1,100 Wines From Across the Country Compete in the National Wine Awards of Canada

This week, in the heart of Wine Country Ontario, seventeen Canadian wine experts are blind juding 1,100 wines from across the country at the first annual National Wine Awards of Canada (#NWAC13 on Twitter). Hosted by WineAlign.com – Canada’s largest online wine site – the awards are running through June 21 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Wines from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia are entered in the competition.

”The National Wine Awards of Canada brings together the best collection of Canadian wines and Canadian wine critics under one roof,” says Anthony Gismondi, co-head judge and a WineAlign principal critic. “The competition presents an annual snapshot of the state of Canadian wine. The results are an invaluable guide for consumers and producers when it comes to finding out who is making the best wine in the country.”

Judging Panel

Judging Panel

The panel of judges consists of respected Canadian wine critics, writers, educators and judges from six provinces, known for their extensive experience tasting wines both on the international stage and across the country. Judging is overseen by co-head judges and WineAlign principal critics, Anthony Gismondi – Vancouver (WineAlign, Vancouver Sun) and David Lawrason – Toronto (WineAlign, Toronto Life, Ottawa Magazine).

Judges include John Szabo – Toronto Master Sommelier (WineAlign, City Bites); Margaret Swaine – Toronto (WineAlign, National Post, Gault Millau); Bill Zacharkiw – Montreal (WineAlign, Montreal Gazette); Steve Thurlow – Toronto (WineAlign, Wine for Life); Sara d’Amato – Toronto (WineAlign); Janet Dorozynski – Ottawa (WineAlign, Global Practice Lead – Canadian Wine at Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada); Nadia Fournier – Montreal (Le Guide du Vin Montreal, L’actualité); Rémy Charest – Quebec City (Palate Press, The Wine Case); Ben MacPhee-Sigurdson – Winnipeg (Winnipeg Free Press); DJ Kearney – Vancouver (Vancouver Magazine, Educator – Wine and Spirits Education Trust); Treve Ring (EAT Magazine); Rhys Pender MW – Cawston (Wine Plus+); Craig Piney (CBC Radio, New Brunswick Telegraph-Journal); Tom Firth (Cowtown Wine, City Palate Magazine, Avenue Calgary); Gurvinder Bhatia (Edmonton Journal); and, Jessica Bryans – Vancouver (Beverage Purchasing Manager for the Joey Restaurant Group).

Over 3,500 wine bottles

All medal winners will be notified within a few weeks of the awards. The Rosé results will be released in August as a prelude to the early September announcement of all medals and the Canadian Winery of the Year.Those interested in the National Wine Awards of Canada can follow the judges, see their reactions to all the wines, and gain insights into the week’s activities via the #NWAC13 hashtag on Twitter and on the WineAlign blog. Sponsors and partners in this year’s National Wine Awards of Canada include Host Partner Wine Country Ontario, an organization dedicated to promoting Ontario’s wine-growing region; Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake, providers of accommodation for the judging team; ContainerWorld Forwarding Services Inc. and Borderline Systems, providers of logistics services; Fortessa Canada, Inc., providers of Schott Zwiesel stemware used during judging; and, photographer Jason Dziver.Notes to Editors:Contact michelle@echo-communications.com to coordinate an interview with Anthony Gismondi.A photo for this press release will be available on the Canadian Press picture wire via Marketwired. Additional award photos are available on Dropbox (click here for the link or visit http://sqz.co/Zd39Aio) with new photos being released throughout the week.About WineAlign

WineAlign is a free community-based service that enables consumers to review, share and discover wine. Launched in December 2008 in collaboration with several top wine critics, WineAlign is a rapidly growing resource that serves the needs of over 1.1 million unique annual visitors looking to find the best wines at the LCBO and BCLDB. WineAlign answers the question, “What wine do I buy?” It combines reviews from top-critics and community members to create an objective resource to help users find great wine. For wine lovers outside of Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, WineAlign provides the most comprehensive wine resource, including reviews of the latest wines and vintages from some of the country’s top sommeliers and wine critics. WineAlign is on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WineAlign and on Twitter @WineAlign.

To view the photo associated with this press release, please visit the following link: http://www.marketwire.com/library/20130617-Wine800.jpg

Filed under: News

“So, You Think You Know Wine?” Episode 3.8

WineAlign is pleased to present Episode 3.8 of “So, You Think You Know Wine?”

Season 3 showcases some of Canada’s most widely recognized, award-winning sommeliers and wine critics. WineAlign’s own David Lawrason, Sara d’Amato, Steve Thurlow and Master Sommelier John Szabo are joined and challenged by Master Sommelier Jennifer Huether, Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner, Zoltan Szabo (Sommelier at Trump Tower), William Predhomme (Sommelier at Canoe) and Bill Zacharkiw (Montreal Gazette).

Our critics have to rely on skill and talent as they use their nose, eyes and palette to identify the flavours, aromas and general characteristics of a wine to correctly determine five elements about the wine. For a wine critic, a blind taste test is the ultimate challenge.

Division “B”, Round 3

Sara, Bill and Bruce are back for their 3rd and final wine to decide who will advance to the Final round. Can Bill comeback in overtime, or are we seeing that Maple Leafs hat for the last time? In this episode do you think Sara’s strong first impression may have lead her opponents astray or did the wine do that? Pour yourself a glass and tune in to find out.

Watch Episode 3.8 here.

Recap and Scorecard

In the last episode, Division ‘A’ contestants John, Steve and Will had a hard time placing the Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2010. As Will suggested, this turned out to be “the hardest of the three”. In the end, there were still some points allocated and we do have the final results from this Division.

Congratulations to John who advances to the final round with a total score of 20. Will sneaks by with a one point advantage to secure a spot in the Wildcard round and, unfortunately, we have to say good bye to Steve. Great job gentleman!

There’s more to come

Additional episodes of “So, You Think You Know Wine?” will be posted on WineAlign over the coming weeks. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did making them and encourage you to share them with your friends.

Past Episodes are always available under the Videos tab on the WineAlign Home page.

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Filed under: News, Video, Wine, Bill Zacharkiw, Bruce Wallner, Sara d'Amato, So You Think You Know Wine, Wine Education, Wine Tasting

John Szabo’s Vintages Preview for June 22, 2013

South Africa Re-examined; Seductive Southern Rhônes; and More Smart Buys

John Szabo, MS

Like a high-yielding grapevine, this week’s report is over-loaded with smart buys and top picks. I cover the two VINTAGES features for June 22, namely South Africa, including top picks from the consignment/private order world, and the unstoppable southern Rhône Valley. The Rhône continues to issue forth as many smart buys as Rob Ford’s office issues explanations, and it’s clear what I’d rather swallow. There’s also another half-dozen smart buys for you to consider. Read on for all of the details.

South Africa: Redefining Impressions

I suspect consumers without any special connection to South Africa rarely consider Cape wines when it’s time to go shopping. And it’s my feeling that this is because South African wines suffer from a bit of an identity crisis. On the one hand, there are the ever-popular confected pinotages that are little more than commercial recipes and plenty of cheap but unexciting big brand wines that could be from anywhere, and on the other, an increasing range of serious, regionally unique, authentic wines that have a deserving place in the world of serious wines. Most are familiar with the former, but it’s the latter category that should be much better known and which has the potential to capture some consumer mind-space.

