LCBO
Champagne A.D. Coutelas Cuvée 1809 Extra Brut NV
LCBO# 26323 l $120
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Champagne A.D. Coutelas is a boutique, highly awarded, family-owned and operated grower champagne house situated in the north western part of the Marne department. The small village of Dizy hosts many notable champagne producers. The Coutelas family has been growing their own grapes and making champagne here since 1809 and now the 8th, current generation continues to honour the wealth of knowledge and expertise passed on to them from their ancestors. Today Damien and Angélique Coutelas are at the helm and are continually experimenting with new styles and vintages. An allegiance to authenticity, quality and tradition is their guiding light. A high-end offering from the Coutelas portfolio, perfect for the holidays.
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Tasting Note: Deep old gold. Mature nose combining dried and candied fruits, pastries and milk bread with faint oxidative undertones. Great presence on the palate marrying opulence and freshness, soft with a trace of firmness. Very successful. Most definitely a stellar Champagne. Score - 92. (Gilbert & Gaillard International Challenge, 2020). 12% alc./vol and 7 gr residual sugar.
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Available at LCBO Flagship stores.
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Champagne
A. D.
Coutelas
Champagne
France
Champagne A.D. Coutelas Origin’ Brut NV
LCBO# 21893 l $$53.95
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91 points DECANTER
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LE SAVOIR-BOIRE is so pleased to bring back this delicious and wallet-friendly champagne to the LCBO’s Destination Collection! When released last year, Origin’ sold through in no time and this time, more of it and at an even more attractive price. (Thanks to foreign exchange fluctuations!).
Champagne A.D. Coutelas is a boutique, highly awarded, family-owned and operated grower champagne house situated in the north western part of the Marne department. The small village of Dizy hosts many notable champagne producers. The Coutelas family has been growing their own grapes and making champagne here since 1809 and now the 8th, current generation continues to honour the wealth of knowledge and expertise passed on to them from their ancestors. Today Damien and Angélique Coutelas are at the helm and are continually experimenting with new styles and vintages. An allegiance to authenticity, quality and tradition is their guiding light.
A perfect champagne to keep on hand for all the upcoming year-end festivities and celebrations - stock up now because it won’t last!
Tasting Note: On the nose it is fresh, with fine bubbles and lots of citrus and floral notes. On the palate, a continuation of the nose - freshness, citrus and a very persistent and powerful finish. For toasts, appetizers, oysters and seafood; fish and white meat/fowl preparations in cream sauces, cheeses and of course any fruit based dessert. 12% alc./vol.
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Available online and at France Destination Store (Ottawa - Rideau & King Edward)
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Champagne
A. D.
Coutelas
Champagne
France
Champagne A.D. Coutelas Vintage 2015
LCBO# 33014 l $86.95
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12% alc./vol. 7 gr r/s.
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No introduction required to this grower-champagne house! The 2015 vintage is an exceptional champagne made only in exceptional years. A blend of equal parts Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from their 1er cru vineyards. Hand-harvested from 60 year old vines.
2015 was a very warm year yet the house managed to harness the warmth and produce a very attractive champagne.
Gorgeous intense, fine bubbles. Yellow gold robe, white fruits and brioche on the nose, intense flavours on the palate. Full-bodied with a powerful finish. Excellent with classic French seafood dishes such as Coquilles Saint Jacques in cream sauce, or more sustained fish, mature cheeses and many spicy cuisines. And of course for a most classy apéritif with gougères or truffle potato chips.
Online and France Destination Store Ottawa
Champagne
A. D.
Coutelas
Champagne
France
Domaine Lucas Salmon Terroirs Muscadet 2020
LCBO# 33172 l $22.95
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12% alc./vol and less than 1 gr r/s.
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Mickaël worked as a winemaker at another domain for two years before returning to the family business in 2014 (his father Dominique owns Domaine Salmon). There, he immersed himself in all the aspects of wine-making. He then left for New Zealand to gain further experience in a Marlborough winery, returning to his family winery to work with his father where he soon decided to create his own domaine - organic - to bring a different approach to the wines and the cellar. Mickaël focuses on single vineyard cuvés and specific terroirs. The name Lukas pays hommage to his great-grandparents who also made wine in the same area.
