Compilation: Shades of Grape Wine Recommendations
So you don't have to hunt around...
I received feedback to have my wine recommendations in one place! So here it is! I also include the link(s) to the article in which the wine was featured.
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Bellingham Bernard Series Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2022 from South Africa
Style: Aromatic medium body white wine
Varieties: 100% Chenin Blanc
This complex wine has a myriad of citrus flavors (lime, lime rind, lemon, lemon meringue) green apple strudel, a hint of bruised apple, with the second day showing nectarine and orange creamsicle notes. It has the additional complexity of flint, cedar, wet stones, cream, and yogurt. This wine has moderately high intensity, great oak integration, completed by a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Fish and shellfish served with stone fruit or mango salsa, Poultry served with tangy rich sauce, Salad with citrus vinaigrette, and Cheese: Brie and Goat Cheese
Serving Temperature: 12-14 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Price: $29 Cdn
Château Tour Bayard Cabernet Franc 2019 from Montagne-St-Émilion, Bordeaux, France
Style: Full body old world red wine
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc
This floral and complex wine has notes of lavender, ripe red cherry, raspberry, dried strawberry, thyme, and green pepper. It has the additional complexity of cloves, vanilla, cedar, milk chocolate, newly fallen leaves, leather, tobacco, animal, and funk completed by a long finish. This wine has high fine-grained tannins that soften with decantation.
Best pairings: Beef or lamb kebabs with green pepper, Rosemary crusted grilled lamb chops, Herbed lamb stuffed green peppers, Ratatouille, Sautéed fennel sausage, Cheese: Gruyère, Oka, & Goat Cheese
Serving Temperature: 17-19 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant minimum 1 hour. This wine is fun to see evolve. It is super complex.
Bertrand & Vincent Marchesseau Roc Collection Cabernet Franc 2018 from Bourgueil, Touraine, Loire Valley, France
Style: Moderately full body old world red wine
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc
This complex perfumed wine has notes of violet, just ripe red cherry, strawberry and raspberry, bright red fruit compote, kirsch, thyme. It has the additional complexity of sanguine, graphite, funk, leather, clove, tobacco with a long finish. The high quality tannins are moderately high and slightly grainy.
Best pairings: Roasted pork tenderloin with herbs, Rosemary crusted grilled lamb chops, Eggplant parmesan, Portobello mushrooms stuffed with herbs and goat cheese, Dry sausage, Cheese: Comté, Morbier, Aged goat cheese
Serving Temperature: 17-19 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Ready to drink! Pour and enjoy!
Cordero di Montezemolo Langhe Arneis 2022 from Piemonte, Northwest Tuscany, Italy
Style: Moderately high mineral driven white wine
Varieties: 100% Arneis
This fresh mineral driven wine has notes of white blossom, lemon oil, ripe yellow apple, unripe peach & nectarine, unripe cantaloupe, and white pepper. It has the additional complexity of sweet whipped cream, honey, and saline flavors completed by a long finish.
Best pairings: Seafood: grilled shrimp, seared scallops or white fish like halibut or sea bass perhaps served with a peach salsa, Cucumber salad, Watermelon and feta salad, Prosciutto-wrapped cantaloupe, Cheese: burrata, pecorino, and ricotta.
Serving Temperature: 7-9 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Ready to drink! Pour and enjoy!
Price: ~30 Cdn
Agricola Querciabella ‘Mongrana’ 2019 from Maremma Toscana, Central Tuscany, Italy
Style: Full body old world red wine
Varieties: 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 25% Merlot
This fresh and bright wine has full smooth, chalky tannins with fruit notes of just ripe red cherry, ripe raspberry, ripe red plum, blueberry, and blackberry. It has the additional complexity of cinnamon, caramel, cocoa, earth, and leather completed by a long finish.
Best pairings: Pasta Bolognese, Pizza, Lasagna, Grilled stuffed portobello mushrooms, Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Ready to drink! Pour and enjoy!
Tolaini ‘Valdisanti’ 2021 from Central Tuscany, Italy
Style: Full body old world red wine
Varieties: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 50% Cabernet Franc
This outstanding wine has high fine-grained, high quality tannins and pronounced aromas on the nose including enticing violet. The palate shows precise flavors of just ripe red and black cherry, blackberry, black currant, thyme, spearmint, and anise. It has the additional complexity of cedar, toast, graphite, tea, tobacco, leather, earth, and gravel completed by a long finish.
Best pairings: Bistecca alla fiorentina, Lamb with fennel and rosemary, Braised short ribs, Pasta with sausage and fennel, and Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Ready to drink! Pour and enjoy!
Price: ~$40 Cdn
Manzanos Reserva Rioja 2018 from Rioja, Spain
Style: Moderately full body old world red wine
Varieties: 50% Tempranillo, 30% Graciano, and 20% Garnacha
This refined high quality tannin red wine has pronounced aromas on the nose. It is complex on the palate with notes of strawberry, black currant, red and black cherry and plum, stewed cherry, thyme, cedar, vanilla, and chocolate. It has a moderately high intensity on the palate and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Grilled, roasted, or braised red meats including lamb, Beef bourguignon, Osso Buco, Tapas (chorizo sausage, meat stuffed mushrooms/pepper/onion, etc), Mushroom stroganoff, and Aged manchego cheese.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Definitely decant about 30 minutes.
Price: $40 Cdn
Casale Del Giglio Bellone 2023 from Lazio, Central Italy
Style: Medium-Dry, Medium Body White Wine
Varieties: Bellone
This medium-dry (some sweetness but not a dessert wine) is intense and tangy wine has notes of peach, nectarine, mango, unripe mango, yogurt. This fruity and lively wine has some sweetness and a long finish.
Best pairings: This wine would be awesome with spicy dishes or considered adding a little heat to the following pairing suggestions. Seafood (grilled prawns or calamari), Ground turkey with vegetables chili, Mexican food (tacos & burritos), Cacio e pepe pasta dish, Asian dishes (curries, stir fries etc)
Serving Temperature: 6-8 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Price: $24 Cdn
Castello di Bolgheri ‘Flocco’ 2021 from Tuscany, Central Italy
Style: Old World Style Full Red Wine
Varieties: 75% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot
This savory wine has notes of raspberry, sour cherry, red crunchy sweet cherry, black cherry, blackberry, balsamic, cereal, and earth with hints of leather and tobacco. This moderately intense wine has high grainy tannins which makes for an appealing mouthfeel.
Best pairings: Grilled or roasted red meat, Hearty pasta with meat sauce, Risotto with porcini mushrooms, Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Toscano cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant 30 to 60 minutes
Price: $31Cdn
Bodega Castaño Hécula Monastrell 2021 from Yecla, Murcia, Spain
Style: Old World Style Moderately Full Red Wine
Varieties: Monastrell
This balanced wine has flavors of perfectly ripe red cherry, rich black cherry, kirsch, blueberry, vanilla, chocolate, cocoa, and malt. This moderately high intensity wine has high quality, ripe, slightly chalky moderate tannins.
