La Puerta "Chardonnay" 2005 - $8.95
Style: W3
Argentina
The nose here shows a slight resemblance to a ripe gewurz, with a rich honey, mango, apricot and apple peel mix. The palate is finely textured with peach and citrus flavours atop a solid acid spine. A delight but not all that Chardonnay like -- perhaps they've tossed in a bit of Torrentes. For the gewurz lover, this is one terrific bargain, and it shows enough chardonnay character to work on that front as well. Could be a good match for that left-over turkey or perhaps a bit of ham roast. (LCBO 614693)
Wine of the Week for December 18, 2006
Santa Carolina Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2004 - $12.95
Style: R3
Chile
This unassuming wine shows good blackberry, green pepper and cardamom aromas with a bit of oak at the tail end. Rather light for a cab, with blackberry, vanilla and milk chocolate flavours supported by fine tannins. This is the cab to open on a Tuesday night with pizza, spaghetti or a simple chicken dish. (LCBO 275925)
Style: R3
Chile
This unassuming wine shows good blackberry, green pepper and cardamom aromas with a bit of oak at the tail end. Rather light for a cab, with blackberry, vanilla and milk chocolate flavours supported by fine tannins. This is the cab to open on a Tuesday night with pizza, spaghetti or a simple chicken dish. (LCBO 275925)
Wine of the Week for December 11, 2006
Strewn Semi-dry Riesling VQA 2005 - $10.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara
My mission lately is to find good, reasonably priced riesling -- not an easy task with shelves dominated by cheap chardonnay in tetra-pak. This one, from Strewn in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is understated, but totally authentic, with aromas of citrus and dried peaches, plus nuances of petrol, beeswax and cold cream. The palate is like fine silk, and I would say closer to off dry, with just a whisper of sugar, crisp acidity and delicate citrus/apple flavours. Very good body and length with a tangy close. Wonderfully refreshing and a great match for pork, or anything spicy. (LCBO 616599)
MADD as Hell ...
I was very disappointed on the weekend to see a report on MADD Canada. Apparently, of the $12 Million they collect every year, only 19% actually goes to the cause. A 'good' charity can direct as much as 80% of their fund-raising to doing what they set out to do. I think the next time that MADD calls and asks me for a $100 donation, maybe I'll give them what they seem to really need: $19.
One more bubbly to consider
Ch. De Montguere Cremant de Loire Brut NV - $18.95
Style: Off Dry
Francemoke on the finish. Very good body and length, and you can get two bottles for the price of a co
Rich mousse, slightly short-lived, with a fine almond-lemon colour. Rich, ripe citrus, apple and spice aromas with a trace of toast at the rear. Creamy, round, crisp and spicy on the tongue, with a full mousse, the merest hint of sugar, and a wave of smparable champagne. (LCBO 621896)
Note: If you didn't get my December newsletter and list of recommended bubbly wines, you can subscribe at www.frugalwine.com.
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara
My mission lately is to find good, reasonably priced riesling -- not an easy task with shelves dominated by cheap chardonnay in tetra-pak. This one, from Strewn in Niagara-on-the-Lake, is understated, but totally authentic, with aromas of citrus and dried peaches, plus nuances of petrol, beeswax and cold cream. The palate is like fine silk, and I would say closer to off dry, with just a whisper of sugar, crisp acidity and delicate citrus/apple flavours. Very good body and length with a tangy close. Wonderfully refreshing and a great match for pork, or anything spicy. (LCBO 616599)
MADD as Hell ...
I was very disappointed on the weekend to see a report on MADD Canada. Apparently, of the $12 Million they collect every year, only 19% actually goes to the cause. A 'good' charity can direct as much as 80% of their fund-raising to doing what they set out to do. I think the next time that MADD calls and asks me for a $100 donation, maybe I'll give them what they seem to really need: $19.
