What We’re Drinking Now
This is a great time of year, as summer winds down and early fall begins to come around, the days are warm, but not blisteringly so, and the nights just cool and comfortable enough to make you crave a red with a little oomph. With that in mind, we have some killer choices for you.
Domaine de Viaud, AC Lelande de Pomerol, France 2001
$26.95 Vintages 282475
If you ever buy one recommendation from us well, first, shame on you, but second, let it be this one. We opened it tentatively at first, because what can you really get from Bordeaux for $26, but it was an incredible buy that had us immediately return to buy a case. There’s lots of fine sediment so decant before serving, but them look for aromas of black licorice, cassis, black plum, old leather, dried leaves and vanilla pod. On the palate, this is very approachable with fine tannin, good acidity, and chocolate, dark pitted fruits and a raspberry finish. We stocked up for our fall and winter time dining, but don’t save this one much longer than a year: an ’01 the cellaring has already been done for you and it’s here for a good time, not a long time.
Jean Paul Brun “Terres Dorées” Côtes de Brouilly, Beaujolias, France 2010
$18.95 Vintages 235127
A bright purple wine with intriguing aromas of tea leaves, field greens, sour cherry and tamarind. Very pretty on the palate with flavours of cherry pie filling, baking spice mix, smoke and a graphite/mineral note. A fantastic food wine, try this with Teriyaki glazed Korean short ribs.
Castellani “Filicheto” Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, DOCG, Tuscany, Italy 2009
$17.95 Vintages 184937
If you’ve been following us for a while you know that Italy has a special place in our hearts. And the great thing about good Vino Nobiles, is they can take us right back to the Old Country for $17. This one is no different as it offers up the Tuscan charm of black olives, savoury herb, bright cherry, red raspberry and sundried tomato. Delicious sitting on the balcony with a hearty cheese plate, as the cooler air drifts in and the sun sets. Now that’s amore!
Château De Lancyre Coste D’Aleyrac, Pic Saint Loup, AC Languedoc, France, 2010
$19.95 Vintages 74765
A Syrah dominated red blend full of plum, cherry and raspberry flavours mixing with black pepper spice, cedar notes and bay leaf herbacious notes. Firm tannins and dark fruit flavours make this a natural for BBQ red meat.
P. Ferraud & Fils Domaine Ferraud “Les Charmes” AC Morgon, Beaujolais, France 2009
$17.95 Vintages 268052
Perfect end of summer red. Full of juicy red fruits with a tart cranberry finish. Enjoy slightly chilled- great on its own or with BBQ fare.
Bruno Giacosa Arneis, DOC Roero, Piedmont, Italy 2011
$34.70 Le Sommelier
A white grape of Piedmont that used to be used solely for softening Barolo. In recent years it’s gained popularity as its own grape and rightfully so. Famed Barbaresco producer Giacosa makes some of the best Arnies, so we highly recommend ordering a case. This is a beautiful medium bodied white. Full of ripe stone fruit, white flower blossom, with a slight hint of tangerine. Medium acidity and mineral finish. Enjoy with fresh seafood or burrata.