Combines Old World Corvina and Argentina’s signature Malbec with the Ripasso method to create a New World wine with plenty of Old World character. Nose shows complex developed fruit attractively dusted with cinnamon. Dark plum and cherry flavours come in a velvety texture backed by plush tannins, dark chocolate and discreet oak, finishing with a dry tannic kick.
Quite remarkable how well this wine has aged. Lovely, pretty and elegant with perfumed aromas of dried roses and violets, earth, tobacco and spice, soft tannins, silky mouthfeel and flavourful finish. The length is just starting to shorten a touch, but the wine is still quite focused and delicious. Drink now with a simple mushroom risotto.
Estate fruit from 11- to 29-year-old vines that date from the original planting that put Gamay on the BC map. Manually thinned, hand harvested and open-top fermented with native yeasts. Lifted red berry notes up front, followed by dark cherry notes with a hint of spice and earthiness on a light- to medium-bodied palate, supported by fresh and juicy acidity.
Bock beers are sturdy, malty lagers originating from the town of Einbeck in Germany but made famous in Munich in the 1600s. Once a regular spring staple of Ontario’s microbreweries, this beer style has fallen out of favour with craft beer drinkers recently and is tough to hunt down. All the more reason to seek out this Urbock (original bock) from the organic, family-owned outfit of Beau’s All Natural Brewing Company. They take German beer styles seriously and pull them off with flare. Look for this dark, warming and richly malty beer style pouring at bars in February and for sale at the Beau’s retail store in Vankleek Hill.
Possibly the most expensive bottle-to-juice ratio I’ve seen, this Sicilian Pinot Grigio bottle is adorned with a ceramic embossed heart, inscribed with words of amore. The patented ceramic is unique to Etiké, and this Pinot Grigio is one intended solely for the export market. Fresh hay, banana, yellow apple, pear, pine nuts and green melon in this fresh, light wine. A slick of lees veils the palate, and the finish is short and crisp. Easy pour with broth shellfish.
Admittedly, I’m still a bit of a newbie when it comes to sake. However, I’ve tasted 3 samples over the past little while that have convinced me that the high-end stuff is not only worth serious consideration, but that when it comes to sake, you really do get what you pay for. This number from Shata Shuzo displays intriguing aromas of subtle vanilla, mineral, pear, pumpkin seed, sea breeze, mushroom and earth. Flavours lean toward fruity/earthy, with hints of almond and brine. Round and silky, with a refreshing balance of acidity and mild bitterness.
Clear medium yellow. Fairly intense aromas of grilled pineapple and lime. Full-bodied, tasting of caramel apples and lime custard with a long finish. Superlative value. A worthy accompaniment to rich sausages or fine aged ham. Will keep for several more years.