Beaujolais Nouveau - The Art of UnWine

Hey Fellow Wino's

It's the third Thursday of November which means it's Beaujolais Nouveau Day! 

"Les Beaujolais est arrivé!”

What is Beaujolais Nouveau Day you ask?

Beaujolais Nouveau Day is marked in France on the third Thursday in November with fireworks, music and festivals. Under French law, the wine is released at 12:01 a.m., just weeks after the wine's grapes have been harvested. Parties are held throughout the country and around the globe to celebrate the first wine of the season.

So what does the wine taste like?

It is a cherry-red/violet coloured wine that’s best served slightly chilled (30 min fridge). It is not for decanting, analyzing or being serious. This fresh and fruity red made from the Gamay grape is the result of a quick fermentation process that ends up with a tasty, clean wine that is enjoyed by palates the world over. Light, simple, fruit forward with zero oak, heck, it just finished it's fermentation only weeks ago. 

How is it made?

By law, all grapes in the region must be harvested by hand. The wine is made using carbonic maceration, whole berry anaerobic fermentation which emphasizes fruit flavours without extracting bitter tannins from the grape skins. Grapes are loaded into a large (on the order of 20,000-U.S.-gallon (76,000 L)) sealed container that is filled with carbon dioxide. 

Grapes that are gently crushed at the bottom of the container by the weight of the grapes start to ferment, emitting more CO₂. All this carbon dioxide causes fermentation to take place inside the uncrushed grapes (without access to oxygen, hence "anaerobic fermentation"). The resulting wine is fresh, fruity, and very low in tannins. 

Can I afford Beaujolais Nouveau?

Even the price is unpretentious as most Beaujolais Nouveau is priced under $20! 

What should I pair it with?

This is as simple and fresh as red wine gets so perhaps a nice warm beet salad, chicken, turkey, potatoes, green beans anything and everything that is lighter in fare. Tonight Joseph and I are having chicken pot pie from the St. Lawrence market, mashed potatoes and french green beans, of course.

So is all Beaujolais the same?

No, No No! There are three quality levels in the region of Beaujolais, France! 

Beaujolais AOC = Is the most extended appellation allowed to be used in any of the 96 villages, but essentially covering 60 villages, and refers to all basic Beaujolais wines. A large portion of the wine produced under this appellation is sold as Beaujolais Nouveau.

Beaujolais-Villages AOC = The intermediate category in terms of classification covers 39 communes/villages in the Haut Beaujolais, the northern part of the region accounting for a quarter of production. Some is sold as Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau. The terrain of this region is hillier with more schist and granite soil composition than what is found in the regions of the Beaujolais AOC and the wine has the potential to be of higher quality. 

Cru Level Beaujolais AOC =  The highest category of classification in Beaujolais, account for the production within ten villages/areas in the foothills of the Beaujolais hills. Usually aged in some oak, these wines can age 5-10 years and should be treated with some light decanting and respect. You know it is a Cru Beaujolais because it will have the name of the Cru it came from on the bottle:

- Brouilly

- Chénas
- Chiroubles
- Cote de Brouilly 
- Fleurie
- Juliénas
- Morgon 
- Moulin à Vent
- Régnié 
- Saint-Amour

I won't even touch my 4 bottles of this fabulous 2015 Moulin-A-Vent from Domaine des Rosiers until at least 2019, if not 2020. When I do, I'll chill it slightly, decant it for 30 minutes or more and treat it with some TLC by pairing the perfect meal. 

Grab a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau or Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau (if you want a slightly higher quality) from the LCBO after work, pick up a chicken pot pie and have a cozy, casual night in. 

Although, if you want to be in real french fashion, invite some friends over and gulp this wine down by the fistful with music and canapés to celebrate the first wine of the year, think of it as Wine Thanksgiving. When it's gone, it's gone! 

LCBO Beaujolais Nouveau Selection

Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day! 

Ryan Sullivan 

Canadian Thanksgiving

Hey, fellow winos, it’s Ryan

I’m sitting here in my parent’s backyard in Kelowna, British Columbia. It’s a beautiful sunny fall afternoon but you can definitely tell the cold weather is slowly moving in. The sun is shining, the sky is blue but the leaves are starting to turn that beautiful golden colour. It’s Thanksgiving weekend.

I thought that since we are having Canadian Thanksgiving, let's choose a selection of Canadian wines that I think would be perfect for your family’s table this weekend. Sure I could recommend some Beaujolais from France or some Gewürztraminer from Germany but let’s drink local this weekend and celebrate our nations finest. 

Everything I'm recommending below pairs well with chicken, turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, and into dessert... you name it-I'm pairing it. 