This AOP Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine is 100% Melon de Bourgogne or Melon or Melon Blanc as it is sometimes known locally. Mickaël’s domaine is in conversion to organic. The grapes come from young vines. Fermented and vinified in underground vats with indigenous yeasts. 14 months aging on the lees. A refreshing, light, mineral Muscadet - ideal as an apéritif; excellent with oysters and other fish/seafood dishes.
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​Online and France Destination Store Ottawa
Domaine Lucas Salmon
Loire Valley
France
Jérôme Arnoux ‘Chantemerle’ 2017, AOC Arbois, Jura
LCBO# 287143 l $28.70
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The wines from the Jura appellation are very much on trend with sommeliers, restauranteurs and curious wine lovers alike. We are fortunate to have a decent selection at the LCBO, mostly online. Classic grapes such as Chardonnay result in wines that are very different from one’s accepted understanding of what a Chardonnay should taste like. The soils and the climate contribute greatly to making the final product an unusual, attractive and food friendly wine. Not to mention a great dinner party conversation piece. Other native grapes such as Savagnin, Trousseau as well as Pinot Noir do exceptionally well in this less well-known wine region. The Jura is rich in expressions of these grapes: sparkling, dry, sweet, oxydised wines are all well represented - something for every course of the meal!
Jérôme Arnoux has been making his eponymous organic wines at his own winery: Le Cellier des Tiercelines in Arbois, an appellation of the Jura, for over 6 years. Prior to that, he was crafting wines for over 20 years for other Jura producers - his excellent reputation precedes him. Jérôme produces 13 different wines - fine and elegant examples of native grapes, using only indigenous yeasts and little or no added sulphites. His wines are highly rated in France in the various respected publications. As an added bonus, his wines remain affordable for the region.
It only stands to reason then that I am absolutely thrilled to introduce the organic wines of Jérôme Arnoux/Cellier des Tiercelines to the Ontario market! Here are the two wines that are currently available online and at the France Destination store in Ottawa (Rideau & King Edward):
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A beautiful Chardonnay aged in oak barrels for 12 months, full of character. On the nose: apple, citrus, lychee and peach. The palate is dry with salty notes, lots of ripe fruit, such as peach and kiwi. A captivatingly elegant, atypical Chardonnay. This wine is an ideal complement to a quiche, cheese soufflé, gratin or grilled fish. Chantemerle also pairs perfectly with creamy snails, crayfish or scallops and beautifully accompanies a thin slice of raw Jura ham. 13% alc./vol.
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Jérôme Arnoux Cellier des Tiercelines
Jura
France
Cuvée Johan Adam Hauck VDP.Gutswein 2014
LCBO# 155241 l $29.80
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3 Grapes - Gault & Millau
4 Stars Eichelmann
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Weingut Siegrist is a family owned and managed winery since 1974, when Thomas and Gisela Siegrist chose an uncommon path for their vini - and viti- cultural methods. First, rebelliously for the region, they chose to focus on grape growing only, not mixed agriculture as was the norm. Thomas Siegrist wanted to make wines according to nature. Wines with a home and an origin. Wines with character and uniqueness. To achieve this, he chose to use barriques in the winemaking process. At the time, this was considered quite a deviation in the German wine world. Thomas Siegrist did not give up and is now one of the founding members of the German Barrique Forum - because this process accepted elsewhere to produce the best wines is now not only allowed but highly valued in Germany. Today, their daughter Kirsten and son-in-law Bruno have joined the winery to continue Thomas’ vision.
This red wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Madeleine and Dornfelder. Pinot Madeleine may be unfamiliar to many: also known as Pinot Noir Précoce or Frühburgunder among other synonyms. It is grown mostly in Pfalz, Rheinhessen and Mosel regions in Germany, and a little bit in Switzerland. Like Pinot Noir, it is temperamental, low yielding and susceptible to diseases. Its advantage is that is ripens a good 3 weeks earlier than Pinot Noir. With the Cabernet Sauvignon and Dornfelder, it makes for a rich, dark wine, already nicely aged, ready to enjoy.
