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)

Wine of the Week for December 29, 2008

Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo 2007 - $14.95
Style: W3
Italy: Venezie

Look for spicy aromas of plum, apricot, damp wood and perfume. Mild-mannered on the palate, with green apple and grapefruit flavours, a firm acidity, and a spicy close. Very good body and length -- mouthfilling with a bit of assertiveness. Try with ocean fish, cream sauces or creamy cheeses such as brie. (LCBO 620773)

An all-too-typical Canadian moment...

Reif Romance Chardonnay VQA 2006 - $12.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara

According to the LCBO database, this wined is stock in a full 6 stores!!! It’s pity when a marvelous Canadian wine is featured but not supported by actual store stock. Leading off with a delicate floral note, the nose follows up with subtle apricot, apple and vanilla aromas. Some oak is evident on the palate, along with ripe apples and just a touch of butter. With good body and length, it might benefit from another six months to a year in the bottle, but is quite pleasing now, and would go well with pork roast or medium hard cheeses. (LCBO 87080; Winery)

Wine of the Week for December 15, 2008

Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir 2007 - $12.45
Style: R1
Canada: Niagara

Gamay is one of the grapes that excels in Ontario, and I would like to see more examples of this quality. Medium ruby in the glass, it shows lovely red berry aromas with hints of spice, barnyard and bell pepper. The palate is ultra smooth -- approaching delicate, but not a fly-weight -- showing ripe raspberry, a hint of vanilla, and soft tannins. This one is dripping with elegance and would be a perfect partner for grilled salmon or mushroom risotto. (LCBO 57349)

Wine of the Week for December 8, 2008

Cono Sur Viognier 2007 - $9.95
Style: W1
Chile

I may have said it before, but it's worth repeating: there is just not enough viognier to be had! This modestly priced rendition shows interesting perfumy aromas, with ripe apple, melon and a touch of orange zest. Loads of presence the palate, with a lively acidity and mainly lemon and green apple flavours. Very good body and length. Not overly viognier-like but nice, and would go nicely with quiche, pork roast or medium cheeses. (LCBO 64287)

Wine of the Week for December 1, 2008

Ogio Primitivo 2006 - $8.85
Style: R2
Italy

The Primitivo grape may be the source of California's Zinfandel. You'll find a rich nose on this one, with dried cherry, fruit lather, and traces Of cedar and cardamom. Very tasty with rich bumbleberry flavour and somewhat dusty tannins. Very good body and length. An impressive little wine and an astounding value. I intend to buy all I can find. Try with lamb, old gamey cheeses or anything off the barbie. (LCBO 86421)

A Canadian Moment...

Lifestyle labels? Give me a break! But Erie North Shore's Colio Wines have embraced the concept and delivered a very nice package that would be just the thing for giving or receiving. Girls' Night Out includes an excellent Chardonnay, a respectable Merlot and a pretty good "Merlot-Chardonnay", also known as rose. (LCBO 89706)

Wine of the Week for November 24, 2008

Gabianno Pinot Grigio IGT 2007 - $12.95
Style: W3
Italy: Venezia

The aromas here suggest peach and lemon with whiffs of apple and caramel. The palate is quite soft, with light flavours of ripe macintosh, orange and lemon zest atop soft acidity. Light body with good length and a somewhat tart finish, this is definitely a food wine, and would pair well with soft cheeses, any sort of poultry or sushi. (LCBO 77990)