N.V. Henry Of Pelham, Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut, Niagara Peninsula, Canada at $29.95
"Pale salmon colour with fine beads; enticing aromas of brioche, wild strawberry and lemon curd; extra dry, medium bodied, with flavours of biscuits, strawberry rhubarb pie, fresh apples and a creamy textured mousse." Says the LCBO. 

2017 Closson Chase K.J. Watson Vineyard, Pinot Gris, P.E.C. Canada at $22.95
"Honey-dipped pear, apricot and exotic spice aromas are precursors to a luscious balanced and beautiful gusher of racy lemon curd and pineapple interwoven with tingly spice on the palate and a dry, lip-smacking finish. This is medium weight and unoaked with plenty of creamy-smooth mouthfeels and mouth-watering, mineral-laced aftertaste; it's crisp, clean and refreshing," says Vic Harradine from winecurrent.com. 

2015 Charles Baker Picone Vineyard Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Canada at $37.20

"... only very recently bottled ... and done entirely up with a wild, indigenous ferment. Youth calls out as the understatement in where this sits ... Citrus never had it so good in Picone and aridity is a five letter word. That word is not yet written but should see to utterance and put to paper in a year or so. For now, this needs some fat in your diet, like pork belly or some particularly sharp charcuterie" says Michael Godel from winealign.com 

2015 Culmina Dilemma Chardonnay, Okanagan Valley, Canada at $47.95

"Reminiscent of a lightly browned galette, Dilemma envelops the senses with pronounced baked apple, pear, mineral, and fresh green cardamom pod aromas. Integrated fresh tree fruit flavours follow, girdled together by stone, classic oak toast, and caramelized butter characters. A surprisingly firm acid backbone carries the generous palate through to the long, briny finish." as per producers tasting notes. For the nerds out there (like me) oak use was 35% New French Oak 35% Used French Oak 30% Stainless Steel. 

2016 Tawese Gamay Noir, Niagara Peninsula, Canada at $19.95 

Five years deep the Tawse Gamay continues down a (Côte de Brouilly) Beaujolais cru road with a consistency of style, making use of one-fifth new oak for eight months. The fruit darkens to variegated inflections of blackberry and black cherry with a decidedly toasty char. A silty streak of mineral salts runs through this meaty gamay like a vein of sapid caramel in a roll of bresaola. There is quite a bit of gastronomy in the '16 so it should be both food versatile and develop further character for two to three years. I see some licorice, porchetta in its not too distant future." says Michael Godel from winealign.com 

P.S. Don't forget to chill this one, at least a little bit. 

2016 Closson Chase Vineyard, Pinot Noir, P.E.C. Canada at $34.95

"Bright red fruit, cherries, smoked meat, earth and white pepper are displayed in the nose. The fruit carries through to the palette, dried cheery skins, beets, spices and the minerality that defines the County is all there. Floral nuances, cedar and those tea like tannins round out the finish." says Closson Chase. 

P.S. - This is a staple in my home, year after year! 

2015 Stratus, Cabernet Franc, Niagara Peninsula, Canada at $38.65

"With fourteen different blocs dating back to 1986, barrel and bloc selection always result in distinctive, complex and age-worthy Cabernet Franc from the Stratus vineyard. Aromatics of cassis, white pepper, steeped tea, black plum, oak char, and herbs de Provence crescendo into a well-structured and nicely balanced wine on the palate. The cool climate vibrancy of acidity and tannin is beautifully supported by ripe, sweet red and black fruits that echo throughout an ever-evolving finish." says Stratus. 

2016 Cave Spring, Indian Summer Riesling, Niagara Peninsula, Canada at $24.95
"This sweet wine offers aromas and flavours of apples and honey. It is balanced enough that it could be paired with spicy Asian noodle dishes, as there is ample acidity to curtail some of the sweetness. It is finished with 75 g/L residual sugar." says Paul Gregutt, Wine Enthusiast. 

Serve chilled in tiny glasses to sip and savour with dessert. 

Jackson-Triggs Reserve Vidal Ice Wine, Niagara Peninsula, Canada at $34.95"Nectar-like in both flavour and texture, this Icewine boasts delectable notes of honey and vanilla, which are perfectly complemented by bight green apple and citrus zest. The lush and creamy mouthfeel is perfectly supported by a vibrant, fresh acidity, while flavours of lemon candy linger on the finish," says Jackson-Triggs. 

Happy Sipping,

Ryan 

Top Picks - Vintages Release June 23rd

Hey Fellow Winos 

I've got a few new picks I think you'll love. 

You may be wondering how I choose my wine? Well, it starts with quality producers using quality grapes from a quality region creating a quality product. Then, I try and find value by picking Louis Vuitton quality for the price of Coach. Check out these premium wines at pretty reasonable prices, all things considered. 

