As a part of its centenary celebration, and recognizing the life and work of its founder, the Robert Mondavi Winery hosted a luncheon and tasting at the Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa.  I was delighted to be part of this special event to mark the major milestone.  The afternoon's wine tasting was led by Mark de Vere, Mondavi's Director and Master of Wine, who moved to Napa Valley California from the U.K. shortly after completing his WSET and Master of Wine certification.

The talented Chef Louis Simard of the Château Laurier created an innovative, intricate series of dishes featuring local produce and expertly paired with each wine:

Asparagus Salad with charred tomato, home-made ricotta, pickled egg, basil-mint vinaigrette
Smoked Salmon Rillette with grilled baguette on a bed of baby arugula
Duck Confit with Ermite blue cheese, brioche crostini, sherry-rhubarb reduction
Cardamom-Mushroom, Rubbed Lamb Sirloin & Aged Striploin  graced with lima bean cassoulet, red wine jus
Blueberry Goat Cheese Cake

Why not test out the menu yourself with these Mondavi wines - all available at the LCBO.

Considered as one of Robert Mondavi’s signature wines - Napa Valley Fumé Blanc (LCBO #221887, $22.95) - was first released in 1968 as an endeavour by Mr. Mondavi to redefine California Sauvignon Blanc from a sweet, unnuanced wine to one endowed with a rich, round texture complemented by a lively, fresh texture. The 2010 vintage served at the tasting certainly hit the mark, displaying beautiful aromas of tropical fruits, lime, a whiff of honeyed floral notes and a touch of nutty toast. The first sip brought out the concentrated fruit and round texture, while the crisp acidity ensured a juicy, finely balanced finish.

The wine continued to evolve in the glass, showcasing tantalizing aromas of crème brulée. The Fumé Blanc was followed by the 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay (LCBO #310409, $25.95), a fruit-focused wine with attractive aromas of orchard fruit, pineapple and vanilla. Dry, bright and smooth, the wine again featured that fine balance of ripe fruit, well-integrated oak and fresh acidity, finishing with a touch of warmth and candied citrus.

The spotlight turned to the red wines featuring the Carneros Pinot Noir 2011 (LCBO #438697 $34.95), vinified to accent the ripe berry fruit, picked early to retain its freshness, then aged 10 months in French oak. Showcasing luscious cherry/berry fruit aromas, notes of smoke and spice, this is a warm, fleshy Pinot Noir, where the intensely flavoured ripe fruit is again balanced with lively acidity. Dry and spicy, it finishes with a touch of peppery warmth.

The 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (LCBO #255513, $34.95, available to June 23 for $31.95) is inky purple and tantalizingly rich, offering complex aromas of dark fruit, vanilla, licorice, spiced chocolate and a hint of herbs. Blended with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Mark described it as a ‘classic Napa Valley Cab’, a well-balanced dry wine with perceptible tannins framing tasty black fruit, replaying the notes of herb and licorice on a finish that offers a whisper of well-integrated oak.

The third red wine was the Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (the 2008 is available in the LCBO, 670463, $144.95), produced from fruit harvested from the To Kalon Vineyard. Designed for aging yet absolutely fabulous now, this is a deep, powerful wine characterized by plush, ripe black fruit, supple yet well-structured tannins, clean acidity and lovely nuances of spicy floral notes, chocolate, dried herbs and spiced vanilla. A rich, lush, harmonious wine.

The tasting closed with the Robert Mondavi Winery’s Moscato d’Oro 2009 (LCBO #687392, $17.95, currently available for $14.90), a wine with the winery’s classic intensity and depth of flavour, beautifully fragrant and crisp, Lovely notes of natural grape juice, fruit salad and honeyed peach are lifted by a gentle touch of spritz. Simply delightful! 

Here's to 100 years of Mondavi wines...and many more to come.

Cheers!

-Susan

We’re well into Spring with the April 13 LCBO Vintages release, which features wines from New Zealand and Portugal. New Zealand’s southern hemisphere water-bound land mass offers a mid-latitude maritime environment particularly suited to the production of unique, quality wines. Not only is there diversity in the varieties cultivated—from the well-known Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir, to Syrah and Viognier—but there is great regional diversity—from the established regions of Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, to the emerging Waitaki Valley.