Best pairings: Slow-cooked beef short ribs, Meat stew, Chorizo or spicy Sausage, Paella, Shepherd’s Pie, Assorted tapas, and Aged Manchego.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Price: $18 Cdn
MANVI Arya Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2020 from Montepulciano, Tuscany, Central Italy
Style: Old World Style Moderately Full Red Wine
Varieties: Sangiovese
This elegant wine has flavors of raspberry, sweet red cherry, black cherry, dusty cherry, and the complexity of green tobacco, cedar, and leather. The oak aging is seamlessly woven into the profile. This medium intensity wine has high quality, ripe moderately high tannins, and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Veal or eggplant Parmigiana, Pappardelle with meat sauce, Braised short ribs, Porcini mushroom ragu, Truffle risotto, and Aged Pecorino
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant for 30 to 60 minutes!
Sperling Old Vines Riesling 2017 from Okanagan Valley, Canada
Style: Aromatic white wine
Varieties: Riesling
This pronounced intensity, dry wine has many levels of green apple, pear, lemon (zest, cooked, confit, dried, meringue), orange zest, marmalade, grapefruit, melon, lime, unripe peach, cantaloupe, wet stones, petrol, honey, almonds, brown sugar, toffee. This wine has tart qualities yet is smooth and round with highly concentrated flavors and a long finish.
Best pairings: Scallops with citrus glaze, Poached salmon, Grilled pork chops with citrus marinade, Schnitzel, Quinoa salad with citrus dressing, Soft cheese: creamy goat cheese or brie served with marmelade.
Serving Temperature: 6-8 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy!
Lapostolle ‘Cuvée Alexandre’ Apalta Carmenère 2021 from Colchagua Valley, Chile
Style: Old world style moderately full body red
Varieties: 97% Carmenère, 3% Syrah
This rich wine has a touch of florality with flavors of fresh raspberry, cranberry, cherry (red, sour, black, and kirch), black plum, cassis, blueberry, and fruit cake. Further complexity is provided by mint, garrigue, vanilla, cinnamon, chocolate, coconut, earth, leather, tobacco, animal, wet leaves, and mushroom flavors. This wine has fine, moderately high tannins of high quality and a long finish.
Best pairings: Grilled/roasted lamb or beef seasoned with sage or rosemary, Grilled skirt steak or portobello mushrooms with chimichurri sauce, Stuffed green bell peppers, Cheese: herbed medium cheese or smoked gouda.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant and serve immediately.
Price: ~$36 Cdn
Domaene Gobelsburg Riesling 2020 from Kamptal, Niederösterreich (Lower Austria)
Style: Old world style aromatic white
Varieties: Riesling
This fresh wine has pronounced intensity and precise fruit flavors of lemon curd, lemon zest, lemon meringue, key lime, green apple, apple juice, under-ripe peach, with the added complexity of white blossom, wet stone, custard, and cream. This wine has a round and creamy texture with a medium body and a long finish.
Best pairings: Grilled or poached white fish with a light citrus sauce, Lemon chicken, Asparagus risotto with citrus accents, Quinoa or Green salad with citrus dressing, Soft cheese: mild goat cheese and fresh ricotta.
Serving Temperature: 8-10 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy! No decanting necessary.
Price: ~$30 Cdn
Two Hands Angels’ Share Shiraz McLaren Vale 2022 from South Australia
Style: New world style full bodied red
Varieties: Shiraz
This bright, intense fruit driven wine has flavors of tart blueberry & strawberry, cranberries, light strawberry compote, dried thyme, mint, earth, cloves, and savory. Its high quality ripe tannins are quite high and have a slight grip. This wine has a full body and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Turkey with cranberry sauce, Duck with a berry glaze, Lamb chops, BBQ ribs, Beef brisket, Spicy sausage including lamb merguez, Aged cheddar or Blue cheese.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy! No decanting necessary.
Price: ~$34 Cdn
Champagne Drappier Carte d’Or Brut from Champagne, France
Style: Dry sparkling wine
Varieties: 80% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay, and 5% Meunier
This rich sparkling wine has flavors of green & crab apple, unripe pear, lemon and unripe stone fruit, with the complexity of toast, brioche, graham crackers, and nutty notes. The bubbles are fine & delicate. This wine has a moderately full body and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Plain kettle potato chips, Lobster or crab with butter, Seafood ravioli in lemon butter cashew sauce, Grilled scallops, Mushroom stuffed puff pastry, Brie or Camembert cheese.
Serving Temperature: 5-7 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Keep it cold! Check out this article (and respect the bubbles!)
Price: ~$67 Cdn
Arnaud de Villeneuve Rivesaltes Ambré 5 ans d’âge from Roussillon, France
Style: Sweet aged white wine
Varieties: Grenache blanc, Grenache gris, and Macabeu
This outstanding sweet wine has pronounced flavor intensity of orange, dried orange peel, lemon, mango, exotic fruit, raisins, and dried pear. It also has the complexity of almonds, hazelnuts, coffee grounds, caramel, and cloves notes. The acidity cleanses all sweetness of the palate after every sip. The alcohol is particularly well integrated. This wine has a well balanced structure, precision of flavors and aromas, and a long finish.
Best pairings: Foie Gras, Sweet and sour dishes, Thai & Indian Cuisine, Dried fruit tarts, Cakes, Crème Brûlée, Ice Cream, Chocolate, Hard Goat Cheese, Roquefort, Almonds, and Hazelnuts
Serving Temperature: 8-10 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Admire the color, this amber wine has a beautiful orange shade
Price: ~$ 23 Cdn
Pacina 2015, Tuscany, Italy
Style: Old World Full Body Red
Varieties: 95% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo & Ciliegiolo
This intense wine starts off with notes of sour red cherry, herbs, cereal, and animal/barnyard/funk that evolved to floral aromas, fruity funk, ripe strawberries, dried strawberries, dusty red cherry, black cherry, licorice, minty anise, earth, medium dark chocolate and, cocoa flavors. The very high chalky tannins are of high quality and the finish is long.
Best pairings: Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Pasta with ragu sauce, Mushroom risotto, Eggplant, chicken, or veal parmesan, Olive tapenade, Aged Pecorino, Parmigiano Reggiano.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: This wine contains sediment so decant to separate the wine from sediment, to soften the tannins, and to allow aeration for full flavor expression. Decant a minimum of 30 minutes. The decantation did reduce the Brett character.
Price: ~$ 45 Cdn
Winemaker’s Cut Syrah 2021 from Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada
Style: New World Full Body Red
Varieties: 100% Syrah
This fruit forward and deep wine has flavors of black cherry & black currant, kirsch, herbal notes (mint & rosemary), and eventually (with decanting) red currant and cherry. It also shows the complexity of vanilla, dark chocolate, and cedar. The wine has a balanced structure, has high intensity, and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Grilled lamb chops with dried rosemary & balsamic wet rub, Smoked brisket, Duck breast with cherry sauce, Wild mushroom risotto, Aged cheddar, Gouda, or blue cheese.