2015 Charles Baker, Piccone Vineyard Riesling, Vinmount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment, Canada at $37.20 
Niagara has a cool growing climate, perfect for varietals like Riesling. Is there more affordable Riesling, of course, is there better in this price point, hardly! I’ve had the pleasure of sipping Charles Baker before and it’s like the Louvre in Paris or the Guggenheim in NYC, impressive in an artistic and structural perspective. Lime zest, white peach fuzz, granny smith apple, chamomile wafting out of the glass but with acid that can cut through anything from Pork Belly to even some fried chicken. Chill, swirl, sip. Repeat.

2015 Fabre Montmayou Reserva Cabernet Franc, Mendoza, Argentina at $19.95 

Cabernet Franc, known for its black fruit notes such as blackberry and black cherry with a green bell pepper/jalapeño/sage green note. Traditionally used in Bordeaux blends, specifically from the right bank, as well as in Chinon, Loire Valley. Grown here in Ontario, I’m intrigued by this Cabernet Franc from Mendoza. It’s fun because unlike France and Ontario, this will be warm climate Cabernet Franc. Rich juicy black fruit, soft and plush with that typical green note which should match well with burgers topped with salsa, cilantro being key. Deluxe beef filled Nachos? Wine not.  

2013 Undurraga T.H. Syrah, DO Leyda Valley, Chile at $24.95

If you were to ask what I would drink, simply put, stuff like this! Syrah, matured in 500L large old French barrels for 12 months (10% new oak) offering a more subtle and oxidized style of oak influence rather than a vanilla bomb and baking spice overdose that small new oak can sometimes punch into a wine. This wine will seem more natural, more terroir focused, almost as if you can see the rocks, the dirt, the faint salty air from the southern Pacific gently caressing the grapes just from tasting it. Dark fruit, black pepper, olive brine umami richness, superb. I would pair this with two nice lightly peppered steaks on the grill, salsa verde and some early summer grilled greens. Decant 30 minutes or more, serve 18C. 

2015 Chateau Du Chatelard Cuvee Les Vieux Granits, Fleurie, Beaujolais, France at $23.95 

If you’ve ever read my blog you know I’m quite passionate about my Cru Level Beaujolais. Not the entry Beaujolais Nouveau stuff that tastes like cotton candy, bubble-gum and strawberry juice at $9 a bottle, but a big boy and big girl Beaujolais. Fleurie, one of the ten crus’ in Beaujolais is considered close to the top in quality. This wine should float on your palate and sting like a bee especially from the warm 2015 vintage. Not exactly, but sounds fun to say. This wine should be both floral and elegant yet with some modest depth below that. It’s a little warm outside for classic Burgundy dishes like Coq Au Vin or Beef Bourgogne so go with grilled burgers, excellent! Decant 30 minutes, serve 16C. 

2013 Elvio Cogno Cascina Nuova, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy at $49.95

If you want to be my friend, pour me some Cru level Beaujolais from Moulin a Vent. If you want to sleep with me, pour me some Barolo. Now that we have established my standards, let's discuss the wine. 100% Nebbiolo from Barolo, in Piedmont Northern Italy, this wine really does punch and caress at the same time. I love the decaying rose petals, dry red cherry and earthy, smokey tar notes all meshing together in harmony. I find a well-made Barolo enters your palate smoothly until the seductive tannin and acid let you know this wine means business. If burgundy grew a backbone, would it be Barolo? Bordeaux light? Burgundy with a knife? Pair with a special night in, charcuterie and simple Insalata to start with a fabulous gnocchi or ragu with freshly shaved truffle on top. If that doesn’t get your mojo going then I suggest couples counselling. Just think of this as ½ priced therapy. Decant at least 30 minutes into 1 hour, serve 18C. 

I only recommend wine I would personally drink and honestly, I'd gladly sip each of these bottles and that's what makes these Ryans Wine Picks. 

Happy Sipping,

Ryan....the guy behind Ryan's Wine Picks. 

Top 4 - LCBO Vintages Release Saturday, April 28th

Hey, fellow wino’s I’ve chosen 4 terrific wines that you can pick up in store or order online today, and I suggest you give at least one of these a try. 

• 2016 Hidden Bench Estate Riesling, Niagara Escarpment, Canada at $23.95 “Hidden Bench places the purity of the fruit and the clarity of the expression of place first and foremost. To this end, they employ a non-interventionist approach to their winemaking, which includes the use of geothermal cooling and heating and natural yeasts. Since 2015/2016, the majority of the wines crafted at Hidden Bench, including this Riesling, are vegan-friendly and certified organic by Pro-Cert. Look for a zesty, mineral-rich wine with bright citrus, peach, and apple fruit.” Pair with Choucroute Garnie. 

