Vintages Release - September 17, 2011

The September 17^th release at Vintages features some 2008 Bordeaux wines. Unfortunately, it was a mediocre vintage, which suggests that you will be paying high prices for only average wines. If you are really interested in trying some truly great wines I suggest the two Exceptional wines listed below.

I have also selected three wines that will be outstanding after a few years of aging. If you can store them in a consistently cool and dry space, you will be rewarded for your patience.

If I was to buy only one wine this week it would be the Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009. I love this food friendly style of wine and while it may seem sweet to some, it is actually a very fruity wine that pairs extremely well with spicy Asian cuisine.

Finally, don't miss the Red and White Value selections for under $20. 

Enjoy and have a great weekend ...Greg

 

Exceptional Wines

Te Mata Coleraine 2007, Hawkes Bay, North Island;  New Zealand
LCBO #640656; Rating – 93;  $59.95

A Bordeaux style blend that is 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc and 34% Merlot. It is classy, elegant and medium-full bodied on the palate with excellent finish. This beauty is drinkable now but will also get better with time over the next 6 years. Why pay $60 for a $20 wine in a restaurant, when you can have this delicious gem.  Pair with rack of lamb and a peppercorn sauce.

Clawson Creek Angela Pinot Noir 2008, Oregon,  USA
LCBO #254177;  Rating – 92;  $49.95

This is a stunning, complex pinot that is medium-full bodied. It is a truly impressive wine with excellent finish. It will get better over the next 2 to 4 years and will hold for double that time. A truly great value that will pair nicely with classic beef bourguignon.

Red Wine – Excellent Value ($20 to $30)

Wynns Coonawarra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Coonawarra, South Australia,  Australia
LCBO #84996;  Rating – 91;  $24.95

This is a nicely balanced Cab, that is medium-full bodied teamed with elegance and excellent length. It is drinkable now, but will certainly get better with another 2 years of aging. Drink 2014 – 2020. Certainly a nice wine for your cellar.

Domaine Grand Veneur Clos De Sixte 2009, Ac Lirac; Rhone, France
LCBO #76349;  Rating – 90;  $23.95

This is a sensational wine that will challenge many Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines at twice the price. It is full bodied, with class and power that will evolve over the next decade.  Excellent length. Pair with hearty winter fare.

Chehalem 3 Vineyard Pinot Noir 2008, Willamette Valley; Oregon, USA
LCBO #949909;  Rating – 90;  $28.95

Oregon produces some wonderful Pinots that we seldom get to buy. It is light to mid weight, focused and elegant. Drinkable now, but even better with another year before drinking. Would pair nicely with coq au vin.

 

Red Wine – Good Values under $20

Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz 2009, Limestone Coast, South Australia, Australia
LCBO #673897;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

A very impressive wine for $16.95. It is full bodied but without the heavy oak that characterizes many Aussie Shiraz from the south. Drink now to 2015.

Emiliana Winemaker's Selection Syrah/Mourvèdre 2007, Los Robles, Colchagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #243394;  Rating – 89;  $18.95

A Rhone style blend that is dark ruby red and provides great value for the money. Excellent length that is drinkable now, but will get better over the next year or two.

Quinta Dos Roques Vinho Tinto 2007, Doc Dão; Dão, Portugal
LCBO #986075;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

This is a medium-full bodied red that is made from the same grape that produces port wines. Quite classy for the money with very good length.

Tenuta Sant'antonio Monti Garbi Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008, Doc; Veneto, Italy
LCBO #29850;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A nice simple easy drinking wine with very good length that will pair well with a meaty pasta dish.

First Press Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Napa Valley; California, USA
LCBO #188110;  Rating – 88;  $19.95

If you like the typical commercialized California Cab, you will like this. It’s medium-full bodied, oaky with very good length.

Terra Noble Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Colchagua Valley, Chile
LCBO #46268;  Rating – 87;  $15.95

A very nice mid-weight wine, but not a typical cab. It has great focus, is smooth and has very good length. Worth a try for this price. Pair with grilled leg of lamb and roasted rosemary potatoes.

White Wines – Good Values under $20

Rudolf Rabl Reserve Vinum Optimum Grüner Veltliner 2009, Dac Kamptal; Austria
LCBO #216473;  Rating – 91;  $19.95

David Lawrason’s description says it all; “This is lovely ripe, rich yet lively gruner veltliner with classic white pepper, honey, apricot and orange bread aromas. It's medium-full bodied, rich yet lively with fine acidity and warmth. Excellent length and focus. Delicious and very classy. Great value.” Pair with paprika spiced chicken.

