sauce, or traditional turkey.   (LCBO 501551)

Wine of the Week for December 14, 2009

Argento Pinot Grigio 2009 - $9.95
Style: W3
Argentina

bright medium-straw colour. Huge nose, showing citrus, melon, star fruit and a hint of spice. Quite full, with a perky acidity, peach, melon and citrus flavour and a whiff of smoke. Very good body and length with a pleasantly tart close. Splendid, and at an amazing price. Try with seafood, smoked salmon or cream sauces. (LCBO 620492)

One to take to a party...

Frontera Sauvignon Blanc 1500 mL 2008 – $14.95
Style: W2
Chile

Med straw colour. Soft-spoken aromas of mainly citrus. Good presence on the palate, with a good acid core, citrusy flavours. Good body and length. Not an attention getter, but well made and solid value. Not plonk, but decent wine in 1500 mL bottles at a great price. (LCBO 113019)

Wine of the Week for December 7, 2009

Fish Hoek Shiraz 2007 - $9.95
Style: R2
South Africa

The news shows rich oak, dark cherry, coffee, and vanilla aromas. Quite solid in the mouth, with dark berries, dried cherry and bitter chocolate atop soft tannins and solid acid spine. Very good body and length, it's quite a bargain. Try with BBQ sauces, beef or hard cheeses. (LCBO 129734)

Wine of the Week for November 23, 2009

Peller Family Series Chardonnay VQA 2008 - $10.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

A delightful bargain that shows yummy citrus, quince and pear aromas with hints of butter and oak. Quite firm with a taut acidity, ripe tree fruits, citrus and butter with a smokey close. Very good body and length, and a good match for roast chicken or flavourful fish. (LCBO 582825; Vineyards stores)

Wine of the Week for November 9, 2009

French Tom Shiraz 2005 -$13.95 ($12.95 until Nov )
Style: R2
France

Look for chocolate tones at the rim of the deep black cherry robe. The nose suggests something soft and gentle, with sweet grass, cocoa, violets, and cherry aromas. Not so intense on the palate, with ample blackberry and prune flavours, soft tannins and a tangy acidity. Medium body and length; it's a good mid-week wine that will pair nicely with BBQ, especially ribs. (LCBO 115675)

Wine of the Week for November 2, 2009

Cavallina Grillo-Pinot Grigio IGT 2008 - $9.95
Style: W3
Sicilia

There are subtle aromas of talc, green gage and just a touch of peach here. Very smooth on the palate, with a firm, slightly tart acidity supporting green apple and plum flavours, and good body and length. A great little wine for the price, although some may find the tartness a bit trying. Try with roast chicken, gnocchi, or smoked salmon. (LCBO 123166)

I recently posted Chapter 7 of my little wine novel. In this "episode", a winemaker comes to visit and to answer all questions.Read it at The Oenophile Next Door

Wine of the Week for October 19, 2009

Grey Fox Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Style R3
California, USA

Simple enjoyment here. There’s been a bit of a feeding frenzy on the magnum, but you should find lots of the 750s available. The nose presents aromas of plum, blackberry, black currant and traces of spice. A bit light, mildly flavoured and very even, with a firm acidity and soft tannins. Enjoy with simple dishes: burgers, pizza or chili.

Magnum - $14.95 (LCBO 107201)
750 ml - $7.95 (LCBO 527515)

Wine of the Week for October 16, 2009

Pillitteri Equifera Chardonnay 2007 - $14.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

Look for subtle aromas of oak, citrus, baked apple, and butter. Quite tasty, with the oak leading off, giving way to mainly apple flavour. Good body and length with a pleasantly tart finish. Try with chicken Kiev, carbonnara sauce or creamy cheese. (LCBO 134155)

Malivoire "Red" 2008 - $14.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The colour here is an inky black cherry. Lovely vegetal nose, plus oak, dark berries, vanilla and spice. Appears to be dominated by merlot, with plum and dark berry flavours, gentle tannins and a somewhat bitter acidity. Good body and length. Nicely done. Would work well with roasts, hearty cheeses or lamb. (Lab LCBO 141523)

Wine of the Week for October 15, 2009

Creekside Pinot Gris 2008 - $13.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

Bright medium straw colour. The nose shows tangy pear, lemon and grapefruit aromas. Quite tangy on the palate with loads of citrus/grapefruit, and hints of mineral and smoke on the close. Very good body and length, this is a scrumptious and elegant package that would please any palate. Serve with mushroom risotto, roast chicken or stir-fry. (LCBO 83196)

