Richard wasn’t with me when I tried the Botalcura Syrah Malbec for the first time.  I was in Calgary volunteering at a dog show and there was a dinner on the Saturday night where the Botalcura was served.   The people at our table thoroughly enjoyed it, so I thought it would be a great wine to try on a Winesday.

The birth of the winery began with a Chilean businessman (Juan Fernando Waidele) who loved wine and a French winemaker (Philippe Debrus).  When the two men met in 2000, Botalcura Winery soon followed.  The town of Botalcura is located about 3 hours south of Santiago.  The town is set amongst the rolling hills of the Coastal Range in what is known as the Maule Valley.

“The word Botalcura means “large stone” in Mapundungun, the language of Chile’s native Mapuche people. Something hard and solid as rock speaks of the power of the gods and of what’s enduring.”

“Along with the constant search of excellence in our wines, Botalcura Winery has always been committed to our surroundings.  We focus in 3 essential issues: community, economy and environment. By taking care of these 3 items, we want to contribute and achieve sustainable development, and obtain improvements in our people’s quality of life, in our town and on our planet.”[1]

Botalcura El Delino Reserve Syrah/Malbec

Winery: Botalcura
Location: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: 58% Syrah, 42% Malbec
Tasting: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

When I had a wee sip of this for the first time, I knew right away why people were oohing and ahhing at that dinner.  This is a nice easy drinking wine with lots of fruit up front and a touch of spice.  It would go great with our Alberta beef.  When I arrived home from Calgary I picked up a bottle and opened it up for Richard and I to try together.  Richard said the same thing.  ‘I can see why the people at the show really enjoyed it.  It is easy drinking.’  This little wine has garnered the attention of a few others, as well.  Take a look.

• Stephen Tanzer - International Wine Cellar *87 Points
• Decanter World Wine Awards *Commended
• International Wine Challenge *Bronze Medal

The folks at Botalcura say this:

“Aromas:  Complex and alluring, with ripe blackberry, black cherry, violets, black pepper and nutmeg. Flinty, with rich, toasted oak and vanilla.”

“Palate:  Broad entry leading to a round, mouth-filling middle, with full but soft tannins. Very elegant, with approachable balance, fine acidity, and fullness from the alcohol/glycerol elements. This wine showcases the synergy between these two great varieties. The Syrah lends grip and structure, while the Malbec provides color, aromatic complexity, and voluptuous body. The result is a remarkably intense, fruity, and voluminous wine. It has been barrel aged to complement the luscious grape flavors.”

Food Pairing:

Herb-Rubbed Top Sirloin Steak with Peperonata; Salt-and-Pepper Rib Eye; Spiced Lamb Chops

CSPC:     728051

Botalcura Chardonnay Viognier

Winery: Botalcura
Vintage: 2010
Location: Central Valley, Chile
Blend: 62% Chardonnay, 38% Viognier
Tasting: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Chardonnay (see left) and Viognier (below right)… neat combination.  The hot days and cooler evenings of the Central Valley are like heaven to these grapes.  The acidity, the flavours and everything is made all the better when you have those wide swings in temperature.  Look at it this way… when we have a hot day, there is nothing quite as wonderful as the cooler temperatures of the evening.  Our bodies get a chance to cool down and get ready for the next day.  Grapes are no different.  They like the break too.

When they hand-pick these grapes they are able to pick the best grapes for the wine.  Although there are upsides to machine harvesting, nothing replaces looking at the grapes and picking only the ones that are ready.

Winery Notes:

“Aromas:  The attractive nose recalls white tree fruits such as apricot, peach, and pear, joined by notes of grapefruit and tangerine, delicately balanced with toast and vanilla.”

“Palate:  Soft and attractive, with broad balance on the mid-palate, delicate top notes, and a characteristic slight bitterness on the medium finish. This is a uncomplicated wine for everyday enjoyment.  It brings together the respective charms of Chardonnay and Viognier: the first provides voluptuousness in the mouth and the second, the intensity of flavors. The result is a captivating and original blend with solid fruit expression and a soft, but full mouthfeel.”

This wine is meant to be enjoyed at a young age.  Within two years of bottling is recommended.

Food Pairing:

Grilled Chicken Breast; Seafood Pasta with Cream Sauce

CSPC:     728050

Next week we have a “Sweet-Tea” treat for you to try.

Do you know the song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”? Well, my version is “I Left My Heart in Toscana”.You have probably heard me say that before. This region of Italy is stunningly beautiful. Not just the landscape, but the people as well. Of course we can’t forget about the wine. It is pretty darn yummy. There is something about this place that fills your heart. It was in Tuscany where I fell even more deeply in love with my husband Richard. You can never forget the place that makes you feel that way! As far as I am concerned, this place exudes love.
Every turn you take in Tuscany reveals a new and beautiful place. Whether it is what they say is a two lane road leading down a hill to a small town, but you know can only fit one car… OR a new find restaurant down a back lane in Florence. Siena, Montepulciano, Montalcino and on and on and on. The history will envelope you and make you feel like you want more.
That is why we are so excited to bring you back to Toscana to visit Castello Di Pomino and Tenuta Di Castiglioni. Come along with us.

PominoBiancoDOC

Winery: Castello di Pomino (Marchesi di Frescobaldi)
Vintage: 2009
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Blend: 85% Chardonnay, 15% PominoBianco
Tasting: Wednesday, May 25, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

The history here is everywhere. The castle was built in the 16th century. In the early 18th century (1716), this region was identified as one of the best in all of Tuscany by Granduca di Toscana. In the mid19th century Chardonnay was planted here. People don’t think of Italy when they think of Chardonnay, which is a shame. This wine only spends 8 months in oak, so the flavours blend nicely together. It isn’t like chewing on a 2×4.

