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)