deVine Thoughts

June 26, 2020

deVirtual Tasting – Canada Day

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 5:59 pm

virtual_tasting_canada_day_smallAuthor: Dirk Chan

We miss connecting with you, our loyal customers – it’s been awhile since we last had a tasting, so lets meet online on Wednesday, July 1 as we celebrate Canada Day with a white and a red made from Ontario.
Rosewood and Pearl Morissette are not household names for a lot of us, but what wonderful wines they are making. The Rosewood Riesling is a dry version while the Violette is a finessed style of Cabernet Franc – there’ll be lots to talk about. We’ll start a little earlier than usual at 6pm.

Here’s how it will work – two wines totalling around $50 will be featured, you purchase from our events page, we deliver the wines to you free of charge anywhere within the city limits ahead of time (i.e. before the event). If there is a white to be tasted, we request it be fridge cold and that you take it out 15 minutes prior to the event to warm up slightly. We will send you a Zoom invite using the email address that you purchase the event with. You click on to enter the Virtual tasting – installing Zoom is not a requirement. There will be a little handout with your package to describe Zoom and privacy information. The tasting will be half an hour.

Book for the Virtual Tasting here…

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June 25, 2020

Feast on Fourth

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:38 pm

feast_on_fourth_small
Author: Ed Fong

Feast on Fourth is a new weekly event that showcases the numerous culinary destinations located on the 4th-St. Promenade. Feast on Fourth will be held every Thursday, beginning on June 25, 2020. Events will be held on each subsequent Thursday, rain or shine, up to and including September 4, 2020. We anticipate that this event will grow throughout the summer as businesses adapt their spaces and determine how they can best participate.

Feast on Fourth is an event that focuses on culinary and gustatory experiences. The event will allow restaurants to offer specials on existing menu items, or introduce new features. Keep your eyes peeled for the many drink specials that are sure to come. Restauranteurs will be looking at ways to safely use their extended patio spaces and/or bring action cooking stations out onto the street. We are eagerly looking forward to seeing what our restaurant neighbors feature in upcoming Feast on Fourth events!

Many additional 104th-St. Promenade retailers have expressed an interest in participating in or supporting Feast on Fourth. They are currently working on ways to welcome back customers and support the street community at large.

Businesses that have confirmed their participation in Feast on Fourth for the June 25, 2020 inaugural event include:

deVine Wines & Spirits
Careit Urban Deli
Say Uncle
A Bite of Brazil
Cavern
Ono Poke
Cask & Barrel

Ed Fong, one of the partners at deVine Wines commented, “Feast on Fourth will allow the many independently owned small businesses and restaurants to come together to celebrate the culture of food and drink in a safe, responsible and fun manner. Members of our business community want to demonstrate how we are all adapting to the “new normal” in the safest way possible. We are looking forward to seeing our neighborhood come back to life, but in a well-managed manner. For patrons who do not yet feel comfortable dining in, there will be options for takeaway, curbside pickup or delivery available at many establishments. The businesses on 104th-St recognize the challenges many of us face during these times, and want to acknowledge their valued customers with a wide range of specials to say a collective Thank You. We hope to see you at Feast on Fourth this summer!”

deVine Wines & Spirits will be participating in Feast on Fourth by extending special pricing on select wines up to 20% off. Here is what we will be offering over the next three weeks.

feast_on_fourth_wines
Specials are valid while quantities last. No rainchecks please. We reserve the right to limit quantities. No other discounts can be applied to the special sale price.

June 24/25

NV Bodegues Sumarroca True Colours Brut Cava (June Pride Month) – Regular Price: $22.99, Sale Price: $19.49
2018 Cono Sur Pinot Noir Bicicleta Reserva – Regular Price: $15.49, Sale Price: $12.49
2018 Domaine de Pellehaut Harmonie de Gascogne Blanc – Regular Price: $17.99, Sale Price: $14.49

July 1/2 and July 8/9

2018 Cono Sur Pinot Noir Bicicleta Reserva – Regular Price: $15.49, Sale Price: $12.49
2018 Domaine de Pellehaut Harmonie de Gascogne Blanc – Regular Price: $17.99, Sale Price: $14.49

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Bordeaux 2019 Futures – Nearing the End

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:38 am

bordeaux_2019_june23_small
Author: Dirk Chan

The Bordelais has decided to proceed with the 2019 Futures program as per usual despite COVID not allowing anyone to go to Bordeaux to taste as is the norm. The 2019 vintage is definitely excellent, some comparing it to 1982, others calling it a combination of 2009 fruit and 2016 structure. With very little critic’s scores to go by, the primary selling feature of this campaign is that at the high end, prices are 30% less, with lesser cuts for the mid-tier – this kind of deep cuts are unheard of in Bordeaux Futures, but with the Trump 25% surtax incoming into the States, a volatile economy, high job loss and wild dollar fluctuations, they are afraid without deep cuts the campaign will be a bust.

