deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Mezzacorona Terre del Noce Pinot Grigio Rosé (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy) – $13.49 , regularly $16.99.

The Cantine Mezzacorona cooperative has been cultivating their vineyards in Trentino, Italy since 1904, producing harmonious, elegant and fragrant wines, like the land they come from. Their vineyards run from Lake Garda to the foothills of the towering snowcapped Dolomite Mountains. There is a wide range of microclimates ranging from Mediterranean to Alpine and the respective grapes were planted in specific plots to allow for best displays of aromas, flavors and terroir.

Our feature this week is their Terre del Noce Rosé – Terre de Noce means vineyards along the river Noce. This lively pink is made from Pinot Grigio, offering freshness, fragrance and elegance. Soft pink in colour the wine offers pleasant fruity aromas that lead you onto a palate that is dry, elegant and with a delicate acidity. Perfect as an aperitif, or with a variety of poultry, fish and vegetable dishes. A fine value and great to drink during this hot spell…

Mezzacorona Terre del Noce Pinot Grigio Rosé (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy) – $13.49 , regularly $16.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the The Ned Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.49 , regularly $21.99.

The Ned represents the vibrant diversity that is so prevalent in the Marlborough wine-growing region in the Northeast of the South Island of New Zealand. One of Marlborough’s famous peaks, the Ned Mountains serves as the playground for founder Brent Marris to express his grassroots winemaking that places the energy of this grand adventure in every bottle made. The Marisco Vineyards are located in the Waihopai Valley, a location which provides a near perfect environment for producing wines of great character.

Our feature this week is their Sauvignon Blanc – punchy aromatics of lemon, lime, citrus and quince with undertones of juicy tropical fruits that fill the nose. Plush on the palate, showing juicy grapefruit freshness with lively acidity carrying these classical Waihopai Valley characteristis to a lengthy spicy, minerally and herblike finish. Try pairing with seafood dishes or a fresh garden salad.

The Ned Waihopai River Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.49 , regularly $21.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Forzza Pendiente Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $15.99 , regularly $21.99.

Our feature this week is the Forzza Pendiente Cabernet Sauvignon, a medium bodied red with dark fruits of blackberry, figs, cherries all leading to a spice infused, peppery finish. Fairly high tannin with some light vanilla from oak aging. A bbq steak red that fits the everyday drinker category – decant for a half hour.

Forzza Pendiente Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza, Argentina) – $15.99 , regularly $21.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cune Seleccion de Fincas (Ribera del Duero, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $21.99.

The history of Compañía Vinícola del Norte de España began back in 1879 (making them one of the oldest wineries in Spain) at this winery in the famous Barrio de la Estación train station in the town of Haro. Over more than 140 years, it has continued to grow around the Aldea del Vino (Wine Village), a sunny courtyard flanked by unique stone buildings with ceramic tile roofs, which has become the central hub of CVNE.

The first wine produced by CVNE took the name of the company’s initials. However, a simple and fortunate spelling error, confusing the V with a U, led to the creation of the now iconic CUNE brand, now one of the leading wineries on the national market.

Our feature this week is their Seleccion de Fincas, their venture in the Ribera del Duero region, south west of Rioja. 100% Tempranillo – nose with many notes of black fruits softened by floral aroma, berry and grapes punctuated by a touch of minerality, plums and chocolate. Some vanilla notes from the brief stay in American oak. The palate is smooth with noble tannins, fine red fruits leading to a long and persistent juicy finish. A very much Rioja Reserva like red for a cheaper price. Pair with a chickpea stew.

Cune Seleccion Fincas (Ribera del Duero, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $21.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the NV Mezzacorona Mezza Italian Glacial Bubbly (Alto Adige, Italy) – $15.99 , regularly $20.49..

The Mezzacorna Winery has cultivated vineyards in Trentino since 1904. Their ambition is to make harmonious, elegant and fragrant wines that rerpesent the land that they come from.

