Wine for the Weekend

Did you manage to find a bottle of that Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise I recommended last week?  Wasn’t that awesome!  A case has just arrived at the Newmarket LCBO for those in the area.  Grab it before it's gone!  

I spent last weekend on the road which unfortunately takes me away from my family, though it does present the opportunity to purchase a few bottles out-of-province.  Elderton Command 2005 was my score in Edmonton on Saturday afternoon. 

I’m in a bind this week:  I’ve got too many wines that need your attention.  They’re all from South America with the first being a Chilean in the form of Sauvignon Blanc and a really top-notch example at that.  But I’ve also stumbled upon a very classy Chardonnay from Argentina for only $11; you’ll need to try that one as well :)  Better yet, how about a bottle of Merlot – also from Chile – I enjoyed this one so much, that it prompted me to write about the grape in a new article via Oakville.com.  The piece generated a nice compliment from Rex Pickett, author of the book Sideways and the story behind the hit movie.  I’ll link you up a little later in the post.        

Thanks for reading and enjoy the wine!

White

2011 Veramonte, La Gloria Sauvignon Blanc Reserva – Casablanca Valley, Chile

I have no idea who Gloria is, but let me assure you that she crafts a very fine Sauvignon in the cool climate of Chile’s Casablanca Valley.  Fragrant, crisp, and simply delicious; expect a lovely balance between the grassy herbal character and a flint-like minerality combined with lime and grapefruit citrus plus generous acidity to pair with a multitude of food styles.  Try with seafood, lemon chicken, and spicy Asian dishes.  Highly drinkable and not to be missed!  $12.95 (602649) General list – dry

Red

2009 Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha Merlot – Rapel Valley, Chile

Typically softer than the big reds that we so easily recognize.  Dark fruit aromas in this example and hints of spice that entice your senses. Medium bodied and quite dry with a good balance between the fruit and acidity.   Plush yet lively to taste; fresh from beginning to end; a welcome taste.  Enjoy with roast chicken or sip it solo as the cool weather approaches.  $19.95 (939827) Vintages – very dry

2010 Finca El Origen Chardonnay – Mendoza, Argentina

750mL | LCBO #269993 | $10.95

I had the opportunity to taste this wine with Finca El Origen’s winemaker Gonzalo Bertelsen and a select group from the WineAlign team at a luncheon downtown this week.  To put it bluntly, there are a number of Chardonnay examples available in the $10 range that leave you with a feeling of inadequacy in terms of quality.  Far too many over-cropped and heavily oaked ho-hum wines leave drinkers with little option other that to move on to alternate grape varieties with hopes of discovering something significantly more captivating – until now… The 2010 Finca El Origen Chardonnay from Mendoza Argentina is a stunning example of the grape and at $10.95 is arguably the best in its class at the LCBO.   

My notes: 

The wine glistens in the light reflecting both its purity and clarity.  The colour is bright yellow with green hues at the shoulders.  Aromas only hint at oak influence with more focus on sweet ripe melon and lemon as a prelude to the clean, cool climate mineral texture and beautifully balanced acidity. Lovely combinations of citrus and herbal notes on the palate with a touch of creaminess and a slightly spiced finish.  There is a degree of complexity here that elevates this wine well above others in the price range.  Very enjoyable and a fantastic value.  

Link to the LCBO product availability for 2010 Finca El Origen Chardonnay

Link to read ‘Merlot – In and Out of Love’  

- “Terrific article, Tyler.  I learned a few new things.”  

Rex Pickett – author of Sideways

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

After a great deal of adventure earlier in the month, we elected to stick close to home last weekend and catch up on some overdue yard work.  At two cuts per week, I believe the grass is making up for lost time – either that, or Mother Nature is mocking me.  Of course these tasks are only accomplished between moments of relaxation on the patio with a glass of wine in hand.       

This edition of wine for the weekend has you sipping a tasty off dry Riesling from New Zealand’s Nelson region and a red selection from Spain’s Ribera del Duero.

Our WineSpot knocked my socks off – yet again, and remains what is arguably the best $13 you can spend at the LCBO.      

Enjoy!

