“From the stunning mountain ranges of Southern Italy to the sprawling fertile soils of the Adelaide Plains, Virgara Wines is the culmination of a family’s dream; a dream which has spanned three generations.”[1]

In 1962 Michael (father) and Maria (Mother) and their 10 children ventured off from the beautiful region of Southern Italy to another beautiful place called South Australia.

They made their home in Angle Vale and soon after they started growing potatoes, vegetables and grains along with raising beef cattle.  They did grow grapes to produce wine, but this was for their own use only.  That changed in years to come as their started to supply fruit for some major wineries.  In the 1990’s they purchased an existing vineyard in Angle Vale and in 2001 the family purchased the former Barossa Valley Estates Winery.[2]

The vineyards produce Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Riesling, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Alicante.

Tony Carapetis is the winemaker who is leading the way in the winery.

We think it is about time that we try these wines.

Virgara Sangiovese Alicante Bouschet Rose

Location: Angle Vale, South Australia
Blend: Sangiovese and Alicante Bouschet
Tasting: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

This wine is a blend of Sangiovese and a grape called Alicante Bouschet.  Alicante Bouschet is a cross of two grapes:  Petit Bouschet and Grenache.  One of the parents, Petit Bouschet is also the result of a cross:  Teinturier du Cher and Aramon.  Although it used to be all over the south of France, Alicante Bouschet’s numbers have been in deline.  It can be found in Spain, Portugal and the U.S.A., as well.  Although it has generally been used as a blending grape, it has found success as a single varietal by some producers in the Alentejo region in Portugal and a few areas in the U.S.A.  It found a great blending partner in the Sangiovese to produce this wine.

Virgara Says:

“The wine has a bright ruby red colour and the nose displays raspberries and strawberries. The palate is luscious and fruity with fine balanced acidity, with a very refreshing finish.”

Food Pairing:

Spicy Barbecued Shrimp Skewers;  Szechuan Beef

CSPC:                   731904
Winesday Price:

$15.76 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$18.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Virgara Shiraz

Location: Angle Vale, Adelaide Plains, South Australia
Blend: Shiraz
Tasting: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

“The Adelaide Plains environment is much like the Mediterranean, and is a wonderful climate to produce quality fruit. Tony Carapetis is the winemaker who, with over 18 years of experience in the industry, gives the family great confidence in the quality of their wines. For the Virgara family winemaking has always been a family tradition and the Virgara Wines premises at Angle Vale is the tangible proof of their hard work and passion.”

Virgara describes this wine:

“The colour of the wine is deep ruby red.  The nose displays aromas of spicy black berry fruits with spice and vanilla.  Hints of earth and tar typical of the Adelaide Plains.  The palate is mouth filling dark brooding berry fruits, with fine plump rich earthy tannins. Great length!”

Food Pairing:

  Bistro Beef Tenderloin; Roast Beef with Mushroom Gravy

CSPC:                   730389
Winesday Price:

$16.59 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$19.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Next week we are visiting a Chilean winery that practices sustainable farming.

[2] James Halliday Australian Wine Companion.  As well as Virgara Website

“Old World inspired. Artisan winemaking. Handcrafted with a minimalist philosophy. Township 7 is British Columbia’s only urban and rural winery - with locations in the picturesque Fraser and Okanagan Valleys.  Our sustainably farmed, classic French vinifera vineyards are low yield and reflect the terroir in which they are grown. Our wines are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family.”[1] That kind of says it all.  With the production of some wines being as little as 55 cases (Seven Stars Sparkling) and as many as 1639 cases (Merlot), this truly is a small handcrafted producer.  You don’t have to be big to make great wine.   This is proven time and time again.

Famed Master of Wine and world-renowned wine writer and reviewer, Jancis Robinson, said this about Township 7:  “Certainly the wines show quite extraordinary directness of fruit; they almost punch you between the eyes with their frankness. And, like the wines of the deserts of eastern Washington to the south, they all have good natural acidity thanks to the Okanagan’s routinely cool desert nights.”[2]

Mike Raffan is the man at the helm.  Mike had a successful career in the restaurant business for about 30 years prior to pursuing his passion for wine and purchasing Township 7 almost 6 years ago.  (The winery itself was opened 12 years ago by Corey and Gwen Coleman.)  Bradley Cooper, Township 7’s winemaker, joined the winery the year prior to Mike.

Bradley started his career in the Okanagan at Hawthorne Mountain Winery.  From there he went to New Zealand and back up to Washington State before joining Township 7 in 2005.  The 2011 season was not the best year.  We spoke with an Okanagan winemaker this morning who said that they thought 2010 was not the best and then 2011 came around.  So what happens to fruit that doesn’t quite cut it for wine.  In a conversation with ‘Cuisine & Company’ in October of 2011, Bradley said that the grapes that were unsuitable for making wine were donated to Critter Care Wildlife Society and were gladly consumed by injured/orphaned bears and other wildlife.

