Billy Munnelly – Billy's Best Bottles Wine Blog » white wine

LCBO Vintages Saturday Feb.4, 2012

Billy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:41:56 +0000

Last year I offered a lot of Italian whites with the suggestion that they may be the ‘style’ of the future. While Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are likely to remain the pillars of white wine I’ll be surprised if we don’t see a strong third player emerging. A dry white wine with a ‘less obvious’ flavour profile. And a light, pure feeling – something along the lines of Pinot Grigio, but more interesting. It might be a blend of grapes and it might be a return to a regional personality over a grape one.

Winemakers all over the world are tired of producing Chard & Co and are excited by the potential of grapes that have been ignored and almost forgotten. All it takes now is for us to get involved by purchasing and drinking. This Vintages release offers six really good examples of this third style, from Italy, France, Austria, Greece and Argentina. I’ve included a sparkling as it fits the fresh, frank style of the other wines. All best suited to summer, so stock up.

In reds I’m also hoping for a bit of swing back to something lighter and less showy – bistro wines. My Bordeaux and Rhone picks are very bistro, as is the new-style Aussie Shiraz. There’s a coffee theme to my final two reds. And I don’t mean Tim’s.

White wines ‘THIRD STYLE’ – light and refreshing
1. BORGO CONVENTI 10 Pinot Grigio, Isonzo del Friuli, Italy 13276 $16.95
Here’s a fantastic white for the purist. Very dry with wonderful mineral freshness – in the Chablis-style. The lowly Pinot Grigio can be upscale if the producer tries hard enough. Classy aperitif.

2. CAVE de VIRE 09 Vire-Clesse, Burgundy, France 243782 $16.95
Vire is a parish in the Macon region – the home of non-oaked (pure) Chardonnay. This one is very dry, down-to-earth, but somehow also feels classy. It’s the French thing! Aperitif or seafood appetizer.

3. TSELEPOS 10 Moschofilero, Mantinia, Greece 724583 $16.95
I love the honest, unadorned feeling here – so simple and so good. A must-by for warm summer evenings. Super dry and refreshing with the appetizing savoury flavours typical of Greek whites. Has the seaside-salty-spray-feeling that’s so good in a summer wine. Aperitif or seafood.

4. WEINGUT ZAHEL 10 Gruner Veltliner, Austria 181594 $15.95 (from a previous release)
Gruner has the purity and lightness of a dry Riesling along with a citrussy zing. Spring day feeling – as suggested by the lime green label. Wonderful refresher or patio lunch wine.

5. GRAN LURTON 10 ‘Corte Friulano’, Mendoza, Argentina 66829 $19.95
Francois Lurton makes wine all over the world – sometimes it has French flair, and sometimes it’s commercially crowdpleasing. This is one of his most brilliant creations – a blend of four grapes crafted in the very pure style of Italian whites from the Friuli region (see wine #1). Super fresh and very dry with a slight earthiness. But the overall feeling is of elegance and poise. Very different from the bold flavoured whites we’ve become used to over the past few decades. What a great ambassador for blended whites. And a possible role model for our local white blends. And a kick in the pants for the theory that hot climates cannot produce cool-feeling whites. One sip and you’re not going to let the bottle get away. Treat yourself and good friends over the summer season. Great just to sip, or to start an alfresco meal.

6. CODORNIU Brut Cava ‘Seleccion Raventos’, Spain 521773 $14.95
This is not news to those who know, but Codorniu ‘Raventos’ is probably the best budget sparkling wine on the planet. Very dry, yeasty and loaded with Champagne-like teases. All of this at an everyday price.

OTHER WHITES
House Chardonnay
BLACKSTONE 10 Chardonnay, Monterey, California 994509 $15.95
Blackstone always wins me over with the frank feeling and value of their wines. This is good, mid-range, house Chardonnay – with great drinkability.

Something different
SMALL GULLY 08 Viognier ‘The Formula – Helen’s Harmony’, Barossa, Australia 269332 $19.95
Viognier is often peachy pretty but this is more punky. A livewire with appetizing savours flavours and lots of electricity. Sure there’s something exotic too but mainly what you get is a good-time-summer-evening feeling. Would be sensational with BBQ’d chicken smothered in fresh herbs.

Good local
KACABA 09 Chardonnay ‘Barrel Fermented’, VQA Niagara 262436 $22.95
Big Chard flavours with a suggestion of richness. But it’s also wild and zingy. Refreshing aperitif, and nourishing food wine.

Traditional Chardonnay
Mac MURRAY RANCH 09 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California 262063 $21.95
Huge flavours and richness. Lush and very Californian. For the fan of big. Almost a dessert!

REDS
Bistro Red
CH. HAUT-CANTELOUP, Blaye, Cotes de Bordeaux, France 264747 $13.95
Earthy, refreshing and honest. A merlot/Cab with some punk – the original form. Appetizing, refreshing and not too alcoholic. Wine for everyday.

Bistro plus
LAVAU 09 Vacqueyras, Rhone, France 104927 $18.95
Regular readers will know of my fondness for Southern Rhone reds and lately I’ve been recommending lots in the rich, warmhearted style. This guy is lighter, more rustic, refreshing – not unlike a Burgundy (Pinot Noir). Rhone often has this feature. Wonderfully suggestive, very bistro – wine to impress the food as well as the company. Best with simply grilled meats.