Alas, this kind of pricing provides a rare opportunity to buy some higher Classified Growths that has previously been out of reach. Of course, there isn’t enough to go around as every retailer wants some leading to some frenzy buying and quick sellouts and staying up all night waiting for offers.

If you’ve purchased Futures before, you know prices never go down, they always go up in the next great vintage, so the nice price is wonderful for those who are starting to build a cellar. Plus, you gotta think in two years time when the wines are bottled and shipped, the price will be much higher then than it is selling for now as estates will want to recoup any losses.

Given the economic uncertainty, selection will be reduced from previous ‘normal’ years. So instead of 70 selections, we’ll have 50 and quantities will also be much smaller and strictly on a first-come first served basis and in some cases maximums applied. In many cases we won’t be able to go back for more of something once it sells out and if we do, price will be second tranche.

Alas, we’re already in the home stretch of this campaign. So, for those hedging it is now to dive right in and purchase. Some products have already sold out.

There are great wines in all regions as per usual but I’m seeing some great wines from Cru Bourgeois to Satellites that will retail around $50 – these are great earlier drinkers, a smattering of 1855 5th Growths around $75 (which we rarely see) and even some top bottlings under $100, so there is wines to consider at all levels. For the first time in 4 years, there’ll be some sweet dessert Sauternes offered as well.

Bottom line, if you’ve been hesitant to get into the Bordeaux Futures game, jump in now, there may be never be another great opportunity as this, we won’t likely ever see this kind of pricing again so don’t dilly dally or you’ll miss out. If we can help you decide, drop us a line.

Check out and bookmark the current offers here..

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June 22, 2020

Rogue Virtual Event

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 2:10 pm

untapped_rogue_small
Author: Chad Gascho

Please join us on June 25/020 @ 7:30MST for Rogue Ales Live Virtual Tasting w/ Rogue’s President Dharma Tamm

Hosted on Instagram live by Untapped Craft Supply’s Co-Founder Cris Ohama & Director of Sales James Phelan.

For more details please visit https://www.untapped.ca/online-events ..

To enjoy the full experience don’t forget to pick up a rogue product or two..

Rogue Cucumber Lime Gin Fizz (4 Cans) – $25.99

Rogue Dead Guy Ale (4 Cans) – $19.99

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June 14, 2020

Father’s Day Scotch Recommendations

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:25 pm

fathers_day_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Father’s Day is this coming Sunday, June 21st. and what better way to celebrate than a gift of a bottle of Single Malt Scotch, always popular for the occasion.

Pictured left to right:

Cardhu 12 Year Old (Speyside, Scotland) – $79.99

1997 First Edition MacDuff 21 Year Old (Highlands, Scotland) – $209.99

1993 Old Malt Cask Linkwood 26 Year Old (Speyside, Scotland)- $259.99

Other recommendations:

Aberlour 12 Year Old (Speyside, Scotland) – $72.99

Isle of Arran Amarone Wine Cask (Arran, Scotland) – $81.99

2011 Carn Mor Strictly Limited Edition Ruadh Maor (Glenturret) 8 Year Old (Highlands, Scotland) – $94.99

Glenfarclas 17 Year Old (Highlands, Scotland) – $114.99

Dalmore 15 Year Old (Highlands, Scotland) – $124.99

2007 First Edition Dailuaine 12 Year Single Malt (Speyside, Scotland) – $169.99

Caol Ila Stitchell Reserve (Islay, Scotland) – $184.99

Glenmorangie Allta Private Edition (Highlands, Scotland) – $204.99

Single Malts of Scotland Mortlach 22 Year Old (Speyside, Scotland) – $279.99

Glengoyne 25 Year Old (Highlands, Scotland) – $424.99

Laphroaig 25 Year Old (Islay, Scotland) – $679.99

Happy Father’s Day everyone!

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Bordeaux 2019 Futures – Under Way

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:23 pm

bordeaux_2019_futures_june14_small
Author: Dirk Chan

The Bordelais has decided to proceed with the 2019 Futures program as per usual despite COVID not allowing anyone to go to Bordeaux to taste as is the norm. The 2019 vintage is definitely excellent, some comparing it to 1982, others calling it a combination of 2009 fruit and 2016 structure. With very little critic’s scores to go by, the primary selling feature of this campaign is that at the high end, prices are 30% less, with lesser cuts for the mid-tier – this kind of deep cuts are unheard of in Bordeaux Futures, but with the Trump 25% surtax incoming into the States, a volatile economy, high job loss and wild dollar fluctuations, they are afraid without deep cuts the campaign will be a bust.