Joseph Cattin Gewurztraminer 2009, Ac Alsace; Alsace, France
LCBO #224626;  Rating – 90;  $16.95

Classis Gewurz that was a gold medal winner in 2010 at the Concours Général Agricole in Paris. It’s full bodied, generous and mouth watering with excellent to outstanding length. Grab a bottle or two to pair with a nice curry dish or your favourite spicy Asian food.

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island; Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #981670;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

A very nice classic New Zealand Sauvignon with a nose of green herbs and grapefruit. Smooth, crisp with excellent length. Chill well and enjoy.

Cartagena Sauvignon Blanc 2009, San Antonio Valley, Chile
LCBO #246405;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

A nose of fresh herbs, grape fruit with a nicely balanced palate. Very good length. Try a bottle and compare it to the Mount Riley above.

Spice Route Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Wo Darling; Swartland, South Africa
LCBO #235895;  Rating – 88;  $14.95

A typical Cape style sauvignon that features green apple, chive, lime and mineral flavours. Excellent length.  It would be interesting to compare this with the two other sauvignon wines listed above.

Terra D'alter Reserva White 2010, Vinho Regional Alentejano; Alentejo, Portugal
LCBO #219212;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A mid-weight wine with notes of tropical pineapple and banana. Don’t let the simple label fool you, this a very good value.

Terra D'alter Reserva White 2010, Vinho Regional Alentejano; Alentejo, Portugal
LCBO #219212;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A mid-weight wine with notes of tropical pineapple and banana. Don’t let the simple label fool you, this a very good value.

Vintages Release - August 20, 2011

It may be back to school time in two weeks, but we still have many weeks of summer weather ahead of us. So this weekend relax and enjoy your down time with some great produce from our local farmers markets and match it with some of these lovely value wines that the LCBO will release this weekend.

RECIPES AND COOKING TIPS - GRILLED SWEET CORN

Corn is in abundant supply right now and there is nothing better than crisp, fresh, sweet corn. Corn is best if eaten within 2 days from the time it is picked, so if you are buying it at the grocery store, it is probably 3 to 7 days old. I suggest that you buy it at your local Farmer’s market or find a convenient road side stand. My favourite place is on 6^th Line, just south of Derry Road between Mississauga and Milton. They plant ‘supersweet’ corn and quite often they will pick you a dozen while you wait …for $5/dozen it can’t be beat. To take full advantage of that fresh sweet flavour, cook it on your BBQ in the husk. I soak it in the sink for about 20 minutes, then place it on the hot grill, turning it every few minutes until the husks are nicely browned (about 15 to 20 minutes). You can then set it aside and continue cooking the rest of your meal, as the husks will trap the heat  at least 20 minutes. Be careful when husking as it can be very hot. I use gloves or husk under cold running water. Fine Cooking magazine has a great article on grilling corn and several wonderful recipes as well. Trust me, I have tried every method of cooking corn and this is by far the tastiest way to prepare this wonderful summer delicacy.

RED WINES

Quinta De Ventozelo Touriga Nacional 2007, Doc Douro; Douro, Portugal
LCBO #657452;  Rating – 90; 19.95

A wonderful medium-full bodied wine that shows a wonderful nose and excellent nose. Drink it now or it will get even better over the next 5 years.

Château L'argentier Vieilles Vignes De Carignan 2007, Vin De Pays Du Gard; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #250712;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

This wine is made from carignan vines that are 72 years old. The winemaker has done a wonderful job with this smooth wine that is dense in flavour with excellent length. I have this earmarked for a grilled boneless leg of lamb that is marinated with plenty of rosemary.

Kumkani Cradle Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, Wo Stellenbosch; Stellenbosch, South Africa
LCBO #107391;  Rating – 90; $19.95

South Africa produces some fine wines and this is a clear example. Drink now or let it rest for 5+ years. Excellent length and depth.

Mas Foraster Josep Foraster Criança 2006, Montblanc, Do Conca De Barbera; Spain
LCBO #218321;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A blend of cabernet sauvignon, Syrah and Tempranillo. Well balanced with very good length and at a great price.

Villa Medoro Montepulciano D'abruzzo 2008, Doc; Abruzzo, Italy
LCBO #242321;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

This is a very appealing wine that may be compared to a new world cabernet. It has solid flavour and complexity beyond its price. Drink it now!