Township 7 Winery is also involved with the arts community in a very special project.  Mike Raffan partnered with Robb Dunfield who is a Cloverdale, B.C. artist. Robb’s painting “Visions of Possibilities” was the artwork used on the label of the Dunfield Collection wine (a Meritage made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc).  Robb is a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic.  He mouth-painted Visions in a labour intensive, three-year process! There were only 200 cases of this special wine released and we are sad to say that none of it was available in Alberta.  However, we are happy to tell you that ‘partial proceeds from the wine will be donated to the Rick Hansen Foundation, in support of spinal cord research.’

We think it is about time that we try these wines.

Township 7 - 7 Blanc

Location: Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
Blend: Gewurztraminer 45%, Pinot Gris 41%, Muscat Ottonel 14%
Tasting: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

With Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat Ottonel in the mix, you know that this is going to be a flavourful wine.  It is a touch off dry, but it has some nice acidity to go along with it.

Township 7 Tasting Notes:

“Off dry and exotic with tangerine citrus notes, pear and lychee in the nose. The taste is of pears, peach, mandarin orange, hints of walnut and some tropical spice. The finish lingers with yellow raisin and fig.”

Food Pairing:

Tuna Maki; Barbeque Pork on Rice (Kow Moo Dang)

CSPC:                   114553
Winesday Price:

$19.13 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$21.25

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Township 7 Merlot

Location: Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
Blend: Merlot 88%, Cabernet Sauvignon 9%, Cabernet Franc 3%
Tasting: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

This Merlot was recently given a Bronze Medal and was named one of the best merlots at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards.  No small feat with over 70 entries and only 38 medals.

The winery says:

“Rich plum, chocolate shavings and spiced berry in the nose. Dried cherry, cola and leather in the palate. Superb finish with hints of exotic spice.  Great early structure.”

Now that we have some relatively mild weather, it is time to barbeque, my friends.  Well… not barbeque my friends… oh you know what we mean.

Food Pairing:

  Grilled Beef & Mushroom Burger;  Slow-Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

CSPC:                   735474
Winesday Price:

$21.60 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$24.00

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Next week it is:  Aussie Aussie Aussie… Oi! Oi! Oi!

[2] www.township7.com

“The Mirassou family has been growing grapes and crafting superior wines in the sun-drenched hills of California since 1854, earning the family the proud distinction of being America’s oldest winemaking family. 2004 marked an unprecedented 150 years of family winemaking.” [1]

It all started back in 1854 when Pierre and Henrietta Pellier travelled from France to California.  Pierre brought his grape cuttings with him.  On the way, the ship ran short of water.  Being the innovative man that he was, he purchased potatoes onboard and “inserted his cuttings, keeping the precious vines alive.”   Now you may notice that the winery was not named after Pierre and his wife.  It was named after their daughter, Henrietta, who married neighbouring vintner (are you ready for the name?) Pierre Mirassou.  Here we are six generations into it and David Mirassou and his brother-in-law Steve are carrying on the family tradition.

The Mirassou winery has been quite involved with individual LPGA events for a number of years, as well as, other women’s ‘golf-related’ events.   Mirassou wines are now the official wines of the LPGA.  Now that is something nice to have on your resume!

Mirassou Pinot Grigio

Location: California, U.S.A. 2010
Blend: Pinot Grigio
Tasting: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

We have tasted Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) a number of times at Winesday over the past 5½ years and I am quite sure we will have the opportunity to sip on it again.  It is a fun wine to sip on.  Some are the big fat ones of Alsace or the light and easy drinking or even still the fruity style.  They are tasty.  It just depends on what you feel like drinking on a particular day.

Winery notes:

Our Mirassou California Pinot Grigio reveals intense aromas and flavors of peach, pear and citrus with crisp, lively acidity create an exceptionally refreshing wine. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with spicy dishes as well as grilled poultry or seafood. Our Pinot Grigio is ready to enjoy immediately upon release and should be able to age in the bottle for one to two years.

Our two recipes today have been taken from the Mirrassou website.  They looked completely mouthwatering.

Food Pairing:

Grilled Sea Scallop & Orange Spiedini Over Saffron Couscous with Pine Nuts and Currants;

Flatbread Pizza with Fresh Tomato Salad

CSPC:                   735074
Winesday Price:

$12.83 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$14.25

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Mirassou Pinot Noir

Location: California, U.S.A. 2009
Blend: Pinot Noir
Tasting: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Beppi Crosariol  is a columnist with the Globe and Mail and writes about wine and spirits in the Globe’s Life Section and Style Section.  This is what he wrote about the 2009 Pinot Noir:  “It’s tough to find a Pinot Noir at this price that’s potable, let alone tastes like Pinot Noir. This one passes both tests, though you probably wouldn’t want to break it out for your Burgundy-aficionado future father-in-law. Medium-bodied, soft and creamy, with an essence of fresh berries - simple but stylistically correct.”

Customers ask if there is a certain style to the California Pinot Noir.  We would have to say ‘no’.  It seems to be a bit of this and a bit of that.  Some are quite full and others are lighter and more still are a little on the supple fruit style.  The Mirassou is known for being bright and easy drinking with some nice fruit, but not overbearing.  California Pinot Noir is on the rise and has been for almost a decade.   The release of the film ‘Sideways’ in 2004 certainly helped the popularity of Pinot Noir and that is a fact.  Any press is good press, as they say.