Tasting Note: A classy red wine that enchants with its dark red shimmering robe and elegant aromas of blackberries, sour cherries and wild herbs. It presents itself with a clear structure and pronounced depth and impresses with a tangy, spicy aftertaste. Successful use of barriques - 20 months. The ideal accompaniment to meat dishes of all kinds, cheese & sausage assortments, pasta or simply to enjoy in front of the fireplace!. 13% alc./vol.
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Weingut Siegrist
Pfalz
Germany
Dornfelder VDP.Gutswein 2015
LCBO# 155225 l $24.75
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3 Grapes - Gault & Millau
4 Stars - Eichelmann
Weingut Siegrist is a family owned and managed winery since 1974, when Thomas and Gisela Siegrist chose an uncommon path for their vini - and viti- cultural methods. First, rebelliously for the region, they chose to focus on grape growing only, not mixed agriculture as was the norm. Thomas Siegrist wanted to make wines according to nature. Wines with a home and an origin. Wines with character and uniqueness. To achieve this, he chose to use barriques in the winemaking process. At the time, this was considered quite a deviation in the German wine world. Thomas Siegrist did not give up and is now one of the founding members of the German Barrique Forum - because this process accepted elsewhere to produce the best wines is now not only allowed but highly valued in Germany. Today, their daughter Kirsten and son-in-law Bruno have joined the winery to continue Thomas’ vision.
Dornfelder is a red native grape to Germany, a cross between the Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe grapes (both crosses themselves), created in 1955 by August Herold. It’s the 2nd most grown grape variety in Germany and does particularly well in Pfalz and Rheinhessen. The result is a deeply red coloured wine with a soft, rich mouthfeel. Dornfelder is often aged in oak to achieve more complexity and structure. A wine that benefits from aging, allowing for mellower tannins. Here, the wine is 6 years old, perfectly ready to enjoy now. The best part is the low alcohol: 12.5%alc./vol.
Tasting Note: Aromas of ripe red and black cherries. Cassis, subtle oak and coconut, creamy and bound. Ending with aromas of plum confit and nougat. A very soft, velvety red wine with a delicate and long-lasting finish. Pairs well with pastas, pizzas, cheeses, red meat. Could even benefit from a bit of chilling in the hot summer weather. 12.5% alc./vol.
Weingut
Siegrist
Pfalz
Germany
Wassmann Kékfrankos 2015
DHC Villány
LCBO# 910645 l $38.85
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Available exclusively online
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GOLD Medal - PAR Wine Award International (Wine System AG)
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Susann Hanauer and her husband Ralf Wassmann moved to Hungary from Germany and set up their eponymous biodynamic winery in Pécsdevecser (Villány - Siklós) in 2002 and the rest is history. Through the Destination Collection/eCommerce program at the LCBO, we are able to bring in wines that would otherwise perhaps not be available in Ontario, in limited quantities, giving adventurous wine lovers the opportunity to discover gems from around the world. Ralf and Susann’s winery is Demeter certified and holds the DHC Villány origin certification. Their wines contain minimal sulphur and the corks are chlorine free - low intervention natural wine production allowing the biodynamically grown grapes to speak for themselves.
Kékrankos is a red grape also known as Lemberg and Blaufränkisch in Germany and Austria.
Tasting Note: From WEIN-PLUS - ‘Zehr Gut!”: “Clear, cool and quite firm scent of cherries and dark berries with slightly herbal and floral nuances, hint of bacon and a hint of pepper. Tart, slightly acidic, yet slightly covered fruit with a bite and youthful, fine-grained tannins, cool style, good sustainability, still yeasty tones, some salinity in the background, has freshness, quite elegant style, a hint of paprika and olives in the background, very good finish with a bite. Needs some time .” 12% alc./vol.
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Wassmann
Pince
Villány
Hungary
ELDA Cantine ‘ Contralto’ Negroamaro IGP Puglia 2017
LCBO# 302959 l $17.65
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ELDA Cantine is a family-owned sustainable winery located slightly inland in the small ancient town of Troia, province of Foggia (the northern part of Puglia). Marcello Salvatori, an engineer previously active in the sustainable energy industry, found a new calling with with his winery, named in honour of his mother Elda. Here, along with enologist Rosalia Ambrosino and the winemaking team, beautiful, food friendly wines are crafted from native grapes with Mediterranean flair. Along with the wines, ELDA Hotel has come to join the vision - Marcello has restored a historic refuge to its previous glory and transformed it into a luxury hotel, nestled in the ecosystem of the State Biogenetic Reserve of the Umbra Forest.
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In music, the term “contralto” is used to describe the heaviest of the female voices, and refers to not only to the singer but also to her particular register. Drinking this Negroamaro is like hearing a voice that is heavy and dense, yet soft and deep all at once. 100% Negroamaro grapes grown on chalky soils at over 400 metres altitude on the estate. Classic red wine vinification including maceration and temperature controlled fermentation processes, ageing in steel for 6 months and in the bottle for the final 6 months.
Tasting Note: Ruby red colour. On the nose: complex and intense, with elegant fruity notes (plum, blackberry, blackcurrant), mingling with spicy aromas and others such as leather and straw so typically characteristic of Negroamaro. On the palate: soft and warm, with just the right amount of tannins and a lingering finish. Excellent with robust first and second courses, game and roasts, mature cheeses. Serving temperature: 16°-18° C. 14.5% alc./vol.
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Available at the Italy Destination store in Woodbridge (Hwy 7 & Innovation Drive)
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ELDA
Cantine
Puglia
Italy
ELDA Cantine ‘Il Primo’ Nero di Troia IGP Puglia 2018
LCBO# 302942 l $18.45
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ELDA Cantine is a family-owned sustainable winery located slightly inland in the small ancient town of Troia, province of Foggia (the northern part of Puglia). Marcello Salvatori, an engineer previously active in the sustainable energy industry, found a new calling with with his winery, named in honour of his mother Elda. Here, along with enologist Rosalia Ambrosino and the winemaking team, beautiful, food friendly wines are crafted from native grapes with Mediterranean flair. Along with the wines, ELDA Hotel has come to join the vision - Marcello has restored a historic refuge to its previous glory and transformed it into a luxury hotel, nestled in the ecosystem of the State Biogenetic Reserve of the Umbra Forest.
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‘Il Primo’ was the first Nero di Troia produced by the winery, the first step taken on their wine journey. 100% Nero di Troia grapes, grown on chalky soils at over 400 metres altitude on the estate. Brief maceration with temperature controlled fermentation in steel, ageing for 6 months in steel and at least 3 months in the bottle.
Tasting Note: Deep, intense ruby red. A mature and intense nose, pleasant notes of red fruit lending freshness and persistence of aroma. On the palate: clean, fleshy Nero di Troia; fruity, rich in young but well-contained tannins. Well-balanced, clean, with a nice long finish. Best enjoyed with roasted and grilled meats, seasonal vegetables, and semi-mature cheeses. 14% alc./vol.
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Available the Italy Destination store in Woodbridge (Hwy 7 & Innovation Drive)
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ELDA
Cantine
Puglia
Italy
Il Drago e la Fornace Rosso Foco Etna DOC 2018
LCBO# 28004 l $38.95
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Il Drago e la Fornace is an unusual winery concept; Design, art and wine from various regions in Italy, based in Tuscany. Their wines are sourced from exceptional wineries and bottled with stunningly designed labels, representing the finest appellations from each selected region. Rosso Foco hails from Sicily, an iconic wine from the slopes of Etna, rich in volcanic soils.