White

2009 Trout Valley Riesling – Nelson, New Zealand

This hints at the off dry style without overstepping the boundary from dry.  Expect scent combinations of spiced fruit and honeyed notes.  The taste shows pronounced lemon/lime citrus zest and just an underlying sweetness with green apple and spice on the finish.  Interesting to sip and I love the label: it gives you fly fishing tips and has little to do with the wine.  $11.95 (177790) General list – off dry

Red

2009 Escondido Tempranillo – Ribera Del Duero, Spain

Aromas of stewed fruit and a hint of pine sap – interesting.  Very dry to taste and not nearly as jammy as the nose might suggest.  The pine reflects a slight greenness on the palate with dark berries and licorice/molasses on the finish.  $14.95 (132597) Vintages – very dry

2009 Domaine Des Bernardins
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise

Vintages #129999 | $13.45
375 mL

You might recall that one of our white selections earlier in August was a bottle of Muscat.  The highly floral and delicately perfumed character of that wine generated some great feedback from the readership.  Today’s WineSpot is also a product of the Muscat grape, though in the form of a fortified dessert wine from Rhône, France.    

This is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise and there are only a few bottles remaining here in Ontario.  In a word – fantastic, and at only $13 this a total steal in the world of dessert wines. 

I’ve included the review that I wrote for WineAlign.com earlier this year: 

‘Pale tawny-orange colour in the glass and incredibly fragrant; aromas of orange peel and apricot with a slightly solvent scent but in the most positive way imaginable. There is an initial combination of sweetness and clarity that quickly fades to a delicious creamy finish that lasts indefinitely. This is nowhere near as sweet as one would expect which is certain to appeal to a wider audience. Do not over chill. ‘

In terms of pairing potential, you can enjoy Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise with fresh berries, pastries, crème brulée, blue-veined cheese, or just simply on its own.  I have requested that a case be shipped to Newmarket while the other remaining bottles are currently spread throughout Southern Ontario.  See if you can find a bottle near you and grab it! 

Link to Vintages product availability >> Here

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

* A new wine article and educational piece for you called :: Body, Texture, and Finish 

Wine for the Weekend

Last weekend found us adventuring deep into to Canada’s prairieland for a reunion on my mother’s side of the family.  At first glance, Woodmore, Manitoba hardly warrants the sign that indicates its existence, but gathered within the local hall we found both community and family spirit that made me proud to have Grier blood running through my veins.    

This edition of wine for the weekend will have you sipping aged Riesling from the Saar in Germany plus a medium to full bodied but nicely balanced red from the McLaren Vale in Australia.

Our WineSpot this week is via an online friend from Long Island, New York.  Jac has a knack for finding the exotic tastes and this label is one of those ‘weirdo wines’ that left her almost speechless… I can’t wait to share it with you, and please don’t forget to visit her site Champagne Taste when you are finished here. 

Enjoy!

White

2006 Reichsgraf Von Kesselstatt Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett – Germany

After sipping an older bottle of Riesling from the cellar this week, I feel compelled to share something similar with you.  The bottle I enjoyed was from the 1998 vintage and unfortunately is no longer available.  This label however is a formidable substitute and shows softer aromas of over-ripe melon, apricot, and hints of petrol.  The obvious effervescence in the glass is barely noticeable to taste while vibrant acidity provides plenty of mouth-watering flavour.  A wine like this pairs beautifully with a multitude of food styles but to be very honest, I`d enjoy it solo.   $17.95 (282343) Vintages – off dry

Red

2008 Kangarilla Road, Charlie's Blend Shiraz / Cabernet – McLaren Vale

What makes this Aussie red so intriguing is not only the great price, but also its sense of balance.  There is significantly more in the glass than a simple palate-coating dose of fruit and oak.  Expect a combination of bright red fruit and earth on nose with tastes of chocolate covered cherries and spice plus just a touch of heat on the finish.  Another wine to side with ribs or burgers hot off the grill.  $13.00 (212720) General list – dry

 

 2007 Plantăze, Vranac 'Pro Corde' Reserve – Montenegro

I am thrilled to have Jacqueline Malenda sharing her thoughts in this week's WineSpot: Jac recalls that Vranac is one of the most important grapes in the Balkan growing regions, and perhaps the most important in all of Montenegro.  Plantăze is a large producer of Vranac and they ship all over the world. The grapes were grown in the Podgorica region of Montenegro, in the sub-region of Lake Skadar Valley.  The term ‘Vranac’ literally means black stallion, and for under $20, this wine absolutely blew my mind! 