Château De Flaugergues Cuvée Sommelière 2007, La Méjanelle, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #65896;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

This is a very simple, drinkable red that is medium bodied with very good length.

Château De La Sauveuse Cuvée Carolle 2008, Ac Côtes De Provence; Provence, France
LCBO #250704;  Rating – 88;  $18.95

This is a very ‘earthy’ wine that will pair well with gamey meats. Pair with herb encrusted rack of lamb with a black peppercorn sauce.

Domaine La Croix Belle Syrah 2009, Côtes De Thongue Igp Languedoc; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #160150;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

For $13 this offers great character and finish. Will pair nicely with ribs, wings, burgers or sausages!

Frascole Chianti Rufina 2007, Docg;  Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #85167; Rating – 87;  $15.95

This is a basic Chianti with very good finish. Serve with Pasta Puttanesca.

WHITE WINES

Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Marlborough, South Island; Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO #160085;  Rating – 90;  $9.95

375ml bottle – A nice clean and polished wine with citrus, green herb and tropical fruit flavours. A perfect size for two on the patio.

Chalone Monterey County Chardonnay 2009, Monterey County; California, USA
LCBO #80226;  Rating – 90; $16.95

A classic rich California Chardonnay, with excellent length that is a great value wine at this price. Drink it now or even cellar for 2 to 3 years.  Pair with a rich seafood pasta or grilled Atlantic salmon.

René Muré Signature Gewurztraminer 2009, Ac Alsace; Alsace, France
LCBO #61218;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

This is a wonderful gewurz with good to excellent length. Will pair well with Asian foods or try with lamb curry.

Montes Limited Selection Leyda Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Leyda Valley; Leyda Valley, Chile
LCBO #32060;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

A very complex nose of green herb, lime and citrus with excellent length. Good value for the money.

La Ferme Du Mont La Truffière 2009, Ac Côtes Du Rhône; Rhone, France
LCBO #234716;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

A classic southern Rhone wine that features subtle grapefruit and peach flavours. It is a mid-weight wine and has good to very good length. Serve with grilled shrimp or calamari.

Cave Talmard Mâcon Uchizy 2009, Ac; Burgundy, France
LCBO #733956;  Rating – 88; $15.95

A very nicely priced wine from the home of the world’s oldest Chardonnay.  Try it in comparison to the Chalone from Monterey County above.

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.

LCBO / Vintages - July 23, 2011 New Wines Release

Ontario has been experiencing an unprecedented heat wave for the past three weeks and it is hard to stay comfortable without a refreshing drink to keep you cool. My favourite summer drink is Sangria. A few weeks ago we visited Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery, in Essex County and they were gracious enough to share this wonderful Red Wine Sangria Recipe with us. We tried it out two weeks ago and our ten brunch guests declared it an unanimous winner!

P.S. The secret is to marinate the fruit for about 48 hours prior to serving …try it and enjoy!

The LCBO/Vintages has some great wines to be released again this weekend and I’ve highlighted my selections below:

Red Wines

Delas Frères Les Reinages Gigondas 2007, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #222604;  Rating – 92;  $29.95

The LCBO states; “The stunning 2007 Gigondas Les Reinages may be the finest wine Delas has yet made from this appellation.” It is a medium-full bodied delicious wine, that is dense, very well balanced and has excellent length. While this is more than my typical $20 limit, I believe that this is an incredible value that surpasses many wines for more than double the price. Drink it over the next 10 to 12 years.

Château Puech Haut Prestige 2009, Ac Coteaux Du Languedoc; Languedoc Roussillon (Midi), France
LCBO #237289; Rating – 92;  $26.95

This is a beautifully complex blend that is 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 10% Carignan. It is well balanced and has an excellent finish that will last on your palate for over 30 seconds. Another wine priced over $20, but well worth the price.

Chàteau De Nages Jt Costiéres De Nîmes 2007, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #736876;  Rating – 91;  $20.95

Another ‘huge’ Rhone wine on this release.  It’s medium-full bodied, dense, full of flavour and has an excellent finish. Try this with a roasted leg of lamb on the BBQ.

Thatched Hut Pinot Noir 2010, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand
LCBO #242933;  Rating – 90;  $17.95

Very good pricing for a wine of this quality. It’s medium weight and elegant with good to excellent length.