Bistro
PLUNKETT–FOWLES 08 Shiraz ‘Stone Dwellers’, Victoria, Australia 265967 $19.95
Here’s something different in Aussie Shiraz – wine with an edge, and an earthiness. There is a suggestion of Shiraz’s home in the Rhone – a perfect Aussie/French combo experience. Part of the new Aussie styling – crafting wines that are as good with food as impressing people.

Rich, crowd-pleaser
MONTES 09 Carmenere, ‘Limited Selection’, Chile 256685 $14.95
Montes keeps scoring with wines at this price. This is over-the-top with crowdpleasing spicy flavours and smoothness. Red wine for the Grande, Mocca Latte drinker.

Novel Red
BARISTA 10 Pinotage, South Africa 172585 $15.95
Pinotage is a South African speciality that could be likened to our Baco Noir. Tart, wild and back-woodsy. An interesting detour when you’re tired of nice. This one has some ‘coffee shop’ flavours and warmth – hence the name. Best with braised or BBQed meats – winter or summer.

SWEET
G. MARQUIS 09 Vidal Icewine, ‘Silver Line’ VQA Niagara 262477 200ml/$27.95
From Magnotta winery who always deliver the most concentrated icewines, at the most reasonable price.

Stylish Local White

Billy — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:32:12 +0000

One of the recent best-things-to-happen in local wine has been the creation of the ‘blend’. Especially in whites. We now have a range of really interesting, multipurpose whites at reasonable prices, that I’ve featured in my blogs. Ravine Winery has taken the concept to the next level with a blend that’s not just friendly but also special, and stylish. The something different feeling. While it’s light ’n refreshing, it also creates the feeling of being at a seaside terrace in Italy or France. The good life! Naturally it will work best in the Summer for lunch/patio sipper/aperitif or whenever. But check it out now to get you in the mood.

Congrats to Ravine for developing a truly local, and stylish wine experience. While it’s not everyday priced I think you’ll see the value in the experience.

RAVINE 10 ‘Sand & Gravel’ York Road, VQA Niagara 260414 $16.95

LCBO Vintages Saturday Nov 26

Billy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:43:37 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: This release is loaded with big name, hundred dollar-plus wines. I tasted most of them – felt like being in a boardroom. Lots of power. But there’s wasn’t a wine I’d want to splurge on, or invite to dinner.

My picks include some fabulous Holiday wines and a few others for Winter drinking.

Enjoy.

WHITES
Crowd-pleasing bubbly
BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI N/V Prosecco, Veneto, Italy
53215 $17.95
Delicious fruitiness and drinkability. Off-dry and perfect for any Holiday moment.

Oysters or any seafood
GROTTA DEL SOLE 09 Falanghina, Campania, Italy
247940 $15.95
Crisp, pure and refreshing. Not unlike a $25 Chablis. Perfect seafood partner. Falanghina is an underrated native Italian white grape.

Gorgeous sipper
KURT DARTING 08 Riesling Spatlese, Pfalz, Germany
963207 $19.95
Honeyed flavours combined with lemony freshness. Super light with a suggestion of sweetness. Semi sweet but also feels dry. Exotic/sexy but also pure as snow. Welcome to the German Spatlese (late harvest) experience. Gorgeous anytime sipper. Or partner for the big bird.

REDS
Light red for cold nights
REICHSRAT VON BUHL 08 Pinot Noir, Pfalz, Germany
249649 $19.95
Light Pinot with mature flavours. Woodsy and cuddly. Yes, Germany does Pinot.

Raunchy
ERRAZURIZ 10 Pinot Noir ‘Wild Ferment’, Chile
510396 $19.95
Gamey, raunchy Pinot – strictly for the fan. Drier and more real than most New World Pinots. Needs well seasoned meats, and company. Fermented with natural yeasts – the old fashioned way.

Almost rich red – for almost any situation.
LA FERME DU MONT 09 Cotes du Rhone ‘Le Ponnant’ France
171371 $17.95
Tasty fruit/spice/earthy flavours. And great vitality. Lovely combination of wine character and sense of fun. Guaranteed to please.

Bistro-style
DUCA DI SALAPARUTA 08 Nero d’Avola, ‘Passo delle Mule’, Sicily
250928 $19.95
If the French grew Nero d’Avola it would be poured at every Bistro in that country. A gutsy red with bright flavours and a drink-lots feeling. Works with just about any food.

Winter nourishment
FATTORIA VALIANO 06 Chianti Classico ‘Poggio Teo’ Tuscany, Italy
250563 $17.95
Mature Chianti with a warmhearted, fireside feeling. Soulful too. Best with grilled meats. Sure to appeal to your Italian spirit.

Really wild
FLAGSTONE 09 Pinotage ‘Writer’s Block’, South Africa
243337 $19.95
Think Baco on steroids. Red wine with intense gamey, backwoods character. Wild and really good at it. A novel experience for a winter night.