The “Gravity flow” cellar was designed and built in 1894. That is almost 120 years ago. It was pure genius to come up with this system so many years ago. You talk about forward thinking! Basically, if you do good by the grapes you get the best wine you can from your harvest. Pure and simple.

You can see by the pictures that this is a hilly area. It is the highest region in Tuscany. It has a very unique mountain microclimate. It is a bit cooler, which is why they focus on the grape varieties from Burgundy. Those grapes live for this type of cooler climate.

The wines from this estate are tasty and “food friendly”. I know these days there are more red wine drinkers than white wine drinkers. Please don’t pass up on the white wine, though. You could miss out on some elegant wines.

Just read this: “A sparkling straw yellow precedes a nose notable for its forward, cleanly-defined aromas. Delicate floral notes of lily of the valley and hawthorn blossoms yield to fruiter notes of apple, pear, peach, and banana, ending with an elegant nuance of earthy mineral notes. A rounded, smooth palate offers rich, appealing flavors and a bracing vein of crisp acidity. This is a truly elegant, well-balanced wine, concluding with a very lengthy, delicious finish.”

Food Pairing:

Fettucine with Chicken and Bell Pepper Cream Sauce; Oven Roasted Whole Fish … just as an aperitif!

CSPC:     65086
Price:

$17.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Castiglioni Chianti DOCG

Winery: Tenuta di Castiglioni
Vintage: 2009
Location: Tuscany Italy
Blend: Sangiovese and Merlot
(with a touch of a couple of other complementary grape varieties)
Tasting: Wednesday, May 25, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Okay, if you thought the other castle was old.  It doesn’t have anything on this one.  This incredible place pictured above was built in 1022.  Yes that is correct… 1022.  It is not a typo.  This place is referred to as the “Ancient winemaking home of the Frescobaldis”.  Of course the vines don’t go back that far.  They would have been replanted many times.   In fact, over 20 years ago the vineyards were completed replanted.  “The Tenuta di Castiglioni estate lies in the Chianti ColliFiorentini zone, in the Montespertoli area, with a warm, dry climate. The entire estate covers 513 hectares, of which 115 hectares are devoted to vineyards at an average altitude of 200 meters. ”

If you take a look at the map of Tuscany, you will notice that these vineyards are located just southwest of the beautiful city of Florence in the region of Chianti.  The grapes grown here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and, of course, Sangiovese.   The climate is warm and dry and is ‘influenced by the weather of the Mediterranean sea’.

When it comes to this wine, no one can express what the wine is about better than the vineyard owners:  “Castiglioni Chianti DOCG is a blend of Sangiovese and Merlot. Recent vintages provide an expressive nose with appealing, prominent fruit and a palate of light tannins complemented by a judicious balance of alcohol and crisp acidity with an impressive and luscious finish.”

“Castiglioni exhibits a dense, purple-flecked ruby. Intense, well-defined fragrances spring from the nose, wild red berry fruit and bright cherry emerging first, then darker notes of dried plum and raspberry. Supple tannins and a bright acidity contribute to a fine balance and velvet mouth feel, while emphatic notes of tasty fruit return on a long-lingering finale.”

Food Pairing:

Spaghetti with Meatballs; Cheese and Bacon Pizza; Chorizo and Pinto Bean Casserole

CSPC:     545319
Price:

$15.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Have we got a treat for you next week.A visit from Eduardo Swinnen of Norton Winery.  Yes… he is going to be at Sherbrooke.

The region of Beaujolais itself is larger than any other region in Burgundy.  It measures about 34 miles long and is 7 to 9 miles wide.  There are about 50,000 acres of vines planted in this region.  That is a lot of acres producing a good amount of wine.

When Richard and I travelled to beautiful Burgundy last year, we did not get to Beaujolais due to time constraints.  There are all kinds of nice wines that come out of this area.  We have the light and fruity Beaujolais, like what we are sampling today and we have Beaujolais Villages and the top step of Cru Beaujolais.  Yes these wines are very nice, but wine drinkers think of different parts of Burgundy and Bordeaux when they think of, as one might say, more serious wines.  You know what… that is okay with us.  The unfortunate thing is, however, they are missing out on some really nice wines.

In the 1980’s Beaujolais hit the peak of its popularity in the wine world with the mystique of ‘Beaujolais Nouveau’.  Nouveau began as a local phenomenon in bars and cafes in Beaujolais and Lyons in France.  It was wine that was made quickly, while the other Beaujolais lay in wait to be enjoyed at a later date.  It was marketing genius how this ‘new wine’ took off and enjoyed success for so long.  Nouveau is fermented for just a few weeks and then released on the third Thursday of November each year and not a moment sooner.

I remember when I was working for the old ALCB and we would get reports that ‘Air Canada cargo plane had left Canada enroute to France to pick up the Beaujolais Nouveau’.  It would even be on the national news!  Then there would be a report of when it had left France and another once it had touched down in Canada.  It was a race to see who would have the opportunity to try it first.  I remember lineups outside the liquor stores.  People were waiting to get the first drops of Nouveau.  They would buy it by the case, not just the bottle.  It was a news event all unto itself.

But like many things, the bloom came off the rose and the activity slowed from fanaticism to interest.  Every year we still receive Beaujolais Nouveau in Canada and many cases are still sold, just not like at the height of it in the 80’s.  Unfortunately, with that success came the belief that all Beaujolais is Nouveau.  The one we are trying today is light and easy drinking which is great, but it is not Nouveau.

As always, we can go on and on and on.  So instead of doing that and talking the paint off the wall, let’s just sample our two wines today.