For pairings, I’d suggest firm cheeses as well as smokey and roasted meats.  For summer pairings I’d go with BBQ, and for winter I think it would be a nice pairing with hearty dishes or sipping fireside - it’s really smooth and delicious.  I didn’t decant the bottle and I do not recommend decanting either; the wine became quite acidic and lost some of its smoothness after spending a few hours open.

Please take a moment to visit Jac`s site Champagne Taste where you can read her formal tasting notes on the ’07 Plantăze 'Pro Corde' Reserve along with many other fascinating wine tales.    

Cheers for the great WineSpot Jac!

Note from Tyler:  There is only one example of Varnac-based wine available here in Ontario.  It is a different label by the same producer: Plantăze Monte Cheval Vranac.  Through some research, I understand that this particular wine is also the house red at several restaurants in the Toronto area - certainly worthy of a taste, I'd say...

PLANTĂZE MONTE CHEVAL VRANAC 

Montenegro | 750 mL bottle

LCBO 542498 | $11.85

The specific wine that Jac tasted can be ordered by the case through the LCBO Private Orders department at (416 864-6739 or 1-800-668-5144).

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

We spent last weekend with family celebrating our son’s 10^th birthday.  The celebration started with a scavenger hunt for the gifts followed by a feast of spice-rub ribs and lemon-pepper chicken with salads and grilled vegetables.  We enjoyed a bottle of off dry Ontario rosé and a crisp Italian white with lunch, though the highlight of the meal was the birthday cake which Jac created in the form of a giant cupcake – delicious!

This edition of wine for the weekend takes a slight deviation from conventional wine styles to focus on one of the more fragrant white varieties, that being Muscat from Alsace.  With cooler weather in the forecast I also thought we’d try a bottle of tawny port, though this example is displaced by over 18,000 km from its place of origin. 

This week’s WineSpot comes to us from Dan Trcka a good friend from Wine Align and author of the brand new website GrapeSelections.com 

Enjoy!

White 

2008 François Schwach Muscat – Alsace, France

This is a highly fragrant variety known for its combination of floral and citrus aromas.  Winemakers in Alsace seem to have a knack for capturing the potential of Muscat.  Slightly off dry to taste and delicate in a word.  Expect a perfumed nose that precedes a clean, fresh and slightly sweet taste to a combination of orange/peach and spice on the finish. Quite good on its own or paired with Asian cuisine.  $13.65 (261644) Vintages off-dry

Fortified

R.L. Buller & Son, Victoria Tawny – Victoria, Australia

Wood aging softens the tannic structure of port wine leaving it with a slight nutty character combined with hints of orange rind, raisin, and figs.  Traditionally port is served slightly chilled, though I prefer mine at room temperature – try it both ways and see which you like best.  Either way, make sure you have a chocolate dessert on hand to savour with this sweet treat.  $18.95 (271403) sweet

SANDHILL CABERNET MERLOT 

Ontario | LCBO 269795

$20.05 | 750mL bottle

Dan recalls that Sandhill’s 2009 Cab/Merlot is a medium bodied, integrated wine, with intense aromas of black cherry, blackberry, sweet vanilla, cedar and very faint green notes.  Slightly on the acidic side though the tannins are refined (decant for 1+ hours) and the finish is long.  He suggests that you can drink it now or cellar a few bottles for up to 5 years.  This wine can be enjoyed with food (perhaps homemade spaghetti and meatballs at the dinner table or with burgers hot off the grill while camping).  Incidentally Dan has just published an interesting article via GrapeSelections.com detailing how to best enjoy your vino while camping – please take a moment to visit him.

Thanks for the WineSpot Dan! 

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

We spent last weekend in our nation’s capital touring the sites and dining/sipping outside on the patios of ByWard Market.  Jac and I seem to lean towards Italian dishes and therefore copious amounts of crisp white wine found its way to our table over the three-day stay in Ottawa. 

