THE LOW DOWN: I didn’t get to the Vintages press tasting for this Saturday’s release but here’s a couple of delicious reds I tasted elsewhere. The Rhone is all charm and the Pinotage delivers a bit mre grit. Both are wonderful wines and values – and who knows? They may be the best two wines [...]
Vintages Sat May 1/2010
THE LOW DOWN: Lacks the outstanding values of recent releases but there’s some good explorer wines. Such as a couple of heavy hitting Zinfandels, and a bargain priced red from the south of France. Guigal’s white Rhone and the Moulin-a-Vent would be a delightful French pairing for a summer dinner party. Prince [...]
LCBO Vintages Saturday April 17th Release
THE LOW DOWN: A few years ago I met the folks from Monte Del Ffra winery in Italy’s Veneto region and fell in love with their wines. Imagine my delight to see their Custoza, Bardolino and Valpolicello in this release. An opportunity to experience modern German Riesling and yet another [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Unfortunately, most of the Spanish reds offered in this release are super-rich/smooth – catering to the North American palate – but I did find some interesting and reasonable priced picks. France keeps giving us reasons to return to the motherland of wine: a white Burgundy, a red Bordeaux and a Côtes du [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Australia, chardonnay, France, Malivoire, red wine, Rioja, Southbrook, Spain, Sparkling, VQA, white wine |
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 [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Cava, 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 [...]
Vintages, Saturday Sept 26
THE LOW DOWN: Three novel Italian whites are the hits of this release. All under $15. In reds, you’ll make a lot of people happy with my Côtes du Rhône or Napa Cab picks. I don’t usually recommend forty-five dollar wines but Foreign Affair Pinot is both novel and wonderfully satisfying if [...]
