This series of reviews stems from a blind tasting of three white wines, all of which were touted as typical representations of their respective terroir/location. Our journey began in Burgundy, France, and ended in Alto Adige, Italy, via Marlborough, New Zealand. For our pick of the lot, read on… Wine 1: Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuissé Vintage: … Read more
You know you have a great bottle of wine when you look forward to drinking it again… Name: CastelGiocondo Brunello di Montalcino Vintage: 2009 Producer: Tenuta CastelGiocondo, Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi Region/Country: Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese Consumed: October 1st 2016 at home Recommended By: LCBO vintages Cost: $50 Bottle Presentation: Classic and distinctive. We … Read more
Young, full-bodied, and Intense… Name: Supreno Vintage: 2013 Producer: Alma – Santa Maria della Versa Region/Country: Puglia, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Sangiovese, Merlot Consumed: Firegrill Restaurant, Montreal Recommended By: An amiable waitress at the Firegrill Restaurant Cost: $59.00 Bottle Presentation: Modern, bordering on dramatic (somehow reminiscent of Dracula), would definitely stand out on the shelf Appearance: … Read more
Pleasantly surprised by this lighter Italian red… Name: Matto Barolo Vintage: 2011 Producer: Matto Wines Region/Country: Piedmont, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Nebbiolo Consumed: At Vittoria Trattoria Restaurant Recommended By: Chosen from the wine list Cost: $75 Bottle Presentation: Modern and distinct. Part of the label reminded us of an inkblot. Appearance: Light garnet, which is surprising … Read more
Bring on the pizza and pasta… Name: Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore Vintage: 2014 Producer: Folonari Region/Country: Veneto, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara Consumed: Le Vieux Four Manago, Saint-Sauveur Recommended By: Restaurant server Cost: $38 at the restaurant (apparently $19.95 at SAQ) Bottle Presentation: Classic, rich look Appearance: Medium-dark ruby Nose: Sour cherries, leather, … Read more
An intriguing IGT with a beautiful bottle that divulges its secrets over time… Name: Diadema Vintage: 2009 Producer: Diadema Wine & Champagne, SRL Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): 75% Sangiovese, 10% Cabernet, 10% Merlot, 5% Syrah Consumed: June 24, 2016 at home Recommended By: A good friend (we received it as a wedding gift) Cost: … Read more
A lovely dessert wine… Name: Ca’ del Baio 101 Moscato D’Asti Vintage: 2012 Producer: Domaine Mathieu Region/Country: Treiso, Italy Grape Varietal(s): White Moscato Consumed: Atelier Restaurant in Ottawa Recommended By: The restaurant sommelier, Gabriel Cost: Unknown Bottle Presentation: Modern with a hint of the traditional Appearance: Light gold Nose: Peaches Taste: Sweet Peaches, with tiny, … Read more
A nice old-world wine from a fantastic region… Name: Bosco Nestore Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva Vintage: 2010 Producer: Bosco Nestore & C. S.n.c. Region/Country: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 85%, Cabernet Sauvignon 15% Consumed: At home with a colleague from Innsbruck, Austria Recommended By: LCBO Cost: $19.95 CAD Bottle Presentation: Interesting though the label … Read more