Valfaccenda Roero Arneis

$44.19

Luca Faccenda grew up in the hills of Roero, and his family has been growing grapes in the Valle Faccenda, a small valley between Canale and Cisterna for generations. Today Luca farms five hectares of Arneis and Nebbiolo spread out across several parcels, including a small holding in one of Roero’s great crus, Valmaggiore. Stylistically, he has no desire to emulate the blockbuster wines of his more famous neighbours in the nearby Langhe, well aware that the steep, sandy slopes here have little in common with the rolling hills found south of the Tanaro. Roero produces wines of a different kind which are pretty, perfumed and full of charm. The grape Arneis nearly went extinct and was brought back by a handful of dedicated winemakers in Piedmont who recognized it's potential for making great white wine.

Charles Baker Picone Riesling

$48.44

First Canadian wine chosen for the Masters of Wine Blind Examination, Runner-up Canadian Wine of the Year at Gold Medal Plates, and part of Ontario's Stratus winery.  Located in the historic town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Stratus Vineyards (Charles Baker is part of the Stratus winery) is a gravity-flow winery, distinguished by its LEED-certified facility, its commitment to sustainability and wines of outstanding quality. Bob Nedelko's beautiful vineyard on the Twenty Mile Bench was a result of enthusiastic yields. The vines did not hold back despite their best efforts. The result? Nervy, electric, complex, fruity, steely, seamless, delicious Riesling.

Soufrandiere Macon Vinzelles

$63.74

There is no better producer in the Mâconnais than La Soufrandière, a family domaine owned by the Bret Brothers.  The brothers also buy grapes from neighbors and other growers who have the same meticulous philosophy as they and bottle them as a négociant under the label, Bret Brothers.  Those wines are also a safe bet a well, delivering more than you would expect from the price.  This Pouilly-Vinzelles could be considered their flagship.  Planted by their grandparents, it is a 10-acre limestone rich plot with perfect exposure in mid-slope facing east.  Jean-Philippe explains that most of the vines are 70 years old, but there are some young vines — only 40 years old!   The spectacular 2022 Pouilly-Vinzelles Les Quarts delivers a dazzling array of subtle fruitiness, firm minerality in a tightly wound body.  You realize its stature and power when it explodes in the finish. La Soufrandière’s wines develop magnificently — if you can keep the corkscrew away from them.      

Blue Grouse Pinot Gris

$31.44

Blue Grouse is a family-owned and operated vineyard and winery established as one of the founding Estates wineries of Vancouver Island. Originally from Germany, the Kiltz family moved to the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island in 1989 where they established their home and surrounding vineyards. What initially started as a hobby, later turned into a full-scale pioneering business.

Fielding Estate Riesling

$20.39

Ken and Marg Fielding, along with their son Curtis and his wife Heidi, opened the winery doors in 2005. Fielding Estate Winery quickly established its place alongside Niagara wineries as a warm, inviting place to relax and enjoy award-winning, small lot VQA wines.

The architecture of the winery is influenced by the Fielding’s northern Ontario roots in the Haliburton Highlands. Designed by renowned architect Andre D’Elia of Superkül, the contemporary Canadian design is inspired by elements only be found in nature – wood, stone and sunlight. With the natural finishes and earthy tones, the design allows all the facets of nature to become one.

Gini Soava Classico

$35.69

The Gini family has roots in the Soave Classico region dating from the seventh century, and owns 25 hectares of vineyards situated on the very best hillside position of the appellation. Extremely low yields, low-interference viticulture, and devoted attention to expressing the unique character of each cru results in wines that are not only among the greatest Soaves but also among the great white wines of Italy. Olinto Gini and sons Sandro and Claudio have now finally completed their beautiful new cellar, which extends deep into the rocky and tufaceous hillside of Monteforte d’Alpone, thus providing optimal natural temperature and humidity control.

Notes of fresh citrus, lemon peel, white peach, white flowers, and a distinct flinty mineral finish.

Torbreck Woodcutters Rose

$30.59

Torbreck was founded on a vision to honour and rejuvenate the Barossa Valley’s extraordinary old vineyards, ensuring their survival for future generations. With deep respect for the region’s heritage, Torbreck champions the classic Barossa varietals of Shiraz, Grenache and Mataro. Winemaking here is deliberately hands-off and traditional, allowing the fruit and vineyard character to speak for themselves. Every wine reflects a commitment to the Barossa’s history, its unique terroir, and a philosophy of authenticity and respect for time-honoured craft.

La Spinetta Rose Di Casanova

$27.19

In the beginning of the 1960s, Giuseppe Rivetti, nicknamed ‘Pin’, and his wife, Lidia, were both expert and dedicated farmers with enormous appreciation and knowledge for tradition while keeping a curious interest in the future. They exemplified humility, respect, as well as ambition. These are the values that still define the philosophy of La Spinetta. In due course, their children, Carlo, Bruno, Giorgio, and Giovanna, took over the winery reins. They worked to implement the teachings of their parents and were taught to have great respect for the territory, for the indigenous vines and for the Piedmontese land. They now produce wines in Tuscany as well, with great results.

Cadet de la Begude IGP Mediterranee Rose

$22.94

Domaine de La Bégude was founded in 1996 by brothers Guillaume and Louis Tari, who continue an old family wine tradition (Château Giscours, 3rd Cru, Margaux). Today the estate is run by Guillaume and his wife Soledad. Guillaume is winemaker for the estate, as well as the president of the Bandol AOC. They are devoted to elaborating wines that express the characteristics of the Bandol terroir.