Our feature this week is their Mezza Italian Glacial Bubbly – This elegant sparkling wine is made using estate grown grapes from their vineyards in the southern foothills of the Italian Alps in the Dolomites, featuring a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Muller Thurgau. The surrounding ancient glaciers influence this wine giving it a fruity fresh character of pear blossoms, yellow cherries, white peach, and orange blossoms. Nice acidty, some sweetness. Perfect accompaniment for every occasion during the day, or, into the night. Ideal for outdoor grilling and chilling.

Go Oilers!!

NV Mezzacorona Mezza Italian Glacial Bubbly (Alto Adige, Italy) – $15.99 , regularly $20.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan
The in-bottle release of Bordeaux 2020 is here. For only the 2nd time ever, Bordeaux has had a trio of great years – 2018, 2019 with the 2020 being the last of this trio. The last and only other time this occurred was 1988, 89 and 1990.

2020 is the so-called “Covid Vintage”, many people are buying this vintage to keep and bring out a decade or two down the road to celebrate and remember having made it through Covid. The vintage is the more classic of the three years, yet still has plenty of fruit but the structure will require some time in the cellar.

Please buy early to avoid disappointment as some of the listed available wines have only one bottle for sale while most are of limited quantities.

Check out the Left Bank wines here..

Check out the Right Bank wines here..

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Paul Jaboulet Aine Cotes-du-Rhone Villages (Rhone Valley, France) – $21.99 , regularly $27.49.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné is amongst the Rhône Valley’s most iconic and respected producers. Founded in 1834, the estate was bought in 2006 by Jean-Jacques Frey, the owner of 3rd Growth Bordeaux La Lagune. Under the Frey family, the estate worked to convert to sustainable farming, and in 2016 they were certified organic, a major achievement. They now farm biodynamically.

The reputation of Jaboulet wines rests on the quality of the well-situated and well-tended vineyards, on low yields, careful vinification, and diligent aging in oak casks. The preference for carefully integrated oak aging, in which the influence of wood is never allowed to become excessive has resulted in consistently well balanced wines across the entire portfolio. Since this is an important point, they have their own cooper who makes and maintains their stock of barrels.

Our feature this week is their Cotes-du-Rhone Villages – this organically certified red made from Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah exudes aromas of red fruits, strawberries, but also figs and sweet spices. The palate is broad, delicious, fresh and very suave. A powerful fruity treat that symbolizes the Jaboulet robustness and elegance – essential qualities of a fine wine. Pair with a hearty stew.

Paul Jaboulet Aine Cotes-du-Rhone Villages (Rhone Valley, France) – $21.99 , regularly $27.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Fevre Espino Carmenere Reserva Especial (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $16.99 , regularly $21.49..

The Chilean venture by the world famous French Chablis producer Willian Fevre has resulted in a line of wines called Espino, the name referring to the nettles and thorns in the vineyards where the grapes grow. The wines are made more naturally in the new world style yet seeks to express a purity of fruit along with the rich barrel aging..

There are two terroirs, one in the Andes Mountains, high in the Maipo Valley, and the other in the extreme South of Chile, in the volcanic lands of the Malleco Valley.

Our feature this week is their Carmenere Reserva Especial – dark black fruit is complemented by eight months in French oak. Red-violet in color, brilliant and vivid, this offers ripe blackberries, tobacco, black pepper, earth and spice notes. Juicy, full-bodied, and concentrated with plush tannins and a long, toffee lingering finish. Pair with grilled red meats.

Fevre Espino Carmenere Reserva Especial (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $16.99 , regularly $21.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

The long awaited opening of our beloved Downtown Farmers’ Market on 104th Street between Jasper Avenue and 102 Avenue is fast approaching. Running from 10am to 3pm every Saturday from June 15th to Oct 12th, 2024 with 60 stalls for your enjoyment.

The market will be managed by the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) this year. deVine will open early at 10am for the Saturday market days and we will have agents providing free wine sampling from 11am to 2pm. The first free sampling is here…

See you all at the Market on Opening Day on Saturday, June 15th!

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Quinta do Ameal Loureiro (Vinho Verde, Portugal) – $19.99 , regularly $26.99.

Quinta do Ameal, located in the demarcated wine region of Vinho Verde, sub-region of Lima, birthplace of the Loureiro grape variety, is a historic property with records dating back to 1710.