Domaine Bader Pinot Blanc AOP Alsace 2020
LCBO# 28300 l $19.95
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A family owned, organic winery located in the small picturesque village of Epfig, between Strasbourg and Colmar, not far from the Swiss border. The Bader domaine has been growing grapes since the 17th century and passed on through the generations, until Pierre Scharsch took over the reins in 2004. Pierre hails from a well-known family of growers in the north of Alsace. He chose to keep the Bader name to honour the family’s hard work. The wines are delicate, elegant and beautiful expressions of the Epfig terroir.
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Tasting Note: Dry, supple and crisp, this wine shows fresh, ripe yellow fruit that is complex. A good match with appetizers served on the patio, or with white fish, white meat dishes, sushi, and Asian food. 14.2% alc./vol. 4 gr r/s.
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Domaine Bader Pinot Blanc
Alsace
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
Domaine Bader Riesling AOP
Alsace 2020
LCBO# 28298 l $21.95
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A family owned, organic winery located in the small picturesque village of Epfig, between Strasbourg and Colmar, not far from the Swiss border. The Bader domaine has been growing grapes since the 17th century and passed on through the generations, until Pierre Scharsch took over the reins in 2004. Pierre hails from a well-known family of growers in the north of Alsace. He chose to keep the Bader name to honour the family’s hard work. The wines are delicate, elegant and beautiful expressions of the Epfig terroir.
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Tasting Note: Dry and mineral. Nose with a fresh expression (lemon zests) and minerality. The palate shows both sides, mineral and fruity, with a good volume. Fine and tense, the wine is harmonious with a beautiful citrus fruit and lemon grass flavours. it matches perfectly with the local cuisine (Sauerkraut, Baeckeoffe). It is also a winner with seafood and white meat/poultry with cream sauces. 13.1% alc./vol. and 5 gr residual sugar.
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Available online and at France Destination Store
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Domaine Bader Riesling
Alsace
France
Jérôme Arnoux ‘Trousseau Exception’ 2019, AOC Arbois, Jura
LCBO# 287150 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 wine matured in barrels for 12 months, with great intensity both on the nose and in the mouth. Strawberry, red currant and cherry form an elegant and powerful bouquet. An aromatic quality that lasts in a rich and full mouth, backed by ripe tannins and a fine acidity. This wine will accompany grilled red meats, game and cheese such as Morbier, or in Canada, Douanier Rousseau. Enjoy now or age for 5-8 years. Serve slightly chilled at around 15 degrees celsius. 12.5% alc./vol.
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Jérôme Arnoux Cellier des Tiercelines
Jura
France
L.N. Mattei Cap Corse Rouge ‘Le Seul Vrai’
LCBO# 28295 l $37.45
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One of the oldest distilleries in Corsica, L.N. Mattei was established in 1872 in Bastia, Corsica. A family owned and managed company producing apéritifs, and now gin, whisky and other local digestifs. Very popular in Corsica, mainland France and gaining traction around the world, available for the first time in Ontario. The marketing and labeling is striking with imagery invoking the advertising poster style of the 50’s. This apéritif wine is often used in cocktails, or spritzes and of course on its own, the OG way.
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Tasting Note: A wine-based aperitif made with local Muscat and Vermentino grapes. The grape juice is blended with cinchona bark, Corsican citron and a secret selection of local fruits, plants and exotic spices. Warming on the palate with a subtle bitter note on the smooth sweet finish. Enjoy chilled or on ice with orange zest.
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Available online and at France Destination Store
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L.N
Mattei
Corsica
France
Siegrist Pinot Blanc
VDP.Gutswein 2019
LCBO# 957877 l $25.15
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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.
Tasting Note: First a subdued, gentle perfume then a surprising opening on the palate with green apple, pear and honey melon. Juicy and powerful, lively and complex with a refreshing acidity and lightly mineral finish. Pairs well with fish, seafood, poultry, white meats and of course any Asian foods such as sushi. Makes for a great summer sipper. Also known as Weissburgunder.
12.5% alc./vol.
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Weingut
Siegrist
Pfalz
Germany
Siegrist Sauvignon Blanc
VDP.Gutswein 2019
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LCBO# 957885 l $27.45
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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.
