deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cantina di Custoza Rosso del Molino (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $20.99.

The small village of Custoza gives its name to the denomination in the southwestern corner of the Province of Verona, very close to the border with Lombardia. This is a cooperative, situated southeast of Lake Garda, which was founded in 1968 (at that time 83 wine growers) and has 300 members now who farm over 1000 hectares of vineyard. The first harvest was in 1971. The wines are exported to 16 countries worldwide.

Our feature this week is their Rosso del Molino, a Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot blend. Ruby red colored with a very pleasant nose with red fruit, black fruit and spicy accents. Smooth, elegant taste, with the cabernet providing some ‘bite’ and structure. Wild berries and cherries on the palate. Enjoy this versatile meal wine with grilled red meats. The drawing on the label is a representation of the fairy tale ‘The Three Little Pigs’.

Cantina di Custoza Rosso del Molino (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $20.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Domaine Coudoulet Pinot Noir (Pays d’Oc, France) – $17.49 , regularly $24.99.

Domaine Coudoulet is run by brothers Jean-Yves and Pierre-André Ournac who are the sixth generation of their family to run the estate located in southern France. They produce varietally correct wines at a great price point. Like other growers in the area, they have progressively replanted their vineyards over the last 15 years, replacing many traditional varieties with Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Petite Verdot and Viognier. The vines are grown on clay-chalk soils.

Our feature this week is their Pinot Noir – it is a lovely Mediterranean expression of this lighter bodied red grape. Light in body with delicate tannins, it has notes of ripe strawberries, raspberries, hibiscus, and mushrooms leading to a Burgundian elegant finish with juicy, fruity and slightly spicy notes. Serve this slightly chilled as an aperitif or with light meat dishes.

Domaine Coudoulet Pinot Noir (Pays d’Oc, France) – $17.49 , regularly $24.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $20.99 , regularly $26.49.

The Bodega Catena Zapata is certainly one of the standout wineries in all of 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 Malbec made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. It is a blend of 100% Malbec from three different vineyards all harvested at different times:

1. Lunlunta – 3,018 ft (920m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loamy clay in the topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom.

2. El Cepillo, Eugenio Bustos – 3,593 ft (1,090 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loam-sandy soil with thick calcareous layers and rounded rocks on the bottom.

3. Gualtallary – 4,757 ft (1,450 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Gravel and limestone soil. Rounded rocks in the bottom.

Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes, with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of blueberries and blackberries with a touch of leather and cinnamon. The wine has well-integrated tannins, bright acidity and a flinty minerality that provides exceptional length to the finish. Try with a grilled steak.

Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $20.99 , regularly $26.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan