Greetings All!
Vintages is promoting organic and artisanal wines this weekend. The emergence of organic wine, along with many other organic offerings in the consumer realm has grown exponentially over the past few years. We have tried to be good environmental citizens in the past and purchased a few of the organic wines brought in by Vintages over the years, but these have been met with disappointment for the most part. Given the high consumer demand for such products, producers have risen to the challenge of producing good quality wine without the use of pesticides, fertilizer, and high levels of sulphites. Wines with high levels of sulphites – a preservative – can cause headaches for the allergen sensitive. This release offers some VERY good and affordable organic wines. As well as organic offerings, "artisanal" wines are featured. These are defined as wines made using traditional methods, staying true to the land and the climate and with an extreme passion not witnessed in most commercial wineries.
WHITE WINES
001693 Grove Mill Pinot Gris 2007 (Marlborough, New Zealand) $16.95
Impressive Pinot Gris richly scented of flowers, apricot and lychee, nice body and a slightly oily mouth feel. (not certified organic, but carbon neutral)
309591 Matua Valley Shingle Peak Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Marlborough, New Zealand) $17.95
This Sauvignon Blanc offers delicate scents of yeast and almost ripe pineapple, fresh and lively flavours of herbs, tropical fruit and citrus.
747600 Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Réserve 2005 (Alsace) $18.95
Aromas of rose petal and tropical flowers, with luscious flavours of grapefruit and lychee and a lingering finish.
RED WINE
071803 Madrigal Vineyards Petite Sirah 2003 (Napa Valley) $19.95
Yum, loads of earth, dark fruit and smoke offered up here. Well-balanced with a great mouth feel. Drinking well now or lay it down for the next 5-8 years. Excellent value! (artisanal)
057372 Frey Syrah 2006 (California, North Coast) $16.95
Nice and crisp with ripe cherry, blackberry and chocolate notes. (organic)
56887 Emiliana Natura Carmenere 2005 (Colchagua Valley, Chile) $16.95
Dry, smoky, shtanky with smoked meat on the nose and an inky colour. (organic)
058446 Tabali Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 (Chile) $14.95
Offering up a huge wallop of dark berries, smoke and some gum gripping tannins.
030957 Concha Y Toro Winemaker's Lot 152 Carmenere 2005 (Chile) $14.95
Mouth filling of dark fruit, chocolate and tobacco box some tannin and a lingering finish.
058396 Budini Malbec 2005 (Argentina) $12.95
Here's a terrific quaffer showing a nice balance of juicy red fruit, acidity and soft tannins. Great paired with that mid week dinner of grilled pork or steak. (not certified organic, carbon neutral)
>$50
315176 Concha Y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 (Chile, Vintage 18) $59.95
Si, si, si Sr. Melchor! An incredibly elegant wine – so well-made and brimming with flavour. The nose offers up smoke, understated pencil lead, subtle berries and coffee notes. It is a tad green upon entry, but the luscious mouthfeel belies great things to come in 8-10 years. Collectors take heed – if you didn't pick this up through Classics – now is your chance!
Recent Comments