Colio Girls' Night Out Merlot VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: R3
Canada: Lake Erie N. Shore ON (LENS)

This competent member of Colio's "packet of three" shows classic blackberry and dark plum aromas with nuances of wood and wet cement. Quite round and smooth on the palate, with blackberry, cherry and plum flavours, a fine acidity, and soft tannins. This is solid mainstream stuff, and very food friendly. Try with burgers, pasta in red sauce, or BBQ beef. (LCBO/Colio stores 89847)

Wine of the Week for October 14, 2009

Big oops on Regional Wine Week. It's this week, not last week. So here we're picking up from where we left off:

Sandbank's "Dunes" Vidal Reserve VQA 2008 - $12.95
Style: W2
Canada: Prince Edward County ON

The nose here is excellent , offering green apple, stone fruits, mineral and a bit of musk. Quite mouth filling, tart, with a crisp acidity, green apple, lemon and peach flavours with a whiff of smoke on the close. Very good body and length. Splendid: ripe and juicy with a huge palate. Good food choices would include soft cheeses, roast chicken or gnocchi. (LCBO 110031)

Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir 2007 - $12.45
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara ON

Gamay is one of the grapes that excels in Ontario, and I would like to see more examples of this quality. Medium ruby in the glass, it shows lovely red berry aromas with hints of spice and hints of barnyard and bell pepper. The palate is ultra smooth, approaching delicate, but no fly-weight, showing ripe raspberry, a hint of vanilla and soft tannins. This one is dripping with elegance and would be a perfect partner for salmon or mushroom risotto. (LCBO 57349)

Wine of the Week for October 6, 2009

Celebrating Regional Wine Week

Strewn Two Vines Gewurztraminer/Riesling 2007 - $11.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

Subtle green apple, rose, pear, apricot, dried pineapple aromas and just a trace of petrol. Very flavourful, barely off-dry, crisp and full with peach and pear, a touch of honey on the back palate and a viscous texture. Very good body with a tart finish. Quite gullpable with a perfect sugar level and a good partner for Thai, Szechwan, or salty cheeses. (LCBO 467662)

Pillitteri Cabernet Merlot VQA 2008 - $12.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The deep black cherry/garnet colour suggest the richness, which is evident on the nose, with classic cab aromas, slightly vegetal, black currant, plum, prune, strong tea and leather. Soft on the palate, with bright fruitiness, firm acidity and light tannins, supporting black currant, plum and prune flavours. Very good body and length, quite successful for cool climate Cab/|Merlot. Some may find it a bit vegetal. Try with beef stew, chili or lamb. (LCBO 349191)

Wine of the Week for October 5, 2009

This is “Regional Wine Week”, an initiative that was started by Dave McIntyre of Wine Line, and a lot of wine writers are getting on board. Here is my first installment 1, a white and a red both from Niagara for your enjoyment. (Note that I may repeat some previous Wines of the Week here: a small matter when it comes to supporting terrific Canadian wines.)

Malivoire "White" 2008 - $14.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

Look for gentle aromas of mineral, tree fruits, and nuances of floral and citrus. The first impression suggests off-dry, but the palate goes dry immediately, with grapefruit, apple and peach flavours. Very good body, with a long and tangy finish. Nicely balanced and a good match for pork. (LCBO 141531)

Angels Gate Gamay Noir VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara

The nose presents rich red berries, spice, oak, and a touch of pepper. Very smooth with soft tannins, ripe red and dark berry flavours and a firm backbone. Light and lively with a terrific nose. Try with tuna steaks or wild mushroom dishes. (LCBO 107714)

Wine of the Week for September 28, 2009

Fish Hoek Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - $9.95
Style: W2
South Africa

The name here refers to a resort area near Cape Town in South Africa. The nose is understated with lime, fig, and just a hint of chemical. Rich and flavourful on the palate, with tangy with lemon, crisp apple and a suggestion of butter on the close. Very good body and length. Not typical of sauvignon, but good overall and excellent value. Would work well with Thai dishes, mild cheeses or white sauces. (LCBO 129726)

Wine of the Week for September 21, 2009

L.A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $10.45
Style: R3
Mexico: Baha

