V V List Release Saturday June 6, 2009

Bonjour!

Vintages is coming at you from Burgundy this release, along with a bunch of Rosés from around the world. Burgundy is generally out of reach for the Vintages Value List as they tend to be pricey. Burgundy is famous for the Pinot Noir varietal and Chardonnay aka Chablis. Burgundy is all about the “terroir” – which is wine-speak for the earth the vines are grown in, the amount of precipitation that falls on the vineyard, the slope of vineyard and the weather. “Terroir” ends up in your glass. If the soil is limestone based – the wine will likely have a minerally note. If there is more rainfall and the slope is gentle – the grapes will not be as expressive as those grown at high altitude with little rainfall during the season.

We found one stellar pinot from Burgundy that barely qualifies for the list this time round AND a great pinot from our own backyard. Buy them both and have a taste-off for fun, checking out the difference in the French terroir from the Niagara terroir.

Sparkling Wine

120949 Barth Extra Dry Sparkling Rosé (Germany) $16.95

We know … this is weird! BUT it is incredibly refreshing – not in a wet your whistle sense – but the taste is surprisingly traditional – a champagne nose, but this is paired with a dry, red fruit note on the palate.

White Wine

25064 D’Arenberg The Last Ditch Viognier (Australia) $19.95

This is a “big” white wine with a finish of marathon proportions. I read an article in the Globe this week stating that “wood is no good” for white wine. This wine was fermented in the barrel and it is an oak-bomb. So if wood is your thing – grab it. Jay Miller of eRobertParker.com fame gave it a 90.

930362 Domaine Allimant-Laugner Muscat 2007 (Alsace, France) $17.95

We must have been receptive to the oddballs this week. Muscat is – like its name – rather musky in aroma. The palate sports citrus peel, and exotic fruits. We found this delightful and delicious.

Red Wine

110395 Antonin Rodet Givry 2007 (Burgundy, France) $21.95

An affordable pinot that offers a great introduction to the magic of Pinot Noir from Burgundy. It is smooth with classic cherry and raspberry notes.

112177 Rosewood Estates Pinot Noir 2007 (Niagara, Ontario) $17.95

Try it – you’ll like it! Cherry, smoothness and depth. A fantastic value. Taste with the above wine for educational purposes.

983742 L.A. Cetto Petite Syrah 2007 (Baja, Cal & Guadalupe Mexico) $11.95

Hola! Really, really purple in colour. There are black pepper and stewed plum notes. A tad flabby – but the price, we can live that.

93872 Terra Rosa Malbec 2004 (Mendoza, Argentina) $19.95

Does anyone else notice that the good Malbecs are getting more expensive? Too bad for us – “cause they have hooked us with this yummy varietal from S. America. Full bodied with plum and spice, and leather notes. Dry finish.

322856 Montes Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (Chile) $21.95

One of the more affordable wines from this fabulous producer. This Cab is well-made, classic in fact – sporting tobacco, vanilla, spice and delectable berry flavours.

705699 Bricco Rosso Dolcetto Di Dogliani 2006 (Piedmont, Italy) $18.95

Dry, smooth and luxuriant. Berry flavours in a full-bodied dry Italian style. It’s organic.

121236 Villa Cerna Chianti Classico 2006 (Tuscany, Italy) $18.95

Fantastic, fruity Italian table wine. You’ll find a little cocoa, cherry and earthy shtank.

114405 Montinho Sao Miguel 2007 (Portugal) $13.95

Lots of plum, blackberry and toasty notes. The oak is not overwhelming and the body is full, round and not too ample.

If any of you need something to do this Friday lunch hour, come to the Queen’s Quay LCBO. The Vintages Value List products will be available AND the stores annual fundraiser for Camp Oochigeas (camp for kids with cancer) is going on. This is a great BBQ event where $10 gets you a variety of barbeque, beverages and dessert. There is an awesome silent auction with wine, sporting goods and tickets, restaurant certificates and trips to wine destinations up for grabs. Music, games and spectacular people watching.

Don’t forget – the Vintages Value List can always be found at: www.cetoblog.com/vintages_value_list & www.ceotblog.com/vintages_value_list

ALP

Karen & Rose