One more bubbly to consider
Ch. De Montguere Cremant de Loire Brut NV - $18.95
Style: Off Dry
Francemoke on the finish. Very good body and length, and you can get two bottles for the price of a co
Rich mousse, slightly short-lived, with a fine almond-lemon colour. Rich, ripe citrus, apple and spice aromas with a trace of toast at the rear. Creamy, round, crisp and spicy on the tongue, with a full mousse, the merest hint of sugar, and a wave of smparable champagne. (LCBO 621896)
Note: If you didn't get my December newsletter and list of recommended bubbly wines, you can subscribe at www.frugalwine.com.
Wine of the Week for December 4, 2006
Casillero del Diablo Carmenère 2005 - $12.55
Style: R2
Chile
Not everyone is enthusiastic about Chile's signature grape, but this perennial favourite is a good argument for its success. With an inky black cherry colour in the glass, it shows rich aromas of green pepper, dark chocolate, black raspberry and spicy oak. Rich and creamy on the palate, verging on sweet, it has huge berry flavours, soft tannins and a solid backbone. Very good body, long, with an authoritative tannic close. In a word, yummy, and a solid partner for beef stroganoff, chilli, or moussaka. (LCBO 620666)
Style: R2
Chile
Not everyone is enthusiastic about Chile's signature grape, but this perennial favourite is a good argument for its success. With an inky black cherry colour in the glass, it shows rich aromas of green pepper, dark chocolate, black raspberry and spicy oak. Rich and creamy on the palate, verging on sweet, it has huge berry flavours, soft tannins and a solid backbone. Very good body, long, with an authoritative tannic close. In a word, yummy, and a solid partner for beef stroganoff, chilli, or moussaka. (LCBO 620666)
Wine of the Week for November 27, 2006
Chateau Bonnet Entre-deux-mers 2005 - $12.95
Style: W2
France
After a couple of years absence from LCBO shelves, it’s nice to see this tried and true performer back. Made from sauvignon, semillon and muscadelle, in the Bordeaux manner, it shows rich aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry and mineral with a trace of rose petals. Soft and easy on the palate with a light acidity and a continuation of the grapefruit and gooseberry. A bit on the light side, making it a good partner for brie/camembert, Thai, fish with dill, grilled peppers, or shellfish. (LCBO 83709)
Style: W2
France
After a couple of years absence from LCBO shelves, it’s nice to see this tried and true performer back. Made from sauvignon, semillon and muscadelle, in the Bordeaux manner, it shows rich aromas of grapefruit, gooseberry and mineral with a trace of rose petals. Soft and easy on the palate with a light acidity and a continuation of the grapefruit and gooseberry. A bit on the light side, making it a good partner for brie/camembert, Thai, fish with dill, grilled peppers, or shellfish. (LCBO 83709)
Wine(s) of the Week for November 20, 2006
There's a significant amount of hype associated with "Beaujolais Day", which signals the release of nouveau wines -- the season's first wines -- on November 16th. But regardless of the marketing push, the wines are typically high quality and not automatically frivolous stuff. Nouveau is food flexible and can work well with pork chops, veal, sausage, poultry, paté, cured meats, charcuterie, fresh cheeses, and flavourful fish.
Here are the current offerings at LCBO stores -- both Beaujolais and other nouveau styles -- and will most likely to be found close to the checkout.