New Zealand - commitment to sustainable winemaking

The New Zealand wine industry has made a firm commitment to innovative and sustainable viticultural and winemaking practices which they expect will reinforce their reputation for “vibrantly stylish wines”. In 2007, the New Zealand wine industry committed to having 100% of the country’s wine produced under approved independently audited sustainability standards by 2012. The industry shares practices in areas such as water usage, energy consumption, waste management and biodiversity.This Vintages release highlights New Zealand’s best-known wine regions, Marlborough and Hawkes Bay, showcasing classic Sauvignon Blanc, aromatic Pinot Gris, and clean unoaked Chardonnay, as well as elegant Pinot Noir and fruity, well-balanced Merlot.

 Portugal - tradition integrated with state-of-the art viticulture

Portugal is best known for its famous Port wine, but the country also produces tangy, fresh white wines and concentrated flavourful red wines from a broad range of native grape varieties. The country has a long history of winemaking, dating back several millennia. Since joining the European Union the 1980s, Portugal has experienced substantial change and an increasing focus on quality in the wine industry. Now Portugal is integrating traditional with modern methods to produce wines of great character, yet modern in style. While most wine was previously produced by cooperatives, and much still is, many grape growers are now establishing their own wineries (quintas) and creating wines with their own unique style. This LCBO release provides the opportunity to try a classic Alvarinho Vino Verde, as well as several red wines, many of them including Touriga Nacional, such as Monte Vilar Reserva. Touriga Nacional is one of Portugal’s best-known red grapes, used in the production of red varietal wines, red wine blends and Port. There’s great value in these wines, with the majority priced under $20.

The general release offers some tasty Niagara wines such as: Fielding Estate Cabernet Franc and Reif ‘The Magician’ Shiraz/Pinot Noir, Viewpointe Estate Auxerrois and Featherstone Rosé, the latter two included in our selection. If you want to share a taste of a rich savoury Chilean red wine, try the Perez Cruz  Cabernet Sauvignon in the 375ml format. Other full-flavoured red wines include Easton Zinfandel, Oyster Bay Merlot and Quinta de Ventozelo ‘Reserva’ Douro Tinto. There’s also great value in the fruit-forward Montepulciano and Sangiovese blend, deAngelis Rosso Piceno Superiore ($14.95) and the Rhône red blend, Le Cirque Grenache/Carignan/Mourvèdre/Syrah ($15.95). With all the great values on offer, we’re managed to include 6 wines for just under $100!

Cheers and Enjoy,

Susan

Kim Crawford 'East Coast' Unoaked Chardonnay 2012 

Marlborough/Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
$18.95 (Vintages #991950) 13.0% alcohol

Straw hued and delightfully expressive with aromas of white flowers, citrus and ripe stone fruit, this is a clean, fresh white wine. Dry, with a racy backbone of keen acidity, it offers flavours of melon, green apple and tangy citrus, as well as a pithy note that persists on the lengthy, mouth-watering finish. Enjoy with your choice of seafood or lemon roast chicken.

 Monte Vilar Reserva 2011

Alentejo, Portugal
$14.95 (Vintages #276105) 14.0% alcohol

An excellent value, this ruby/violet blend of native red grape varieties display remarkable complexity of aromas—vanilla, ripe fresh field berries, dried cherries, mineral and earth. Dry, medium-full bodied, the concentrated dark berry fruit is garnished with a touch of pepper and espresso and framed by fresh acidity and perceptible tannins. The finish is dry, full flavoured and long lasting. Pick up a few bottles and try them over the next several years.

Viewpointe Estate Auxerrois 2011

VQA Lake Erie North Shore, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #327239) 12.5% alcohol

From a dramatic boutique estate winery on the shore of Lake Erie comes this lovely pale gold wine, tantalizing the nose with delicate aromas of stone and tropical fruit, pear and flowers. Just off-dry, the flavours are quite intense—pineapple, ripe yellow plum, apricot and juicy nectarine. It’s a very tasty wine with a fine balancing seam of acidity and a delicious fruity finish. A good choice to sip on its own or to savour with lightly spiced dishes, previous vintages have sold out quickly from the winery. Don’t miss the boat!

