New Instagram Account

Hey Fellow Winos

Like my blog?

Then check out my new Instagram dedicated to great wine at an affordable price Instagram.com/ryanswinepicks

I'll still be blogging about my great picks with some fun education peppered throughout just now on Instagram as well.

Happy Sipping 

Ryan Sullivan 

November 11th Vintages Release

Hey Fellow Winos

My top picks for this upcoming Saturday, November 11th Vintages release. 

1. 2013 Cave De Turckheim, Brand Grand Cru, Riesling, Alsace, France at $37.95 
Alsace is in the north-east of France on the border with Germany and has a tumultuous history of bouncing back and forth between French and German control. This meshing of cultures has allowed German grapes to thrive, made in a French style. Some of the best Riesling grows in Alsace, and the best of the best grow only on 51 Grand Cru plots of land known locally as lieux-dits. These 51 lieux-dits have the perfect Terroir for Riesling to thrive. This Riesling comes from the Brand lieux-dits in the Haut-Rhin (southern half of Alsace) showing a perfumed floral nose with citrus, crisp pear held together by a steely backbone. Pair with Choucroute Garnie (Alsatian Sauerkraut) or a spicy Pad-Thai. Grand Cru Riesling for under $40, yes please. 

2. 2014 Closson Chase, Chardonnay, Prince Edward County, Canada at $28.95
I love the county and I really love Chardonnay from Closson Chase. The limestone-based soils and cool climate in Prince Edward County are similar to Burgundy with a lot of winemakers styling their chardonnay in a Burgundian style. Mineral notes of crushed rock combined with lemon, apple, and a smooth yet crisp long finish are what differentiates these wines from the 15% alcohol vanilla bombs from old-school California (although a lot of winemakers in California are leaving this style behind). 2014 was a cool year so expect a little more stylistic of Chablis rather than central Burgundy. Pair with lobster and arugula spaghettini in a lemon and parmesan sauce. Best to pick this one up while visiting the winery on a weekend getaway if you can.

3. 2014 Stephane Aviron Vieilles Vignes, Moulin-A-Vent, Beaujolais, France at $21.95
“Vieilles Vignes” means Old Vines and at roughly 100 years old these vines have been around the block. As vines age, they produce less and less fruit but more concentrated flavors which makes much better wine, quality over quantity.  Moulin-A-Vent is one of the 10 Crus of Beaujolais and just like the lieux-dits of Alsace, they represent the highest quality specific plots of land to grow grapes on. Beaujolais is made from the Gamay grape, light and quaffable, best enjoyed young and slightly chilled. Crus Beaujolais, however, is a fuller body style wine worthy of some aging and some respect. Expect red cherries and blackberries with a mineral spine, smoky spirit, and a smooth finish. I simply can’t wait to sip this wine with a warming meal such as a Tomato, Chard and Gruyere Casserole. Crus level Beaujolais is far too often underappreciated and undervalued, at least not by me. 

4. 2006 Chateau Bouscasse Vieilles Vignes Madiran, Southwest France at $38.95. 
Here we have another example of “Vielles Vignes” old vines, this time they are roughly 150 years old. The Tannat vines used here provide a massively rich, intense and structured wine with great depth and concentration. This full-bodied red wine from the French-Spanish border has a bit of that Spanish flair so expect some higher alcohol, lower acidity, bold black fruit like blackberry and plum flavors and bolder tannins. I would pair this with a French rack of lamb on a winters night. Be sure to decant this 11-year-old beauty otherwise it will be as harsh as hiking the Pyrenees mountains separating the two countries wearing only crocks. What a sin. 

5. 2014 Corte Medicea Athos, IGT Toscana, Italy at $28.95
This IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipca) wine from Tuscany is made in the traditional style, although contains a few unusual grapes. This wine made of 100% Merlot that will be complex full of red fruit, spice and held together in an almost creamy smoothness. This wine is quite balanced so it’s fruit, acidity, tannin, and spice are all harmoniously complementing each other as opposed to competing for the top spot. Scored 99 by Luca Maroni a wine writer in Italy which seems a bit high but heck I’m intrigued. Pair with a Pasta Bolognese and loud Italian family conversation, preferably with multiple hand gestures.

