deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Bellingham Homestead The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc (Coastal Region, South Africa) – $18.99 , regularly $26.99.

Bellingham Wines has been around since 1693. For over three centuries, the vineyards have been cultivated by pioneers and visionaries that brought the best out of the vines and ultimately shaped the landscape of South African wines. Today Bellingham produces contemporary, structured wines, retaining the unmistakable sense of place, style and touch of the unexpected that is idiosyncratic of our storied vines.

Our feature this week is their Homestead The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc. The Homestead Series takes its name from the historical homestead at Bellingham in the magnificent Franschhoek Valley, a legendary landmark in local wine history. Once home to the colourful Podlashuk couple, this was where several remarkable, highly successful vinous concepts were hatched.. Made from predominantly old bush vines, this expressive Chenin Blanc has hints of ripe stone fruit on the nose, followed by layers of honey, marmalade, vanilla and peaches on the palate..Delicious for Al Fresco drinking in a picnic setting.

Bellingham Homestead The Old Orchards Chenin Blanc (Coastal Region, South Africa) – $18.99 , regularly $26.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Canada’s 159th birthday is this Wednesday, and worthy of a big celebration. With patriotism in mind, I’m sure many of you will be drinking something Canadian this week. So, have a Happy Canada Day everybody. Go Canada at the World Cup!!

Here are a few wine recommendations from B.C. and Ontario and Nova Scotia for your drinking pleasure.

Pictured left to right:

2025 Haywire Winery Pinot Gris (BC – Okanagan, Canada) – $28.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cune Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $24.99 , regularly $31.49.

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. The winery expanded its facilities in 2019, coinciding with its 140th anniversary and marking its continued commitment to producing the finest quality white, rosé and its various levels of red wines ranging from Crianzas to Gran Reserva’s.

Our feature this week is their Rioja Reserva, made from 85% Tempranillo, with the rest being Garnacha Tinta, Graciano and Mazuelo. Garnet color with fresh aromas of red fruit. Aromas of licorice standing out, blending perfectly with sweet notes of vanilla, toffee, as well as spicy aromas and toasted notes from barrel aging. A perfect, round and balanced mid palate, with a fresh touch at the end, giving it length. Pair with a chickpea stew.

Cune Reserva (Rioja, Spain) – $24.99 , regularly $31.49.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Vinedos Emiliana Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier (Casablanca Valley, Chile) – $14.49, regularly $16.99.

Vinedos Emiliana, established in 1986 stands as the world’s larest organic and biodynamic winery, having pioneered sustainable viticulture since 1998. They cultivates over 1000 hectares across the Casablanca Valley. Their commitment to environmenta stewardship is acclaimed through its B Corp certication and innovative practices .

Our feature wine this week is their Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier, Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier is a vibrant and aromatic Chilean white wine, crafted to showcase the pure, expressive nature of the grape while maintaining a dry profile. On the nose, this organic and vegan-friendly selection opens with bright floral aromas, including honeysuckle and white blossoms, seamlessly intertwined with signature notes of peach and vanilla. The palate is greeted with a soft, generous texture, offering a medium-bodied experience dominated by succulent peach, pear, and hints of tropical fruit. Lacking harsh oaky edges, this wine relies on its clean, fruit-driven palate and a subtle herbal finish to provide balance. It is a versatile choice that serves as a refreshing option on its own or a wonderful partner to poultry, creamy pasta dishes, or mildly spiced Asian cuisine.

Vinedos Emiliana Mr. Wildman Organic Viognier (Casablanca Valley, Chile) – $14.49, regularly $16.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Markus Molitor is an iconic Mosel producer of fine German Rieslings. He embodies a winegrowing tradition spanning eight generations nurturing the same family vineyards now under his care. As the head of Weingut Markus Molitor, Markus oversees some 38 ha of vines. How far he has come since his first vintage in 1984, when only 20-years-old, he took over just 7 ha of Riesling.

Renowned for his meticulous approach to viticulture and winemaking, crafting wines of unparalleled precision, complexity, and age-worthiness. From his various yet all famous vineyards Bernkasteler Doctor to the iconic Erdener Prälat and Scharzhofberger, Molitor’s wines are a masterclass in terroir-driven excellence.

But his precise, perfectionist meticulous work, in the vineyard and winery alike that has earned him accolades from the world’s leading wine publications. His achievements are all the more remarkable considering that his plots are worked entirely by hand, on vertiginously steep slopes (up to 80%). What’s it like in the glass? Well, you’ll get to see when you pop one why its considered amongst the best the Mosel has to offer.

Each bottle must be a reflection of the steep slopes, slate soils, and unique microclimates of the Mosel and Saar Valleys. The result is a portfolio that ranges from crystalline dry Rieslings to sumptuous sweet Ausleses, all of which have earned critical acclaim and a devoted following among collectors and critics.

All are great food wines, so expand your horizons and try as many as you can. If you buy a few, then lay some down to gain more complexity in the cellar. Prost!

Pictured:

2021 Markus Molitor Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $49.99

Other available Molitor’s for your consideration:

2024 Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Spatlese (Mosel, Germany) – $53.99

2021 Markus Molitor Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $61.99

2024 Markus Molitor Erdener Treppchen Riesling Auslese Gold Cap ** (Mosel, Germany) – $88.99

2024 Markus Molitor Scharzhofberger Riesling Kabinett Gold Cap (Mosel, Germany) – $199.99

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our special this week is the Parras Wines Castelo do Sulco Selecao Enologos Tinto (Lisboa, Portugal) – $15.99, regularly $19.99.

Parras Wines is a large company with holdings in Alentejo, Dao, Tejo, Douro, Vinho Verde and Lisboa. Over 20 brands of wines encompass their portfolio. Parras Vinhos was founded in 2010 by Luís Vieira whose beginnings was in bulk wine.

Our feature wine this week is their Castelo do Sulco Selecao Enologos Tinto, Enologos translating to Winemaker’s Selection, based out of the Lisbon region with 120 hectares under vine. The main objective of the large team has been to maintain the typical characteristics and quality of the ancient wines, showcasing their unique terroir. This is a blend of Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz, offering up a delightfully indulgent burst of ripe red berries, quite aromatic – you can almost smell the spice warming up in a cellar. Despite a brief encounter with French oak, it retains a wonderfully full body experience with plenty of ripe plum and blackberry fruit. It pairs beautifully with grilled beef – a match made in wine heaven.

Parras Wines Castelo do Sulco Enologos Tinto (Lisboa, Portugal) – $15.99, regularly $19.99.

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the de Martino Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $19.99 (regularly $24.99).

The de Martino family has been producing wines in Chile since 1934. The winery is run by the 4th generation – brothers Marco and Sebastian. Their mandate is to produce wines that reflect their origin and character of each vineyard, based on solid principles of sustainable farming and traditional winemaking techniques.

The climate is characterized by a maritime influence with a high annual precipitation (900 mm. on average), and the vines are grown on slopes on old granite base. They are old pre-phylloxera vines, rainfed. The vineyard is worked manually and the soils are plows on horseback, respecting the ancient local traditions. Sustainable practices in vineyard, winery and in employment.

Our weekly special this week is their Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon, displaying a vibrant purple hue, with fresh, ripe berry aromas enhanced by a subtle hint of violet. From Isla de Maipo, it offers elegant, refreshing acidity. On the palate, it’s medium-bodied and smooth, with a juicy fruit core balanced by soft, rounded tannins. An old world feel here. Pair with red meat.

de Martino Estate Organic Cabernet Sauvignon (Maipo Valley, Chile) – $19.99 (regularly $24.99)

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