Featherstone Rosé 2012 

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #117861) 12.0% alcohol
Produced from Gamay and Merlot, the deep rosy salmon color of this tasty rosé wine portends the intensity of aromas and flavours. Bursting with ripe red field berries and cherries, apple skin and mineral notes, it also exhibits hints of spice and pepper. Dry, mid weight, all that juicy flavour is balanced with lively acidity right through the lasting flavourful finish. A versatile, value-driven wine that will delight on its own or paired on a warm spring day with a balsamic beef and strawberry salad.

Alfredo Roca‘Reserva de Familia’ Pinot Noir 2010

Mendoza, Argentina
$19.95 (Vintages #301275) 13.0% alcohol
Aged 9 months in oak, displaying a garnet hue, this gem of a wine offers attractive aromas of cherry/berry garnished with notes of vanilla, spice and toast. Dry, silky in texture, it has a lovely core of ripe fruit—raspberry, cherry and blackberry—mingling with notes of spiced oak and earth. Approachable, with fruit deftly balanced by fresh acidity and fine tannins, it delivers a lengthy, dry yet smooth finish.

Château la Croix de Queynac 2009

AOC Bordeaux Supérieur
$15.95 (Vintages #138636) 13.0% alcohol

Deep ruby, this award-winning red wine offers depth of flavour and very nice value. The aromas are very ripe berry fruits, spice and cedar, with a sweet note of dried fruits. Dry, medium-full bodied, ripe tannins and a fine measure of acidity balance plush berry fruit, sweet spice and a trace of toasty vanilla that carries through the long-lasting dry finish. Enjoy this attractive blend now or over the next couple of years.

 Grand Total: $99.70

For information on these and other wines go to www.savvycompany.ca

Savour Ottawa recently hosted a number of intrepid local farmers, winemakers and micro brewers at the Château Laurier, who came out, despite the inclement weather, to introduce residents and visitors alike to their products.

Savour Ottawa is a collaboration among Ottawa Tourism, the City of Ottawa, and Just Food working to promote the national capital region as a year-round culinary destination, offering extensive and varied opportunities to ‘savour’ local foods grown, harvested and produced right here in our own back yard.

The event at the Château Laurier provided the opportunity to visit with the owners and taste the wines of two local wineries:  Jabulani Vineyard & Winery, located southwest of Ottawa near Richmond, and Domaine Perrault, located east of the city, near the town of Navan. In both cases, the wineries grow their own hybrid grapes – hardy varieties such as Frontenac, Marquette – and use grapes from specific Niagara growers with whom they have an ongoing relationship. Their wine is available only directly from the farm. Should you be interested in acquiring some of these wines, contact us at Savvy Company.

Domaine Perrault

Domaine Perrault is located on a dairy farm owned and operated by Denis Perrault and his family. Denis first planted vines in 1999, in consultation with a University of Guelph viticultural expert. A few years later, he extended the planting to 6 acres, and in 2006 received his license to produce and sell wine on the farm premises. When I asked if he was the winemaker, Denis’ response was “No, I’m just the owner”. A modest man, he credits his current winemaker, local oenologist Bernard Martineau, for the quality and style of the Domaine Perrault wines. The winery offers a range of wines, including varietal wines such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Frontenac, as well as rosé and a dessert wine called Nectar des Neiges.

Domaine Perrault Sauvignon Blanc 2011

Product of Canada $16.00 12.6% alcohol

Vinified from Niagara fruit, this straw-hued white wine offers attractive aromas of grass, herbs, citrus and mineral. Dry, light-mid weight, the fresh flavours include citrus, orchard fruit and a touch of mineral underlaid by clean crisp acidity that assures a bright tasty finish. Serve it with coquille St-Jacques or with soft cheeses.

Domaine Perrault Shiraz 2010

Product of Canada $24.00 13.5% alcohol

Also produced from Niagara fruit, this approachable wine was aged 6 months in seasoned French oak. There’s sweet ripe red and black berry on the nose, mingling with notions of sweet spice, vanilla and pepper. Dry, mid-weight, it’s round and satiny in texture, spiced vanilla replaying, wrapped around delicious blackberry and raspberry flavours. Pepper warms the lengthy flavourful finish.

Jabulani Vineyard & Winery

According to Wikipedia, jabulani is the Zulu word for ‘rejoice’ and the owners, Tom Moul and his wife Janet, no doubt did when their search for a suitable site for a vineyard and winery led them to their property by the Jock River. They found it flourishing with apples, berries and wild grapes, giving them hope for success in their wine venture. Research on suitable grape varietals led them to the University of Minnesota and eventually to grape guru Alain Breault. They have now planted 11 acres to a variety of hybrid grapes including Frontenac Gris and Marquette. They also source grapes from a contract grower in Virgil, in the Niagara area. Visit their wine patio overlooking the vineyard, take a tour, or book a private event and enjoy, as their website suggests “The Spirit of Happiness”.

Jabulani Frontenac Gris/Vidal 2011

Product of Canada $11.00 13.0% alcohol

Enjoy the floral notes and aromas of stone fruit and tangerine of this dry yet fruity wine. On the slightly honeyed palate, there’s a whiff of mineral while stone fruit and citrus flavours replay balanced by fresh acidity and a touch of residual sugar through a mid-length finish. An enjoyable quaffer. 

Jabulani Sauvignon Blanc/Frontenac Gris 2011

Product of Canada $14.00 13.5% alcohol

Displaying grassy notes, citrus and citrus zest, this dry, mid-weight wine is crisp and tangy, with notes of passionfruit and citrus ringing through a lively, lasting pithy finish where mineral and citrus zest cleanse the palate. Serve with pan-fried white fish. 

Jabulani Marquette/Cabernet Franc ‘Barrel Select’ 2010

Product of Canada $18.00 15.5% alcohol

Aged 18 months in new French oak, this deep ruby red wine offers some classic Cab Franc aromas—floral, grilled herbs, pepper and dark berries. Dry, mid-full weight, it’s firmly structured with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity framing rich dark fruit garnished with notes of cocoa, spice and  pepper. The extended finish is dry and savoury. Match to rare roast beef or grilled red meats.

Our Sommelier Susan Desjardins started her year off right - tasting an array of Spanish wines and was treated with some wines from BC too.  In this weekend's LCBO Vintages release (January 19) features on the wines of Spain - a country that as Susan tells you in this blog - has a long history of winemaking, varied terroir, and winemakers who work with traditional native grapes while also creating powerful blends using international varieties.

History of Spanish wine making 101 . . .

Archeologists have found evidence of wine cultivation dating back to the 3^rd and 4^th millennia BC. And the tradition carried on through the Roman empire, with evidence of winemaking in this period to be found throughout the country. Much of Spain is barren plateau, where strong winds, scorching sun and limitations on irrigation led to the cultivation of bush vines. These can be seen, for instance, in Jumilla and Yecla, where one finds many vineyards displaying old, gnarled Monastrell vines. These conditions have led to widely spaced planting, making Spain the country with the largest amount of land under vine, although it traditionally falls behind France and Italy in volume of production.  However, since irrigation was officially permitted in the mid 1990s, vineyard owners and winemakers have also planted international grapes varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot using more common wire trellising and spacing systems. There’s great value to be had from Spanish wines, and a delightful range to choose from: finely crafted ‘methode traditionelle’ sparkling Cava, crisp tangy whites made from Albariño, full-bodied Tempranillo or flavourful native Mencía, tasty Garnacha blends, and the famed Sherry from Jerez.

All of these are on offer in the release, along with a small but focused selection of BC wines (I have visited all of these wineries and unreservedly recommend their wines, if your budget allows). Then, there is the main release . . . an opportunity to compare Henry of Pelham’s Riesling with that of Alsace’s Joseph Cattin, to sample Opawa’s well-priced New Zealand Pinot Noir, to enjoy the luxurious Cline Cellars Cashmere, or to select Les Hauts de Castellas Vacqueyras for the cellar. So many wines, so little time, but we hope you have the opportunity to appreciate the selection of 5 wines below.

Cheers and Enjoy,
Susan

Alvarez de Toledo Godello 2010

DO Bierzo, Spain
$13.95 (Vintages #308049) 12.4% alcohol
From an estate established in the XVth century, this straw-hued white wine offers richness and complexity of aromas and flavours. On the nose, a touch of slate, apple, ripe citrus and floral notes. Dry, mid-weight, it beguiles with a round, ripe texture, lightly spiced peach, citrus and mineral nuances riding a wave of fresh acidity through a flavourful, fruity finish. Enjoy now and add a few bottles for the short-term cellaring.