From the winery:

Displaying fresh fruit flavors of pomegranates, cherries and currants, balanced with fruit aromas, Mirassou California Pinot Noir is a bright reflection of our heritage as the pioneer of California Pinot Noir.

Food Pairing:

Vegetable, Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella Panini

Grilled Mushroom Stuffed Pork Loin

CSPC:                   716890
Winesday Price:

$12.83 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$14.25

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice
Next week we are heading to the Okanagan.

Urban UCO Tempranillo

Location: El Cepillo, La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Tempranillo
Tasting: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Tempranillo is the main grape in Spain, but you wouldn’t know it by the wine labels.  Unlike the new world, the grape varieties are not usually on the labels in Spain, generally speaking.    The grape most probably originated in Spain, in particular, the Rioja region.  Although there is one story that says that the grape vine was brought to Spain by monks from Burgundy on their way to Santiago.  The story goes that they gave cuttings of the vine to other Spanish monasteries of their same order.[1]

Why are we talking about Spain when our wine comes from Argentina?  Well, we just wanted you to know a little about the background of this fabulous grape.  You will find Tempranillo in many parts of the world:  Portugal, Australia, South America, Mexico, France, Bulgaria, and the U.S.  Like so many other grape varieties Tempranillo goes by many different names:  Tinto Fino, Cencibel, Tinto Del Pais, Ull de Liebre (Eye of the Rabbit), Tinta Roriz and Aragonez to name a few.  In Argentina, where our wine comes from this week, it is sometimes called Tempranilla.

Bodegas y Viñedos O.Fournier Group was founded in 2000. Their plan is to produce wines in:  Argentina, Chile, Ribera del Duero, Rioja and Douro (Portugal).

This Tempranillo is brimming with red ripe berry fruits, and a touch of earthiness. It is medium bodied with smooth tannins, a refreshing palate of sweet ripe crunchy red fruit and a touch a spice

Food Pairing:

Spicy Lamb and Chorizo Chili; Grilled-Steak Salad with Worcestershire Vinaigrette

CSPC:                   726781
Winesday Price:

$15.29 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$16.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Urban UCO Sauvignon Blanc

Location: Vista Flores, El Cepillo, Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting: Wednesday, January 11, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

In the year 2000, the Spanish family Ortega Gil-Fournier founded a small boutique winery at the foot of the Andes in the Mendoza region. Bodega y Viñedos O. Fournier owns three estates in Argentina some 15 km from the Andes Range, covering 286 hectares.  A total of 94 ha are currently planted with vines, some of which are over 30 years old. The region is approximately 3,950 feet above sea level, and the water that irrigates the estates flows from snow melt on the Andes.

The Urban Uco Sauvignon Blanc 2008 was recommended by the New York Times wine panel in July 2009, as the top Argentinian Sauvignon Blanc tasted.[2] That is mighty high praise.  Now, although we are tasting the 2010, we feel confident that you will add your lauds too!

Urban Uco Sauvignon Blanc is soft yellow-green in color with an aromatic nose of citrus, tropical fruits, apples, and floral notes. Light-medium in body with bright acidity and a rich mouthfeel, the wine offers flavors of grapefruit, passion fruit, green apples, and spice. Fermented for 10 days in stainless steel, with no barrel aging.

Food Pairing:

Crabby Crab Cakes; Soft Tacos with Fish and Spinach

CSPC:                   732948
Winesday Price:

$15.29 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$16.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice
Cal-a-for-nigh-ay… here we come.

[2] Wine Gems

What says celebration like bubbles?  Well, aside from bubbles with chocolate and strawberries… nothing!

We are doing strawberries, chocolate and and bubbles this week, but with a twist!  We are tasting Früli Strawberry beer and Amber’s Brewing Kenmount Road Chocolate Stout.  So I guess you could call this “Beers-day”.  No matter what you have heard, us winos like a brewsky too!

Producer: Brouwerij Huyghe
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Tasting: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Früli is a Strawberry beer.  Yup.  You read it correctly.  If you have never tried this wonderful brew, hopefully this article will bring your attention to it and you will buy a bottle or ten.  Now, there are those who would say that this is a lady’s beer.  Mind you those people are missing a few of their front chompers these days!  What the heck does that mean, anyway… lady’s beer.   Richard and I were doing an Oktoberfest event a while back and we had this as one of the brews.  Well, it was a real hit.  Now there were some women who enjoyed it, but a good number of the imbibers were, in fact, gentlemen.

This scrumptious beer is Belgian in ancestry.  It is a Strawberry White (Wheat) Beer that has been fermented with 30% pure Strawberries.  Long before the discovery of hops, the Belgians were brewing their libations with fruit.  Früli is made with water, hops, malt, yeast and Strawberries.  The alcohol is very reasonable coming in at 4.1%.  There are no additives or preservatives either.