Formal local
STRATUS 07 Merlot, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
131003 $42.20
Not the usual flamboyant Merlot, but one crafted the very dry, Bordeaux style. Concentrated and earthy with a traditional/formal dinner party feeling. Deep at first, becoming delicious later. Needs big glassware and a primo roast of beef or lamb. Impressive gift.

SWEET
Exotic Aussie Port
GRANT BURGE 10-Year-Old Tawny, Barossa, Australia
58388 $30.95
Feels warm, exotic and powerful. Somewhere between Tawny Port and a liqueur. Lots of Pow! Sip after dinner, or with all the Christmas candy!

Great mixer
ST-GERMAIN Elderflower Liqueur ‘Delice de Sureau’, France
180695 $49.95
The delicate and hard-to-describe flavours in this liqueur put a lovely spin on just about any cocktail. Shake it up with vodka/gin or add to sparkling wine. Stylish Art Nouveau bottle.

LCBO VINTAGES – HOLIDAY WINES

Billy — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:55:29 +0000

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.

Italy is bringing something new to white wine that is not really new but an updated version of how it used to be before the popularity of Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. A return to bone dryness and savoury flavours. Wines that flatter the food more than the drinker. Wines for those tuned into the overall experience and not just a pleasant first sip. Mas des Bressades also falls into this category. I’m offering a fun Californian white just in case you think I getting too serious.

A lovely Valpol, a Piedmont blend and a traditional Chianti are my picks in rustic reds. Spain offers a blockbuster, and a charming Pinot, while Chile’s Concha y Toro over delivers with its Syrah. Lastly I’m recommending a Zinfandel that’s delicious beyond words.

WHITE WINES

Wine Style: NICE ‘N EASY White
ET CETERA 09 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma, California
264812 $14.95
Crowd-pleasing white that could be related to Pinot Grigio. Laid back, fun, Californian feeling. Lovely anytime sipper.

Wine Style: FRESH White
ZENATO 10 Pinot Grigio, Veneto, Italy
37648 $13.95
Zesty Pinot Grigio with novel savoury flavours. Characterful, general purpose/house white.

Wine Style: FRESH White
INAMA 09 Soave, Veneto, Italy
949768 $17.95
Very dry with earthy flavours and the feeling of something handcrafted. Not a trace of prettiness – the purpose here is to stimulate the appetite and flatter food.

Wine Style: RICH White
MAS des BRESSADES BLANC 10, Costieres de Nimes, France
701094 $14.95
Feels like it could be related to the above Inama. Similar earthy character but feels richer. Whites from the South of France have the same low-keyed quality as most Italian whites. Would be a perfect white partner for the big bird.

RED WINES

Wine Style: RUSTIC Red
TEDESCHI 09 Valpolicella ‘Valverde’, Veneto, Italy
155309 $14.95
Wonderful mid-size Valpolicalla. Bright fruity flavours and a solid, feeling. Down to earth, but also feels special. Perfect for food and friends.

Wine Style: RUSTIC Red
LA QUERCIOLA 08 Langhe Rosso, Piedmont, Italy
225227 $13.95
Classic trattoria red. Lots of vitality and flavours that go beyond fruitiness. Very refreshing, very cheerful and very right for any good-times event/meal. Lightly chill.

Wine Style: RUSTIC Red
CASTELLO di QUERCETO 08 Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy
680496 $21.95
Woodsy, traditional-style Chianti. Bone dry, invigorating and well mannered. Good company for drinkers who enjoy a little mystery in their glass. Excellent partner for grilled or braised meats.

Wine Style: RICH Red
CONCHA y TORO 08 Syrah ‘Winemaker’s Lot 54’, Chile
227496 $16.95
Concha y Toro delivers Rhone-style Syrah with a hit of crowdpleasing spicy/sweetness. Sure to please everyone at your next steak dinner. This winery always over delivers.

Wine Style: RICH Red
EL ARTE de VIVIR 09 Ribera del Duero, Spain
137679 $15.95
Solid as a brick wall. But knows how to boogie too. This region does heft really well.

Wine Style: RICH Red
MIGUEL TORRES 09 Pinot Noir ‘Mas Borras’, Penedes, Spain
673483 $29.95
Delicious mid-size Pinot. Earthy, along with delicious spicy/sweet flavours – and great drinkability. Worth the splurge if you’re a Pinot fan.

Wine Style: RICH Red
QUIVIRA 08 Zinfandel, Sonoma, California
249250 $26.95
This is drop dead gorgeous. An amazing amount of delicious spicy/fruitiness – that feels very natural. Tons of charm and sweet kisses. Happy day feeling. You gotta try this. And buy a case.

Silicy’s couple of the year

Kato — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 13:45:20 +0000

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

Rich Chardonnay @ Workingman’s Price

Kato — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 05:07:03 +0000

Chile is the current champion of rich Chardonnay at everyday prices. They make it look effortless. And maybe it is – with their perfect climate, high tech wineries and top notch winemakers.

While Chile is happy that we’re buying their wine, they’re less happy about giving it away for low prices. But such is the nature of the worldwide wine surplus. Enjoy the bargains while they last.

Santa Rita Chardonnay is certainly a big babe. Hollywood-style show of richness and glam – nicely balanced with an earthy tang. Wonderful stuff that’s been in almost every edition of my book. An excellent partner for grilled/roasted white meats. Must admit I end up drinking most of the bottle before food. An LCBO best buy.