Serving Temperature: 15-17 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant a minimum of 30 minutes. The decantation provided an increase of precision of fruit flavors as well as an increase in the presence of red fruit notes, red currant in particular.
Price: ~$ 41 Cdn
Les Athlètes Du Vin Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil Cabernet Franc from Loire, France
Style: Old World Medium Body Red
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Franc
This lively wine has flavors of strawberry, black cherry liqueur, kirsch and herbal (deep mint, thyme, garrigues) notes. It also shows complexity of vanilla, chocolate, clove, earth, and dry tobacco flavors. The wine’s acidity is moderately high and it has a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Roasted poultry, Smoked ham, Pork tenderloin dishes, Grilled vegetables, Lentil dishes, Ratatouille, Semi-hard cheese like Comté, or Soft goat cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 13-15 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy!
Price: ~$ 32 Cdn
Truchard Roussanne 2023, Carneros, Napa, California
Style: Aromatic Medium Body White
Varieties: 100% Roussanne
This aromatic wine has flavors of yellow apple, just ripe pear, apricot, nectarine, and honeydew melon with a hint of mango and cantaloupe melon notes. It also shows complexity of herbal, cream, white cheese, honey, wet stone, and a suggestion of yogurt flavors. The wine’s acidity is moderately high and it has a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Lyonnaise Salad (greens with poached egg and bacon), Pear and Gorgonzola Salad, Sea Bass or halibut with a light herbal or citrus sauce, Pork tenderloin with rosemary or sage, Roast chicken with thyme or orange sauce, Pear and Brie crostini.
Serving Temperature: 8-10 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Avoid serving too cold - it mutes the complex flavors.
Price: ~$41 Cdn
G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo, Piemonte, Italy 2022
Style: Medium Body Old World Red
Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo
This elegant wine has crunchy red cherry, strawberry, raspberry, and hints of herbal notes. It also shows complexity of chocolate, cinnamon, and earth, accompanied by whispers of cedar and leather flavors. The tannins start with a slight grip which dissipated quickly.
Best pairings: Veal Parmigiana, Agnolotti with tomato sauce, Roasted Poultry, Sausage pizza, Hard cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.
Serving Temperature: 14-16 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Price: ~$32 Cdn
La Spinetta Bricco Quaglia Moscato d’Asti 2023
Style: Sweet Semi-Sparkling White
Varieties: Moscato Bianco/Muscat à Petits Grains
This fresh & fragrant sweet wine has flavors and aromas of orange & white blossom, lemon zest, orange peel, orange zest, mango, dried mango, grape, nectarine, and peach with a hint of honey.
Best pairings: Fresh fruit (i.e. berries, peaches), Prosciutto wrapped cantaloupe, Panna cotta, Vanilla pound cake, Pastries, French toast, Dessert crêpes, Thai or Vietnamese slightly spicy dishes, Ricotta with honey, Brie or Camembert cheese.
Serving Temperature: 6-8 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Price: ~$26 Cdn
M. Chapoutier Crozes-Hermitage “Les Meysonniers” 2021
Style: Medium Body Old World Red
Varieties: 100% Syrah
This complex wine evolved considerably over 2 hours. Initially, vibrant with “floral salami” on the nose and bright red fruit notes: just-ripe red cherry and plum, red currant, licorice/anise with hints of milk chocolate and vanilla.
After decanting for 45 minutes, the floral notes became more distinctly violet aromas, and darker fruit flavors – blackberry and blueberry specifically. The perception of tannins increased, as did the body.
After 2 hours – enchanting floral notes of precise lavender and Herbes-de-Provence aromas, black currant, black pepper, baking spice, particularly clove and an increase in earthy and meaty notes.
Best pairings: Chateaubriand with Herbes de Provence crust, Pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon with pepper sauce, Pasta with a sausage based sauce, Mushroom risotto, Salami & Dried sausage, Hard goat or Sheep cheese.
Serving Temperature: 17-19 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant for 1 to 2 hours
Price: $28 Cdn
Parés Baltà Cava Brut
Style: Medium Body Traditional Method Sparkling Wine
Varieties: Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeo
This fresh and lively wine has light floral aromas and flavors of crisp apple, pear, and white peach with the complexity of minerality. Light and smooth with a pleasant finish.
Best pairings: Seafood, including Sushi, Tapas, Cantaloupe or Asparagus Prosciutto Wraps, and Soft cheese: Brie, Chèvres.
Serving Temperature: 6-8 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy!
Goldschmidt Katherine Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 from Stonemason Hill, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
Style: New World Moderately Full Body Red Wine
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
This rich wine has flavors of ripe strawberry, raspberry, cassis, ripe blueberry, blackberry compote, and mint. This fruit-driven wine is balanced by many secondary and tertiary notes like cloves, vanilla, milk chocolate sauce, earth, leather, tobacco, cigar, wet leaves, and forest floor. The ripe fine-grained tannins are moderately high and the finish is persistent.
Best pairings: Herb-crusted lamb, Roasted duck or grilled beef steak, Boeuf Bourguignon, Grilled Portobello mushrooms, Ratatouille, Hard cheeses like Old cheddar or Parmesan
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant for 30 to 60 minutes.
Cost: ~$32 Cdn
Brancaia Tre Toscana 2021 from Tuscany, Italy
Style: Moderately Full Body Red Wine
Varieties: 70% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot, & 15% Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine has ripe strawberry, red cherry, and black cherry fruit notes along with the complexity of cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, thyme, earth, forest floor, and wet leaves.
Best pairings: Lasagna, Spaghetti Bolognese, Grilled lamb or pork, Roasted vegetable dishes (root or eggplant), Hard cheeses like aged Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant for 45 minutes minimum. I did not decant and initially this wine tasted disjointed. On day 2 it became much more dynamic, with complexity coming through.
Cost: ~$27 Cdn
Bodegas Hermanos Pérez Pascuas Viña Pedrosa Crianza 2012 from Ribera del Duero, Spain
Style: Full Body Red Wine
Varieties: 100% Tempranillo
This rich wine has aromas of violet and flavors of very ripe strawberry, black cherry, dried cherry, dried strawberry, very ripe blackcurrant, ripe blackberry, ripe blueberry, thyme, coconut, rich vanilla, milk chocolate, cedar, dark chocolate, earth, forest floor, game, animal, meat, leather, cigar, and wet leaves. It has a high level of high-quality, chalky tannins and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Grilled game meats (venison or wild boar), Boeuf bourguignon, Roasted lamb chops, Aged Hard cheeses like Manchego or Aged Gouda.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant for 30 minutes minimum.
Cost: ~$32 Cdn
Ernie Els Major Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 from Stellenbosch, South Africa
Style: Full Body Red Wine
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
This rich wine has flavors of blackberries, black cherry, fresh black currant, dark chocolate, cardamom, cinnamon, vanilla, earth, tobacco, and leather with a hint of anise. The moderately high level of tannins are ripe and fine grained and the wine’s length is persistent.