The deep black-cherry colour attests to the depth of this delightful bargain. The nose presents rich aromas of dried cherry, leather, cedar, and vanilla. Quite full and juicy, with raisin, plum and dark cherry flavours, a tangy acidity and solid tannins. Very good body; long with a slight sour note on the finish. Put a couple of bottles away for a year or two or decant and serve with beef or ribs off the grill. (LCBO 114066)

Wine of the Week for September 7, 2009

Santa Carolina Chardonnay Reserve 2008 - $11.85
Style: W1
Chile

I'm finding a certain hint of "skunk" in new world chardonnays, and it's quite pleasant. Also look for rich spice, oak, apple, and caramel aromas. The palate is round and smooth, with juicy apple flavours, a trace of caramel and a refreshing acidity. Fairly big with very good length, it's total new world classicism. Try with creamy cheeses, chicken Kiev or mushroom dishes. (LCBO 304022)

Buy Local ...

Peninsula Ridge Inox Chardonnay VQA 2008 - $12.75
Style: W1
Ontario: Niagara

Inox refers to the fermentation tank: stainless steel and not a trace of oak. The nose shows a riot of funky aromas including garrigue, stone fruits, and whiffs of grass and tar. Crisp and clean with a rich spiciness, citrus/grapefruit flavour, and even a hint of woodiness. Very good body and length. This is yummy, classy stuff that would go well with pork, tempura, or cream sauces. (LCBO 594200)

Wine of the Week for August 31, 2009

Flor de Crasto Douro 2007 - $10.95
Style: R1
Portugal

Originally a Vintages product, this makes a nice addition to the LCBO’s “General List”. Look for aromas of rose, strong tea, dried cherry and a hint of sweet oak. The palate is light but pleasing, with mainly cherry flavour and mild tannins. Simple backyard refreshment that will pair nicely with pizza or anything off the grill. (LCBO 89870)

Wine of the Week for August 24, 2009

Durbanville Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008 - $11.95
Style: W2
South Africa

There seems to be an increase in selections in the under-$10 category. I hope this trend continues with gems like this one. Look for rich grass, gooseberry and passionfruit on the nose. The palate is racy, with a cleansing acidity, passionfruit flavour and just a touch of citrus. Very good body and excellent length; this would be ideal to partner with salads or shellfish. (LCBO 22251)

Wine of the Week for August 17, 2009

Santa Alicia Carmenere Reserve 2008 - $11.95
Style: R2
Chile

The colour here is deep black cherry. The nose is a bit closed right now, but still offers up aromas of black berry, plum and “oil skin” with evident oak. The palate is very smooth, with soft tannins and chocolate/cherry flavours, medium body and length. This is a well made and elegant wine that will show well in time or, if you prefer, serve it with roasts, lamb or turkey. (LCBO 309302)

Wine of the Week for August 3, 2009

McWilliams Chardonnay 2007 - $9.95
Style: W1
Australia

Medium lemon-straw colour. Rich oak right off the top, with subtle apple, butter and butterscotch aromas. Quite round and soft, with a perky acidity, sweet oak and butter atop apple. Very good body, a long finish fading to a lemony close. Quite the bargain, and a good match for chicken salad, chicken Kiev, or hollandaise. (LCBO 91744)

Think global; drink local ...

Pelee Island Rosé 2007 - $10.95
Style: Z
Canada: Ontario

The label here says Chambourcin, which is a great little hybrid grape that’s coming on strong in Ontario. Look for delicate aromas of raspberry, orange zest and just a touch of spice. The palate is quite robust for a rosé, with just a hint of sweetness supporting red licorice and strawberry flavours, and a perky acidity. Very good body and length. Terrific stuff -- a good all-rounder that would suit assorted sandwiches or antipasti. (LCBO 529354)

Wine of the Week for July 27, 2009

Fazi Battaglia Sangiovese 2007 - $10.95
Style: R1
Italy: Marche

Deep ruby colour. Very fruity, with ripe cherry plum and prune aromas with nuances of suet and leather. Very smooth and soft, with raspberry and plum flavours, a firm acid spine and soft tannins. Medium body and length, it's soft-spoken and easy-going yet showing ample character. A good choice for BBQ bird, antipasti, or pizza. (LCBO 326306)

Think global; drink local ...

