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)