6. 2006 Ardal Reserva, DO Ribera del Duero, Spain at $22.95 
Here you can sip an 11-year-old wine, aged for 24 months in French and American oak that has been resting in the bottle for some time now. This 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon blend offers a full-bodied wine that should have some graphite and wild herbs on the nose with red fruit, black fruit and almost a chocolate note on the palate. Let this Spanish bull relax in a decanter or your glass for an hour otherwise you may get impaled by its horns. Pair with a big, bold Spanish lamb, baked potato, and some passionate flamenco music, you’ll feel you're in rustic Spain.

Lucky Number 7

2001 Maison Roche De Bellene, Gevrey-Chambertin, Burgundy, France at $106.95. 
This 16-year-old Premier Cru, Pinot Noir from Gevrey-Chambertin is something quite special. Pinot Noir from Burgundy is one of the greatest treasures in the wine world and finding one that already has 16 years on it that doesn’t cost a mortgage payment makes this find even greater. Pinot Noir is a grape that can really soak up the terroir of a specific place and when you are sipping Gevrey-Chambertin, you aren’t sipping Pinot Noir, you're sipping the terroir of Gevrey-Chambertin. Limestone soils on a sloping south-east facing hill capture the sun and nurture the grapes into adulthood. No Pinot Noir anywhere else on earth will taste like this, that’s what makes it so special. 

This aged Premier Cru although slightly lower in quality/status than a Grand Cru, will still offer incredible suppleness with coddling aromas of earth, mineral, and flowers. On the palate, a complex symphony of flavors like dried cherry, fall foliage and an earthiness performing so harmoniously it may be worthy of a tear. I would be afraid to pair this with any food as to distract me from such a heavenly experience, but a well-made Boeuf Bourguignon simmered for several hours would certainly hit the spot. Yes, it’s $100 but considering some Pinot Noir from Burgundy can be in the thousands for a single bottle I’d say this is totally worth it, splurge. I would sip this on a quiet Christmas eve before the extended family arrives. Merry Christmas. 

If you like my blog please feel free to share it with friends and subscribe so you can get my latest picks delivered right to your email.

Happy Sipping,

Ryan Sullivan

P.S. Enjoy some "Pinottttttt Noirrrrrrrr" 

What grows together, goes together!

Hey Fellow Winos

Just wanted to do a quick update and share a few meals I've had with some wine including some from my picks. When pairing food with wine the saying goes "What grows together, goes together".

Italian heavy ragu pasta with beef in the fall or winter, go northern Italian Piedmont for some heavy hitting red wines like Barolo, Barbaresco. Perhaps a simple pizza, go a little more simple like a younger Chianti. Italian food, Italian wine. French food, French wine.

Tonight, for instance, I'm having a Jamie Oliver inspired oven baked ragu and pairing it with a 2011 Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy for $19.95 The acidity in the Sangiovese grape (heck most Italian grape varietals) cuts through the acidity of the tomatoes and cozies up to the sausage.

Another meal I made recently was Julia Childs, Boeuf Bourguignon paired with a 2014 André Delorme Bourgogne, Pinot Noir, France at $22.95 French recipe from Burgundy, paired with a wine from....wait for it...Burgundy. The mushroom earthy tones of this meal pair exceptionally well with the earthy and mushroom tones from a Burgundy Pinot Noir. It's not science, just experience over hundreds if not thousands of years of trial and error. 

Let's say you are going to do a steak on the BBQ. Is this a large cut of meat that will have bold flavors by being covered in peppercorns or steak spice? If so, you may want to go with a bolder red wine from a hot climate. Perhaps a Cabernet Sauvignon from the Napa Valley in California or a Spanish Tempranillo from Rioja. Perhaps you are doing more of a quiet Fillet Mignon in a Bordeaulais sauce with scalloped potatoes, then maybe a bottle of Bordeaux from the right bank like Saint-Emilion or Pomerol, a moderate climate. Big steak, big wine. Quiet steak, quiet wine! 

