Greetings! This release features "big easy" wines suitable for dining al fresco. This time of year sees lots of gatherings by the pool, BBQ, at the cottage OR all of the above. Regardless, it is all about fun - socializing with friends and family, laughing, eating and drinking some fine vintages! This release is jam-packed with some terrific values:
WHITE WINES
944694 Fumaio Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (IGT Tuscany) $14.95 This is a first (for me)! Who would have thought of blending these two very different grapes together - but it works! You can pick out the mellowness of the chardonnay and then you're hit with the zest of the sauvignon blanc after. It is surprisingly well-balanced.
687913 Stadt Krems Gruner Veltliner Sandgrube 2006 (Austria) $14.95 I generally don't try this varietal because I just don't like it. I brought home a bottle of Gruner once and my husband and I ended up drinking it with a bag of chips - for which it was quite well-suited. Rose tried this one and said, "This is good.", after I had pooh-poohed it. I gave it a whirl and found it fresh, juicy, mouth-watering with zesty citrus flavours - but alas - there wasn't much length. If you've never tried a Gruner - this is not a bad place to start.
41020 Delas Saint-Esprit White 2005 (Cotes-du-Rhone, France) $15.95 This is a blend of 4 different white varietals indigenous to the Rhone valley. The predominant grape is a white grenache. We really enjoyed this one because it presents with complex flavourings - floral notes, yellow apples (especially the part near the skin) and grapefruit. Very interesting - very good price!
41160 Simmonet-Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Vallons 2005 (Burgundy, France) $29.95 We know, we know ... it is pricey BUT it is a fine white wine and presents quite a bit of value despite the >$20 price point. It is fresh, crisp with good length. There was speculation in the tasting room that it was affordabley priced because they did the label with a laser printer. Check out the bottle when you head into Vintages this weekend.
RED WINES
663112 Trivento Reserve Syrah 2005 (Argentina) $12.95 Terrific wine for the price. Dark berries on entry to the palate, closes with a "meaty" (and I mean smoked meat-flavoured) finish. Definitely a great pizza wine.
665158 Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Red (California) $18.95 Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon blend together beautifully producing a ripe, red fruit taste borders on a fruit-bomb but holds back. It is refreshing, not over-powering, but definitely fruity.
658104 McManis Family Vineyards Syrah 2005 (California) $19.95 Plums and raspberries follow chocolate notes with a spicy finish. A reliable producer doesn't disappoint here. Good length here. Drink it on its own or enjoy it with casual fare.
41194 X&Y Shiraz 2004 (W. Australia) $17.95 This is an opulent wine - rich and sweet but not over-powering. It has a very spicy, zingy finish which keeps the mouth lively throughout. This does not detract from the easy-drinking nature of this wine. Check it out!
661819 Dona Paula Estate Malbec 2005 (Argentina) $16.95 This wine is full-bodied with a smoked meat nose and dark berries on the palate. It doesn't require food to enjoy it, so sip this one back solo if you are so inclined.
24976 Ninth Island Pinot Noir 2005 (Tasmania) $19.95 This wine used to be on the general list side of the LCBO and it was de-listed a couple fo years ago. Vintages has brought it back, much to our delight! There are typical pinot strawberry notes. It is smooth and slightly acidic and would go well with light fare.
23119 Gladiator Primitivo di Manduria 2004 (Puglia, Italy) $15.95 Dense dark fruit make this a BIG wine - full-bodied with a strong fruit nose and mouth-filling opulence. This one is jumping and jammy!
725606 Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Rouges 2005 (Rhone, France) $16.95 A bit of shtank, a bit of cherry, a bit of herb with a good length. It would be best with food.
34470 Craneford Allyson Parsons Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Australia) $22.95 This one is a big fruity wine featuring dark berries and pepper. It could do with a bit of ageing (2-4 years) to bring it to its optimum.
C'est Tout Kids! Karen & Rose
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