FUN Beaujolais

Winery: Georges Duboeuf
Location: Beaujolais, Burgundy, France
Blend: 100% Gamay
Tasting: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

It seems it was only a short while ago when I last tried this wine.  Oh wait a minute… it was just a short while ago.  Actually it was Sunday afternoon.  We had it on our blind wine tasting exam!  When I first saw this wine, I thought ‘what a fun name’ (no pun intended… well, okay maybe a bit of a pun).  Beaujolais gets such a bad wrap.  Yah, okay, Beaujolais isn’t a Syrah, Pinot Noir or a Malbec or anything like that, but it is not trying to be that.  It is a light bodied, easy drinking wine.  Like the name says… it is ‘Fun’.  You would even chill this wine just a little bit before serving it.

Food Pairing:

Baked Ham;  Roasted Pork Loin with Cardoman-Red Currant Jelly Sauce; Frisée Salad with Lardons and Poached Eggs;

CSPC:     7395221
Price:

$13.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Hob Nob Chardonnay

Winery: Georges Duboeuf
Location: France
Blend: Chardonnay
Tasting: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

You have to admit that our wines today have very catchy names.  First we had ‘FUN’ now ‘HobNob’.  You know why we like this name.  It basically says everything about having a glass of wine.  You ‘mingle’ with your friends and have a bit of fun.  You ‘socialize’ with your neighbours and enjoy a sip or three!  It is just a very friendly name, which is quite appropriate, because this is a very friendly wine.

Like the Beaujolais, the HobNob is an easy drinking, put your feet up and relax kind of wine.  Although it does have some oak (by way of oak chips), but it is not like chewing on a 2×4, it is crisp.  This wine will go with a number of types of food and it won’t break the bank.

Food Pairing:

Lobster Pot Pie; Scallops with Mushrooms in White Wine Sauce; Gratinéed Chicken in Cream Sauce;

CSPC:     736253
Price:

$15.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Nk’Mip Cellars (Pronounced in-ka-meep) is North America’s first Aboriginal owned and operated winery.  (On the map to the left it is number 64 at the bottom centre).  It is located at the most southerly point of the Okanagan Valley. It overlooks Osoyoos Lake.  We have spoken to many people who have visited the winery and they have told us that it has some of the most incredible scenery in that whole region.  On one side you have a natural desert and then to contrast you have the lush green vineyards.  The land in that region of the Okanagan that is owned by the Osoyoos Band and it spans 32,000 acres.  1,155 acres of that is planted under vine.  Some is managed directly by Nk’ Mip and some is leased.  The plan is to have another 100 - 200 acres planted over the next 12 months.

The 18,000 square foot winery was designed by Robert Mackenzie, an architect from Penticton.  Mr. Mackenzie has also designed four other wineries in the region.  Nk’ Mip Cellars has the capacity to produce 18,000 cases of wine per year.  With 60% being red and 40% being white.  Pinot Blanc, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Riesling are the varieties planted at the Nk’ Mip Vineyard and the vineyard adjacent to the winery.  They not only produce single varietal wines, but also a Meritage and a special Riesling Icewine.  They are dedicated to making premium VQA wines.

Nk’Mip Cellars is part of the Osoyoos Indian Bands long-term plan. The winery was the second phase of a $25 million Nk’Mip project that includes:

• The Patio at Nk’Mip, a seasonal outdoor restaurant located in the winery. The Patio is open from May through October offering Aboriginal-inspired cuisine
• The Nk’Mip Campground and RV Park, which was the first phase, and is now, an all-season facility
• Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre,
• Sonora Dunes, an executive nine-hole golf course, and
• Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort & Spa, which includes 226 luxurious suites and villas, Sonora Desert Spa, conference facilities, outdoor pool, hot tub & fitness facilities, and a gourmet restaurant - Passatempo, The Market.

The team of winemakers made up of Randy Picton, Justin Hall and Aaron Crey are very dedicated to their craft.  Make sure you check out their bios.

Winery: Nk’ Mip Cellars
Location: Osoyoos, British Columbia
Blend: Chardonnay
Tasting: Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

This wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and although it has oak aging, only 40% was aged in French oak barrels for 10 months with the balance being aged in stainless steel.   This means that the wine was able to “retain a crisp, fruit forward flavour with a smooth finish.”

This wine has received a few accolades along the way:

• Silver - All Canadian Wine Championship - 2010
• Silver - SanFrancisco Wine Competition - 2010

BCLCB says:  “Driven by fruit, the peach, apple and pear flavours combine with winemaking dexterity to build a powerful wine with great length.  Notes of honeycomb, butter and mineral…”

Food Pairing:

Crab Cakes; Provolone Cheese; Pork Tenderloin in Cream Sauce

CSPC:     626408
Price:

$20.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Winery: Nk’ Mip Cellars
Location: Osoyoos, British Columbia
Blend: Merlot
Tasting: Wednesday, April 6, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

I think Merlot is given a bad rap.  People say things like…’ well it isn’t big like a Cab’.  You know what?  That’s right.  It isn’t a Cabernet Sauvignon and although it goes with nice red meat dishes like Cabernet it is totally and completely different.  I think the big bold Cabernets and wonderful, don’t get me wrong.  The beautiful fruit and the velvet finish that you can get on Merlot can be just heavenly too.  The word velvet is key.  I say quite often that for me, when you are sipping a nice Merlot it should give you the same sense as the touch of soft velvet on your fingertips.  Now that’s just me, of course.

This is what the winemakers have to say about this lovely wine:  “This wine was aged for 18 months in a combination of French and American oak. It weaves intricate flavours of plum, cassis, and fresh tobacco that layer harmoniously with subtle clove and cocoa leading into a concentrated toasty finish.”