Cabernet Franc, for instance, is a great varietal and is known for its green notes like bell pepper. A Cabernet Franc would then pair well with a steak and perhaps some roasted asparagus or roasted green peppers. Try to match the green notes in the wine to the green in the meal. See where I'm going with this? Below is when we were out at Terroni's on Adelaide, an Italian charcuterie plate paired well with a bottle of Etna Rosso from Sicily. Italian meats, Italian wine. 

Read the back of the wine label for some descriptors or simply scan the bottle barcode using your trusty LCBO app for insight into what to expect from the bottle and plan your meal accordingly. A mushroom and earthy Pinot Noir will go well with a mushroom and earthy meal like a winters stew. A bold black fruit 16% alcohol Napa Cabernet goes well with a charred steak spice filled cut of meat. Shiraz it's known for its peppery notes, perhaps a peppercorn steak with a bottle of Australian Shiraz? 

Remember one thing, and that is to have fun. Wine is about having a good time with friends and family preferably over a great meal. Sometimes though you just need to have a good time and wine can be the perfect starter, main and dessert. 

Happy Sipping,

Ryan Sullivan 

How to pick a wine in 4 easy steps!

Hey Fellow Wino's

Did you know that every two weeks on a Saturday, Vintages releases a selection of new wines in limited amounts and when they're gone, they're gone! I enjoy this rotation because it allows me to purchase and taste wines that are not standard staples in the LCBO like Two Oceans, Jackson Triggs etc.

Ok, so there is new wine every two weeks but how do I know which one to buy? Excellent question reader.

Step Number 1. Sign up and become a Vintages insider and receive the Vintages magazine delivered right to your door free of charge from the LCBO. Become a Vintages Insider

Step Number 2. Read through this great magazine that has various education topics from regions, to grapes to styles and soak up some wine lingo. Near the back of the magazine are brief reviews and prices of all the new wines coming out. Circle some that might match your preference.

Step Number 3. Read my blog as I'll try and pick out my favourites from the new release which combine either something unique and/or wine with an excellent quality at an affordable price.

Step Number 4. Head to the LCBO and purchase them before they are gone.

My Picks for the new release this upcoming Saturday, October 28th!

2015 Featherstone Canadian Oak Chardonnay, Niagara Peninsula at $21.95
This is a rare opportunity to drink a Canadian Chardonnay that has been fermented and aged in Canadian Oak for 12 months. American Oak often offers a bolder oakiness to the wine while French Oak tends to be more subtle, I suppose Canadian oak would add a bunch of "sorry" to the wine? This full-bodied and rich chardonnay would be perfect with a big Sunday supper perhaps pork chops with some late harvest vegetables like squash and pumpkin.

2015 Salentein Reserve Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza Argentina at $17
Argentina offers some exceptional value in its wine and this bottle is no exception. This Malbec is very aromatic, fruit driven and balanced with a silky smooth finish. This wine spent 12 months in neutral oak meaning the barrels have already been used for probably three vintages previous imparting only very subtle oak. In Argentina meat is king so perhaps a nice roast smothered in a Chimichurri rub, you'll feel like a Gaucho roaming Mendoza. #Meat&Wine

2014 Vina Cobos Felino Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza Argentina at $19.95
I had the pleasure of tasting this wine last week as part of my CAPS program. Vina Cobos came in and presented to me and other hopefull future Somms their different wines. Vina Cobos is a very serious winery and this bottle backs up that statement. This wine is balanced, fruit forward yet balanced quite well. This refined wine I feel deserves a little more special attention so place a nice clean steak (salt n pepper) on the BBQ and let the smokey meat flavors mix with this stylish Argentinian wine. I'll certainly buy more than one.

2013 Mancura Gran Reserva Syrah/Cabernet Franc/ Merlot, Casablanca Valley, Chile at $17.95
76% Syrah, 14% Cabernet Franc and 10% Merlot will certainly cure any man of sorrows (Man-Cura). The syrah provides a spicy black pepper note, Cabernet Franc a green note like green peppers and the Merlot some cherry notes. This wine has already had some time to mellow but I would decant an hour to let it open up. Perhaps pair it with a peppercorn steak with a cranberry reduction and grilled asparagus to match the spicy, green and red fruit notes. You'll think you won an entire bar in Casablanca in a card game because this is a steal.

