deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Valentine’s Day is this coming monday and if you’re planning a quiet evening in, here are some interesting wines to share with that someone special in your life from starter wine to white to red to dessert wine, and in all price ranges. If you have more specific needs, please feel free to drop in the store and one of us will gladly help you pick the right wines for this very special occasion.

‘Bubbles – a must and French Champagne is the ultimate! A dozen roses and a rosé make a great pair! The gorgeously colored and deep Gremillet Brut Rosé Saignee – $56.99 will do nicely, big and bold enough for a meat based appetizer. The D de Devaux – $97.99 impresses with both elegance and precision – half Chardonnay and half Pinot, it hails from the exceptional 2002 vintage. For an inexpensive choice, the Raventos i Blanc L’Hereu Cava Brut Reserva – $27.99 is one of the best Cavas we’ve ever tasted – intoxicating flowery nose and an exuberant mouthfeel that is hard to resist.

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Author: Dirk Chan

My annual fearless crystal ball gazing into the wine scene, hard to believe another year has gone by so quickly.

Here are a few trends I see:

We saw it at Christmas time and it will continue into 2011, people want Best Bang value wines between $15 and $25 as their everyday drinkers so we will have to be on our toes to purchase the ones worthy of great value for money. People will splurge occasionally for something in the $40-75 range. Then there are others at the other end of the spectrum who can afford and continue to buy the ultra premium wines and spirits at > $100 price point.

I made this prediction last year and well, I’m hopeful to see the emergence of some Swiss wines (didn’t happen last year). It would be nice to have a new selection of top drawer Argentinean Malbecs and more selection for high end Chilean Carmenere. Finally, some more availability of inexpensive (but good) wines from Uruguay. A pleasant surprise would be to try some good Mexican reds should they appear in our market.

I feel sad to have to say this but after the record setting prices of Bordeaux 2009 futures campaign last year, there is no reprief as 2010 is hailed to be as good as 2009. With the Asian market buying at whatever cost, it looks like you will have to save up a lot of money to buy 2010. There is the comparison of 1988-89-90 triptych with that of 2008-09-10 and since 2010 has produced 30% less in terms of grapes due to bad flowering during the spring, there is less wine to go around this time so I can’t forsee a break in pricing (and let’s hope there’s no increase, cross your fingers). Those who missed the boat on 2009 Bordeaux can rectify by purchasing 2010 Bordeaux futures come May or June. Bordeaux certainly isn’t making it easy – this is hard on the pocket book as 2010 joins 2000, 2003 (less so), 2005, 2008 (specific regions only) and 2009 as must have vintages of the new millenium.

Great bargain regions from the new world will continue to be Argentina and Chile, while in the old world continues to be Portugual, Spain and Southern France. Note the 2009 Beaujolas vintage is the greatest in two decades..

Many people have started Wine Cellars, and in so doing, it is advisable to continue to buy good wines year in year out. After 8-10 years of consistent purchasing, you would have built a cellar that has wines for any and every occasion. In 2011, smart buyers should look to add some California 2008’s, German 2008 and 2009’s, Barolo and Barbaresco 2006’s, 2002 Champagnes, Amarone 2006’s and any late released 2004 Brunello di Montalcino Riservas to their collections. Those who were smart and bought right bank Bordeaux 2008’s will take shipment in the fall of 2011. Those who didn’t buy futures will suffer the wrath of a great right bank vintage and escalating shelf prices. Every good cellar must have some Bordeaux so set some money aside for the 2010 campaign as well.

Finally to end on a more optimistic note, with ever escalating warehousing costs with the AGLC, there will be deep discounts throughout the year as agents drop prices in order to move stock, all meaning deep bargains passed on to consumers.

Enjoy 2011 and make a resolution to expand your palate and try something new that you’ve not had before. Spend a few extra dollars to experience a wine of a higher level than your norm, it will expand your palate horizons and of course you’ll never go back…

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Author: Dirk Chan

There are many who consider Bordeaux to the best wine producing region in the world (and certainly one of the most expensive). Our first Top Drops tasting of 2011 will be part one of a three part exploration into this famed region. Part One Features the ‘Saints’ of Bordeaux. The river Gironde runs divides the left bank with its Cabernet Sauvignon dominant wines, while the right bank is Merlot dominant. We’ll sample three wines each from the left bank appellations of St. Estephe and St. Julien, and finish off with the right bank of St. Emilion. There will be a young wine, a mid-term wine and an older wine in each of the three flights to clearly demonstrate the traits and evolution of the wines in each of the three regions.

