Allegrini Valpolicella 2011
DOC Valpolicella, Italy $13.95 (230789) 13.0% alcohol
Fresh, ruby-red and lively, this brims with aromas red cherry, cranberry and plummy notes. It’s juicy and tangy on the palate with a river of red cherry and spice-infused field berry fruit persisting through the balanced, dry, mouth-watering finish. It’s light-medium bodied with good texture and versatility with food—pizza, ribs, wings or pasta. (Vic Harradine)
The following Ripasso is a further $1 off December 2 – January 5
Allegrini ‘Corte Giara’ Ripasso 2010
DOC Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy $16.95 13.5% alcohol
Hi-toned and downright delicious, this rips from the glass with raisin, fig and dried fruit aromas. Balanced and beautiful—dark berry fruit, roasted herbs and dark chocolate swirl over the palate infusing the lengthy, dry, fruit-laden aftertaste. This is complex, structured and oozing class. Aerate/decant two hours and it even gets better. Run, don’t walk and stock up. (Vic Harradine)
Argento Bonarda 2011
Mendoza, Argentina $9.95 (292458) 13.5% alcohol
Although widely grown in Argentina—just behind Malbec—Bonarda is often consumed locally allowing this to fly under the radar. Be the first on your block to raise some eyebrows with this gorgeous red that tips the quality-price scale well in your favour. Intense aromas of dark, spiced berry fruit and toasty notes, it coats the palate with a rush of beautifully balanced, fruit-filled flavour—black currant, ripe mulberry and juicy, dark cherry. There’s good depth and the finish lingers, lip-smacking good. (Vic Harradine)
For a 7-minute video on Mendoza and Argento winemaker, Silvia Corte, click here.
Argento Malbec 2012
Mendoza, Argentina $9.95 (591693) 13.5% alcohol
Ruby-purple, fresh and lively, this bolts from the glass with heady aromas of mixed, dark field berry fruit and black licorice. Juicy and brimming with fruit on the palate, a stream of red cherry, briary berry and black plum compote follows through on the dry, finish. It’s mid weight and nicely textured pouring well with pizza, ribs or wings. (Vic Harradine)
Brumont Gros Manseng-Sauvignon 2011
IGP Côtes de Gascogne $12.95 (297234) 12.5% alcohol
Coming to the LCBO early December—the best-selling French white wine in the SAQ. Gros Manseng, a little-known grape, is grown principally in SW France. Vic and I loved it; enjoy fairly intense floral aromas and scents of stone fruit and lemon-lime. Dry and light-mid weight, it’s round, smooth and lively with notes of citrus, ripe apple and a clean, crisp, lemon pith finish. Try it with your favourite seafood. (Susan Desjardins)
Joseph Drouhin ‘Drouhin-Vaudon’ Chablis 2010
AOC Chablis $19.95 (284026) 12.5% alcohol
Floral, mineral notes and tropical fruit aromas billow from this crisp, refreshing gem. It dishes up a river of tangy citrus and ripe pit fruit mingling with green apple. It’s mid weight with good mouth feel and a refreshing finish brimming with delicious flavour, deft balance and good value. Drinking well now with mussels steamed in white wine. (Vic Harradine)
Henry of Pelham ‘Cuvée Catharine’ Rosé Brut Non Vintage
VQA Niagara Peninsula $29.95 (217505) 12.0% alcohol
Lively aromas of strawberry, spice and floral notes provide segue for a delectable mouthful of pin-point bubbles and mouth-watering blood orange, red currant and ruby grapefruit adorned with brioche and juicy, ripe dark cherry. This has lovely mouth feel and replays flavours on the lingering, crisp, refreshing aftertaste. Pours well as a welcoming wine and has the oomph for roast turkey dinner. (Vic Harradine)
Sue-Ann Staff Estate Winery Baco Noir 2010
VQA Ontario $14.95 (260422) 10.8% alcohol
Oodles of spice, freshly crushed grapes and dark berry fruit on the nose provide segue for a lively, juicy river of palate-bathing flavours with red cherry and red and black currant mingling with ripe briary berry. This is light on its feet with a focused, tangy aftertaste of red cherry with hints of mocha. It’s paired well with a plate of smoked meat, stinky cheese—Oka or 1608—and a baguette. (Vic Harradine)