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

Sherbrooke Liquor and PMA Canada are very proud to introduce Michele Gianazza from Cantine Lunae Bosoni.   We are so pleased to have Michele visit us at Sherbrooke.  He has visited Edmonton a number of times, but this is his first visit to our ‘Winesday’.  To say the least, we are thrilled.

Cantine Lunae Bosoni

This place is a little bit of heaven on the easternmost corner of Liguria on the border with Tuscany in Italy.  It is a region that should not be overlooked.  The white wines make a statement and the red wines are not to be missed.  Paolo Bosoni’s family has nurtured this land for five generations.  In 1966 Paolo inherited the farm from his father and with the help of his wife, brother and other family members, this winery has taken flight.  Only the best would do.  The wine cellar was built using the most up-to-date technology.  They started on a journey of expanding their winery in 2010.  This is a man who is always thinking about the next step.   Visiting Cantine Lvnae in 2010 year was a real treat for myself and Richard.  Over the years we have enjoyed many bottles of their wonderful wine.  It was a pleasure meeting both Paolo and all of the wonderful people at Lunae.  We can’t wait to go back!

Our trip to Ortonovo was quite a bit of fun.  We had just left Pisa di Marina and headed up towards Ortonovo.  Thank goodness for our handy little GPS.  We popped in the address and drove.  The scenery along the way was incredible.  The mountains, the vineyards… everything was breathtaking.  We passed countless marble storage yards en route too.  I wanted to take some marble home with us, but I couldn’t fit it in our suitcases!!  We finally arrived at the winery, but there didn’t seem to be anyone there.  Richard went up to a gent in the house located next to the winery.  He was gone about 4 or 5 minutes and came back to the car.

‘What did you find out honey?’ I queried.  ‘I found out that I couldn’t understand what he was saying.’  I kind of chuckled… just a little though!  He said ‘Smiley, why don’t you go over and talk to him and see if you can find out where we are supposed to go.’  I took a piece of paper and a pen and headed over to the house.  I only knew a few Italian words, but that seemed to be enough and he marked a route for us to go.  (We found out a few days later that this nice gent who gave us the directions, was the brother of the owner of Cantine Lunae.)

We were a mere several hundred meters from our destination.  We drove down through the residential area and then we saw the wrought iron gates and the brick buildings.  We were here.

It was a Sunday morning and we were surprised to see all the activity.  Located here was a retail location for Cantina Lunae amongst a pond, a museum, a small distillery and apartments and, of course, some vineyards.  A beautiful young lady told us that they had been expecting us and she took us outside past the pond, through the courtyard and up over the brick stairs to an amazing apartment.  It was just stunning with the beautiful tile floors, the fireplace in the living room, the balcony off the dining room and the attention to detail throughout did not go unnoticed.

After we unpacked we went back downstairs to the ‘store’ and tasting area.  Oh my… the wines.   They were delicious.  Now at this point we want to let you know that tasting all these wines is strictly for business and educational purposes only (wink wink).  We tasted them all, over a three day period, just so we could let you know what they were all like.

In the tasting area they also had jams, marmalades and liqueurs.  Now before you even ask, those last three items are unfortunately not available in Alberta.  The quantity made is such a small amount that an export market could not be sustained.  In order for you to try these delectable delights, you will have to go and visit them in Ortonovo.  For now, however, come and try a few wonderful wines from this special place.

Lunae Vermentino

Winery: Cantine Lunae Bosoni
Location: Colli di Luni DOC
Alcohol: 13%
Blend: 100% Vermentino
Tasting: Wednesday, September 21 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The name “Lunae” (Lvnae) comes from the ancient name of the Port of Luni (Portus Lvnae).  Colli di Luni means ‘hills of the moon’.  Now that we have that straight, we can talk a little bit about this wine.  If you have never tried a wine made from Vermentino, please take the time to try.  It will be well worth it.  The wine is fresh, medium bodied and very aromatic with lots of floral notes and even a wee touch of acacia honey.  Just scrumpdili-icious.  The colour is pale yellow with a touch of gold overtones.

This grapes for this particular wine come from Castelnuovo Magra and Ortonovo.

The origin of this grape variety is a little muddled.  You will hear a lot of people say that it originally comes from Spain, which is the most common story. No matter where it began, it has found a home here in this beautiful part of Italy and it has rewarded its keepers with wines to be proud of.

When people this of white wine in relation to Italy, they automatically think of Pinot Grigio.  Well now you know another great, yet not well known variety… Vermentino.

Food Pairing:

Grilled Sea Bass; Pasta with pesto; Salad; Fritto Misto (fried fish and vegetables)

CSPC:     718914
Price:

$20.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Lunae Auxo Rosso

Winery: Cantine Lvnae Bosoni
Location: Colli di Luni DOC
Alcohol: 13%
Blend: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, and Canaiolo
Tasting: Wednesday, September 21 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Auxo in Greek means ‘to grow, to develop’.  When we have introduced people to this wine, they thoroughly enjoy it.  Quite often they mention to us that they had seen it on the shelf, but they didn’t know what it was and were a little concerned about trying it.  The wine wins them over every time.

Sangiovese [san-joh-VAY-zeh]  is the most common of these three grape varieties.  It is said to be one of the oldest varieties of grapes in Italy.  It is certainly one of the most well known and makes some of the most fantastic wines in the country.

