All posts tagged Cabernet Sauvignon

LCBO’s Trent Report

by Kato on April 20, 2011 in Wine Picks with 2 Comments

TorresGranCorn2The LCBO Trend Report Tells All

The recent LCBO report says that ‘People are buying Pinot Noir and Ripasso’. Roughly translated the message is ‘we’d like more people to buy these, and other wines in the $16–$20 range, and not the cheap South American stuff. Please be trendy and support our profits.’

Best item in the beautiful catalogue (very Crate and Barrel) is TORRES Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Coronas Reserva – reduced by $3.00 and selling for $15.95 (#36483). Hefty Cabernet with a sensual side.

In case you’re not clued into the workings of LCBO promotions I suggest you read the fine print on the inside back cover ‘this advertising is paid for by participating suppliers’. It’s no different than all the other fliers.

Hey Barman, Give Me a Carmen

by Kato on May 13, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

carmenwebMy recent Recession Red tasting event seems to have opened peoples eyes and minds to the great buys to be had in the land of ten dollar wines. I’m seeing more acceptance,  even respect, for ‘cheap’ wine. In the past low prices usually signified low quality – but not anymore.

Today some good wine producers are deliberately selling low. Large wineries from countries short on prestige have no option but to sell at everyday prices. For them, their small margin per bottle ends being worthwhile because of volume sales. Owners of small wineries often admit to me that the competition’s ten dollar Chardonnay is as good as their fifteen dollar wine, but they “can’t match that price”.

The best example of selling low is Chile. Almost every Chilean wine on our shelves is under priced. The really good stuff is way under-priced, for example, the following pair from Carmen. Carmen 08 Chardonnay not only feels rich and luxurious but is also full of vitality. Glamour combined with a pure, fresh feeling. The Nicole Kidman of Chardonnay, and a great date for ten bucks. Pair it with a roast chicken from the Chalet and you’re all set.

Carmen’s Cab is also star quality. Immediately you’ll sense its rich and warmhearted nature, and as you engage it, a dry, French styling unfolds. Cabernet is, after all, a French grape variety. An air of formality makes it feel classier than most everyday priced reds from warm climates. I suggest steak frites, or le hamburger. Complete the Bistro feeling with a checkered tablecloth. Santé.

CARMEN 08 Chardonnay, Chile  235663 $9.90
CARMEN 06 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile 78980 $10.75

LCBO Vintages May 2, 2009

by Kato on May 2, 2009 in Vintages Picks with No comments

THE LOW DOWN: Tuscany is the feature but I found the wines to be too New World and expensive. Welcome to the modern era in Tuscany! Not for me.

My list is short but it contains a candidate for red wine value of the year in Santa Julia Cabernet from Argentina. The style is perfect for summer events. As are my two French Rosé picks. Southbrook Sauvignon is a wonderfully distinctive local expression. And I’m offering a Chablis for anyone up for adventure, if somewhat expensive.

Enjoy!
Billy

valjonRICH ROSÉ
CH. VAL JOANIS 08 Syrah Rosé, Luberon, France 707281 $15.95
The pale and deceptively rich Provence-style dry Rosé. Delicate, pretty flavours and just enough freshness to carry the show. Rosé for a weekend lunch that might run into dinner.


sparrFRESH ROSÉ
PIERRE SPARR Brut Rosé, Cremant d’Alsace, France 39016 $19.95
Bone dry Rosé with two great features. Super refreshing and the perfect partner to cut the richness in seafood. Shrimp or calamari on the deck!

southbrookFRESH WHITE
SOUTHBROOK 07 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Triomphe’, VQA Niagara 117556 $18.95
You gotta try this wonderful local expression of Sauvignon. Fresh, pungent and a little more earthy than most. Reminds me of traditional French wine that feels of a place rather than of fruits.Calls for food to complete the picture – such as a seafood appetizer or grilled chicken mains.

bernardRICH WHITE
DOM. BERNARD DEFAIX 06 Chablis 1er Cru, Burgundy, France 17541 $36.95
A very pure, delicate and elegant Chablis that will seduce you with French charm. And an opportunity to experience how Chablis differs from most other Chardonnays. And you must read the pretentious wine description in the LCBO catalogue (page 38)…too ridiculous for words.

juliaRUSTIC RED
SANTA JULIA 07 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina 93781 $13.95
Invigorating Cab that hits a middle ground between gutsy and yummy. New World ripe flavours with the refreshing character of a Chianti. The perfect candidate – style and price – for your house summer BBQ red. Don’t miss this one.
P.S. Produced by the Zuccardi family, the creators of ‘Fuzion’ at regular LCBO stores.

 

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