Billy Munnelly – Billy's Best Bottles Wine Blog

Seductive Red!

Billy — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:10:15 +0000

WORLD’S MOST SEDUCTIVE RED IS NOW AVAILABLE

The LCBO is offering one of the world’s best everyday priced red Riojas. Certainly one of the most seductive. Which is what this wine is all about. I like to call Rioja the original Shiraz – a smooth red wine heavily perfumed with vanilla (from oak casks). It also offers delicious strawberry flavours from the native Spanish grape, Tempranillo. Only poor marketing has prevented Rioja from becoming the most loved red wine in the world. Check it out – before, and with any winter meal.Spain 243055 $11.95

Better Than A Groundhog!

Billy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:45:40 +0000

Kudos to reader and blogger Travis Oke (http://www.pullthecork.wordpress.com) who came up with this little test for February 1st.

“I put this bottle of champagne outside this morning and it saw its shadow so we’re drinking it tonight.”

Susan Did It!

Billy — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:17:57 +0000

One of my favourite lines to restaurant owners is “Get the wine from the cellar and put it on the bar where customers can see it!”

And Susan Dunfield, owner extraordinaire of my favourite Stratford bar, DOWN THE STREET, just sent me this photo. Seeing is believing!

“I thought you would get a kick out of our “wine rack roll back” display ! You always said people should just come up to the bar and look at and talk about wine so, I’ve done it. Time to clear out all the ends… Also we are selling”good cheap” white and red by the glass for under 5 bucks.” Susan Dunfield

Check out www.downthestreet.ca
Open Friday and Saturday during the winter

Good cheap 60′s 70′s style (small town) comfort food.

Planning Your Summer Reds

Billy — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:05:04 +0000

Natalie Spytkowsky of Rosewood Winery creates one of the purest expressions in local Pinot. Her 09 is very Beaujolais-ish, refreshing, appetizing and fun to drink. One sip and you’ll think SUMMER – on the patio, with picnic, or a BBQed side of salmon. Of course you’ll be careful to only invite your favourite fun-times friends and foods. Buy this week because it’s $2 off. Vintages department.

ROSEWOOD 09 Pinot Noir, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara (Vintages) 112177 $20.00 (NOW on sale! $18.00)

http://www.rosewoodwine.com

Lisbon Anyone?

Billy — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 13:11:21 +0000

Lovely Lisbon and Area

Travel with me this OCTOBER 16 to 24

Cafés, culture, architecture, gardens, beaches, wine, food and FUN!

Besides good looks Lisbon has a personality that seduces you and keeps you wanting more.

We’ve worked hard to design an itinerary that is incredible. Staying in an restored Art Deco hotel in the heart of one of the most beautiful cities on earth….full of vistas set against a beautiful river. And taking many day trips to gardens, galleries, castles, the sea, and wineries (of course!). ALL dinners WITH WINE, breakfasts, most lunches and transportation are INCLUDED. Wine and cooking classes too!

PLUS we’ve designed the trip dates around an inexpensive DIRECT Air Transat flight so nothing could be easier! October is a beautiful time to be there – not touristy and still beautiful day temperatures.

Hope you will come on board. Read all about it HERE!

Great News for Cocktail Lovers

Billy — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:32:20 +0000

Starting Feb. 1^st,, the LCBO is offering ‘Come celebrate the return of the Cocktail Hour at your local LCBO’.

That’s what their promo says.

Let’s hold them to it and show up at 5:00.

Create hell if they don’t deliver!

LCBO Vintages Saturday Jan 21, 2012

Billy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:21:55 +0000

This release contains some classic editions of wine styles. A great learning opportunity. While the Argentina Pinot is a great drinking opportunity. As ever, all my picks over-deliver for the price.

WHITE
Wine-style: Fresh White (Classic Riesling)
HENRY of PELHAM 09 Reserve Off-Dry Riesling, VQA Short Hills Bench 557165 $15.95
Precision, poise and performance. A classic Riesling with the sleek, stylish character of a fast German car. Exciting yin yang of tartness and teasing peachy fruitiness. Quite dry and refreshing right now. Riesling fans should cellars a stash for summer patio lunches over the next five years.