Ciliegiolo [Chee-lee-eh-joh-loh] comes from the Italian word  for cherry.  It has been said to be related to Sangiovese.  One recent study said that it is one of the parents of Sangiovese and another study said that it is the offspring of Sangiovese.

Canaiolo [kah-nay-YOH-loh]. Where Sangiovese is known for giving structure and intensity (or as I call it ‘oomph’), Canaiolo lends its aromatic touch along with fruit and texture.  It is very distinctive and gives some staying power on the palate.

Now you put all of these grape varieties together and you get Auxo.  This wine has a deep ruby red colour.  Cherry and dark red berries are all around.  There is a wee bit of zip on the palate too.  This is such a versatile wine.  We always have fun pairing food with Auxo.

Food Pairing:

Cheese; Braised Chicken; Stewed Beef; Pasta with Tomato sauce; Grilled Portobello mushroom pasta; Roast beef with a roasted bell pepper sauce;

CSPC:     728247
Price:

$20.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Lunae Niccolo V Riserva

Winery: Cantine Lvnae Bosoni
Location: Colli di Luni DOC
Alcohol: 14%
Blend: Sangiovese, Merlot, Pollera Nera
Tasting: Wednesday, September, 21, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Okay, okay, okay.  Surprise surprise… we enjoy these wines.  We loved them before we went to Italy, but sipping them under the Ligurian skies, well, it was pretty darn special.  This wine is also pretty darn special.  We enjoy telling people the story.  So lend an ear.

It is no secret that the vast majority of people it Italy practice the Roman Catholic faith.  What does that have to do with this wine.  Well, quite a lot, actually.  On the front there is the name ‘Niccolo V’ with ‘Sarzana‘ underneath and a sketch of a gentleman.  The gentleman’s name is Tommaso Parentucelli.  In the 15^th century, Tommaso became known at Nicholas V (a.k.a. Papa NICOLAUS Quintus or Niccolo V).  The head of the Roman Catholic Church came from this beautiful town of Sarzana.  Paolo Bosoni named this lovely wine after one of the sons of Sarzana.

The blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Pollera Nera (pictured right) is a match made in heaven.  This is how the winery describes this wine:  “The best grapes from selected vineyards to produce this red wine with a great heart.  Ruby red with purple shades.  The bouquet is fine and persistent with hints of spices and red berries, warm in the mouth, harmonious and charming”.

Come by and meet Michele.

CSPC:     718918
Price:

$44.95 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Next week we are visiting South Africa.

When one mentions the name ‘Luxardo‘, Sambuca comes to mind.  Yes, they are known for their Sambuca (which just received a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year).  Yet that is not what started this company on their 190 year journey through history.  It was Maraschino (pronounced ‘mara skee noh’), which is made from the marasca cherry.

This company is still 100% family owned and is located in Padova, Italy.  Matteo Luxardo visited our fair city last year (pictured second from the left).  He told us that when he was 24 years old his dad called him and asked him to join the company.  He started in the factory to learn everything he could about each aspect of the company and how the products are made.  Today he is an Export Manager for Luxardo and he “loves what he does”.  He says that “Cocktails are making a resurgence”.  What was old is new again, to coin a phrase.  He said that as a result “Maraschino is living a second life”.  Drinks with enticing names like An Italian in Manhattan, Jus D’Amour and Batten Down the Hatch are just a start for this versatile product.

Richard and I decided to sample two of the many Luxardo Liqueurs.  The Limoncello was high on our list, as was the Amaretto.  So here we go.

Luxardo Limoncello

Producer: Luxardo
Location: Padova, Italy
Tasting: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Richard and I are self-confessed Limoncello fans.  We were introduced to it many years ago by our friends who used to own a few restaurants in Edmonton.  When we were in Italy last year we enjoyed two things almost every day… Limoncello and Vin Santo.  That kind of makes us sound like a couple of souses, so I won’t tell you how many wines we sampled each day as well!

This is such a great way to end a lovely meal or blend it with some tonic water, club soda, sparkling water or sparkling wine to have before dinner.  If you serve the Limoncello neat, not only keep the bottle in the freezer, but you may also freeze the glassware.  You are not limited to before and after your meal, because there are some fabulous drink recipes using Limoncello, as well.  We have noted a couple of them below, with the link to many more.

The fresh lemon flavours are obtained with the infusion of lemon peels in alcohol.  The flavour is incredible.  Now you may think because this is made from lemons that it would be sour or even a bit bitter.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Sweet, succulent and refreshing.  That pretty well describes Limoncello.  Have we made you mouth water yet?

Here is a description from Luxardo:

Colour: intensely yellow
Perfume: the pungent fragrance of newly gathered lemons
Taste: well-rounded and harmonious, a pleasant sensation of aromatic freshness on the palate.

Here are a couple of neat recipes.  Click here to see more delicious cocktails.