You’ll often hear South African wines being described as mid way between old world and new world in style, and I think the cliché is true. The best have the structure of European wines – firm tannins, bright acids and earthy-herbal flavours – along with the fruit ripeness and generosity of warm new world regions. Think of a blend between Bordeaux and Napa cabernet, malbec from Mendoza with Cahors in Southwest France, or Barossa shiraz with northern Rhône syrah and you get the picture. South African wines satisfy a broad range of personal preferences, and there’s more than enough terroir talk of granites, shales and sandstones, breezes and elevations, and old, unirrigated bush vines to keep the punters engaged. There’s also plenty of value to be found in the low to mid-range, $12-$30 bottle, with many delivering pleasure far above their price category, just to sweeten the deal.

Following are a couple of recommended wines from the June 22nd release, and digging a little deeper into the market, some worthwhile picks from a recent tasting hosted by Wines Of South Africa featuring some fine consignment/private order wines. You’ll have to work a little to get these, but it’s a worthwhile journey and a great way to start re-shaping your image of South African wines.

A pair of wines from a former Ostrich farm in the hamlet of Malagas, Swellendam, 40kms from the nearest vineyards, were the most striking of the lot at the WOSA tasting: 2009 Sijnn Red ($32.50) and 2011 Sijnn White ($29.80). Sijnn (pronounced “sane”) is a joint venture established in 2004 between winemaker David Trafford, who has his own highly regarded winery in Stellenbosch, South African environmental businessman Quentin Hurt, and Simon Farr of UK importers Bibendum. The attraction was a stony plateau littered with pudding stones over fractured shale reminiscent of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, along with a warm dry Mediterranean climate moderated by breezes from the sea 15kms away.

The focus is logically on Mediterranean varieties: Sijnn red is a wild blend of 46% syrah, 29% mourvèdre, 13% touriga nacional, and 6% each of trincadeira and cabernet sauvignon. The profile is all black and blue fruit with lots of floral-violet character, gentle spice, ripe and suave tannins and very good to excellent length. This is classy, quality wine made with care, minimal intervention and maximum passion.

Sijnn White is equally compelling, a blend of about 3/4 chenin blanc and 1/4 viognier barrel fermented in 225L and 700L French oak barrels, about 20% new, and bottled unfiltered. The result is a rich and full, succulent, openly inviting style with plenty of depth and length. Wood is of course noted, but the fruit concentration is more than enough to balance. Acids, too, are balanced, and 14.5% alcohol integrated. Availability: Private Order, Gradwell Wine Agency.

If you’ve given up on pinotage because so many examples today taste like they’ve been blended with Tia Maria, the 2011 Lemberg Spencer Pinotage Tulbagh ($35.55) might just change your mind. It’s from a single site in the southern end of the Swartland, with 20+-year-old vines, unfined, unfiltered, with authentic varietal character, generous but balanced wood influence, and thick, rich, medium-full palate. There’s a backbone of acidity that rides through the finish and freshens up the profile. Best 2015-2020. Availability: Private Order, Gradwell Wine Agency.

Cabernet Franc is not particularly widely planted in South Africa, but the 2009 Oldenburg Vineyards Cabernet Franc Banghoek, Stellenbosch  $36.95 91 is a reason to plant more. It’s grown on the highest part of the property at around 400m elevation, yielding a lovely and floral, ripe but finessed version of the grape. Availability: Private Order, WineMoves.

I’m a big fan of Lammershoek in Paardeberg, Swartland, an organically farmed vineyard with a collection of unusual grapes like harslevelü and tinta barroca, along with more familiar Mediterranean grapes, produced with nothing added other than a minimal amount of SO2, and sometimes not even that. I fell immediately in love with the 2011 Lammershoek LAM Rosé ($20.00) when I first tasted it. It’s a fantastically savoury and drinkable, pale salmon pink-coloured, bone-dry rosé made from 100% syrah. At just 11.5% alcohol one would expect either some green character or residual sugar, but there’s none of that here. It’s all about succulent acids and umami-rich, saliva inducing red berry and floral character with no small measure of garrigue-like resinous herbal notes. Marvelously lean, delicate and vibrant. Availability: Consignment, Bokke Wine.

And finally value seekers (and restaurateurs), will be pleased and the quality/value proposition of a pair of wines from a cooperative outfit called Rooiberg in the Breede River Valley: 2012 Rooiberg Shiraz and 2012 Rooiberg Sauvignon Blanc. These are both impressive $12 wines ($10.50 licensee), perfect as a house/by the glass/party options. The shiraz spends one year in old wood and delivers a nice mix of fruity-spicy, very pleasant aromatics and lightly grippy palate fleshed out by solid fruit extract. The sauvignon blanc is as good as many examples in the high teens, with plush tree fruit flavours and no greenness. Availability: Consignment, Lamprecht International.

From the selection on offer at VINTAGES, head straight for the 2010 Avondale Cyclus, $29.95. Here is yet another example of a wine that I’ve tried for the first time without any prior knowledge of the winery, been mightily impressed, and then only after doing some research discovered that it’s a certified organic operation practicing biodynamic winegrowing. Is it yet another coincidence of biodynamic wines rising to the top? It seems less and less likely as anecdotal evidence mounts.

Avondale’s website begins: “Our ethos, Terra Est Vita meaning ‘Soil is Life’ encapsulates our view of Avondale Estate as a dynamic living system where soil, water and energy; plants, animals and people; even our buildings, are part of a complex web of relationships and networks, interconnected and interdependent.” I suggest you join in the relationship by buying this blend of 60% viognier, along with chenin blanc, chardonnay and semillon. A little more than half was fermented in 500l barrels and the rest in stainless steel, and the result is a rich, intensely flavoured, very ripe and plush textured white from Paarl, with fruit wavering between ripe orchard-peach and fully tropical-pineapple, honeydew melon. Wood is not a major factor, outside of its creamy, textural influence. Fans of plush, new world style whites with more than a touch of earthy old world minerality should especially take note.

Sparkling wine lovers should grab a bottle of the always reliable Graham Beck Brut Sparkling Wine, $18.95. Beck is somewhat of a sparkling wine specialist, and the Brut non-vintage is an all-round pleasing traditional method (aka “Cap Classique”) blend of chardonnay and pinot noir with about 18 months on the lees. It delivers a solid dose of toasty-biscuity flavour, with bright underlying citrus fruit and sharp acids, fine on it’s own or at highly versatile at the table.

Southern Rhône: More Beautiful ‘09s, ‘10s, and ‘11s

The Southern Rhône is thrust once again into the spotlight on June 22nd. It seems every release has at least a handful from the region and it’s not hard to figure out why, especially if the LCBO’s mandate really is to offer good deals from time to time. At this point, reporting on the quality and value emerging from the southern Rhône valley is a bit like reporting on the shenanigans plaguing Rob Ford’s mayoralty: the whole world already knows what’s going on, nothing surprises, and more and more juicy stories just keep coming out.

