deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Château Pithivier (Bordeaux, France) – $15.49 , regularly $18.99.

Château Pithivier is located south west of the Saint Emilion medieval village, near the village of Saint Sulpice de Faleyrens, along the Dordogne river, this estate is managed in a traditional way by his owner, Mr Charrier, whose nickname is ….you guessed it Pithivier.

Our feature this week is their Merlot based entry level Bordeaux red. The medium-bodied wine from this small vineyard is full of blackberry jam, toast, with cherries, and raspberries – smooth and a touch of spice ending with a touch of vanilla. A classic everyday claret representing fine value. A Gold Medal winner at the Gilbert and Gaillard 2021 wine challenge.

Château Pithivier (Bordeaux, France) – $15.49 , regularly $18.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

The De Forville family emigrated to Piedmonte from Belgium in 1848 and established themselves in the village of Barbaresco in 1860. During the early part of the twentieth century, the De Forvilles sold their wine in bulk directly to restaurants and to retailers who then bottled the wine. In 1940 the estate bottled its first wine and now (in its fifth generation) virtually their entire production is bottled at the estate with annual output averaging 100,000 bottles.

The nearly 11 hectare domaine is divided between the villages of Barbaresco and Castagnole Lanze (4 km east of Barbaresco in the direction of Asti). All grapes are hand-harvested. We were enamored with all four wines tasted – the house style is definitely old-world with an earthy element thoughout the entire line yet also allows the fruit to shine. Such purity and what incredible value here as well. Not a lot came into Alberta so try some soon!

Pictured left to right:

2023 De Forville Piedmonte Chardonnay (Piedmont, Italy) – $27.99

2022 De Forville Barbera d’Alba (Piedmont, Italy) – $27.99

2022 De Forville Langhe Nebbiolo (Piedmont, Italy) – $29.99

2021 De Forville Barbaresco (Piedmont, Italy) – $49.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2015 Marqués del Silvo Gran Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $22.99 , regularly $27.99.

The origins of Bodega Marqués del Silvo are deeply linked to the development of the Rioja region. Located 50 kilometers from the historic city of Logroño, on the same estate that remains its cellar right from the beginning and surrounded by its 150 hectares of extremely well-kept and carefully crafted vineyards next to the Ebro River.

Our weekly feature is their 2015 Gran Reserva, with its aromas of blackberry, licorice, wild herbs. It is a red in its prime drinking window in an old-world style showcasing the effects of its fine-grained oak barrels of French and American aging that contributes to the lovely lightly toasty vanilla and spicy herb notes. This is a great price for a Gran Reserva Rioja – pair with a braised beef and chick pea stew.

2015 Marqués del Silvo Gran Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $22.99 , regularly $27.99.

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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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