Sweet Tart Daiquiri

Ingredients:
1 ¼ oz aged Golden Rum
¾ Luxardo Limoncello
½ oz Roses Lime Juice
2 oz Sweet & Sour

Method:
Shake & Strain, Top with Lemonade, Orange slice garnish

Cillo Margarita

Ingredients:
1 ¼ oz Tequila
1 oz Luxardo Limoncello
½ oz Roses Lime Juice
2 oz Sweet & Sour

Method:
Shake over ice & Strain, Lime wedge garnish

CSPC:     718845
Price:

$27.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Luxardo Amaretto di Saschiri

Producer: Luxardo
Location: Padova, Italy
Tasting: Wednesday, August 3, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Now, as you know, Richard and I are not just all about the liquid assets.  We love the food too.  When you can combine them both you have a winning mixture.  You are probably thinking that Amaretto is just about the drinks.  It is true that it is an incredible liqueur and when you add it to other ingredients, it makes some splendid cocktails.  However, you would be missing out on a lot of tantalizing dishes if you only quaffed.  How about:  Amaretto with ice cream; Tiramisu with Amaretto; Almond encrusted chicken with an Amaretto sauce; Fish with an almondine sauce.  Those are just a few ideas we got when we surfed the net.

This yummy Amaretto just gained some special recognition at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition this year when it received a Silver Medal.

Luxardo says this about their Amaretto di Saschiri:

A classic refined liqueur, with a velvety taste and fragrant almond aroma.
Colour: amber
Aroma: almonds and vanilla
Taste: sweet and well rounded.

As usual, we have to have a little history to tell you, as well.

The name “Amaretto” comes from the Italian word “amaro”, which means “bitter”.  Though this liqueur is far from being bitter.  It does, however, refer to the mandoria amara (the bitter almond) or the drupe kernel.  Although the Luxardo recipe is a secret, it can be said that generally speaking sweeteners and sometimes sweet almonds are added to amaretto liqueurs to increase their palatability.

“A family of Saronno, Italy, claims the title as the inventors of amaretto. They invented the amaretto cookies around 1786 for the King of the region. Then in 1851, they created the Amaretto Liqueur, which consisted of an infusion of their cookies with a little caramel for color.

Another legend from the Reina family tells of Amaretto being created by a widow who posed for Renaissance painter Bernardino Luini in 1525. The widow fell in love with the painter and made her Amaretto potion for him.”[1]

Here are a couple of recipes for you to enjoy:

Luxardo Special

Ingredients:
2 cl Amaretto
2 cl Cointreau
2 cl Vermouth Dry Martini
1 Dash Angostura Bitter
bitter lemon Schweppes

Royal Velvet Margarita (from Diffords Guide)

Ingredients:
1 shot Tequila
1 shot Respberry liquer
Amaretto Luxardo
Lime juice

CSPC:     339358
Price:

$25.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Next week we are heading to New Brunswick to have some suds.

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.

In winery terms, Viña Chocalan is the baby on the block, but boy that baby sure has been getting around in this part of the world.

Guillermo Toro, whose family owns Viña Chocalan, had worked on the periphery of the wine industry for over 50 years before he decided that he wanted to expand the family business.  His family supplied wine bottles to producers, but he wanted to do more than that.  He wanted to “realize his long-held dream of filling his bottles with his own high quality red wine.”[1] So in 1996 he set out on his quest to find just the right property.  After searching for 2 years, he finally found the spot.  In 2002 they built their own vinification facility and in 2003 the passion for wine that Guillermo had for so many years turned a dream into reality.

Viña Chocalan (pronounced “Sho-kaw-lann) is located near the town of Melipilla.  (Believe it or not, the Province of Alberta has something in common with the Melipilla… the Rodeo!  Apparently they are totally into the macho sport.)  The meaning of ‘Melipilla’ is ‘four warrior spirits’ from the Mapudungun language, which is spoken in South-Central Chile and West-Central Argentina.

Winery: Viña Chocalan
Location: Maipo Valley, Melipilla Region, Chile
Blend: 85% Carmenère, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting: Wednesday, January 26, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

We have spoken previously about the wonderful Carmenère grape.  Just to give you a quick refresher, it is originally from the Bordeaux region in France.  Like a lot of vines from the old world, the explorers brought vines to the new world.  In this case, they brought them to Chile way back in the mid 16^th century.  Although the grape may be found in France today, it is fairly sparse in its plantings.  Today Chile has the largest planting of this vine in the world.  It wasn’t until about 17 years ago, however, that they found out that it was Carmenère.  They thought it was Merlot or a clone of Merlot for all the time prior.  It is referred to as ‘the lost grape’, because viticulturists thought it had been lost from France during an outbreak of phylloxera (a nasty little pest), which devastated vineyards throughout Europe.  Today Carmenère is safe and sound and R & R are happy campers.

Winemaker’s comments:  “Brilliant and deep ruby red color. In nose, intense fruits aromas, varietal, frank and clean. In mouth, mature red fruits stand, jams, some mocha notes, and a touch chocolate and black pepper flavour.  Medium-bodied Carmenère, tasty, good volume and soft texture. A good balance between fruits and wood notes given by the guard in oak barrels.”

Food Pairing:

Smoke-Grilled Lamb Shoulder; Slow Cooker Pulled Pork; Grilled Rib-Eye Steaks with Roasted-Pepper Salsa;

CSPC:     717289
Price:

$12.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

With a history that dates back to Cleto Chiarli in 1860, Chiarli 1860 is very in tune with and has a great appreciation for its customers.  To be in business for over 150 years you have to know what you are doing.  The company is also involved with the production of Balsamic Vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano, unfortunately we do not see these in our market.

