Our Wine Shopping List
You ask. We answer.
So many of you ask us at our tastings, cellar consultations and plain old conversations what you should buy, what you should drink now and what you should keep for later.
So we thought a regular feature based literally on what we are buying, how many bottles we are buying, and for what intended purpose (stocking the cellar, guzzling now etc.) may help you out.
Of course, you are not us; what you like and why could be the polar opposite to our tastes. In which case, this is not the blog for you. But, if you think you are a drinker who may have even a hint of similar wine preferences, than go forth and prosper, dear wino.
This week’s Vintages release is stocked with some tempting Italian treats, including a few age-worthy Barolos and quaffable whites.
With the holiday splurging sting still being felt, and a number of bottles on the wish list, this week’s shopping is concentrated on good value buys for both now and later.
Drink Now(ish)
Michele Chiarlo “Le Marne” Gavi, Piedmont, Italy 2013
$16.95 Vintages 228528
A favourite white wine for summer sipping, this has been a top pick in past vintages (see all our Chiarlo Gavi write ups here).
This will go into the cellar to lie in wait for the lazy, hazy days of summer. This isn’t meant for long term cellaring, but it likely won’t be available after a month or two, and we don’t want to miss out.
Purchased: 6
San Rafaele “Monte Tabor” Soave, Veneto, Italy 2013
$13.95 Vintages 277392
As Erin wrote about in the blog on the VinItaly tasting that happened in Toronto 2 weeks ago, Soave is another fun summer sipper. For identical reasons as the Gavi, we’re buying a few in hopes summer is not too far away.
Purchased: 2
Mocali Morellino di Scansano, Tuscany, Italy 2012
$16.95 Vintages 317115
Morellino is another name for Tuscan Sangiovese, that is grown around the hilly, coastal village of Scansano, in the Maremma region. Lesser known than its fashionable cousins of Chianti, Brunello and Montepulciano, it’s a fabulous option for an affordable, delicious Italian red wine. Ready to drink now, this can be sipped while waiting for the Vino Nobile to mature.
Purchased: 2
Cellar for mid- to long-term
Salchetto Vino Nobile de Montepulciano, Tuscany, Italy 2011
$29.95 Vintages 685180
One of Erin’s favourite wines, she picks up a few every vintage release. It’s not meant for immediate consumption, but good things come to those who wait. Hopefully. There was an intense heat wave in August of 2011 that hurt some vines and significantly decreased production, but Montepulciano is said to have fared well thanks to its deep, well-hydrated soils.
We wouldn’t open this up before 2016, and based on its predecessors bet it could last until 2023.
Purchased: 3
Château des Antonins, Bordeaux Supérieur, France 2010
$14.95 Vintages 404269
2010 was an exceptional vintage, so there are real bargains to be found. This looks like one of them. While typically we wouldn’t think Supérieur has the stuff to age for a very long time, thanks to the high performance of 2010, we would drink this anytime between now and 2018.
Purchased: 2