Tasting Note: The indigenous grape varieties Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio are used to express the rich and intense character of their volcanic soil and climate. Persistent fruitiness complimented by balsamic notes on the palate with a good balance of freshness and presence of tannins on a lengthy finish. Serve with grilled lamb, or any dish you would match with Pinot Noir, although arguably this wine will provide more of a conversation piece. This delicious wine comes in at 13.5% alc./vol. and less than 2 gr residual sugar. The 2018 is refined and elegant, can definitely age further, although delicious now.
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Available at Italy Destination Store
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Il Drago e
la Fornace
Sicily
Italy
IXSIR Altitudes White 2020
LCBO# 25711 l $25.95
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90 points International Wine Challenge (IWC)
Vintages Frontline Release September 24
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A modern winery based in Batriun, IXSIR’s mission is to reveal the best terroirs of Lebanon, some long since forgotten. Practising sustainable agriculture, the vineyards are located at an altitude of 1,800 metres, the highest in the Northern Hemisphere. A 17th century traditional Lebanese house presides over a contemporary winery, which has been named as one of the greenest buildings in the world by CNN, consuming 75% less energy than any other winery in the world, starting the vinification process with gravity fermentation.
Tasting Note: Blend of Viognier, Muscat and Obeideh. This blend of a Lebanese indigenous grape and two noble southern varieties presents an elegant swirl of golden glittering robes. Breathing an exquisite bouquet of floral aromas with hints of Muscat and notes of grapefruit, this floral and fruity blend translates into a balanced and sharp palate hinted with spicy undertones. A soft touch of acidity gives the wine a pleasant freshness.
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IXSIR
Lebanon
Astronaut Vinho de Talha 2016
DOC Alentejo
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VINTAGES# 20946 l $93
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95 points - Mark Squires/Robert Parker
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Aníbal Coutinho, founder and owner, is an internationally recognized Portuguese oenologist and wine critic and now virtual winemaker, collaborating with top wineries around the world to produce his own line of wines: Astronaut Wines. He also organizes highly respected wine competitions in Portugal. Already available in Quebec, we are now fortunate to have a fine selection of his wines at the LCBO at the Portugal Destination Store. Winemaking notes: Natural full bunch wine. Fermentation and 6 months aging in Roman 1000 litre amphorae. 1 year in stainless steel tank and then 6 months of bottle ageing.This is the second order by Classics of this exceptional wine.
Tasting Note: The 2016 Astronauta Vinho de Talha is a field blend, mostly old-vines (80 years) Moreto aged in clay amphorae. The winery describes the process this way: 'Total skin and stems fermented and clay aged. Sealed inside with resin and honey wax, protected on top with olive oil, Roman style. [It spent] six months on the amphora, 18 months on steel.' It comes in at 14.5% alcohol. This is beautiful on all fronts. It has velvet for texture, serious tannins and dried strawberry/cherry flavors on the finish. There's a touch of garrigue, too, and a nod to restrained Grenache. Focused, precise and long on the finish, this is also brilliantly structured. It's not impossibly hard, but it is nowhere near ready. The tannins stop short of truly astringent, but they are too much right now. It's penetrating on the finish too. Drink date: 2021-2036. Score - 95. ‘(Mark Squires, robertparker.com, Aug. 30, 2019). 14% alc./vol.
Vinho de Talha is a collector’s item, a wine for the connoisseur of Portuguese wines, a wine to savour with the best roasts, grilled meats and aged cheeses.
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Available through Classics Collection starting November 3 online.
Alentejo
Portugal
Astronaut
Ardal Reserva Selección Especial 2015
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VINTAGES# 167700 l $25.95 (reduced from $29.95)
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14% alc./vol. 3 gr r/s
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90 points Wine Enthusiast
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This 2015 Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon blend hails from a highly awarded, multi-generational family owned winery. Bodegas Balbás has been growing grapes and producing wine since 1772 in Ribera del Duero. Ardal is another of their line of wines and the wines are a regular fixture in Vintages at the LCBO. The 2015 does not disappoint.
Hand harvested Tempranillo grapes are followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine then aged in French and American oak barrels. Finally further aging in bottles completes the wine-making process to ensure a qualitative wine, to be enjoyed now or set aside for further aging.
