Our New Zealand wine class at the urban element was a great warm up for the New Zealand Wine Fair May 25th at the Government Conference Centre. Have a look a the wines we poured for the class.

Gunn Estate Rosé 2004 14.5%/alc │ Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
A lovely springtime wine made from Merlot grapes, this crisp yet fruity rosé has lifted floral aromas with strawberry and ripe cherry characters. Soft and fruity palate with ripe strawberry and cherry flavours. Rich mid-palate with a crisp clean finish. Pair this wine with grilled rare tuna or Mediterranean cuisine.

Nautilus Twin Islands Pinot Noir 2003 14.5%/alc │ Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
Dark ruby in colour with an aroma of plums and dark red fruits against a spicy oak background. The palate is full bodied with a fleshy middle and
fine ripe fruit tannins at the finish. As it ages over the next 3-5 years, more earthy and gamey aromas will develop. Pair this wine with duck breast with red cherry chutney.

Nobilo East Coast Merlot 2004 13.5%/alc │ Hawkes Bay/Gisborne │ soon to be in LCBO
Made from fruit sourced in the Hawkes Bay and Gisborne regions of New Zealand, this wine has ripe “fruit of the forest” characters, the palate is
full and soft, a seamless melding of fruit and oak. A hint of pepper combines with subtle oak nuttiness, providing depth and complexity.

Goldwater “Wood’s Hill” Merlot/Cab/Franc 13%/alc │Waiheke Island │ VINTAGES 675249 $24.95
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (69%), Merlot (20%), and Cabernet Franc (11%), the Wood’s
Hill is made with grapes from Goldwater’s younger vineyards. It is more fruit-forward and approachable when young than their top-end Bordeaux blend. Enjoy this with roast leg of lamb.

Mills Reef “Elspeth” Merlot Cabernet 2002 14%/alc │Hawkes Bay │ VINTAGES 670455 $36.00
The 2002 vintage, grown in the Mere Road vineyard, in the Gimblett Gravels, is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon,
French oak-aged for 16 months. It’s still very youthful, with impressively dark colour, sweet fruit characters and powerful, spicy, nutty
flavours, but needs time for its firm, almost aggressive tannins to mellow.

Te Mania Sauvignon Blanc 12.5%/alc │Nelson │ $18.35 Consignment
A crisp, refreshing wine with fresh, tangy aromas including ripe lemon, apricot, and grassy notes. On the palate it is very dry and light, with lots of
acidity and tangy, grassy, lemony flavours. Well balanced with clean and pure fruit flavours that linger on the finish. A nice accompaniment to
seafood, herbed chicken, vegetarian dishes, and smoked salmon. Available by consignment only – www.smallwinemakers.ca

Matua “Shingle Peak” Sauvignon Blanc 13.5%/alc │Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
A distinctive and aromatic Marlborough Sauv Blanc, delivering bright and lively gooseberry and passionfruit characters with a hint of lime.
The palate is well proportioned with refreshing tropical fruit flavours that linger on the seductive finish. A perfect match for snapper fillets served
with fresh dill sauce.

Spy Valley Dry Riesling 2004 12.5%/alc │Marlborough │ soon to be in Vintages
Pale straw in colour, this wine has aromas that highlight the mineral and citrus notes commonly exhibited from the Marlborough region. The
palate is pure and focused, showing crisp citrus notes and a slate and mineral texture. The finish is crisp and dry. Pair this wine with smoked
salmon or a salad of organic greens with grapefruit vinaigrette and toasted pecans.

Oyster Bay Chardonnay 13.5%/alc │Marlborough │ VINTAGES 326728 $17.95
Assertive and elegant, it shows varietal intensity and the distinct qualities of the Marlborough region. Aromas and flavours of melon, nectarine,
apple, pear, citrus and subtle buttery oak for balance. Clean, refreshing finish. Full-bodied enough to enjoy with rotisserie chicken or halibut
in a tarragon cream sauce.

