What We’re Drinking in February

Chateau des Charmes “Estate Bottled” Brut, VQA Niagara on the Lake NV $22.95

50% Chardonnay & 50% Pinot Noir make up this stylish and classy traditional method sparkling.  Enjoy with roast chicken or grilled salmon.

Monmousseau Crémant de Loire Brut Rose, Loire, France NV $16.95

A traditional method sparkling that bursts with flavours of ripe summer strawberries, a hint of baking spice and delicate apricot.  A blend of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Groulleau, this is a pretty wine perfect for a Valentine’s Day date to be enjoyed with oysters, goat’s cheese or wild mushroom tart.

Duca di Castelmonti Bagio Kelbi Inzolia, IGT Sicilia 2010 $14.95

This is like a voluptuous Pinot Grigio, with an oily, soft mouthfeel and flavours of marzipan, lanolin and raw fennel.  Try it with grilled seafood, or spicy bouillabaisse.

Perrin &Fils Peyre Blance “Cairanne” AC Côtes du Rhône Villages, Rhône, France 2009 $17.95

80% Grenache & 20% Syrah make up this elegant and earthy red. Dark ruby with flavours of raspberry concentrate, crushed black pepper and earth, this would be lovely with roast lamb and rosemary.

Descendientes de Jose Palacios “Petalos,” DO Bierzo, Spain 2009 $22.95

Made of 100% Mencia, this is biodynamically produced deep red full of smoke, oaky sweetness and blackberry fruit.  An extraordinary value, we seek this out each vintage release.  It’s well worth picking up a case. Enjoy with spicy grilled chorizo, or a simple BBQ’d sirloin.

Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California 2008 $54.95

With a history so romantic it’s the stuff movies are made of (2008‘s Bottle Shock starring Alan Rickman).  This is a great wine to pop open for the apple of your eye.  Typical cab flavours here of cassis, humidor, and a touch of grilled rosemary, this can wait it out in the cellar for a few years or decanted for an hour and enjoyed now with grilled peppercorn steak or roast duck.