Canals Nadal Cava Brut Nature Reserva
$31.44
Joan Miquel Canals is a winemaker who began his education at the University of Barcelona before receiving a PhD in 1997 from the Rovira i Virgili University, where he is a full professor at the Faculty of Oenology. He is a member and former president of the College of Oenologists and Oenologists of Catalonia, and an expert in the quality factors that influence the sensory perception of wines, particularly sparkling wines. Since 1983, he has produced base wines from the traditional varieties for cava in the Alt Penedès region.
He has been the winemaker for his family's cavas from the beginning, where he has developed the current product line in the framework of a philosophy of constant improvement with respect for nature and trying to minimize the human footprint in his wines. The Brut Nature is a blend of 45% Macabeu, 40% Xarel·lo, and 15% Parellada. It's a clear, brilliant pale gold colour with aromas of ripe fruits (baked apple, quince, peach syrup, backed by fine pastry and vanilla notes. Flavours of ripe green and stone fruits (apple and peach), and hazelnut follow; it's voluminous with good balance. There's a creamy mousse along with a fine, persistent finish.
Mas Blanch i Jove Sao Expressiu
$37.49
These family-owned organic vineyards are located in Les Garrigues, on the western border of the Priorat region, a mountainous area more than 700 meters above sea level. The uniqueness of the vineyards’ soil, the low rainfall, the ample sunshine and the significant temperature differentials between day and night allow them to obtain a product of exceptional quality. Made from a blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Tempranillo, this wine packs a punch. Complex aromas, elegant and mature with highlights of red and black fruits, accompanied by a blend of balsamic and aniseed flavours that provide a distinct freshness. Cocoa and vanilla are there, but subtle. Soft yet potent on the palate, consistent and elegant with an emergence of forest fruits and sweet spices. Good acidity, elegant, tasty with soft tannins. Velvety and fresh tannins. An expressive wine that talks to you. One of the best from the region of Costers del Segre! Enjoy with big red meat, stews, hearty vegetarian fare, and on its own.
La Torre Brunello 2020
$73.94
The price of wine seems to be getting higher and higher with every passing day, especially in famous regions such as Burgundy and Napa. Brunello is of course no exception to this, with most bottles nowadays going for at least $100. This bottle from La Torre represents great value for money. It offers aromas of black tea, black cherries, and savoury herbs on the nose. On the palate, ripe red fruits and baking spice hit the front of the palate, with a finish of cranberry and violet tapering off. Fine tannins and a crisp acidity keep the palate wanting more.
Would benefit from a couple-hour decant.
Pairs perfectly with turkey or roast beef and will be able to hold up to almost any side you throw at it!
Ortega Ezquerro Tudelilla Crianza
$26.34
Their story began with Quintín Ortega in 1986. A humble figure with some good ideas and the determination to carry them out, he decides to plant vines and start what is now the winery, led by his great-grandson, Carmelo Ortega. In the 90s, Carmelo established the winery headquarters in an old house that served as a winery for many years, now a site where an enotourism project is being developed to encourage tourism in the region. Their property covers approximately 700 hectares of scrubland, almond fields and vineyards, all of which are sheltered by the nearby mountains, which create climatic conditions that include a reduced risk of frost and a controlled level of humidity in the summer. This set of features and factors, together with the characteristics of the soil (pebbles, low organic matter), creates a unique grape-growing microcosm, which has allowed them to develop the “village wine” style they are looking for to define the wines of Tudelilla (the village where they are situated in the heart of the Rioja Baja region).
This tasty Rioja is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Viura that goes through Carbonic Maceration, resulting in a fresh, juicy red with notes of wild strawberry, raspberry, and a hint of spice.
Podere Forte Petruccino 2022
$81.24
This bold red is made from 100% estate-grown Sangiovese, grown at 430 meters in the Val d'Orcia, Tuscany.
The Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, encircles the Podere Forte. The estate was founded in 1997 by Pasquale Forte, a visionary entrepreneur who has created a balanced system where every element complements the others, following the principles of organic and biodynamic agriculture. The old concept of the corte romana has been recreated on the 500-ha estate: a place where people, plants and animals coexist in harmony and sustainable self-sufficiency. Wine is the main focus, but Podere Forte is also synonymous with the breeding of Cinta Senese pigs, Chianina cattle and Suffolk sheep, as well as various other farm animals, all living on biodynamic feed. Podere Forte produces its own fertilizers and compost using vine prunings and fallen timber from the woods. The pigs eat acorns and chestnuts in the woods where they roam freely, the bees pollinate the flowers and aromatic herbs in the botanic garden where the hives are. The olive groves cover around 26 hectares and in 2020 production of the first varietal oil, from the Frantoio variety, started.
Aubuisieres Le Petit Clos
$29.74
Formerly known as Domaine Bernard Fouquet, until Bernard retired in 2021, handing the reins to Charles Lesaffre. Charles is the grandson of Gérald Bruley des Varannes, the man from whom Bernard's father André acquired his first vineyards, thereby bringing the story of the Domaine full circle. An avid practitioner of viticulture and oenology, Charles joined Bernard as an associate in 2019. Two years into his tenure, Charles has emphasized organic and biodynamic practices. Charles has continued, as Bernard before him, to capture the unique Vouvray mineral tones, along with the wonderfully balanced expression of fruit of the Chenin Blanc grape, in his wines.
The grapes come from a tiny parcel in the Loire Valley called Petit Clos, which boasts four-decade-old (and more) vines of Chenin Blanc. The clay-limestone soils help produce a dry, rich and powerful white. Best served with goat cheese, chicken salad or rich fish like salmon or sea bream.
Burgos Porta Mas Sinen La Vall
$29.24
A bold blend of Garnacha, Carignan, Syrah, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is exploding with juicy black fruits (such as blackberries, black currants, plums, black cherry), Mediterranean herbs, tobacco, nutmeg and a hint of minerality. But don’t be fooled by its bold nature; This wine has some bright acidity shining through, making it easy to pair with a diverse range of foods! You can easily enjoy this with fattier poultry, such as duck, roast beef, glazed ham, or even lamb! You could also enjoy this wine at the start of the meal, especially if there is a cheese or charcuterie board to nibble at. Or, simply indulge while you’re cooking. Your options are endless!
San Leonardo Terre
$33.14
Looking for a Cab/Merlot blend that is enticing, delicious, and an incredible value? Look no further!
The Terre di San Leonardo is the IGT younger sibling of the iconic San Leonardo. Like its older sibling, it is a Bordeaux-style blend from an amazing Italian producer. The 2019 vintage consists of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 10% Carmenère with 4/5ths being matured in concrete vats and the remaining 1/5 in French oak barrels. This big red will pair nicely with big red meat dishes and hard cheese.
Vidbertus Elixir
$29.24
Vidbertus is located in the Spanish region of Conca de Barbera, at the south-eastern, inland region of Camp de Tarragona, the central Catalan depression behind the pre-coastal mountain range of Tarragona. The altitude of the property is 500 metres above sea level. The harvest is done manually and gently to preserve the characteristics of the organically-grown grapes. Trepat is indigenous to the region and is aged in French oak, showing lots of black fruits and some spice. It's ideal with roast and braised meats, duck and other game. The label is made of velvet, presumably to let you know what to expect from this delicious wine.