deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Fantini Riporta Old Vines Sangiovese IGT (Puglia, Italy) – $18.99, regularly $22.99

Fantini Group is established in Abruzzo, Italy, the “Green Region” of Europe where the high mountains that rise close to the coast generate a rare and previous microclimate, natural essence for wines of absolute elegance and consistency.

The “Riporta” line of wines is a project that comes from the idea of putting in a bottle the magical regions (Abruzzo, Puglia and Sicilia), the passion of winemakers and the knowledge that has been handed down for millennia. The harmony of its fruits is the result of the patient work of the farmers who have supported the elements of nature for generations. In every region, our winemakers live in symbiosis with the grapes and are brought to the cellar until they are turned into the wines that live up to our fame.

Our weekly offer this week is their Old Vines Sangiovese, the grapes were grown in Bari and Foggia on a south eastern exposure. 10-20% of the wine was aged in oak while the remainder was aged in stainless steel. Garnet red, fruity with a winy note and wood flavor. Intense and persistent medium-bodied red with good tannins, balanced and ready to drink. Pair with Italian traditional cooking, with meat and baked poultry.

Fantini Riporta Old Vines Sangiovese IGT (Puglia, Italy) – $18.99, regularly $22.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Emendis Cabro! Negre Tempranillo (Catalonia, Spain) – $18.49, regularly $22.99.

The Emendis estate covers 48 hectares of distinctive clay soil, low in organic matter and chalk but rich in magnesium, which contributes the essential acidity to preserve the fresh, vibrant character of their wines. While more famous for their Cava’s and white wines, they do produce reds made from Tempranillo, Merlot and Monastrell grapes. Emendis applies integrated viticulture, respecting and coexisting with the flora and fauna of the environment and is constantly aware of the climate changes that may affect the vines. The vineyards are grown individually adapted to the specific needs of each variety.

Our weekly offer this week is their Cabro! Negre Tempranillo. Cabró means born wherever it pleases – it is A DO Catalunya wine unoaked made from Temperanillo and Merlot averaging 35 years of age. The color is red robe with violet hues. The bouquet displays aromas of fruits of the forest (blackberry and sloe) and of Mediterranean undergrowth, such as licorice and aromatic herbs. The palate is clean and pleasant. Soft and well integrated tannins. It is perfect for brightening up your everyday meals at home or for being your best ally in the most fun plans – a barbecue with friends, a silly afternoon on your cousin’s neighbor’s terrace.

Prost!

Emendis Cabro! Negre Tempranillo (Catalonia, Spain) – $18.49, regularly $22.99.

Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $20.49, regularly $25.49

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cadet de la Bégude IGP Mediterranee Rouge (Bandol, France) – $21.49, regularly $25.99.

Domaine de La Bégude is an organically certified vineyard located in the hills of Limoux, South of France in the wine region of Bandol . Situated at 300m altitude in the foothills of the Pyrenees, it dates back to the 7th century, with its cellar housed in an ancient Merovingian chapel of the lordship of Conil. Since the 18th century, Domaine de La Bégude has also been a refuge for pilgrims and wine lovers, offering shelter against bandits. Left abandoned over time, the Tari family managed to revive the estate in 1996, continuing this winemaking tradition.

Presently owned by the Roulleau family, Domaine de La Bégude carries on this heritage with ambitious projects. The rehabilitation of the 7th-century chapel and the planting of new vines are part of initiatives to preserve and enhance this unique heritage while developing and diversifying the vineyard. Furthermore, Domaine de La Bégude is open to wine tourism, allowing visitors to discover the history and wines of the estate while enjoying a privileged natural setting.

Our weekly offer this week is their Cadet Rouge, a 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre blend grown on limestone clay soil and aged in stainless steel tanks. Its purple color captures the eye with violet highlights. On the first nose, aromas of black cherries appear, enhanced by light spicy and minty notes. The harmonious and fruity palate expresses itself with precision on smooth tannins. The long, spicy and generous finish is a classic wine in the spirit of the Domaine’s wines. A wine is to be enjoyed in its youthful exuberance or to be kept for several years. Certified organic.

Prost!

Cadet de la Bégude IGP Mediterranee Rouge (Bandol, France) – $21.49, regularly $25.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cantine Levorato Merlot (Veneto, Italy) – $15.99, regularly $19.99.

Cantine Levorato dates back to 1928 when Umberto Levorato, and then Gino and Giovanni, Umberto’s brother and son respectively, sold their wines in barrels or demijohns in the city of Venice. Today the tradition continues and has developed further with Carlo, Giovanni’s son, supported in the business by his sister Silvia and brother Marco. Together they profoundly changed the production and organizational structure of the winery, leading the family business to successfully establish itself on the foreign market with products made from precise taste for those who appreciate genuine flavors, but also honest and refined details.

Our feature this week is their Merlot with its ruby red hue, robust and full-bodied with enticing aromas of black cherry, fresh plums, youthful tannins, and moderate aromatics. A wonderful match for rustic spaghetti, pizza, or braised reds meats. Culinary suggestions include pasta, pizza, red and white meats, cheeses and game.

