#WineWednesday: Looking Out for Number Ones

By / Wine + Drinks / September 11th, 2013 / 1

At a recent Gallo tasting I found that the California wine giant has two number one wines in Canada: a red blend and a Pinot Noir.

Now, if you’re like most people outside the USA, the name Gallo is not at the head of your “wines to get” list, in fact, and especially in Europe, the name Gallo has taken quite a beating over the years, to the point, so I’ve been told, that Gallo wines are laughed off the table (so don’t bring one).

But then I look at some of the Gallo wines I have had over the years – especially their eponymous named ones, and I see a trend of quality wines at this level … so it must be at the “low end” stuff that takes the beating.  Truth is they’re giving the people what they want, and that’s never a bad thing.

Here are two number one wines (in Canada) that deserve their status and one wine that deserves to be elevated to that status – all reasonably priced under $20.00.

Apothic 2011 Red ($15.95)

Blend of Syarh, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel – sweet fruited with silky texture and a chocolate finish, touch of white pepper on the linger

Mirassou 2012 Pinot Noir ($13.45)

Sweet juicy fruit with lots of cherry and raspberry, there’s also a nice touch of spice on the finish.

Ghost Pines 2010 Winemakers Blend Chardonnay ($19.95)

Buttery, vanilla and butterscotch along with poached pear and peach, this really over delivers at its price point.

For more wine suggestions, see our other #WineWednesday posts.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael is an award-winning journalist: Promoting the Promoters Award Cuvée 2010 and Ontario Wine Awards Journalist of the Year 2012.  He is also a national and international wine judge - Ontario Wine Awards, All Canadian Wine Championships; Best of Riesling — Germany; Essencia do Vinho — "Top Wines of Portugal".  He is currently the President of the Wine Writers Circle of Canada and the wine columnist for Ottawa Life and Grand magazine as well as regular contributor to Tidings, and Grapevine ... his reviews have also appeared in the LCBO Vintages magazine. Michael has also added a YouTube channel to his activities where he reviews bottles of great Ontario wine on a weekly basis. In whatever he does, it is Michael’s desire to educate, inspire and encourage others to grow their own love and enthusiasm for wine – and to realize that it is their palate that ultimately makes the decision.

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