In this edition of wine for the weekend I’ll stick to that same theme and recommend a crisp Italian white.  Our red selection leans toward a lighter bodied and fruity style that you can sip while imagining yourself sitting on an old stone bistro patio in rural France.

In this week’s WineSpot, Marc from Hamilton has found us a neatly packaged bottle of Borolo for two.  Additionally, his choice of wine and menu planning is a good lesson for everyone.

Enjoy!

White

2011 Tiefenbrunner Pinot Grigio – Südtirol Alto Adige, Italy

This is one of the labels that we enjoyed last weekend in Ottawa.  Italy’s Südtirol region is located at the northern most limits of the Italian landscape and is one of the country’s smallest growing regions.  In terms of quality however Südtirol Alto Adige ranks very high.  This Pinot Grigio offers fans of the crisp mineral driven style a taste of something well above average for the variety.  Stone fruit on the nose in the form of peach and pear make way for a balance mix of citrus and mineral flavours followed by a clean finish that begs for cream based pasta - I’d go for the Pesto Chicken Alfredo :)   $17.95 (954024) Vintages (dry)

Red

2010 Laurent Gauthier Grand Cras Vieilles Vignes – Morgon, Beaujolais

Morgon is a step up in terms of Beaujolais, and this example offers aromas of red plum with hints of raspberry tartness and floral scents.  Juicy to taste; mouth-watering acidity if not with a slight mineral edge. Try with salads alongside grilled ham & cheese on a Panini bun. Serve slightly chilled.  $15.95 (279059) Vintages (dry)

FONTANAFREDDA SERRALUNGA D'ALBA BAROLO 2007 

VINTAGES 173195 | Italy

500 mL bottle | $29.95

Marc recalls purchasing this 500mil bottle for he and his wife to take to a restaurant that offers a corkage service.  I agree with his logic 100%; the mark-up on a bottle of Barolo in a better restaurant is mindboggling and thus to take advantage of a smaller bottle with a $15-20 serving charge not only demonstrates common sense, but it also allows you to drink fine wine without breaking the bank.

Marc recalls that this Barolo is loaded with power and finesse.  He asked the waiter decant the wine upon arrival and it sat in the open air for about and hour before the arrival of their entrées.  Marc notes lots of dark fruit and some expresso too with a big mouth-feel and firm tannins.  Barolo is a massive Italian wine made from the Nebbiolo grape.  It sounds like this one could benefit from a few more years in the cellar, but if you do elect to try it now, follow Marc’s lead and decant the bottle well before serving. 

Note: smaller bottles such as this 500mil will age faster that the standard 750ml size. Conversely, the larger magnum (1.5 litre) will tend to retain its firmness longer. 

To accompany the big Barolo, Marc says that by choosing a red meat based dish (tenderloin for himself and ribs for his wife) they were able to meet the tannic structure of the wine on the same level to create a delicious dining experience.

Note:  the protein in the red meat acts to breakdown the tannic structure of the wine. 

Well played Marc and thanks for the WineSpot!

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

Last weekend was chock full of great activities including a trip to the Northwood Zoo and Animal Sanctuary in Seagrave, Ontario (1 hr northeast of Toronto on the outskirts of Port Perry).  Never before have we been able to get this close to such a variety of animals which included: lions, tigers, a wolf, and grizzly bears.  The kids were thrilled to pet the 4-month old lion cub and the highlight for me was a long conversation with Moe the Camel - nice guy to chat with but wow, how about a mint for that breath [video above] :)  If you have a free day this summer I highly recommend an afternoon at the Northwood Zoo.

In this edition of wine for the weekend I feel the need to recommend something in the form of a Spanish red – I’m thinking Garnacha though instead of the normal Tempranillo.  Our white selection this week is an unusual variety (for Canada). We really don’t feature enough BC wines on the store shelves here in Ontario, and with that in mind, I have a interesting wine from the beautiful Okanagan Valley on Canada’s west coast. 

Our Wine Spot is courtesy of a good friend of North of 9 and diehard wine enthusiast who’s palate (I believe) leans toward the jammy reds of California, though I will state with confidence that Gary’s true passion is for a properly chilled pint of craft beer.     