SANTA RITA 09 CHARDONNAY RESERVA, Chile 348359 $13.75

If I Had A Tapas Bar

Kato — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:53:48 +0000

Spain’s Rueda region produces whites in a refreshing style similar to Sauvignon Blanc, from a grape called Verdejo. It’s a shade more earthy, raunchy. With a strong Mediterranean feeling even though it’s never seen the ocean. Would be my house white if I ran a tapas bar. Check it out with your appetizers.

Marques de Riscal 10 Rueda, Spain 36822 $10.95

When a Dog is Not a Dog!

Kato — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:01:15 +0000

France has produced its share of ‘dog’ wines over the years but here’s a pair that are anything but dogs. The white is a cool dude strutting frank refreshment with style. A Colombard/Chardonnay blend that may remind you of Muscadet, and a lovely lunch somewhere in the French countryside.

The red is in the Cotes du Rhone style – peppery earthy flavours along with refreshing vitality. Very gulpable, very good.

LONGUE-DOG 10 WHITE, VDP d’Oc, France 210161 $11.95

LONGUE-DOG 09 RED, VDP d’Oc, France 210153 $12.95

The Big Dragani

Kato — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 22:26:07 +0000

If you’re looking for a deal on easy drinking white for your next party head over to the Italian section and look for the big Dragani.

This wine is much improved in the 2010 vintage and scores for refreshment, pleasantness and value. Must warn you that it’s a heavy bottle – may want to ask for a carry-out!
DRAGANI 10 PINOT GRIGIO/TREBBIANO, Abruzzi, Italy 620583 2L/$16.95

Moscato Again

Kato — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:23:38 +0000

Last month I told you about the Moscato boom in the US and offered a few LCBO recommendations.

Here’s another hit selling for the beautiful price of $9.95. And how could you not like the colourful packaging? Chill, unscrew and let this frothy/sweet,/musky wine wash your cares away.

Moscato is the ultimate, low alcohol, Summer afternoon wine.

BOTTER N/V Moscato, Puglia, Italy 239517 $9.95

Amazing Chardonnay

Kato — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 05:05:32 +0000

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

Kato — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:11:15 +0000

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!

WHITES
wine style: semi-dry white
MEGALOMANIAC 09 Riesling ‘Narcissist’, Edra’s Vineyard, VQA Niagara 67587 $17.95
Semi-dry, low-alcohol summer sipper. Wonderful mineral freshness. Alfresco lunch or any lazy times.

wine style: fresh white
CHATEAU FERRAN 07, Bordeaux, France 100867 $21.00
Novel and challenging. Fans of the gutsy/earthy/savoury character of Aussie Sem/Sauv should check out this original model. Wonderful aperitif and seafood appetizer partner. Not for fans of ‘pretty’.

wine style: nice & easy white
SUMMERHOUSE 09 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand 218305 $19.95
Yes, it’s possible to craft SB in a yummy, friendly style – with a lazy, summer day feeling. Warm and sunny, but with gentle breezes. Five o’clock on the deck would be a perfect fit. Love the poetic back label.

wine style: rich white
GROTH 08 Chardonnay, Napa, California 225672 $37.95
A wow Chard experience. Warm, buttery richness and glamour – along with the something extra that not only seduces, but excites. Too good to share with food. Or fools.

REDS
wine style: rustic red
JEAN–MAURICE RAFFAULT 09 Chinon, Loire, France 244798 $16.95
Very rustic, very tangy dry and very real. Classic French bistro red to stimulate the palate and partner charcuterie or white meats. Needs the table. Wonderful pure expression of the Cabernet Franc grape variety.

wine style: rustic red
STRATUS 09 Rosé ‘Wildass’, Niagara 71712 $19.95
The label says rosé and it looks like rosé, but the wine feels and acts rustic. Earthy, solid and in need of a food partner. Could handle almost anything off the BBQ.

wine style: rustic red
CASTLELLANI 07 Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy 970707 $14.95
Classic, everyday Tuscan red. Lots of spunk, vigour and a country feeling. Best with white meats, pasta or pizza….and a second bottle.

wine style: rich red
SANTA VITTORIA 07 Barbaresco, Piedmont, Italy 211805 $21.95
A mature, friendly edition of this Italian classic – at a nice price. Warm, woodsy flavours and a little mystery. Buy for fall and winter dinner parties.

wine style: rich red
ERAL BRAVO 08 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina 58081 $17.95
A great value, big impact wine with an international star personality. Argentina heft combined with the warm and earthy feeling of blockbuster wines from the north of Spain. Hearty never tasted better! And was more affordable. Bring on the beef or lamb.

wine style: rich red
DOMAINE BOUDAU 09 ‘Le Clos’, Cotes du Roussillon, France 149989 $16.55
If you like Merlot, you’ll love this wine. Silky rich, plummy sweet and super seductive. Spicy/peppery flavours mark the wine’s south of France origin. The price tag is reasonable, but not the alcohol – so enjoy in moderation, if you can.

wine style: rich red
DOMAINE ANDRE AUBERT 09 Visan, Cotes du Rhone-Villages, France 224915 $12.95
Spicy/sweet, dense, yummy, super-rich red at a bargain price. Go get it.