Food Pairing:

Bison Ribs with Merlot BBQ Sauce; Shepherd’s Pie; Cantalet Cheese or Dorset Cheese

CSPC:     626416
Price:

$23.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Spain… ah lovely Spain.  We can’t wait for you to meet Maria!

Winery: Dominio Del Plata
Location: Lujàn de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Blend: Chardonnay
Tasting: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Winemaking has been a male dominated field since time began, so to speak.  Around the world there are many outstanding winemakers, many of whom are women.  Susana Balbo… now this is a name to remember. Since Susana received her oenology degree thirty years ago, she has made news in the wine world in Argentina.  However, she has not only made wine in Argentina, but also in the countries of Australia, U.S.A. (California in particular), Chile, France, Italy, South Africa and Spain.  This is a woman who never stops learning about her craft.

After many years of making wine for many others 1999 saw Susana starting her own winery called Dominio Del Plata.  She has a passion for wine and everything about it.  That passion leads Susana to travel for a month every year to different wine regions around the world to study what the local winemakers are doing not only in the winery itself, but also in the vineyards.  That is dedication.  That dedication is transferred to the wonderful wines this amazing winemaker gives to her customers.

Today we are sampling a Chardonnay from Susana’s Crios line of wines.  In Alberta, we also have the pleasure of enjoying her other line of wines…simply ‘Susana Balbo’ and Ben Marco.  In the Susana Balbo line of wines there is a Late Harvest Malbec that is not to be missed.

So let’s talk about Crios.  The name means “offspring”.  Susana picked this name because it indicates that although the wines get all the same attention as their big sisters, they are not quite “grown up”.  The label has three interconnected hands, which was an inspiration from a Mayan artifact, and is representative of Susana and her three children.[1] The Crios line are youthful wines and are meant to be enjoyed young.

This is how the winery describes this Chardonnay:  “Light yellow and golden shining appearance.  Its aroma reminds us of white fruits, green apple and tropical fruits.  Slight honey notes in combination with a subtle almond and vanilla appear in the mouth as a spice reflex that lasts in a long fresh mild end.  Good balance.  Enjoy it is youth!”

Food Pairing:

Crab Cakes; Chicken Tenders in Canadian Cream Cheese Sauce

CSPC:     719749
Price:

$17.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Winery: Gouguenheim
Location: Tupungato , Mendoza , Argentina
Blend: Malbec
Tasting: Wednesday, February 16, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

We were speaking with the representative who distributes Gouguenheim wines and he was telling us that Patricio Gouguenheim’s mentor was none other than… Susana Balbo.  How ironic that we are presenting both winemakers in the same week.

Patricio Gouguenhaim has been quoted saying:  “My two daughters once told me that ‘I’m mad to start a winery!’ but I love the fact that I’m creating something that can be shared with others. I feel as though I’m spreading some sense of Argentina all around the world.”

Here is a man who used to work in the mergers and acquisitions field buying and selling companies.  He had travelled to Mendoza between 1999 and 2002 for business purposes.  In 2002 Argentina’s economy when into the tanker and Patricio saw his opportunity to get into the wine industry.  It was a time when many were getting out of the industry.  Patricio believed that Argentina’s time to shine in the wine spotlight was yet to come and he was right.

After buying an old winery he put the banking shingle away and hung up the winemaker shingle.  In just a few short years Gouguenheim Winery has gained its fans.

Andrew, the wine representative, told us that this wine is 100% Malbec and is so new to our market that there is very little information on it.  Now there is a good reason to come by and try the wine.  We are already lining up in our minds what to serve with this Malbec.

Food Pairing:

Steak with Parmesan Butter Balsamic Glaze and Arugula; Beef Tenderloin Steaks Stuffed with Morels

CSPC:     740892
Price:

$20.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Nugan Estate was started in 1999 about 60 years after Alfredo Nugan emigrated from Valencia, Spain to start a fruit and vegetable packing business.  Little did Alfredo know that 70 years later his packing business would turn into all that it is today.  Not only does the Nugan family produce estate grown wines on its almost 600 hectares of land, but it is also still involved with the fruit and vegetable packing business, the food industry and food services industry.

In 1965 Alfredo retired and left the company in the hands of his son Ken.  Ken Nugan headed the company for 21 years.  He passed away quite suddenly of cancer in 1986, just six short weeks after his diagnosis.  Ken’s wife Michelle, was thrust into taking over the wheel at Nugan.  She saw the company through some tough market changes and under her leadership, the company has grown exponentially.  Ken and Michelle’s children, Matt and Tiffany, are involved as well.  Matthew for over 20 years and Tiffany for 10 years.  Matthew is the General Manager of Nugan Estate and Tiffany is the National Sales Manager (Australia) and the International Marketing Manager.  Both of them have visited Edmonton over the past few years.  As has their Export Manager, Phil Goodman.  Matthew and Tiffany’s mom is still the lady at the helm.  She must be very proud to see how this company has grown under her watch.  Since its inception, Nugan Estate has grown into one of Australia’s Top 20 wine exporters.

Nugan, like so many other wine producers, has a number of different wine labels.  In Alberta, we see the following: Nugan Estate Single Vineyard, Nugan Estate Black and White, Nugan Estate Third Generation, Cookoothama and Wally’s Hut.  We are trying two of the Wally’s Hut wines this week.