REDS
Wine Style: Lively/Rustic/Rich Red
ALFREDO ROCA 10, Pinot Noir, Mendoza, Argentina 32979 $12.95
Pinot purists stay away. Those looking for something new in lightish reds should get on this right away. I’m calling it my Argentinian Beaujolais. So deliciously gulpable – my bottle was empty in no time. A fun red that I’m stocking-up on for summer events. Best lightly chilled.
Wine Style: Rich Red (Classic Modern Spanish)
BODEGAS CASTANO 06 Reserva ‘Pozuelo’, Yecla, Spain 35485 $14.95
Castano is located in the blazing heat of the south of Spain but this winery manages to produce rich red wines with wonderful fresh flavours and vitality. Not to mention nourishment, mystery and drinkability. Tasty stuff that feels very real. I’ll be drinking lots of this. Yes, it’s from the same winery as La Casona, the $8 bargain at regular LCBOs.

Wine Style: Rich Red (Classic Traditional Spanish)
BODEGAS IGNACIO MARIN 08 Garnacha ‘Old Vine’, Carinena, Spain 214205 $15.95
Crafted in the style of traditional Riojas – lots of vanilla sweetness and old world flavours. Wine that suggests dinner at your favourite Ye Old Mill Restaurant. Not for everyone, but worth exploring.

Wine Style: Rich Red (Classic South of France)
CH. de TREVIAC 08 Corbieres, France 670505 $15.95
France does blockbuster. Really well too. A solid, rich red that’s very together and satisfying. A few years of bottle has brought out some soul. Most New World wineries would charge a lot more for a show this big and interesting. I’ve recommended at least two previous vintages of Ch. Treviac.
Wine Style: Rich Red (Classic Chianti Riserva)
CASA TRIACCA 08 Chianti Classico Riserva ‘La Madonnina’, Tuscany, Italy 191361 $24.95
The woodsy, haunting, rustic feeling of good Chianti Riserva. Satisfying without a trace of excess or adornment. Fit for a King but more of a Country Squire because of the woodsy quality. Best with grilled or roasted meats.

P.S. PETALOS 09 Descendientes de L. Palacios, Biero, Spain 675207 $22.95
This red wine (and winemaker) gets rave reviews but I fail to see anything more than density and heft. Sure there’s impact but where’s the drinkability! Maybe in 2–3 years when the wine is less solemn and serious!

LCBO Vintages Catch-Up

Billy — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:33:17 +0000

A FEW PICKS OF WINES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE

I’m doing my best to keep you posted with good stuff from Vintages. Since moving to the country it’s more difficult to attend all the tasting but I hope to find ways to keep bringing you the most interesting offerings. Such as these.
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WHITES
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DUCA di CASTELMONTE 10 Inzola, Sicily 249573 $14.95
Steely dry, low flavoured, with the classy feeling of a fancy French wine such as Chablis. Really works your taste buds and appetite so think aperitif and seafood appetizer. Best on a hot summer evening. Inzola is a native Sicilian grape.

P.S. Italy is the current champion of alternative dry white wines. The place to turn to when you’re tired of Chard, Sauv, etc.
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MURPHY-GOODE 09 Sauvignon Blanc ‘The Fumé’, California 721092 $18.95
Speaking of alternative whites, here’s a novel Sauvignon from California. Mildly herbaceous but mainly it’s a hard to describe fresh ’n tasty wine. I brought a bottle to a party and couldn’t stop drinking it. Wonderful combination of yummy and elegance. Which totally suited the party. Maybe it will be perfect for yours too.
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BAVA 10 Moscato d’Asti, Piedmont, Italy 712547 $14.95
Super-light, low alcohol, semi sweet wine with delicious exotic flavours. One of those novel whites to have open in the fridge for ‘whenever’. Such as Sunday morning, or to get you through an hour with a boring neighbour or inlaw.

P.S. Excited about our BILLY TOUR to visit my buddy Roberto BAVA in October! Read about our tour HERE!
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REDS
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HUNTER’S 09 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand 586115 $21.95
This is really solid, good, twenty-dollar Pinot. You get a combination of bright New World-style flavours and the drier, earthy feeling of the original from France. Sensual and appetizing. Wow! The perfect wine partner for just about all foods not in the steak camp. And romantic moments.
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COYOTE’S RUN 09 Pinot Noir, VQA Niagara 53090 $19.95
Pinot fans won’t go wild over this but it delivers a decent performance for the price. Freshness, flavour, charm and that uniquely Pinot personality. Shows best with a light chilling and the mood for a light red. Perhaps with a simple take-out BBQ chicken.
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McMANIS 10 Zinfandel, California 256735 $18.95
I like how this Zin combines blockbuster with some playfulness. And delicious bright berry flavours. And a Latino spirit. While you could have it with steak, I think it’s more in the ribs or burger family. More lighthearted. You gotta have a few Zin evenings – with or without food, to get through the winter.