Michael Schachner - Wine Enthusiast review (September 2021): Dark in tint but lucid at the edges, this oak-heavy reserva smells of barrel smoke. An intense palate hits with rough tannins, tasting of savory blackberry backed by potent oak. As coconut and vanilla notes take over, this wine finishes with woody astringency. Drink through 2035.
Castilla and León
Spain
Ardal Ribera del Duero
Balbás 18 Crianza Tempranillo 2016
VINTAGES # 437673 l $22.95 (reduced from $25.95)
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14% alc./vol. 3 gr r/s
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92 points Wine Spectator
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Bodegas Balbás is a highly awarded, multi-generational family owned winery in the famed wine region of Ribera del Duero. This wine is from their main line, a Tempranillo/Tinto Fino (Crianza) which has now had the time to mature to it finest expression. Terroir driven, hand-harvested, aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels, this is a fresh and fruity wine, nicely balanced by medium soft tannins, elegant oak and Incredible value.
Thomas Matthews - Wine Spectator review (April 2019): Cocoa and sandalwood notes frame currant, wild berry, toast and mineral flavours in this expressive red. Dense but remains lively and fresh, with a floral finish. Drink now through 2028.
Castilla and León
Spain
Bodegas Balbás Ribera del Duero
Balbás 24 Reserva Tempranillo 2015
VINTAGES # 85183 l $29.95
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14% alc./vol. 3 gr r/s
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93 points Decanter World Wine Awards 2020
Another gorgeous, highly awarded offering from Bodegas Balbás - here is the Reserva from the excellent 2015 vintage.. Hand-harvested and 24 months aging in French and American oak barrels, this wine packs a more oaky punch, while remaining fresh and elegant - the perfect big piece of red meat wine.
DWWA 2020 review: 90% Tempranillo/Tinto Fino and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. Balsamic, tanned leather and oaky nose. Bright punchy entry, followed on by black fruits, tobacco and tar. Well made in its big oaky way.
Castilla and León
Spain
Bodegas Balbás Ribera del Duero
Goedverwacht, J & G
Chardonnay 2018
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LCBO# 189265 l $17.75
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3 Stars - John Platter
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Goedverwacht Estate is a family owned winery, situated in the Robertson Valley on the banks of the Breede River. The farm has been owned by the Du Toit family for three generations.
In the 1960’s, Gabriël Hendrik du Toit, a civil engineer, followed his dream of becoming a wine farmer by buying two neighbouring farms, totalling 70 ha, in the beautiful Breede River Valley, between Robertson and Bonnievale. He added a third property to start a dairy farm and called it Soek Die Geluk ( which translates to ‘look for the happiness’), since he firmly believed that he would find happiness in this enterprise. Today Soek die Geluk is a well-known export label to the Netherlands.
Between 1989 and 2015, Jan and Gawie du Toit, the current owners, added five more farms to the original properties and at present the farms cover a total of 380 ha. Of this, 280 ha is under irrigation and 180 ha under vineyards.
Goedverwacht, translated into English means Great Expectations which is one of their main wine series. The J & G series is named after Jan and his son Gawie, respectively the 2nd and 3rd generations of the Du Toit family and who now own and manage the estate.
Tasting Note: A full-bodied yet refined Chardonnay with enticing citrus and minerality on the nose. Subtle oak aromas lend complexity to the wine. The palate is creamy but with a good line of acidity. Ideal with spicier dishes or white fish. 13.5% alc./vol. Enjoy now.
Robertson
South Africa
Goedverwacht Family
Winery
Grande Provence Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
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LCBO# 155076 l $32.35
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Platinum Award SAWI (South African Wine Index)
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Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate is a venerable winery and luxury retreat located in the Franschhoek valley (French Corner) in the Western Cape - one of the most qualitative wine regions in South Africa. Founded over 325 years ago by a French Huguenot priest from Provence, escaping religious persecution. At his death in 1732, he left behind an amazing legacy in the form of the Grande Provence manor, built in the Cape Dutch architectural style, and acres of vineyards for future generations to cultivate. Today the estate is owned by Belgian and Dutch business groups - they have created a stunning retreat with luxury accommodations, fine dining, art gallery, farm shop, and of course, their award-winning wines. The Grande Provence tasting room is one of the most visited in South Africa.
