Wine of the Week for April 28, 2008

Tarapaca Carmenere Reserva 2006 - $12.80
Style: R2
Chile

Carmenere is losing ground in its homeland but it’s becoming one of Chile’s most important as well as distinctive grapes. The colour here is Inky black-cherry. The nose is intriguing with aromas of dark cherry, tar, dark chocolate, and vanilla. The rich, juicy palate shows gobs of dark berry flavours, with a firm acidity and mellow tannins. Quite big and with very good length, it will please shiraz fans. Serve with bean dishes, grilled meats or old flavourful cheeses. (LCBO 64436)

Wine of the Week for April 21, 2008

Volto Pinot Grigio Venezie IGT 2006 - $13.95
Style: W3
Italy: Venezie

There’s a big marketing boost on for this one at the LCBO. The nose is spicy, with melon, pear, ripe apple, and a touch of peach aromas. Finely textured on the palate, with ripe peach and pear flavours and a soft acidity, with very good body and length. A refreshing wine that totally suits this warm weather, and would work well with pork, sausages or smoked salmon . (LCBO 64089)

Wine of the Week for April 14, 2008

Vineland Cabernet Franc 2006 - $13.95
Style: R3
Canada: Niagara

The nose here is slightly gamey, showing wet grass, blueberry and tobacco. Tart on the palate, with ripe red current flavour and soft tannins supported by good body and length. A yummy wine that would work with chicken dishes, shepherd pie, and will also mature well. (LCBO 594127)

Wine of the Week for March 31, 2008

Montgras Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2006 - $11.15
Style: W2
Chile

This is a splendid wine for the price, and just right for welcoming some warmer weather. The nose shows loads of grass right up front, with ripe grapefruit and a touch of melon right behind. Smooth and creamy one the palate, with apple and grapefruit flavour, a hint of spritz and a tangy, somewhat tart close. Very good body and length and a good match for firm cheeses, seafoods or asparagus dishes. (LCBO 58362)

Wine of the Week for March 24, 2008

Hillebrand Artist Series Gamay Noir VQA 2006 - $11.65
Style: R1
Ontario: Niagara

I’m a big fan of what Ontario’s vintners can accomplish with the Gamay grape. This one hints at its burgundian roots with aromas of underbrush, sweet strawberry and a touch of black pepper. The palate is light, with modest tannins, soft acidity, cherry and raspberry flavours, lightish bodied with very good length and a peppery close. Buy it for the nose and serve with flavourful fish. (LCBO 58610)

Wine of the Week for March 17, 2008

Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay 2007 - $11.95
Style: W1
Chile

We always see good value from this century-old winery. The nose shows sweet toasty oak, ripe apple, a subtle hint of butter, and a wee bit of melon. It's very palate friendly -- smooth and soft, with mainly apple flavour, a lemony tang, and medium body and length. It falls into the "MOR" category, so no big foods here. Stick with fish, veal or perhaps a vegetable quiche. (LCBO 58420)