But on a much more positive, note, the continuous stream of superb wines – both quality and value – especially from 2009, 2010 and now some 2011s coming out of the southern Rhône should cause nothing more serious than the first world problems of lineups or stock outages at the LCBO.

At the top end, the wines worth jostling elbows for are the 2010 Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf-Du-Pape ($43.95), a beautifully composed and balanced, finessed wine; the more dense and massive 2010 Domaine De La Charbonnière Châteauneuf-Du-Pape ($39.95); and another fine wine from Domaine Saint Gayan The 2009 Gigondas ($30.95), which drinks with the texture of pinot noir and the weight and flavour profile of grenache.

For wines closer to the everyday end of the price scale (pretty good days), I recommend the 2009 Château Signac Cuvée Terra Amata ($22.95) with masses of dark berry fruit and savoury-smoky-earthy character; the 2011 Ortas L’estellan Gigondas ($19.95) and its silkier, grenache-based flavour profile of baked red berry, garrigue and scorched earth; and finally, the smart value 2011 La Ferme Du Mont Le Ponnant Côtes Du Rhône-Villages ($17.00) a well-balanced, succulent and savoury wine with well above average complexity, depth and length for the money.

More Smart Buys

Outside of South Africa and the southern Rhône, my list below includes another half-dozen smart picks from Spain, Chile, Portugal, France and Georgia (the republic, not the state).

That’s all for this week. See you over the next bottle.

John Szabo, Master Sommelier

We invite our Premium Subscription members to use these links to find all of John Szabo’s reviews. Paid membership to WineAlign has its privileges – this is one of them. Enjoy!

From the June 22, 2013 Vintages release:

John’s Top Smart Buys
Seductive Southern Rhône
All New Releases

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Filed under: News, Wine, John Szabo, LCBO, Rhône, South Africa, Vintages Preview

Margaret’s Spirited Summer Travels and Tipples

Margaret Swaine

Whenever I travel I always ask who’s making spirits in the region and what are they distilling. Ingenious mankind can turn just about anything into an alcoholic beverage – you just need sugars (or starches to turn into sugars) and bingo you’ve got a drink. I’ve found surprising and delicious distillates all over the globe.

In Brazil recently visiting the region of Serra Gaúcha in the most southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the Vale dos Vinhedos is a recognized wine denomination of origin with the biggest concentration of wineries in the country, I posed that question. The answer was that many of the wineries made grappa – and excellent versions I can attest. Italian immigrants in the late 1800’s, mostly from Veneto with some from Trentino, populated this area bringing with them a love and knowledge of wine, grappa and Italian cuisine.

Rio de Janeiro on the other hand is closer to sugar cane production than wineries. Here the spirit of choice is cachaça. Cachaça is distilled from sugar cane juice: the best come from artisanal pot still production in regions such as Salinas in Minas Gerais state, Paraty in Rio de Janeiro state and Monte Alegre do Sul in São Paulo state and can be aged in wood barrels for many years. Aprazível, a restaurant in the trendy Santa Teresa district of Rio, has its own cachaça sommelier, Paulo Magoulas and a cachaça list with over 100 versions, organized under the states that produce them.

Kangaroo Island Spirits, Kis Wild Gin

On Kangaroo Island in Southern Australia, I found KIS. Kangaroo Island Spirits was founded by Jon Lark because he figured the island needed a proper gin. He makes his using grape spirit infused with native KI juniper called boobialla, along with traditional juniper berries, and botanicals such as mace, coriander, lime and ginger. Delicious. He also makes vodkas flavoured with native botanicals such as KIS Samphire and tasty local infused liqueurs such as Anisette from KI wild fennel and star anise.

Closer to home when I visited Prince Edward Island, I discovered the Prince Edward Distillery. Founded in 2007 in Hermanville by partners in life and business, Arla Johnson and Julie Shore, the distillery makes Canada’s first and only potato vodka. Beckie Mullally, who was serving at their store in Charlottetown, told me it can take up to 40 pounds of potatoes for one bottle of spirit. If they wait until winter when the potatoes get softer and the starches start their conversion to sugar, they may only need 20 pounds a bottle. They also produce grain vodka flavoured with wild blueberry, a lovely aromatic gin, I.C. Shore Whiskey, Canadian Rye and Merchantman’s Rum. I asked Beckie about the moonshine stories I was hearing. “Oh yes,” she replied cheerfully. “People still make moonshine here. You can’t go to many weddings or funerals without needing to know which punch bowl is which.”

In British Columbia, Okanagan Spirits has locations in both Vernon and Kelowna where they craft distil BC fruit such as apricot, cherry, raspberry, apple, plum and pear into wonderful eau-de-vie. I particularly like their barrel aged Canados made from apples and Old Italian Prune from prune plums. Victoria Gin, hand produced in small batches on Vancouver Island has made inroads on the liquor shelves in BC and Ontario. The LCBO is offering 20 Bonus Air Miles on each bottle purchased between June 23 and July 20th. Distilled from ten botanicals (natural and wild gathered), it has a gently juniper nose with floral notes from rose petals. Smooth and rounded on the palate, the juniper comes delicately through with a hint of citrus, perfumed with spicy coriander and enhanced with earthy angelica and orris root. Hints of liquorice in the finish come from star anise.

Sir Isaac’s Premium Pear Cider made by Puddicombe Cider Company in Ontario using local pears, is a great summer refresher. When CanGro Foods closed their plant in Ontario, Puddicombe, one of the largest pear growers in the province, got creative. Brock Puddicombe and his winemaker sister Lindsay went to England to learn how to make Pear Cider. Two years of experimentation and learning later, the resulting cider, made from Niagara Barlette and Bosc pears, is a success. It captures the pear aromas and flavours through-out with nice bubbles and a slightly sweet but clean pear taste that lingers.

Moncton has been called by Reader’s Digest the most honest city in North America and the most polite. It’s also home to Pump House Brewery opened by Moncton firefighter Shaun Fraser in 1999. The brewery/restaurant serves awesome wood-fired oven pizza but what impressed me most was their beer sampler tray. Nine samples of their own brewed beer, all delicious, for a mere $6.75. Of particular note were their Scotch Ale with its malty smoky flavours from peat smoked barley and the Pump House Blueberry Ale, light and fresh with floating blueberries in it. Now it’s available in cans in Ontario and other provinces – without the floating blueberries unless you add your own. Creamy with a mildly blueberry taste and sweet, bready, malty background, it finishes refreshing with hints of pepper.

In Spain, the summer drink of choice is often sangria. Osborne Estate, located in the Tierra de Castilla region of Spain gave me a recipe for red wine sangria that makes a terrific crimson coloured Spanish punch with tropical notes. Take one bottle of Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (a velvety smooth, ripe berry red wine) and pour into a pitcher. Add two ounces of Duff Gordon brandy, 2 ounces of Cinzano sweet red vermouth, one cup each of pineapple juice and passion fruit juice, and slices of lime, lemon and orange (seeds removed). Stir gently and refrigerate for four to ten hours. When ready to serve, add ice and stir gently. This makes a deep, smooth, tropical flavoured punch, that’s refreshing and not too sweet.