P.S. I’ll be offering my picks from the Jan 21 release next week. Don’t worry, the wines will still be available.

Stylish Local White

Billy — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:32:12 +0000

One of the recent best-things-to-happen in local wine has been the creation of the ‘blend’. Especially in whites. We now have a range of really interesting, multipurpose whites at reasonable prices, that I’ve featured in my blogs. Ravine Winery has taken the concept to the next level with a blend that’s not just friendly but also special, and stylish. The something different feeling. While it’s light ’n refreshing, it also creates the feeling of being at a seaside terrace in Italy or France. The good life! Naturally it will work best in the Summer for lunch/patio sipper/aperitif or whenever. But check it out now to get you in the mood.

Congrats to Ravine for developing a truly local, and stylish wine experience. While it’s not everyday priced I think you’ll see the value in the experience.

RAVINE 10 ‘Sand & Gravel’ York Road, VQA Niagara 260414 $16.95

Take a Chance on Barbabelle

Billy — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 04:17:29 +0000

Regular readers will know of my fondness for Rhone reds and some of you may remember a previous recommendation of one with the attractive name of Barbabelle. The current 09 vintage is the perfect winter warmer – rich, spicy, earthy and warmhearted. All the Rhone feelings. I really like the traditional red wine sense of the earth, and flavours that go beyond obvious fruits.

This is what’s called a ‘consignment’ wine that you order directly from the agent (by the case) to be shipped to your home, office or weekend condo. While it still will pass through the clutches of the LCBO I like the personal touch of ordering a wine directly from the importer. The guy or gal who selected it. Split the case with a friend if twelve bottles is too much.

MARC KREYDENWEISS 09 ‘Barbabelle’, Costieres de Nimes, Rhone, France $14.95 Case of 12 $179.40

Order here by clicking on Ontario.
http://www.wineonline.ca/index.php/ci_id/1651/la_id/1/wine_color/red/tax_id/1310

The Dirt on the LCBO

Billy — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 04:16:38 +0000

The LCBO does a great job of trying to convince us that they are the best drinks operator on the planet. And that nobody can generate tax dollars as well as they can. But not everyone swallows the hype. I’ve nothing against the government running supermarket-style stores with everyday wines, but why not let private enterprise deliver all the interesting, quirky, deluxe stuff that needs personal selling/explaining. Let some of the heart and soul of the drink come through. For the real story on generating tax dollars read the following. http://www.winelaw.ca/cms/index.php/legal-info-for-the-public/15/184-canadian-liquor-economics-101

Pronouncing German Wine Names

Billy — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 04:14:50 +0000

German wine names are difficult, unless you’re German of course. Or you happen to like Blue Nun. Watch this video (click on it) and see German winemakers making it all sound too easy. A fun and informative video. Best viewed with a glass of Schlossbockelheimer Konigsfels Riesling Kabinett in hand!

Love This Rustic Local

Billy — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:11:36 +0000

IF YOU LIKE RUSTIC YOU’LL LOVE THIS LOCAL

I’ve just had an amazing local red. Not anything that would score big with Mr Parker and followers, nor impress on steak night, nor make your weekend party friends giggle with pleasure. This was a wine of the earth, a soulful drink, an honest drink with the rustic qualities found in old-fashioned Bordeaux reds.

So often local (and elsewhere) winemakers feel the need to soften/sweeten/tame the wild character in Cabernet Franc, but not Charmes. This is the real thing. A wonderful true expression that’s at peak right now. Best with any simply roasted/grilled meat.

Unfortunately there isn’t much remaining of this Vintages release. Do the store search by clicking on the wine name at http://www.lcbo.ca/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/searchResults.do?ITEM_NAME=453415&ITEM_NUMBER=453415&language=EN

CHATEAU DES CHARMES 07 Cabernet Franc ‘St. David’s Bench Vineyard’, VQA St. David’s Bench, Niagara
453415 $25.95

Postcard from Florida

Billy — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 16:02:46 +0000

“On Christmas day we had breakfast at a French Bistro, and supper at an Italian restaurant.”

A postcard from friends in Florida. Living the good life.

Winter Cabernet

Billy — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 04:10:25 +0000

My first wine post of the New Year is in keeping with predictions from the previous one. Chile is the wine drinkers new best friend, and there’s lots of good wine to be had under $10. Kawin is crafted in the yummy, plummy, rich style of a Merlot and there’s the smoothness and slight sweetness found in most reds from Mr Lurton. Sure to please on a cold January night. Forgot to note the year on the bottle, but whatever you get will be what I tasted.

