RED WINES

 

 

 

WINES FROM THE OLD WORLD

Italy

Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG 2006                                               $33

Agricoltori del Geografico, Tuscany, Italy

From 85% Sangiovese and 15% Canaiolo nero grapes, grown in the Siena hills, near San Gimignano.  Deep ruby colour, medium-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of bright red (cherry) fruits. A great match for pasta dishes, veal, and roasted meats.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC 2006                                      $36

Azienda Agricola Masciarelli, Abbruzzo, Italy

Made from 100% Montepulciano grapes. Deep, ruby colour, with rich aromas and flavours of cherries and blackberries with notes of leather and violets. Medium-bodied with soft tannins. Match with steak and other grilled meat dishes.  

Valpolicella Classico DOC 2006                                                $36

Brigaldara, Veneto, Italy

Traditional Valpolicella is a blend of Rondinella, Corvina, and Molinara grapes. This version has a touch of Sangiovese (the grape of Chianti) in the blend. Medium-bodied with smooth tannins, and earthy aromas and flavours of cherries and bitter chocolate. Match with white meat dishes and pasta.  

Chianti Classico Clemente VII 2005                                          $43

Castelli del Grevepesa, Tuscany, Italy

From 100% Sangiovese grapes, aged in both traditional large Slavonian oak barrels (85%) and newer style French-oak barrique (15%). The result is a smooth, medium- to full-bodied wine with earthy aromas and flavours of cherry, plum, and slight leather notes. A great match for pasta dishes, veal, and game meats.

Nero d’Avola 2007                                                                         $38

Fondo Antico, Sicily, Italy

Nero d’Avola is the main indigenous red wine grape of Sicily. This version was not matured in oak barrels, but is full and rich due to the ripening power of the Sicilian sun.  Medium- bodied, with aromas and flavours of fresh plum, cherry, and  blackberry fruit with pepper-spice. notes. Match with beef and lamb, as well as grilled tuna dishes.

Primitivo di Manduria DOC  2005                                              $40

Vinicola Mediterranea, Puglia, Italy

Primitivo is the Italian version of the Zinfandel grape. A rich, medium-bodied wine full of dark ripe aromas and flavours of plum and cherry with hints of smoke and bitter-sweet chocolate.  Medium-bodied, with good length and quality on the finish.  Match with beef and lamb dishes.

Syrah 2007                                                                                      $44

Fondo Antico, Sicily, Italy

Syrah is the same grape as Australia’s Shiraz, but in Europe they prefer to use the traditional grape name. Medium- to full-bodied, with rich aromas and flavours of smoky blackberry fruit and black-pepper spice. A great match for beef, lamb, and game dishes.

Rosso di Toscana IGT 2004                                                       $41

La Lecciaia, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is 100% Sangiovese Grosso, the same grapes that are used to make Brunello (see Reserve wine list). Medium-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of dark fruits, cherries, and mocha. Well-integrated tannins – a great match for grilled meat dishes, especially game.

Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Cicilio 2005         $46

Degani, Veneto, Italy

Ripasso (re-passed) means to soak the pressed skins of Amarone (see Reserve wines) in regular Valpolicella, to produce a more full-bodied wine, with rich aromas and flavours of dried plums, cherries, and chocolate, and notes of bitter herbs. A great match with braised meat dishes and game.

Chianti Classico DOCG 2005                                                     $50

Poggio Amorelli, Tuscany, Italy

Traditionally made Chianti (aged in large Slavonian-oak barrels), medium-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of cherry, plums, leather, and spices. Smooth tannins and a long finish; a classic match for pasta, veal, and grilled meat dishes.

Rosso Piceno Superiore Leo Guelfus DOC 2004                 $41

Vinicola Sangiovanni, Marches, Italy

An award-winning wine (short-listed for the prestigious Tre Bicchieri award from Italy’s Gambero Rosso magazine) from an emerging wine region, Marches, located to the east of Tuscany. This is a blend of Montepulciano (60%) and Sangiovese (40%) grapes, aged in traditional large Slavonian barrels for 4 months. Deep aromas and flavours of dark plum and cherry, and bittersweet chocolate notes.  Medium-bodied, pair with grilled meats and game.

Dolcetto d’Alba DOC Vigna del Mandorlo 2007                    $46

Elvio Cogno, Piedmont, Italy

Dolcetto at its best – aged for eight months in large Slavonian oak barrels and six months in bottle before release. Deep ruby red in colour, this wine is full and round on the palate, with aromas and flavours of dark cherries and plums, with notes of mocha and almond. Pairs well with pasta and most grilled meat dishes.

Chianti Classico Riserva Montegiachi DOCG 2004              $54

Agricola del Chianti Geografico, Tuscany, Italy

A more modern-style Chianti (aged in small Frech-oak barrels), medium-bodied, with aromas and flavours of sweet red berries and cherry with herbal/spice notes. Round, soft tannins; match with pasta, veal, and grilled meat dishes.

