Just like the friends that brought it – gentle, bright, and well balanced.
From one of the most innovative producers in Burgundy, this chardonnay is easy to drink and disappears quickly. The valley near the Ardeche River with clay and limestone-based soils was chosen as the ideal location to produce a top-quality Chardonnay wine.
ARDECHE CHARDONNAY – LOUIS LATOUR
$18.99
13% alcohol
UPC: 0356692100010
A grape we have had only once before by itself. Vermentino. The colour is bright and a very expressive nose. The tase is rounded with afruity undertone.
It’s very refreshing. Medium bodied and a medium to low sweetness.
Next trip to the government or private dairy will include a look for more of this grape.
PAYS D’OC VERMENTINO – PAUL MAS ALLNATT 2019
$19.99
13% alcohol
UPC: 03760040436159
This is a potent wine – smooth and well balanced. It is refreshing and has a luscious finish.
Authentically Douro. Named after the emblematic cedar tree that dominates the terrace of Quinta do Noval, Cedro do Noval is an authentic expression of the Douro. Principally made up of classic Portuguese varieties, it also contains a proportion of Syrah, which rounds out the fruit.
Cedro is typically a blend of several of the noble Portuguese varieties and some experimental plots. The 2017 vintage is composed of 55 % Touriga Nacional, 25 % Syrah, 15 % Touriga Franca, 5 % Tinto Cão.
The wine is vinified through pump overs in stainless steel vats. Aging is in French oak casks (12% new) for approximately 10 months.
Duriense Quinta Noval DURIENSE – QUINTA NOVAL CEDRO DO NOVAL 2016
$25.97 regularly $29.99
13.5 % alcohol
UPC: 05601064000231
Full, mellow and velvety – with a perfect blend of flavours.
There is a very nice structure to this wine with a long and very intresting finish.There is a lovely deep ruby colour to it.
85% Montepulciano, 15% Aglianico
BIFERNO ROSSO – DI MAJO NORANTE RAMITELLO 2013
$21.99 Regularly $26.99
13 % Alcohol
UPC: 08011315000052
Stolen Colt celebrates Samuel McWilliam, whose passion and grit led him to over the challenges of the “Bandit Country”, pushing the boundaries to successfully start his own vineyard in regional New South Wales. Horse thieves and notorious gangs and bushrangers.
The Stolen Colt Shiraz is bold with dark fruit flavours. The palate is Intense dark berry fruits, toasty oak and fleshy tannins.
What did you feed them back in 1857?
New version of the house Garlic Chicken Pasta. Used ‘spiral’ homestyle multiflavour German Egg Noodles. Worked really well. Would use these the next time the great grandkids want spaghetti.
Stolen Colt ShirazSHIRAZ – MCWILLIAMS STOLEN COLT
$12.99 regularly $15.99
14% Alcohol
UPC: 09311769006297
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an autonomous region of Italy, in the far northeast corner, bounded by the borders with Austria and Slovenia to the north and east respectively. The DOC designation which which covers the whole area is known either as Friuli, or by the longer name.
In terms of terroir, the most important influence on Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s vineyards is their position between the Alps and the Adriatic. The mountainous topography in the north and east lifts many vineyards above the low-lying cloud that is sometimes trapped between the hills and the coast.
Consequently, the vines bask in bright sunshine while temperatures are moderated by altitude. This helps the grapes to develop full phenolic ripeness and aromatic depth before their sugar levels peak.
An intense and complex bouquet. Full bodied and almost velvety on the palate. A minerally finish follows a pleasant and sweet taste.
This wine deserves a classier label.
FRIULI VENEZIA GIULIA PINOT GRIGIO RAMATO – SUN GODDESS
$23.99 regularly $25.99
12.5% Alcohol
UPC: 00606179209994
It’s on sale again, and couldn’t resist picking up a couple of bottles of one of our all time favourite whites. Scallops were bought the morning before, and all the other ingredients were on hand: House spiced Couscous and orange grape salada.
Quick grill for the saffron/thyme spiced scallops had them ready at the same time as the couscous.
The only additional terroir ingredient desired would have been no winds out on the deck.
Setubal Jose Maria da Forseca Albis
$9.99 regularly $13.49
Remarkable value when at the sale price that is $10 off the regular price. From the Wairau Valley, Marlborough wine region, Villa Maria Reserve 2019 Sauvignon Blanc is produced from sustainably-grown wine grapes. From January 2019 onwards, Marlborough experienced a summer of the century, with a spell of long hot dry weather with moderately cool nights providing the perfect environment.
The later ripening due to elevation and cooler night temperatures of the Laugeson Vineyard in the upper Waihoipai Valley once again played a key part in the success story.
Crisp tropical fruit favours all the way through to the finish. Keeping it cooler than usual for a white seems to enhance the taste.
SAUVIGNON BLANC – VILLA MARIA RESERVE WAIRAU VALLEY
$19.99 Regularly $29.99
13% alcoho
lUPC: 09414416001468
The estate, with 520 acres of vineyards, practices organic and sustainable agricultural methods and produces up to three million bottles of wine every year.
By moving towards aging in steel and blocked malo it has resulted in a wine loaded personality. All the elements are beautifully balanced. It’s medium bodied with great concentration.
This wine certainly worked with home made crab cakes.
VERDICCHIO CLASS SUPERIORE – UMANI RONCHI CASAL SERRA 17
$17.99 regularly $19.99
13% Alcohol
UPC: 08032853721124
This was one of my selections for my birthday gift certificate. I picked it for several reasons. It’s terroir being the primary motivation.
It is a genuine ambassador its way of life in villages and a micro climate with hot sunny days and cool nights. Le Paradou is a project created by Alexandre and Frédéric Chaudière whose family produce some of the most respected wines in the Ventoux at Château Pesquié.
The wine is fresh, light and very balanced acidity. A careful, thoughtful mix of grapes from young and old vines (40-60 years)
Grilled Veggies, white meats, maybe just salads or starters to accompany. Fruit pies for dessert? Do it with local ingredients.
Le Paradou Cinsault Rose 2019
$18.98
12.5% Alcohol