LCBO Vintages Saturday June 25, 2011

Kato — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:00:01 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: A really good line up of summer whites for refreshment or lazy time sipping. And a local sparkling with the style and feel of Champagne.
You’ll find lots of charm and seduction in my three rich red picks, and Piccini Chianti Riserva is an amazing buy for fall and winters dinners. For something rustic check out Featherstone Cab Franc or Madiran from the southwest of France.
A fun and a substantial Rosé will ensure you’re covered in that department. Unfortunately I couldn’t find anything to recommend in the Argentinian or PEC features.

SPARKLING
wine style: dry sparkling
JACKSON TRIGGS 06 Sparkling Brut ‘Entourage’, VQA Niagara 234161 $22.95
The austere Champagne style with warm, toasty flavours. Seriously good and under-priced. Enjoy before and with the meal.

WHITE
wine style: fresh white
SOLAR DAS BOUCAS 10 Loureiro, Vinho Verde, Portugal 221036 $13.95
Single vineyard VV with refreshing citrus and savoury flavours. Something different for summer aperitif. Cries out for grilled sardines.
wine style: fresh white
WYNNS 09 Riesling, Coonawarra, Australia 528216 $16.95
Razor-edged. Pure as snow and mighty refreshing. A must buy for fans of Dry Riesling.

wine style: fresh white
PEDRO ESCUDERO 09 Verdejo ‘Fuente Elvira’ Rueda, Spain 218313 $13.95
Get off the Sauv Blanc wagon and get into something similar from Spain. Good summer refreshment and one of the best partners for seafood and or any meal with fresh asparagus.

wine style: fresh white
BODEGAS MARTIN CODAX 10 Albarino ‘Salterio’, Rias Baixas, Spain 2774 $17.95
Spicy, fruity, savoury. Fresh but with some heft. An interesting, action-packed experience.

wine style: nice & easy
BERTON VINEYARDS 2010 Viognier, Australia 93435 $14.95
Honey, spice and citrus. A wow for the senses – slightly sweet but also very refreshing. Lovely, so lovely! Could be the best brunch wine in the world.

wine style: nice & easy
LA CASA DEL REY 2010 Torrontes ‘Alta Vista’, Argentina 37127 $13.95
All the exotic, spicy flavours of Torrontes along with a refreshing whack of lime freshness. I could drink a galllon of this – but probably not – as it’s very high alcohol.

DRY ROSÉ
wine style: dry Rosé
DOMAINE LAFAGE Rosé ‘Parfum De Vignes’, Cotes du Roussillon, France 167528 $13.95
A light, lively south of France Rosé with delicious fruit flavours and a ‘be happy’ feeling. Patio lunch, dappled lighting and life will be good.

LA BASTIDE BLANCHE 09 Rosé, Bandol, France 71084 $21.95
Pale, super-rich and very south of France. Lush, sexy wine that’s worth the splurge. Needs a white tablecloth and some French flair.

REDS
wine style: rustic red
FEATHERSTONE 09 Cabernet Franc, VQA Niagara 64618 $16.95
Rustic, tart, invigorating and very real. Bistro-style wine for lighter meats. Ontario’s Barbera.

wine style: rustic red
CRU DU PARADIS 08 Madiran, France 150573 $14.95
A red for those who like rustic and realness. Tangy dry, refreshing and sure to make food tast good.

wine style: rich red
PICCINI 06 Chianti Riserva ‘Selezione Oro’, Tuscany 212498 $15.95
Mellow, fall day in the woods feeling. At a bargain price. Stock up for fireside dinners.

wine style: rich red
TORRES 07 Grand Sangre de Toro Reserva, Catalunya, Spain 315648 $15.95
Forget expensive Pinot Noir, this is the great alternative. Silky texture, spicy sweetness with an earthy tang. Fantastic for any summer BBQ.

wine style: rich red
LOUIS BERNARD 08 Gigondas, Rhone, France 222596 $15.95
A big charmer at a modest price. In the seductive style of Bernard’s red at the LCBO. Highly recommended.

wine style: rich red
AMANI PENDANA 07 Shiraz, Stellenbosch, South Africa 22079 $18.95
Lush and lovely. Smoky, spicy and not unlike a Zinfandel. The big BBQ red for sure.

When in Niagara…

Kato — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:27:05 +0000

WINES TO LOOK FOR WHEN VISITING NIAGARA

Add to my recommendations of April 9.

Cattail Creek 09 Riesling $15.95
Delish fruitiness and force ten refreshment. Excellent Niagara Riesling.

Colaneri 09 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Fumaso Biano’ $24.95
Amazing flavour concentration and richness due to partial drying of the grapes. Sunset on the patio sipper.

Coyote’s Run 10 Pinot Gris ‘Red Paw’ $17.95
Lively, lovely summer sipper.

Hillebrand 08 Trius Grand Red $55.20
A Bordeaux blend with the elegance and charm of Pinot Noir. Delicious NOW. Do not cellar!

Inniskillin 09 Pinot Noir ‘Winemakers Series’ $19.95
Light, fruity, spicy Pinot for BBQ’d white meats.