Geo. Duboeuf Gamay Nouveau 2006 - $8.95
France: Burgundy
Why is this Gamay and not Beaujolais? Simple: the grapes are sourced from just outside of Beaujolais proper. Look for a full, fruity nose of black currant and blackberry. The palate shows traditional nouveau flavours of cherry and strawberries with a firm acid core and moderate tannins showing up at the tail end. What you expect from the style, and a bargain. (LCBO 891846)
Cantina de Negrar Novello Del Veneto 2006 - $8.95
Italy: Veneto
The nose shows attractive strawberry and spice with an intriguing chemical note. Rather substantial in the mouth, with firm tannins, strawberry and sour cherry flavour and a repeat of the chemical impression. Not for everyone, and possible a challenge with food, but will appeal to the adventurous. (LCBO 899955)
JeanJean Syrah Primeur 2006 - $9.95
France: Languedoc
Bright, light ruby colour. On the nose: rich raspberry, vanilla and a bit of licorice. Certainly syrah-like on the palate, with the crisp acidity of youth, light tannins and cherry flavour. Crisp, clean and refreshing. (LCBO 899948)
MezzaCorona Novio Novello 2006 -$9.95
Italy: Alto Adige/Trentino
Delicate aromas of citrus and dried berries with a soupçon of spice. Rather full in the glass, with a solid backbone, moderate tannins and bright red currant flavour. Made from Teroldego and Lagrein grapes, this one shows substance and refreshment. (LCBO 669275)
Mommessin Beaujolais Nouveau 2006 - $13.45
France: Burgundy
Full, ripe berries, perfume and a trace of vanilla. Opens with a fresh, crisp acidity, followed by dried berry flavours and light tannins. This is good mainstream stuff with a bit of extra stuffing. (LCBO 897934)
Pisse Dru Beaujolais Nouveau 2006 - $13.95
France: Burgundy
This one is a rather simple affair, showing nuances of floral, sweet cherry and vanilla. The palate is a bit rough around the edges but decent enough. May be a good idea to set it aside for a few months, but the rule is “no later than Easter”. (LCBO 669259)
Geo. Dubeouf Beaujolais Nouveau 2006 -$15.95
France: Burgundy
A deep ruby colour here. Look for basic cherry and strawberry aromas, but the palate is a fruit bomb -- rich and juicy with substantial tannin. The price seems justified. (Not found on the LCBO system, but it is in stores)
Here are the current offerings at LCBO stores -- both Beaujolais and other nouveau styles -- and will most likely to be found close to the checkout.
Geo. Duboeuf Gamay Nouveau 2006 - $8.95
France: Burgundy
Why is this Gamay and not Beaujolais? Simple: the grapes are sourced from just outside of Beaujolais proper. Look for a full, fruity nose of black currant and blackberry. The palate shows traditional nouveau flavours of cherry and strawberries with a firm acid core and moderate tannins showing up at the tail end. What you expect from the style, and a bargain. (LCBO 891846)
Cantina de Negrar Novello Del Veneto 2006 - $8.95
Italy: Veneto
The nose shows attractive strawberry and spice with an intriguing chemical note. Rather substantial in the mouth, with firm tannins, strawberry and sour cherry flavour and a repeat of the chemical impression. Not for everyone, and possible a challenge with food, but will appeal to the adventurous. (LCBO 899955)
JeanJean Syrah Primeur 2006 - $9.95
France: Languedoc
Bright, light ruby colour. On the nose: rich raspberry, vanilla and a bit of licorice. Certainly syrah-like on the palate, with the crisp acidity of youth, light tannins and cherry flavour. Crisp, clean and refreshing. (LCBO 899948)
MezzaCorona Novio Novello 2006 -$9.95
Italy: Alto Adige/Trentino
Delicate aromas of citrus and dried berries with a soupçon of spice. Rather full in the glass, with a solid backbone, moderate tannins and bright red currant flavour. Made from Teroldego and Lagrein grapes, this one shows substance and refreshment. (LCBO 669275)
Mommessin Beaujolais Nouveau 2006 - $13.45
France: Burgundy
Full, ripe berries, perfume and a trace of vanilla. Opens with a fresh, crisp acidity, followed by dried berry flavours and light tannins. This is good mainstream stuff with a bit of extra stuffing. (LCBO 897934)
Pisse Dru Beaujolais Nouveau 2006 - $13.95
France: Burgundy
This one is a rather simple affair, showing nuances of floral, sweet cherry and vanilla. The palate is a bit rough around the edges but decent enough. May be a good idea to set it aside for a few months, but the rule is “no later than Easter”. (LCBO 669259)
Geo. Dubeouf Beaujolais Nouveau 2006 -$15.95
France: Burgundy
A deep ruby colour here. Look for basic cherry and strawberry aromas, but the palate is a fruit bomb -- rich and juicy with substantial tannin. The price seems justified. (Not found on the LCBO system, but it is in stores)
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