Wally’s Hut Chardonnay

Winery: Nugan Estate Wines
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Blend: Chardonnay
Tasting: Wednesday, January 12, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

We have a little story to tell you about this wine.  A few years ago we were doing a Wally’s Hut tasting in a store.  This lovely young lady came in to try the wines.  She wanted to each of the wines except the Chardonnay.  When we asked her why she did not want to sample the Chardonnay, she said ‘I don’t like Chardonnay at all.’  We asked if she would be willing to give this one a go and she reluctantly said ‘okay’.  She took a teeny weenie drop.  Then she had a look of astonishment on her face and took an actual sip.  ‘Geez this is pretty good.  Are you sure this is Chardonnay?’  She was so surprised.  You know there are so many fun things about what Richard and I do, but watching someone rediscover a wine or discover something new… that is the best!  We love the look on peoples’ faces when they find a gem!

When people ask us to describe this wine, we say that it is refreshing.  You don’t need to worry about the taste of chewing on a 2×4 when you enjoy this wine.  It has waved as it is passing by the oak trees and that is about it.

Winemaker’s notes:  “Pale straw with youthful green highlights. Aromas of poached peach, fig and pineapple with biscuit notes. Tropical, medium bodied style with peach and melon flavours complimented by zesty acids, savoury nuances and a crisp, dry finish.”

As one gentleman said a while ago, ‘this is a thirst quenching wine’.  Chill, say ‘cheers’ and enjoy.

Food Pairing:

Grilled Mahimahi with Tomatillo Sauce;[1] Battered Cod; Chicken Breasts in a Light Cream Sauce

CSPC:     711222
Price:

$10.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Wally’s Hut Cabernet Shiraz

Winery: Nugan Estate Wines
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz
Tasting: Wednesday, January 12, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

We didn’t talk about the name ‘Wally’s Hut’ yet.  There is always a story about how a wine gets its name.  Here is Wally’s story.

“Wally’s Hut is the stockman’s hut built in the 1860’s on our Cookoothama vineyard. The hut was used by stockmen who rode the fence line of this once vast grazing property protecting its livestock. Today, the lone rider is long gone and the landscape has been transformed by vines but Wally’s Hut stands as his legacy.”[2]

This is an easy going wine that has a nice bit of flavor.  With the combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz it also pairs with a lot of food.  So let your imagination take you down lots of food roads.

This is what the winemaker has to say:  “Deep crimson with youthful purple hues. Lifted aromas of plum and blackcurrant melded with earth and spice. On the palate, appealing sweet berry flavours layered with mint, earth and spice.”

Food Pairing:

Grilled New York Steak; Braised Short Ribs[3]; Nugan website suggests - Homemade Bolognese Sauce topped with Parmesan Cheese.

CSPC:     711220
Price:

$10.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

California here we come.  Good timing, I would say, with all this snow we are getting in Edmonton.

[2] www.nuganestate.com

[3] www.epicurious.com

Baron Philippe de Rothschild Maipo Chile came to be in January 1997 and is “wholly-owned” by Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA. in France.  The bodega was built in 2003 and, of course, it is a state of the art facility.  We would expect nothing less than the best from Rothschild.  “Escudo Rojo is the literal Spanish translation of ‘Rothschild’, which comes from the German ‘das rot Schild’, the red shield, which initially served as the family emblem.”  On the Escudo label the red shield is surrounded by alternating blue and yellow blocks of colour.  The blue and yellow are the Rothschild family colours.  A classy label from a world class company.  Enjoy the wines we are tasting today.

Escudo Rojo

Winery: Baron Philippe de Rothschild - Chile
Location: Maipo Valley, Chile
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc
Tasting: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Escudo Rojo (Red Shield) first whet our palates over 2 years ago when we were doing a tasting.  We loved all the grape varieties that make up this neat wine, so how could we go wrong!  It did not disappoint.  The longer the wine was open, the more flavours came along.  I refer to this wine as a ‘French grapes with a Chilean twist’.  You get the full body from the Cabernet Sauvignon, a bit of spice and zip from the Carménère and Syrah and the wonderful fruit from the Cabernet Franc.  The grapes for this wine are grown in the Maipo and Rappel Valleys.

The grapes are hand-picked and hand-sorted.  The wine is matured in two ways: 6 months in French oak and 6 months in stainless steel.  “This delicate balance enables the winemakers to preserve the wine’s freshness and fruit over a measured tannic structure and controlled oak.”  “The density of Carmenère and Syrah give it the strength of its Chilean character, while Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc complete a blend which has its origins in Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s Bordeaux winemaking know-how.”

Richard and I enjoyed it as it was, but as always my mind went wandering down ‘cooking lane’.  I started thinking about all of the foods that would go with these flavours.  At the end of the tasting I headed for the butcher and picked up some strip loin steaks.  Instead of barbequing them, I decided to put them under the broiler.  As a side dish I started some mushrooms, onions, green and red peppers (basically anything I had in the crisper went in).  I took a fork and pierced the steaks a few times on each side.  Then I took a wee bit of the wine and poured it over the top and then cracked some fresh pepper over the steaks.  I was a little mistaken in how long it would take the steaks to cook so the side dish was ready a little sooner.  No problem, I figured.  I took some of the Escudo Rojo and deglazed the veggie pan.  By the time that was done the steaks were ready.  I put the steaks on the plate and topped them with the vegetable mix and added a baked potato on the side.  Richard looked at me and said “you can make this again, Smiley”.  After that was such a hit, every time I did a tasting with this wine, I would tell people about that first day.

Decant decant decant.  Did I say decant?  You won’t believe the incredible aromas and flavours that come out of this wine after it has had some time to sit in a decanter!  If you would like to sip a wee bit as soon as you come home, use your aerator.  Then put the rest in a decanter.  You can even pour it into the decanter by way of the aerator!  This is a wine that has many lovely layers.  The character is unmistakable.  We hope you enjoy.

Food Pairing:

Broiled Strip Lion steak (see above); Aged cheddar cheese; Lamb and beef stew; Grilled lamb.

