Hey Fellow Wino's
My Top Picks for the Saturday, November 25th Vintages Release.
1. Louis Bouillot Perle d'Aurore, Brut Rosé, Crémant de Bourgogne, France $21.95
This traditional method sparkling rose from Burgundy is certainly a great alternative to the more expensive, Champagne. Only sparkling wine from Champagne can be called Champagne and sparkling wine from everywhere else in France is called Crémant. Don’t let the word Crémant fool you though, this tri-blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay and Chardonnay contain 2 out of the 3 grapes used in Champagne. This Rose Crémant is a medium bodied, salmon coloured beauty with notes of berries, spice and brioche that float in an elegant mousse. I simply can’t afford to drink Champagne as much as I would like so my fridge usually has a Crémant or two hanging around. Pair with smoked salmon over a fabulous brunch or Tandoori chicken.
Malbec is to Argentina what Carmenere is to Chile, an essential staple of the land from which it grows. Malbec like Carmenere originates in Bordeaux but only performed moderately under it's wetter climate. Once this grape was moved south, it thrived. This Malbec from the Uco Valley in Mendoza is surely one to please guests who are craving a large warming red wine on a late fall evening. Expect a deep red with a violet hue, red fruits and plums with hints of mint, vanilla and chocolate. Pair with wild rice and mushroom stuffed peppers or a lamb-chop and mint sauce, Gaucho style.
Bordeaux makes age-worthy, legendary wines and in this case by blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Each varietal offering up their different strengths carefully blended together by the winemaker to bring out their individual best quality from each of the grapes. Expect a deep ruby colour with a touch of garnet, lots of red fruit, black fruit as well as secondary notes such as cigar box and cedar which are derived from the use of oak barrels. Pair with Steak-Frites and decant 1 hour before serving.
I love Côtes du Roussillon A.K.A the South of France because when people think of French wine they think of Burgundy or Bordeaux, rarely the south of France. Why does this matter? Supply and Demand rule of thumb means you can find tremendous value here, even if the price of vacation homes are expensive. This blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre are the exact same grapes used in Châteauneuf-du-Pape further north where it would be at least double the price. This is literally Rhone Valley wine on a budget, Châteauneuf-du-Cheap. A delicious, dense ruby wine with notes of red and black cherries, earth, spice, pepper and a touch of Provençal garrigue. I've bought a few bottles from Tessellae before and trust me, you'll be sad you didn't buy more! Pair with a Cassoulet with duck confit, or a winters stew.
5. 2011, Icario Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy $19.95
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is one of Italy's classic red wines and has unquestionably helped Tuscany retain its privileged place on the world wine map. It comes from the vineyards which surround Montepulciano, a picturesque hill town 40km southeast of Siena, southeastern Tuscany. This 80% Sangiovese, 20% Canaiolo and Colorino blended wine is an essential quality Tuscan wine for every table. Intense ruby red with excellent fruit, spicy with tinges of vanilla and ripe red berries. Full, elegant, well-structured and well-balanced. Pair with a typical traditional Tuscan first course (pasta) or second courses with meat (roast and grilled) and decant 1 hour for a romantic dinner for two.
Navarra is located in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains in the north of Spain near the French border. The continental climate here is full of hot summers and cold snowy winters. This is really rugged wild Spain at its finest. This blend of 35% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Tempranillo and Syrah will certainly deliver that Spanish passion you may have been missing in your life. Expect a ruby/purple colour, lush plum, black cherry and blackcurrant fruit, a touch of liquorice and forest floor perfect to sip by the fire. If you were hungry, grilled Lamb smothered in herbs.
With great Canadian Pride, I present my Lucky Number 7
This red blend from our very own backyard of 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 13% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec, and 3% Tannat is potentially the best vintage Stratus has made. Expect black currants, blackberries, plums, cassis and then oak spices, clove-cinnamon notes and vanilla. Elegant, velvety smooth and described as sexy. If you have ever said or overhead someone say "I don't like Ontario Red Wine" then this is for you. This will alter your perception of what Ontario can produce and shake your core with intensity. I would cellar this one for a bit, if not decant 1-2 hours and serve with a full Sunday roast beef supper. Bravo Stratus!
#WineTip - These wines all are available for sale on Saturday, November 25th but some LCBO stores put them out on Friday.
Happy Sipping and stay tuned for my next post on wines for the holiday season
Ryan Sullivan
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ReplyDeleteWe did buy the icario... loved it! Got the Spanish one too but haven’t cracked it yet.
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