Billy Munnelly’s recommendations for LCBO Vintages, Saturday November 12, 2011
I’m entertaining more expensive and classic wines as we head into the holiday season. Treats for yourself, to share, or give as gifts. This is a good time of the year to use Vintages.
All posts tagged France
LCBO Vintages Saturday Nov 12
LCBO VINTAGES – HOLIDAY WINES
LCBO VINTAGES – STOCKING UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Wines released October 29, 2011
These and all my November picks will be selected with the Holidays in mind. Start building your stash now so you can relax and enjoy yourself – with a collection of wines that you simply cannot put together on a cold, busy afternoon in mid-December.
Summer Red
My most delicious light red experience this summer has been Labet’s CdR.
Behind that traditional label is a wine bursting with bright, fresh fruitiness and vitality. Lip-smacking stuff. Love how it feels both lighthearted but also ‘winey’. Lightly chill of course, and decant into clear glass to enjoy the cherry red colour. With a crusty baguette and wedge of brie you’ll almost be in France.
FRANCOIS LABET 10 Cotes du Rhone, France 630657 $11.45
(I posted this previously with the wrong picture and product number. Thanks Peter!)
Amazing Chardonnay
Burgundy is the home of Chardonnay but you usually have to spend big bucks for quality wines. Not any more as the folks at Loron are offering a gem at an everyday price. I raved about the 08 vintage in my Billy’s Best Book and the just arrived 09 is even better. Steely mineral freshness combined with a tease of richness. Quite elegant too Exciting aperitif and first course partner. I could drink a ton of this. Amazing value. And you gotta love the fun/modern label. Thanks Loron.
LORON 09 Chardonnay, Burgundy, France 167155 12.95
LCBO Vintages Saturday July 9, 2011
LCBO Vintages, Saturday, July 9/2010
THE LOW DOWN: Vintages serves two purposes: the supply of high-priced wines for those that need them, and the supply of everyday-priced wines in styles not available at regular LCBOs. My picks are mainly from the later category – wines for the enthusiast seeking adventure in their drinking.
South Africa is this week’s star in Rosé, especially the sparkling. Check out Ch. Ferran and I’m sure agree that good white Bordeaux is due a come-back. John Howard has the most impressive Niagara cellar at Megalomaniac and his semi-dry Riesling is no slouch either.
Fans of Cabernet Franc will want to explore the original from Chinon and if it’s a hit of Tuscany you’re after look for Castellani Chianti. Stratus is also offering rustic in the form of an earthy Rosé. Barbaresco is usually a bit pricy but not so the seductive Santa Vittoria, and my blockbusters from Argentina and France also offer great value.
I did find one wine – Groth Chardannay, in the catalogue’s high priced and high score feature that delivers some magic.
Slainté.
Billy
ROSÉ
wine style: sparkling dry Rosé
GRAHAM BECK Brut Rosé, South Africa 175588 $18.95
Best value sparkling Rosé on the planet. Classic Champagne styling and elegance. A no-brainer to kick off summer events. Get a case.
wine style: dry Rosé
BOEKENHOUTSKLOOF 2010 Rosé ‘The Wolftrap’, South Africa 169409 $12.95
Dry Rosé with a little smokiness – the perfect BBQ partner. Light the charcoal!
Travis: I think Rioja is my most loved wine in the world - maybe Cotes du Rhon...