2015 Chateau Saint-Roch Chimères, Cotes du Roussillon-Villages, France at $19.95
This Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan blend are giving south of France charm on an Alabama budget. Serving up real deal realness. Displaying raspberries, licorice, smoked herbs, and chocolate shows this would pair well with a fabulous fall stew, perhaps Beouf Bourguignon?  It's a tad young so let it settle down in your decanter as your stew simmers. Surly to impress!

2015 Rustenberg Chardonnay, WO Stellenbosch, South Africa at $19.95
Have you heard about the wine "Two Oceans" before? Good, throw out that memory and rethink South African wine completely. This bottle will certainly help you rediscover what South Africa is all about. This Chardonnay is done in a Burgundian style which means they are doing it in the style of Chardonnay from Burgundy France. This means the wine will be well rounded, complex and filled with minerality giving the essence of the Terroir of Stellenbosch into the wine. This wine promises to be so pleasurable I say drink it alone or perhaps with some rich sea bass baked in the oven with scalloped potatoes. Is this from Burgundy or Stellenbosch, taste it and find out. #BurgundyOnABudget

          Lucky Number 7 for those special occasions or that special someone! 

2010 Segla, Margaux, Bordeaux, France at $69.95
Let's start with a brief understanding of Margaux, France. Margaux is a designated area in Bordeaux on the left bank of the Gironde river dividing Bordeaux. Left bank Bordeaux tends to be more gravel and limestone-based soils while the right bank tends to be more sand and clay. The soils of the left bank greatly favor Cabernet Sauvignon which is why this wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon-based blend with some Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot to help round it out. Expect blackberry and cherry notes as they swirl with some smokey earthy notes to harmonize into one refined wine. This will be structured with fine tannins and worthy of a lengthy decant in the 1-2 hour range at minimum. Perhaps pair it with Steak Frites done in a skillet so the fat of the meat makes the fries worthy of being in a dish called "Steak Frites".




Don't be afraid to spend some money on your next bottle of wine. A great bottle of wine paired well with a great meal can be more than just something to help you "wash your food down." A good meal will fill your stomach but a good bottle of wine paired with your meal can elevate it to an almost heavenly experience. Good luck hunting this Saturday because come opening hours the deal hounds will be buying some of these by the case.

Happy Sipping,

Ryan Sullivan

Records, Rain & Wine

Hey Fellow Wino's

I'm listening to some old school records, Sarah Vaughn circa 1940's and 1950's. It's a cool October rainy night in Toronto and my boyfriend is working late. Candles are lit, wine is in the decanter and I've got that mellow vibe. I've got a 2014 Chateau De Segure, Fitou, Midi (South of France)  decanting as I write. I like this wine because it's smooth, pleasant and warming like a thin blanket. It's only a Monday and I don't have a tailored meal so breaking out a bigger wine in both complexity and price just isn't my style.

Why do you like wine?

I enjoy sipping wine with friends or family because I feel it lowers our guards and allows us to connect better. I also love some alone time, just a chill record and a glass to place my mind at rest.  Reading Natalie Maclean's wine book helped me think of wine in a more personable way other than simply a bunch of descriptors and points system. Natalie talks about wine as part of her life experiences from the bottle she had on her first few dates with her now husband, the romantic getaways they shared together up north with only the sound of rain on their metal roof and a glass of wine in each other's hands. I feel in the wine world people can get caught up on the technical side of wine as in how much French oak, how long has it been aged, how long can it age, what was the climate like, the soil...you get the picture. What about how it makes you feel?

One thing I challenge you to do, those who are reading this, think not about the descriptors, location, age or even price of your wine but the experience you'll have with your next bottle. Think about how much work went into making your very own bottle. The grape growers, the harvesters, the winemakers, the shippers, the salespeople who managed to make this next bottle uniquely yours. Will you sip it alone while blogging? Perhaps after a rough day at the office and a nice bubble bath? How about a meal you are preparing for your family to share together? Perhaps just you and your special someone and the possible sex you'll have? The fight you'll have? Wine like life is tumultuous at times but always real. I think if people do Yoga to balance their mind and soul why can't a nice bottle of wine do the same thing?