Here is the trick to enjoying this beer once you get it home from the store.  If you look at the bottom of the bottle, you will notice sediment.  It is the wonderful strawberry bits that you are seeing.  Hold the bottle in both of your hands and gently roll it around and back and forth so that the strawberry mixture is blended back into the brew.  Don’t shake it… or you will be left with a not so wonderful surprise when you open it.  Yes this would go great with desert, but we would be surprised if you didn’t enjoy it all on its own.

CSPC:                   714841
Winesday Price:

$3.15 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$3.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Kenmount Road Chocolate Stout

Producer: Amber’s Brewing
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Tasting: Wednesday, January 4, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

“Amber’s Brewing Company is about the creative use of natural flavours in our beers and craft coolers, while being socially and environmentally conscious.  Amber’s is about family, friends, locally made products and brewing the best beer and craft coolers possible.  Amber’s is about being unique and proud of it.  Amber’s is about a lot of things but mostly we are about brewing incredibly hand-crafted beverages.”[1]

Richard and I first met Jim Gibbon of Amber’s Brewing at SIP at Capital Ex a few or more years ago.  We were both taken with the passion that this gent has for what he does.  It just completely oozed out of him.  So many times we had planned to go to the brewery, which is located on the southside of Edmonton off 99^th Street.  Well this was the week to make the visit.  Richard was unfortunately not able to make this trip with me.  I had the opportunity of tasting some chocolate barley and I have to say it was mighty fine stuff.  You can positively get the chocolate taste from it as well as some coffee ground undertones.  It was pretty good to munch on, I must say.

Kenmount Road Chocolate Stout poured its first drops in the fall of 2008.  Before we go any further, I have to be honest here.  The name is what caught me on this Chocolate Stout.  Although the name is what drew me in, the taste is what made me want more.  Oh my… the chocolate.  It is true that I am a wee bit of a stout fan, but I am also from St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador.  Kenmount Road is a main drag in St. John’s that leads to the outskirts of the city, mainly the communities of Paradise and Mount Pearl and beyond.  The first brew-master at Amber’s Brewing was also a Newfoundlander and he was from Mount Pearl.  I like the name.  It has a bit of a ring to it.

This is how Amber’s describes this beer:  “This luscious stout pours with a velvety chocolate colour and finishes with a medium density foamy brown head.  The complex brew begins with a sweet taste which gives way to a subtle bitterness as it dissolves into malty, molasses elements before finally fading into a lingering chocolate tones.”

CSPC:                   736230
Winesday Price: 

$12.59/6 pk
(Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$13.99/6 pk

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

We are back enjoying wine again next week.  We hope you enjoyed our version of Strawberries and Chocolate!

They say that good girls like bad boys.  So does it hold true that good boys like bad girls?  Well we are going to find out today, because we are sampling two French wines.  The sparkling is called “Bad Girl” and the red wine is called “Bad Boy”.

Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud are the masterminds of our two French wines today.  To say that they are an interesting couple would be the understatement of the year.  It seems as though people either love what they do… or not so much.

It has been said that Jean-Luc Thunevin is one of the first few winemakers to turn French winemaking upside-down and inside-out.  He was one of the first ‘garagistes’ otherwise known as ‘microchâteau’ or ‘vins de garage’.[1] This is a relatively new phenomenon.  These ‘garagistes’ produced what Richard and I like to call ‘wines for the new world palate’: big fruit, big colour, and often big oaky wines.  They became a hit and found the favour of wine writers like Robert M. Parker, Jr.  It was Mr. Parker who tagged Jean-Luc with the name ‘bad boy’ and ‘black sheep’.  This notoriety, so to speak, was what gave life to the idea of the ‘Bad Boy’ wine.[2] Château Valandraud, owned by Jean-Luc Thunevin and his partner Murielle Andraud, was one of the first microchâteaux.  The wines from these pioneering winemakers are commanding some very high prices.  Some wonder why, but others think why not.  Luckily the two wines we are trying this week are still within our reach!

You will notice this week that we don’t have any food pairings to go with the wines.  We figure nothing goes better at New Year’s than a glass of wine or bubbly with your honey in your arms.  How can you beat that?!

Bad Girl

Location: Bordeaux, France
Blend: 70% Sémillon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Muscadelle
Tasting: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

What exactly is Crémant de Bordeaux?  First of all, it isn’t Champagne.  Remember a wine may only be called Champagne if it is made in the Champagne region in France using the Méthode Champenoise (a.k.a. Traditional Method). This means that the second fermentation takes place in the bottle producing those beautiful sumptuous tiny bubbles.   However, Crémant de Bordeaux is a sparkling wine that is made in Bordeaux, France in the same method as Champagne, but with different grape varieties. The grapes allowed to be used in Crémant de Bordeaux are:  Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Côt (Malbec), Merlot, Muscadelle, Petit Verdot, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris with minor additions of Colombard, Merlot Blanc and Ugni Blanc.  The Grapes for this wine are grown in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux (see right).  The literal translation of Entre-Deux-Mers is ‘between two seas’.  It isn’t, in fact, between two seas.  It is, however, between two rivers:  Dordogne and Garonne.

