deVine Thoughts

March 18, 2024

Weekly Offer for Mar 18/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:31 am

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2021 Balbo Oak Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99 , regularly $22.99.

The Familia Falasco owns two wineries – Los Haroldos and Balbo, which are located in the province of Mendoza in Argentina. The company’s products are in great demand among the population and to date, 8% of the wine sold in Argentina are made in the company Familia Falasco. In addition, the company exports wine to 35 countries in the world.

Our feature this week is their “Balbo Oak” Malbec – it is made ​​from grapes harvested from selected varieties of vines Malbec throughout their holdings in Mendoza. The hot and dry climate of the region is ideal for creating fine wines balanced with rounded tannins and a delicate flavors. After a controlled maceration in concrete vats the wine is aged at least six months in barrels of French and American oak. “Balbo” Oak Malbec – is a well rounded red wine with a perfect balance of tartness and acidity and a long pleasant creamy aftertaste.

2021 Balbo Oak Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99 , regularly $22.99

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March 11, 2024

Weekly Offer for Mar 11/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 11:47 am

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Glen Carlou Classic Chardonnay (Paarl, South Africa) – $20.99 , regularly $27.49.

The award-winning estate of Glen Carlou is owned by the Hess Group of Napa Valley fame (who also owns Peter Lehmann in Barossa and Bodegas Colome in Argentina. Carlou is located in Paarl, South Africa in the northern foothills (a half hour drive NE of Stellenbosch) and has 70 hectares under vine. They produced commercially Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc wines.

Our feature this week is their Classic Chardonnay, with lovely citrus, Granny Smith and peaches with a fair dose of butterscotch vanilla on a fruit driven mid-palate. The finish offers pear and lime with some spicy vanilla notes and softer tannins. Full-bodied with lovely finesse. Not as heavily oaked as in American chards. Lovely with a pasta in cream sauce, oysters or an oily fish.

Glen Carlou Classic Chardonnay (Paarl, South Africa) – $20.99 , regularly $27.49

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March 4, 2024

Weekly Offer for Mar 4/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 2:08 pm

weekly_carvalhas_tinto_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Quinta Das Carvalhas Tinto (Douro, Portugal) – $17.99 , regularly $26.49.

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic and spectacular properties in the Douro valley. Written references regarding this magnificent vineyard can be traced back to 1759. It enjoys a prominent position on the left bank of the Douro river, in Pinhão, the estate covers the entire hillside facing the Douro river and occupies part of the slopes of the right bank of the tributary Torto river.

Carvalhas’ old vines, are a post-phylloxera plantation, which have reached over a century old and represent one of the richest selection of ancient indigenous Douro varieties. Quinta das Carvalhas’ total area is located at different altitudes, varying from 80 to 500 metres above sea level, with vineyards exposed to both northern and southern quadrants with 74.5 hectares planted.

Our feature this week is their Tinto, made from Portuguese indigenous grapesTouriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. A very fresh red witha beautiful ruby color and aromas of red fruit harmoniously integrated with creamy vanilla notes, demonstrating notable aromatic intensity and complexity. Very balanced and round, resulting in a very pleasant and long-lasting finish.

Quinta Das Carvalhas Tinto (Douro, Portugal) – $17.99 , regularly $26.49

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February 26, 2024

Weekly Offer for Feb 26/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:15 pm

weekly_allegrini_valpo_classico_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Allegrini Valpolicella Classico (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $24.49.

Located in the Monti Lessini foothills in the Valpolicella Classico area of Veneto, Italy, Allegrini’s vineyards (100 hectares) sit on highly favourable morainic, gravel soils and enjoy a unique Mediterranean micro-climate thanks to the proximity to Lake Garda which warms the valleys created by the Lessini mountains to the north, making it an ideal environment for growing classy Valpolicella and Amarone. They also have a luxury Bed & Breakfast on site.

The Allegrini family has lived in Valpolicella for at least 5 centuries and are on their 6th generation of wine makers at the estate so they know how to make Valpolicella. Our feature this week is their Valpolicella Classico, Ruby red in colour with purplish hues, it expresses a fragrant fruity note dominated by cherry, echoed by fresher nuances of aromatic herbs and peper. The palate has nice red fruit alongside spice and underbrush, typical of the Corvina grape. A great everyday drinker.