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Vinification
The grapes are harvested from southwest facing vineyards in the Franschhoek valley. The well-drained, decomposed sandstone soils are ideal for the cultivation of Cabernet Sauvignon. Thys Smit, head winemaker, implements appropriate canopy management to achieve berries with deep colour and concentrated fruit flavours. What makes this wine unique is the location of the vineyard next to a row of eucalyptus trees. During summer, the trees suck up all the water from the surrounding soil. High summer temperatures cause the eucalyptus trees to ‘sweat’ through the leaves, producing a mist that is blown over the vineyard. The fine droplets landing on the grapes, impart the unique minty taste to the wine. This wine was matured in French oak barrels for 24 months.
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Tasting Note: Here’s a perfect medium-bodied red wine to accompany the best barbecues starting now. The nurturing velvety tannins and elegant finish will wrap you in pure gustatory comfort. This wine teems with raspberries, cherries, mulberries and plums with notes of fruitcake, pencil shavings and tobacco. 14% alc./vol. Enjoy now or cellar for 5-8 years.
Serving Suggestion: This plush red wine sips beautifully on its own or enjoy it with hearty roasts, steaks or lamb skewers bedecked in mushroom and rosemary, barbecued meats and sausages.
Franschhoek
South Africa
Grande Provence Heritage
Estate
Heron Hill Pinot Noir Reserve 2017
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LCBO# 124114 l $38.15
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89 Points, Year's Best US Pinot Noir (Best Buy) Wine & Spirits 2020
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Nestled in the beautiful Finger Lakes wine producing region of New York, specifically in Hammondsport, at the southern tip of Keuka Lake, Heron Hill is an award-winning winery growing grapes since 1972 and producing wines since 1977 to the delight and pleasure of critics and consumers alike.
Jo and John Ingle met at university in Colorado in 1969 and decided to settle in the Finger Lakes, after a life-changing summer of picking Concord grapes in a neighbour’s vineyard. In 1972, they planted their first vines on 20 acres, with the initial intention to sell grapes to wineries. However after a few years, when there were grapes ready for harvest, thanks to a glut of grapes in the New York market, they were unable to unload their crop. Their solution? Build a winery. And that is how Heron Hill Winery came into existence. The winery practises sustainable agriculture and makes environmentally green choices at every level of growth and production. Heron Hill’s Tasting Room, housed in a 100-year old barn on Canadaigua Lake has won numerous awards for its beauty, scenery and of course wine and hospitality. Well worth a visit once travel is permitted again.
And there is a Canadian connection too! Heron Hill’s new winemaker Jordan Harris is from Ontario. A graduate from Niagara College, he previously led the team at Tarara Winery in Virginia before joining Heron Hill Winery. He was recognized as one of Canada’s top up-and-coming winemakers. He was also named ‘Top 40 under 40 Tastemakers’ by Wine Enthusiast and was awarded ‘Top 100 Most Influential Winemakers in the USA’ through Intowine.com.
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For the first time, after many awarded wines and a very strong presence in the Finger Lakes wine community, one of their wines is available in Ontario online and in select stores.
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Tasting Note: Blend of Pinot Noir grapes from two different vineyard sites on Seneca Lake and Cayuga Lake in the Finger Lakes. Fermentation of 14 days on the skins. 14 months aging in French oak, 13% alc./vol. and no residual sugars.
Light bodied in structure with mineral and warm spice aromas. Cherry and plum fruit dominate the palate with round tannins. For summer - perfect cedar planked salmon on the grill; in the fall and winter - eggplant parmesan. roast turkey, baked salmon, light pork dishes, cheeses.
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Finger Lakes
New York
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