All posts tagged red

Masi: Improving with Age

by Kato on November 23, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

masiImproving with Age – the Masi Way

Much is written about wine improving with age, but what about wineries improving? I was asked recently if Masi Campofiorin was ‘still good’, to which I replied ‘Better than ever!‘ I highly recommend the 06 vintage and it’s in my new book.

Not only has Masi maintained quality over the 25 years I’ve been drinking their wines, they also have stuck with Italy’s traditional, vigorous, gutsy style – when many of their neighbouring Amarone and Ripasso producers have soften, smooth out and sweetened their wines for greater international appeal.

Masi Valpolicella Ripasso ‘Campofiorin’, Veneto, Italy 155051 $17.45
“Deep earthy flavours combined with an assured, confident feeling, The sense of something that’s been around forever. Invites you to linger and spend the night. Best with primo meats, simply grilled. If possible, decant an hour before.” (from Billy’s Best Bottles Wines for 2010)

Masi 06 Amarone Valpolicella ‘Costasera’, Veneto, Italy 317057 $37.25
“More winter warmth than a fireplace. Flavours seem to be a mile deep. Wine to nourish the body and soul. Will be even more exciting in 2-3 years.” (from Billy’s Best Bottles Wines for 2010)

The Other Corona!

by Kato on November 21, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

The Other Corona!

Today I tasted several disappointing Pinot Noirs. Many were expensive. Before supper I opened Torres ‘Coronas‘ as a way of getting back to earth – with an old friend. Okay I’m lying. I’ve always preferred Torres ‘Sangre de Toro’ over the ‘Coronas’ but I’m open to making new friends, and I found one. The relationship started out slowly – easy and friendly at first, but each glass got more interesting. I found the charm I’d hope for in the pricey Pinots. Coronas saved the day.

Tempranillo is the grape behind Cornas. Expect mellow, spicy sweetness from time spent in oak casks. Think Shiraz with a little Euro styling. Could not only save your day, but make it. Lovely to sip anytime.

Wine style: semi-rich red
Torres 06 ‘Coronas’, Tempranillo, Spain 29728 $13.25

LCBO Vintages Saturday November 21, 2009

by Kato on November 19, 2009 in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks with No comments

LCBO Vintages Saturday November 21, 2009

THE LOW DOWN: Fancy wines at fancy prices are the features in this release. Go get em! For something more interesting and affordable check out the following.

P. S. Hate to say it, but I was disappointed with the premium local offerings.

follesWHITES
wine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Aveleda 08 Alvarinho ‘Follies’, Portugal 59048 $15.95
Imagine the zest of Vinho Verde combined with the pretty, pleasantness of Pinot Grigio. This is one yummy, anytime sipper. Treat self or friends.

dartingwine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Kurt Darting 07 Riesling Kabinett, Pfalz, Germany 950212 $16.95
Medium-dry wine with heavenly flavours and tingling freshness. A low-alcohol, Sunday afternoon sipper. You MUST get some for the holidays.

muscatwine style: NICE & EASY WHITE
Cave de Frontignan 08 Muscat Sec ‘Terres Blanches’, VDP d’Oc, France 653188 $13.95
Dry Muscat is one of the most exotic wines on the planet. Shades of Gewurztraminer but less of a show-off. Drier and more refreshing. This would be a great Holiday season house wine. You’ll get a lot of wows.

crastoREDS
wine style: RICH RED
Bodegas Martin Codax 07 Mencia ‘Cuatro Pasos’, Bierzo, Spain 39313 $16.95
A mix of richness, hearty flavour and a rustic edge. Spain does a version of Ontario Baco! The feeling of being at the dinner table in winter – with good conversation.

tabaliwine style: RICH RED
Tabali 07 Syrah Reserva, Chile 662692 $16.95
Big and lush. But not overdone. Crowd-pleasing, winter warmer.

missionhillwine style: RICH RED
Mission Hill 07 Syrah ‘S.L.C.’, Okanagan, British Columbia 68379 $36.95
Dark. dense, earthy and very dry. Seriously good. Shades of the original from the Northern Rhone. Cellar a year or two.

OPENSWEET
wine style: SWEET WHITE
Open 07 Vidal Icewine, VQA Niagara 149799 375ml/$29.95
Value-priced Icewine that’s really good. Luscious tropical flavours and lemony zest. Low alcohol too. Would be a lovely afternoon sipper, or add a splash to dry sparkling wine for a festive cocktail.

portwine style: SWEET RED
Quinta de Ventozelo 10-Year-old-Tawny Port, Portugal 141044 $27.95
The exotic, tangy experience of Tawny. Sexy meets earthy. Port with a Middle Eastern feeling. Sip after dinner, or anytime.

Nouveau 2009 – Available Tomorrow!

by Kato on November 18, 2009 in Wine Picks with 1 Comment

nouveauNouveau 2009 – Available Thursday November 19th

Join the world’s biggest wine party with a few bottles of Nouveau. On the day, or gather a few friends for Friday. These young, tart, light red wines are perfect in the after work time slot. Lightly chill and partner with soft runny Brie and a few crusty baguettes. Or anything from the deli counter. Keep in mind that Nouveau is created for after harvest celebrations –  so let there be none of that ‘wine tasting’ carry on. The following offer a nice variety of styles. I suggest you have them in the order I’ve outlined.

FYI: Nouveau is a terrific partner for the Christmas bird.

Negrar 09 Novello Del Veneto, Italy
899955 $9.95
. . lively with bright, fruity flavours and a slight sweetness. Refreshing and fun to gulp.

Mommessin 09 Beaujolais, France
897934 $13.95
. . brisk, tart and invigorating. Very Beaujolaisish. Pass the Brie.

Mezzacorona 09 Novello, Italy
669275 $9.95
. . rustic, gutsy and almost serious. Salami please.

 

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