Allegrini Valpolicella Classico (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $24.49

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February 19, 2024

Weekly Offer for Feb 19/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:48 pm

weekly_villa_maria_sb_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99.

Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one-man band. In 1961, at just 21 years of age, Sir George Fistonich leased five acres of land near Mangere, Auckland and started off with just an acre of vines. The first wine under the name Villa Maria in 1962 was made with grapes harvested from this block. Today, Villa Maria is one of the biggest wineries in New Zealand anda globally recognised and adored for its bold, expressive and exceptional wines.

Now an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves with an emphasis on sustainable practices in every area. Their wines are a reflection of the unique sites and regions they are grown.

Our feature this week is their Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, a white with a citrus (grapefruit, lime) and gooseberry nose, a palate of lemongrass, passion fruit and lemons finishing with vibrant acidity, herbaceousness, medium-bodied and juiciness. Pair with fish, shellfish, even stands up to a crab and artichoke dip.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99

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February 15, 2024

2024 Canella Sparkling Advent Calendar (Pre-Sell)

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 6:36 pm

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Author: Dirk Chan

Hard to believe we’re talking Christmas already, but here we are in February offering once again the Canella Family Sparkling Advent Calender – $199.99 from Empson Canada for Christmas 2024 season now. Purchase yours before the deadline date of Midnight Sunday, March 10th to ensure you have it for the Xmas season.

The Canella winery was founded in 1947 after World War II by Luciano Canella. His parents owned a small, family-style restaurant in San Donà di Piave in Venice. Having to survive the difficult wartime after his Dad’s passing, Luciano began to search the surrounding areas for the best wines to match his mother’s cuisine when he thought about creating his own wine. He put this idea into action and set up a state-of-the-art winery specializing in Prosecco.

Since then, the Canellas have become Prosecco pioneers and through hard work, the brand and family of Canella demonstrate what can be achieved in the Conegliano appellation and have become almost synonymous with Prosecco itself.

This festive Advent Calendar collection on pre-sale contains 24 bottles of 200ml sparkling wines from the Canella family including their five different Proseccos and their families premium Brut Rosé. All will be laid out at random within the box with a pop open tab for each day leading up to Christmas. Cases are shipped in a plain protective outer carton.

Contents (4x each of the following 6 wines in 200ml format and twist cap enclosures):

1) Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Brut “Millesimato” DOCG is light straw yellow with fine perlage, the nose is fruity and crisp with mellow floral flavors. Rich on the palate with silky-smooth texture.

2) Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry DOCG – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Extra Dry “Millesimato” DOCG is brilliant straw yellow. The nose has fruity aromas of peach, apple, pear and citrus fruit. The palate gracefully balances zingy acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness, richness, and silky-smooth texture.

3) Processo Brut DOC – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Brut DOC is straw yellow with lively perlage, the bouquet is fresh, fruity and aromatic. On the palate, it characteristically combines softness and freshness thanks to perfectly balanced acidity and sugar.

4) Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut Millesimato DOCG – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Brut “Millesimato” DOCG is light straw yellow with fine perlage, the nose is fruity and crisp with mellow floral flavors. Rich on the palate with silky-smooth texture. This wine represents Canella’s top-level Prosecco, a modern and international version of Canella Prosecco.

5) Lido Prosecco Rosé Brut DOC – 85% Glera grape and 15% Pinot Noir. Canella Prosecco Rosé “Lido” DOC is a lovely shade of pink with fine and persistent perlage, the nose features fruity notes of cherry, wild berries and delicate flowers. On the palate, it is fresh, vivacious and pleasingly dry, with excellent persistence.

6) Canella Rosé Brut Marinotti – 100% Pinot Nero. Canella Pinot Noir Brut Rosé is a delightful, brilliant pink color with lively perlage, fragrant, fruity bouquet and a fresh, flavorful palate with gobs of character.

2024 Canella Sparkling Advent Calendar (Veneto, Italy) – $199.99

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February 12, 2024

Weekly Offer for Feb 12/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:11 pm

weekly_voltes_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Monemvasia Voltes Red (Peloponnese, Greece) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99.