In Poland, vodka reigns supreme and many believe the best come from potatoes. In Warsaw connoisseurs were in rapture over a version made from new potatoes called Mlody Ziemniak (Young Potato) 2012, a single distilled vintage dated vodka made by Chopin distillery but alas I couldn’t find it anywhere in stores though I did locate its details on Chopin’s website. Apparently each year it sells out fast. Luksusowa Vodka, pure potato vodka made in Poland since 1928, is first crafted in small batches in copper pot stills at local farm distilleries. Then it’s further refined at a centralized plant where it’s triple distilled in a continuous still before the addition of natural spring water from artesian wells. As should be expected of potato vodkas, it has a smooth creamy body and slight potato sweetness. The bonus is that it’s value priced and makes a great ice cold martini.

Wherever you travel this summer, ask for what the locals drink. That’s sure to keep you in high spirits.

Cheers!

Margaret Swaine

For all of Margaret’s picks click here: Margaret’s Whisky and Spirits

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Filed under: Featured Articles, Spirits, BC Liquor Stores, cocktails, LCBO, Margaret Swaine, SPirits

Sara’s Sommelier Selections – June 8, 2013

Sara d’Amato

There is a great deal to look forward to this week, from Father’s Day and the onset of warmer weather we can count on, to an Argentinian-focused Vintages release, and to the quickly approaching first annual WineAlign National Wine Award judging. In recognition of such a busy time, I’d like to propose a few wines that will help keep you in tune with these developments.

This week’s top six include a lovely local selection, some wines to woo the man of the house, along with a few treats to beat the heat. The Sommelier in me has endeavored to choose unique, food friendly wines that should provide inspiration for your dinner table.

Altamira De Los Andes Navigato Family Selection Grand Reserve 2008
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Unfiltered, ON $46.95

My first two picks, although not intrinsically related to Father’s Day, could be said to complement it. The first does have a featured place in the Argentine showcase which includes some heavy-hitters such as this handsome, muscular selection from Altamira. The Family Selection Grand Reserve features Altamira’s oldest malbec vines that range between 48-66 years old (some of you can tell your dad that the vines used in this bottle are as old as he is!) Food Match: Grilled Korean-style beef short ribs

Quinta Da Lubazim Grande Reserva 2008
Duoro, Portugal, ON $28.95

And, speaking of our upcoming wine awards, here is a highly awarded, and deservedly so, Duoro blend that will have you circling the ‘Portugal’ section of your wine store for the rest of the summer. A many times gold winner, super-starred, 90+ ‘Best-in-Class’, Dad will particularly appreciate that you took the time to choose a wine that is as classy as he. Food Match: Seared lamb with sage and thyme

Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino 2011 Soave Classico
Veneto, Italy, ON $13.95

Here are three exemplary wines to help you beat the heat at under $20. I was not the only critic to be dazzled by this seductive, lively Soave Classico and came close to giving myself whiplash when I saw the price. Meticulous winemaking practices have paid off producing this captivating Veronese blend of garganega and trebbiano. Food Match: Pasta with clams in a white wine sauce

Château De La Pierre Brouilly 2011
Beaujolais, France, ON $17.95

For red wine drinkers who also want to beat the heat, this choice is surprisingly suitable, as it can be slightly chilled for added refreshment. Brouilly is the largest appellation of Beaujolais and differs from the higher classed Cotes de Brouilly whose vines are planted on the slope as opposed to the bottom of the hill, as this selection. Nevertheless, this bottle is evidence of the terrific value that can be found in this low-lying appellation. Food Match: Pulled pork sandwiches

Gigondas La Cave Signature 2012 Gigondas Rosé
Rhone, France, ON $19.95

Gigondas, a region near and dear to me, as many a summer I spend just around the corner in Avignon. These wines scream summer to me, and this particular example truly stands out for its enticing aromatics and surprising depth among the wave of rosés that has hit us this summer. Not to be missed. Food Match: Paella

Fielding Estate Gewürztraminer 2010
Niagara, Canada, ON $15.95

Time to start thinking local. This zesty, super-flavourful Gewürztraminer will have you revved for the results of our first annual WineAlign National Wine Awards, whose judging will be taking place the week of June 17th. Food Match: Thai red curry

Santé!

Sara d’Amato

We invite our Premium Subscription members to use these links to find all of Sara d’Amato’s reviews. Paid membership to WineAlign has its privileges – this is one of them. Enjoy!

From the June 8, 2013 Vintages release:

Sara’s Sommelier Selections
All Reviews

Filed under: Featured Articles, Wine, LCBO, Sara d'Amato, Sommelier Selections, Vintages

Lawrason’s Take on Vintages June 8 Release

Alt-Argentina, The Pink Divide, Mmm…Merlot & Other Wines of Interest

David Lawrason

This week’s release features vinous gifts for Father’s Day, a cross-section of non-malbecs from Argentina, as well as some very fine merlots (surprise, surprise), a slew of pink wines, and several other interesting, high quality not necessarily expensive bottlings.

Hard-to-Get Wines for Father’s Day

What do father’s most appreciate in their offspring? I would suspect “effort”. So if you are going to buy Dad a bottle of wine you might want to get beyond the list of suggestions that Vintages has cobbled together, and make that effort to acquire something special. If for example you were to sleuth out and beat all those collectors to the stupendous Ridge 2010 Montebello, Dad would surely by dazzled. It is being released in five different bottle formats, from a half bottle at $79.95 to an eight-bottle/6000mL Methuselah at $1,295.00, (one for every income level). Even the less prized, more widely available, delicious Ridge 2009 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon ($52.95) would do, although I suspect it will require getting up early on Saturday as well.

Or you could make the effort to find rare bottles at VINTAGES Shop Online web portal at www.vintagesshoponline.com. The problem in terms of gifting VSOs, as they are called within the LCBO, is that you won’t know exactly when the wine will get shipped to your local store for pick-up. But that may or may not be problem, depending on whether Dad is a stickler for instant gratification. I get to taste a smattering of VSOs and there are some occasional gems. Staying with a California theme I recommend a fine pair of delicious, hard to get pinot noirs: Patz & Hall Pinot Noir 2010 and De Loach Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009.

Rosé’s Cultural Divide

On another seasonal note, let’s take rosé. The June 8 selection includes five from Ontario and five from Europe. Eight of the ten are good or better (above 85 points), but there is a stylistic/cultural divide. That is perhaps an overly serious take on pink wine, but it is true. The Ontario versions are pretty to look at – very obviously pink and bright, very fruity, a bit sweet. They are designed for immediate impact, and generally meant to be sipped on a patio or dock – that’s how the winemakers perceive that their market wants the wines to be. But somehow within this “vision” there seems to be less concern about quality (depth, complexity, balance). Only one Ontario example is compelling and complex enough to rate high into very good territory at 89 points, and that is Château Des Charmes 2012 Cuvée D’andrée Rosé $14.95, a wine made from a French sensibility by the Bosc family.

The European rosés are dry, subtle, more complex and much more likely to be enjoyed with food, as historically that is how they have been consumed. The Côtes de Provence rosés in particular with their pale, subtle pearl/salmon colour are the most compelling, as if their strength of character is intentionally camouflaged by their coyness. They’ve got it without flaunting it.