• 2012 Château-Thébaud,Melon de Bourgogne,“Muscadet” Loire Valley, France at $24.95 “A smoky character on the nose, magnified by notes of white peach and salty minerals with intriguing hints of almond paste and white flowers. It has a richly textured, beautifully integrated palate with a rewarding zip of lychee and stone fruit. There is a lifted acid freshness with a satisfying, lingering finish; a very precise wine.” Pair with freshly shucked oysters or other shellfish. 

• 2014 Xanadu Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia at $39.95 “Predominantly estate-grown on the Stevens Road and Lagan Vineyards, Gingin clone, hand-picked, whole bunch-pressed, and wild yeast-fermented in French oak (21% new), matured and stirred for 9 months. There is an inevitability about the very high quality of the Xanadu wines these days; thus this very intense and powerful, yet perfectly delineated and balanced wine is no surprise, nor is its extreme length.” Perfect for perhaps a Sunday roasted chicken. 

• 2013 Ramirez de la Piscina Crianza,Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain at $16.95 “Fresh and vibrant forest leaves and ripe berry fruits. The palate has a smooth, elegant and plush texture with cassis and black cherry fruit flavours.” Perfect for BBQ meats from hamburgers to steak.  

Happy Sipping, 

Ryan Sullivan 

4 wines under $20 - Vintages Release Saturday April14th

Hey Fellow Wino's

Spring is here...ok who are we kidding, it's rainy, cool and miserable outside with a chance of freezing rain over the next several days.

Miserable weather = Indoor dinner parties, if possible, by the fireplace with lots of wine.

2015 Viognier, I.G.P. Pays d'Oc (South of France) at $14.95 
This pleasantly floral wine will offer a rich smooth honeycomb/waxy texture to its ripe peaches, mango and applesauce flavors. You should chill and pair with taco's, pulled pork sandwiches or if I was pairing this, Hawaiian pizza! Viognier is famous from Condrieu in the Northern Rhone, and while this wine will not be as complex and well structured, it's great Taco/Pizza wine at a great price!

#SommTrick = The ripe tropical fruit notes in the wine will match, wait for it, tropical fruit.

2015 Syrah, South of France at $17.95

Syrah or Shiraz, same thing! Well, Shiraz is the term the Aussie's use down-under for their peppered fruit forward wines and the French use the term Syrah, more earth and harmonized fruit with pepper flavors. Shiraz is a loud motorcycle on a quiet neighborhood street and Syrah is like a Porsche on the old streets of Montreal...somehow it just works better. 97% Syrah, 3% Grenache with half aged in large concrete eggs and the other half in French barrels for 9 months. This is not Cote Rotie or Hermitage from the Northern Rhone (best place for Syrah), but for the price, I say turn up the BBQ, toss on some ribs and slurp up some warmth in a glass.

#SommTrick the pepper nuances of the Syrah grape will match the bold, spicy BBQ sauce. 

2015 Fleurie, Beaujolais at $19.95

Fleurie is one the 10 Cru's of Beaujolais and with this being from the legendary 2015 vintage, surely a great deal. What separates basic Beaujolais from one of the 10 Cru's (10 plots of land) is that these wines are more structured (acid, alcohol, body)  and age-worthy than simple generic level Beaujolais. This wine made from the Gamay grape should be violet colored with notes of violets, ripe red fruit and possibly some dark fruit as well. I would pair this with Coq Au Vin or Boeuf Bourguignon and a fireplace, or at a minimum, the fireplace channel on Netflix. 

#SommTrick - Not all red wines should be served at "room temperature" 15C-18C. This wine could be served closer to 15C i.e. a tinge of cool. Side Rant - never serve any wine at 21C or whatever your home temperature is! #15MinFridge 

2015 Barbera d'Asti, Piedmont at $19.95

Piedmont Italy is home to Barolo and Barbaresco, legendary, amazing, long-lived seductive and tannic beautiful wines that can haunt your soul for days. The problem is that those wines come with a price, which leads most people who live in Piedmont to drink Barbera, this one from the town of Asti.  Is this the finest example, no, but Barbera to me is not a show horse, it's a workhorse, as it is the most widely planted varietal in Piedmont. Perfect for a rich northern Italian stew, roast, pasta or pizza...but not a Bianco pizza, surely! 

#SommTrick - 2015 was a hot vintage, so try and see if you can taste the slightly lowered acid in the wine and riper/overripe fruit notes such as plum, soft blackberry, blueberry. 

Browse some classic recipes like Coq Au Vin and plan a romantic meal with you and a loved one over a nice bottle of wine. 

Happy Sipping 

Ryan