deVine Thoughts

September 9, 2024

Weekly Offer for Sep 9/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:13 pm

weekly_barossan_cabsau_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Peter Lehmann The Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $21.49 regularly $25.99.

Often referred to as the man who saved the Barossa Valley, Peter Lehmann’s reputation is legendary throughout the region and in Australian winemaking history.

The late 1970s were difficult times for the Barossa Valley wine grape growing community as there was a severe grape surplus where companies refused to buy grapes and honor existing contracts, and Peter Lehmann knew this would destroy the livelihoods of the family growers. In a courageous bid to support his community, Peter took out a loan, assembled equipment and built a small winery to process their grapes. True to his promise to them, when the money started coming in Peter made sure to pay his growers first.

Having gone through the tough times, not just to make great wine but to preserve the future of the land and the Barossa region, the growers gave him unrivalled access to the very best grapes thereafter.

Our weekly offer this week is their “The Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon” – deep crimson with garnet hues and a slight purple tinge. This complex, medium-full bodied Barossa Cabernet Sauvignon displays vibrant cassis with notes of black olive on the nose. The palate is lush and rich, with mulberry and blueberry fruit, savoury herbal and cigar-box flavours imparted from carefully selected French oak. The tannins are fine and ripe and the wine finishes with soft, fruit-dominated length. Pair with slow roasted meats or a grilled steak.

Peter Lehmann The Barossan Cabernet Sauvignon (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $21.49, regularly $25.99.

Return to devinewines.ca

September 7, 2024

Upcoming Cartuxa Tasting

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 6:10 pm

cartuxa_tasting_small
Cartuxa is a fascinating winery located in the Évora region of Alentejo in South Central Portugal. The vineyards were first planted way back in 1517 by the Jesuits and, since that time, the monastery and vineyards have stood the test of time. The last private owner Vasco Maria Eugénio, who was childless, created a charitable foundation to which he bequeathed the estate (now operating across 1050 hectares) and all the winery’s trademarks so that all the profits from the winery go directly into supporting a university, hospital, social housing and other welfare institutions. The foundation which is 60+ years old, still operates on a non-profit basis, and has been instrumental in keeping the community in the area blessed with social and cultural institutions. Their social work has been lauded far and wide.

deVine and Boutique Wines are pleased to present Gilmer Grattan, North America and European Export Manager on Saturday, Sep 14@7pm as she leads us through a tasting of the Cartuxa wines – some of the most respected wines in the Alentejo region. Advanced registration is required, we hope to see you Saturday, Sep 14th.

Register here…

Return to devinewines.ca

September 2, 2024

Weekly Offer for Sep 2/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:09 pm

weekly_morgenster_sb_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Morgenster Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $16.99 , regularly $21.99..
Family-owned and family-run, Morgenster Estate has a long history dating back 300 years. Situated near the foothills of the Helderberg Mountains in Somerset West (35 minutes from Cape Town), Morgenster was a pioneer in the 1990s and paved the way for South Africa’s wine and olive oil culture.

The feature this week is their Sauvignon Blanc – the grapes for this wine are harvested slightly later in order to maximize the wonderful tropical fruit notes that this wine has to offer. A palate-pleasing wine, harmonious and well-balanced showing typical tropical flavours in abundance. The aromas include lemon zest, green apples, pears and the requisite grassiness. This elegantly crafted wine has gracious balance and poise with vibrant, integrated acidity leaving a lingering citrus and flinty finish. Pair with white meat and salads.

Morgenster Sauvignon Blanc (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $16.99 , regularly $21.99.

Return to devinewines.ca

Kopke Colheita Ports

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:28 am

kopke_colheita_small
Founded in 1638, Kopke is the oldest port house. Like many producers in the region, they offer young Ruby Ports, LBV Ports, Vintage Ports, Tawny Ports, White Ports, and more. However, their claim to fame is undoubtedly their Colheita Ports – which are wood-aged vintage dated tawnies. If you love the caramel and toffee style, this is right up your alley – deVine has numerous old releases for consideration, especially if you’re after something old, or perhaps a birthyear wine or a wedding anniversary wine. Hurry, some are down to the last bottle.

Pictured left to right:

1957 Kopke Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $399.99

1966 Kopke Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $319.99

1978 Kopke Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $194.99

Other Kopke products:

1979 Kopke Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $189.99

1981 Kopke Colheita (Douro, Portugal) – $179.99

Kopke 40 Year Old (Douro, Portugal) – $179.99

2016 Kopke Vintage Port (Douro, Portugal) – $134.99

August 26, 2024

Weekly Offer for Aug 26/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:10 pm

weekly_le_monde_cabfranc_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Cantina Le Monde Cabernet Franc (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy) – $17.99 , regularly $23.49..

Cantina Le Monde is located in Friuli, an ancient land touched by the Adriatic Sea in the south and protected by the Alps in the north, between the hills, the plains and the sky. Le Monde lies between the banks of the Livenza and Meduna rivers, close to the border between the provinces of Treviso and Pordenone in Friuli Grave. The winery headquarters, built in the 18th century maintains the architectural characteristics of the time. Originally property of the Pistoni family, the wine farm together with the vineyards was acquired Alex Maccan in 2008. Alex is now the owner and winemaker.

