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