Peninsula Ridge Merlot VQA 2007 - $14.75
Style: R3
Ontario: Niagara

Deep black cherry colour. The nose shows rich dark berries, smoke, black currant, and spice. Bright red berry flavours on the palate include cherry, strawberry, smoke, and spice, with a keen acidity and lightish tannins. Good body and length. Very quaffable now but would likely age nicely over 2-3 years. Grill a steak or any kind of chop and enjoy. (LCBO 61101)

Chapter 5 is now online: oenophilenextdoor.blogspot.com

Wine of the Week for July 20, 2009

Rosemount Traminer/Riesling 2008 - $11.95
Style: W3
Australia

You never know if “traminer” is actually the grape of that name or a euphemism for gewurztraminer. Whatever the case, this is a lovely wine, with a rich nose showing rose, honeysuckle, candle wax and a touch of lime. The palate is round, full, medium-dry with subtle stone fruit flavours and a soft acidity. Very good body and excellent length, it's absolutely scrumptious. Try with Szechwan. (LCBO 244301)

Think global; drink local ...

Henry of Pelham Sibling Rivalry White VQA 2008 W1 - $13.95
Style: W3
Ontario: Niagara

From the Speck brothers, we have an odd blend that could be interpreted either as at odds with Old World traditions or a perfect compliment. It's not "normal" to blend Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewurz, as has been done here -- to very good effect. On the other hand, the traditional approach is to plant and use the grapes that work best in the area. That said, look for lush aromas of spice, stone fruits, ripe melon and hints of lime and tar. The palate is "frisky", with gobs of citrus and peach, somewhat sweet with a nippy close. Very good body and length, it's anything but simple, but very quaffable and could stand in for any of its blending grapes. I'd try pork roast, ocean fish or grilled bird. (LCBO 126144)

Wine of the Week for July 13, 2009

Arancio Grillo 2008 - $11.95
Style: W3
Sicilia

Better get this one in while you can still find it on store shelves. Grillo, btw, is a little known Sicilian grape that will be getting a lot more attention. Light straw colour with a hint of green, it shows an intriguing aroma of tar off the top, switching to apricot, yellow plum, and a whiff of smoke. The palate is interesting, slightly tart, with ripe apple flavours, a firm acidity, and no trace of the tar. Very good body and length. A unique and highly-flavoured wine that would work well with pork chops or BBQ ribs. (LCBO 114710)

Think global; drink local ...

Pelee Island Chambourcin Rosé VQA 2007 - $10.95
Style: Rosé
Ontario: Pelee Island

Glad to see the Chambourcin grape made it through the VQA gauntlet. Medium candy-apple pink, it has subtle aromas of raspberry and orange zest with hints of spice. Quite lush with the merest hint of sugar, red liquorice and strawberry flavour and a perky acidity. Very good body and length, it shows a robust palate and would be a good choice for simple sandwiches, grilled veg, or by itself. (LCBO 529354)

Wine of the Week for July 6, 2009

Arancio Pinot Noir 2006 - $12.95
Style: R1
Sicilia

Rich garnet colour. Spicy aromas of red liquorice and rose petals. The palate offers up firm tannins, rich dark berry flavours, and smoky oak. Quite big and with very good length, it seems more merlot-like, but is very tasty and an excellent value. Try with chicken risotto, grilled fish or mushroom dishes. (LCBO 113902)

Think global; drink local ...

Pelee Island Pinot Noir VQA 2007 - $10.95
Style: R1
Ontario: Pelee Island

Look for delicate aromas of green tea, beetroot, and raspberry with a hint of tobacco. It seems slightly sweet on the front palate, with a firm mouthfeel supporting ripe cherry and raspberry flavours, and just a hint of tannin. With medium bodied, with good length, this one has great personality. (LCBO 45617)

Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve VQA 2007 - $12.35
Style: R1
Ontario: Pelee Island

Subtle aromas include beetroot and suet. The palate is racy, with cherry and raspberry flavours and little tannin. With medium body and length, it could stand in for a hearty white. (LCBO 135939)

Wine of the Week for June 22, 2009

Pascual Toso Malbec Rosé 2008 - $11.95
Style: Rosé
Argentina

Well, summer has finally arrived, so let’s roll out the some seasonal refreshment. The colour on this one is a rich candy apple red -- rather dark by rosé standards. The nose is subtle, but yields up spice, apple skins and perfume. There's also an impression of hotness, which the label bears out: 13% alcohol. The palate is, therefore, substantial, with tree fruit flavours alongside berries and sour cherry. Very good body and a rich, zingy close. Powerful, with plenty of flavour, it would stand up to anything off the grill. (LCBO 122408)