Best pairings: Grilled steak, Herb-crusted lamb chops, Rich beef stew, Hearty mushroom risotto, Grilled portobello mushroom stuffed with Feta or Goat’s cheese & sun-dried tomatoes, Aged Cheddar or Stilton.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant for full expression - the wine’s flavors and aromas are muted initially. Minimum of 30 minutes.
Cost: ~$29 Cdn
Famille Moutard Grande Reserve Brut Nature from Burgundy, France
Style: Dry White Traditional Method Sparkling Wine
Varieties: 50% Chardonnay & 50% Pinot Noir
This fresh and lively wine has notes of white blossoms, crisp pear, green and yellow apples, lemon, lemon zest, brioche, pastry, and sourdough bread. It has a very long finish. This is a great value option for Champagne lovers!
Best pairings: Plain potato chips!, Grilled scallops, Cod or sole with citrus beurre blanc, Roasted poultry with lemon herb butter sauce, Green salad with vinaigrette dressing, Soft cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 4 to 5 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Keep it cold! (and RESPECT the bubbles!)
Cost: ~$28 Cdn
Domaine du Petit Pérou Beaujolais Blanc Terrain Rouge Chardonnay 2021 from Beaujolais, France
Style: Old world medium body minerally white
Varieties: 100% Chardonnay
This smooth wine is texturally delicate yet with lively intensity of citrus, pear, under-ripe nectarine, and cheese flavors. It has a long dynamic finish which ends on mineral notes of saline, slate, wet stone, and crushed rocks.
Best pairings: Grilled shrimp, scallops or light fish like sole or cod dishes, Roasted poultry with simple herb seasoning, pasta salad with vinaigrette dressing, Soft cheeses including mild goat cheese.
Serving Temperature: 8-10 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Cost: ~$28 Cdn
Castell’in Villa Chianti Classico 2019 from Tuscany, Italy
Style: Old world full body red
Varieties: 100% Sangiovese
This wine is the epitome of balance; structured yet smooth. The fruit flavors are dominated by strawberry and various types of cherry: red cherry, black cherry, dusty cherry, and dried cherry; with hints of cranberry, red currant, and raspberry. It also has the complexity of a “herbally anise note”, white pepper, earth, and hints of cocoa and vanilla. The tannins are ripe with a slight grip providing a slightly grainy texture on the palate.
Best pairings: Ravioli lasagna, Fennel flavored sausage, Veal parmigiana, Mushroom risotto, Hard cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Aged Gouda.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decanting for a minimum of 30 minutes benefits the intensity of aromas, flavors, and tannins and provides a fuller body.
Cost: ~$35 Cdn
La Spinetta Toscana Vermentino 2023 from Tuscany, Italy
Style: Dry mineral medium body white
Varieties: 100% Vermentino
This crispy wine shows flavors of lemon curd, lime zest, grapefruit pith, underripe pear, granny smith apple, underripe peach and nectarine, quince, green almond, salinity, and crushed rocks. It is an outstanding wine that checks all the boxes: long finish, concentration, acidity integration, as well as complexity and precision of flavors!
Best pairings: Calamari, Grilled shrimp, Light seafood pasta, Green salads with citrus vinaigrette, Frittata with asparagus and zucchini, Lightly seasoned chicken dishes, Goat and Oka cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 7 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Cost: ~$27 Cdn
La Spinetta Toscana Vermentino 2022 from Tuscany, Italy
Style: Dry mineral medium (plus) body white
Varieties: 100% Vermentino
This plush wine shows flavors of yellow fruit including lemon, pear, yellow apple, unripe apricot and mango. The complexity of a little bitterness (grapefruit and almond) and saline character give the wine additional intrigue, not to mention its long finish.
Best pairings: Lobster, Chicken or Seafood Alfredo, White Pizza, Greek salad, Antipasto plate with hummus, soft and medium hard cheeses, olives.
Serving Temperature: 9 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy
Mary Taylor Beaujolais-Villages 2021 from Beaujolais, France
Style: Old World Medium Body Red
Varieties: 100% Gamay
This charming wine has red cherry, black cherry, blackberry, and red plum fruit notes as well as cocoa, earth, and a hint of leather. It has moderately high intensity and well-integrated medium tannins.
Best pairings: Roasted poultry, Grilled pork tenderloin, Quiche, Grilled vegetables, Salade Niçoise, Pasta or bean salad with a tangy vinaigrette, Soft mild cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Optional decant followed by an immediate pour.
Cost: ~$33 Cdn
Kiona Vineyards Cyclops VI (Non-vintage) from Red Mountain, Washington
Style: Full Body Red
Varieties: 58% Syrah, 17% Grenache, 13% Counoise, 12% Mourvèdre
This memorable wine has dark cherry and black plum, black pepper, and spice notes, with the complexity of smoked meat, cedar, and smoke. It has moderately high flavor intensity, high chalky tannins, with a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Grilled lamb chops, Grilled steak with peppercorn sauce, Roasted duck breast, Grilled vegetables (portobello mushrooms, bell peppers), Aged smoked gouda, Smoked sausage, Smoked nuts and smoked olives.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Optional decant followed by immediate pour to provide extra oxygenation!
Cost: ~$45 US
Tenuta Olim Bauda Gavi del Commune di Gavi 2023 from Piemonte, Italy
Style: Dry minerally White Wine
Varieties: 100% Cortese
This crisp and steely wine has citrus, white and yellow fruit flavors, including hints of pineapple and underripe mango and the complexity of salinity and wet stone notes. It has a lively nature and a long finish.
Best pairings: Hot or cold vegetable appetizers, White fish & shellfishes dishes, Roasted chicken or Poulet Cordon Bleu, and Soft cheese: Brie and Harvarti
Serving Temperature: 7-10 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy with or without food particularly on a shady patio on a warm summer’s day!
Cost: ~$26 Canadian
Tenuta Olim Bauda Barbera d’Asti La Villa 2022 from Piemonte, Italy
Style: Old World Medium Body Red
Varieties: 100% Barbera
This vibrant wine is stunning with various forms of red cherry flavors from fresh and crunchy to freeze-dried and kirsch. On the palate continues concentrated raspberry, dried blueberries, rich blackberry, black plum, and cassis notes. The complexity of anise, milk chocolate, malt chocolate ball candy, vanilla, and sweet spice complements the long finish.
Best pairings: Pasta with tomato-based sauces, Mushroom tart, Ratatouille, Bruschetta, Pork roast with a berry or cherry reduction, Beef Stroganoff, Sausage pizza, Aged cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino.
Serving Temperature: 15-17 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Optimally decant it and serve it right after (but delicious without decanting too!)
Cost: ~$26 Canadian
Château Falfas 2019 from Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, France
Style: Old World Full Body Red
Varieties: 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec
This beguiling wine has notes of blueberry, blackberry, blackcurrant, and black plum and the complexity of toast, vanilla, chocolate, mocha, malt, forest floor, orange pekoe tea, old leather, and sweet tobacco flavors. It also offers high quality tannins and a long finish.
