• Pasqua recently lowered the yield of their grapes and tightened the area from where they source the following 2017 Pinot Grigio della Venezie in order to meet stringent DOC guidelines—this wine reflects it in the most positive ways. While $12.25 now, it will be increasing slightly—when purchasing, be certain to check the label and pick up the 2017.

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Pasqua Pinot Grigio della Venezie 2017
DOC Pinot Grigio della Venezie $12.25 (213496) 12.0% alcohol
Aromas of honeysuckle, nutty notes and orchard fruit swirl from the glass. It bathes the palate with zippy mouthfuls of flavour with lime cordial and Granny Smith apple predominant. It finishes clean and crisp with easy pairings of fish and seafood, salads with olive oil and vinegar dressing or simply sip on its own. The price-quality balance tips well in your favour. (Vic Harradine)

• The following 2017 Rosehall Run ‘Defiant’ Pinot Noir was sourced from 50% Prince Edward County and 50% Niagara maturing primarily in French oak barrel.

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Rosehall Run ‘Defiant’ Pinot Noir 2017
VQA Prince Edward County $19.95 (307769) 12.3% alcohol
There’s very good value here. Smoke/oak and cola aromas stream from the glass. It envelops the palate with piquant spice and delectable tang carried on the crest of a river of dark bramble berry, sour cherry and passionfruit intertwined with grilled savoury herbs and wisps of oak. This is nicely balanced with medium weight, good mouthfeel, depth and plenty of oomph with a dry, lingering finish and aftertaste. Pour with roasts, stew and fowl. (Vic Harradine)

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Tawse Sparkling Apple Cider 
$3.25 (569350) 473 mL can 5% alcohol 
This has lightly charged effervescence, is delicately flavoured and low alcohol. It was produced using 100% Ontario-grown apples—McIntosh, Crispin, Ambrosia, Spy, Ida Red, Gala. It spreads over the palate with ripe apple and baked apple pie flavour and persists through the lingering finish and aftertaste; it’s a friendly, barely off-dry sipper, smooth and mellow. (Vic Harradine)