Rimauresq 2012 Cru Classé Rosé ($18.95) is indeed classy – long on flavour and complexity. Gassier 2012 Sables d’Azur Rosé is very similarly styled if a bit less gripping on the palate, but still a very good buy at $13.95.

Alt-Argentina

Not long ago I wrote about Argentine malbec; today we look beyond Argentina’s signature grape and find some good buys in alternative red blends and cabernets. And this is good for Argentina, which needs to be more than a one-trick pony, and has the climate and terroir(s) to do more. In travels to Argentina 18 months ago I was often very impressed by syrah and cabernet, especially wines made from older vineyards that have endured through the long dry, hot summers. Old vines is a theme running through the selection that follows, which I only discovered in researching the wines after tasting them.

Familia Mayol 2008 Cuatro Primos ($22.95) is an excellent buy in a four grape blend (Cuatro) dominated by malbec (planted 1989) and syrah (planted 1973) with smaller portions of cabernet and bonarda. The vineyards are in transition to organic viticulture, the harvesting is done by hand, and the fermentation is with natural yeasts. It adds up to a complex, quite rich and well-structured red at a very good price.

Altamira De Los Andes 2008 Navigato Family Selection Grand Reserve is a blend of Tupungato merlot from 60 year old vines, cabernet from 19 year vines, and La Consulta malbec, also from 60 year old vines. It is unfiltered and was aged 24 months. It has wonderful texture and depth, and is not to be missed, even if seemingly expensive for Argentine red at $46.95. It would be over $100 if it was from California.

Urraca 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is a single vineyard wine from the Agrelo sub-district of Mendoza. It is traditionally made and aged in American and French oak that delivers a bit more resinous character than some may like, but there is a traditional honesty and richness that I like, especially for $19.95.

Very Fine Merlots

Middle of the road merlot is not so much maligned, as it is simply forgotten. It just seems to cruise along under the radar, quietly soothing with its gentleness, but rarely exciting the senses. On this release I stumbled across three merlot based reds that turned my head.

Château Des Moines 2010 Lalande De Pomerol is from the merlot heartland in Bordeaux. Lalande is the back door neighbour to Pomerol itself, with its slew of famous merlot-based wines, including top-dog Petrus. The 12 ha clay-silt vineyard of Des Moines has some of the same iron minerality that Pomerol trumpets. I have often been drawn to the fragrance and genteel charms of Lalande, and here yet again. It is 72% merlot with cab sauv, cab franc and a touch of malbec. Yours for $21.95.

Clos Du Bois Sonoma 2008 Reserve Merlot is the second straight arrival from Clos du Bois to impress. Is there new fire in the belly of one of Sonoma’s 80s pioneers? This was sourced entirely from Alexander Valley sites with a small percentage of cabernet sauvignon and malbec in the blend. Ageing was in French, American and Hungarian oak. Perhaps all this layering of the grapes and oaks is the key to the charm this expresses. It hits merlot right on the money for a very fair price of $24.95.

Planeta 2008 Sito Dell’ulmo Merlot is one of the great surprises of the release. Who knew merlot could be so fine in Sicily? But then if any winery was going to succeed with this grape it would be Planeta, from its cooler, almost maritime site near Menfi. Planeta is one of the largest, most modern and successful wineries of Sicily. It’s not inexpensive at $39.95 but this is textbook 100% merlot aged 12 months in French oak.

Five More Wines of Interest

Astrolabe 2012 Province Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region turned my head at the recent New Zealand Wine Fair in Toronto, then again on the bench at Vintages lab. It’s an intense, vibrant but contained sauvignon that really delivers at $21.95. Astrolabe is a relatively new label founded by Simon Waghorn, who sources from growers in several sites in the Wairu Valley, Awatere Valley and the new Kekerengu Coast sub-region.

Domaine Raoul Gautherin & Fils 2010 Vaillons Chablis 1er Cru is a classic at a very fair $28.95. Chablis is really hit and miss these days; this one is bang on from a family that’s been in the business for seven generations. They own about 16 hectares in all four appellation tiers from Grand Cru to Petit-Chablis; the production is traditional, and apparently very effective – although once again I suspect that the excellent 2010 vintage has upped the game.

Gibbston Highgate Estate 2011 Soultaker Pinot Noir is from the unofficial Gibbston Valley sub-appellation of Central Otago. Gibbston is a geographically distinct, cooler, higher region that imbues its pinots with a certain herbal almost grassy and peppery note as well as effortless elegance and tension. Of all five Otago sub-regions its pinots remind me most of Prince Edward County in Ontario – although weightier. At $28.95, pinot explorers cannot afford to miss this glimpse.

Falernia 2010 Reserva Carmenère is a huge bargain, yet again, from Chile’s Elqui Valley. I have written often about this remote region on the northern frontier of Chilean winemaking. The Elqui soils are strewn with stones, either on the steep lower mountainsides or on the narrow valley floor. Falenria is the largest producer here, and every wine they make captures depth, richness and varietal verity well beyond their price. This is terrific carmenère for $16.95.

Lealtanza 2009 Crianza is a dandy, refined and fragrant young Rioja (another appellation that can be hit and miss). Bodegas Altanza is a modern enterprise dedicated to making elegant, lively tempranillo-based reds aged in French oak (much Rioja is aged in American oak). This is not profound but it is very well made, joining the ever-growing legion of delicious, inexpensive lighter reds from Spain. Great value at $16.95.

And that’s a wrap for this release. Here at WineAlign we are gearing up for the judging of the National Wine Awards of Canada in Niagara-on-the-Lake from June 17-21. The entries from B.C. are on their way east; Ontario wineries still have a narrow window to enter (click here). Watch for our upcoming profile of the judges who are assembling from across the country. And I look forward to seeing readers at the sold out South Africa Triple Play event at the Soho Club on Monday.

Cheers,

David Lawrason
VP of Wine

We invite our Premium Subscription members to use these links to find all of David Lawrason’s reviews. Paid membership to WineAlign has its privileges – this is one of them. Enjoy!

From the June 8, 2013 Vintages release:

David’s Featured Wines
All Reviews

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Filed under: News, Wine, David Lawrason, Vintages Preview

Five Regions for Value; Steve’s Top 50 at LCBO

Steve Thurlow

Argentina, Chile, Southern France, Southern Italy and Spain provide most of the wines on the Top 50 Value Report. This has been the case since I started compiling the list three years ago. Low costs for land and labour and cheap international logistics mean that they can land wines here at a lower cost than the more established wine regions like USA, Australia and Northern France and Italy. They also have perfected how to make good wine and have found the ideal places to grow grapes under optimal conditions. The combination of high quality and low price is what the Top 50 is all about.

I have chosen one wine from each of these regions as an example for you to explore that section of the store. Three reds and two whites that are all between $10 and $13, with two that are new to the list this month.

Please also check out all the rest of the wines on my Top 50 Value Wines list, since all offer great value. So read beyond my five regional examples to find more values, and to discover how the Top 50 is systematically selected.