Alas, this kind of pricing provides a rare opportunity to buy some higher Classified Growths that has previously been out of reach. Of course, there isn’t enough to go around as every retailer wants some leading to some frenzy buying and quick sellouts and staying up all night waiting for offers.

If you’ve purchased Futures before, you know prices never go down, they always go up in the next great vintage, so the nice price is wonderful for those who are starting to build a cellar. Plus, you gotta think in two years time when the wines are bottled and shipped, the price will be much higher then than it is selling for now as estates will want to recoup any losses.

Given the economic uncertainty, selection will be reduced from previous ‘normal’ years. So instead of 70 selections, we’ll have 50 and quantities will also be much smaller and strictly on a first-come first served basis and in some cases maximums applied. In many cases we won’t be able to go back for more of something once it sells out and if we do, price will be second tranche.

Please subscribe to the 2019 Bordeaux Futures Offerings using this link –
https://secure.campaigner.com/CSB/Public/Form.aspx?fid=1818576&ac=cdw8

It is a two step confirmation, you will have to click the link sent to your email address. This ensures you get the offers as soon as we release them. Any unsold product will go on the main website two days after the offerings.

There are great wines in all regions as per usual but I’m seeing some great wines from Cru Bourgeois to Satellites that will retail around $50 – these are great earlier drinkers, a smattering of 1855 5th Growths around $75 (which we rarely see) and even some top bottlings under $100, so there is wines to consider at all levels. For the first time in 4 years, there’ll be some sweet dessert Sauternes offered as well.

Bottom line, if you’ve been hesitant to get into the Bordeaux Futures game, jump in now, there may be never be another great opportunity as this, we won’t likely ever see this kind of pricing again so don’t dilly dally or you’ll miss out.

Check out and bookmark the current offers here..

Return to devinewines.ca

June 6, 2020

Pride Special of the Month

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 4:27 pm

True-colours
Author: Dirk Chan

June is Pride Month and since we won’t be having our Rainbow Tasting this year because of COVID, we are instead offering a special this month on the True Colors Brut Cava – $21.99 on special for $19.49.

True Colours in Alberta is a partnership between Redback Wine Imports and Calgary Pride/HIV Community Link. They will donate $10/case (750mL) to support the HIV Community Link and Calgary Pride.

Decked out in rainbow flag colors, True Colours is a traditional Cava from Penedes wine region, located southwest of Barcelona. Made with Chardonnay, Macebo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes, this has notes of bright lemon and fresh pastries, a creamy, lingering finish. A sparkly choice for light fare, its fine bubbles and minerality pairs well with lean fish, shellfish and even cured meats.

Happy Pride!

NV Bodegues Sumarroca True Colours Brut Cava (Penedès, Spain) – $19.49

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June 1, 2020

It’s Rosé Season

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 11:48 am

rose_2020_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Summer is here, thus bringing the rosé season and some backyard drinking into high gear!

Unfortunately, because of COVID, only those producers that shipped their rosés before lockdowns have arrived. Thus, there is a limited number of 2019’s currently available.

Pinks are the rage, perfect for sipping on the deck, yet perfectly comfortable as a food and wine pairing as well as a nice way for those white wine drinkers who want to transition to reds. 95% of rosé are dry and its quickly finding a niche with the North American public.

Pictured left to right are our currently available 2019’s:

2019 Spier Chardonnay Pinot Noir Rosé (Western Cape, South Africa) – $15.49

2019 Domaine Houchart Rosé (Provence, France) – $21.49

2019 Bollini Pinot Grigio Rosato Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy) – $21.49

2019 Caves d’Esclans Whispering Angel Rosé (Provence, France) – $35.99

lavis_rose

Other interesting pinks for your consideration:

2019 Domaine de la Potardiere Gamay Rosé (Loire Valley, France)- $19.99

2018 Cantina Lavis Pinot Grigio Rose (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy) – $15.99

2019 La Playa Dry Rosé (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $15.99

2018 Edoardo Miroglio Soli Rosé (Bulgaria) – $21.49

2018 Road 13 Honest John’s Rose (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $21.99

2018 Leitz Pinot Noir Rose feinherb (Rheingau, Germany) – $24.99

2018 Agricola Tiberio Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo (Abruzzi, Italy) – $28.99

There will be other new 2019 rosés arriving hopefully soon so check out our dedicated rosé section the next time you’re in the store or check it out on our website.

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