Picks from LCBO/Vingages

Conde de Caralt Brut Cava VINTAGES 664623 | $12.95 | Penedes, Spain
This crisp, refreshing sparkling wine is made of the traditional Spanish cava grapes – Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo. It is brilliant straw in colour, with a well balanced mousse, and clean and elegant on the nose and palate, with flavours of green apple and a hint of toastiness.

Ironstone “Obsession” Symphony 2004 VINTAGES 355784 | $14.95 | California, U.S.A.
A unique grape created by crossing the Muscat of Alexandria with Grenache Gris. The result is a super-aromatic wine with exotic floral and tropical fruit aromas and flavours. It is made in a slightly off dry style, and the sweetness makes this wine perfect with spicy cuisine such as Thai and Indian.

Coopers Creek Pinot Noir 2004 VINTAGES 599969 | $19.95 | Marlborough, New Zealand
Quite approachable in its youth, this wine offers aromas and flavours of sweet black cherry and plum, oak, and earthy, meaty notes. It is medium bodied with soft tannins, and a long finish with lingering fruit flavours. Great with lamb, mushrooms, and spicy chicken.

Chapel Hill Shiraz 2001 VINTAGES 743989 | $18.95 | McLaren Vale, Australia
This Shiraz offers a rich, spicy nose with ripe berry and lingering licorice flavours. The integration of oak, fruit characters, and silky tannins result in a harmonious, elegant wine. Delicious on its own, or pair it with roast meats, venison, or strong cheeses.

Westside Red 2002 VINTAGES 682831 | $19.95 | Paso Robles, California
Inspired by the wines of the Rhône Valley in France, this wine is a blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Grenache. It’s medium bodied and has juicy berry flavours and a smooth mouthfeel. A perfect pairing for robust beef and game dishes, duck, or ratatouille.

Consignment Wines

Conca d’Oro Prosecco di Conegliano Veneto, Italy $16.15 | 11% alc
A sparkling wine with delicate and lively bubbles, and fresh, fruity aromas including green apple, grapefruit, banana, and acacia flowers. It is slightly off-dry with well balanced acidity and lingering green apple flavour. The perfect refreshment for hot days on the patio, or a festive way to start a dinner.

Te Mania Sauvignon Blanc Nelson, New Zealand $18.35 | 12.5% alc
A crisp, refreshing wine with fresh, tangy aromas including ripe lemon, apricot, and grassy notes. On the palate it is very dry and light, with lots of acidity and tangy, grassy, lemony flavours. Well balanced with clean and pure fruit flavours that linger on the finish. A nice accompaniment to seafood, herbed chicken, vegetarian dishes, and smoked salmon.

Angels Gate Riesling VQA 2004 Niagara, Canada $13.95 | 12.5% alc

Stainless steel fermented to maximize the natural fruit character, this Riesling is both crisp and dry, with just a touch of balanced sweetness. It has an intense nose of tangy lime, grapefruit, with subtle floral notes. On the palate, the wine is well-balanced with excellent acid structure. Perfect with asian inspired cuisine, salmon, and trout.

McManis Family Viognier 2004 San Joaquim, California $19.95 | 13.9% alc

An exotic, full bodied white wine, this Viognier is satisfying and intriguing. Look for aromas of apricot, honey, and underlying mineral and floral notes. The apricot on the nose carries over to the flavour of this rich wine, adding complexity to the pear and grapefruit flavours. The finish is long and faintly flinty. Try this wine with asian or indian inspired cuisine or seafood.

Murphy-Goode “Tin Roof” Pinot Noir Rosé 2003 Russian River, California $18.40 | 13.5% alc

This rosé has the crisp, fresh characteristics and the light body of white wine while capturing the deeper flavour characteristics of Pinot Noir. Enjoy refreshing acidity with flavours of strawberry, cherry, and a crisp finish. The perfect picnic wine, this is a great companion to a variety of foods, from delicate flavours to highly spiced.

Conde de Siruela Tinto 2003 Ribera del Duero, Spain $15.95 | 14% alc

Made of 100% Tempranillo grapes, this wine has a complex nose of balsam, vanilla, smoke, bacon fat, and cedar. On the palate, the powerful plummy fruit flavours come through. Smooth with a long, full, elegant finish. A perfect pairing for braised and roasted red meat dishes.