Enjoy!

White

2008 Mt. Boucherie Estate Collection Semillon – Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

One of the key grapes in white Bordeaux wines both sweet and dry.  In BC’s Okanagan, the Semillon shows a mix of honeyed and earthy aromas that lead to exotics tastes of citrus, mint, and herbs.  A wine to pair with pan-seared scallops. $19.95 (279364) Vintages (dry)

Red

2009 Las Rocas Garnacha – Calatayud, Spain

Sourcing this wine from 80-year-old vines adds a greater degree of complexity and concentration.  Aromas of raspberry and cherry followed up by a medium body of plums, chocolate, and a hint of spice.  Try it with ribs on the bbq or sharp cheeses.  $14.95 (269997) Vintages (dry)

 

MAZZOCCO DRY CREEK VALLEY ZINFANDEL 2009 

VINTAGES 287193 | California

750 mL bottle | $24.95

Gary recalls: We tried this Zinfandel on at a friend’s cottage on Lake of Bays and it was very nice:  lots of black fruit, a bit of pepper/spice and jammy as you would expect – certainly easy drinking.  I would pair this Zin with chicken breast romarin marinated for a morning in finely chopped rosemary with ground pepper mixed into salt free butter and then spread over the chicken; top with a sprinkling of EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil) and placed in the fridge for several hours.  

To accompany the dish, Gary also recommends sauté chopped beet leaves in olive oil, mashed garlic, a touch of oregano and a squeeze of lemon juice upon serving.  Local new potatoes cut to fingerlings are also special at this time of year, perhaps toss them in parsley and butter with a dash of salt and pepper to taste. Add cooked beets tossed in a white wine vinegar/sugar dressing mixture of 4:1 to a maximum of a 1/4 cup.

Thanks for the Wine Spot Gary!

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

Living on the outskirts of a big city certainly has its advantages.  We are far enough from the hustle and bustle to ignore it completely but close enough to make short impromptu visits if we feel so inclined.  Last weekend was one such occasion with Saturday and Sunday spent moving from one activity to next in an effort to entertain the kids while draining their seemingly endless supply of energy.  Eventually we’ll need to do New York and San Fran but for now Toronto still mesmerizes them both.  I hope you had a great weekend as well! 

This edition of wine for the weekend features two very flavour forward wines that will send your taste buds into a tizzy.  On the white side is a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand that I don’t believe anyone has graded under 90pts yet.  Our red example is an Italian variety that I am constantly on the search for to pair with gourmet pizza.  I think you will enjoy the Barbera grape as well.

I am thrilled to have Jason Solanki return with a second Wine Spot.  This time he takes us to Australia to try what sounds like a phenomenally good Chardonnay.

Enjoy!

White

2010 Blind River, Sauvignon Blanc – Marlborough, New Zealand 

Reminds me of the Shower Massage commercial with the stodgy old fart; this wine too will awaken your senses.  Sauvignon Blanc fortissimo: grassy and herbal with loads of grapefruit; sour and bitter at the same time while only hinting at sweetness on the finish; laser focused acidity.  Try it with Asian cuisine but avoid any salads that are heavily vinegar based.  $19.95 (141499) Vintages (extra dry).

Red

2010 Ca' Dei Mandorli La Bellalda Barbera D'asti – Piedmont, Italy

I first tried the Barbera variety in Phoenix, Arizona with what was arguably the best pizza I have ever tasted.  The clean, fresh acidity of the wine paired perfectly with the tomato-based sauce and rich flavours of the dish. 

This particular Barbera boasts aromas of bright red fruit and a funky new raincoat smell; the palate is slightly sharp, but in a good way; cherry and plum skin, a subtle spice, though it's the SweetTart candy finish that has me returning for a second glass.  Chill slightly before serving.  $15.95 (264598) Vintages (dry)

GRANT BURGE SUMMERS CHARDONNAY 

LCBO 269829 | Australia

750 mL bottle | $19.95

Jason recalls lovely aromas of citrus, oak, nut and hints of spice. On the palate, peach, apple, citrus and oak mingle together with racy acidity and a long finish. Medium-bodied. Tastes and feels more expensive than it is. Excellent as a summer appertif, but can also be paired with lightly seasoned salmon.  