The Monemvasia Winery was founded in 1997 by the Tsimbidis family. Only native Greek grapes are grown in the 30 hectares under vine in Peloponnese wine region in Southeastern Greece.

Our feature this week is their Voltes Red, a blend of two native grape varieties 50/50 – Agiorgitiko and Mavroudi. Both varieties are grown organically in Laconia, near Monemvasia, where the climate is warm and dry. The vineyard is situated at an altitude of 200 metres above sea-level, offering cooler nights, resulting in balancing natural freshness. The vines are planted in clay-loam soils; the clay component has good water retention properties helping to nourish the vines during the warm, dry growth period. The grapes are hand-harvested at optimum maturity.

The name Voltes is inspired by the twisting uphill pathway leading to the Upper Town of Monemvasia. The two varieties were co-fermented. A light-bodied red (12.5% alcohol) offering apple notes of ripe red fruits with a hint of sweet spice. It is well-structured with balanced acidity, soft tannins, and a pleasant finish. Pair with grilled kebobs or red sauced dishes.

Monemvasia Voltes Red (Peloponnese, Greece) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99

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February 10, 2024

Mature 2011 Bordeaux

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:08 pm

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Author: Dirk Chan

The 2011 Bordeaux vintage had the misfortune of following the legendary duo of 2009 and 2010. It is a precocious vintage that is now in its maturity window and serves as a gap measure for those who want something good to drink in the intervening years while 2009 and 2010 sit in the cellar. The right bank (Merlot based) wines are particularly successful.

With Valentine’s upcoming fast, and eating out prohibitive why not do up a nice meal at home (roast lamb comes to mind immediately) paired with an older Bordeaux that is drinking well!

First, those pictured above from left to right (these we have good stock on):

2011 Château Providence (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $189.99

2011 Le Carre (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $164.99

2011 Château La Fleur-Petrus (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $259.99

2011 Château Trotanoy (Bordeaux – Pomerol, France) – $269.99

Here is a couple more 2011’s to consider:

2011 Le Dome (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $249.99

2011 Château Teyssier Vieux Chateau Mazerat (Bordeaux – St. Emilion, France) – $139.99

Happy Valentines everyone!

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February 5, 2024

Weekly Offer for Feb 5/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 2:02 pm

weekly_morel_signargues_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Domaine Pierre Henri Morel Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Signargues (Rhone Valley, France) – $20.99 , regularly $25.99.

The Domaine Pierre-Henri Morel was created in 2008 when Pierre-Henri and Michel Chapoutier purchased twenty acres of vineyards aged 50 years old in the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region. Fascinated by the southern Rhône Valley, by the amazing variety of its soils and by the Grenache grape variety, Pierre-Henri farms without synthetic chemicals fully utilizing the high-altitude terraces and alluvial soils at his disposal.

Freshness, balance and minerality abound in our weekly feature, the value driven Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Signargues. The fruit comes from the right bank of the Rhône facing Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made from a blend of Grenache and Syrah delivering flavors of blackberry and currant with notes of licorice and pepper finishing with freshly crushed herbs. This smooth and elegant red has fine-grained tannins that would do well with game or lamb.

Domaine Pierre Henri Morel Cotes-du-Rhone Villages Signargues (Rhone Valley, France) – $20.99 , regularly $25.99

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January 29, 2024

Weekly Offer for Jan 29/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:49 pm

weekly_cantina_rosso_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cantina di Montalcino Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) – $22.99, regularly $29.99.

Cantina di Montalcino was founded in 1970 – it is a beautiful property in Tuscany, surrounded by meadows, olive trees and the splendid vineyards of the Val di Cava, just outside the medieval town of Montalcino. It is the only cooperative winery in the Brunello area with 94 members contributing. Passion and know how lives here for over 40 years, with 60 hectares of Sangiovese vineyards producing both Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino.

Our feature this week is their Rosso di Montalcino DOC, way cheaper than the Brunello and ready to drink sooner. Fragrant berry fruits, tobacco and tea leaves float to your nose. Generous and supple on palate with subtle vanilla, sweet fruit and earthy undertones. Marvelous for pasta or charcuterie.

Cantina di Montalcino Rosso di Montalcino (Tuscany, Italy) – $22.99 , regularly $29.99

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