Gray Monk Gewürztraminer 2011

VQA Okanagan Valley, B.C.
$19.95 (Vintages #321588) 12.6% alcohol
Brilliant pale gold, this wine is fragrant with floral notes, lychee, stone fruit, citrus and spice. Off dry, lusciously fruity, the tropical aromas replay on the palate, the spice extending through the fruit-filled, delicately pithy finish. This pioneering Okanagan winery once again delivers a sumptuous wine to pair with lightly spiced dishes.

Borsao ‘Tres Picos’ Garnacha 2010

DO Campo de Borja, Spain
$19.95 (Vintages #273748) 14.5% alcohol
Produced from low yielding old vines, the inky dense color of the wine portends the weight and substance in the glass. First the sweet aromas—vanilla, cedar, leather, spice and berries ripe to bursting. Dry, velvety and full bodied, this wine delivers a mouthful of juicy ripe fruit garnished with exotic spice, dried herbs and subtle oak. Soft ripe tannins underpin the fruit, the richness of the flavours persisting through the lengthy finish. A great value to enjoy now or cellar medium term.

Jackson-Triggs ‘Niagara Estate Grand Reserve’ Shiraz 2010

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$19.95 (Vintages #317941) 13.5% alcohol
Inky ruby, this is a substantial wine with alluring aromas of mint, pepper dancing over rich ripe red and black fruit. Dry, full bodied, the menthol comes through on the palate mingling with succulent spiced black fruit, a hint of coffee bean and a dazzling peppery note. Fermented in French and American oak for 12 months, the firm structure complements the ripe fruit, while the peppery garnish persists on the finish. A fine value to serve with rare roast beef, or cellar medium term. 

Château de Puisseguin Curat 2010

AOC Puisseguin St-Émilion, France
$19.95 (Vintages #307140) 14.5% alcohol
From a celebrated vintage, this is another award-winning wine that offers great value. Aromas include ripe black cherry, plum, spice and a whiff of smoke. Dry, medium-full bodied, the texture is very smooth, the red fruit ripe, the notes of spice and pepper building across the palate. Fine tannins and acidity along with subtly-integrated oak balance the rich fruit flavours, while the warm, spicy finish makes this a great wine to serve on a cold winter day. Or cellar medium term.

Grand Total: $93.75

Worth the splurge:

Mission Hill ‘Family Estate’ Quatrain 2008

VQA Okanagan Valley, BC
$44.95 (Vintages #218636) 13.5% alcohol
This blend of Merlot, Syrah and the Cabernets is composed from some of the estate’s best south-Okanagan fruit, fermented separately, aged in French oak. Highly aromatic and intense, the nose offers boysenberry, black cherry, spiced floral notes, and sweet cedar. Built on a firm frame, this dry, full-bodied blend delivers depth and complexity, flavours of cassis, black plum, spice and herbs with notes of toast carrying through the long finish. Serve with robust meat dishes; drink now to 2019.

It’s become a bit of a tradition that the first  LCBO Vintages release of the year features well-priced, value-laden wines. The release this Saturday, January 5, is no exception, and includes wines from near and far, with well-known and more obscure grape varieties in the mix. There are a range of white and red wines, some very affordable sparkling wines, as well as some producers being featured for the first time in Vintages. For great quality and flavour choose sparkling wines such as the Duran Brut Cava or the Bouvet Brut Crémant de Loire. There are a couple of great Ontario white wines, the pretty peach-tinged Trius Pinot Grigio and the weightier but well-balanced Jackson Triggs Proprietors`Grand Reserve Chardonnay, included in the selection below. For value among the reds, try the Vincentin Blend de Malbecs, the Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon or the El Molet Tinto. For the adventurous, Ravenswood offers a delicious Petite Syrah. And if you`re looking for an organic red wine, you`ll enjoy the Dieter Meier Puro Corte. Finally, if you`re desperate for a value-packed wine to assuage your sweet tooth, pick up the Sivipa Vinho Generoso Moscatel de Setúbal. Enjoy this selection of wines, totally well under $100 and all less than $20 apiece!

