A jaunt Down-Under on this cool, windy day..

There has been a recent resurgence on the global wine scene of the popularity of Australian wines.  For several years they had sadly suffered the anonymity brought on by mass produced wines with a 'South Eastern Australia' catch-all label, indicating grapes that come from anywhere in a vast geographical area.  The renewed interest in Aussie drops is based on wines with a true sense of place, 'somewhereness' evident in their unique and distinct styles.  Here are a couple of wines from areas I have renewed interest in quaffing:

Hill-Smith Estate Chardonnay 2014 – Eden Valley  - I am such fan of this style of cool-climate Chardonnay !  But, Australia, cool you say?  While much of Oz is indeed much warmer, compared to its neighbouring Barossa, the Eden Valley provides elevation to keep the vineyards cool, particular at night.  This micro-climate keeps the wine’s acidity nice & fresh and the flavours in the wines are citrusy, floral and crisp.  This is a great food wine – enjoy it with fresh oysters or a saffron-scented seafood risotto.  VINTAGES #361584 @ $19.95.

Zonte’s Footsteps – Chocolate Factory Shiraz 2014 - McLaren Vale – I often seek out Shiraz from this particular area of South Australia, for its comparative restraint and finesse compared to the bolder more popular style made famous in the Barossa.  And CHOCOLOATE you say?   Mmmmm…. yes, notes of mocha and chocolate are present on the palate and the velvety tannins and juicy finish lead to a 'More please!' experience.  And oh! bring on the Aussie lamb chops on the Barbie.  VINTAGES#: 396481 @ $17.95

Rock on,
Mo

Mediterranean Gems

There is something very comforting about the food and wines of the Mediterranean region.  Wines here are an integral part of every day life, included in daily meals with family and friends.  Here are a couple of wines I really enjoyed, reminding me of why regional wines and food go so well together.

From off the coast of Italy on the isle of Sardinia, try the La Cala Vermentino di Sardegna DOC from producer Sella & Mosca.  Mid-weight on the palate, the wine is aromatic with floral notes & white stone fruit, a nice minerality, and clean finish.  Enjoy with a cream-based pasta, or a risotto primavera.  A nice alternative to Pinot Grigio at a great price - Vintages #627067 @ 15.95. 


The Yecla DO in South East Spain is a lesser known denominated wine growing zone predominantly planted to the Monastrell grape (aka Mourvedre in France).   The Vinos Sin Ley Old Vine Monastrell 2011 from this region impressed with its earthiness/fruitiness balance, underpinned by a sound structure.  Watch the serving temperature - you may want to chill it ever so slightly to showcase its fruit.  Enjoy with Osso Buco or braised beef ribs.  Vintages #344226 @ $17.00.



Saludos!
Mo

Fall is in the air...

The winds are blowing from the NW today with a real chill in the air, and the wines I gravitate to when the weather turns cooler include fuller-bodied whites and succulent reds to accompany the comfort foods we start to cook at this time of year:

I enjoyed the Saint Roch Vieilles Vignes Grenache Blanc-Roussanne 2015 Cote du Roussillon AOP - Vintages # 175232 - a quite good deal at $15.95.  These two South of France white grapes blended together produced a wine that is mid-weight on the palate, with refreshing flavours of pear and flint, and having enough body to hold up to rich poultry dishes.

And it had admittedly been a while since I drank (and enjoyed) a Zinfandel - a grape that typically shows huge fruit flavours and high alcohol, this in a wine world striving for a bit more restraint.  The Smoking Loon Zinfandel - LCBO #272393 @ $14.95 however, was juicy and quite approachable even at 14% alc./vol., with just the right amount of oak flavours on the finish.  A go-to-wine for baby back-rib lovers!

Enjoy!

Later,
Mo

A new wine blog!

Welcome!   I have had a few requests for this lately, so I am happy to launch a brand-new wine blog today.

Thanks for visiting and I hope your wine journey begins - or indeed continues! here, so do check back often:

Today's first review is on Principessa Gavia Gavi DOCG 2015, DOCG from Banfi (Vintages #250696 - $19.95).

Hailing from the Piemonte (Piedmont) region in the North West of Italy - also home to the wines of Barolo - this white wine is crisp, clean, and completely refreshing.  Made from the Cortese grape, it is the only white wine of any importance from this part of Italy.   Amazing just on its own as an appetizer, don't miss trying it with fresh oysters or sushi.  Grab a few bottles while it's on the shelf at Vintages as it usually sells out fast!



On the red side of the aisle, Atamisque Catalpa Old Vines Malbec 2013 from Tupungato in Argentina (Vintages # 194126 at $19.95) has hints of blueberry and refreshing acidity on the palate, and is well balanced in spite of its relatively high alcohol.  Enjoy with ribs or pork tenderloin. 



Stay tuned for more and Enjoy!

Later, Mo