Tasting Note: Intense fragrance of blackcurrant blossom, exotic fruits, lychee, mango and kiwi. Generous mouth feel, complex with refreshing acidity and light mineral finish. Serve with goat cheese with honey, fish, seafood, white meat, Asian cuisine, sushi. The German take on Sauvignon Blanc - ripe and tasty. 13% alc./vol.
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Weingut
Siegrist
Pfalz
Germany
Siegrist Leinsweiler Riesling Eigensinn VDP.Ortswein 2019
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LCBO# 957501 l $34.25
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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.
Tasting Note: A masterpiece of Riesling which demonstrates perfectly the precious mussel limestone terroir. A bouquet of herbs and yellow stone fruit combined with straightforward minerality. Very complex and elegant. The expressive minerality of the terroir completes this Riesling giving incredible depth and finesse. Pair with fish and white meat dishes: Blanquette de Veau (veal ragout), Lotte de Mer (monkfish) in lemon sauce or Rabbit in a Riesling cream. 13% alc/vol.
Weingut
Siegrist
Pfalz
Germany
Assyrtiko 2021 PGI Macedonia
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LCBO# 27475 l $22.95
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An organic, family owned and managed winery just south of Thessaloniki, on the northwestern coast of the Aegean in Nea Michaniona.
Tasting Note: Complex nose with aromas of dried citrus, bergamot peel and sweet aromas of honey and vanilla. Typically crisp on the palate with zesty acidity and mineral character. Vegan friendly. 14% alc./vol. 2 gr r/s.
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Available online and at Greece Destination Store
Aslanis
Family
Winery
Macedonia
Greece
Limnio 2020 PGI Macedonia
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LCBO# 227476 l $23.95
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An organic, family owned and managed winery just south of Thessaloniki, on the northwestern coast of the Aegean in Nea Michaniona.
Tasting Note: The aroma is reminiscent of sour cherry, coffee, black pepper, leaves of bond tobacco, cinnamon and cloves. The wine is peppery in the mouth, slightly bitter, sharp tannins. Pleasant aftertaste. Vegan friendly. 14.5% alc./vol. 4 gr r/s.
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Available at Greece Destination Store
Aslanis
Family
Winery
Macedonia
Greece
Malagousia 2021 PGI Macedonia
Organic
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LCBO# 27472 l $21.95
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An organic, family owned and managed winery just south of Thessaloniki, on the northwestern coast of the Aegean in Nea Michaniona.
Tasting Note: Fruity palate with pleasant acidity and aromas of white fruit and citrus. Refreshing after-taste. Vegan friendly. 13.5% alc.vol. 2 gr r/s.
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Available online and at Greece Destination Store
Aslanis
Family
Winery
Macedonia
Greece
Wassmann Cabernet Franc 2016
DHC Villány
LCBO# 937168 l $57.05
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Available online and in select stores
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SILVER 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.
Wassman’s Cabernet Franc is a wine of powerful elegance, fit for any choice beef, lamb or pork cut.
Tasting Note: From WEIN-PLUS - “Firm, slightly tobacco-like scent of black berries and a little red pepper with delicate bacon and floral nuances. Ripe, firm, very juicy fruit, fine tannin, noticeable acid and clear minerality, persistent on the palate, hints of red pepper, herbal nuances, depth, poweful, peppery-spicy notes, very good, firm, tangy-juicy and slightly smoky finish with cocoa notes.“ 14% alc./vol.
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Wassmann
Pince
Villány
Hungary
ELDA Cantine ‘Garbino’ Primitivo IGP Puglia 2018
LCBO# 302934 l $18.35
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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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The ‘Libeccio’ is a wind that comes from the southwest, also known as the “Garbino” on the Garganico coast, a warm wind like the warm nuances of this Primitivo wine. 100% Primitivo grapes grown on medium textured calcareous tufa soils at over 400 metres altitude on the estate. Temperature-controlled fermentation with maceration on the skins. 6 months ageing in stainless steel tanks followed by 6 more months in the bottle.
Tasting Note: Ruby red with violet reflections. On the nose: intense and complex with notes of red fruits such as cherries, sour cherries and blackcurrant. On the palate: velvety, pleasant, soft with a lingering finish. Ideal with appetizers, semi-aged cheeses, meats. 13.5% alc./vol.
