THE LOW DOWN: The feature wine country for the March 6th Vintages release is Chile – so it’s going to be a mixed feelings release due to the tragic earthquake. While there might not have been loss of life at the wineries, there is talk of substantial loss of wine stocks. This is an unfortunate [...]
‘STEAK DINNER’
Hillebrand’s Trius Red is now in its 20th vintage – a legend in local wine. It’s produced from the Bordeaux grape varieties (Cabs and Merlot) and I like how it manages to feel both stylish and crowd-pleasing. Fancy but not pretentious. The Canadian way. The early vintages of Trius were made by a French [...]
THE LOW DOWN: My favourite wines from the previous two releases were Côtes du Rhône, and now this release features that region (the southern Rhône). Yippee!! My five picks this week are out-and-out charmers. So warm and cuddly you may not want the winter to end.
I’m also recommending a pair of New World rich reds [...]
Also posted in Wine Picks | Tagged Cava, Côtes du Rhône, chardonnay, Chile, Cono Sur, France, Peller, South Africa, Sparkling, syrah, Vineland, VQA |
If you’re just tuning in, check out the other lessons posted on Billy’s Online Wine School page to your left. Enjoy your homework!
WINE LESSON # 5 Côtes du Rhône
I want to repeat the first lesson because of the flood of Côtes du Rhône wines appearing at Vintages this Saturday. You must grab this opportunity to [...]
THE LOW DOWN: A very traditional Côtes du Rhône is my highlight of this release. Bistro at its best. Earthy but also rich is the Priorat from the North of Spain. Characterful stuff. For an interesting white wine experience check out Greco di Tufo from the south of Italy. This ancient Greek grape variety can [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Six picks ranging in price from $15 to $25. Blockbuster, crowd-pleasing Argentinan wines are the feature but they are outdone by my Cotes du Rhone pick. France also scores with a Sauv Blanc. Malivoire Gamay and Southbrook Chard are outstanding locals.
WHITES
wine style: fresh white
LA CHABLISIENNE 08 Sauvignon, Saint-Bris, France 641753 $14.95
Seriously dry [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Best Vintages release in a long time. Lots of great tasting and distinctive wines for only $12.95. But you must try the Rasteau for $15.
anytime sipper
wine style: fresh white
RAPAURA SPRINGS 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, N.Z. 142919 $14.95 New Zealand Sauv in a mellow mood. Well, almost. The usual exuberance is tempered with [...]
Also posted in Wine Picks | Tagged Argentina, chardonnay, Chile, Corbieres, France, Italy, New Zealand, Portugal, Rasteau, red wine, sauvignon blanc, Terra D'Aligi, Vinho Verde, viognier, white wine |
Niagara’s Clos Jordanne has just released its 2007 Pinots and Chardonnays ($25-70) and they are as impressive as the previous releases from this organic winery. I think that the Chardonnays will need a year to lose their youthful sweetness and the single vineyard Pinot will certainly be more together with time. However, there’s one Pinot [...]
Re-recommended Red
I don’t usually do this, but after a few more bottles of a recent Vintage recommendation I want to do a repeat. Côtes de Castillon is rustic, wonderfully bistro-ish and for just $15 you can have an imaginary trip to France. Situated is on the fringe of Bordeaux so you get a Merlot/Cab blend [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Vintages always produce glitzy catalogues for the holidays, but the wines are seldom as good as the photography. Good wine don’t appear on demand. Regular readers will know that I frequently recommend something for Christmas in June and summer wines in the winter.
I will be covering Sparkling, Sweet and other holiday favourites [...]
Also posted in Wine Picks | Tagged Austria, Chile, Clos Jordanne, France, Gruner, Inniskillin, pinot noir, red wine, Spain, Vintages Picks, Vouvray, VQA, white wine |