The place where the grapes are grown is near the town of Castelvetro, from which our wine today gets its name.  “Lambrusco, known even in Roman times, is a wine of ancient origins which thanks to its natural fizziness, is more suitable than ever before to the requisites of modern eating habits.  Lambrusco comes in various types and, each being different, largely satisfy the various tastes of the consumer.”[2]

Winery: Chiarli 1860
Location: Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Doc Castelvetro, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Blend: Lambrusco
Tasting: Wednesday, January 26, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Lambrusco is not only the name of the wine, but it is also the name of the grape.  Unfortunately, Lambrusco has been given a bad rap and therefore people shy away from it.  Back in the last quarter of the 20^th century the name Lambrusco had been associated with a less than stellar product in the new world.  Just like the names ‘Champagne’, ‘Chablis’ and others, ‘Lambrusco’ had been flung far and wide and really didn’t have anything to do with the Italian wine.

“The vine grows on the dry soils of the Modenese uplands and lower hill-slopes, an area dotted with country mansions and ancient castles, where the Apennine chain, rising up to the peak of Monte Cimone, provides the cornice of an undulating landscape of rare beauty.”[3]

The wine made from this grape can be dry or sweet, still or sparkling.  The one that we are sampling today is sparkling and on the sweeter side.  The wine makes a fun ‘let’s go for a picnic’ sipper or an aperitif or enjoy it with some desserts.

The winery says:  “The wine is deep ruby in colour; with a violet sheen and a light froth with an edge of the same hue. The notable bouquet is fruity fragrant and interesting, bringing to mind the aroma of the grape. According to Agazzotti “it emanates a pleasant scent of peach-almonds”. Its keen, harmonious flavour has delicious body, is well-balanced in acidity and slightly fruity leaving a pleasant, somewhat bitter aftertaste. It makes an excellent aperitif and goes divinely with Modena’s typical pastries and desserts.”

Food Pairing:

Cherry Bavarian Cream; Red Fruit Salad; Makes a great Aperitif!!!

CSPC:     711220
Price:

$10.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

February 3^rd is Chinese New Year… the Year of the Rabbit.  We are going to sample two wines that go great with Chinese food.  France and Germany will be our stops.

[2] www.chiarli.com

[3] www.chiarli.com

What the Heck is IGT?

When you look at the labels of the bottles of wine that we are sampling today you will see Indicazioni Geografica Tipica (a.k.a IGT) underneath the name and area the wines come from.  Reading wine labels is an art itself and can be as confusing as all get out.  ‘What in heaven’s name does this label say?’ or ‘How can I tell what kind of wine is in this bottle?’ are questions Richard and I get asked a lot.  People have literally written books about this very subject and as much as I like to talk and write, in my attempt to try and explain all of this, well…you could be here for a while.  I have been known to talk the paint off the wall (just ask Richard).  So here it is in the Reader’s Digest version.

In ‘old world’ wine countries there are rules and  regulations to follow regarding growing grapes and making wine.  You can only use ‘a, b and c’ grapes.  You can use a minimum or maximum of ‘x‘ percentage of ‘a‘ grape, ‘b‘ grape and so on. You may only be allowed to make red wine in one area or white wine in another area.  There will be minimum alcohol percentages for red, white or rosé and a maximum yield per hectare.  And so on…

But where would we be in the world without people who like to  experiment and push the limits?  We wouldn’t have televisions, cars, refrigerators, computers or Blackberries.  It is no different in the wine world.  There have been and always will be vineyard owners and winemakers who want change.  They may not want to follow the rules for their particular region and therefore decide that they want to grow something different than what their regional laws allow.  They want to make a wine that they think will work well for their vineyards and their winery.  In particular, these vineyard owners or winemakers have wanted to use ‘International Grape Varieties’.  Grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc or Chardonnay.  They know that they won’t get their ‘DOC’ or “DOCG” designation, but they want to do it anyway.

In the beginning, these winemakers got unceremoniously dumped into the ‘table wine’ category.  Now that was okay in the beginning, but consumers were paying attention to some of these ‘new’ wines.  So too were the people in the know like people in the wine media, who gave some of these drops of vino a lot of press and a lot of points.   Some of these so called table wines (or ‘vino da tavola’, as they are called in Italy) were fetching a pretty good price and gaining a following.

To make a long story short, in 1992 in Italy, the powers that be created a new category in most of the regions that allowed vineyard owners and winemakers to, shall we say, experiment a little.  Now mind you, there are still rules to follow, but it gave the winegrowers a little more latitude.   As a result, we have seen some pretty cool wines come out of different Italian regions.  Some are priced in the hundreds of dollars and some are priced in the tens of dollars.  Today we get to try some priced in the tens.  Great tasting wines at a very good price.

We hope we didn’t put you to sleep with all that stuff.

Winery: Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Blend: Sangiovese 85% and Cabernet Sauvignon 15%
Tasting: Wednesday, January 5, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Our two wines today have something in common.  Not just that they are made by the same family, but they are both easy drinking, uncomplicated, just put your feet up and relax kind of wines.  Nice fruit and good flavours.  How can you go wrong with that?

The Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon used in Rèmole were not put in wood at all.  So what this gives us is the fruit without the added feature of the oak.  In the past few years we have spoken to a number of people who are not fans of oak, so this is a great wine for them to try.  For those of you who do like the oak, well, it is nice to switch it up a little.

This is how the winery talks about our wine:  “Remole ‘08 greets the eye with a deep, brilliant purple.  The bouquet is a dense complex of fruit aromas, such as blackberry, raspberry, cherry, and redcurrant, lifted with fragrant hints of spice and black pepper. The palate is velvet smooth, very warm and rich, with a perfect balance of its components and a refreshing crispness. A long-lingering finish mirrors nicely the fruit on the nose.”

Food Pairing:

All’Amatriciana; Pork with Figs and Charcuterie

CSPC:     105429
Price:

$13.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Danzante Pinot Grigio IGT

Winery: Danzante
Location: Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino regions, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio
Tasting: Wednesday, January 5, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Danzante Pinot Grigio is another great sip and enjoy wine.  Isn’t that really the best thing about wine anyway?  The name, Danzante, is Italian for dancing. The name ‘was selected to convey a feeling of enjoyment and celebration’.[1]

Pinot Grigio is such a fun grape.  It is easy drinking and pairs so nicely with different types of food, as you will see below (recipes included).  It makes a nice crisp tasting wine.  Pinot Grigio is Italy’s most popular white wine and according to a number of articles that we have read, it is one of the most popular white wines imported into North America.  Each Italian region where the grapes are grown is different as is the weather and, of course, the winemakers.  Hence every Italian Pinot Grigio we have tried has been (you got it)… different.  A lady said to me the other day ‘I don’t think of white wine in the winter time.’  Please don’t forget about the whites even though the ground is covered in white!

The winery has a lot to say about this wine: “A luminous straw yellow with generous gold highlights announces Danzante Pinot Grigio 2009, followed by an explosion of aromatic impressions that include tropical fruit, such as banana, pineapple, and papaya, as well as spicy notes of cinnamon and vanilla. The palate is bold and self-confident, with a smooth mouthfeel and appealing warmth. A crisp vein of tasty acidity adds to the fine balance of all of its components. A very leisurely finish ends on a subtle note of crisp fruit.”

Food Pairing:

Lemon Risotto with Shrimp and Peas; Creamy Leek Torte; Lemon and Black Pepper Grilled Chicken Legs

CSPC:     534214
Price:

$16.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

We are going down under next week to visit good old Australia.  Come join us in the hut.

Chianti Rufina is probably the second best known area in the Chianti region next to Chianti Classico.  Picture this… woods, beautiful vineyards, olive groves and the incredible cypress trees along with the gently rolling hills.  The salamis, cheese, steak, homemade pasta and beef stew are only what you could dream of.  Doesn’t that make you want to hop on a jet and head over to Italy?

Even today, when people think of Chianti wine, they get a picture of that bulbous bottle with the straw bottom.  You remember those, don’t you?  Lots of people would turn them into candle holders.  Having said that, if your birthdate was after 1980, you have no idea what I am talking about and you are probably thinking that I am some old lady born at the turn of the 20^th century.  So please just humour this old lady and read on.

These wines are so much more than the Chiantis of old.  They have complexity, but simplicity.  The flavours just go on and on and every sip you have makes you want to have more.

The Frescobaldi family are responsible for making this great wine and the others at this beautiful estate.  The family has been involved in many different aspects of the wine industry for 30 generations.  Throughout the Tuscany region, they own over 5,000 hectares of land, with about 1,000 hectares being under vine.  The Castillo di Nipozzano Estate was built in the year 1000 AD and covers an area of over 625 hectares of which about 240 hectares are planted with Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot.  Today, the Castle houses the wine cellar, where this particular wine spends its time in oak, just waiting to come abroad to you and I.

Richard and I were not able to make it to Chianti Rufina on our trip.  We were so close, but yet so far.  There were so many places to see and so little time.  Five weeks sounds like a lot of time, but it flies by very quickly, especially when you want to see as much as you can.  As I said last week, we will travel back to Italy for sure.  We loved the people, the food, the scenery… oh and I can’t forget about the wine.  The wine was wonderful.  Every time I have a sip of Italian wine my mind takes me back to this beautiful country.  Sigh!  Talking about wine, it is time to have a sip or two!

Nipozzano Riserva 2007  - Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG

Winery: Castillo di Nipozzano Marchesi de Frescobaldi
Location: Chianti Rufina, Tuscany, Italy
Blend: Sangiovese 90% and complementary grapes (Malvasia Nero, Colorino, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)
Tasting: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Of all the wines made at this estate, this wine is undoubtedly the most well-known.  Before it is released to the market, it spends 24 months in oak and then another 3 months in the bottle. It has received accolades galore over the past number of years.  Most recently by Wine Spectator, where the 2007 vintage was on the Top 100 List for 2010 - coming in at #65!  In the vintages of 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 it has received no less than 90 points from Wine Spectator.   Now what that says to me is that this winery makes great consistent wine.  I am a little prejudice about this wine, as I have sampled it numerous times… strictly for professional reasons, of course (wink wink nod nod).

As I have said many times before, the geeky side of me loves to read all the info that the wine magazines write.  I still need to like the wine, no matter what anyone else says.  The same goes for you.

