A Merlot-Sangiovese blend with excellent potential… Name: La Vite Lucente Vintage: 2014 Producer: Luce della Vite, Frescobaldi Region/Country: Tuscany, Italy Grape Varietal(s): Merlot and Sangiovese Alcohol content: 13.5% Consumed: At Bella Gelateria and Pizzeria in Vancouver, Canada Recommended By: Picked it off the wine list at the restaurant Cost: $75 CAD at the restaurant (available … Read more
An easy-to-drink Greek white wine using an indigenous varietal, Malagouzia… Name: Malagouzia Matsa Vintage: 2015 Producer: Roxani Matsa Estate, Boutari Wines Region/Country: Attica, Greece Grape Varietal(s): Malagouzia Consumed: At home Recommended By: The duty-free shop at the Athens airport Cost: Unknown (it was a gift) Bottle Presentation: A clean, classy label written in Greek (we … Read more
A balanced, complex South African red blend at a tremendously good price… Name: Glenelly Grand Vin Vintage: 2010 Producer: Glenelly Estate Region/Country: Stellenbosch, South Africa Grape Varietal(s): Syrah (36%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Merlot (20%), Petit Verdot (10%) Consumed: At home Recommended By: The last chance bin at the LCBO (though other locations, especially in the … Read more
If you enjoy tart wines, this Albariño will be up your alley… Name: Follas Novas Albariño Vintage: 2015 Producer: Paco and Lola Region/Country: Rias Baixas, Spain Grape Varietal(s): Albariño Consumed: At home on another beautiful summer evening. Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO. Cost: $19.75 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive, modern, textured … Read more
A well-balanced, unoaked Chardonnay from Cave Spring to tickle your palate… Name: Chardonnay Musqué Vintage: 2013 Producer: Cave Spring Region/Country: VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Chardonnay Musqué Consumed: At home Recommended By: Purchased it from the winery after a wonderful tasting with Tom Pennachetti, Vice President, Marketing and Sales for Cave Spring. … Read more
An excellent Cabernet Franc from Pillitteri that was well worth the wait… Name: Cabernet Franc Family Reserve Vintage: 2002 Producer: Pillitteri Region/Country: VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Cabernet Franc Consumed: At home as part of a birthday celebration (not saying which one). Recommended By: Received it as a gift from a beloved source. Cost: … Read more
A very good Viognier from Willamette Valley, Oregon… Name: Estate Viognier Vintage: 2015 Producer: Cristom Vineyards Region/Country: Eola-Amity Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA Grape Varietal(s): Viognier Consumed: At home on a gorgeous, early summer evening Recommended By: Received it as a gift as part of a Wine Collective package Cost: $65 CAD Bottle Presentation: A … Read more
What a great Icewine should be… Name: Riesling Icewine Vintage: 2014 Producer: Henry of Pelham Region/Country: VQA Niagara Peninsula, Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Riesling Consumed: At home on a cool early summer evening Recommended By: Purchased it from the winery after an engaging, informative tasting led by Paul Speck Cost: $34.95 CAD Bottle Presentation: … Read more
A vibrant, beautifully-made Ontario Rosé… Name: Rosé Vintage: 2016 Producer: Henry of Pelham Region/Country: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Grape Varietal(s): Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Zweigelt, Merlot, Cabernet Franc (percentages unknown) Consumed: At home on a gorgeous (finally!) summer evening Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at the LCBO Cost: $13.75 CAD Bottle Presentation: Distinctive … Read more
A Rosé that’s sweet in the nose, dry in the mouth, and fantastic in the hand… Name: Anew Rosé Vintage: 2016 Producer: Anew Winery, under the Château Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ group Region/Country: Columbia Valley, Washington, USA Grape Varietal(s): Syrah (93%) and Grenache (7%) Consumed: At home Recommended By: Picked it off the shelf at … Read more