Our feature this week is their Cabernet Franc – intense ruby red with garnet red tinges. A rich, lingering bouquet with intense notes of fruit preserves and hints of grass. The palate is velvety and mouth filling, balanced by supporting acidity with excellent length. Pairs well with cured and red meats as well as game.

Cantina Le Monde Cabernet Franc (Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy) – $17.99 , regularly $23.49.

Return to devinewines.ca

August 19, 2024

Weekly Offer for Aug 19/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 12:09 pm

weekly_maria_bobal_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Casas de Moya Bobal Maria (Valencia, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $23.99.

de Moya is a family winery founded by Yves and Sofie Laurijssens in 2001, the result of the passion and devotion of this family of Belgian origin for the eastern Mediterranean, its climate, its gastronomy and its native grape varieties. Their focus on extracting the best aromas and flavors from their available old vines of local varieties: Bobal, Monastrell or Merseguera. Its 40 hectares of land with vineyards up to 95 years old are located at an altitude between 800 and 950 meters above sea level on a hill around the village Casas de Moya in Valencia. They carry out organic viticulture without certification. All of their wines bear the names of the female family members.

Our feature wine this week is their Bobal Maria, with 90% Bobal and 10% Merlot, this red wine is spicy, with notes of tobacco, cedar and spices. Spicy notes (vanilla and coconut) alongside figs and ripe dates make their appearance on the dense mid-palate. Full-bodied and powerful with fine depth and length on the finish. Try with simply cooked meats, such as grilled, roasted beef. Also works well with elaborate vegetable dishes.

Casas de Moya Bobal Maria (Valencia, Spain) – $18.49 , regularly $23.99.

Return to devinewines.ca

August 17, 2024

New Rosé Arrivals

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 10:12 am

rose_blog_small_24
Author: Dirk Chan

As summer progresses rapdily, the rosé season is in high gear!

We have tasted and brought in the last bunch of pinks for the summer for your drinking pleasure.

Rosés 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 popularity shows no signs of abading – try some today!

Pictured left to right are our some of the recent arrivals:

2022 Mezzacorona Terre del Noce Pinot Grigio Rosé (Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy) – $16.99

2022 Villa des Anges Rosé (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $17.99

2022 Maison Fontan Maubet Rosé (Cotes de Gascogne, France) – $22.99

2023 San Marzano Tramari Rosé di Primitivo (Puglia, Italy) – $23.99

2023 Château La Nerthe Tavel Prieure de Montezargues (Rhone Valley, France) – $33.49

Other interesting pinks for your consideration:

2021 La Playa Cabernet Sauvignon Dry Rosé (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $17.99

2023 Perrin & Fils Studio by Miraval Rosé (Provence, France) – $21.99

2023 Les Quatre Tours Esprit Sud Rosé (Provence, France) – $25.99

2023 Agricola Giacomo Radica Terre di Chieti Rosato Vigneti Radica (Abruzzi, Italy) – $25.99

2023 Domaine du Salvard Cheverny Rose (Loire Valley, France) – $26.99

2021 Wachter-Wiesler Rosa Handgemenge (Burgenland, Austria) – $32.99

Return to devinewines.ca

August 12, 2024

Weekly Offer for Aug 12/24

Filed under: Uncategorized — Dirk @ 12:44 pm

weekly_gres_st_paul_small
Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Gres Saint Paul Romanis (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $19.99 , regularly $23.99.

Gres Saint Paul – during the Middle Ages a small church was erected along the antique Dominitian Way between Nîmes and Montpellier in the heart of Languedoc Roussillon wine region and named Saint Paul de Cabrières. Today, it is known as Château Grès Saint Paul. Built on the ruins, this 24 hectare estate is run by the Serviere Family (since 1830), the vineyards is on a plateau bordering the Mediterranean Sea and over looking the Camargue and l’Etang de l’Or (the famous Golden Lagoon in southern France).

Our feature this week is their Romanis Red – a fruity wine with hints of earth, spice and garrigue (blackcurrant bud, thyme, rosemary and beetroot). The palate is fresh, unctuous, all wrapped in silky tannins. This terroir driven value red exudes a very beautiful harmony because of its extreme finesse and balance. Finishes nicely with a hint of game. Try with a slow braised provencal beef stew.

Gres Saint Paul Romanis (Languedoc-Roussillon, France) – $19.99 , regularly $23.99.

Return to devinewines.ca

August 5, 2024

Weekly Offer for Aug 5/24

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 1:17 pm

weekly_pithivier_small
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.

Return to devinewines.ca

August 1, 2024

Introducing Piedmonte’s De Forville Winery

Filed under: deVine's Daily Blog Article — Dirk @ 9:50 pm

de_forville_blog_small
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

Return to devinewines.ca

« Newer PostsOlder Posts »

Powered by WordPress