Pinot Grigio’s appeal is its friendly, easy drinking style – it fits in well just about anywhere and the price is reasonable. I’m sure you know all that but maybe you’re looking to jazz up your Grigio times with something new, such as one from South Africa. As zesty and pleasant as the Italian versions, and it comes with a handy screw cap.
Flat Roof Manor 09 Pinot Grigio, South Africa 27128 $11.90
Vintages Saturday November 7th 2009
THE LOW DOWN: This is Vintages at its best. Offering wine styles not generally available. In whites there’s seductive Viognier, classy Quincy and an upscale Pinot Grigio. Those who share my fondness for rustic reds will have a field day with no less than six picks. I’m offering six rich reds too with Val Joanis Syrah leading the show for value.
WHITES
Wine style: FRESH WHITE
Jean-Michel Sorbe 08 Quincy, Loire, France 608877 $18.95
If you share my fondness for slightly tart whites with crystal clear flavours here’s a must buy. Spring day freshness and a great lift for the senses. Jazzy aperitif – but needs the summer season. Stick a few bottles away till then.
Wine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Stocco 08 Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Italy
135558 $14.95
The zesty quality of PG combined with sweet kisses. Yummy, yummy stuff. Sip anytime. Would be a huge hit at holiday parties.
Wine style: RICH WHITE
Laurent Miguel 08 Viognier ‘Nord Sud’, Languedoc, France
673236 $16.95
Would be hard to find a prettier wine. Lush, lovely and slightly sweet. A lover’s kiss. Best with spicy/hot food. If you’ve never had Viognier this would be a good first date.
Wine style: RICH WHITE
Yalumba 08 Viognier, Eden Valley, Australia
954644 $22.95
Lush, exotic, glamorous and sure to seduce. Movie star edition of Viognier. A super-rich white to sip late evening on the couch.
Wine style: RICH WHITE
Thorn-Clarke Eden-Valley 08 Chardonnay ‘Terra Barossa’, Australia
651349 $14.95
Well mannered Chard with lots of refreshment and a good-with-anything feeling. Upscale house wine.
REDS
Wine style: RUSTIC RED
Boeri 08 Dolcetto, Monferrato, Piedmont, Italy 134825 $13.95
Gutsy, tart, earthy red. Very local – add crusty bread and cheese and you’re in Italy. Wine this rustic is seldom exported. Not for the Shiraz drinker but a must for fans of traditional wines. You know who you are!
Wine style: RUSTIC RED
Ascheri 07 Barbera d’Alba ‘Fontanelle’, Piedmont, Italy
982462 $17.95
Classic Barbera – rustic, invigorating and challenging. The feeling of stepping into an old country café filled with decades of history and local flavour. A bit scary at first but hang in and the rewards will be priceless. Drink with, and as you prepare an Italian supper.
Wine style: RUSTIC RED
Ch. de Gourgazaud 07 Minervois ‘Cuvée Mathilde’, France
958629 $14.95
Lots of bistro character here. Not for the timid. Gutsy wine to pair with hearty meals. You’ll that you’re in France.
Wine style: RUSTIC RED
Coyote’s Run 07 Cabernet Franc ‘Black Paw Vineyard’, VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara 50450 $19.95
Seriously tart red that could be a Barbera. But what a wonderful expression of the lively Cab Franc grape. Invigorating stuff for early in the evening and to partner with traditional bistro foods.
Wine style: RUSTIC RED
Ch. de Lafaurie–Monbadon 05 Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux
140012 $15.00
Take a trip to a French bistro with this rustic red. Refreshingly real. I love the backstreet character. Beef or lamb.
Wine style: RUSTIC RED
Barbi 07 ‘Brusco dei Barbi’, Tuscany, Italy
673160 $14.95
Traditional Tuscan expression – lots of earthy flavours, even a little gamey. The tangy bite that gets the taste buds craving food. If you’re a fan of late Fall this is your wine. Have with anything oven–roasted.
Wine style: RICH RED
Ch. Val Joanis 06 Syrah, Rhône, France
965616 $15.95
Wonderful earthy, peppery rich red. You can taste the south of France. Stock up for winter. What a great value.
Wine style: RICH RED
Pierre Amadieu 07 Vacqueyras, Rhône, France
76398 $21.95
A mini Chateauneuf du Pape. Super rich, slightly sweet and very fireside. A winter warmer.
Wine style: RICH RED
Ch. Les Roches de Ferrand 05 Fronsac, Bordeaux, France
138669 $24.95
If you’re up for a traditional evening of Bordeaux and roast beef here’s a wine that won’t blow the budget. Dusty dry, appetizing and self assured. Best with people of similar character.
Wine style: RICH RED
Clos du Bois 06 Merlot, Sonoma, California
34900 $19.95
The folks at Clos du Bois are really good at combining Californian richness and ripeness with some French elegance. And delivering it at a reasonable price. Guaranteed to impress.
Wine style: RICH RED
Elderton 08 Shiraz ‘Friends’, Barossa Valley, Australia
660480 $15.00
Perfectly named! This is crowd-pleasing stuff that would work with ribs, turkey or for the weekend bash. Nothing dark or dense – more of the bright, lively spirit of Zin.
Wine style: RICH RED
Le Clos Jordanne 07 Pinot Noir, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara
33951 $40.00
Wonderful earthy, manly Pinot. A must buy for the fan, but it needs a year or two to really shine. Le Clos Jordanne is one of the top wineries in Canada for sure. You can find a selection of their wines at the better WineRack stores.
My friend Neil drinks almost as much wine as I do. He’s a no nonsense guy who has figured out a few different wine styles to suit his moods and needs. If it’s daylight Neil drinks Pinot Grigio. “Background stuff, but it sort of pleases me.”
Pinot Grigio is the blue jeans of the wine world – simple but good. A feel good, and comfortable wine.
Background stuff is not something that excites, or strokes the ego of most winemakers but some here in Ontario are willing to oblige. And impress. Pelee Island has been producing very gulpable Pinot Grigio for as long as I remember and the 08 vintage may be their best ever. Fresh, fruity and a best buddy from the first sip. Summer patio stock for sure. Creekside in Niagara produces a drier edition that will hit the spot on hot days. Handy screwcap.
PELEE ISLAND 08 Pinot Grigio, VQA Ontario 326413 $11.95
CREEKSIDE 07 Pinot Grigio, VQA Ontario 83196
$13.95
P.S. In wine country look for Pinot Gris (same as Grigio) at the following wineries: MALIVOIRE 08 Pinot Gris, Niagara ($18.95) is the designer jeans of Gris – crisp for refreshment and delicious for sipping. Stylish new packaging. Perfect hostess gift. HUFF ESTATE in Prince Edward County have elevated Pinot Grigio ($18.95) to something classy. Bright, jazzy and brimming with confidence. Shades of house wine at a fancy French restaurant. Another good County Gris is The GRANGE ‘Trumpour’s Mill’ 07 ($14.95). Lovely fruity, spicy flavours.
Billy: Yikes! Clearly I didn't drink ENOUGH.
Thanks....
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