St. Estephe (the northern most region), and St. Julien although both left bank wines are radically different in character. The former is earthy, barnyardy and hard as nails when young. The latter is more about cedar, licorice and slightly softer and easier to drink. St. Emilion is a bolder appellation with the greatest number of estate and thus a great deal of difference in styles within the region. No two St. Emilions are the same as the blends and house styles can be extremely radical with new and old world influences even amongst neighbours.

We are eight people short of minimum quota to make this tasting a go, so if you’re interested at all in finding out about Bordeaux, please sign up as soon as possible.

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Author: Hayley McRae

The world of wine is ever changing and we are presented with more and more options. In order to understand what we like as consumers it is beneficial to be armed with as much knowledge as possible in this constantly changing industry. Throughout the past two years we have discussed and tasted wines by grape variety and country this year we are hoping to delve into regional differences within a wine growing country. Each tasting will focus on different regions exploring the grapes, styles, soils, viticulture, laws and even some regional cuisine.

Please join us this year for our Wine Regions of the World tastings. Each tasting will be featuring seven wines from specific regions paired with regional snacks and cheeses. The tasting will aim to give a wine spectrum of price ranges.

Dates: All tastings are $45/person, however if you book six different tastings in advance we are offering a $10 discount per tasting. Here is the first three tastings bookable online:

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Author: Dirk Chan

New Year’s Eve is rapidly approaching and time to consider what bubblie you’ll be drinking to bring in 2011. If you want the best, then go with a favourite French Champagne, but there are lots of cheaper and excellent alternatives in the form of sparkling wines from Australia, Argentina, Portugal, Canada, the United States and South Africa.There are some lovely French alternatives from the Jura, Loire Valley and Alsace at half to a quarter of the price of the more famous Champagnes. Add to the list the fast gaining Italian Prosecco and don’t forget the favourite standby – Spanish Cava. With prices from the low teens to over $500/bottle, the choices are endless.

Of course, the world’s most famous celebratory drink is French Champagne, la crème de la crème of sparklers, whether it be the Non-Vintage style or the ultra premium Vintage dated expensive tete de cuvees, usually made from blends of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. You can also find 100% Chardonnays (Blanc de Blancs), 100% Pinot Noirs (Blanc de Noirs), or the Demi-Sec (slightly sweet) ones too.

While the majority of Champagne sales happens during the end of the year, we at deVine feel anytime is a good time for bubbles so make a New Year’s resolution to taste all kind of sparkling wine throughout the year for any occasion. If ever you’re stuck with finding a wine to pair with food, consider bubbles – they are more versatile than most people think. Sushi, KFC, smoked salmon, oyster, caviar, Thai food, seafood come to mind. However, for New Year’s eve, bubbles are a must, and you’ll find all kinds of recommendations if you follow the ‘read full article’ link below…From us to you, a very Happy New Year!

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Author: Dirk Chan

Hard to believe, but Christmas is coming up so fast with only a little more than a week left to do your shopping. deVine wants to make it easy for you to purchase the wines you need for the holiday season. We have our regular Case of the Month for December, a Wine Spectator/deVine Wines Selection case, a Twelve Days of Christmas Beer Sampler, and now we have three articles with recommendations for great wines of stature and value in the less than $20/bottle range, another for between $20 and $50, and finally one for greater than $100/bottle range. Feel free to peruse these articles and you can purchase online on our secured website and pick them up on your way home to avoid the hustle and bustle of the store.

Note for our out of town customers that all delivery orders must be submitted to us by noon Monday, December 20th to guarantee delivery before Christmas. After that time, the recipients will have to pickup at the store.

We are on extended shopping hours now till Christmas for those who want to more personalized service, We are open from 10am to 9pm Monday through Fridays, Saturdays 10-8pm and Sundays from noon to 6pm. Note we will open 10am to 5pm on Christmas Eve, and closed for Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Feel free also to drop us an email as well, we will respond as quickly as we can.

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Author: Dirk Chan

The popular American Wine publication, The Wine Spectator, unveils its Top 100 Wines of the Year at this time of the year. Upon reviewing 17,000 in 2010, this list sends wine afficionados into a frenzy searching for the wines that made the grade. There is a panel of writers from the magazine that get together to decide on this list, so it emcompasses the palates and influences of not one person, but many critics and thus is eclectic.

The theme again this year is American domination with 14 wines in the top 20 and 25 wines in the top 40. While I agree there are fine wines coming out of the States, especially from the superb 2007 vintage, it is not the only country making good wines and the measly representation from Portugal, Chile and South Africa is sad to see. The American economy needs all the help it can get and this is evident to me here.