Jackson-Triggs 06 Sparkling Brut ‘Entourage’ $22.95
Austere, elegant Champagne styling for a fraction of the price. Smart new label too. I’m stocking up.

Lailey 10 Sauvignon Blanc $20
Lighthearted Savy with a ‘let’s be happy’ feeling. Gorgeous summer party drink.

Peller Estates 10 Rosé ‘Private Reserve’ $17.15
Seriously dry, earthy Rosé. Best with food.

Pondview 10 Pinot Grigio ‘Dragon Fly‘ $18.15
Wonderful freshness, delicate flavours and way better than Santa Margarita.

Ravine 08 Meritage $24.95
Light, lively and a lovely edition of the Bordeaux blend. Very gulpable, very bistro-ish.

Reif 09 Shiraz/Pinot Noir ‘The Magician’ $19.95
Made with kiln-dried grapes. Slightly sweet, concentrated and great with a platter of sticky ribs.

Southbrook 07 Cabernet/Merlot ‘Triomphe’ $22.95
Gutsy, rustic and very Old World. Food wine.

Stonechurch 09 White ‘Quintet’ $20.15
Multi-grape blend that hits all the pleasure points. Excellent summer sipper.

Stratus 09 White ‘Wildass’ $19.95
Stratus 08 Red ‘Wildass’ $19.95
White drinks like an upscale Pinot Grigio. Good with everything. Red is rustic with an amazing range of flavours. Very bistro-ish, very good.

Easy Drinking Local Whites

Kato — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 00:53:31 +0000

Ontario is developing it’s own style of white wine and people are liking it.

And why wouldn’t they? When you combine the zest of dry Riesling with the body of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, and season the blend with the exotic perfume of Gewurztraminer – you have something with a lot of appeal. And great drinkability. These blended wines started appearing a few years ago and now almost all wineries are getting in the game.

Blended wines used to frowned upon, or misunderstood, but it’s the right formula for our cool climate where different grape varieties perform differently each year. Blending allows to winemaker to produce a more consistent product, and to maintain a reasonable price. Check out the following at your local LCBO.

HENRY OF PELHAM 10 ‘Sibling Rivalry’ White VQA Niagara 126144 $13.95
. . . off dry but refreshingly tart. Patio sipper.

HENRY OF PELHAM 10 ‘School House’ Riesling/Pinot Grigio, VQA Niagara 219022 $12.95
. . . Riesling zest and the good drinkability of PG. Really good edition of basic – a Honda wine.

RIDGEPOINT 09 ‘Monticello Bianco’ VQA Niagara 218651 $13.95
. . . herbaceous, spicy, and refreshing. Another summer sipper

HILLEBRAND 09 ‘Crush White’, VQA Niagara 234310 $12.75
. . . Pinot Grigio with a beach town flavour. The perfect partner for any lighthearted event.

CHATEAU DES CHARMES 09 ‘Generation Seven White’, VQA Niagara 197988 $13.95
. . . refreshing with a little spicy sweetness. A fun summer day feeling. Good party choice.

KACABA 09 ‘Gypsy’ White, VQA Niagara 215053 $10.95
. . . off-dry with lots of spicy perfume. Would be popular and you have to like the price.

LCBO Vintages Saturday May 28

Kato — Wed, 25 May 2011 05:56:41 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: Didn’t plan it but I ended up selecting an excellent Variety 6-Pack of white wines. Gruner, Verdejo, Riesling, Chenin, Chardonnay and Muscadet. And a Sparkling – so I guess it’s a 7-Pack. Should get you through the weekend. But you’ll also need some Rosé – primo local or a Chilean bargain.

Carmenere and Ripasso are the best bets in red but you must have at least one summer supper with Moulin-a-Vent, the queen of Beaujolais.

SPARKLING
wine style: dry sparkling
MUMM NAPA Rosé Sparkling, Napa Valley, California 205641 $29.95
Champagne-style wine and quality at half the price. Elegant and exciting way to start an event. Best sparkling I’ve tasted in a long time.

WHITES
wine style: fresh white
MIKE WEIR 08 Riesling, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 229286 $14.95
Mike scores with a classic local Riesling. Fruity, spicy and dancing its feet off. Dry with a sweet kiss. Delicious summer drink.

wine style: rich white
KENNETH VOLK 07 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Cuvée, California 233981 $19.95
Chardonnay doesn’t get much more glamorous and rich. Quite the wow for twenty dollars. BBQ white or late evening sipper.

wine style: nice & easy white
THE WINERY OF GOOD HOPE 09 Chenin Blanc, South Africa 158121 $11.95
Fruity, slightly sweet and very crowd-pleasing. Check out this popular South African party sipper, or BBQ white.

wine style: fresh white
MICHEL DELHOMMEAU 09 Muscadet ‘Harmonie’, Loire, France 164624 $12.95
Not your usual plain Muscadet but an elegant wine with delicate flavours and wonderful freshness. To start the evening with appetizers. Note: this is a previous release.

wine style: fresh white
MEINKLANG 09 Gruner Veltliner, Austria 219014 $15.95
More flavourful and yummy than most Gruners, but zesty and refreshing too. Delicious stuff. And organic too. Would be a lovely treat with an alfresco lunch.

wine style: fresh white
BODEGAS GARCIAREVALO 09 Verdejo ‘Tres Olmos’, Rueda, Spain 218354 $13.95
Verdejo is Spain’s answer to Sauvignon Blanc. But not as brash. I like the mix of earthy and fresh feelings. Very characterful and dying for a food partner.