Crémant came into being in 1990 to replace Bordeaux Mousseaux.  Over the next five years, the Bordeaux Mousseaux designation was completely phased out.  Today only a small amount of sparkling wine is made in Bordeaux, in comparison to other regions of France.

Just a little geeky information:  Saumur and Vouvray were the first two French non-Champagne sparkling wine regions to use the term Crémant.  Crémant is also a term used to describe some of the best sparkling wines of Luxembourg.[3]

This is a fun wine.  Don’t save bubbles for what you might consider a special occasion.  Every day should be a special occasion.  If you feel like having bubbly on a Saturday evening instead of a Meritage or Burgundy or California Cabernet, then open it up.  Bubbles go with everything like:  Popcorn, Sushi, Chinese Seafood, Lobster and Salty Food.  Just to name a few things.

This ‘Bad Girl’ is going to surprise you… in a very good way.

CSPC:                   743225
Winesday Price:

$25.19 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$27.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Bad Boy

Location: Bordeaux, France
Blend: 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc
Tasting: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

There are those who sing the praises of Bad Boy (Mauvais Garçon) and those who are a little less warm in their approach.  Don’t you wonder why?  Here are our thoughts on the matter.  A winemaker decides he/she doesn’t want to follow the pack and goes against the grain in making wine.   The outcome are wines that are big and fruity, big colour and a little more approachable at a young age than some other Bordeaux wines that receive the admiration of wine consumers and wine-writers.  Geez, doesn’t that sound familiar?  Super Tuscans come to mind right away.  The winemakers in Tuscany were lambasted by some and lauded by others in the beginning.  After a number of years passed, they became accepted, if not reluctantly, by the traditional crew.

So let’s look at it another way.  If we didn’t have people who had a vision for something new because the status quo just didn’t do it for them, we wouldn’t have electricity, telephones, cars, airplanes, computers, Blackberrys and everything else that we take for granted in our day to day lives.  We think that switching it up a little is a good thing.  Some days you may feel like a little ‘Bad Boy’ (we are talkin’ wine here people) and other days you may feel like a Château d’Armailhac.  Diversity is a good thing.

In 2008 James Lawther MW (Decanter Magazine) wrote:  “Back in May (2008) the unthinkable happened. The bad boy of St-Emilion, Jean-Luc Thunevin, owner of Château Valandraud and godfather of the garagistes, was welcomed as an honorary member of the venerable Left Bank association, the Commanderie du Bontemps du Médoc et Graves, Sauternes et Barsac. ‘He woke us up and helped revolutionize Bordeaux,’ said the order’s grand maître, Jean- Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages.”  Those are big kudos.  We are very excited to see what you think of this wine.

CSPC:                   733870
Winesday Price:

$25.19 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price: 

$27.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Happy New Year to you and your families.  May 2012 bring you love, peace and joy.  Enjoy a nice bottle of wine with your best gal or guy and lots of friends and family.

[2] www.thunevin.com

[3] The Oxford Companion to Wine

Moscato d’Asti DOCG is made from the Moscato Bianco grape and is produced in Asti, which is located in the Northwestern region of Italy known as Piedmont.  So here is a handle for you… the DOCG means “Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita”.  Try and say that quickly, or even slowly for that matter.   Right off the bat we want to let you know that this is not Asti Spumante.  Moscato d’ Asti has the tiniest little bubble (technically speaking it has about 1.7 atmospheres of pressure compared to that of Asti which would be 3.5 - 4 atmospheres of pressure.)  It is not full blown sparkling.  It is known as a Frizzante.  It can be described as very fragrant.  It is quite pleasing, actually.

A Frizzante does not need a big sparkling wine cork with the cage on it, because it doesn’t have that much pressure built up in the bottle.  Just enough to feel a tingle in your mouth and that is it.  A reular cork will do.  Moscato d’Asti is the grander big brother to Asti Spumante.  Now the way we are writing that it sounds kind of snobbish, but it isn’t meant that way at all.  It is just a fact that it is regarded with a little more prestige.  Moscato D’Asti, however, is the one with the lovely Frizzante.  We can’t wait for you to try this wine.

Ricossa Moscato D’Asti

Location: Asti, Piedmont, Italy
Blend: 100% Moscato Bianco
Tasting: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

“The story of “Ricossa Antica casa” is a story of loyalty to territory and tradition, a blend of resourcefulness, professionalism and ingenuity which transformed a small provincial distillery into a large international company.”[1]

The history of Italian wine goes back centuries.  Each region has wonderful wines to go with the local fare.  Some say that there are no wines in the world like Italian wines.  They are pretty special, for sure.  The fun thing about wine is the constant discovery.  Now you know why Richard and I love this industry so much.

The buzz over the past year or so is that Moscato (a.k.a. Mucsat) has become the new hot white grape variety.  We are seeing more and more of it in our marketplace all the time and in various price ranges.  It has a very distinctive fragrant aroma that is very pleasing to the senses.

