Named for the Trays

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Arele is the name of the local wooden trays, where the grapes are laid down and dried prior to being gently pressed.


A southern/south-west exposure for the 4th Generation hillside vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico area. The blend is Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta, and Merlot grapes.

This is the first time that we’ve see Slavonian oak casks being used.

The color is intense, deep ruby red. The taste is full bodied, juicy, and spicy- leading to a long, refined finish.

Got a little lazy, used made up sausage mix into kefta.  Roasted Veggies.  I’m thinking about the deck – summer sausage and cheeses for the next bottle.

VENETO APPASSIMENTO – TOMMASI ARELE 2017

$23.49 regularly $25.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 08004645317105

In the Pecking Order

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Côtes-du-Rhône Villages is a French Wine Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) in the southern Rhone wine region of France.

Red, white and rosé wine are all produced within the appellation. The quality is superior to the generic Cotes du Rhone AOC. but below more specific appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC and Vacqueyras AOC. Côtes-du-Rhône Villages is the second largest appellation in the Rhône, only surpassed in size by Côtes-du-Rhône AOC.


In the red wines the Grenache grape must be present at not less than 50%, with 20% Syrah and/or Mourvèdre. A maximum of 20% of other authorized varieties is permitted. The rosés must contain a minimum of 50% Grenache with 20% of Syrah and/or Morvèdre and a maximum of 20% of other authorised varieties to comprise not more than 20% of white varieties. Used are Grenache, Clairette, Marsanne, Rousanne, Bouboulenc and Viognier.

The white wines are a blend of Grenache white, Clairette white, Marsanne white, Rousanne white, Bourboulenc white and Viognier. Other varieties are allowed to a maximum of 20%. The minimum required alcoholic strength is fixed at 12% for all three colours.

Spiteful Woman

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We all know Aphrodite. She’s the spiteful, mostly naked, love goddess who started the Trojan war and gads about on seashells.

If you’ve watched any of Bettany Hughes’ BBC series on Ancient Cultures in the Mediterranean you’d look forward to her latest book.


Venus and Aphrodite brings together ancient art, mythology, and archaeological revelations to tell the story of human desire.

From Mesopotamia to modern-day London, from Botticelli to Beyoncé, Hughes explains why this immortal goddess continues to entrance us today — and how we trivialize her power at our peril.


This isn’t Bettany’s best, but, still very enjoyable. Shorter, and lighter than her usual fare.  It doesn’t do justice to the goddess – but it is a good historical survey of the Goddess.


It’s a relatively quick read.  In the meantime, I’ll go back to watching her with her multi coloured Scarves on Knowledge Network.

Flashback Dinner

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We were very pleased to see a Mondavi in Mystery Case #9.  We remember a dinner at the Empress Hotel decades ago with representatives from Mondavi for a tasting and dinner. A MOST enjoyable time.


In tribute, we created tenderloin kebabs (pork/Japanese Eggplant/small tomatoes/red yellow peppers/mushrooms) for our flashback dinner.


This wine is more acidic than I’d have expected from a Californian Chard (and this is a good thing), the Oak is still a little overpowering in my view, but certainly not completely out of balance. It’s full bodied with a nice rich texture. 


Not sure I’d call it ’new’ style, but it brings forward the not-as-oaky, unobtrusive flavours of the newer Chardonnays from California.

Mondavi Napa Valley Chardonnay 2017

$24.97

14.5 % Alcohol

Past Frivolity

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Beep Beep — The Little Nash Rambler – The Playmates

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enqNl7tdLR4


the One Eyed, One horned, Purple People Eater – Stab Wooley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rx47qrH1GRs


Hello Muddah, Hello Fadder – Allan Sherma

nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jjiWS__Mp0


Charlie Drake – My Boomerang won’t come bac

khttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_prtbj4MtDU


Witch Doctor – David Seville

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmjrTcYMqBM


Along comes Jones – the coasters

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFyr49TwuiI&frags=pl%2Cwn

Lush. Rich. Concentrated

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There is Braille on the label and I would love to know what it is saying, and the significance of why it’s included.

This Syrah is from Northern Rhone. There is a silky texture and decently long finish. It has a lovely full-bodied sense.


South facing slopes with soil consisting of a mixture of clay, pebbles and gravel. The alluvial terroir of Crozes-Hermitage was formed by terraces from the Rhône and Isère rivers.


The red Crozes-Hermitage “Les Meysonniers” comes from the vines which are at least 25 years old.

CROZES HERMITAGE – CHAPOUTIER MEYSONNIERS ORGANIC 16

$26.99 on sale from $29.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 03391180001749

Climbing the Charts

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The ‘will buy again’ chart.


What we really appreciated was the ‘lack’ of citrusy’ overtones.  There are definite hints of apricot and pear.

It’s very refreshing.


it took us a little by surprise, because, to us, Chenin Blancs don’t usually stand out when by themselves.  They always add to the roundnesswhen added to other whites for a blend.

CHENIN BLANC – RUPERT WINES PROTEA

$14.99

13% alcohol

UPC: 00086891081144