Wine of the Week for June 8, 2009

Ramos Loios 2007 - $9.95
Style: W2
Portugal

This indigenous grape seems to cross categories, with alternating allusions to chard, sauv blanc, and pinot gris. Pale straw with a touch of platinum, it shows lush aromas of ripe green apple with subtle citrus and peach. Quite nice, slightly tart, on the palate, with a soft acidity, subtle apple, citrus and white plum, and good body. Try with flavourful, ham or chicken salad. (LCBO 92114)

Wine of the Week for June 1, 2009

Sibling Rivalry Red VQA - $13.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The colour here is deep black cherry. The nose suggests right off that this may be a meritage style, with black currant, dark plum, subtle spice, and vanilla all wrapped up in sweet oak. The palate is soft and smooth, with plum and blackberry flavour and firm, youngish tannins. Very good body and length it is, in fact, merlot plus the 2 Cabs. I found it a bit young and am sure it will show even better in 2-3 years, but go ahead and serve it with burgers or BBQ ribs. (LCBO 126151)

Wine of the Week for May 25, 2009

Sauvion Cart d'Or Muscadet 2007 - $11.50 (12/25/2008)
Style: W2
France: Loire

Maybe if we turn to lighter wines the weather will warm up. This medium golden straw rendering shows light apple, pear, honey and lemon aromas and just a hint of toast. The palate is lean and crisp, with tart apple and lemon flavours. Good body and length; nicely done, and would work with rich fish or surf & turf. (LCBO 143016)

Wine of the Week for May 18, 2009

Lindemans Bin 50 Shiraz 2007 - $11.95
Australia
Style: R2

Deep red currant colour. Aromas of raspberry, leather, with traces of spice, vanilla and dark chocolate. Rich and juicy with firm tannins, good acid spine, dried berry flavours and a nicely tart finish. Very good body and length, it's a bit young yet, but sprightly and would suit chili, pizza or cheese fondue. (LCBO 145367)

Wine of the Week for May 11, 2009

Strewn Two Vines Gewurztraminer/Riesling 2007 - $11.95
Canada: Niagara
Style: W3

This terrific blend shows subtle green apple, rose, pear, apricot, dried pineapple, and just a trace of petrol on the nose. Very flavourful, barely off-dry, crisp and full with peach and pear flavours, a touch of honey on the back palate and a viscous texture. Very good body with a tart finish. Quite gullpable with a perfect sugar level. Great for sandwiches on the deck or just sipping. (LCBO 467662)

Wine of the Week for May 4, 2009

Castilli de Monseran Garnacha 2005 - $8.95
Style: R1
Spain

There seems to be lots of this around. Garnacha, by the way, is the same grape as Grenache, which is important in the Rhone. Look for subtle aromas of blackberry, vanilla and garrigue. Quite soft and smooth on the tongue with the merest hint of tannin, dried cherry flavour and a firm spine. Medium bodied with quite good length, it's a good-time wine that delivers a lot for the price. Try with pork roast, tomato dishes. (LCBO 73395)

If you've not yet read my online Chapter, better hustle. I'm replacing it with Chapter 3 this week: oenophilenextdoor.blogspot.com As always, comments are welcomed.

(Sorry about the dates. Looks like I got them mixed up a bit. I know I haven't missed an entire month!)

Wine of the Week for April 4, 2009

Peller Estates Family Series Chardonnay VQA 2007 - $10.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

Pretty straight-forward stuff here, but the price makes it very attractive. The nose shows Rich caramel, butter, ripe apple, and pear aromas. Quite tasty on the palate, wtih a firm acid spine, apple and pear flavours. Very good body and lenght. Very well made and excellent for the price. Try with wh ite fish, pork roast or medium cneeses. (LCBO 582825)

Wine of the Week for March 30, 2009

Citra Sergo Terre de Chieti 2007 - $7.45
Style: R1
Italy

I get a lot of requests for "value" wines these days. There's not a lot available under $10, but there are occasional gems. This one shows aromas of leather, wood, and dried blueberries, with nuances of clove. It's very light on the palate, with shy tannins, a cool acidity, and subtle plum and blackberry flavour. Decent body and length, it's well made and very good for the price, though it lacks typicity. Go with pizza or burgers. (LCBO 480756)

Wine of the Week for March 16, 2009

Dunavar Pinot Blanc 2007 - $7.95
Style: W1
Hungary

I haven't looked at this one for a couple of years and am pleased to see they've maintained the high standard of this humble wine. The nose shows apples, grapefruit, and hints of peach and talc. Sweetish on the uptake, quite soft and round, with an easy acidity, peach, lemon and apple flavours. A delightful, friendly wine with just a hint of spritz. Quite a bargain, and would go well with sushi or veal dishes. (LCBO 564820)

A Canadian Moment...