REDS
wine style: rich red
PAHLMEYER 08 Pinot Noir, Sonoma, California148536 $79.95
I seldom recommend wine over $25 but this would blow some people’s minds. Or other bodily parts! Red wine doesn’t come more charming and seductive. Bear skin rug material for sure.

wine style: rich red
ARESTI 08 Carmenere Reserva, Chile 93773 $12.95
Here’s a big bruiser. Heavy rocker. Rich and manly with an attitude. The Aresti style. Steak wine at pork chop price.

wine style: rich red
LUIGI BOSCA 08 Pinot Noir Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina 143420 $17.95
Pinot with a little macho Argentinian tang. Could be related to Pinotage. Perfect for BBQ’d red meats.

wine style: rustic red
DOMAINE DE SAINT ENNEMOND 09 Moulin-a-Vent, Beaujolais, France 207910 $17.95
Cru-Beaujolais with the more solid personality of Pinot Noir. But at a lower price. Check out this guy with grilled salmon.

wine style: rustic red
ANTICHE TERRE 08 Valpolicella Ripasso, Veneto, Italy 178459 $14.95
A solid Ripasso. Italian gusto along with a hit of nourishment. Classic Ripasso. Italian red wine at its best.

ROSÉ
wine style: dry Rosé
EMILIANA 2010 Rosé Syrah, ‘Adobe’, Chile 229690 $11.95
Drier than most Chilean Rosés. Good mix of freshness and fruitiness. Nice price, and it’s organic too.

wine style: dry Rosé
FEATHERSTONE 2010 Rosé, VQA Niagara 117861 $14.95
Best Rosé yet from Featherstone. A cross between the berry flavours of Rioja and the richer Provence style. And packing a ton of freshness. Sort of perfect!

wine style: dry Rosé
SOUTHBROOK 2010 Organic Rosé ‘Connect’, VQA Niagara 168492 $18.95
Another excellent local dry Rosé in the mid-range between refreshment and mealtime nourishment. Very French café-ish, but will work on your patio too. Organic.

The New Aussie White

Kato — Tue, 17 May 2011 05:53:25 +0000

Australia wowed the world with easy-drinking (slightly sweet) wines that everyone could enjoy. And there was an industry similarity and consistency so that the drinker was never disappointed. Aussie wines were a ‘brand’ that people came to rely on and were loyal to.

As with all successful brands there comes an imitator, or two. Chile and Argentina are now producing Aussie-style, easy drinking and consistent wines. And under-cutting the price. They have also upped- the-quality offering a shade more character and individually. Thereby appealing to both the novice and more fussy drinker. Australia are in trouble.

Like all good competitors the Aussies are fighting back. Reinventing themselves as producers of individualistic wines. Something different instead of the same. Naturally I’m all in favour of this turn around, but don’t expect anything as dramatic as the current promotion at the LCBO would have you believe. It will take time. For an example of a more interesting and drier-style Chardonnay check our Little Yering. It’a a world of difference from Little Penguin.

YERING STATION 08 Chardonnay ‘Little Yering’, Australia 145318 $14.95

LCBO Vintages Saturday April 30

Kato — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:28:28 +0000

THE LOW DOWN: A very good release.

Must be the first time I’ve recommended four Aussie wines – white, red and a to-die-for sweet. You’ll find four locals too, big ticket wines for a big night. And Italy is also represented with a foursome. Bargain of the release is a Spanish wine that could become your summer house red. Speaking of summer, my German pick is the ultimate sunny afternoon sipper.

Slainte.
Billy

SPARKLING
wine style: dry sparkling
TENUTA S. ANNA 09 Prosecco Brut, Veneto, Italy 216432 $16.95
Easy drinking bubbly in a stylish package. Perfect for parties. Wins the prize for best looking bubbly at this price.

WHITES
wine style: nice & easy white
DOMDECHANT WERNER’SCHES 08 Riesling, Hochheimer Holle, Rheingau, Germany
722413 $18.95
So delicate it almost floats. Suggestions of sweetness but the main show is lovely citrus flavours. Summer breezes never tasted better. Magical. Only 8% alcohol. From a family estate that’s been doing its thing since 1780.

wine style: fresh white
NAIA 09 Verdejo, Rueda, Spain 211045 $18.95
Fans of live wire whites will love this Verdejo. Shades of Sauvignon, but not. So exuberant, so refreshing and so good with seafood. Especially in the alfresco season….if it comes!

wine style: fresh white
CONO SUR 10 Sauvignon Blanc, Chile (organic) 213587 $12.95
Sauvignon zing with a hit of tropical fruit flavours. Love how it confuses the senses with tartness and prettiness. Organic too. Another great buy from Cono Sur.

wine style: rich white
TAHBILK 09 Marsanne, Australia 117945 $16.95
This is not for fans of pretty. Think rock concert – loud, brash and a bit sweaty. Think down and dirty. Think BBQ’d seafood on a hot, sultry night. This is a wine style that the Aussies do really well.

wine style: rich white
WAKEFIELD 09 Chardonnay, Clare Valley, Australia 711556 $15.95
Bold, earthy, tangy dry. Manly Aussie Chard – the original BBQ white. Another Aussie classic.

