Selections for March 5

From the March 5, 2011 LCBO Vintages Release

With the focus on Argentina, Chile, and Northern Italy, this weekend’s LCBO Vintages Release will to appeal to nearly everyone. In general, the South American wines cater to the modern crowd while the Italian offerings appeal to both the new world drinker and those with traditional taste.  As always, I have found a few interesting choices to expand and broaden your palate. 

My ‘Selections’ this weekend include two red: a really good Argentinean blend and a classic Spanish Rioja.  The two white selections are: a German Riesling and a fantastic Niagara Gewürztraminer.  From Italy, I found a sweet frothing dessert wine and of course, I’ll also recommend a selection for your cellar to enjoy a few years from now. 

Red:

2008 Amalaya

This is a blend of Malbec, Cab. Sauvignon, Tannat, and Syrah.  Of all the wine tasted for this weekend’s Selections, this was my favourite.  Spearmint leaf on the nose followed by cherry and plums.  But as it rolled around in my mouth, a sweet smoothness prevailed with a mix of red and black fruit and a touch of black pepper on the finish.  Substantial ‘Wow Factor’.  LCBO #223446 / $18.95 (XD)

2006 LAN, Crianza

Yet another fine example of Spanish Rioja. The term Crianza indicates only one year spent in oak and one year in the bottle prior to release of this wine to the public.  A deep ruby red colour with hints of raspberry and cherry on the nose; silky smooth red fruit and a touch of spice on the palate with no hard edges whatsoever.  #44 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list of 2010.  Enjoy!  LCBO #166538 / $15.00 (D)

White:

2009 Cave Springs, Estate Bottled Gewurztraminer

I’m a big fan of Gewurtz and here is yet another fine example from our own Niagara region. Classic in terms of aroma with lychee, lemon, and grapefruit tropics.  Fairly sweet by comparison to the equivalent from Germany or Alsace but really quite nice and a slight effervescence adds to the spicy finish. LCBO # 302059 / $16.95 (D)

2009 Lingenfelder, Riesling Kabinett

On the German QmP scale, Kabinett implies minimal sugar though in terms of sweetness, this wine is by no means dry.  Nicely balanced fruit and acidity and quite easy to sip on its own or with a variety of foods.  I found an interesting red apple taste lingering on the finish.  LCBO # 87593 / $17.95 (D)

Fortified/Dessert:

2010 Enrico Serafino, Moscato D’asti

Well, if you manage to get the cork out of the bottle, you’ll be well on the way to enjoying this rich, fizzy dessert wine.  At only 5.5% alcohol, this is fun and flavourful; creamy, light and simple.  Everyone will like this... Good luck with it!  LCBO 134833 / $15.95 (MS)

One for the Cellar:

2006 Cantina Del Pino, Barbaresco

If you enjoy the great wines of Barolo, then you likely already know about Barbaresco.  Approachable earlier than its big brother, this Italian star is also made in Piedmont with Italy’s Nebbiolo grape.  The wine is bold in its youth but softens relatively quickly to display aromas of violet, cherry, and licorice.  Expect a medium to full bodied wine that will pair well with wild game.  Enjoy this one after 2012. LCBO # 922880 / $38.95 (XD)

Cheers!