CSPC:     577155
Price:

$18.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Escudo Rojo Chardonnay

Winery: Baron Philippe de Rothschild Maipo Chile
Location: Maipo Valley, Chile
Blend: Chardonnay
Tasting: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Each time Richard and I present some wines for people to taste, it is always so interesting to hear what they think about a product.  Quite frankly, we are of the belief that it doesn’t matter what someone else tells you or what you read.  Yes, that is very interesting and it is always great to see what the ‘people in the know’ think and how they rate it’ (that is the geeky side of me talking there).  BUT… the most important thing is how much each individual enjoys the wine.  For those of you who know us, you have heard us say this many times.  Every time we ‘do’ a tasting, we fill out customer comments so that the agent and producer can read what the people who are buying their wine, think of their products.  That brings me to this Escudo Rojo Chardonnay.  Each time people have tried this wine, they are so surprised… in a very good way.  We usually get ‘oh I am not much of a Chardonnay person’… then they try the wine and find out that they are a Chardonnay person, but just didn’t know it.

Sometimes people have tried a wine many years ago and they didn’t like it and then think that they just don’t like that grape variety.  Nothing could be further than the truth and this wine is a great example.  This is an easy drinking, medium-bodied Chardonnay.  I notice the nice fruit (tropical mostly), but here is how the winery describes this Chardonnay:  “Nose: Refined and complex. It first reveals a subtle combination of white blossom and toasted hazelnut aromas before asserting its power on notes of tropical fruit. White peach and pineapple, elegantly associated with toast and vanilla.  Palate: The attack is round and substantial with aromatic white fruit flavours enhanced by a touch of fresh vanilla. The lush and creamily smooth mid-palate displays perfect balance between fresh tropical fruit and toasty, spicy notes.”  Doesn’t that sound yummy?  Don’t chill it too much, because you will lose some of the lovely flavour.

Food Pairing:

Grilled chicken encrusted with bread crumbs, sesame seeds and Dijon; Pan seared Scallops (put a little of the chardonnay in the pan!; Roasted Turkey breast.

CSPC:     732030
Price:

$18.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

“Every man dreams of making his/her personality live forever by leaving an indelible trace of his/her life and creations. The idea that underlies MGM Mondo del Vino is just this: to make premium wines with the aim of leaving a real mark, that is, the satisfaction of customers and consumers.”  They go on to say “Grape harvesting and processing is not just enough to make an excellent wine. It takes passion, curiosity, and enthusiasm. These are exactly the values shared by all the staff working every day at MGM Mondo del Vino”

Luna Argenta Prosecco

Winery: MGM Mondo del Vino
Location: Veneto, Italy
Blend: Prosecco
Tasting: Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

We have been Prosecco fans for at the very least a decade.  There is something about this sparkling wine that keeps drawing us back.  It is great as an aperitif, with salad, a main course or dessert.  In short… Prosecco is like a smile in a bottle.

This Luna Agenta just received the ‘Judge’s Choice - Sparkling,  Wine Access International Value Wine Awards’.  I am mentioning this because this is a Canadian magazine.  Wine Access and Vines are probably two of the most recognized recognized magazines in this country.

Prosecco is a white grape variety that is grown in the Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia regions in northern Italy. It is best known for the light easy drinking fun sparkling wines.

The winery describes this wine:  “This harmonious and seductive sparkling wine, pale straw yellow in colour combines soft body of floral notes.”

If you think bubbles are for a special occasion only… well, you are right.  Our thinking is, however, that every day should be a special occasion!  Now we are going to let this sparkling wine do the talking.  Come join us!

Food Pairing:

Salad; Fish (poached, broiled); Fruity desserts.

CSPC:     733428
Price:

$17.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Next week we are staying it Italy for a bit, then we are off to Germany.

Just an hour outside of Toronto Ontario and about 30 minutes north of Buffalo New York sits a beautiful region called Short Hills Bench on the Niagara Escarpment (a UNESCO World Biosphere) in Ontario.  The warm sunny days and cool nights are typical for this sub-region.  Those conditions are perfect to help develop intense flavours in the grapes.  It is hard to imagine, but this whole Escarpment area was carved out by ancient glaciers.  The Henry of Pelham Vineyards/Winery was one of the first to be located on this UNESCO designated region.

The Speck Family have owned and operated this winery since the 1980’s.  Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck’s great great great Grandfather, Nicholas Smith, was deeded this land in 1794.  Nicholas’s story is an interesting one click here to read some of this history.  Nicholas’s youngest son, Henry, built the buildings that house the present day wine store. As well, he built what used to be the carriage house.  Pelham Road was one of the main roads going through this region.  When young Henry used to sign his name he wrote ‘Henry of Pelham’.  Hmmmm I wonder where they got the name for the estate? “With the premise that fine wine is grown and not made, we take low yields and tend our 170-acre estate vineyards with meticulous care.”  Henry of Pelham produces “small volumes of handmade wine… to ensure the highest standards of quality”

“As a family owned and operated winery we are dedicated to producing wines grown from the distinctive soils and climate of the Niagara Peninsula and most specifically the famous and well regarded Short Hills Bench.  We are fiercely committed to consistently growing and making only the finest wines by focusing on constant improvements in our vineyards and winery, low yields and wines that have true elegance, finesse and age ability.” (Paul, Matthew and Daniel Speck)

Henry of Pelham Baco Noir

Winery: Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery
Location: Niagara Escarpment and Area, Ontario, Canada
Blend: 100% Baco Noir
Tasting: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Baco Noir is an interesting grape variety, but most people have not heard of it.  It has often been referred to as Ontario’s version of Zinfandel and Syrah.  It was almost lost completely in the 1980’s “when the government paid grape growers to pull out North American grapes like Concords, Delaware, Niagara and also the cold hardy hybrids so they could replant with vitis vinifera, or European grapes.” (Source Taste T.O.)  Some vines did not make the chopping block, hence Baco Noir being made by a couple of handfuls of wineries in Ontario today.  Just for a little added interest, two of the other hybrid grapes that did survive the axe were Marechal Foch and Vidal Blanc.