REDS
wine style: fresh red
TAWSE 09 Pinot Noir ‘Growers Blend’, VQA Niagara 130989 $31.95
This Pinot suggest the idyllic café life. Red wine as a refresher, a gulper and a social drink. Bring on the food later, and keep the wine flowing. Really captures the lighthearted feeling of Pinot. And the temptation to pay Pinot prices.

wine style: rustic red
DE BORTOLI 08 Pinot Noir Reserve ‘DB’, Australia 221994 $15.95
Good Pinot at a bargain price. Spicy, exotic flavours combined with an earthy feeling. Sex in the hay barn. The Pinot experience.

wine style: rustic red
FONTANAFREDDA 07 Barbera/Nebbiolo ‘Duale’, Langhe, Piedmont, Italy 616284 $14.95
Great stuff for fans of gusto. And the Italian lively spirit. Earthy, puckery and perfect for a hearty pasta…or greasy burger.

wine style: rustic red
FIRRIATO 08 Etna Rosso, Sicily 219592 $16.95
Blind tasted I would have said Chianti meets Burgundy. Medium-bodied red with vitality and charm. And a drink-lots feeling. So get more than one bottle.

wine style: rustic red
TERREDORA 08 Aglianico, Campania, Italy 602284 $14.95
Earthiness with Italian vigour and vitality. Southern Italy warmth with a refreshing edge. Pucker-up wine that feels good. Aglianico is often a brute but not this time.

wine style: rustic red
CELLER de CAPCANES 09 ‘Mas Donis’ 09, Montsant, Spain 208231 $12.95
Spain does Valpolicella. Beautiful everyday red with a little Latin charm. This could lead to a LOT of drinking. This must be the 3rd or 4th wine I’ve recommended from this winery tucked away in the hills of Northern Spain.

wine style: rich red
STRATUS 07 Red, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake 131037 $44.20
Super serious, solid local red. Bordeaux is the model but there’s also a Rhone feeling. A ‘something else’. This is a great local experience that will continue to evolve over the next few years.

wine style: rich red
OSOYOOS LAROSE 06 Le Grand Vin, VQA Okanagan Valley, BC 626325 $45
BC’s edition of the Bordeaux blend – big and bold. You get warm climate ripeness (Osoyoos is desert hot) along with Old World firmness – thanks to the hand of French winemaker Pascal Madevon. Best with a traditional roast. Could also be cellared for a few years.

wine style: rich red
SOUTHBROOK 08 Cabernet Franc ‘Triomphe’, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake
237065 $22.95
Starts out a little funky but evolves into one of those earthy and interesting characters that you want at the supper table. Cab Franc at its best. Makes a refreshing change from the sea of nice, smooth reds. If Southbrook’s organic and biodynamic practices are contributing to the character of this wine, then I’m a fan.

SWEET
DE BORTOLI 07 Botrytis Semillon ‘Noble One’, Australia 917252 375ml/$29.95
Super-concentrated, luscious and lovely. But not at all candied or cloying. A natural beauty. Australia does Sauternes at a fraction of the price.

Dinner Party Dilemma

Kato — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 05:51:35 +0000

SOLVING THE DINNER PARTY DILEMMA

We all know that starting with a white and following with a red is the way to go. But what about matching wines with the food? No problem. I’ve found that Sauvignon Blanc goes with most appetizers, and generally livens things up. And Pinot Noir goes with more main courses than any other red. Simple eh! And here’s a few more tips.

When entertaining pour semi-fancy wine as a treat for my guests – it gets noticed. And as many people have a love affair with California why not pour their wines.

So here’s my sure-fire, stress free dinner party white and red. Guaranteed to succeed. For all the above reasons and because the wines are good.

ROBERT MONDAVI 08 Sauvignon Blanc ‘Private Selection’, California 640516 $16.95

ROBERT MONDAVI 08 Pinot Noir ‘Private Selection’, California 465435 $17.95

House Wines that Supports Cats

Kato — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 07:32:18 +0000

Storytime. When the owners of a certain South African 19^th century Georgian flat-roofed manor house moved on, the cat stayed behind. On the roof of course. The winemaker at Uitkyk Winery (part of the flat roof house property) decided to create a line of everyday ‘home’ wines named after the cat and two are available at the LCBO.

The Pinot Grigio is fruity, super nice and perfect for everyday sipping. And the Merlot is bright ‘n lively with a little smokiness. A no-brainer with BBQ’d red meats. Both wines are a tad commercial but certainly fine for the price. And fifty cents of every purchase goes to the Toronto Cat Rescue group. End of story.

FLAT ROOF MANOR 10 Pinot Grigio, South Africa 37128 $10.95

FLAT ROOF MANOR 09 Merlot, South Africa 129874 $10.95