Wine of the Week for February 23, 2009

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)

Wine of the Week for February 2, 2009

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)

Wine of the Week for January 19, 2009

Hillebrand Artist Series Gewurztraminer VQA 2007 - $10.95
Style: W3
Canada: Niagara

The colour on this scrumptious wine is a pale greenish straw. The nose is delicate, with aromas of rose peach with just a hint of petrol. Very smooth with citrus and mango flavour, a firm acidity and a spicy finish. Very good body and length. There is very good gewurz character here and it's a terrific bargain. An able partner for souvlaki, Thai or sushi. (LCBO/Vineyards stores 554378)

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)