A taste of the trends - March 2, 2013 VINTAGES release

March 2, 2013 VINTAGES release

In this release, March 2, 2013, VINTAGES features:

• cutting edge Cali
• wines of Central & Southern Italy
• local talent: eco-friendly wineries - Henry of Pelham, Malivoire, Southbrook & Stratus

note re: the Skinny on Sulphur: "Ever wondered why organic wines in this magazine include a measurement of 'free sulphur'? Sulphur is a naturally occurring part of all wines. It can also be used in the vineyard as a disease combatant, or added as a wine-stabilizing agent. The LCBO Quality Assurance Lab tests all wines for sulphur to ensure they're safe to drink. Unless a wine is faulty, no sulphur should be detectable (by the drinker) in a wine's aroma or flavour. Some people are unusually sensitive to sulphur, and for those people, organic wines are a good choice because they're low in free sulphur levels: organic wines contain little or no added sulphur."

I will provide a list of those most likely to make it into my bag ... the visual of my red sharpie & yellow highlighter has been replaced by bolded text (as to what caught my eye). I must add that price plays a factor - I don't usually buy wine over $30 unless it is something spectacular. Also, I need to make mention that my choices usually sway towards something I haven't tried before. I like to challenge my nose & palate.

My picks include ...

MALIVOIRE PINOT GRIS 2011 VINTAGES 591305 | 750 mL bottle Price $19.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Here's an intriguing Pinot Gris fashioned in the Alsatian style with a local twist. Succulent nose of white peach, applesauce, melon and stony mineral with a whiff of white pepper. Very fresh, vibrant and elegant with some oomph, too. A touch of citrus joins white pepper on the finish. Pair with lake fish, roast chicken or parsnip salad. (VINTAGES panel, Jan. 2013)"

SUE-ANN STAFF LOVED BY LU RIESLING 2011 VINTAGES 322636 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "This off-dry, crowd-pleaser has an aromatic outburst of alluring aromas with tropical fruit, floral and peel marmalade among them. There's a mélange of flavours with lemon chiffon pie and crisp, green apple mingling with ripe melon and pit fruit. It finishes in a blaze, mouth-watering, balanced and fruit-filled - ripe sweet orchard fruit mingling with clean, tangy citrus and minerality. What's not to like? Score - 4 1/2 Stars (out of 5). (Vic Harradine, winecurrent.com, Nov. 20, 2012)"

JEAN GEILER MÉDAILLÉ MUSCAT D'ALSACE 2011 VINTAGES 315093 | 750 mL bottle Price $16.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Huge grapey perfumey nose with lime marmalade and floral in support. Borderline off-dry with floral and grape tones beautifully re-imagined on the palate. A good body and a long, aromatic finish. A must for Thai food. (VINTAGES panel, Aug. 2012)"

I this one up every single time it appears on release ... CAVE DE RASTEAU LA DOMELIÈRE RASTEAU 2010 VINTAGES 222927 | 750 mL bottle Price $15.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Very juicy and mouthfilling, with nice structure pushing through the core of blueberry, fig and boysenberry fruit. Lots of mouthwatering anise and graphite notes chime in on the finish. Solid. Drink now through 2013. Special Designation: Smart Buy. Score - 90. (James Molesworth, winespectator.com, Feb. 29, 2012)"

TARIMA MONASTRELL 2010 VINTAGES 310151 | 750 mL bottle Price $12.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: "Bright ruby. A highly perfumed nose displays cherry, raspberry, pipe tobacco and Asian spices. Juicy and precise on the palate, with very good depth to its sweet red berry, bitter cherry and spice flavors. Fine-grained tannins add shape and grip to a long, silky and alluringly sweet finish. This is one of the best values in red wine that I've tasted in a long time. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, Oct./Nov. 2011)"

There you have it - a list that is somewhat shorter than usual. Bottoms up!

Éva Nagy - accredited sommelier & yummy food enthusiast