Wine for the Weekend

It has been a very busy week both at work with my annual line check (evaluation) and at home with the laptop.  On wine related topics, I have a new article discussing the factors that influence a wine’s aging potential; you should see that published online in the next few days.  Additionally, I am hosting a dinner for the wine blogging community this Saturday which I am sure will provide not only fantastic wine but great conversation as well – I can’t wait!  I’ll try to snap a few pictures and share some thoughts next week. 

This edition of Wine for the Weekend showcases another Gewurztraminer, this time though it is from Alsace, France.  I also have a red that many people feel is the perfect ‘steak wine’.  With the BBQ still on the patio and little or no snow to get in the way, I just might put that theory to the test!  As usual, they are both priced well under the $20 mark.

Enjoy!

Tyler

White

2009 Pierre Sparr, Gewürztraminer – Alsace, France

Less intensity than the Niagara example we featured last week.  Alsace tends to craft a softer and more classical version of Gewurztraminer; this one is off dry but certainly not sweet; lychee with pronounced floral and herb aromas integrate nicely with the roundness of the flavour profile.  This is a wine that you can sip solo or with lunch on the weekend.

$17.00 (373373) LCBO General List (off dry)

Red

2008 K W V Cathedral Cellar, Cabernet Sauvignon – Western Cape, S.Africa

So many people look past the South African section of the wine shop for something more familiar, but this label is a good reason to make an unscheduled stop.  A medium bodied Cab to pair with a hearty winter meal this weekend.  The weight of the food will soften the tannins in the wine.  Expect a mix of dark cherry and blackberry fruit with an earthy complexity and a touch of mint on the finish. 

Decant this wine an hour before the meal and enjoy.

$14.95 (328567) LCBO Vintages (dry)