Vintages Release – August 6, 2011

The summer is only half over, so you still have plenty of time to enjoy some great wines on the deck and dock. If you missed my Red Wine Sangria recipe from the July 23^rd blog, it is something that you must try, especially when hosting friends to a backyard BBQ. It’s a great way to begin the evening.

This week’s release features: 

• An amazing Cava – (Spanish - champagne style wine) for only $13.95 
• Five Italian reds that are very food friendly 
• A very nice Sherry
• These are hard to find, so grab one now and put away for that special recipe 
• Some nice sipping whites 

 

RECIPES AND COOKING TIPS

With regard to food and recipes, my favourite cooking magazine is called Fine Cooking. The recipes are healthy, seasonal and local and are tried and tested to be great. I especially like that virtually all of their recipes are available on their website at www.finecooking.com The August/September issue is one of the best ever and features some amazing seasonal recipes. Try the Gratinéed Tomatoes with Asiago and Fresh Herbs or Five-Spice Grilled Chicken with Hoisin-Maple Glaze and if you struggle with grilling chicken on the BBQ, read their article on grilling using indirect heat. It’s the key to cooking grilled chicken perfectly.

 

RED WINE SELECTIONS

Jean Paul Brun Côte De Brouilly 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #235127;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

Another delicious 09 Beaujolais that is light on the palate, nicely balanced with good depth. Pair with roast chicken or grilled pork tenderloin.

Nicosia Fondo Filara Nerello Mascalese 2008, Igt Sicilia; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #222653;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

Nice wines from sicily? You better believe it. These grapes are grown on the volcanic soils of Mt. Etna and pair beautifully with meat based tomato sauces.

Petra Zingari 2008, Igt Toscana; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #244228;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

A blend of equal parts Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot aged entirely in stainless steel. A nice wine for $17 that will last for another 4 to 5 years.

Montaro Rosso Di Montalcino 2006, Doc; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #237297;  Rating – 89;  $17.95

A wonderful sangiovese with berry nose and a long finish. Well balanced and drinkable at any time.

Zolo Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #54098;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

A medium body elegant cabernet that is well balanced with very good length. It’s certainly worth a try for the price.

Rocca Delle Macìe Chianti Riserva 2006, Docg; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #111641;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

David Lawrason from wine Align states; “This vintage continues to impress with a combination of richness and edge. Good to very good length.”

Terredora Lacryma Christi Del Vesuvio Rosso 2008, Doc; Campania, Italy
LCBO #93088;  Rating – 88;  $18.95

Grown on the slopes of Mt. Vesuvius above the Bay of Naples. It’s mid-weight, dense with very good to excellent length. Try it with pizza margherita or a tomato based pasta sauce.

 

SHERRY

Bodegas Argüeso San León Manzanilla Clásica Sherry, Do Jerez; Jerez, Spain
LCBO #703066;  Rating – 93;  $16.95

A rich and powerful sherry with great length. Try it as an aperitif with Spanish olives and Marcona almonds.

 

WHITE WINE SELECTIONS

Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Bien Nacido Chardonnay 2007, Santa Maria Valley; California, USA
LCBO #393892;  Rating – 91;  $19.95

Mature and drinkable now. It has a wonderful nose, is rich and very smooth. Very good value for the price. Pair with grilled salmon or roast chicken.

Ciù Ciù La Merlettaie Offida Pecorino 2009, Doc; Marche, Italy
LCBO #245670;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

A food friendly Mediterranean style wine with lots of depth and character for the money. Pair with fish grilled with olive oil and fresh herbs.

Crios De Susana Balbo Torrontés 2010, Salta, Argentina
LCBO #1834;  Rating – 89;  $11.95

A nice blend that features notes of citrus and peach. Great value and worth a try at the price.

William Fèvre Chile Gran Cuvée Chardonnay 2009, Pirque, Maipo Valley, Chile
LCBO #45146;  Rating – 88;  $16.95

One of the leading winemaker of Chablis has taken their winemaking skills to Chile. This has a flinty nose, with some pear and honey. It’s medium weight with excellent length. Try it against a French Chablis for comparison.

Trio Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Casablanca/Rapel/Limarí Valleys; Casablanca Valley, Chile
LCBO #678656;  Rating – 87;  $13.95

This is a well made sauvignon blanc that is fresh and zesty. It has solid depth and length for the price. Very good value.

 

Sparkling

Mont Marçal Brut Reserva Cava, Do; Catalunya, Spain
LCBO #229021;  Rating – 89;  $13.95

A wonderful Cava that can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere with any food. Great complexity and depth for the price.