Argentina

Santa Julia Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Mendoza, Argentina $13.00

Joins the list this month: A nicely balanced ripe cabernet from the Zuccardi family; famous for their Fuzion wines. This is quite elegant with a complex nose of cassis and blackberry fruit with some earthy tones, subtle oak spice and sweet basil notes. The palate is finely poised with the fruit supported by some finely grained tannin which give nice grip to the finish. Very good length. Try with a fine cut of roast lamb or beef. It will gain in complexity with another year or so of bottle age. Best 2013 to 2016.

Chile

Errazuriz Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Aconcagua Valley, Chile $11.45 (on sale until June 23 was $12.95)

This has nicely lifted sauvignon aromatics of hay, lemon, gooseberry and melon. It is elegant creamy and well-balanced with very good length with some vibrant passion fruit flavour. Try with sautéed scallops with a dressing.

Southern France

Lurton Les Fumées Blanches Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Vin De France $12.95

This wine has a beautiful intense nose of green apple and lemon with dill, thyme and oregano herbal complexity. It is full and creamy, with very good length. Try with roast pork or sautéed seafood.

Southern Italy

Cusumano Syrah 2012, Sicily, Italy $10.95

Joins the list this month: This is a well balanced fresh cool climate syrah from Sicily with a lot going on for the money. Expect aromas of black cherry fruit with raspberry jam, chocolate and floral tones. The palate is smooth, well balanced and lively with soft tannin and good length. Best 2013 to 2016.

Spain

Bodegas Castaño Hécula Monastrell 2009, Yecla, Spain $11.80

The monastrell grape in southern Spain makes many delicious juicy dark, reds like this one. It is wonderfully smooth with vibrant acidity that gives it a degree of elegance that would cost you over $20 normally. Expect aromas of blackberry with fragrant lavender, vanilla and cocoa plus some raspberry jam notes. The palate is rich yet not heavy and its finishes dry with some meaty notes and fine tannin for grip. Very good length.Try with roast meats. Best 2013 to 2017.

Top 50 Value Wines at LCBO

There are about 1,500 wines listed at the LCBO that are always available, plus another 100 or so VINTAGES Essentials. At WineAlign I maintain a list of the Top 50 LCBO and VINTAGES Essentials wines selected by price and value – in other words, the best least expensive wines. The selection process is explained in more detail below, but I review the list every month to include newly listed wines and monitor the value of those put on sale for a limited time.

How I Choose the Top 50

I constantly taste the wines at the LCBO to keep the Top 50 list up to date. You can easily find all of my all Top 50 Value Wines from the WineAlign main menu. Click on Wine =>Top 50 Value Wines to be taken directly to the list.

To be included in the Top 50 for value a wine must be inexpensive while also having a high score, indicating high quality. I use a mathematical model to make the Top 50 selections from the wines in our database. Every wine is linked to WineAlign where you can read more, discover pricing discounts, check out inventory and compile lists for shopping at your favourite store. Never again should you be faced with a store full of wine with little idea of what to pick for best value.

Once you have tried a wine, you can use the ‘thumbs up/thumbs down’ to agree or disagree with our reviews. Or better yet, you can add your own review and join our growing community of user reviewers. If you find that there is a new wine on the shelf, or a new vintage that we have not reviewed, let us know. It is very easy to do this. Click on Suggestions & Feedback or send an email to feedback@winealign.com. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Top 50 changes all the time, so remember to check before shopping. I will be back next month with more news on value arrivals to Essentials and the LCBO.

Cheers!

Steve Thurlow

We invite our Premium Subscription members to use this link to find all of Steve Thurlow’s reviews of the Top 50 Value Wines. Paid membership to WineAlign has its privileges – this is one of them. Enjoy!

Top 50 LCBO and Vintages Essentials Wines

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Filed under: News, Wine, LCBO, Steve Thurlow, Top 50 Value Wines

“So, You Think You Know Wine?” Episode 3.7

WineAlign is pleased to present Episode 3.7 of “So, You Think You Know Wine?”

Season 3 showcases some of Canada’s most widely recognized, award-winning sommeliers and wine critics. WineAlign’s own David Lawrason, Sara d’Amato, Steve Thurlow and Master Sommelier John Szabo are joined and challenged by Master Sommelier Jennifer Huether, Master Sommelier Bruce Wallner, Zoltan Szabo (Sommelier at Trump Tower), William Predhomme (Sommelier at Canoe) and Bill Zacharkiw (Montreal Gazette).

Our critics have to rely on skill and talent as they use their nose, eyes and palette to identify the flavours, aromas and general characteristics of a wine to correctly determine five elements about the wine. For a wine critic, a blind taste test is the ultimate challenge.

Division “A”, Round 3

John, Steve and Will are back for their 3rd and final wine to decide who will advance to the Final round. The cabernet sauvignon in this episode causes confusion right off the start. Is it a wine from the old world? Or is it a new world wine made in an old world style?  In a game where every point counts, you’ll have to tune in to find out: Watch Episode 3.7

 

Recap and Scorecard

In the last episode, Division ‘C’ contestants Jennifer, David and Zoltan easily identified the grape variety in the Sterling Cabernet Sauvignon and they had no trouble pinning it to California. However it was Zoltan who negotiated his way to the most points to win the round.

After six episodes, our score is as follows:

There’s more to come

Additional episodes of “So, You Think You Know Wine?” will be posted on WineAlign over the coming weeks. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did making them and encourage you to share them with your friends.

Past Episodes are always available under Videos within the Discuss tab on the WineAlign Home page.

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Filed under: News, Video, Wine, John Szabo, So You Think You Know Wine, Steve Thurlow, Will Predhomme, Wine Education, Wine Tasting

John Szabo’s Vintages Preview for June 8, 2013

Picks of Prince Edward County, What your father really wants; Top Ten Smart Buys; Upcoming events.

This week’s report highlights the wineries to seek out from Prince Edward County, a region that is rapidly becoming one of the top winegrowing regions in North America for lean, elegant, mineral-suffused wines. And with Father’s Day around the corner, I’ve applied my experience as both a father and a wine critic to narrow down gift choices to a trio of the best bottles. Fans of Italian wines won’t want to miss the highly anticipated first visit of Gambero Rosso’s “Tre Bicchieri” tour, while believers in local should sign up for the annual Sip & Savour event featuring Ontario’s Best. Smart, thirsty shoppers can jump to this week’s Top Ten.

Terroir and the Picks of Prince Edward County

Over 900 people passed through the doors of the Crystal Palace in Picton between noon and six last Saturday May 25th  for Terroir, the annual showcase of new releases from members of the Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association. All but a handful of PEC wineries were present, while local purveyors and chefs provided food samples. Seminars and tastings went on throughout the afternoon, including a comparative tasting of County pinot noir and chardonnay with reference examples from Burgundy – the region to which PEC is most readily compared – led by this wine lover.

Three of the WineAlign team – Bryan McCaw, Carol Ann Jessiman and I – also took part in the 11.5km Terroir Run on the following slightly hazy Sunday morning, starting at the Old Third Winery and finishing at Norm Hardie’s for wood oven pizzas, salads and lots of Pluck Lavender iced tea, Waupoos Cider, Barley Days beer, and of course a large range of county wines (in that order). I’ve already got the last weekend of May locked down in my calendar for next year’s event, if only to give Bryan another chance to take me down in the run.