Cheers and best wishes for a great 2013,

Susan

Trius Pinot Grigio 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$15.95 (Vintages #316414) 12.7% alcohol
This is a very appealing wine, from the delicate peach-skin hue to the lifted floral, pear and stone fruit aromas. Fruity yet fresh, it delivers a lovely balance of lemon-lime acidity and ripe peach and apricot flavours. Quality and value wrapped in a fine package, this wine is delightful on its own, or savour it with fish, seafood or simply prepared chicken dishes.

Jackson-Triggs ‘Proprietors’ Grand Reserve’ Chardonnay 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$17.95 (Vintages #593996) 13.0% alcohol
Aged 5 months in French oak, this golden gem offers lovely buttery aromas and texture, notes of roast pear, banana and vanilla. Dry, mid-full weight, the focused flavours of spiced orchard fruit are balanced by lively acidity. There`s a nice heft to this wine, fine balance and structure, making it a match for crab cakes or creamy pasta dishes or a choice for mid-term cellaring.

Dieter Meier ‘Puro’ Corte 2010
Mendoza, Argentina
$16.95 (Vintages #305094) 14.5% alcohol
Produced from a blend of organically grown Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, the aromas of this deftly crafted wine leap from the glass—rich dark fruit, floral notes, smoke, toast and spiced vanilla. Dry, mid-full weight, smooth yet freshly textured, plush fruit mingles with the sweet spice of well-integrated oak. Finishing dry and lengthy, the wine is, substantial, structured and well balanced. Serve with grilled meats or cellar medium term.

Ravenswood ‘Vintners Blend’ Petite Syrah 2009
California
$18.95 (Vintages #161554) 13.5% alcohol
A dense inky purple, this rendition of Petite Syrah offers layered aromas of lush black berry fruit, toasty oak, cocoa and vanilla. Dry, full bodied, and plush, the ripe dark cherry/berry fruit flows across the palate, suggestions of exotic spice, white pepper and chocolate adding to the delectable taste experience. It finishes long, sweetly fruity, yet balanced. A value-laden wine for a relaxing sip. Pick up a few bottles!

Luis Felipe Edwards ‘Gran Reserva’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Colchagua Valley, Chile
$16.95 (Vintages #169847) 14.0% alcohol
Here’s a great value, deep garnet in hue, displaying lifted aromas of sumptuous black fruit, dried herbs, cedar and spice. Dry, full bodied, it delivers an ample, round texture. Aged 12 months in French and American oak, there a good underlying structure anchoring ripe fruit, appealing spice, herb and vanilla nuances. The finish is full, clean and fresh, fine earthy herbal notes lingering. Definitely a multi-bottle purchase.

Grand Total: $86.75

 More about my blog post: If I only had $100, I would buy…

There is a myriad of wines out there, so it’s often a challenge deciding what to select when the LCBO Vintages catalogue comes out every two weeks or so. Like a kid in a candy shop, your attention darts from one treat to another, but what to choose . . . Something to serve to your guests this weekend? Something to put away for a special occasion? Something to store for a autumn afternoon?

I recognize that each person’s tastes and preferences are unique. “If I had $100 . . .”, will be posted just prior to LCBO Vintages releases and will highlight unique wines I have tasted that provide good value; the selection will total no more than $100.

Occasionally, I may include an optional wine – you can substitute or add it for a little more or a little less! Print this off as your shopping list knowing that these wines have been selected by a Savvy Sommelier who has sipped, savoured & swirled countless wines before they arrived on the shelves in Vintages.  Hopefully you too will find a new favorite wine.  And when you do, quickly save your pennies to buy a bottle or two more.  Warning that once a wine is gone from a particular Vintages release, that vintage, and sometimes that wine, is gone for good!

At a recent wine tasting featuring Chilean wines, Savvy Sommelier Susan Dejardins learned that the modern wine industry began in Chile during the 1980’s with the arrival of Miguel Torres from Spain. He introduced state of the art technology, including stainless steel fermentation tanks and French oak barrels, and began transforming the vinification process. Chilean winemakers soon followed suit and the wine export industry began to flourish.

Today, winemakers and viticulturalists are searching for new ways to create wines with a unique sense of place, matching vines to soils, introducing new techniques, and planting vines in more challenging areas such as the higher slopes of the Andes.

