Did you manage to find a bottle of that Muscat de
Beaumes-de-Venise I recommended last week?
Wasn’t that awesome! A case has just arrived at the Newmarket LCBO for those in the area. Grab it before it's gone!
I spent last weekend on the road which unfortunately takes
me away from my family, though it does present the opportunity to purchase a few bottles out-of-province. Elderton Command 2005 was my score in Edmonton on Saturday
afternoon.
I’m in a bind this week:
I’ve got too many wines that need your attention. They’re all from South
America with the first being a Chilean in the form of Sauvignon
Blanc and a really top-notch example at that.
But I’ve also stumbled upon a very classy Chardonnay from Argentina for only $11; you’ll need to try that
one as well :) Better yet, how about a
bottle of Merlot – also from Chile
– I enjoyed this one so much, that it prompted me to write about the grape in a
new article via Oakville.com.
The piece generated a nice compliment from Rex Pickett, author of
the book Sideways and the story behind the hit movie. I’ll link you up
a little later in the post.
Thanks for reading and enjoy the wine!
White
2011 Veramonte, La
Gloria Sauvignon Blanc Reserva – Casablanca
Valley , Chile
I have no idea who Gloria is, but let me assure you that she
crafts a very fine Sauvignon in the cool climate of Chile ’s
Casablanca Valley
Red
2009 Concha Y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha Merlot – Rapel Valley , Chile
Typically softer than the big reds that we so easily recognize. Dark fruit aromas in this example and hints of spice that entice
your senses. Medium
bodied and quite dry with a good balance between the fruit and acidity. Plush yet lively
to taste; fresh from beginning to end; a welcome taste. Enjoy with roast chicken or sip it solo as
the cool weather approaches. $19.95 (939827)
Vintages – very dry
2010 Finca El Origen Chardonnay – Mendoza , Argentina
750mL | LCBO #269993 | $10.95
I had the opportunity to taste this wine with Finca El Origen’s winemaker Gonzalo
Bertelsen and a select group from the WineAlign team at a luncheon downtown this
week. To put it bluntly, there are a
number of Chardonnay examples available in the $10 range that leave you with a
feeling of inadequacy in terms of quality.
Far too many over-cropped and heavily oaked ho-hum wines leave drinkers
with little option other that to move on to alternate grape varieties with
hopes of discovering something significantly more captivating – until now… The 2010
Finca El Origen Chardonnay from Mendoza Argentina is a
stunning example of the grape and at $10.95 is arguably the best in its class
at the LCBO.
My notes:
The wine glistens in
the light reflecting both its purity and clarity. The colour is bright yellow with green hues at
the shoulders. Aromas only hint at oak
influence with more focus on sweet ripe melon and lemon as a prelude to the clean,
cool climate mineral texture and beautifully balanced acidity. Lovely
combinations of citrus and herbal notes on the palate with a touch of creaminess and a slightly spiced
finish. There is a degree of complexity
here that elevates this wine well above others in the price range. Very enjoyable and a fantastic value.
Link to the LCBO product availability for 2010 Finca El Origen Chardonnay
- “Terrific article, Tyler .
I learned a few new things.”
Rex Pickett – author of Sideways
~> I’d love to hear your thoughts on a food & wine
pairing: What is your favourite
dish? And which wine highlights the
flavours of the food? Send me a quick note with your thoughts and I’ll publish it in a future edition of Wine for the
Weekend.