Tabali Reserva Especial Syrah 2008, Limari Valley, Chile
LCBO #213538;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

From Wine Align’s David Lawrason; “The cooler, limestone-based Limari Valley is causing a stir with quite elegant chardonnays and syrahs. This has a riveting, complex, lifted nose of blackberry, smoked meat, dark chocolate and background evergreen. It's smooth and poised with a polished texture, still youthful, greenish tannin and a warm, rich finish. Certainly fine enough to drink now with venison, but it will run through most of the decade. Excellent length.”

Cantina Di Venosa Terre Di Orazio Aglianico Del Vulture 2007, Docg; Calabria, Italy
LCBO #247494;  Rating – 89;  $17.95

This is a lovely medium bodied Italian wine from the slopes of Mt. Vulture. It has very good length and is good value for the money.

La Castellina Chianti Classico 2007, Docg; Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #223313;  Rating – 89;  $18.95

An easy drinking mid-weight Chianti at a good price. Well balanced with good length. Drink now to 2013.

Éric Texier Vaison La Romaine Côtes De Rhône Villages 2007, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #226845;  Rating – 88;  $13.95

A wonderful well priced summer wine that will go well with a good burger or steak.

White Wines

Artesa Chardonnay 2009, Carneros; California, USA
LCBO #657585;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

A very rich chardonnay from the cooler Carneros area. A medium-full bodied wine with very good length. Pair with grilled salmon.

Clos Du Porteau Le Courlis Sauvignon Touraine 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #246041;  Rating – 89;  $14.95

A very nice vintage has produced a fun and lively wine with very good finish. A very good value, this is a wine that you could sip all afternoon. Chill well.

Trius White 2010, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada
LCBO #54957;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

A nice example of Niagara blends that is well balanced with excellent depth and length. Pair with Asian food.

LCBO / Vintages - July 9, 2011 New Wines Release

The LCBO / Vintages release for July 9, 2011 includes some nice red wines that feature both quality and value. There is also a nice 10 year old Tawny Port for $21.95 and several nice summer whites.

Last weekend I had the pleasure of visiting 5 lovely wineries in Essex County (near Windsor along the Lake Erie shore).  I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of their Chardonnay wines, Rieslings and Cabernet Blends. We also toured a local B&B which is located in close proximity to all of these wineries. La Roos Maison B&B is a beautiful lakeside home that is wonderfully appointed and well priced. What a great place for a quick getaway www.laroosmaison.com  The five rooms are priced from $99 to $179 per night or get 5 couples together and book the entire place.

My most memorable imbibing occurred at Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery. Their Sangria was outstanding and given the 32C weather that day I could have consumed a keg of this, it was so good. I will try to duplicate it this weekend and will post the recipe in my next Blog.

Red Wines

Pléyades Reserva 2005, Do Cariñena; Spain
LCBO #214163;  Rating – 91;  $12.95

A tasty Spanish blend for a great price. You can’t go wrong at this price. Will pair nicely with grilled red meats.

Alexander Valley Redemption Zinfandel 2007, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County California, USA
LCBO #224147; Rating – 91;  $21.95

Good Zinfandel is often hard to find these days, so this a good one to put away for a rainy day. A nice fruity medium-full bodied wine with great depth and excellent length. Try with aged cheddar.

Dominique Piron Les Pierres Morgon 2009, Ac; Beaujolais, France
LCBO #231969;  Rating – 91;  $22.95

This was a great vintage and this is a wonderful example. Supple, fine and rich. You will want to quaff this it is so good. Pair with roast chicken or pork.

Vecchia Cantina Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano 2007, Docg, Tuscany, Italy
LCBO #212571;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

Good value for an authentic Tuscan wine. It’s mid-weight with great flavours and very good to excellent length. Try with rosemary crusted leg of lamb.

Lomond Syrah 2008, Wo Cape Agulhas; South Africa
LCBO #146464;  Rating – 90;  $19.95

A northern Rhone style Syrah  that is medium-full bodied and a good value at this price.

Baglio Di Pianetto Shymer 2008, Igt Sicilia; Sicily, Italy
LCBO #219501;  Rating – 88;  $15.95

A blend of merlot and syrah with structure that you’d normally find at twice the price. Very good length.

Eral Bravo Cabernet Sauvignon 2008, Mendoza, Argentina
LCBO #58081;  Rating – 88;  $17.95

A medium-full bodied and dense cabernet that is very tannic and dry. Try now, but could be better in two years.