Best pairings: Red Bordeaux begs for red meats such as beef, lamb, duck, or game (either grilled, roasted or stewed), Mushroom dishes, Aged cheeses like cheddar or blue cheese.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Decant 1 hour minimum as initially the flavor intensity is muted and the tannins are grippy. See article below for more on decanting.
Cost: ~$48 Canadian
Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Blanc 2023 from Central Coast of California
Style: Minerally Medium Body White
Varieties: 61% Vermentino & 39% Grenache Blanc
This is a perfect summer wine with flavors of lemon and orange zest, hints of stone fruit, and the complexity of saline notes. This wines textural feel keeps the urge for the next sip.
Best pairings: Grilled shrimp and scallops, White fish (halibut or cod), Roasted or grilled chicken, Fresh salad with goat cheese, Sushi, Soft Cheeses - Brie or Havarti.
Serving Temperature: 7 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy!
Bonny Doon Vineyard Le Cigare Orange 2023 from Central Coast of California
Style: Aromatic Medium Body Orange
Varieties: 45% Grenache Blanc, 25% Pinot Gris, 14% Grenache Gris, 9% Orange Muscat, and 7% Chenin Blanc
This is aromatic wine has orange blossom on the nose and notes of stone fruit and wet stone and salinity on the palate. The slight textural component from light tannins creates extra interest as well as the pleasant acidity.
Best pairings: Chicken à l’Orange, Roasted turkey, Grilled or Roasted vegetables including stuffed peppers, Lightly spiced Thai or Indian dishes, Charcuterie board with salamis, sausage, gouda, old cheddar, nuts, and dried fruits.
Serving Temperature: 10-13 degrees Celsius
Serving Tips: Enjoy!
Gorgo Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 from Valpolicella, Italy
Style: Old World Full Body Red
Varieties: Corvina Veronese, Corvinone, Rondinella
This is a rich, refined wine with intriguing dynamically evolving fruit flavor. Dried black fruit (blueberries, dates, prunes), black cherry, black plum, stewed cherry, refined red cherry. Notes of wet cedar, sweet baking spice, leather, tobacco, kirsch, dark chocolate, vanilla, and cocoa add to the complexity. The high level of fine-grained high quality ripe tannins are well integrated adding to the overall balance and quality of this wine.
Best pairings: Venetian Braised Duck Legs, Braised Beef Short Ribs or Lamb Shanks, Game Meats such as Venison or Wild Boar, Rich Pasta Dishes such as Rich Ragu, Aged Italian Cheeses: Pecorino or Gorgonzola.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$71 (including 5% tax and shades of grape discount - for subscribers)
Serving Tips: Decant for 1 plus hours.
Ken Wright Cellars Pinot Noir 2022 from Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
Style: New World Medium Body Red
Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
This wine’s fresh and bright elements are beautifully contrasted by its earthy elements. It has fresh red cherry, blueberry, and blackberry, with the added complexity of earth and an especially attractive mushroom note ending with a hint of ‘fresh leather’. The tannins provide just enough grip to enhance the body without offsetting the elegance of the wine.
Best pairings: Mushroom Risotto, Mushroom Soup, Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Cedar-Plank Salmon, Pork Tenderloin, Soft or Semi-soft Cheeses: Brie, Havarti, or Gouda.
Serving Temperature: 14 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$37 (including 5% tax and shades of grape discount - for subscribers)
Serving Tips: Just enjoy!
Farina Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2021 from Valpolicella, Italy
Style: Old World Medium (plus) Body Red
Varieties: 50% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella, 5% Molinara, 10% Oseleta
This rich wine has rose aromas, and flavors of sour red cherry, red ripe cherry, and red plum, which evolved to black plum and blueberry. It also offers a very alluring complexity of cinnamon, and exotic spice, kirsch, sweet wood, sweet cigar, chocolate, and leather. The ripe slightly coarse tannins and persistent finish offer very little resistance to the next sip.
Best pairings: Pairs well with savory pasta dishes such as a flavorful stuffed or baked pasta, porcini risotto, as wells as grilled meat, roasts, and aged cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 16-18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$29 (incl sales tax and shades of grape discount)
Serving Tips: This wine shines with food - a classic old world style.
Mary Taylor Anjou Rouge 2020 from Loire, France
Style: Old World Medium (plus) Body Red
Varieties: 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon
This intense, intriguing wine has flavors of sweet red cherry, ripe strawberries, black plum, cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa. Alluring and precise dry tobacco and cigar box flavors add complexity as do leather, earth, and forest floor notes. The tannins are moderately high, ripe chalky tannins, and the finish is very persistent.
Best pairings: Herb-crusted pork loin (maybe with Herbe de Provence), Grilled Pork Burgers with Fennel, Grilled Stuffed Bell Peppers, Semi-hard cheeses: Gruyère, Smoked Gouda, or Emmental, and Smoked Nuts.
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$27 Cdn (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Enjoy!
Wynns Coonawarra Estate Black Label 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Coonawarra, South Australia
Style: New World Full Body Red
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
This wine has an ethereal feel to it from the lifting effect of the eucalyptus on the nose! It has intense black fruit notes of: black plum, cassis and black cherry, dark chocolate, milk chocolate, and cedar. This rich wine has a long finish, well integrated alcohol and tannins, as well as complexity and concentration of flavors!
Best pairings: Steak or Lamb grilled on the Barbie, Rich Beef Stew, Hearty Mushroom Risotto, Grilled Portabello Stuffed with Feta or Goat’s Cheese & Sun-dried Tomatoes, Cheeses such as Aged Cheddar or Stilton.
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$30 Cdn (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Enjoy!
Le gras c’est la vie 2022 from Mediterranean France
Style: Old World Medium (plus) Body Red
Varieties: 55% Grenache, 35% Caladoc, & 10% Carignan
This enigmatic wine is a wine of opposites. The black fruit (cassis and blackberry) contrasts the sour red fruit (under ripe berries & rhubarb). The earthy notes of malt, meat, & herbs balance out those sweet qualities of cinnamon & milk chocolate. The moderately high crunchy tannins add tension to the ensemble!
Best pairings: Beef Bourguignon (or a different hearty stew), Roasted Chicken with Gravy, Sausage, Ratatouille, Cheeses such as Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gouda.
Serving Temperature: 14 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$26 Cdn (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: This wine shines with food - a classic old world style.
Nabal Crianza 2018 from Ribera del Duero, Spain
Style: Old World Full Body Red*
Varieties: 100% Tempranillo
This savory rich wine has dynamic flavors of cranberry, red currant, sour red cherry, black cherry, blueberry, with the complexity of cedar, salted dark chocolate, earth, leather, sweet tobacco. It has moderately high intensity, high tannins, and a long finish. This wine continued to evolve until it was gone!
