Wine of the Week for April 26, 2010

Pasqua Passimento Rosso IGT Veneto 2007 - $12.95
Style: R3
Italy: Veneto

Passimento refers to a technique of drying some or all of the grapes before starting fermentaitn. The result is usually a richer and more expensive wine. Look for subtle  aromas of wood, wet cement, dark berries, mineral, and red current. The palate is rich and juicy with ripe raspberry, cherry and a touch of pepper with light tannins. Very good body and length. A splendid intro to this style of Valpolicella and an ideal partner for sausages, pasta carbonnera or hunter’s stew. (LCBO 141952)

Wine of the Week for April 19, 2010

Niagara Cellars (20 Bees) Sundance Riesling 2008 - $8.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

I’m a little confused by this one. Not by the wine, but by its origin and positioning. This is an all-Ontario wine, but it’s not VQA. And it’s being stocked by the LCBO. If you’ve been following the VQA vs. CIC story, then you have to wonder how this “second tier” oddity got into the store. That said, it’s quite a good wine. Look for subtle paraffin, lime peel and rose aromas. Quite nice on the palate, with under-ripe lemon, green apple and a hint of grapefruit. Good body and very good length with a nippy close. Excellent for the price. Serve with curry or taco salad, or just take it out on the deck. (LCBO 158667)

Wine of the Week for April 12, 2010

Cusumano Syrah 2008 - $9.95
Style: R2
Italy: Sicily

Not A native grape, but an excellent result. The nose offers up subtle dark berries, with nuances of caramel and smoke. Quite juicy with soft tannins, showing a hint of dark chocolate atop black raspberry. Very good body and length and great for the price. Try with Tandoori chicken, BBQ wings, or beef teriyaki. (LCBO 145490)

Rutini Trumpeter Malbec 2007 -$12.95
Style: R2
Argentina: Mendoza

The LCBO  has rolled out a number of yummy Malbec-based wines in the past few weeks. Here’s one to get started. Look for aromas of dried cherry, prune, barnyard and dark chocolate. Rich and juicy, with a cool acidity, soft tannins, blueberry, black berry and dried fruit flavours. Very good body and length. Awesome and age worthy 2-4 years or open now to serve with steak and kidney pie, cabbage rolls or hard cheeses.. (LCBO 139063)

Wine of the Week for March 30, 2010

Domaine De Vedilhan Viognier 2008 - $12.95
Style: W1
France: Languedoc

Look for light floral aromas with traces of pine bough and rubber and just a touch of perfume down deep. Understated on the palate, with baked lemon flavour and a pleasing tartness. Very good body, good length. Pleasant though lacking in typicity, it should be food friendly.  Try with alfredo sauce, egg dishes or cold cuts. (LCBO 162081)