To me, wine is pleasure, a challenge, an adventure and like a photograph something that can help capture a moment. Most of my wine is simply sitting waiting to be opened with the memories not yet created. I have a few bottles reserved for some upcoming special occasions like NYE, when Joseph get's his next acting gig and a few others. Most bottles are simply waiting to capture a moment I don't see coming yet.  I think perhaps people should consider how wine makes you feel as opposed to debating raspberry or blackberry notes. Think about it next time you open your uniquely own bottle of wine.

Check out the 2014 Tapiz Alta Collection, Malbec, Argentina. I like this wine not because of it's price of $19.95, nor its delightful fruit but for how smooth this wine is. Try it with a fillet mignon and fingerling potatoes.

Check out the 2004 Faustino Gran Reserva, Rioja, Spain. This is an excellent opportunity to sip a well aged and well matured superb wine from Rioja because even at $34.95 it offers great value. This wine deserves the best steak money can buy on the BBQ served medium rare. This Tempranillo-based blend will deliver a punch from a velvet glove so let it breathe a little.

Check out the 2013 Coyam, Colchagua Valley, Chile. This Syrah-based blend will offer something to enjoy on a cooler evening for $29.95. I would consider a nice roast with this one and perhaps toss a glass in to help make the best meat drippings based gravy you've ever had.

Last but not least, 2012 Sokol Blosser, Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon. They say that Pinot Noir is very capable of adapting its flavor profile to how and where it's grown. The Terroir of the Dundee Hills in the Willamette Valley is rainy, cool and soil so infertile that only grapes can grow. This smooth sipper can be decanted and sipped by itself. Poorly made Pinot Noir taste like Pinot Noir, well made Pinot Noir taste like the Terroir of its birthplace. If you are patient you'll taste the terroir of the Willamette, those cool rainy slopes for a cool evening in Toronto at $35.95.

If you like my blog feel free to subscribe and share with your friends.

Happy Sipping,

Ryan

I'll show you my cellar if you show me yours :P

Hey Fellow Wino's

I am often asked what is a good bottle or what do you recommend. I thought I would simply share my cellar with you. Check out a great website and app, Cellar Tracker. You can read everyday consumers reviews, points, different people's cellars and what is in mine.

Check out the link below

RyansWinePicks

As I write this I currently have around 85 bottles in my condo waiting to be opened, swirled, smelled and tasted. I'm pretty passionate about wine and due to the sommelier program, I'm currently in, its key to always be studying. I store my wine in a kitchen cabinet below my center island, hardly a proper temperature controlled place but for short term, it's better than above your fridge or beside your oven. I've got Pinot Noir's from California, Oregon, Ontario, France to Cabernets from Bordeaux, Australia, and Ontario. Spanish Gran Riservas, modern Italian Tuscan blends with French grapes, South African red blends, Chilean Carmenere....the list is a long one. I am a serious spender but not a silly one. I'll read washer and dryer reviews for several weeks before buying, yes I'm that serious. I just like to know I'm getting excellent quality for my hard earned money. The same comes to my wine selections, all selected by myself for sharing with friends and family....ok and a few are just for me.

I just purchased this new book on Champagne by Peter Liem, a champagne expert who moved from NYC to Champagne to absorb all things bubbly. Everything you need to know about Champagne from the Terroir to the different Champagne houses. I'm only 1/4 way through but this is an excellent book as Peter wants you to think about Champagne as a terroir-focused wine, not simply popped to celebrate and consumed without seriousness. 

I had a fun Northern Italian wine tasting last week that finished with a 2007 Barolo...molto benne. P.S. for $40 that bottle is long gone from the LCBO unless you live in maybe Ottawa or Kenora. 

I picked up these bottles today as well as a few more because they just came out yesterday from the LCBO. The chance to drink a 2004 Grand Riserva from Rioja, Spain for $34 is an excellent opportunity. Check out the wine to the right of it, a Chateau Peymelon, Bordeaux from 2006 for only $19.95. Will it be mind blowing, probably not, but a fun chance to drink some older Bordeaux. 