The winemaker’s description of this wine:  “Deeply coloured, spicy, blueberry compote flavours with natural currant and briar patch fruit.  Displays startling intensity that will increase in complexity over the next 5 years.”

Food Pairing:

Aged cheddar cheese; Roasted game meats; Beef with horseradish or mustard.

CSPC:     270926
Price:

$19.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Sibling Rivalry White

Winery: Henry of Pelham Estate Winery
Location: Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment and Area, Ontario Canada
Blend: Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewüztraminer
Tasting: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

“The idea that quality is connected to price - or that the lower the price the lower the quality - is an out dated paradigm for Sibling Rivalry. Blending wine from our estate vineyards within our exceptional appellation is the answer.” (Source:  Sibling Rivalry Website)

The Sibling Rivalry wines were recently poured during the Rocky Mountain Wine and Food Festival in Edmonton and every time we went by the booth, the agents had a line up.  In addition to the white, the ‘Pink’ and the Red were also enjoyed by the Rocky attendees.  The cool funky label with a stylized picture of the three Speck brothers catches ones attention.  The attitude is fun and that is what the wine is meant to be.

The description by the winery says:  “Bright, white and out of sight; the triumvirate of Riesling, Chardonnay and Gewurztraminer. Long names and hard to pronounce, so we call this wine ‘White’.  Not just another single varietal wine-why choose one grape when you can have three? Think lime citrus and apple freshness with a dash of lychee fruit, in that order. As someone said at a recent event, “tastes like a sun-vacation”.

Food Pairing:

Grilled chicken; Light Asian fare; Baked cod.

CSPC:     126144
Price:

$19.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Richard y yo estamos echando en chorro apagado a España la semana próxima. ¿Usted habla español?  (Richard and I are jetting off to Spain next week.  Do you speak Spanish?)

Ever since I was a wee child, I have always had this fascination with the continent of Africa.  The people, the land, the animals and now the wine. We are visiting this beautiful country today.  It is located right on the very tip of the continent.

Some of you may remember many years ago when we used to see a number of South African wines in the liquor stores.  They were quite popular at that time.  They disappeared for a very long period, because of the embargo that was placed on the country.  When the embargo was lifted and they came back, it took a little while for people to get in touch with them again.  Now we see so much from this country.  We have almost 400 listings for South African products in Alberta.  Wines (including sparkling and fortified) comprise about 99.99%, but we can’t forget liqueurs, beer and there is even a cooler.

We are travelling to the Swartland region today.  The agriculture in this region includes not just vineyards, but olive groves, wheat fields and canola fields.

Winemaking in South Africa can be traced back to the mid 17^th century when The Dutch East Indian Company settled into an area now known as Cape Town.  Vineyards were originally planted for grapes and to make wine to help ward off scurvy for sailors.  The first governor of the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck, planted a vineyard in 1655.  The first wine that was made from grapes in the Cape region was on February 2, 1659. (southafricanwine.co.za)  They have come a long way since then.

The Lammershoek vineyards and winery are family owned and run.  There are 96 ha (approximately 237 acres) that make up the property.  “Legend has it that the name Lammershoek, meaning “lamb’s corner”, originated from the fact that ewes with their young lambs sought shelter in the forests surrounding the farm, when threatened by the Black Eagle - in Cape Dutch called the “Lammervanger”. (Lammershoek website)

Lammershoek Pinotage

Winery: Lammershoek
Location: Paardeberg, Swartland, South Africa
Blend: 100% Pinotage
Tasting: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Pinotage is South Africa’s signature variety.  It was developed almost a hundred years ago by crossing two French varietals: Pinot Noir and Cinsault (known in South Africa as Hermitage).  So why these two grape varieties?

Pinot Noir is known in the Champagne region in France, but is probably best known for the wines that come from the Burgundy region.  It can be one of the toughest grapes to grow (hence the name ‘heartbreak grape’), but in the right year under the best of conditions (the recent vintage of 2009 was exceptional) Pinot Noir can produce some of the most incredibly elegant wines. It likes a bit of a cooler climate with warmer days and cooler evenings.

Cinsault (Hermitage) likes the heat and is an abundant variety.  It also grows in France in the Rhône and Languedoc-Roussillon regions.  You may know Cabernet a lot better than Cinsault (san-so), but in France Cinsault far outnumbers Cabernet Sauvignon in planted acres.

Enough of the history… back to South Africa.

The grapes for this wine are all hand harvested.  Before they sort them the grapes are cooled overnight.  “The vineyards are currently being converted to sustainable and organic farming with a focus on getting soil and vine in balance. No chemical fertilizer has been applied in 5 years with organic composting preferred. Fungicide and pesticide sprays have also been reduced to an absolute minimum.”

Lammershoek describes this wine:  “The wine is rich with a red berry character prominent on the nose. A hint of oak and warm spices typical of reds out of the Paardeberg also impress. The wine is fresh and elegant with typical Pinotage tannin structure dominant on the finish. The wine is a more serious example of Pinotage and shows the ability to age well.”

Food Pairing:

Barbequed Ribs; Beef Stew; Roasted Venison

CSPC:     736896
Price:

$22.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Lammershoek Roulette Blanc

Winery: Lammershoek
Location: Paardeberg, Swartland, South Africa
Blend: 48% Chenin Blanc, 41% Chardonnay, 11% Viognier
Tasting: Wednesday, November 10, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The first time Richard and I sampled this wine was at our friends’ 30^th anniversary celebration this summer.  We had seen the wines on the shelf, but had not had a chance to try them.