This Ricossa Moscato D’Asti is described this way:  “Bursting with floral and citrus aromas, this semi-sweet wine, slightly sparkling, expresses flavors of peach and honey on the palate with a healthy dose of crisp acidity to balance the sweetness

Food Pairing:

Peaches Baked with Amaretti; Candied Fruit Biscotti

CSPC:                   743347
Winesday Price:

$15.29 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$16.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Rigal - The Original Malbec

Location: Cahors, France
Blend: 100% Malbec
Tasting: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Malbec… from France, not Argentina.   ”So many local names for the same grape… Auxerrois in Quercy and Cahors where it originates, but also Pressac, Noir de Pressac or Gros Noir, Cot in the Loire Valley and Malbec in Bordeaux.  Malbec has been grown in France for over 800 years.”[2]

We have had the pleasure of sampling French Malbec on Winesday previously.  However, this Rigal was a new find for us this fall.   It was featured at ‘French Fling’ in October of this year.  (If you like French wines, or want to discover French wines, mark it on your calendar for next fall.  The date will be announced in the spring.)

“RIGAL is located in the Lot valley in the heart of South West France, and its roots have been in the town of Cahors since 1755.

For more than 250 years, this historical company has developed its expertise, assuring tradition, authenticity and quality for a range of wines from Cahors and the South West.”

What does Rigal have to say about the wine?  “Flavours of red fruit and spices plus a full body.  It is well-balanced and smooth with just a touch of vanilla.”

CSPC:                   284026
Winesday Price:

$11.93 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$13.25

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

St. Rémy à la Crème

Location: France
Type: Cream Liqueur - Brandy Based
Tasting: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

This product comes with a warning… once you try it you will be hooked!!  That is a summary of what people have been saying over the past couple of months.  The first ingredient is cream.  Remember, at this time of year there are no calories.  Here our thinking on that matter.  Take the bottle and turn it upside down.  The shape looks like an ‘O’ or ‘zero’.  So if you have a fraction of zero, we figure it is minus calories.  We am going to go with that logic.  Who is with us?

So here we have a brandy-based liqueur.  We can’t remember the last time one was even available in Alberta.  The cream category has a great deal of representation, especially in the Irish Whiskey based section, but none with brandy.  Not here in Alberta, in any case.   The St. Rémy à la Crème is a brand new product from St. Rémy.  They could have released it anywhere in the world, but they chose Canada.

“St-Rémy is the world’s N°1 French Brandy made from prestigious French vineyards.  St-Rémy à la Crème is made from the subtle association of sweet cream elegantly combined  with the unique taste of St-Rémy French Brandy.  An original blend producing notes of rich caramel, creamy chocolate and exquisite nuts.  A unique design highlighting a cow in the flourishing grasslands.  Fresh and smooth, St-Rémy à la Crème is subtle and delectable”[3] This past weekend, one lady said that ‘the cow on the label looks very happy.  I bet she was sampling some of this liqueur.’

What is surprising about the reaction to this liqueur is the number of people who have commented that they weren’t big on brandy, but they really enjoy the liqueur’s unique flavour.

The most common question is:  “How do you drink this?”  It is great on ice.  Mix it up with some Cointreau (about 1 part Cointreau to 3 parts St. Rémy à la Crème.)  Coffee and Hot Chocolate work great as well.  Log on to the Facebook page for some great recipes.

CSPC:                   745709
Winesday Price:

$28.79 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$31.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Next week we are celebrating New Year’s Eve a little early. Come join us! We are staying in France for next week to enjoy some wine and liqueur.

[2] www.cahorsmalbec.com

[3] St. Remy

Okay, so how magical does this scene look?  Sigh…  Richard and I walked down this street last year, but it was not bedecked with all the Christmas regalia in the month of June.  Can you imagine how beautiful this whole town of Eguisheim would look during Christmas?  It is nestled in Alsace and is just a stones throw to the Vosges Mountains.  All the beautiful half-timber homes… my oh my.  They are truly a sight to see.  It is a dream of mine to spend some time with Richard in Alsace before Christmas.  We just know it would be magical.  When we were there in 2010, we stayed in a charming little spot right in town called Hotel Hostellerie des Comtes.  The location was perfect.  We were about a one minute walk from the centre of town and driving distance to the other towns/wineries we wanted to visit.  Oh and the local bakery was just a minute down the road.  Writing this brings back memories of the smell of the fresh baked bread that would waft in the window first thing in the morning.  Meanwhile just up the road from us was Domaine Zinck.

Although the Zinck family has been in the wine industry for many generations, this venture was started by Paul in 1964.  His son Philippe joined him in 1997.  The Zinck winery started with only 2.5 hectares of vines and now produce their whole line of wines with 30 hectares.  “Respect for the environment” is important to Philippe.  Because of that, the Zinck winery “is heading progressively towards organic agriculture on nearly all of the surface area.”[1]

Paul Zinck Pinot Gris

Location: Eguisheim, Alsace, France
Blend: 100% Pinot Gris
Tasting: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio.  Are they the same or different?  They are the same, but like with all grapes, they will taste different depending on where they are grown.  Alsace produces nice honeyed-note Pinot Gris.  If you are used to drinking Italian Pinot Grigio, you will notice right off the get go that the Alsatian Pinot Gris is a little… let’s say they are a little fatter.   There is just something about Alsatian wines that makes them stand out.  Not only from the rest of France, but from the rest of the world.  They are a hidden gem yet to be truly discovered and appreciated.  However, you are going to get to discovered them this week.