This is what the winery says about the wine:

“In the glass, this wine has an impressive brilliance in its deep,  purple-edged ruby red color. On the nose, solid fruit notes of wild blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and dark cherry emerge initially, gradually yielding to more pungent impressions of sage, rosemary, vanilla, and cinnamon. That spiciness segues onto the palate, and then into a finish that ends with a flourish of balsam, black pepper, and cocoa powder. The mid-palate shows warmth and roundness, while the tannins and acidity are noticeable, adding to the wine’s overall harmony. ”

Before it is released to the market, it spends 24 months in oak and then another 3 months in the bottle.  The oak is nicely integrated with the wine.  This is just a very nice, balanced and yummy wine.

Food Pairing:

Grilled Pizza; Beef stew; Aged cheeses

CSPC:     107276
Price:

$24.95 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Attems Venezia Giulia IGT Pinot Grigio

Winery: Attems
Location: Lucinico, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Gorizia, Collio, Italy
Blend: Pinot Grigio
Tasting: Wednesday, December 15, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

“The Attems wine estate is located in Lucinico, in the most eastern part of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, in the Gorizia area of the Collio.”  “For generations, Attems has been synonymous with winegrowing in the Collio.” (Source:  Attems Website)

The Collio Goriziano comprises a series of descending hillslopes (from which it derives its name) facing south, protected on the north by the arc of the Julian Pre-Alps, which act as a barrier to the cold north winds.  The region is best known for its white wines, but there are a number of red here as well.  Predominately:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Nero.  Winemaking in this region has had a high importance in this district’s economy.

This region has close ties to the Slavic and Austro-Hungarian Cultures.  It was annexed to Italy after WWI and after WWII there were many changes again.  The ties are still very close with its bordering countries.  So much so that there are still some Italian wine producers that make ‘Slovenian’ wines under the Collio name, as the Collio vineyards cross borders.

“The centuries-long history of the Attems in Friuli begins in 1106, with the donation of land by the Bishop of Salzburg to Corrado Attems. The Attems archives, still preserved in the family residence in Lucinico, amply demonstrate the family’s consistent interest in viticulture.”  (Source:  Attems website)

The Attems family and the Frescobaldi family entered into an “alliance” to continue to “develop even further the potential of Collio wines.”  When you have two such prominent families putting their heads and business acumen together, only good can come from that.  The wine world may seem huge, but in many respects it is small.

Today, we are sampling the 2009 Pinot Grigio.  The 2008 and 2007 were rated 91 points and 90 points respectively by Wine Spectator, with the 2009 not yet rated.  The 2008 vintage also had the honour of being selected for the Wine Spectator Top 100… #51.  Not too shabby.

Food Pairing:

Chicken Florentine; Pizza with Shrimp; Grilled Chicken with Shite Barbecue Sauce (the latter is from “Wine, Food & Friends by Karen MacNeil)

CSPC:     713401
Price:

$22.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

New Zealand here we come…

“Our passion for the land of Tuscany - handed down to us from our forefathers - is of fundamental importance to ensuring that we pursue our goals with unfailing enthusiasm.”  Sergio Zingarelli

This passion for Tuscany started long before Sergio’s father, Italo Zingarelli, purchased the estate of Le Macie in 1973.  Although the estate was approximately 85 hectares (210 acres) only about 2 ha was under vine.  Sergio, Italo’s youngest son, followed his dad’s dream.  Under his guidance,  Rocca della Macie purchased more estates and replanted vineyards.  Today, Rocca della Macie has over 600 ha (1482 acres) with 200 ha under vine and 80 ha of olive groves.  Tuscany is not just all about the wine, you know.  Olive Oil, honey and… oh my… the amazing food.  The scenery in the Chianti Classico region is breathtaking.

For a winery that has over 600 ha it cannot be easy for them to keep in touch with what their customers want.  “It is our belief that a direct, open and honest relationship with our customers is the indispensable pre-requisite to embarking upon any sort of collaborative enterprise.”(source: Rocca Delle Macie website)  In 2002 the Zingarelli brothers commissioned a state of the art wine cellar in their Le Tavolelle estate.  It holds almost 1,000 barriques.  (One barrique will hold 225 Litres or 59 gallons of wine).

The main winery is located in Castellina in Chianti, which is the place where Richard and I visited.  For as far as the eye can see there are vineyards and olive groves.

When Richard and I visited Rocca delle Macie we stayed at Riserva Di Fizzano.  If you travel to this region, you truly cannot miss this beautiful place.  It was purchased by the Zingarelli family in 1984.  The Relais Riserva Di Fizzano is a medieval hamlet that dates back to the 11^th century.  It is located between Florence and Siena and is very close to the beautiful town of San Gimignano.  The six buildings in the hamlet have had a “painstaking renovation, overseen by architects Fabio Zingarelli and Lucia Peretti”.  We were only able to stay for a very short time, but we know that we will be back.

Our apartment had a living room, dining room, kitchen and a bedroom with an ensuite.  There is a swimming pool for those warm summer days and a restaurant.  It is such a relaxing place.  No noise, just peace and quiet.  It is located in the middle of the Chianti Classico region on 61 hectares and is surrounded by the vineyards and olive groves.  It is not just the scenery that is beautiful, but also the people.  They were completely wonderful and we will never forget their hospitality.  On the day that we were leaving, we had two wineries that we were going to visit.  The staff knew that the restaurant would be closed by the time we got back from our adventures, so they asked the people in the restaurant to make up a plate of antipasto, breads, and cheeses for us to have, because they knew we were travelling and may not have a chance to get a bite to eat.  Just incredible!  They just made us feel so welcome.