This is a very interesting blend of grape varieties.  Each one brings something special to the table.  South African Chenin Blanc is known to be a little bit lighter and it has some nice acidity. Chenin Blanc in South Africa is also known by a different name… Steen.  The Chardonnay grape is very popular all around the world, because it is relatively easy to grow.  It has the fruit, the power and the minerality.  Viognier, brings the aromatics to wines and leaves the big acidity at home.  It can be a little difficult to grow, but it is drought tolerant.

The tasting notes from Lammershoek:  “The nose shows hints of green apples and zesty citrus. The palate weight is wonderful-rich Paardeberg Chenin Blanc balanced beautifully by a zingy acid. The finish lasts forever. There is a slight increase in the Chardonnay component in 2008 which adds a lovely creaminess to the palate.”

As mentioned in the notes on the Pinotage, these vineyards are also being converted to sustainable and organic farming.

Food Pairing:

  Chicken with a cream sauce; Barbequed Shrimp skewers with a butter glaze; Grilled trout; Roasted veal.

CSPC:     736895
Price:

$22.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Wine country in Ontario is our next stop.

Map courtesy of cellartours.com

It only seems like the other day that Richard and I visited the beautiful estate of CastelGiocondo in Montalcino, Italy. Luckily we had our handy little GPS and we were able to find the estate with no problem. We came through the entrance and we knew that we would be driving for a few minutes before we came to the offices. So, of course, out came the camera and I was capturing everything I could see while Richard was navigating the road. This lovely estate is made up of over 800 hectares of land, of which approximately 235 hectares are under vine.

“Constructed in 1100 to guard the road from the port at Talamone to Siena, the castle has belonged to the Frescobaldi family since 1989. Already one of the top-quality producers of Brunello di Montalcino in the late 19th century, the tenuta of Castelgiocondo yields massively-structured wines of great complexity and balance.”

The vineyard to our left was alive with all of the workers doing the first pruning of the vines for the 2010 grape growing season. These are people who have worked for CastelGiocondo for many years. We have said this many times previously and will say it many more times to come, growing grapes and making wine takes a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

Nadine, the wonderful lady who takes care of the office and all who visit the estate, took us on a wonderful tour of the property, including the winery and cellar. Even the photos do not do this place justice. While we were there, we tried a number of the wines produced at this amazing estate. Since that time, every bottle of CastelGiocondo wine that Richard and I have opened, we have been immediately transported back to this beautiful part of Italy. As those of you who know me, I could talk the paint off the wall, so I think it best to go forward and talk about this wine. (Map Courtesy of www.frescobaldi.it/)

Campo ai Sassi Rosso di Montalcino DOC

Winery: Tenuta Castel Giocondo
Vintage: 2007
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Blend: 100% Sangiovese
Tasting: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m

First of all, let’s talk about what Rosso di Montalcino is. It is quite often referred to as the second wine or little brother of Brunello di Montalcino. It is from the same grape variety, Sangiovese Grosso, locally known as Brunello. The Rosso di Montalcino was designated a DOC back in 1984. It gave the producers the option to make a wine in years, either when they did not want to ‘declare’ a Brunello vintage or some producers set aside a certain part of their vineyards for producing Rosso specifically.

Rosso di Montalcino is a little softer than its big brother. It doesn’t require the same aging as Brunello either. The law requires Rosso to be aged only 12 months in wood instead of Brunello’s 48 months. This gives the consumer a more approachable wine with a softer side and at a much more approachable price, as well.

Tasting notes from CastelGiocondo: “A lovely, deep ruby color. It shows crisp-edged aromas, with initial dried plum fragrances yielding to more minerally impressions and suggestions of tanned leather.Campo ai Sassi boasts a firmly structured palate, with an impressive balance between tannins and the other components. It has a long, vivacious finale.”

Food Pairing:

Mushroom Risotto; Boar; Beef stew; Pappadelle pasta with a Hare sauce.

CSPC: 712893
Price:

$19.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Pomino Bianco DOC

Winery: Castello di Pomino
Vintage: 2009
Location: Tuscany Italy
Blend: Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco
(with a touch of a couple of other complementary grape varieties
Tasting: Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Unfortunately, time did not allow us to visit Castello di Pomino when we were in Tuscany, but hopefully we will have the opportunity the next time we visit Italy.

In 1716 Cosimo III de’ Medici, who was the Grand Duke of Tuscany, noted Pomino for its excellent wines. The vineyards, forest chestnut trees and olive groves provide this estate with a wonderful ecosystem. This estate covers overf 1450 hectares along the slopes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. It has 108 hectares in vineyards. The Frescobaldis were the first in Tuscany to plant international varieties. “Thanks to slightly acidic soils and the dry, cool weather of these more northerly areas, these vineyards yield highly aromatic wines of striking finesse and distinctiveness.”

Tasting notes from Castello di Pomino: “A sparkling straw -yellow precedes a nose notable for its forward, cleanly-defined aromas. Delicate floral notes of lily of the valley and hawthorn blossoms yield to fruiter notes of apple, pear, peach, and banana, with an elegant nuance of earthy mineral concluding the array. A rounded, smooth palate offers rich, appealing flavours and an appreciable vein of crisp acidity. This is a truly elegant, well-balanced wine, concluding with a very lengthy, delicious finish.”

Food Pairing:

Roast Chicken; Salmon; Aperitif; Vegetarian antipasti; Roasted veal.

CSPC: 65086
Price:

$17.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

See you on Wednesday afternoon.