All in all it was a fine opportunity to get a global impression of how the region is evolving and maturing, and it solidified my belief that within the next decade or so, PEC will be counted among the top winegrowing regions in North America for lean, elegant, mineral-suffused wines, especially chardonnay, pinot noir and sparkling wines. Following is a short list of the wineries to track down online, in restaurants or (more rarely) in the LCBO. Or better yet, plan a visit this summer to the bucolic charm, quaint towns and miles of coastline in the County.

Norm Hardie. Former sommelier-turned-winegrower and tireless ambassador for PEC, Hardie’s range is in the top echelon. His ’11 County pinot and chardonnay are beautiful wines, and the 2012s from barrel are nothing short of astonishing. Quantities were down sharply in 2012, however, so supply will be limited. Try also Hardie’s excellent cabernet franc, riesling and a rare melon de Bourgogne.

The Old Third. Among the very top County pinot noirs from a tiny, five-acre vineyard on Closson Road. The ’11 pinot noir is fine and delicate. Barely 100 cases of a lovely traditional method ’11 pinot sparkling are still sitting on the lees in the cellar, and if proprietors Jens Korberg and Bruno François can resist opening all of the bottles for guests in the meantime, we may just be able to find some in 18 months or so. The 2012 harvest was sadly all but decimated by frost.

Hinterland. Vicky Samaras and Jonas Newman decided to focus on sparkling wine from the start in 2007, and today make an excellent range of traditional (Les Etoiles; Rosé), charmat (Whitecap; Riesling) and ancestral (Gamay Ancestral) method bubbly. Quantities are always limited and wines sell out quickly (the popular Gamay Ancestral sold out with a couple of weeks of release), so it’s imperative to move fast – I’ve already picked up my case. You’ll also find their Whitecap on tap at Barque and Café-Bar-Pasta in Toronto, and the Wellington Gastro pub in Ottawa, the first local wine producer to offer bubbly on tap.

Exultet Estates.  An impressive selection from vineyards planted in the southern most part of PEC in 2004. Chardonnay  “The Blessed” has garnered three consecutive golds at the Ontario Wine Awards, along with a white wine of the year award in 2013 for the 2011 edition. While I may personally regret the decision to use 100% new wood, the density, concentration and class of The Blessed are undeniable. The 2012 cruX White Light is among the best dry vidals I have tasted (it has 11% chardonnay), while the cruX pinot is also excellent.

Rosehall Run. Former amateur winemaker Dan Sullivan turned pro in 2000 and opened Rosehall Run on Greer Road in the western end of the County. I find Sullivan’s mid-range “Cuvée County” chardonnay and pinot noir to strike a fine quality/pleasure/price ratio in particular, but there is a wide selection of wines that are all worth a look.

Closson Chase Vineyards. Always among the most powerful, concentrated and occasionally idiosyncratic chardonnays from the County, made from ultra-low-yielding vines. Winegrower Deborah Paskus has been a seminal figure in the short history of the County, among the first to identify the potential of PEC in the late 1990s, and then exploit it with 30 acres of high-density plantings of pinot noir and chardonnay.

Huff Estates. PEC native Lanny Huff returned to the County in 2001 to launch Huff Estates, just as buzz about the region started to spread. Wines are made by talented Burgundian Frederic Picard; his sparkling Cuvée Peter F. Huff is in Canada’s top tier, and the South Bay chardonnay always among the province’s best. 2013 will see Huff’s first 100% County pinot gris, which I’m very much looking forward too sampling.

Karlo Estates. The booming laugh of Richard Karlo can be heard across a crowded noisy room, and the perennial smile is a dead giveaway that he loves what he’s doing. Another amateur-turned-pro winemaker, Karlo makes a creative range of wines from an eclectic mix of vinifera and hybrid grapes, including the County’s only port-style red and white wines “Van Alstine”. Try the 2010 CHOA chardonnay, fermented and aged in barrels made from mixed woods of Cherry, Hickory, Oak and Ash, all grown in Prince Edward County, for a sense of his creativeness and appetite for experimentation.

Also worth tracking down or visiting: Casa Dea, Lacey Estates, Keint-He, Lighthall Winery, Stanners, The Grange of Prince Edward, Hubbs Creek.

What Your Father Really Wants

Being both a father of two and a professional wine critic, I find myself eminently well-suited to report on what fathers would like to find wrapped up on June 16th. Of the options hitting LCBO shelves on June 8, three stand out. At the top of my list is the 2009 Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvginon Merlot ($52.95). Like most sensible people, I am a fan of just about everything Paul Draper puts into a bottle, and this is another classy, complete and beautifully balanced cabernet blend, walking the fine line between new world fruity richness and old world savoury elegance and finesse. And considering the amazing overall depth, length and complexity, I’d have to say that this is a cracking value for premium California cabernet, worthy of your dad.

But since we’ll be starting off with boiled lobster, you’ll want to pick up some of the 2010 Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($54.95). Grgich is another perennial favorite of this papa, and the 2010 is an absolute stunner of a wine, one of the finest chardonnays I’ve had from the winery. It’s in the usual tight, compact, firmly structured house style, with significant mineral saltiness, while wood is used as a vessel not a flavour component. If for whatever reason you don’t get around to drinking it this father’s day, fear not. It’ll be even better next year, or even at the end of the decade.

If your papa has a penchant for the old world, the 2008 Sori’ Paitin Barbaresco ($32.95) is a classic at an attractive price. The Paitin estate’s first bottling of Barbaresco in 1893 pre-dates father’s day by almost a couple of decades (Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, according to Wikipedia), so it won’t come as a surprise that this is a traditional style nebbiolo, with lots of lovely wild strawberry and faded violet aromatics. Tannins are light and gritty and acids fresh and lively, giving this a tart-firm texture that invites salty protein to the table. Remind dad to drink this over the next 3-5 years, as 2008 was a delicate vintage for mid-term cellaring, no more.

Now, if only my kids were old enough to shop at the LCBO.

Top Ten Smart Buys

Among the smart buy white wines this week I’d like to signal the 2011 Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico ($13.95). I’m tempted to believe that there has been a pricing error on this wine, as it has all that one could expect and so much more for under $14: regional typicity, concentration, minerality, depth and length. It’s a wine to buy by the case, from the heart of the Soave Classico region.

Also amazingly complex and complete is the 2006 Château De La Gravelle Muscadet Sèvre & Maine Gorges ($15.95). Yes you’ve read that correctly: 2006 Muscadet. It’s one of the worst kept secrets in the wine world that Muscadet can age magnificently, especially those from any one of the three relatively new cru designations in the Sèvre et Main appellation. Since 2011, Clisson, Le Pallet and Gorges have been recognized as sub-zones, requiring lower yields and at least 2 years ageing sur lie to qualify for the cru mention. Gorges is defined by a volcanic-derived soil type called gabbro, and produces wines of sturdy structure and pronounced minerality. This is seriously textured and layered wine, with depth and concentration well above the mean, and at six years of age, this is still fresh, though not built on fruit – it’s all about the mineral notes and delicately creamy texture. It would show favourably next to many village level white Burgundies, all for $16.