Mitchell Peppertree Shiraz 2003 Clare Valley, Australia $25.50 | 14.3% alc

This wine takes its name from the old peppertree which grows in the vineyard at Watervale, and it’s a happy coincidence that this wine shows spicy, peppery characters classic to Shiraz wines. This wine is full bodied with blackcurrant, plum, and cherry fruit flavours, rich spice, and a heady, long finish.

Another new year is upon us, and what better time than to include in your resolutions a wider wine exploration? We all know Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, Shiraz and Cab, but one of my favourite things about wine is the huge variety in style and flavour that’s available, if you’re not afraid to try something new. Here are some ideas to get you started on your new year’s wine journey.

If you like Chardonnay, try …
VIOGNIER. A grape that originated in France but is now being grown around the globe and is gaining more and more popularity. It’s aromatic and exotic, and has that rich mouthfeel that you know and love from Chardonnay. Some LCBO picks:

Craneford Viognier 2004
Vintages 656652 | $17.95 | Australia

Ironstone Viognier 2004
Vintages 946665 | $16.95 | California

If you like Pinot Grigio, try …
SOAVE. This is another easy-drinking, fruity white from Italy, made from a blend of Garganega and Trebbiano grapes (tip: the more Garganega, the better). Some versions, like Pinot Grigio, are mass produced and uninteresting, but when you find a good one, Soave can be crisp, fruity, and refreshing, with just a hint of complex nuttiness. Look for Classico on the label, including:

Pieropan Soave Classico 2004
Vintages 946848 | $18.95 | Italy

Masi Soave Classico
LCBO 266221 | $12.00 | Italy

If you like Pinot Noir, try …
GAMAY NOIR. This is the grape of Beaujolais in France, and although its image is of a super-light, candy apple flavour, some Gamays can be earthy, spicy, and fruity, very similar to some styles of Pinot Noir. Even better, it does tend to be on the lighter side, making it very food friendly and a great warm weather wine (when spring finally does come, try chilling this red down a bit to make it more refreshing). While many New World Gamays deliver delicious wine, don’t give up on Beaujolais. Ask your liquor store product consultant about the appellations of Beaujolais that offer interesting vinos. Try:

Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir VQA
LCBO 582353 | $15.95 | Ontario

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
Vintages 365924 | $15.95 | France

If you like Merlot, try …
CARMENÈRE. For decades, most of the Carmenère growing in Chile was mistaken for Merlot, but these days you can find excellent examples of Carmenère, with smooth berry flavours and deep, rich colour. There aren’t lots of 100% varietal options, but a couple Chilean choices include:

Casillero del Diablo Carmenère
LCBO 620666 | $12.10 | Chile

Morandé ‘Terrarum’ Reserve Carmenère 2003
Vintages 938720 | $13.95 | Chile

If you like Shiraz, try …
MALBEC. Another gem from France, this wine became famous when Argentina began making full, rich styles of Malbec. This wine delivers inky colour that looks as rich as it tastes – lots of spice, dark fruit, chocolate, and black licorice flavours make this wine a strong contender for the powerful Aussie Shiraz. And just wait til you see the price tags on some of them! A couple ideas include:

Norton Malbec Reserve 2003
Vintages 663138 | $17.95 | Argentina

Marcus James Malbec
LCBO 518431 | $8.75 | Argentina

If you like Port, try …
MADEIRA. Madeira is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of the same name. Although somewhat similar in style to some Ports, Madeira wine has been heated, creating aromas and flavours similar to sweet sherries. I recently had some Madeira with crispy bacon-wrapped dates and it was delish! A great way to warm up on a cold winter’s night, especially with some of your leftover Christmas fruitcake. A great value Madeira to start with:

Casa dos Vinhos Fino Old Madeira
LCBO 027375 | $18.15 | Portugal

The gloriously hot days of summer here in Canada tend to slip away so quickly, and with only a good dozen or so summer week-ends, you really do have to make the most of each and every sunny afternoon and warm, breezy evening. We at Groovy Grapes think that the best way to do this is to keep your summer entertaining simple. Here are a few tips to get you started, plus a couple of must-try summer wines.