Best pairings: Red meat or duck accompanied by sauces or fruit compotes, and charcuterie including aged and blue cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$36 Cdn (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Important: The tannins and oak flavors were harsh right out of the bottle. This wine also gains complexity with time. It is key to decant for at least 1 hour by transferring the wine to a decanter, pitcher, or clean flower vase. For more on decanting see article below.
Beaulieu Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 from Napa Valley, California, U.S.A.
Style: New World Full Body Red
Varieties: 80-90% Cabernet Sauvignon
This rich fruit-forward wine with very smooth tannins has intense flavors of ripe black cherry, blueberry, black plum and cassis, with the complexity of cedar, chocolate, caramel, vanilla, baking spice, sweet tobacco, leather, and kirsch with notes of earth.
Best pairings: BBQed Ribs, Beef Tenderloin Served on a Bun with Blue Cheese, Blackcurrant Jam and Fried Onions, Grilled Lamb Lollipops with Goat Cheese, Portobello Mushrooms Stuffed with Herbs and Feta Cheese, Hard & Blue Cheeses.
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$43 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Highly recommended to have this wine chilled (aka NOT room temperature). It is not necessary to decant this wine but flavors became more complex with time. Consider decanting and pouring immediately.
Fattoria Valacchi Chianti 2019 from Chianti, Tuscany, Italy
Style: Old World Medium Body Red
Varieties: 100% Sangiovese
This balanced wine with moderate tannins has moderately high intensity of sour red cherry, strawberry flavors, with the complexity of cedar, cinnamon, earth, forest floor, and notes of anise.
Best pairings: Pizza! Lasagna, Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Fennel Flavored Sausage, Burgers, Roasted Vegetables (eggplant, bell peppers & zucchini), Hard Cheeses: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino, Aged Gouda,
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: $24 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: No need to decant.
Domaine Faiveley Mercurey Vieilles Vignes 2021 from Côtes Chalonnaise, Burgundy, France
Style: Old World Medium Body Red
Varieties: 100% Pinot Noir
This fresh fruited complex wine with moderate silky tannins has flavors of strawberry, red cherry, with the complexity of cinnamon, cedar, balsamic vinegar, smoke, graphite, wet earth, and forest floor. It has moderately high aroma and flavor intensity and a long finish. This wine is of outstanding quality. This wine can be enjoyed with or without food.
Best pairings: Grilled or Baked Salmon with Savory Flavoring (not sweet), Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Chicken, Herb-Crusted Pork Tenderloin, Brie, Camembert, and Gruyère, Olives, Almonds, and Cashews.
Serving Temperature: 14 degrees Celsius
Price: $59 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: No need to decant, but would benefit from transferring the bottle to a decanter, ready to consume immediately.
Langmeil Valley Floor Shiraz 2020 from Barossa Valley, Australia
(I had the 2019 about a year ago and I would recommend it.)
(Note: We are currently sold out but will receive our shipment this Wednesday mid-afternoon March 27, 2024)
Style: New World Full Body Red
Varieties: 100% Shiraz
This rich high-fruit concentration wine with very ripe strawberry, ripe red cherry, blueberry, black plum, blackberry flavors, eucalyptus with complexity of chocolate, cocoa, earth. It has ripe, chalky well-integrated tannins and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Grilled Ribeye Steak Seasoned with Cracked Black Pepper & Sea Salt, BBQ Ribs, Lamb Chops, Spicy Sausage Pizza, Beef Stew, Spicy Genoa & Calabrese,
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$33 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decant for 30 - 60 minutes.
Farnito Carpineto 2017 (IGT) from Tuscany, Italy
Style: Old World Full Body Red
Varieties: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
This savory earthy-driven wine with red plum and pie filling red cherries,black cherry, black currant and blackberry flavors with complexity of vanilla, cinnamon, cedar, tobacco, malt and nuts. It has high very grippy tannins and a persistent finish.
Best pairings: This wine screams red meat such as: Steak Florentine, Grilled Ribeye, or a Thick-Cut Filet Mignon, or Hearty Braised Lamb Shanks. Otherwise, Savory Mushroom Risotto, Aged and Hard Cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Aged Cheddar.
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$40 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: This one would benefit from cellaring to allow for further tannin integration. Otherwise plan to decant for 3 hours minimum.
Lagarde Guarda Malbec 2019* from Lujan de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
Style: New World Full Body Red
Varieties: 100% Malbec
This fruit dominant wine has precise fruit flavors of saskatoon berries, black currant, blackberries, black plum, tart red cherry, and black cherry, vanilla, caramel, tobacco, and forest floor. It has moderately high smooth ripe tannins and a round smooth texture.
Best pairings: Grilled Steaks with Chimichurri, Beef Empanadas with Tomatillo Salsa, BBQ Pork Ribs, BBQ Beef Brisket, Grilled Portobello Mushrooms, Blue Cheese Burger.
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$33 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Just enjoy right out of the bottle.
Lodali Barbaresco Rocche Dei 7 Fratelli 2019* from Barbaresco, Piemonte, Italy
Style: Old World Full Body Red
Varieties: 100% Nebbiolo
This moderate intensity, elegant yet well-structured wine has aromas of rose blossoms and flavors of sour red cherry, sweet red cherry, strawberry, cinnamon with the complexity of tar, cheese-funk, cedar, and wet leaves. It has very high tannins that started rustic and softened with decanting. This wine is just a smidge short of being outstanding.
Best pairings: Veal Tomato Sauce over Fresh Linguini, Grilled Beef Steak, Stews, Duck, Genoa & Calabrese Sausage, & Smoked Gouda, Jura Montagne, & Parmigiano Reggiano.
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$64 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decant for minimum 1 hrs depending on your desired level of tannins. (after 1 hour the tannins were still a little rugged but no longer “rustic”)
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Château Falfas 2016* from Côtes de Bourg, Bordeaux, France
Style: Old World Full Body Red
Varieties: 55% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, & 5% Malbec
This moderate intensity, well-structured wine has violet aromas and flavors of raspberry, red plum, black plum, black currant, spearmint, and anise with the complexity of cedar, mushroom, polished leather, and earth. It has well-integrated fine grained high tannins.
Best pairings: Red Meats: Grilled Beef Steak Seasoned with Herbes de Provence, Rack of Lamb with Mint Wet Rub, Game Meat, Mushroom Risotto, Cured meats, Aged Hard Cheese: Comté & Gruyère
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$47 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decanting for 1 - 1.5 hrs increased the presence of red fruit and softened the tannins.
*Château Falfas is a Cork Fine Wine exclusive - Bow Valley Square (Calgary)
Michele Chiarlo Cipressi Nizza 2018* from Piemonte, Italy
Style: Old World Medium Body Red
Varieties: Barbera
This harmonious wine entices with violet aromas and flavors of blackberries, ripe plum, and the complexity of mint, anise, baking spice, and coconut with an overall earthy quality. It has well-integrated moderately high tannins.