Levorato Merlot (Veneto, Italy) – $15.99, regularly $19.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $21.99 regularly $25.99.

The 1990s were a time of discovery and courage in Marlborough. Deep in the Waihopai Valley, Bryan and Jan Johnson had the foresight to establish a 180 hectares of estate vineyards on land considered too hard, too dry and too unfertile for winegrowing. Spy Valley is hidden in the depths of the Southern Valleys, the land sit alongside an international satellite communication station that is a spy base. It’s an intriguing part of the world, one that invite you to taste and discover its mysteries.

Today, Spy Valley’s commitment remains to the land and to the people who tend it. They are farmers at heart, nurturing soil and vine to cultivate the complexities in their wines.

Our weekly offer this week is their Sauvignon Blanc with plenty of passionfruit and grapefruit with some minerality and salinity. The palate is juicy with flavours of passionfruit, grapefruit and peaches. Slight chalkiness and some salinity coming through, and vibrant acidity leaving a long finish. Great with chicken, fish or picnic fare.

Please try this out to discover Marlborough’s secrets!

Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $21.99 regularly $25.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Ca’ del Baio Dolcetto d’Alba Lodoli (Piedmont, Italy) – $23.99 regularly $29.99.

In 1870, Giuseppe Grasso moved with his four children from Calosso – in the province of Asti – to Treiso, a municipality bordering that of Barbaresco, not far from the border with the town of Neive where he purchased the Cascina Vallegranda farmhouse and land. For four generations, Ca’ del Baio has been a family affair. Nurtured and passed down from father to son, today it is Giuseppe’s great-grandson Giulio and his wife Luciana who, together with their daughters Paola, Valentina and Federica, handle all the business.

The estate is famous for its Barbaresco’s, but also make a Langhe Chardonnay, Barbera, Langhe Nebbiolo and a Moscato d’Asti as well as our feature this week, their Dolcetto d’Alba Lodoli. This “very Piedmontese” wine encapsulates the simple pleasures of everyday life. Ruby red colour, intense nose with fruity overtones of cherries and wild berries, and a dry, balanced palate with a vibrant acidity in a medium-bodied package. Very Delicious and easy pairing with all kinds of food.

Prost!

Ca’ del Baio Dolcetto d’Alba Lodoli (Piedmont, Italy) – $23.99, regularly $29.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Spinelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo, Italy) – $16.99 regularly $19.99.

Cantine Spinelli dates back to 1970 led by Vincenzo Spinelli. “If the wine I make for myself is good, why not produce it for others as well?”. Since then, continued investment in research, quality and technological innovation. They export their wines all over the world now, continuing their work with finest winegrowers building a recognition as one of the leading producers in the region.

Our feature this week is their Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a delightful everyday red made in the Chieti province between the Maiella National Park and the Adriatic Sea. The grapes are from hilly vineyards at 230m above sea level from clay-limestone soils. The violet hued color leads to a nose of spice, raspberry, blueberry and licorice while the palate has excellent structure, relative full-bodied, smooth, balanced and a long lasting finish. Pair with cured meats, appetizers and assorted cheeses as well as legume soups.

Prost!

Spinelli Montepulciano d’Abruzzo (Abruzzo, Italy) – $16.99 regularly $19.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina) – $22.49 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 Chardonnay, with its aromas of white flowers, golden apples and pastry cream, displaying a lush palate with sweet fruit flavors and a refreshing touch of acidity. It concludes with a succulent, balanced finish rendered with admirable precision. Try with an oily fish or poultry dishes.

Prost!

Catena High Mountain Vines Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina) – $22.49 regularly $26.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Nestled in the heart of picturesque Parkland County, Alberta, the Anohka Distillery has their farm located in the heart of some of the best barley growing conditions in the world. In fact, the Province of Alberta grows more barley than any country in the Western Hemisphere and almost three times more than Scotland.

Anohka was started with the intention of showing that we have a tremendous opportunity to make some of the best whisky in the world in the same place where we have some of the best growing conditions in the world.

And now, the long wait is over, two new products have just arrived at the store.

Pictured from left to right:

Anohka Moose Hunter Canadian Whisky Aged 10 Years (Alberta, Canada) – 750mL – $61.99

Moose Hunter Whiskey – this is Anohka’s take on traditional blended Canadian whisky – deep and complex blend of Alberta whiskies carries the warmth of the hearth and the edge of the untamed North, weaving in a young, rich, bready and fruity single malt.

Anohka Progress Report #3 Single Malt Whisky (Alberta, Canada) – 250mL – $45.99

Progress Report Single Malt Whisky – Honeysuckle and traditional sherry notes on the nose. The palate is rich with lush, sweet, fruity notes and an oaked, malty backbone. A complex umami character mid-palate leads to a honey, chocolate, and orange finish.

Already a staple in the store for awhile is:

Anohka Tempest Dry Gin (Alberta, Canada) – $57.99

Prost everyone!

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