The pricing trend in the list appears to be valued driven wines at one end, and ultra-premium expensive wines at the other. Unfortunately, most of the American highend wines are of small production and not readily available here. I’m disappointed again there is not a single Canadian wine in the list, we produce some lovely inexpensive whites that certainly qualify for the value-driven category, no? My griping is done…

What is available from this year’s list is the smallest since deVine’s inception and some wines are the wrong vintages. What is available for purchase is limited and selling very fast, so please grab yours early. Click the link below to see the available wines here..

Also, please don’t forget to sign up for our Wine Spectator Top 100 tasting scheduled for January 15th, 2011, we are holding two or three wines just for that tasting and you will only be able to purchase those if you are in attendance that evening.

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Author: Dirk Chan

As is tradition, on the 3rd thursday of November, the world awaits in anticipation the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. deVine’s shipment will arrive on Thursday, November 18 after 12pm. deVine will be receiving the 2010 Georges DuBoeuf Villages Beaujolais Nouveau – $21.99 this year.

For the price, the Villages is a much better bottling than the regular Nouveau. The Gamay grapes were picked just three weeks ago, and after a very short fermentation, it is bottled for its freshness while offerinig beautiful strawberry, black currant, bannana and some hints of cedar with a nice backbone that gives off bright, lively flavors of morello cherry confiture and finishing with hints of allspice and cloves. Nice smooth mouthfeel and virtually tannin free due to the short exposure to the skins. So, for your Beaujolais Nouveau party, serve this slightly chilled with some poultry or spicy meatballs and for something ambitious and over the top, a roast duck with a reduced cherry sauce.

Some interesting Nouveau tidbits:

1) The region of Beaujolais is 34 miles long from north to south and 7 to 9 miles wide north of Lyon in southeastern France

2) there are nearly 4000 growers in the region

3) Gamay is the only grape permitted for Beaujolais and only grapes grown in Beaujolais or Beaujolais Villages is permitted in Beaujolais Nouveau, there are no grapes from the Cru vineyards allowed

4) Beaujolais Nouveau must be drank sooner than later and served slightly cool at about 13C.

5) Beaujolais Nouveau is a marvel of modern day advertising, with the marketing engine in full force, arriving just in time for the American thanksgiving, and 70 million bottles overall. How they manage to ship everything in a timely manner boggles the mind.

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Author: Dirk Chan

The Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia is the original Super Tuscan, produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc vine plantings obtained from the famed First Growth Bordeaux Chateau Lafite of Pauillac fame. The early vintages were kept for private consumption, but in 1968, the first commercial release to the international world signified the arrival of the Super Tuscan, and it has never looked back since. Located in the Bolgheri coastal region of Tuscany in Central Italy, it commands the respect and admiration the world over, and along with Solaia and Ornellaia are regarded amongst the best wines from Tuscany.

Sassicaia, which in the Tuscan dialect means ‘stony ground’ was the lightning rod that signal the viability of Bordeaux based reds in Tuscany. It’s success was immediate and influential in Italy being regarded as a top wine producing region. One of the first cult wines, the legendary 1985 has been lauded as amongst the ten greatest wines made in the last century. While Ornellaia has been generally acknowledged as the most consistent over the last 20 years, when Sassicaia does it well, it hits it out of the park, and the 2007 is such a wine, ranking alongside 2006 as the greatest Sassicaia made since the 1990, 1988 and of course, the 1985.

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Author: Dirk Chan

In the southern part of Italy lies the more obscure wine producing region of Campania where the Feudi di San Gregorio estate resides. This exciting and dynamic house has a focus on innovation and a sharp eye on quality. The estate has some of the oldest vineyards in all of Italy with records showing wine being made in this part of the Irpinia region as early as 590 AD. Spread out over lush and gentle hills in Sorbo Serpico, an hour from Naples and Mount Vesuvius, its unique volcanic, sandstone and marly soils lends to great wines with the telltale aromas of cherry, cinnamon, aniseed, graphite and ash.

Founded by the husband and wife team of Enzo Ercolino and Mirella Capaldo in the mid 1980’s, the estate has gone from strength to strength due to their excelelent quality wines made from indigenous grapes Fiano, Aglianico and Greco di Tufo.

Join us and Jennifer Klinck of Vendemmia International Wines as we welcome Maurizio di Rosa, the Export Manager for FDSG and taste and discover Feudi di San Gregorio. Our thanks also to Daniel Costa of Red Star who is from Campania and will be doing local fare from the region for this tasting. Only 18 seats available for this special event.

You can sign up for this rare monday night event here

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