Palatine Hills Proprietor’s Reserve Gewurztraminer VQA 2006 - $13.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

A very full nose with rich lychee, rose, ripe apple and traces of tar. Magnificent on the palate, rich, dense flavour of orange and rose atop a soft acidity. Very good body and length, with a sweetish nose. A stunning wine and it will take effort to make it last till the second course. Try with Thai dishes or pork roast. (LCBO 101493)

Wine of the Week for March 3, 2009

Casa Girelli Canaletto Primitivo IGT 2005 - $11.95
Style: R2
Italy: Puglia

This sibling of California's zinfandel usually tends toward a more rustic style. The nose is rich and fresh, showing cold cream, Bing cherry, and fruit leather, with hints of pepper and cedar. Not complex on the palate, but rich and tasty, with dried cherry flavour and traces of spice and red berries. Very good body and length, it would be a good match for hunter's stew, tomato dishes or lamb sausages. (LCBO 94565)

A Canadian Moment ...

Angels Gate Gamay Noir VQA 2006- $12.95
Style: R1
Ontario: Niagara

Another great Gamay from Niagara, with a medium ruby-garnet colour and rich red berries, spice, oak and pepper aromas. Very smooth with soft tannins, ripe red and dark berry flavours and a firm backbone. Good body and very good length. Light and lively with a terrific nose. Try with tuna steaks or wild mushroom dishes. (LCBO 107714)

Wine of the Week for February 23, 2009

Castillo de Monseran Viura 2006 - $8.95
Style: W2
Spain

The Viura grape is native to Spain and often reminds of Sauvignon Blanc. The aromas here are quite up-front though hard to pin down, showing hints of lime jujube, lemon drops and orange. The palate is laid-back, but with good character, fullish on the palate, a soft acidity, and a gentle close. Quite impressive for the price. Try with BBQ chicken or "white" pizza. (LCBO 73387)

A Canadian Moment ...

Dan Aykroyd Discovery Series Riesling VQA 2007 - $14.95
Style: W3
Niagara

I’ve been less than impressed with previous Aykroyd efforts. This one shows rich lime, paraffin, apple and orange zest aromas. Nearly dry, very smooth, with tart apple and lime flavours and a soft acidity. Medium-light bodied with good length, it's smooth and silky. An easy drinker that would suit appled/pork dishes or schnitzel. (LCBO 101857)

Wine of the Week for February 2, 2009

Deboeuf Beaujolais-Villages 2007 - $12.85
Style: R1
France

Always a good every day wine, this Villages quality wine shows a full ruby colour with a hint of garnet. The nose is pleasantly floral, with spice, red currant and red licorice aromas. Quite mild, lightish in the middle, with raspberry flavour, medium acidity and low tannins. Good name-brand stuff at a civilized price that will match well with pork, colds cuts or chicken dishes. (LCBO 122077)

Also available in Magnum - $24.95 (LCBO 29066)

Wine of the Week for January 19, 2009

Hillebrand Artist Series Gewurztraminer VQA 2007 - $10.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

The colour on this scrumptious wine is a pale greenish straw. The nose is delicate, with aromas of rose peach with just a hint of petrol. Very smooth with citrus and mango flavour, a firm acidity and a spicy finish. Very good body and length. There is very good gewurz character here and it's a terrific bargain. An able partner for souvlaki, Thai or sushi. (LCBO/Vineyards stores 554378)

Wine of the Week for January 5, 2009

Farnese Sangiovese IGT 2007 - $12.65
Style: R1/R3
Italy: Ortona

In case you don’t know the Sangiovese grape, it makes up at least 85% of chianti, and it’s grown in just about every region in Italy. This lightish example shows subtle aromas of beetroot, cherry, wood, toast, and a hint of wet cement. Quite round and tangy, it has rich raspberry flavour, firm acidity, solid tannins, and a smoky close. Very good body and length for the style. It could be a surprise cellar candidate and at this stage decanting might be warranted. Try with pizza, roast beef, rugged stews, or lamb sausages. (LCBO 31971)