Rocce Delle Macie Sasyr, Toscana IGT

Winery: Rocca delle Macie
Location: Tuscany, Italy
Blend: Sangiovese 60% and Syrah 40%
Tasting: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Now after talking about vineyards in the Chianti Classico region, we are travelling to Rocca delle Macie’s Campomaccione estate, which is located in Maremma.  Here there are 80 ha of land with plantings of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah.  This estate is located within the Morellino di Scansano DOC zone.  The zone gets its name from the Sangiovese grape, which is known locally as Morellino.  This whole region is an up and coming area in Italy.  We are seeing many more wines from here.

The Sasyr wine gets its name from the two grape varieties that make up this wine Sangiovese and Syrah.  Only 15% of the Sangiovese grapes used in this wine have been aged in French oak barrels for about 6 months, which is why this wine has the fruity aromas of cherry, blackberry and raspberry.

“This wine is made with carefully selected and ripened grapes, grown in the Maremma vineyards. The latest controlled fermentation techniques used to produce this wine help to preserve the intense colour and the primarily aromas coming from the grapes.”

Food Pairing:

Roasted veal; Roasted bell pepper pasta; Light Cured meats and selection of cheese;

CSPC:     607473
Price:

$18.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Lingenfelder Estate is located in the sunny Pfalz region of Germany (formerly known as Rheinpfalz).  This is known as the warmest and driest region in Germany.  There are 59,000 acres of vineyards in this region.  Pfalz is the second largest wine growing region in Germany next to Rheinhessen, which has a huge area of 65,000 acres.

The Lingenfelder family has been in the wine business since 1520 when Anstatt Lingenfelder was recorded as being a “winzer” or grape grower and winemaker.  They take a “hands off approach to winemaking: no fining, no stabilisation, no cultured yeast addition no bacteria addition for malo-lactic fermentation - absolutely nothing.” (source: Lingenfelder website)

The estate is located in the small community of Grosskarlbach, which is in the northeast area of the Pfalz.  This region clocks 1800 hours of sunshine a year!  That should produce good weather conditions for the grapes.

“At Lingenfelder, we believe that great wines are created in the vineyard. This is the only way to create great wine. All our vineyard practices aim to create perfect fruit at harvest. We then practice gentle winemaking in the cellar. We intervene as little as possible and let nature take its course. To preserve the maximum complexity and fullness of flavour, we avoid clarifying or stabilizing agents. Our aim is to bottle the Pfalz sunshine and to create wines of distinction that reward repeated tasting, and, we hope, that contributes to your sense of well-being.”

The white grapes that make up their vineyards are:  Riesling (37%), Scheurebe (10%), Grauburgunder (9%), Müller Thurgau (2%), Sylvaner (4%), Kerner (7%).  The reds are:  Spätburgunder (Pinot Noir) (18%), Dornfelder (13%).  Today we are trying one of their Rieslings. (source:  Lingenfelder website)

The vast majority of their wine stays within Germany.  About 2,600 cases per year travel around the world.  We are happy that a few cases landed here in Alberta.

Lingenfelder Bird Label Riesling

Winery: Lingenfelder Estate
Location: Pfalz, Germany
Blend: Riesling
Tasting: Wednesday, December 8, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

“Our Vineyard Creatures are a series of wines that focus on the clear, crisp, vibrant flavours of the vineyard. Featuring their hip, new screw-cap closures, these are fun, easy to open, easy to enjoy wines. Based on our popular bird-label Riesling, the Vineyard creatures are serious wines that taste like wine, not the over-oaked, lifeless, “manufactured” wines that have been prevalent in recent years. The Vineyard Creatures are wines with distinct personalities, and represent the many hues and colours of varietal flavour found within our vineyards.” (source:  Lingenfelder Website)

When you think of Riesling, I bet you think of Germany.  In this case you would be right.  The two seem to be synonymous.  Riesling is considered to be one of the most recognizable white wines and also one of the most important.  The grape dates back to the 15^th century.  There are different styles:  Kabinett, Auslese, and Eiswein to name just a few.  From fois gras to peaches and fish to fruit… it is one of the grape varietals that we have lots of fun pairing with food.  Enjoy!!

Food Pairing:

Fish in a green curry Thai sauce; Seared scallops; Baked ham; Cod in a cream sauce

CSPC:     568634
Price:

$15.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Next week we are heading back to Italy to visit the Frescobaldi family.

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.

Cantine Lvnae Bosoni

This place is a little bit of heaven on the easternmost corner of Liguria on the border with Tuscany in Italy. It is a region that should not be overlooked. The white wines make a statement and the red wines are not to be missed. Paolo Bosoni’s family has nurtured this land for five generations. In 1966 Paolo inherited the farm from his father and with the help of his wife, brother and other family members, this winery has taken flight. Only the best would do. The wine cellar was built using the most up-to-date technology. They are in the midst right now of expanding their winery. This is a man who is always thinking about the next step. Visiting Cantine Lvnae this year was a real treat for myself and Richard. Over the years we have enjoyed many bottles of their wonderful wine. It was a pleasure meeting both Paolo and all of the wonderful people at Lunae. We can’t wait to go back!

