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.
We all need a change from our regular habits, and that includes our wine choices. So forget your favourites for one night and take a chance on something else – such as the newly arrived Quartetto red from Portugal. This is a great country to visit for detours because their wines are a little different. And inexpensive.
While Portugal is a progressive wine country, it has mainly stayed true to its roots as far as grape varieties. Instead of Merlot and Cab, wines are from indigenous grapes – in this case it’s Aragonez. Quartetto is rustic, delivering refreshing vitality along with earthy flavours. Think Portuguese Chianti! A classic bistro red and one of the LCBO’s best newcomers. Attractive label too, so you won’t look cheap!
MONTE DA CAL ’08 ‘QUARTETTO’, Alentejano, Portugal 253880 $8.85
Montalto wines would be many peoples idea of the perfect pair. A refreshing white and a blockbuster red. The white is one of the most elegant Pinot Grigios in the store and the red has the flavour concentration of something at three times the price. You’d be a fool not to invite them over for supper. At least once a week. Sicily is adding just another reason to shop Italy.
MONTALTO 10 PINOT GRIGIO, Sicily $8.95
MONTALTO 09 NERO D’AVOLA/CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Sicily $8.95
A decade ago it was predicted that the Central Otago region in New Zealand would be the next Mecca for Pinot. After you’ve tasted Mud House I think you’ll see that the Kiwis are on to something.
The wine is a perfect mix of the austerity of the original Burgundy Pinot, and the more fruity/friendly New World style. It’s refreshing and earthy – and also seductive. Just a delicious drink that exudes a Summer day, life is good feeling. Some predictions come true! I’d have to say it might be the best under $20 Pinot on the planet.
MUD HOUSE 08 PINOT NOIR, CENTRAL OTAGO, New Zealand 190462 $17.95
http://www.mudhouse.co.nz/wines
Henry’s Reserve Baco is for those who enjoy strangeness and peculiarity in wines. Wild flavours and sensations over plummy fruits and smoothness. This vintage is woodsy and bitter, but it also feels warmhearted. The contradictions often found in reds from Piedmont. Best on a Winter’s night with hearty food and company.
P.S. I recently had the opportunity to taste ten old vintages of Henry’s Reserve Baco and if you have a cellar I recommend you start including it. Get this 09 and follow with the wonderful 10 which will be at the winery next year. Two or three years aging is sufficient.
HENRY OF PELHAM 09 BACO NOIR RESERVE, VQA Ontario 461699 $24.95
***available for the September 3rd Vintages release. My few other recommendations from this release will be posted tomorrow.
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