FRANCOIS LURTON Cabernet Sauvignon ‘Kawin’, Chile 219444 $9.95

Inspiration for the New Year

Billy — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:44:31 +0000

Breaking Bread

Billy — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 04:22:15 +0000

Bread is probably my second favourite food (sourdough fermentation!) and I recently had an orgasmic shopping morning thanks to the good folks of Burdan’s Bakery & organic farm. They come to London’s Western Fairgrounds Saturday Farmers Market with dozens of breads, buns and other tempting baked goods. You cannot miss the charming wagon located outside the market entrance. Lots more goodies inside the market including excellent espresso on the second floor.

BURDAN’S Red Cat Organic Farm & Bakery, 82560 Bluewater Hwy, Goderich (and at the Western Fairgrounds at the Saturday Farmers Market in London).

P.S. I’m excited to be participating in London’s Wine & Food Show on Friday January 13th – the ‘Girls Night Out’.

Sir Terrance & I

Billy — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 04:07:56 +0000

I have always admired the work of British designer/restaurateur Terrance Conran so you can imagine my delight at seeing our books side by side. Must make him feel proud too!

Wine for the Non-Drinker

Billy — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 04:11:20 +0000

No, I don’t need to remind you to stock up on Perrier for teetotalers and DDs, but you may also want to consider the almost non-drinker with offerings of low-alcohol drinks. These will be slightly, to semi-sweet which usually pleases the casual drinker. Who knows, you might join ’em in a glass! Chill well and considering including some of these for all your daytime entertaining.

HOST TIP: Give non-drinkers the same glass as your other guests. Let them look and feel part of the party.

LOW ALCOHOL: SPARKLING

BOTTEGA Moscato ‘Petalo Il Vino Del Amore’, Italy 588780 $12.35
…super light and semi sweet. Delicious morning drink.

BAREFOOT BUBBLY Moscato, California 215061 $12.95
…exotic, sweet flavours, but also refreshing. Playful.

VINA CASAL DE GORCHS ‘Fresita’, Chile 56697 $13.95
…semi-sweet, strawberry flavoured. Perfect.

LOW ALCOHOL: STILL

BOTTER N/V Moscato, Puglia, Italy 239517 $9.95
…frothy/sweet/musky and sure to please.

HILLEBRAND 10 Gewurztraminer ‘Artist Series’, VQA Ontario 554378 $11.45
…off-dry, mild-mannered and big on niceness.

McWILLIAM’S 09 Moscato ‘Hanwood Estate’, Australia 212696 $13.95
…semi-sweet and a big charmer.

LANGGUTH 08 Riesling ‘Black Slate’, Mosel, Germany 176917 $10.95
…off-dry. Lovely delicate feeling and flavours.

A Few Bubbles

Billy — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:05:56 +0000

Sparkling wine is an all-season drink for most of us but for some strange reason a few of our fellow mankind have difficulty popping a cork other than on New Years Eve. And even then, it’s often a half hearted effort with the cheapest bottle in the store.

Budget price bubbly is a good idea for NYE as the focus is more on the moment than the drink. But you can have it both ways – low price and high quality. The world is full of great tasting bubbly at reasonable prices such as my LCBO picks below. Most are dry, but my final three offerings are off-dry, crowd-pleasers.

Put global misfortunes aside for one evening – the world is STILL a WONDERFUL place. Well worth celebrating.

JACOB’S CREEK SPARKLING BRUT Chardonnay/Pinot Noir, Australia 562991 $13.95
…very Champagne-like. Amazing value.

CONO SUR SPARKLING BRUT, Chile 215079 $13.95
…Cono Sur over-delivers with all its wines

HUNGARIA GRANDE CUVEE BRUT, Hungary 217539 $11.95
…earthy old-world guy.

HILLEBRAND ‘TRIUS’ BRUT, VQA Niagara 215913 $24.95
…confident, characterful local.

MUMM NAPA BRUT ‘PRESTIGE’, California 256678 $27.75
…looks good, tastes good.

NICOLAS FEUILLATTE BRUT CHAMPAGNE, France 537605 $44.95
…a value in the Champagne world.

LOUIS ROEDERER BRUT CHAMPAGNE, France 268771 $62.95 (Vintages Essentials)
…if you’re up for a splurge.

PELEE ISLAND ‘SECCO’, VQA Ontario 225946 $15.95
…local answer to Prosecco.

BAREFOOT BUBBLY PINOT GRIGIO, California 106088 $12.95
…high quality party plonk.

YELLOW TAIL BUBBLES, Australia 229039 $13.95
…best Yellow Tail yet. Handy screw top.