Our trip to Ortonovo was quite a bit of fun. We had just left Pisa di Marina and headed up towards Ortonovo. Thank goodness for our handy little GPS. We popped in the address and drove. The scenery along the way was incredible. The mountains, the vineyards… everything was breathtaking. We passed countless marble storage yards en route too. I wanted to take some marble home with us, but I couldn’t fit it in our suitcases!! We finally arrived at the winery, but there didn’t seem to be anyone there. Richard went up to a gent in the house located next to the winery. He was gone about 4 or 5 minutes and came back to the car.

‘What did you find out honey?’ I queried. ‘I found out that I couldn’t understand what he was saying.’ I kind of chuckled… just a little though! He said ‘Smiley, why don’t you go over and talk to him and see if you can find out where we are supposed to go.’ I took a piece of paper and a pen and headed over to the house. I only knew a few Italian words, but that seemed to be enough and he marked a route for us to go. (We found out a few days later that this nice gent who gave us the directions, was the brother of the owner of Cantine Lunae.)

We were a mere several hundred meters from our destination. We drove down through the residential area and then we saw the wrought iron gates and the brick buildings. We were here.

It was a Sunday morning and we were surprised to see all the activity. Located here was a retail location for Cantina Lunae amongst a pond, a museum, a small distillery and apartments and, of course, some vineyards. A beautiful young lady told us that they had been expecting us and she took us outside past the pond, through the courtyard and up over the brick stairs to an amazing apartment. It was just stunning with the beautiful tile floors, the fireplace in the living room, the balcony off the dining room and the attention to detail throughout did not go unnoticed.

After we unpacked we went back downstairs to the ‘store’ and tasting area. Oh my… the wines. They were delicious. Now at this point we want to let you know that tasting all these wines is strictly for business and educational purposes only (wink wink). We tasted them all, over a three day period, just so we could let you know what they were all like.

In the tasting area they also had jams, marmalades and liqueurs. Now before you even ask, those last three items are unfortunately not available in Alberta. The quantity made is such a small amount that an export market could not be sustained. In order for you to try these delectable delights, you will have to go and visit them in Ortonovo. For now, however, come and try two great wines from this special place.

Winery: Cantine Lvnae Bosoni
Location: Colli di Luni DOC
Alcohol: 13%
Blend: 100% Vermentino
Tasting: Wednesday, October 6, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The name “Lunae” (Lvnae) comes from the ancient name of the Port of Luni (Portus Lvnae). Colli di Luni means ‘hills of the moon’. Now that we have that straight, we can talk a little bit about this wine. If you have never tried a wine made from Vermentino, please take the time to try. It will be well worth it. The wine is fresh, medium bodied and very aromatic with lots of floral notes and even a wee touch of acacia honey. Just scrumpdili-icious. The colour is pale yellow with a touch of gold overtones.

This grapes for this particular wine come from Castelnuovo Magra and Ortonovo.

The origin of this grape variety is a little muddled. You will hear a lot of people say that it originally comes from Spain, which is the most common story. No matter where it began, it has found a home here in this beautiful part of Italy and it has rewarded its keepers with wines to be proud of.

When people this of white wine in relation to Italy, they automatically think of Pinot Grigio. Well now you know another great, yet not well known variety… Vermentino.

Food Pairing:

Grilled Sea Bass; Pasta with pesto; Salad; Fritto Misto (fried fish and vegetables)

CSPC: 718914
Price:

$19.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Wine: Auxo Rosso
Winery: Cantine Lvnae Bosoni
Location: Colli di Luni DOC
Alcohol: 13%
Blend: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, and Canaiolo
Tasting: Wednesday, October 6, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Auxo in Greek means ‘to grow, to develop’. When we have introduced people to this wine, they thoroughly enjoy it. Quite often they mention to us that they had seen it on the shelf, but they didn’t know what it was and were a little concerned about trying it. The wine wins them over every time.

Sangiovese [san-joh-VAY-zeh] is the most common of these three grape varieties. It is said to be one of the oldest varieties of grapes in Italy. It is certainly one of the most well known and makes some of the most fantastic wines in the country.

Ciliegiolo [Chee-lee-eh-joh-loh] comes from the Italian word for cherry. It has been said to be related to Sangiovese. One recent study said that it is one of the parents of Sangiovese and another study said that it is the offspring of Sangiovese.

Canaiolo [kah-nay-YOH-loh]. Where Sangiovese is known for giving structure and intensity (or as I call it ‘oomph’), Canaiolo lends its aromatic touch along with fruit and texture. It is very distinctive and gives some staying power on the palate.

Now you put all of these grape varieties together and you get Auxo. This wine has a deep ruby red colour. Cherry and dark red berries are all around. There is a wee bit of zip on the palate too. This is such a versatile wine. We always have fun pairing food with Auxo.

Food Pairing:

Cheese; Braised Chicken; Stewed Beef; Pasta with Tomato sauce; Grilled Portobello mushroom pasta; Roast beef with a roasted bell pepper sauce;

CSPC: 728247
Price:

$19.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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