Masi Modello Delle Venezi Bianco 2004 - $9.95
Style: W3
Italy
Based on the native Garganega grape, this is not your usual Italian white quaffer. With a light green straw colour, it shows a rather gewurztraminer-like nose with rich orange zest, musk and a touch of dried cherry. The palate is round and mellow with a perfectly balanced acidity -- not obvious, but very full and flavourful and with good body and very good length. A total bargain, it would work well with roast poultry, stir fry or turkey burgers. (LCBO 564674)
Wine of the Week for May 1, 2006
Bolla Rosso Di Sicilia 2003 - $10.95
Style: R2
Sicilia
You may have to work at ignoring the tall blue botte but inside is a delightful surprise. The deep garnet robe is showing beginnings of brick. The nose is rich and smokey, with aromas of dried fruits, leather and tobacco. Rather substantial on the palate -- juicy, with dried fruit flavours plus more of the leather. With firm acidity, solid tannins, a full body and very good length, it's quite stunning for the price. A good partner for roasts, hard cheeses or just about anything in a red wine sauce. (LCBO 621128)
Style: R2
Sicilia
You may have to work at ignoring the tall blue botte but inside is a delightful surprise. The deep garnet robe is showing beginnings of brick. The nose is rich and smokey, with aromas of dried fruits, leather and tobacco. Rather substantial on the palate -- juicy, with dried fruit flavours plus more of the leather. With firm acidity, solid tannins, a full body and very good length, it's quite stunning for the price. A good partner for roasts, hard cheeses or just about anything in a red wine sauce. (LCBO 621128)
Wine of the Week for April 24, 2006
Badischer Winzerkeller Baden Gewurztraminer 2003 - $9.95
Style: W3
Germany
My initial impression of this one was a bit modest, but it grew on me. It shows upfront aromas of baked apple, white peach and traces of spice. The palate has a honey-like texture, with peach and blood orange flavours and solid acid core plus good body and length. A bit shy, but full and flavourful, and who can argue about the price? Would work well with smoked salmon, swiss-type cheeses or schnitzel. (LCBO 336735)
Style: W3
Germany
My initial impression of this one was a bit modest, but it grew on me. It shows upfront aromas of baked apple, white peach and traces of spice. The palate has a honey-like texture, with peach and blood orange flavours and solid acid core plus good body and length. A bit shy, but full and flavourful, and who can argue about the price? Would work well with smoked salmon, swiss-type cheeses or schnitzel. (LCBO 336735)
Wine of the Week for April 17, 2006
Two Oceans Pinotage 2005 - $9.55
Style: R2
South Africa
This one is for fans of this funky South African original. The aromas suggest salami, plums, dark berries and vanilla. There's lots of presence on the palate, with a crisp acidity, firm tannins and blackcurrant flavour, and just a hint of gaminess at the tail end. It's a bit tamer than some -- quite juicy and yummy -- but still with that touch of gaminess. Try it with chilli or cannelloni. (LCBO 592378)
Style: R2
South Africa
This one is for fans of this funky South African original. The aromas suggest salami, plums, dark berries and vanilla. There's lots of presence on the palate, with a crisp acidity, firm tannins and blackcurrant flavour, and just a hint of gaminess at the tail end. It's a bit tamer than some -- quite juicy and yummy -- but still with that touch of gaminess. Try it with chilli or cannelloni. (LCBO 592378)
Wine of the Week for April 10, 2006
Argento Pinot Grigio 2005 - $10.15
Style: W2
Argentina
The “grey pinot” has been enjoying centre stage lately, and it may very well be because of bargains like this. The full straw colour shows the merest hint of copper. Forward aromas include spice and melon, with nuances of stone fruits and floral. The crisp acidity leads to understated citrus, melon, more spice on the palate. Quite good body and length, with a pleasant bitterness on the close. A great way to usher in warmer weather. Try with flavourful fish, schnitzel or BBQ poultry. (LCBO 620492)
Style: W2
Argentina
The “grey pinot” has been enjoying centre stage lately, and it may very well be because of bargains like this. The full straw colour shows the merest hint of copper. Forward aromas include spice and melon, with nuances of stone fruits and floral. The crisp acidity leads to understated citrus, melon, more spice on the palate. Quite good body and length, with a pleasant bitterness on the close. A great way to usher in warmer weather. Try with flavourful fish, schnitzel or BBQ poultry. (LCBO 620492)
Wine of the Week for April 3, 2006
Hoya De Cadenas Reserva Vicente Gandi Tempranillo 2001 - $10.45
Style: R3
Spain
Style: R3
Spain
Here's a very nice example of this classic Spanish grape. With a medium black cherry colour, it offers up lush aromas of spice, dark berries, vanilla, ripe cherries and a hint of tobacco. More cherry shows up on the palate, followed by blueberry and blackberry, a solid acid core and rather rustic tannins. Try with roast beef, chilli or firm cheeses. (LCBO 620989)
(Note: There are some 1999 bottles floating around. Stick with the 2001 unless you want to experience "just over the hill".)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
