Peller Estates Family Series Chardonnay VQA 2007 - $10.95
Style: W1
Canada: Niagara
Pretty straight-forward stuff here, but the price makes it very attractive. The nose shows Rich caramel, butter, ripe apple, and pear aromas. Quite tasty on the palate, wtih a firm acid spine, apple and pear flavours. Very good body and lenght. Very well made and excellent for the price. Try with wh ite fish, pork roast or medium cneeses. (LCBO 582825)
Citra Sergo Terre de Chieti 2007 - $7.45
Style: R1
Italy
I get a lot of requests for "value" wines these days. There's not a lot available under $10, but there are occasional gems. This one shows aromas of leather, wood, and dried blueberries, with nuances of clove. It's very light on the palate, with shy tannins, a cool acidity, and subtle plum and blackberry flavour. Decent body and length, it's well made and very good for the price, though it lacks typicity. Go with pizza or burgers. (LCBO 480756)
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)
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)
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)
