deVine Thoughts

April 8, 2024

Weekly Offer for Apr 8/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:28 pm

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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

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April 6, 2024

Annual Quevedo Port Advent Calendar Pre-Sell

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:50 pm

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Author: Dirk Chan

A Christmas favourite, the ever-popular annual Quevedo Advent Port Calendars – $142.99 is now being offered on pre-sell for the Christmas holiday season 2024.

With a small footprint that fits very easily underneath a Xmas tree and a perfectly sized 24 x 50mL bottles (2×12 different ports). This is lovely for two people to enjoy together. Inside every slot you will find a 50ml bottle for each of the 24 days.

For a list of all the ports included in these packages, please click the link below. We run out every year before Xmas so get yours early to avoid disappointment. The deadline for this pre-sell is Saturday, April 27th at midnight.

2024 Porto Quevedo Port Advent Calendar (Douro, Portugal) – $142.99

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April 1, 2024

Weekly Offer for Apr 1/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:27 pm

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Château Recougne Blanc (Bordeaux, France) – $16.49 , regularly $23.49.

The Milhade family has been landowners and farmers in Bordeaux for three generations and currently own six properties in the right bank regions of Saint-Emilion, Lussac- Saint-Emilion, Lalande-de-Pomerol, and Bordeaux Supérieur. Their wines represent fine value in Bordeaux showcasing the beautiful results that can be achieved by small family owned estates focused on producing terroir driven high quality wines. The wines are marked by wonderful, expressive fruit and retain an authenticity and soulfulness.

Our feature this week is their Château Recougne Blanc, one of the hidden gems in the Milhade family portfolio. The soils and climatic conditions in Bordeaux’s Right Bank are generally best suited to red grapes but the 10 hectare parcel here with its deep clay-limestone soil over and iron-rich clay pan is a perfect setting for Sauvignon Blanc, which forms the backbone for this white.

Its a classic blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon but also some Sauvignon Gris, this cuvée is true to the classic profile of dry, aromatic and refreshing white Bordeaux. The color is a shiny gold, the aromatics are flowers, pink grapefruit and lemon, but also of green apple. There is zest and snap on the palate. Perfect as an aperitif, with fish and chips, fried calamari and seafood of all kinds. Enjoy this great deal!

Château Recougne Blanc (Bordeaux, France) – $16.49 , regularly $23.49

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March 25, 2024

Weekly Offer for Mar 25/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 11:30 am

weekly_rust_en_vrede_reserve_merlot_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Rust en Vrede Stellenbosch Reserve Merlot (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $21.99 , regularly $30.49.

Rust en Vrede is one of the best wineries out of Stellenbosch wine producing region. Nestled in the Helderberge, this estate has a rich history of more than 300 years (founded in 1694) in winemaking, it is recognized for its terroir driven portfolio of robust reds.

The name translates to “Rest and peace” and this certainly is representative of this tranquil and beautiful estate, with its gorgeous Manor house, tasting room and restaurant. Sized at 55 hectares, it is known for its international grape based wines.

Our feature this week is their Stellenbosch Reserve Merlot”, showing a fresh combination of pomegranate, plums, cherries, and an herbal note of fennel. The fresh fruity flavours are accentuated by bright acidity on the palate and supported by fine tannins. Flavours of caramel and mocha are balanced by savoury notes of cured meat that bring complexity to the wine. A note of pomegranate leaves a fresh finish. Serve with substantial foods including grilled or barbequed lamb, slow cooked lamb shanks, beef, and game meats..

Rust en Vrede Stellenbosch Reserve Merlot (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $21.99 , regularly $30.49

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March 18, 2024

Weekly Offer for Mar 18/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:31 am

weekly_balbo_oak_malbec_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2021 Balbo Estate Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99 , regularly $22.99.

The Familia Falasco owns two wineries – Los Haroldos and Balbo, which are located in the province of Mendoza in Argentina. The company’s products are in great demand among the population and to date, 8% of the wine sold in Argentina are made in the company Familia Falasco. In addition, the company exports wine to 35 countries in the world.

