Sparkling Wine
The following Santa Margherita Prosecco is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores
Santa Margherita ‘Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut’ Sparkling Wine Non-Vintage
DOC Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, Italy $17.95 (687582) 11.5% alcohol
Citrus, toasty, and floral on the nose this dishes out a creamy smooth texture and delicious flavour—it’s also good value. There are oodles of bubbles with a river white peach, lemon sherbet and mouth-watering tang on the palate and lip-smacking finish. Wonderful as a welcoming wine and can be poured with stand-around appetizers. (Vic Harradine)
Red Wine
Chakana ‘Maipe’ Malbec 2013
Maipe, Chile $14.95 (93823) 14.0% alcohol
Lovely aromas of luscious dark fruit mingle with notes of spice and pepper. Dry, medium-full bodied, this wine is loaded with lush fruit—blackberry, blueberry and raspberry jam—framed by ripe tannin and fresh acidity. Toasty notes and notions of dark chocolate linger on the savoury, tangy finish. Enjoy with grilled meats. (Susan Desjardins)
The following 2011 Martini Cabernet is a Vintages Essentials wine always available in select stores
Louis M. Martini Cabernet Sauvignon 2011
Napa Valley, California $29.95 (232371) 14.6% alcohol
Rich aromas of black currant and espresso roast mingle with earthy notes on the nose of this wondrously structured, complex gem. A gusher of luscious ripe mulberry and black berry interwoven with mixed spice and dark chocolate floods the palate. It’s full bodied and fully textured with a long finish that’s dry, mouth watering and delicious. (Vic Harradine)
Teleki ‘Villányi’ Kékfrankos 2012
Hungary $13.95 (142133) 14.0% alcohol
The original Csányi Winery was founded in 1881 by Zsigmond Teleki, who became famous for identifying grape varieties resistant to the phylloxera epidemic sweeping European vineyards at that time. Deep ruby, this young yet approachable wine offers very attractive aromas of sweet ripe fruits, dried herbs, spice and vanilla. Dry, medium bodied, it delivers on the promise with intensely flavourful fruit—cherry, berry and plum—offering spicy notes, a peppery mouth-coating texture, well-defined structure and a savoury, warming finish. A good value and a match for a hearty serving of roast vegetables or meat stew. (Susan Desjardins)