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Available online and the Italy Destination store in Woodbridge (Hwy 7 & Innovation Drive)
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ELDA
Cantine
Puglia
Italy
EL IXSIR 2015
LCBO# 21421 l $79
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93 points James Suckling
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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: A fresh, vivid red with lots of blackberry, blueberry and spice aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, layered and very intense. Gorgeous and serious finish. Very transparent and focused. Syrah, cabernet sauvignon, and merlot. Drink or hold. 14.7% alc./vol. 2 gr r/s. Score - 93. (jamessuckling.com, Sept. 8, 2020)
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Classics Release September 1 - available in stores now
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IXSIR
Lebanon
Prestige Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Hawke’s Bay
LCBO# 26742 l $40.95
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94 points, Sam Kim
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This New Zealand organic certified winery is the labour of love of Taizo Osawa, a Japanese wine lover with a background in civil engineering and computers. He traveled the new world in search of the perfect vineyard and settled on Hawke’s Bay. He purchased 100 acres from Carggy Range, hinting at the great potential of wines to come. With the assistance Rod McDonald, a NZ Winemaker of the Year, he created Osawa Wines. Today, there are 2 lines of wines, much is exported to Japan and for the first time, to Ontario, to the delight of all discerning New Zealand wine lovers. The Prestige Collection is the winery’s premium offering.
Tasting Note: 'It'sfabulously complex and engaging on the nose showing grapefruit, crunchy apple, lime peel and flinty aromas, leading to a wonderfully weighted palate delivering vibrant fruit intensity together with richly textured mouthfeel, finishing impressively long and structured.’ Sam Kim, Wine Orbit. 13% alc./vol. 0 gr r/s
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Available online and at New Zealand Destination Store
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Osawa
Wines
Hawke's Bay
New Zealand
Prestige Collection Pinot Noir
2018 Hawke’s Bay
LCBO# 26743 l $44.95
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94 points, Sam Kim
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This New Zealand organic certified winery is the labour of love of Taizo Osawa, a Japanese wine lover with a background in civil engineering and computers. He traveled the new world in search of the perfect vineyard and settled on Hawke’s Bay. He purchased 100 acres from Carggy Range, hinting at the great potential of wines to come. With the assistance Rod McDonald, a NZ Winemaker of the Year, he created Osawa Wines. Today, there are 2 lines of wines, much is exported to Japan and for the first time, to Ontario, to the delight of all discerning New Zealand wine lovers. The Prestige Collection is the winery’s premium offering.
Tasting Note: 'Immensely complex and engaging, the wine shows dark berry, charcuterie, dried herb, mushroom and toasted almond characters on the nose. The concentrated palate delivers flowing mouthfeel and refined texture, well supported by seamlessly woven tannins. Impressive and satisfying’. Sam Kim, Wine Orbit. 13% alc./vol. 0 gr r/
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Available online and at New Zealand Destination Store
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Osawa
Wines
Hawke's Bay
New Zealand
Astronaut Baga Bruto DOC
Bairrada 2018
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LCBO# 26706 l $22.50
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This fun sparkling is technically a Blanc de Noir as Baga is a red grape native to the Bairrada and Dão regions in central Portugal. The wine is bottle fermented and aged 36 months in the same bottle before disgorgement and release. A very affordable and elegant sparkling with a very snazzy label, sure to impress.
Tasting Note: White peach colour. Fine fizzy mousse. On the palate: light red fruit, lemon, brioche flavours. Long, fresh, salivating. Creamy. All-purpose festive sparkling. Ideal pairing from starters to dessert. Serve at 6-8ºC. 12% alc./vol.
Bairrada
Portugal
Astronaut
Astronaut Touriga Nacional IG
Lisboa 2017
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LCBO# 26709 l $21.15
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Gold - Sélections Mondiales des Vins 2017
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The classic Portuguese red grape, hailing from the Dão region. This award-winning wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks with delicate exposure to American oak prior to bottling.
Tasting Note: Dark purple, intense red berries, chocolate and spice on the nose. Varietal characters of bergamot and violet. Juicy, fleshy mouthfeel with a long-lasting, lively and medium tannic finish. Pairs superbly with feijoada, tripe, red meats, roast goat and lamb, cheeses. Very good company for steaks with flavourful, spiced sauces. Serve at 18 ºC. 13.5% alc./vol.
Lisboa
Portugal