Best pairings: Pasta with Fennel-Seasoned Sausage Sauce, Risotto, Salamis, Medium Cheese: Goat & Morbier.
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$34 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Temperature is key - this is a high alcohol wine, if served too warm, the wine will seem unbalanced even though the alcohol is well integrated.
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Shinas Estate The Verdict 2019* from Victoria, Australia
Style: New World Full Body Red
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon
This bright fruit forward wine with high fine-grained tannins has flavors of ripe raspberry, sweet red cherry, ripe strawberry, black cherry, and black plum with the complexity of spearmint, eucalyptus, vanilla, coconut, and milk chocolate with a hint of earth and forest floor. It also has a long finish.
Best pairings: Beef Hamburgers, Lamb Kabobs with mint sauce, Slow-Cooked Beef Ragu served over pasta, Hard Cheese: Aged Gouda and Comté.
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$26 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Temperature is key - this is a high alcohol wine, if served too warm, the wine will seem unbalanced even though the alcohol is well integrated.
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Domaine des Carabiniers Moon Apogé 2020* from Lirac, France
Style: Old World Medium Body Red
Varieties: 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, & 25% Syrah
This elegant wine with very fine-grained moderate tannins has layers of red fruit: crunchy red plum, red cherry, cranberry, and strawberry, with complexity of a multitude of baking spices, pepper, vanilla, earth, forest floor and hints of leather and cigar.
Best pairings: Coq au vin, lemon chicken, mushroom risotto, herb de provence seasoned veal, soft cheeses (brie)
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$36 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decant for 30 - 60 minutes
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Bailly Lapierre Crémant de Bourgogne Réserve Brut* from Burgundy France
Style: Medium-Dry Sparkling Wine
Varieties: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay & Aligoté
This approachable medium-dry wine with soft flavors of lime, lemon, pear, yellow apple, and wet stone provides a delightful freshness on the palate.
Best pairings: Crab Cakes & Tempura shrimp, served with a creamy seafood sauce with Sriracha! Blackened Salmon, Lobster Bisque drizzled with Chili Oil, Pasta with Cream Sauce, Soft cheese with chili jelly: (Boursin, Brie, Camembert).
Serving Temperature: 6 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$28 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Important to open the bottle when very cold. Ease cork out instead of letting it go wildly, to keep the bubbles in the wine.
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Also widely available throughout Canada
Hello Someday Riesling 2021* from Okanagan Valley, Canada
Style: Off-Dry Fruity White Wine
Varieties: 100% Riesling
This lively wine has intense flavors of apple, lemon, pear, lychee, passion fruit, honeydew melon, and dry fennel, and the complexity of wet stone, petrol, and white pepper, with a persistent finish.
Best pairings: Thai, Vietnamese, & Indian cuisine, Fish, Beef or Turkey Tacos, Dishes with Fruit Flavors, Pork Schnitzel, Green Salads with Fruit Dressed with Citrus or Mango dressing, Pungent cheeses: Taleggio, Munster, Morbier.
Serving Temperature: 8 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$27 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: No decant necessary
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Château Thieuley Cuvée Francis Courselle 2012* from Bordeaux, France
Style: Dry Full Body White Wine
Varieties: 50% Sauvignon Blanc and 50% Sémillon
This expressive wine has a supple texture and floral aromas and flavors of lemon, apricot, sweet orange, and cantaloupe, with the complexity of vanilla, butterscotch, coconut, cheese, cream, and graham cracker, plus bottle ageing characteristics of ginger, dried apricot, and honey. The aroma and flavor intensity are pronounced, and the finish is long with very precise defined flavors.
Best pairings: Grilled meat (pork, duck, & chicken), veal chops, asparagus risotto, creamy pasta dishes, seafood (crab, shrimp, lobster), salmon.
Serving Temperature: 10 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$34 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: No decant necessary
*Currently sold out in Alberta contact me for pre-orders
Menut La Tribu 2021* from Priorat, Catalunya, Spain
Style: Medium Body Red Wine
Varieties: Blend of Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, and Merlot
This vivid yet elegant wine has floral aromas and flavors of juicy red plums, bramble, blueberry, blackberry with the complexity of sweet baking spices, vanilla, caramel, cocoa, and an undercurrent of wet leaves, mushroom, and leather. There is very good balance between the moderate ripe tannins and the high intensity precise flavors.
Best pairings: Paella, Grilled Meat (Pork & Chicken), Pork Tenderloin, Tapas, Jamon, and Manchego cheese
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$34 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: No decant necessary
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Wine Expert Shares Her Pick of the Year - Interview with Tumbleweed with Heather Martin
Terre Nere Rosso di Montalcino 2019* from Tuscany, Italy
Style: Medium Body Red Wine
Varieties: 100% Sangiovese (Brunello/Sangiovese Grosso clone)
This enticing wine with violet aroma and flavors of crunchy red cherry, red plum, kirsch, blueberry with complexity from cedar, anise, peppery and earthy notes followed by mint and thyme undertones. The tannins are well integrated and the finish is persistent. Its freshness characteristic of Italian reds makes it a food wine.
Best pairings: Herbed Grilled Pork Chops, Chicken in Mushroom & Thyme Sauce, Cannelloni Pasta with Tomato Sauce, Risotto, Grilled Vegetables, Prosciutto, Salami, and Pecorino cheese
Serving Temperature: 16 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$39 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decant 45 minutes or to taste
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Château Hourtin-Ducasse Haut-Médoc 2011* from Bordeaux, France
Style: Medium Body Red Wine
Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon 74%, Merlot 17%, Cabernet Franc 8%, Petit Verdot 1%
This subtlety complex classic old-world style wine provides moderate intensity very ripe, (bordering on stewed), black currant and plum flavors. After decanting 45 minutes, complexity of blueberry, vanilla, cinnamon, anise and cloves notes emerges along with hints of earth and leather. The tannins are ultra fine and highly integrated and the finish is enjoyably long.
Best pairings: Shepherd’s pie, Tourtière (meat pie), Flank steak with herbal rub, Roasted duck, Mushrooms sautéed in herbs (tarragon, thyme, ) Mountain cheeses (Compté, Jura, Savoie)
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$48 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decant minimum of 30 minutes or to taste.
Note: Several different vintages are available - this tasting note is for the 2011
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Pietradolce Etna Rosso 2021* from Mount Etna, Sicily, Italy
Style: Medium Body Red Wine
Variety: Nerello Mascalese
This elegantly restrained wine has strawberry and precise multi-layered cherry flavors (red cherry, very ripe black cherry with a hints of sour cherries) and subtle savory, woodsy notes in the background. This one stays in your memory until several days later.
Best pairings: French onion soup, Italian sausage pasta dishes, Meatier fish (tuna or swordfish), poultry, or pork with tomatoes and capers, Italian cheeses (parmesan, pecorino, provolone).