1. Shop local and fresh. If you’re lucky enough to live in a place with a farmer’s market, use it! Sure, it might take a few extra minutes instead of buying all your produce at the supermarket, but it’s worth it to serve your guests local, fresh, and seasonal dishes.

2. Grill it. Grilling has to be THE easiest way to cook, plus you won’t heat up your kitchen, you’ll have less dishes, and we think it’s the best way to let your food’s flavours speak for themselves. If you are interested in a short video clip we put together about bbq and wine and food matching have a look at our video library and select the second clip.

3. Dine al fresco. Buy tons of citronella candles or torches to keep the bugs away, then set up your table outside to enjoy the fresh air. There’s nothing more seasonally celebratory than a simple outdoor party.

4. Drink bubbly. Since we’re sticking with the theme of celebrating, sparkling wine is the perfect drink for your summer parties. It works equally well in the morning, afternoon, or evening, it’s super food-friendly, and it makes a simple yet elegant cocktail when mixed with a bit of puréed fresh fruit like berries or peaches.

5. Call us! Whether you’d like a tip on what wines to serve with your summer menu or if you’d rather leave the entertaining to us, we’d love to hear from you. Email works too.

Must-try Summer Sipping
Just as with food, we like to support local wine producers, especially during the summer months. Try these Canadian wines at your next summer party – you won’t be disappointed!

Reif Estate Vidal (Niagara Peninsula)
LCBO 111781 | 750 ml | $8.35
With just a hint of sweetness, this light and simple wine is the perfect poolside sipper. Fruity aromas and flavours of peach and pear, plus a price that can’t be beat.

Henry of Pelham Cuvée Catharine Rosé Brut (Niagara Peninsula)
VINTAGES 616458 | 750 ml | $29.95
See tip #4 above – drink bubbly! This one has a light pink colour, medium body, and fine, refreshing bubbles. Try it as an apéritif, or with oysters, caviar, or grilled seafood.

Château des Charmes Rosé Cuvée d’Andrée (Niagara Peninsula)
LCBO 333260 | 750 ml | $12.95
A crisp, dry and refreshing rosé, full of fruity and spicy flavours. If rosé makes you think sweet and syrupy, think again! So food friendly, you’ll want to try it with everything!

Mission Hill “Five Vineyards” Pinot Noir (Okanagan Valley)
LCBO 118844 | 750 ml | $13.95
A medium-bodied red that can be chilled down a bit for more refreshment. Pinot Noir is a popular style, and this one is quite fruity with a hint of earthiness. A great partner for grilled salmon, trout, tuna, or pork tenderloin.

Rossignol Cranberry Delight (Prince Edward Island)
VINTAGES 535419 | 750 ml | $15.95
A unique fruit wine from P.E.I. that’s an ideal ending to an outdoor meal. Sweet and fresh with flavours of cranberry and strawberry.

Domaine Chandon Brut Cuvée Napa, California
LCBO 094946 | $24.95 | 12% alc

Who says you have to pay an arm and a leg for great bubbly? This one is fresh and crisp with full flavours like apple, pear, and nuts, a smooth mouthfeel, and a long-lasting finish with hints of yeast and caramel. Classic Champagne grapes Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are blended with Pinot Blanc. A perfect party-starter and great with apps.

Casillero del Diablo Viognier 2004, Casablanca Valley, Chile
VINTAGES 592998 | $13.95 | 14% alc

WHAT A VALUE! If you love Viognier, and love only spending $14 on a great bottle, this one’s for you. Ripe and fruity wine with aromas and flavours of ripe peach, luscious melon, honeysuckle, and apricot. It has a ripe and juicy mouthfeel, giving the wine enough body to be a great partner for rich, creamy dishes, while also having refreshing tartness to cleanse the palate. We paired this one up with chicken in a tarragon cream sauce (created by the chef at Biagio’s Italian Kitchen on Richmond Road) for a match made in heaven.