Cono Sur ‘Reserva’ Syrah 2011

Colchagua Valley
$13.95
LCBO#221820
14.0% alcohol

Blended into this deep purple Syrah are small amounts of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Aged 12 months in French oak, the rich ripe aromas of berries and black cherries, sweet spice, vanilla and pepper lift from the glass. Dry, mid-full weight, the wine is loaded with ripe dark fruit and the tang of black pepper. Subtly structured and nicely balanced, this is a tasty, approachable, easy-drinking wine.

Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Aconcagua Valley
$18.95
LCBO#606764
14.0% alcohol

Blended with small amounts of Cabernet Franc and Syrah, this delicious wine spent 12 months in a combination of French and American oak. Alluring aromas of rich ripe spice-infused fruit, dried herbs and floral notes, cedar and vanilla tantalize the nose. Dry, medium-full bodied, it’s satin smooth and mouthfilling. There’s good complexity to the flavours—raspberry and blackcurrant, toasty oak, herbs and spice and a hint of pepper—and a fine balance of round tannins and fresh acidity. On the finish, it’s dry with lingering flavours of spiced fruit. Savour now or cellar short term. This wine was a hit at the wine and food pairing created by Sidedoor's chef Korecki’s Dry aged striploin with raspberry pepper.

Enjoy!
- Susan

Chile has a long history of winemaking, dating back to the arrival of Spanish, who found an ideal environment to grow vines. The soil was and is still free of phylloxera (a blight that decimated many of Europe’s vineyards in the late 1800s), and the climate provides the type of growing season that ensures full ripening of the fruit. Wealthy Chilean families looked to France as a model and soon imported a selection of rootstocks, just before the outbreak of phylloxera. In this manner, Carmenère came to Chile, where it prospered, misidentified as Merlot for decades.

Savvy Sommelier Susan Dejardins discovered during a wine tasting this delicious Carmenère red wine that she recommends picking up next time you are at the LCBO

Carmen ‘Reserva’ Carmenère 2011

Colchagua Valley
$11.45
LCBO#169052
14.0% alcohol

Dense and darkly hued, this is an aromatic wine with surprising complexity of aromas—spice, plum, blackberry jam, earth and notes of smoky roasted red peppers. Dry, medium-full weight, the round tannins and soft acidity frame ripe berry fruit garnished with notes of grilled spice, pepper and coffee bean. Another approachable, fruity wine that offers great value.

Enjoy!
- Susan

Rosehall Run Vineyards continues to support theatre in Prince Edward County, hosting the production of ‘Harvest’ set amongst their estate vineyards. Festival Players is the County’s professional theatre company, and ‘Harvest’ is a funny, fast-paced story of an older farm couple who retire, move to town and rent out their old farmhouse to what seems to be a ‘nice young man’—can you guess that all is not what it seems!

Performances run from Wedensday, August 9 through Saturday, August 25. Plan to include this unique production in your late-summer trip to Prince Edward County. Rosehall Run’s award-winning wine, examples of which are highlighted below, will be available during the performance. For more information, contact Lynn Sullivan at Rosehall Run Vineyards (1-888-399-1183) or visit www.countytix.ca.

While you watch this fun performance, have a sip of one of these newly released wines from Rosehall Run Vineyards.

Cheers!

- Susan

Rosehall Run Pinot Gris 2011

VQA Prince Edward County $21.95
12.5% alcohol
Floral notes, ripe orchard fruit and a hint of tangerine drift from the glass. Dry, light-mid weight and lively, this is a vibrantly textured fresh wine with a fine backbone of acidity, tangy citrus and green apple flavours, and a nice mineral note. Balanced, refreshing, it hits just the right note for the dog days of summer.

Rosehall Run ‘Liberated’ Chardonnay 2011

VQA Ontario $15.95
12.7% alcohol
Pale yellow green, offering fresh notes of green apple, pear and yellow plum, this wine is free of any oak influence, clean and lively on the palate. Tangy apple and slightly pithy citrus notes ride the wave of fresh acidity through a fresh juicy lip-smacking finish. A great example of Ontario’s cool-climate Chardonnay!

Rosehall Run ‘Cuvée County’ Chardonnay 2010

VQA Prince Edward County
13.5% alcohol
Apple, toasted hazelnut and candied lemon tantalize, the apple and nutty notes coming through on the palate. The lovely creamy texture delights, lively citrusy acidity balancing well-integrated oak and ripe orchard fruit flavours. It finishes fresh and flavourful.