Jason Solanki is the author of Vintages Wine Picks & Reviews.  Please take a moment to visit him at: http://vintagewinepicks.blogspot.ca/

Thanks again Jason – great Wine Spot!

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

We packed a ton of fun into last weekend which included our 9 year-old winning his championship ball hockey game.  They scored the winning goal with 36 seconds to go! I also managed to finish a new cabinet for the cellar to house the overflow of bottles, and on Sunday we spent the afternoon with good friends and a bottle of ’04 Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon.

In this edition of wine for the weekend I feature a white Bordeaux blend that Jacquie and I have both fallen for.  Our red selection this week is a beautifully balanced example of the Malbec grape from Argentina.

 

My latest article entitled ‘What does the Vintage Mean to You?’ was published by Oakville.com earlier this week.  I’ve provided a link following the wine selections should you like to read that as well. Thank you in advance.   

Our Wine Spot this time presents you with an option: Wine vs. Coffee when paired with dessert extraordinaire…

Enjoy!

White

2010 Château Lamothe de Haux Blanc – Bordeaux, France 

I’ve enjoyed the red blend from this producer many times before, but this is my first taste of their white effort.  Equal parts Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon with a touch of Muscadelle make up the blend.  The typically herbal/green character of the Sauvignon is nicely balanced by the other two varieties.  Gooseberry and lime prelude a very clean mineral finish; subdued, in a word, but what this lacks in complexity it gains in finesse; a relaxing beverage and one for the patio this summer.  I’d grab a few bottles!  

$14.95 (909341) Vintages (dry)

Red

2009 Carla Chiaro, Reserve Malbec – Mendoza, Argentina

A good value Argentinean red that will give back much more than you have invested.  Rich ripe black fruit such as blue and blackberry on the nose while the palate is by no means heavy; vibrant plum skin, balanced oak and a touch of spice - delicious.  It’s only $5 more than Fuzion but at least 10 times the wine.  The clean acidity will cut through the weight of heavier food styles and sauces.  

$14.95 (235085) Vintages (dry)

Following the aforementioned bottle of 2004 Far Niente with grilled beef tenderloin medallions and mixed vegetables, my lovely wife presented us with a homemade lemon torte.  Michael, my barista friend and his fiancée Sheri quickly disappeared into the kitchen to prepare a round of iced Gesha coffee to pair with the torte.  I remained at the table silently debating the benefits of dessert wine at a time like this.  As an abusive coffee drinker, I believe that the more sugar you dump in the cup, the better it will taste ~ think sweetened ice tea.  But lemon is also a notoriously difficult pairing for wine, so perhaps the bean is a better choice.   Not completely sold on the idea, I was set on a youthful Sauternes or even an ultra sweet Riesling, but alas, I was outvoted – coffee anyone?  

There is an interesting citrus element to Gesha coffee that highlights the lemon flavours in the dessert.  In fact, the textures of the two tastes mingle effortlessly, and for the record, iced coffee combined with lemon torte is a match made in heaven; über perfection, and my favourite part of the meal.  Yes, it really was that good – even surpassing the mind-bogglingly delicious Cali Cab we enjoyed only moments before.   

Link to Oakville.com and ‘What does the Vintage Mean to you?’

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

Canada Day is the one holiday of the year that I look forward to with genuine excitement.  Birthdays, Christmas, and the like are all wonderful occasions, but to gather a hundred good friends in the backyard and light up the sky with fireworks, now that is my idea of fun – Thank you to everyone who made the venture North of 9 to join us on July 1st!

In this edition of wine for the weekend we highlight the mineral driven potential of Italy’s white wine.  It is also the perfect time of the year to enjoy an infusion of bubbles.  To create that moment of effervescence, I have a very nice bottle of sparkling Vouvray for you.

In celebration of the EuroCup final, our Wine Spot from Benito is a taste of Spain.

As always, you pick up any of these selections for well under $20. 

Enjoy!