Aubert Visan Côtes Du Rhône Villages 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #224915;  Rating – 87;  $12.95

A very good Rhone wine at a very good price. Try with your favourite charcouterie.

White Wines

Château Gaudrelle Sec Tendre Vouvray 2009, Ac; Loire, France
LCBO #228924;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

A classic Chenin nose with honeyed pear character. It’s medium weight, slightly off dry with excellent focus.

Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Nelson, South Island; New Zealand
LCBO #214437;  Rating – 89;  $16.95

A good example of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a nose of citrus fruit and green herbs.  Good length and value.

Ferraton Père & Fils La Matinière Crozes Hermitage Blanc 2009, Ac; Rhone, France
LCBO #127720;  Rating – 89;  $19.95

A fresh style, with lime, tarragon, green plum and green apple notes, backed by a finish that turns creamy at the very end. Drink now.

Andrian Pinot Grigio 2009, Doc Alto Adige; Alto Adige/Trentino, Italy
LCBO #234914;  Rating – 88;  $16.95

Pinot Grigio is a great patio wine that is ideal for sipping or for light seafood salads.

Port

Burmester 10 Year Old Tawny Port, Doc Douro; Portugal
LCBO #223958;  Rating – 91;  $24.95

A wonderful Tawny Port at a reasonable price. Buy now as these are always hard to find at Christmas time.

Ontario Wines to Savour for Canada Day!

Hi Everyone …as we look forward to celebrating this great country’s 144^th Birthday, why not do so  with some of the great wines produced so close to home. I have selected 4 reds and 4 whites and offered food pairing for each. Give them a try and let me know what you think.

Have a safe and happy Canada Day Weekend …Greg

RED WINES

Jackson Triggs Delaine Vineyard Cabernet/Merlot 2007, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada
989269; Rating – 90;  $22.95

From the great 2007 vintage year which was hot and dry. A Bordeaux style wine with excellent length that is drinkable now, but will get better over the next 2 to 3 years. Pair with grilled butterflied leg of lamb.

Alvar 2008 Cabernet Merlot 2008, Ontario VQA
Ontario, Canada
435321;  Rating – 89; $13.95

This is a lovely blend from the Pelee Island area of Ontario. A mid-weight wine with very good length. Good value for the price. Pair with burgers and grilled red meats on the BBQ.

Wayne Gretzky Estates No. 99 Meritage 2007, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada
75689;  Rating – 89;  $15.95

A Bordeaux style blend that is light to mid-weight. It’s smooth with very good length and is drinkable now. A pleasant price and will pair well with a grilled rib-eye steak. Recipe here: http://www.thechefupstairs.com/Grilling_The_Perfect_Steak.html

Inniskillin Varietal Series Pinot Noir 2009, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada
261099; Rating – 88;  $14.95

A light to medium bodied Pinot with good character. Appealing and easy to drink this wine will pair well with roast pork, grilled salmon or roast chicken.

WHITE WINES

Ontario wineries have produced top notch, world class Chardonnay and Riesling wines for the last decade and now we are starting to see some very good Sauvignon Blanc wines as well. Here are my three top picks in each category, plus a great value wine.

Cave Spring Chardonnay Estate (V) 2008, Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada
256552;  Rating – 90;  $18.95

A medium weight Chardonnay with elegance and intense flavours. Drink now through 2013. Very good length and will pair well with Roast Chicken and grilled lemon pepper salmon.

Jackson Triggs Proprietors’ Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada
526251;  Rating – 88;  $10.95

Why choose Fusion or Yellow Tail when you can pick up this nice bottle for just over $10. The palate is full bodied creamy and rich with the oak supporting the rich fruit. Very good length with good focus. Pair with grilled salmon or a grilled chicken breast.

Malivoire Guilty Men Sauvignon Blanc 2009, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada
186254; Rating – 89;  $16.50

Malivoire has created a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc to rival similar value wines from New Zealand. This medium bodied, with a fragrant nose and very good length. Pair with grilled scallops.

Vineland Estates Dry Riesling 2008, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada
167551; Rating – 88;  $13.95

This is one of the best value Rieslings from Ontario. It is light and fresh, smooth on the palate with very good length. Pair with lemon sole or roast chicken.

Greg Heller

Co-Owner

The Chef Upstairs

516 Mount Pleasant Rd.

Toronto ON

M4S 2M2

416.544.9221

greg@thechefupstairs.com

www.thechefupstairs.com

Twitter: @TheChefUpstairs