Rosehall Run ‘Cuvée County’ Pinot Noir 2010

VQA Prince Edward County $24.95
13.2% alcohol
Semi-transparent, garnet hued, there’s earth, dried herbs, spice and red cherry/berry  notes on the nose. Dry, mid-weight and silky in texture, the palate is awash with red fruits—currant jam, cranberry, cherry and raspberry. Lively acidity underpins the fruit, subtle tannins provide a fine frame, and the finish is juicy and fruity, while maintaining that underlying earthiness. Serve slightly chilled with grilled salmon.

Rosehall Run ‘Defiant’ 2011

VQA Ontario $18.95
12.5% alcohol
Semi-transparent and rose toned, the wine proffers aromas of sweet cherry/berry fruit, subtle spice and a whiff of vanilla and cedar from aging in French oak. Dry, on the light side of medium bodied, the texture is satin-like, the flavours of cherry and raspberry bountiful. The fruit rides a lovely backbone of crisp acidity, the wine finishing fruity and fresh with a touch of warmth.

One of Savvy Sommelier Susan’s recent wine finds!

Winemaker Kevin Panagapkos has been involved in the Ontario wine industry over 10+ years, with a brief stint in New Zealand. In 2007, he decided to start his own ‘virtual winery’ named 2027 Cellars. Why 2027? Kevin owns a small Pinot Noir vineyard in Beamsville & it has the registration number 2027!  He focuses on making wines using three grape varietals - Riesling, Pinot Noir & Chardonnay  - to create a clear expression of the terroir.

Cheers & Enjoy!

2027 Cellars ‘Falls Vineyard’ Riesling VQA 2008

$18.95
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes:  This Mosel-style Riesling has clean crisp aromas of citrus, mineral & a whiff of petrol. Dry, juicy & definitely mouth-watering, the fresh flavours of lemon-lime, stone fruit & green apple complement racy acidity & minerality. Great balance & a lasting finish – a fantastic wine find!

Suggested food pairings: A great choice for fish or pork tenderloin.

Want to buy this wine?  We can arrange for it to be delivered!

2027 Cellars will be a feature winery in next year's line up in our Savvy Selections wine of the month club. Like this wine? Subscribe & it’ll be delivered to your home or office!

On the northern shores of Nova Scotia,  Jost Vineyards has been making award-winning wines built on a 300-year  winemaking heritage.  Hans Wilhelm Jost moved his family from  the Rhine region of Germany to Nova Scotia in the early 1970s, bringing  with his a 300-year family tradition of winemaking. Hans Wilhelm wanted to break with tradition &  bought a 700-acre farm, selling beef and  hogs, grains, straw and corn.

“No grapes,” recalls Hans Christian  Jost, son of the late Hans Wilhelm, recollecting the early days. “My dad was  trained as a winemaker but he wanted to farm. My family had been making  wine in Germany since 1640, but we moved here to do everything except  grow grapes.”

Hans Christian, shares in a recent interview with Canadian Business Journal the turn of events that changed his late father's mind.  In  November 1983, Jost Vineyards was officially born when the Josts’  received a license to turn the garage of the family house into a winery,  followed by the construction of the operations that summer. True pioneers of the Nova Scotia wine industry and to that end, Canadian wine industry too, Jost has helped put Nova Scotia on the world wine map.

The Savvy Team has had the pleasure to work with Hans Christian & feature his wines at various winemakers dinners we have hosted.  We recommend that when your plans take you to Nova Scotia be sure to visit the winery or pick up a bottle of any of their red, white or dessert wine (they make a port too!) at a wine shop or the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC).

Jõst Vineyards ‘Eagle Tree’ Muscat 2010

$14.99
Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Crafted from New York Muscat grape variety that is grown extensively throughout Nova Scotia, this crisp dry wine combines aromas and flavours of luscious tropical fruit with the tang of grapefruit. There’s a fine balance of bright acidity and juicy fruit, a clean texture and a tasty and lasting finish.

A gold medal winner at the Atlantic Canada Wine Awards.

Suggested Food Pairing: Lobster of course!

Susan has more reviews Nova Scotia wines on NatDecants