Serving Temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
Price: ~$29 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decant minimum of 1 hour or to taste
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant 2021* from Central Coast, California
Style: Medium Body Red Wine
Variety: 65% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 15% Cinsault, 2% Petite Sirah
This fruit forward wine has intense flavors of ripe raspberry, blackberry, sweet sour cherry and kirsch with undertones of chocolate syrup and cinnamon ending with a persistent finish.
Best pairings: fish tacos, grilled salmon (can handle some sweetness in glaze), vegetables (grilled or roasted), barbecued pork or chicken.
Price: ~$25 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Serving Tips: Decant minimum of 30 to 60 minutes or to taste
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Portlandia Pinot Noir 2021* from Oregon
Style: Medium Body Red Wine
Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
This bright wine leads with strawberry & raspberry on the palate & finishes with cedar & black tea. Perfect balance between the medium tannins and fresh acidity allows for drinking enjoyment with or without food.
Best pairings: savory flavored grilled salmon, mushroom risotto, beet salad, soft cheeses.
Price: ~$31 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Bel Colle Langhe Nebbiolo 2020* from Piemonte, Italy
(note the 2021 is currently on the market and is not showing with as much intensity)
Style: Full Body Red
This intense yet delicate wine has rose petal notes on the nose and red cherry, cranberry, anise, cinnamon, caramel, and earthy flavors on the palate.
Note: Although right after pouring the high level of tannins may seem intense, they soften quickly, therefore no need to decant.
Pairing: italian tomato based dishes such as parmigiana (veal, chicken, or eggplant), gnocchi, as well as Italian or Spanish cheeses.
Price: ~$27 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Ferrari Special Edition F1 Brut*** 100% Chardonnay from Trentodoc, Italy
Style: Full Body Traditional Method Sparkling Wine - 24 months on lees
This outstanding quality wine is intense with fine bubbles. It has complex flavors of lemon, grapefruit, green apple and honeydew melon, along with cheese, cream, brioche, honey, and almond with a loooonng finish. Best pairing: plain chips (!) , olives, mild cheese, ham, salads, mild fish, cream based pasta dishes and veal.
Price: ~$40 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Tip: Feel like you need to finish a whole sparkling bottle otherwise it will go flat? Not to worry, the key is keeping it cold – so always keep in the fridge or an ice bucket once open and use a bottle stopper made for sparkling wine - available at London Drugs and Cork. The fuller the bottle the longer the sparkling wine will last. Only a third of the bottle left? Drink it up!
***click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Note: Ferrari Sparkling is also available in B.C., Ontario, and Québec
Champalou Vouvray 2022 from Loire, France
Style: Dry Fruity White Wine
Variety: 100% Chenin Blanc
This vibrant wine offers white blossom, wet stone & citrus, nectarine, just ripe mango, white cheese, & jasmine spice flavors.
Best pairings: citrus or peach flavored seafood, light fish or chicken dishes, & mild cheese.
Price: ~$33 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Black Angus 2019* from Heathcote, Victoria, Australia - single vineyard Colbinabbin Estate Region
Style: Full Body Red Wine
Variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
This velvety textured wine leads with precise raspberry compote and attractive eucalyptus on the nose. It follows with black cherry, black current, chocolate, and cedar with earthy funkiness of wet leaves in the background.
Best pairings: Steak! 😊 Moussaka, Lamb, Vegetable with thyme and mushrooms. Avoid sweet or spicy sauces and seasoning (i.e. bbq sauce).
Price: ~$51 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Illahe Pinot Gris 2021* from Willamette Valley in Oregon
Style: Full body white wine
This expressive wine has great balance between the acidity and texture, and a long finish of yellow fruit (lemon, peach, apricot), lees aging flavors (graham crackers, pastry, and cheese) and ends on a mineral note. Ideal pairings are fish, white meats, and cheese.
Price: ~$36 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Illahe Pinot Gris 2022* from Willamette Valley in Oregon
Style: Medium body white wine
This crisp wine has more tartness and less texture than the 2021 vintage while still having a long finish. Also different is the fruit flavor profile of creamy lemon curd, tart lemon, pear, green and yellow apples, while the lees aging flavors (graham crackers, pastry, and cheese) and the mineral finale remain. Ideal pairings are fish and white meats dishes emphasizing lemon such as lemon chicken, or a salad with tart lemon vinaigrette or a salade niçoise.
Price: ~$36 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
Note: These wines have a wax dab at the top of the cork instead of a metal bottle capsule like on the Giusti bottle in the picture below. You can penetrate the wax with a corkscrew without concern and use the corkscrew as normal. If using a Coravin, remove the wax with a sturdy knife or flathead screwdriver.
*click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last. Stores currently carrying either the 2021 or the 2022 vintages.
Giusti Longheri Pinot Grigio 2022** from Venezia, Italy.
Style: Dry minerally white wine
Variety: Pinot Grigio
Dry, medium bodied wine with delicate citrus and green apple flavors and notes of pear on the palate. This wine can be served as an aperitif or paired with salads or light flavored fish and poultry dishes.
Price: $21 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
**click link for stores where wine is available in Alberta, Canada while quantities last.
Clos La Coutale Malbec Cahors 2020 - southwestern France, just east of Bordeaux
Style: Full body old world oaked red wine
Variety: approx. 85% Malbec & 15% Merlot
It has a very long finish of red cherry, blackberry, cedar, pepper, & hints of earth. It has well integrated tannins smooth enough not to require food to be enjoyed. (It is on the lighter side of full body). Ideal pairings are grilled steak, roasted pork, sautéed mushrooms, and blue cheese. Serve at ~18 degrees Celsius.
Price: $21 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
*click to link on where available in Alberta, Canada. It is also available in Manitoba (MLCC ~$18) & Québec.
Valle de Nabal 2019 from Bodegas Nabal in Ribera Del Duero, west of Rioja in northern Spain.
(note the 2020 is currently on the market, I have not tasted yet - but please note the year on the bottle you buy to ensure you are getting the wine recommended below)
Style: Medium body old world oaked red wine
Variety: 100% Tempranillo
Price: $25 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
It is lively, balanced and tastes of red deep cherry, blackberry, and blueberry with very well integrated oak tannins and flavors of cedar, chocolate, and clove. The tannins are smooth enough that food pairing is not necessary, but the tannins are definitely present. (It is on the fuller side of medium body.) Ideal pairings are roasted meat, charcuterie and tapas. It paired beautifully with gazpacho, Spanish tortilla, and grilled chimichurri chicken. Serve cooler than you think you should at ~ 16 degrees Celsius.
Rosé de Brulesécaille 2022 - Bordeaux, France
Varietals: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Malbec.
This wine provides florality 🌺 on the nose and the red fruit flavors as well as just the right weight on the palette. The give away to it being short maceration winemaking … the darker color! This is a Cork Fine Wine exclusive and sadly no other provinces carry this producer.
Price: $24 (incl. Shades of Grape 15% discount & 5% gst)
A panorama of very interesting choices. I've tried a few, but obviously have some research to do.
It was a wonderful suggestion! Super practical for me too! Sorry I didn't get it done yet!