deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Undurraga Sibaris Reserva Pinot Noir (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $18.99 (GST Holiday) , regularly $22.49.

Vina Undurraga is one of the largest and oldest wineries in all of Chile, possessing an impressive portfolio of wines from four different ranges. Founded in 1885 by Francisco Undurraga, the winery has a beautiful historic garden outside with large and impressive trees that were planted over a hundred years ago. The winery itself is quite modern, keeping up with the high demand for their still wines and sparkling wines which are popular in Chile and exported all around the world.

Our feature this week is their Sibaris Pinot Noir Reserva, made with selected Pinot Noir grapes grown in their Maipo Valley vineyards. After being carefully aged in oak casks, it was then bottled and stored in their cellars until it reached maturity. It has a classic ruby colour with an aroma enhanced by red berry fruit notes. On the palate, there is a touch of mushroom, forest floor and sour cherries that are balanced by some pomegranate, star anise and five spice notes all leading to a smooth, silky texture. This Pinot Noir is ideal with turkey dinner and mild cheese.

Enjoy our last weekly feature for 2024, we’ll be returning with more in early January 2025.

Undurraga Sibaris Reserva Pinot Noir(Maipo Valley, Chile) – $18.99 (GST Holiday) Exempt), regularly $22.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

deVine Days, our annual Customer Appreciation Weekend is set for Friday, Dec 13th through Sunday, Dec 15th. Our annual “Thank You!” for your ongoing support and patronage will once again be giving a 10% discount* on all in-store items (yes, including wine, beer, spirits and vintage keeper and vintage room products). No rain-checks and does not apply to products already discounted (cases of the month, bin-ends, tastings and weekly online offer).

We will be having free agent drop-in pours on Saturday and Sunday – enjoy wine samples while you shop.

For your shopping convenience, you can also shop online during that weekend as our entire inventory is available via our website that is available to you 24 hours a day. Enjoy shopping in the comforts of your own home. Note you won’t see the 10% discount when you order online in the system generated confirmation but rather it will be applied by us in the backend and you will see it on our second email confirmation when your order has been processed.

You can also visit us in the store during our extended store hours (till 8pm) on both Friday and Saturday and regular hours on Sunday.

In addition to the sale, do take advantage of our free delivery within Edmonton city limits option with a minimum $75 purchase – we deliver monday through fridays in the afternoons.

This is our biggest sale of the year to give everybody some much needed cheer! Shop early for best selection. Don’t miss out, its a great opportunity to do all your Xmas and New Year needs.

At this time of year, please remember those in need. Please bring a package for the Edmonton Food Bank or drop some money into the cash box by our till if you’re coming into to the store. For those taking advantage of our free delivery within Edmonton city limits, you can hand over a care package to our driver. Thank you in advance.

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Wachter-Weisler Handgemenge Blaufrankisch Zweigelt (Burgenland, Austria) – $18.99, regularly $24.99.

In 2010, at an almost absurdly young age of 20, Christoph Wachter-Wiesler took over all responsibilities of his family winery. As a fifth-generation winemaker, Christoph immediately shifted the focus to Blaufränkisch, the indigenous grape variety that probably originated not far from the area and has always been around. Over the last decade, Christoph painstakingly converted to organic farming practices in all 65 parcels of 16 total hectares of vines spread across the gentle hills around the village Deutsch Schützen-Eisenberg, where Christoph’s father has been the mayor and the Wachter-Wiesler family call home.

The Wachter-Wiesler wines are some of the most exciting red wines made in Austria today. Wachter-Wiesler wines have silky texture, floral aromatics, great energy, and elegance – truly Blaufränkisch at its finest. Certified organic.

Our feature this week is their Handgemenge Red, a light red wine made from a blend of Blaufrankisch and Zweigelt, made all in steel and bottled unfiltered with minimal SO2. Just under 12% alcohol with floral (violets), raspberry, pomegranate and lilacs with some funk as well. The palate is juicy dark berry fruit, earthy and mineral driven and a peppery lip smacking finish with nice minerality and acid. Enjoy with a light chill and some burgers, Asian duck or on a cold winter night with a simple beef stew.

Wachter-Weisler Handgemenge Blaufrankisch Zweigelt (Burgenland, Austria) – $18.99, regularly $24.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Raymond Family Classic Cabernet Sauvignon (California, United States) – $17.49 (regularly $21.99).

Raymond Vineyards has over 300 acres of estate vineyards in the Napa Valley, in 3 locations (St. Helena, Rutherford and Jameson Canyon). Each parcel is matched to varietals which perform well in that particular climate and soil type. In addition, the winery maintains long term growing contracts with over 15 Napa Valley growers, allowing the winery to take advantage of the micro-climates and sub-appellations within the Napa Valley.

Our weekly feature this week is their Raymond Classic Cabernet Sauvignon is of a deep ruby colour with a nose of florals, dark berries – cassis, blackberry, herbal and soft vanilla aromas. On the palate, it is medium bodied with cassis, vanilla and spice flavours with ripe supportive tannins. Pair with a grilled steak.

Raymond Family Classic Cabernet Sauvignon (California, United States) – $17.49 (regularly $21.99)

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

The popular American wine publication Wine Spectator reviews over 15,000 wines every year, and in mid November, they issue their Top 100 Wines of the Year amids much fanfare and hoopla. This has been an ongoing tradition since 1988.

The retailers follow closely and will bring in as many of the Top 100 as available. It gets harder every year to get a lot of wines, either because its not in Alberta, or it is the wrong vintage. We have six wines to offer this year so far so grab them while quantities last and have yourself a WS Top 100 tasting.

Check out the available 2024 Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines..

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Hijos de Juan Gil Honoro Vera Garnacha (Calatayud, Spain) – $17.49, regularly $21.99.

The Gil Family is based in Jumilla, an fast rising winegrowing area just south of Valencia where the original winery, Juan Gil, is also located. The family established this winery in 1916, and since then it has been refined and expanded to take advantage of the remarkable climate – which sees hot summers and long, cold winters, with a regular difference of 25 ºC between day and night temperatures.

Their ventures in Castilla y León, Montsant and Priorat, Calatayud, Rueda, Almansa and Rías Baixas has increased exposure of these small estates has seen them receive consistently high ratings from international critics that belie their consistently accessible price points. This makes the Gil Family wines that rare thing: small-production wines that are both value buys and extremely rewarding.

Our feature this week is their Honoro Vera Garnacha, offering aromas of cocoa, black fruits, violets and oregano. With a medium-bodied palate of savory notes, blueberries and a generous mouthfeel ending with some spice, it pairs well with dishes like burgers with Middle Eastern flavors or shawarma. Made from 50 year old vines. A fine choice at an affordable price!

Hijos de Juan Gil Honoro Vera Garnacha (Calatayud, Spain) – $17.49, regularly $21.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

The Edmonton Downtown Business Association’s (EDBA) second annual Downtown Winterval program is on Saturday, Nov 23rd. There will be a market, sleigh rides, holiday lights, ice carving, warm drinks, cold beers, and live music. There’s something for everyone in the family at this winter festival on historic 104 St. north of Jasper Avenue.

deVine will be part of the fun – 10% off in-stock items in the store on Saturday, November 23 from 11-7pm, excluding already discounted product. We’ll have free sampling throughout the day. Mark your calendar and plan to come down to be part of the experience.

More on Winterval here..

Free Drop-In Sampling here..