TASTING NOTES* by Manuel Peyrondet - Best Sommelier of France, 2008

COLOR This brilliant pale yellow wine offers dazzling glints of silver.

NOSE The aroma before breathing is redolent of plums (notably greengage) and tart apples, mixed with notes of fresh mushrooms. Breathing provides both freshness and lightness. We expect a frank, lively, light wine. Slight hints of pepper round off the aromatic range of this Pinot Gris, which proves to be more subtle than many others of its kind, from an olfactory point of view.

TASTE In the mouth, the impression of freshness is confirmed by an ample and direct attack. The wine gracefully covers the palate, and charms with its volume. Perfectly dry in the mouth (a rare event with this varietal), the wine evolves with a delicate acidity and a slightly leafy note that gives it an even more streamlined body. The finish, still lively at this stage of maturity, is thirst-quenching while at the same time leaving a hint of smokiness.

Food Pairing:

 Lobster Curry; Whole Roast Pork Loin

CSPC:                   702457
Winesday Price:

$17.55 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$19.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Paul Zinck Gewürztraminer

Location: Eguisheim, Alsace, France
Blend: 100% Gewurztraminer
Tasting: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Yah Yah.  We know.  This is the grape that a lot of people have a hard time pronouncing.  Try this:  Guh-Vurts-Trah-Meener

‘Gewürz’ is German for ‘spicy’ and traminer means ‘coming from Tramin’ (a little town in Austria where the grape originates).  Our translation of the word is simple:  Dee Lish Us.  We love the aromas that come from Alsatian Gewürztraminer.  You can’t miss them.  They almost jump right out of the glass.  One might say that they are seductive in nature.  The Alsatian Gewürztraminer wines have a lot going on.  Oz Clarke, an extremely accomplished British wine writer and critic, says this about Gewürztraminer in his book ‘Grapes and Wines’:  “Those who choose to grow it do so because they love its richness and are prepared to accept low yields and relatively low returns.  It’s unlikely ever to cover the map:  it is not, and never can be, an all-purpose wine.  But with such and in-your face personality, how could it ever be?”

In Alsace, the grape represents about 20% of vineyard space.

Here are the tasting comments by Manuel Peyrondet - Best Sommelier of France, 2008

COLOR The sustained yellow of the wine is enhanced by golden tones.

NOSE The smell is the epitome of the varietal: generous, quite aromatic, it opens on notes of ripe pear, rose petals and violets. The full-bodied aromas of the varietal are strong and precise, despite some yeastiness due to its youth. The wine increases its exotic allure after breathing, with hints of litchi and peppermint.

TASTE In the mouth, the attack begins sweetly on a few grams of sugar that are as charming as the intense perfume. We appreciate the freshness of the wine, especially the measured balance in alcohol found here. The finish seems drier, and culminates on fleeting notes of roses.

Food Pairing:

Thai Green Curry with Beef Recipe; Szechuan Beef; Baked Ham with Marmalade-Horseradish Glaze; Roast Turkey

CSPC:                   702458
Winesday Price:

$18.89 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$20.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice
We are staying in France for next week to enjoy some wine and liqueur.

Well, here we are back in South Africa again.  Stellenbosch, to be exact. Known as the capital of the wine industry in South Africa.  It is also the home for Guardian Peak Winery.  It opened in 1999 as a partnership between Jean Engelbrecht and PGA Golf star Ernie Els.  Although the two recently dissolved their partnership to further explore their separate wine interests, Guardian Peak lives on.  Guardian Peak’s philosophy is to provide fruit driven new world style wines that are accessible to wine enthusiasts.  They know what a large number of consumers are looking for and they are delivering.  You will see what we mean when you come to try the wine.

Guardian Peak Frontier

Location: South Africa
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Shiraz 35% Merlot 20%
Tasting: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

A few months ago we had the opportunity to try this Guardian Peak wine and we thought you would enjoy it.  So here we are.  The wine has some interesting flavours that make it quite food friendly.  You will notice the ‘Grilled Sausage’ and the ‘Grilled Filet with Herb Butter’ recipes below.  When we read them we thought they would go great with this wine.  We haven’t tried them yet, but it is all about experimentation… in other words, we are trying them this weekend.

As described by the winery:

Appearance: Deep Ruby Red

Aroma: Great complexity on the nose with floral notes of jasmine and violet. This is backed up by sandalwood and licorice with hints of classic lead pencil.

Palate: Ripe, juicy red fruit are prominent on the palate with a lengthy, smooth finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are in perfect harmony. Together with the Merlot, this creates a well rounded, wonderfully balanced wine.

Impression: “The three varietals each contribute unique flavours and character to the wine to make this a wonderful drinking experience. The wine will mature and soften beautifully over the next 5 years.”