Our feature this week is their “Estate Malbec” – it is made ​​from grapes harvested from selected varieties of vines Malbec throughout their holdings in Mendoza. The hot and dry climate of the region is ideal for creating fine wines balanced with rounded tannins and a delicate flavors. The Balbo Estate Malbec has a complex aroma of berries, cherries, jam and plum. The wine has notes of chocolate, coffee, tobacco, vanilla and caramel. The wine pairs well with beef, pork and lamb.

2021 Balbo Estate Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99 , regularly $22.99

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March 11, 2024

Weekly Offer for Mar 11/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 11:47 am

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Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Glen Carlou Classic Chardonnay (Paarl, South Africa) – $20.99 , regularly $27.49.

The award-winning estate of Glen Carlou is owned by the Hess Group of Napa Valley fame (who also owns Peter Lehmann in Barossa and Bodegas Colome in Argentina. Carlou is located in Paarl, South Africa in the northern foothills (a half hour drive NE of Stellenbosch) and has 70 hectares under vine. They produced commercially Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc wines.

Our feature this week is their Classic Chardonnay, with lovely citrus, Granny Smith and peaches with a fair dose of butterscotch vanilla on a fruit driven mid-palate. The finish offers pear and lime with some spicy vanilla notes and softer tannins. Full-bodied with lovely finesse. Not as heavily oaked as in American chards. Lovely with a pasta in cream sauce, oysters or an oily fish.

Glen Carlou Classic Chardonnay (Paarl, South Africa) – $20.99 , regularly $27.49

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March 4, 2024

Weekly Offer for Mar 4/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 2:08 pm

weekly_carvalhas_tinto_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Quinta Das Carvalhas Tinto (Douro, Portugal) – $17.99 , regularly $26.49.

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic and spectacular properties in the Douro valley. Written references regarding this magnificent vineyard can be traced back to 1759. It enjoys a prominent position on the left bank of the Douro river, in Pinhão, the estate covers the entire hillside facing the Douro river and occupies part of the slopes of the right bank of the tributary Torto river.

Carvalhas’ old vines, are a post-phylloxera plantation, which have reached over a century old and represent one of the richest selection of ancient indigenous Douro varieties. Quinta das Carvalhas’ total area is located at different altitudes, varying from 80 to 500 metres above sea level, with vineyards exposed to both northern and southern quadrants with 74.5 hectares planted.

Our feature this week is their Tinto, made from Portuguese indigenous grapesTouriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. A very fresh red witha beautiful ruby color and aromas of red fruit harmoniously integrated with creamy vanilla notes, demonstrating notable aromatic intensity and complexity. Very balanced and round, resulting in a very pleasant and long-lasting finish.

Quinta Das Carvalhas Tinto (Douro, Portugal) – $17.99 , regularly $26.49

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February 26, 2024

Weekly Offer for Feb 26/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:15 pm

weekly_allegrini_valpo_classico_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Allegrini Valpolicella Classico (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $24.49.

Located in the Monti Lessini foothills in the Valpolicella Classico area of Veneto, Italy, Allegrini’s vineyards (100 hectares) sit on highly favourable morainic, gravel soils and enjoy a unique Mediterranean micro-climate thanks to the proximity to Lake Garda which warms the valleys created by the Lessini mountains to the north, making it an ideal environment for growing classy Valpolicella and Amarone. They also have a luxury Bed & Breakfast on site.

The Allegrini family has lived in Valpolicella for at least 5 centuries and are on their 6th generation of wine makers at the estate so they know how to make Valpolicella. Our feature this week is their Valpolicella Classico, Ruby red in colour with purplish hues, it expresses a fragrant fruity note dominated by cherry, echoed by fresher nuances of aromatic herbs and peper. The palate has nice red fruit alongside spice and underbrush, typical of the Corvina grape. A great everyday drinker.

Allegrini Valpolicella Classico (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $24.49

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February 19, 2024

Weekly Offer for Feb 19/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:48 pm

weekly_villa_maria_sb_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99.

Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one-man band. In 1961, at just 21 years of age, Sir George Fistonich leased five acres of land near Mangere, Auckland and started off with just an acre of vines. The first wine under the name Villa Maria in 1962 was made with grapes harvested from this block. Today, Villa Maria is one of the biggest wineries in New Zealand anda globally recognised and adored for its bold, expressive and exceptional wines.

Now an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves with an emphasis on sustainable practices in every area. Their wines are a reflection of the unique sites and regions they are grown.

Our feature this week is their Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, a white with a citrus (grapefruit, lime) and gooseberry nose, a palate of lemongrass, passion fruit and lemons finishing with vibrant acidity, herbaceousness, medium-bodied and juiciness. Pair with fish, shellfish, even stands up to a crab and artichoke dip.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99

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February 15, 2024

2024 Canella Sparkling Advent Calendar (Pre-Sell)

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 6:36 pm

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Author: Dirk Chan

Hard to believe we’re talking Christmas already, but here we are in February offering once again the Canella Family Sparkling Advent Calender – $199.99 from Empson Canada for Christmas 2024 season now. Purchase yours before the deadline date of Midnight Sunday, March 10th to ensure you have it for the Xmas season.

The Canella winery was founded in 1947 after World War II by Luciano Canella. His parents owned a small, family-style restaurant in San Donà di Piave in Venice. Having to survive the difficult wartime after his Dad’s passing, Luciano began to search the surrounding areas for the best wines to match his mother’s cuisine when he thought about creating his own wine. He put this idea into action and set up a state-of-the-art winery specializing in Prosecco.

Since then, the Canellas have become Prosecco pioneers and through hard work, the brand and family of Canella demonstrate what can be achieved in the Conegliano appellation and have become almost synonymous with Prosecco itself.

This festive Advent Calendar collection on pre-sale contains 24 bottles of 200ml sparkling wines from the Canella family including their five different Proseccos and their families premium Brut Rosé. All will be laid out at random within the box with a pop open tab for each day leading up to Christmas. Cases are shipped in a plain protective outer carton.

Contents (4x each of the following 6 wines in 200ml format and twist cap enclosures):

1) Prosecco Superiore Brut DOCG – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Brut “Millesimato” DOCG is light straw yellow with fine perlage, the nose is fruity and crisp with mellow floral flavors. Rich on the palate with silky-smooth texture.

2) Prosecco Superiore Extra Dry DOCG – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Extra Dry “Millesimato” DOCG is brilliant straw yellow. The nose has fruity aromas of peach, apple, pear and citrus fruit. The palate gracefully balances zingy acidity and a subtle hint of sweetness, richness, and silky-smooth texture.

3) Processo Brut DOC – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Brut DOC is straw yellow with lively perlage, the bouquet is fresh, fruity and aromatic. On the palate, it characteristically combines softness and freshness thanks to perfectly balanced acidity and sugar.

4) Prosecco Valdobbiadene Superiore Brut Millesimato DOCG – 100% Glera. Canella Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene Brut “Millesimato” DOCG is light straw yellow with fine perlage, the nose is fruity and crisp with mellow floral flavors. Rich on the palate with silky-smooth texture. This wine represents Canella’s top-level Prosecco, a modern and international version of Canella Prosecco.

5) Lido Prosecco Rosé Brut DOC – 85% Glera grape and 15% Pinot Noir. Canella Prosecco Rosé “Lido” DOC is a lovely shade of pink with fine and persistent perlage, the nose features fruity notes of cherry, wild berries and delicate flowers. On the palate, it is fresh, vivacious and pleasingly dry, with excellent persistence.

6) Canella Rosé Brut Marinotti – 100% Pinot Nero. Canella Pinot Noir Brut Rosé is a delightful, brilliant pink color with lively perlage, fragrant, fruity bouquet and a fresh, flavorful palate with gobs of character.

2024 Canella Sparkling Advent Calendar (Veneto, Italy) – $199.99

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