People often say they are nervous to pick out a wine when they come over because in their eyes I'm an expert. Well, I am into terroir focused wine but hardly an expert. I like wine that tastes like it comes from a specific place. A well made Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa is easily distinguishable just as a Chianti Classico from Tuscany, they have a sense of place. A Chardonnay from Chablis France taste like the chalky soils where it's grown, not simply the chardonnay grape. The point I'm getting at is I suggest you ditch the big names like "J Lohr" or "Jackson Triggs" and try a Cabernet/Merlot blend from Stellenbosche South Africa for $15.75. You will be surprised at the value in leaving the big well-known brand names and regions. My standard reccomend go-to for a $20 bottle is Chile, Argentina or South Africa. You simply can't go wrong! 

Have I mentioned "leave your comfort zone" enough yet? 

Happy Sipping, 

Ryan Sullivan 

Thanksgiving...Gobble Gobble

Hey Fellow Winos 

I can't believe I'm writing this but it's almost Thanksgiving! This is a time of year for family to gather, have a nice meal and a glass of wine or two usually to celebrate but for some people, it may be so they can tolerate :P 

I'll share a few options with you so please for the love of god ditch that boxed wine and treat yourself to a new experience. Whites, roses and even reds! The best part is that most of these wines can be ordered from the LCBO online and shipped right to your door! 

1. Pierre Sparr, Gewurztraminer from Alsace France at $17.45. "Medium gold in colour; very aromatic, perfumed nose with lychee, rose petal and mango; dryish, medium bodied; sweet fruit centre with spice flavours, balanced with a long, warm finish." Vintages Panel. 

2. Kuhlmann-Platz Pinot Gris 2015 at $18.95 from Alsace France. "Sourced from chalky vineyards and vines averaging more than 20 years of age, this fresh Pinot Gris toys with being off-dry and has spicy notes with floral and fruit tones. Excellent mouthfeel and texture with good replays of the apple, peach and citrus suggested by the nose." Vintages Panel. 

3. Domaine de La Baume Elisabeth, Viognier 2016, $16.95 from the south of France. "Made in a modern style, this ripe, robust Viognier is overflowing with peach, apricot and citrus fruit, while pretty floral notes and stony mineral add complexity. Excellent value." Vintages Panel. 

4. Domaine Nugues Beaujolais Villages Red, 2015 at $19.10 from Beaujolais, France. This wine is made with the red grape "Gamay" and produces youthful, easy drinking light and fruity wine, I didn't say sweet. Treat this wine like a white and sip it chilled (ok a little bit more warmth) as it should highlight the cranberry and lingonberry sauces you have nicely. If you can't find this one, try any Beaujolais.

5. Hidden Bench Estate, Pinot Noir from 2012 at $31.95 from Niagara, Ontario. "Vibrant raspberry, ripe black cherries and plums express the warm and sunny 2012 vintage. The palate is loaded with rich, concentrated red and dark fruit notes, with an underlying earthiness and a savoury, juicy finish. Tannins are round and silky." Hidden Bench Winery.

6. Featherstone Rose, 2016 at $15.95 from Niagara, Ontario. "Featherstone's Rose has won impressive awards in the past, including a double gold medal at the 2014 Ontario Wine Awards. This wine shows strawberry, candied watermelon, and baked cherry on the nose. Creamy and refreshing, with cherry and cran-apple persisting on the finish." Vintages Panel.  Perfect for more fruit-based dishes like cherry or apple pie for dessert. 

The white wines above pair well with the light yet richness of the turkey, white gravies and stuffing. The rose can be great with the meal or perhaps even with dessert. The Beaujolais can highlight your red berry dressings much like the Rose could while the Pinot Noir can really match the earthy mushroom dishes or darker gravies. Play around with it this Thanksgiving and don't be afraid to try something new. 

I'm constantly asking wine professionals, watching youtube clips, reading and most importantly tasting wine to learn as much as I can. Learning about wine is a long journey because there is so much to soak in but it's tons of fun. Don't stick to your standard go-to, be adventurous, be bold...but not Australian Shiraz with Turkey bold, that's just crazy! 

Gobble Gobble, 

Ryan Sullivan