Food Pairing:

Grilled Sausage Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Cheese; Grilled Filet Mignon with Herb Butter & Texas Toasts;

CSPC:     721145
Winesday Price:

$17.09 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$18.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Guardian Peak Shiraz

Location: Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: Shiraz
Tasting: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Philip van Staden, the Winemaker describes the wine for us:

Appearance: Bright ruby red.

Aroma: Ripe red fruit aromas are evident, with cassis and white plum. This is backed up by hints of coffee and mocha, with well balanced, subtle oak notes.

Palate: The focused fruit shows exceptional follow through from the nose. This, combined with the seamlessly integrated tannin structure creates an approachable, elegant wine.

Impression: “A beautiful and well integrated Shiraz best enjoyed now and for the next three years.”

Food Pairing:

Bison Burgers with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar; Grilled Leg of Lamb with Rosemary, Garlic, and Mustard

CSPC:                   721144
Winesday Price:

$15.75 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$17.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

We have many favourite places in the world, but without a doubt Alsace in France ranks right up there.  Wait until you see the photos and taste the wine.  You will think you are right there.

COPAIN SAISON DES VINS VIOGNIER

Winery: Copain Wines
Location: California, U.S.A.
Blend: Viognier
Tasting: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Every winemaker we have spoken with has had an interesting story behind their chosen profession.  Wells Guthrie’s story, too, is an interesting one.  Wells worked for Wine Spectator in their San Francisco office as a tasting coordinator.  Not only had he fallen in love with wine, but he had a very strong desire to become a winemaker.  He left Wine Spectator and then he and his wife packed up and headed off to the Rhône Valley in France.

It was in the Rhône that two men had an incredible influence on his love of wine and winemaking.  Michel Chapoutier and Jean Louis Chave.  Wells worked as an apprentice to vintner Michel Chapoutier for two years.  You might be wondering why he wanted to work with Chapoutier.  Credentials, quite frankly.  The Chapoutier family has been in the wine industry in the Rhône Valley for more than 200 years.  If you drink wines from this region, then you most likely know the Chapoutier name.  Then there is Jean Louis Chave.  His family has been in the ‘vine’ business since the late 15^th century and is considered to have one of the finest wineries in the region.  Ironically, Jean Louis did his schooling at the University of California Davis.  We can only imagine the depth of the impact that these two ‘star’ Rhône vintners had on Wells.  His French winey name, Copain, in English means ‘buddy/friend’.  He gave it that name because he feels that wine is best shared with friends and family.  Hear hear.

Wells founded Copain in 1999 in the state of California and quickly became known for his big Syrah and received a lot of press.  Like all good winemakers, Wells believe that quality starts in the vineyard.  Over the years the alcohol has lowered in the wines and they have become longer lasting and more, shall we say, elegant.  He wants to be a winemaker forever.   Although they make many lovely wines, we are lucky to have Wells’ Viognier to sample this week.

Wells describes this wine:

“This stainless steel fermented Viognier combines candied lemon rind, subtle white flowers, and dried apricots in a steely mineral nose.  Aromatics carry well to the palate which is clean, crisp and lively with a zesty lemon curd and chalk finish.”

CSPC:                   722095
Winesday Price:

$25.19 (Includes Winesday 10% discount.)

Regular Price:

$27.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Rutherglen Estates Burgoyne’s Block MSG

Winery: Rutherglen Estates
Location: Rutherglen, Australia
Blend: 60% Mourvedre, 20% Shiraz, 20% Grenache
Tasting: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Although we did not plan it this way… both of our wines this week have their roots in the Rhône Valley.  They are not made there, of course, but the history leads us back to that region.

“Rutherglen Estates was conceived with the ambition to redefine the traditions of one of the world’s best fortified wine regions, by producing premium table wines from varieties most suited to the climate and conditions of the Rutherglen region.”

In the mid 19^th century, the Rutherglen region of Australia was one of the largest wine producers in the southern hemisphere.  However, they were mostly known for their fortified wines.  The United Kingdon was the recipient of most of these wines, which really isn’t that surprising.  They seemed to have an insatiable taste for all things fortified.  Peter Burgoyne was considered to be a ‘wine pioneer’ in his day and he had the idea to make the Rutherglen region the principal winegrowing area in Australia.  This wine was named in his honour.[1]

Modelled on the Rhône Valley classics, this blend heralds the delightful reunion of these varieties. Although Mourvedre is rarely the dominant variety in these traditional blends, the colour, structure and intensity of flavour from our Mourvedre, allows us to make a unique version, adding an extra gamey and rich dimension to the Shiraz and Grenache. Shiraz offers lovely berry fruit, pepper and colour richness, while Grenache is the strawberry, candy, vanilla and spicy support variety.  This wine is very drinkable, yet is sophisticated and elegant with great length, rounded tannins, truffles, pepper, spice and red berry fruits.”

CSPC:                   738576
Winesday Price:

$18.89 (Includes Winesday 10% discount.)

Regular Price:

$20.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Can you believe that next Winesday we will be a mere 18 days from Christmas?  We will be celebrating with two wines from Guardian Peak in South Africa.   We are looking forward to see you this week and next.