White

2010 Masi Masianco – Veneto, Italy

This is a tremendous value dry Italian white.  To say it is mineral driven would be an understatement; dry, crisp, and clean through to the finish.  Fantastic with shellfish or pasta salads and even better chilled on a hot summer day.

$14.95 (620773) LCBO General list (dry)

Sparkling

Brisebarre Sparkling Vouvray, Méthode Traditionelle, Brut – Loire, France

As an advocate of the Chenin Blanc grape I am only happy to recommend this sparkling example from the Garden of France.  Vouvray is a region in the province of Loire where the Chenin produces a wide range of wine styles including their marvellous but relatively unknown sparkling examples.  Made using the same traditional method as Champagne, sparkling Vouvray is every bit as tasty and sells for a fraction of the price.  Expect toasted biscuit notes and a hint of earthiness combined with citrus zest wrapped up in a dry but slightly honeyed finish. 

$18.95 (226241) Vintages (dry)

This weekend’s Wine Spot is courtesy of Benito, a friend in Valencia who would like you to raise a glass in celebration of Spain’s 4-0 victory last weekend in the EuroCup final against Italy.  Benito suggests either a bottle of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) or this food friendly blend of Tempranillo and Grenache paired with tapas on the patio.  I will happily raise a glass to that - Salud Benito!

RED GUITAR OLD VINE TEMPRANILLO GARNACHA
LCBO 54007 | 750 mL bottle

$13.05

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.

Wine for the Weekend

Last weekend was spent praying for rain that never came.  I am constantly amazed how the clouds circumnavigate our tiny hilltop community and yet it rains… no, it pours all around us.  Our lawn is beginning to reflect the colour of a well-aged bottle of $8 Chardonnay. For that reason, I will not be recommending any Chardonnay this week!  

In this edition of Wine for the Weekend, we explore a very common grape grown in France, though I believe this may be the only varietal (unblended) example here in Ontario.  I normally wouldn't plug two local wines in the same post, but while visiting my parents last weekend, Dad popped an exceptional quality Pinot from Canada’s southern-most land mass.

Lydia will have you menu planning to beat the heat with this week's Wine Spot, and we can certainly use that advice right now! 

Of course, all three bottles are priced well under $20. 

Enjoy!

White

2009 Chateau Des Charmes, Aligoté – Niagara Peninsula

Here is a wine that is made from a lesser known French variety called Aligoté.  In Burgundy, they grow Aligoté everywhere that Pinot Noir and Chardonnay refuse to perform.  It is famous for its lighter body and easy drinking/carefree and somewhat acidic edge.  I’m curious what you think of the only varietal example bottled here in Ontario.  Expect green apple and pear on the nose with a mix of clean acidity on the palate with refreshing mineral notes and a dry finish. 

 $10.65 (284950) Vintages (very dry)

Red

2010 Alvar, Pinot Noir – Pelee Island, Ontario

There would seem to be a newfound connection in Ontario between the cool climate Pinot Noir and our land.  This example offers well above average complexity for an unheard of value in the world of the heartbreak grape.   I actually had to take a second look at the label to believe where it was from.  Delicate cherry and plum, plus the correct amount of wood influence to remain transparent; cinnamon spice and velvet tannins; fantastic in every way; and for only $15!

$14.95 (458521) LCBO General list (dry)

This weekend’s Wine Spot comes to us from Toronto. where Lydia has kindly found a refreshing bottle of Cava to help everyone beat the heat.  I don’t think she could have timed this any better! 

Lydia suggests pairing a bottle of Spanish Segura Viudas Cava with your dinner outside on the patio.  She notes that the light refreshing taste profile of this style pairs very well with salads, seafood, and lighter-type dishes.  ‘When the weather is hot, we like to drink this refreshing sparkler instead of a still wine.’  Great idea Lydia, and thanks for the Wine Spot!  - I can’t believe that I have not tried this wine before.  It’s only $14 and receives rave reviews online.

~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine pairing:  What is your favourite dish?  And which wine highlights the flavours of the food?  Send me a quick note with your Wine Spot and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the Weekend.


I've just posted a new article that defuses much of the complexity associated with Burgundy and its wines.  Please take a moment to read: Translating Burgundy