Other impressive value whites include the 2011 Istituto Agrario San Michele All’adige Pinot Grigio, Trentino ($17.95) with its Alsatian like richness on the palate, and the marvelously fragrant and floral 2012 Crios Torrontés, Mendoza ($13.95), livelier and better balanced than most torrontés.

Among reds worth a spotlight, June 8th sees the release of a couple of terrific Spanish bottles. El Bierzo has quickly become one my favorite little corners of Spain, where an unusual proportion of old vines contributes to exceptional depth and complexity at fair prices. The 2007 Gancedo Mencía ($24.95) delivers typical regional character of wild violet and roses, fresh blackberry, and freshly sharpened pencil, if anyone can remember what that smells like, while the palate shows the fine mix of suave tannins, balanced acids and mid-range alcohol that makes mencía from this part of the world so infinitely drinkable.

2011 Herencia Altés Garnatxa Negra ($15.95) is another fine Spanish value from the Terra Alta DO in Catalonia. It offers a fine-grained, rich, succulent and balanced, if generously proportioned, example of garnacha (garnatxa in Catalan, or Grenache in French). Serve at 16ºC for maximum pleasure.

One of my top values from the roster of Argentine wines in the release is the 2008 Algodon Bonarda, San Rafael, Mendoza ($19.95). Bonarda is a grape of northern Italian origin, once the most widely planted red in Argentina until it was overtaken by malbec. And like examples from Italy, this is a lovely, zesty, savoury, well-balanced red, with measurable oak influence yet well integrated into the ensemble, freshened up by crisp acids. It’s decidedly lighter and more bracing than malbec, you might say more old world style, but certainly an intriguing addition to Argentina’s line up of heavy reds and an excellent option for grilled meats and sausages eaten al fresco.

See the full top ten.

Upcoming Events: Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri; Sip & Savour Ontario

Tre Bicchieri

Gambero Rosso’s highly anticipated “Tre Bicchieri” (“three glasses”) tasting comes to Toronto for the first time on June 5. The event highlights winners of the tre bicchieri, the highest award given for wines in the Vini d’Italia guide, now celebrating its 27th edition. In 2013, The Vini d’Italia Guide assigned 399 Tre Bicchieri out of a total of 40,000 wines tasted from over 2,350 producers. Piedmont led the way with 75 tre bicchieri awards, followed by Tuscany with 68 and Veneto with 36. 
80 Italian wineries will be on the scene, as will I, so stay tuned for an upcoming report on the best of the three glass winners.

Event Details: June 5, 6pm: presentation by Gambero Rosso Senior Editor Marco Sabellico to explain the guide’s rating system and offer an analysis of present and future trends. General walk-around tasting runs from 6.30 p.m. to 9.30 pm. Place: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex; Tickets: 
$95 per person. Visit vintages.com/gamberorosso for full event details and list of wines to be poured. Order tickets at 416-365-5767 or 1-800-266-4764.

Sip & Savour Ontario

Sip & Savour Ontario takes place on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at Toronto’s Distillery Historic District in the Fermenting Cellar. The event features top Ontario wineries and chefs, with proceeds going to support Houselink. Doors open at 7:30 pm. Visit www.sipandsavourontario.ca for all the event details and to buy tickets.

That’s all for this week. See you over the next bottle.

John Szabo, Master Sommelier

We invite our Premium Subscription members to use these links to find all of John Szabo’s reviews. Paid membership to WineAlign has its privileges – this is one of them. Enjoy!

From the June 8, 2013 Vintages release:

Top Ten Smart Buys
Father’s Day Faves
All Reviews

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Filed under: News, Wine, John Szabo, LCBO, prince edward county, Vintages Preview

A South African Triple Play – Presented by Wines of South Africa and WineAlign

An exclusive event presented by Wines of South Africa & WineAlign

Join WineAlign host David Lawrason and Cape winemakers from Boschendal, Le Bonheur and M-A-N Family Wines, for an exclusive, up close and personal tasting, graze and discussion that will explore the current state of South African wine.

J.C. Bekker of Boschendal, Lauren Snyman of Le Bonheur and Matthew Cook of M-A-N Family Wines and Starke-Condé are in Toronto for this event only. They bring the news in Cape wine – the revival of chenin blanc, the ascent of shiraz, the enduring power of Stellenbosch cabernet. Each winemaker will have the floor for a few minutes then you get one-on-one tasting while enjoying passed food. The format will also allow you to get to know other WineAligners.

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Boschendal is one of the oldest wine farms in South Africa, Founded by French Hugenots in the 18th Century in the Franschoek Valley. It is a landmark property commanding spectacular views. Head winemaker JC Bekker is one of the leading viticulture and winemaking authorities in South Africa. He is bringing three wines to event: the very successful Pavillion 2011 Chenin Blanc Viognier, the triple gold medal winning Bernard Series 2011 Chenin Blanc and the signature 1685 Boschendal 2010 Shiraz

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M-A-N Vintners is a dynamic young company formed by three partners in 2001. The range of wines are sourced largely from the Agter-Paarl region, with estate and purchased fruit from sustainably farmed old bush vines. Matthew Cook will present a pair of stunning whites: MAN Family 2011 Chenin Blanc and 2011 Chardonnay. One of the partners, José Conde, also owns Stark-Condé, located in the picturesque Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch. Stark-Condé Three Pines Jonkershoek 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is the flagship for small 6000 case winery.

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Le Bonheur is a classic Stellenbsoch winery with 163-hectares situated on very complex soils along the slopes of the Klapmuts Hill in the Simonsberg sub-region. Great effort has been made to match each variety to the right soil within the estate, and the traditional approach here dictates that the grapes are still hand-picked and sorted. Lauren Snyman will present Le Bonheur Cabernet Sauvignon.

Event Details:

Soho House is a very cool private club in the heart of downtown Toronto. The official address is 192 Adelaide Street West, but the address is not posted on the building. It is the brownstone building at the northeast corner of Adelaide St. W and Simcoe St. Soho’s dress code is “no suits allowed”. Jackets are fine but no suits please!

And we’ll see you at the Soho!

Date: Monday, June 10th, 2013

Location: Soho House Toronto (Bishop’s Building, 192 Adelaide Street West)

Reception: 6:00pm

Tasting: 6:30pm – 9:00pm

Approximately 9 high-scoring/award-winning wines will be served with tapas style food.

Click here to Order Tickets

About Soho Club Toronto

Soho House Toronto has set up a permanent home in a 10,000 square-foot space on Bishops Block (192 Adelaide St. W.) inhabiting a building dating back to the 1800s. The building, which was originally one of Toronto’s first ever hotels, has been carefully restored brick by brick, to fit in with Soho House’s relaxed style.

Each floor features Soho House Toronto’s unique art collection, featuring standout pieces by international artists Jacob Kassay, JR and General Idea, and Canadian artists Shary Boyle and Douglas Coupland. The artwork has been carefully curated to enhance the original features and historic setting of the house, with pieces on the third floor reflecting individual artists’ visual responses to the question ‘what does Toronto mean to you?’.

Our winemaker events have been consistently and quickly selling out. If you are interested in attending then we advise you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Filed under: Events, News, Wine, David Lawrason, event, Wine Tasting, Winemakers, Wines of South Africa