deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Summer is in full swing, its time to break out the white wine. Fortunately, we’ve had some outstanding whites come into the store – the wines below are both idiomatic and varietally correct and also food friendly and worthy of your consideration. Some are extremely limited so grab some early on before they disappear for the year.

Pictured left to right:

2022 Nestor Avarino White (Peloponnese, Greece) – $17.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Hacienda Los Haroldos Conejo Verde Blanc de Blancs (Menodza, Argentina) – $17.49 , regularly $20.49.

Los Haroldos is located in the North Valley of Mendoza, Argentina, in the San martin departament. Owned by the Falasco family, it is one of Argentina’s leading family-owned wineries. Today, it is run by their fourth generation led by Franco Falasco, who continues the story that began back in 1939.

Due to the effort and a long life endeavors of the family, today the company continues its dedicated efforts to progress and the creation of high quality wines, which stands out because of the technological innovation, commitment and passion.

Our feature this week is their Conejo Verde Blanc de Blancs, a still white blend of 50% Viognier, 30% Sauvignon Blanc and 20% Torrontes. made by acclaimed winemaker Pablo Sanchez. Aromatic on the nose with herbaceous notes. Fresh and crisp in the mouth with tropical fruits and a long finish. Delicious on a hot, sunny day, a fine outdoor sipper.

Prost!

Hacienda Los Haroldos Conejo Verde Blanc d Blancs (Mendoza, Argentina) – $17.49 , regularly $20.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Avignonesi Cantaloro Rosso (Tuscany, Italy) – $17.99, regularly $22.99.

Avignonesi is located in the rolling hills of Montepulciano, Tuscany. Named for the family that founded the winery, Avignonesi has been led by Virginie Sayers since 2009. The estate is certified organic and then later biodynamc – they are famous for their Vino Nobile di Montepulicano and their rare and expensive Vin Santo dessert wines.

Our feature this week is their Cantaloro Rosso , a modern red blend that delivers everyday elegance with a signature Montepulciano touch. Made with a mix of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, it offers the best of both worlds: Italian character and international accessibility. With organic farming practices and a fresh, fruit-forward (cherries, blueberries, red sweet spice) profile finishing with undergrowth and menthol notes, Cantaloro is ideal for casual dinners, pizza or lasagna nights, and everyday red that punches above its weight. A true crowd-pleaser with pedigree.

Prost!

Avignonesi Cantaloro Rosso (Tuscany, Italy) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Bodegas San Alejandro Evodia Garnacha (Calatayud, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $22.99.

Bodegas San Alejandro is a large family cooperative made up of 150 winegrowers, the true architects of the company’s existence and key players in the team. They are lovers of the land, seekers of essences and fully dedicated to farming of their land. 85% of the harvests are exported to 40 countries around the world.

Our feature this week is their Evodia Garnacha, made from old bush vines planted over 40 years ago. Vineyards are 800m altitude average and the soil types in play are calcareous, clay and schist offering up violets, with good concentration of red and blue fruits and a long smooth finish. One of the most popular garnachas in Asia and in the Top 100 bestsellers in the USA. Evodia means perfume so this wine is a perfect representation of the Garnacha varieties that have historically grown in Aragon.

Prost!

Bodegas San Alejandro Evodia Garnacha (Calatayud, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $22.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Canada’s 158th birthday is this Tuesday, and worthy of a big celebration. With patriotism in mind, I’m sure many of you will be drinking something Canadian this week. So, have a Happy Canada Day weekend everybody, here are a few wine recommendations from B.C. and Ontario for your drinking pleasure.

Pictured left to right:

2023 Joie A Noble Blend (BC – Naramata Bench, Canada) – $37.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Calgary based founders Jacques Tremblay and Daniel Plenzik bonded in 2016 at a distilling workshop in the Okanagan. Using their combined knowledge of viticulture, winemaking and brewing, and drawing on their own cultural backgrounds, they set about bringing locally crafted Brandy, Whisky, and Eau de Vie’s and Bridgeland Distillery was thus borned.

Fast forward to 2025, Bridgeland Distillery swept up major national recognition including:

Gold and Silver medals at the 2025 Canadian Whisky Awards, including standout finishes for their Taber Corn and Wheat whiskies – praised for their exceptional grain-forward clarity and balance.

In addition, there were multiple wins at the 2025 Canadian Artisan Spirits Competition, where their unique craft releases were applauded for both innovation and precision.

Their products, specifically their two “Berbons” has taken over the market as alternatives for American Bourbons during the Trump tariff/backlash period.

Don’t forget to drop by this coming Saturday for a free sample pour after visiting the market!

Pictured from left to right:

Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $59.99
Bridgeland Distillery Taber Corn Berbon 101 (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $72.99
Bridgeland Distillery Single Blend Whisky (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $69.99
Bridgeland Distillery Old Fashioned Cocktail (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $47.99

Other Bridgeland products not pictured:

Bridgeland Distillery Barn Burner Single Malt Single Cask Whisky (Alberta, Canada) – 500mL – $82.99
Bridgeland Distillery Chamomile and Honey Eau de Vigne (Alberta, Canada) -375mL – $36.99
Bridgeland Distillery Old Fashioned Cocktail (Alberta, Canada) – 100mL – $11.99
Bridgeland Distillery Father’s Day Gift Box Set (Alberta, Canada) – 3x200mL – $99.99

Prost everyone!

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Faustino Bodegas Portia Roble (Ribera del Duero, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $22.49.

Bodegas Portia is Grupo Faustino’s (famous for its Riojas) most recent winery project and is the 7th winery in the group. Located in the heart of Ribera del Duero in northwestern Spain, the Portia winery includes vineyards located in Gumiel de Mercado, Roa, Sotillo de la Ribera, Villanueva de Gumie at an average altitude of 750-800m, showcasing modern design, winemaking function and artistic detail. The brand offers very small production wines – intense, energetic, balanced and terroir driven.

Our feature this week is their Roble from the Ribera del Duero wine region. Made from 100% Tempranillo, this offers a clean, bright, intense maroon colour with purple rim. Intense on the nose with freshly picked violets, red fruits and a marked toasted aromas, due to the 4 month large barrel ageing. Good entrance, structured and round tannin. Balanced and smooth medium-bodied finish with nice lingering concentration. Pair with any kind of meat. It matches with grilled or fried potatoes, mushrooms or ham. Some tasty or oily fish such as tuna, cod. Medium-aged cheese and berry dessert. Rice and all kind of pasta.

Prost!

Faustino Bodegas Portia Roble (Ribera del Duero, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $22.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $21.49 , regularly $26.99.

The Bodega Catena Zapata is certainly one of the standout and most respected wineries in Argentina. Famous for its production of world class Malbecs, it is Argentina’s oldest family winery, started by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena back in 1902. The winery itself is distinguished by its pyramid-like design based on Mayan architecture, located in the sub-appellation of Agrelo.

Our feature this week is their High Mountain Vines Malbec, a deep violet color red with purple reflections. This microclimate blend of four unique vineyards offers intense aromas, soft texture, and concentrated flavor. Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes, with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of blueberries and blackberries with a touch of leather and cinnamon. The wine has well-integrated tannins, bright acidity, and a flinty minerality that provides exceptional length to the finish. Pair with grilled red meats or pasta with red sauce.

Prost!

Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $21.49 , regularly $26.99

Return to devinewines.ca