There is no such thing, but if I had to nominate some candidates for the perfect everyday red, Torres Sangre de Toro would be on my list. It’s produced from Grenache grapes (responsible for Cotes du Rhone’s delicious flavours) but it can also be likened to Pinot Noir. Especially when lightly chilled. It combines lovely [...]
THE LOW DOWN: I love my picks from this release. Four very different whites at an average price of less than $15. Best Muscadet ever and the Verdejo would be perfect with your World Cup Paella party. I’ll be wearing orange but probably cheering for Spain.
Wildass Rosé is almost serious and perfect for any Summer [...]
THE LOW DOWN: In whites, I found two lightheared, value-priced wines for summer drinking , a seafood partner, and one of the world’s little gems – ARINTO from one of the oldest regions in Portugal. Pinot Noir and a Sangioveses Rosé would be perfect partners for summer meals or picnics. All my red picks are [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Jazz up your white wine repetoire with Soave, Viognier, Torrontes, Macon and an Aussie Pinot Grigio. Locals are the stars in the Rosé feature. (Unfortunately I didn’t get to taste the MALIVOIRE 09 ‘Ladybug Rosé’, VQA Niagara 559088 $15.95. I’ll report on it later) I only found three reds [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Argentina, Australia, Burgundy, Chile, Cono Sur, Irish Whiskey, Italy, Port, Rosé, VQA |
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, Côtes du Rhône, chardonnay, France, Malivoire, red wine, Rioja, Southbrook, Sparkling, VQA, white wine |
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 [...]
DOUBLE the FUN with EVERYDAY BUBBLY
This is the season to pop open the bubbly. Too many people avoid sparkling wine the rest of the year because they think that the occasion doesn’t warrant it. Which is a lot like waiting till your friends are dead to say how much you love ‘em. Do it now. [...]
If you enjoy the tangy dryness of Euro lagers check out the newly arrived Estrella from Spain. A shade earthier than my favourite Germans, but equally refreshing after a hard day on your blackberry.
Estrella Lager, Spain 113183 500ml/$2.25
Estrella is brewed in Barcelona where I took this photo of my hand while having fun at the [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Vintages always produce glitzy catalogues for the holidays, but the wines are seldom as good as the photography. Good wine don’t appear on demand. Regular readers will know that I frequently recommend something for Christmas in June and summer wines in the winter.
I will be covering Sparkling, Sweet and other holiday favourites [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Austria, Chile, Clos Jordanne, France, Gruner, Inniskillin, pinot noir, red wine, Vintages Picks, Vouvray, VQA, white wine |
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. [...]
Posted in Wine Picks | Also tagged red, Torres Coronas |