Barbera d’Alba DOC Bricco dei Merli 2007                             $65

Elvio Cogno, Piedmont, Italy

Single-vineyard Barbera, aged for 12 months in French Allier-oak barrels – 40% new and 60% second passage. Dark ruby red colour with aromas and flavours of plums and maraschino cherries, and notes of mocha and sultanas on the finish. Full-bodied, round, and elegant. Pairs well with grilled meat dishes, and lamb in particular.

Valpolicella Classico Ripasso Bosan DOC 2006                  $65

Cesari, Veneto, Italy

A rare single-vineyard Ripasso, following on the reputation of the Bosan Amarone della Valpolicella offered in the Reserve section. A blend of 80% Corvina and 20% Rondinella grapes, the Valpolicella wine was allowed to re-ferment on the Amarone must for about 15 days then aged in French oak cask for 12 months. Following assemblage, the wine was kept for 6 months in larger oak casks with about 8 months bottle refining before release. The result is a complex wine with aromas and flavours of red fruits – dried cherries and dark plums.  Medium-bodied, smooth, with balancing acidity. Match with grilled or braised meat dishes.

Langhe Rosso Montegrilli DOC 2005                                       $68

Elvio Cogno, Piedmont, Italy

A unique 50-50 blend of Nebbiolo (grape of Barolo and Barbera, aged for just over 12 months in small French-oak barrels. A full-bodied wine with aromas and flavours of wild berries, plums, and black raspberries with mocha, spice, and vanilla notes. Firm tannins make this an excellent wine to pair with grilled meats, particularly game and lamb dishes. We will be happy to decant this wine for you.

Merlot Piave DOC Ai Palazzi 2003                                             $70

Masottina, Veneto, Italy

Made from 100% Merlot grapes from a single-vineyard site in the Piave region: an area known for the development of traditional Bordeaux varietals – Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. The grapes were carefully selected for ripeness and the wine was matured in large Slavonian oak barrels and then smaller French-oak barriques for a total of 36 months. Aromas and flavours of plums, cherries, dark raspberries, cocoa, and oriental spices. Full-bodied, balanced, elegant, and full of flavour. Match with grilled meat dishes, especially lamb.

Spain

Rioja Crianza DOCa 2004                                                            $46

Oscar Tobía, Rioja, Spain

Made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, this wine received 4 stars from Vines magazine. Medium- to full-bodied, with aromas and flavours of dark berry fruits, mocha, and vanilla. Smooth finish and smooth tannins make this an excellent match for vegetarian, veal, and grilled meat dishes, and a traditional match for lamb.

Ribera del Duero Crianza DO 2006                                           $41

Bodegas Félix Callejo, Ribero del Duero, Spain

Made from 100% old-vine Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), aged for 12 months in seasoned American oak barrels. Medium- to full-bodied with aromas and flavours of dark red fruits, leather, and spicy oak notes. Pair with grilled meats, particularly game and lamb dishes.

Finca L’Argata DO 2006                                                               $60

Cellers Joan d’Anguera, Montsant, Spain

A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache (Garnacha), and 20% Carignan (Carineña).The wine was fermented in temperature-controlled tanks, and then aged in French oak barrels (Allier) for 14 months. Aromas and flavours of dark cherry, currant, dark chocolate, with vanilla spice and truffle notes. Full-bodied with a rich long finish. Excellent depth and balance.  Match with grilled meats, especially beef and lamb.

France

Grand Vin de Graves AOC 2004                                                $56

Château des Jaubertes, Bordeaux, France

A blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot, from old vines. Medium-bodied, with aromas and flavours of black currants, plums, fresh herbs, and vanilla spice notes. Evolving tannins; a great match for grilled meat dishes, lamb and game.

Lalonde de Pomerol AOC 2000                                                 $72

Château de Bel-Air, Bordeaux, France

A blend 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% each Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, aged for 12 months in barrels. Medium- to full-bodied, with aromas and flavours of black cherry, fresh herbs, and tobacco, with vanilla spice notes.  Match with grilled meat dishes, lamb and game.

WINES FROM THE NEW WORLD

Canada

Gamay VQA 2006                                                                          $31

Malivoire Wine Company, Beamsville, Ontario

Gamay, the grape behind Beaujolais, seems right at home in the Niagara Peninsula. Medium-bodied, with aromas and flavours of ripe wild berries, strawberries, vanilla, and cinnamon. Soft tannins make it a versatile wine to pair with a variety of dishes: appetizers, pasta, seafood (salmon), and meat. 

Cabernet Franc Estate VQA 2006                                             $46

Cave Spring Cellars, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario

From a single block of estate vineyards, this wine spent approximately 20 months in barrels, a mix of French, Hungarian, and American. Aromas and flavours of sweet fruit –  cherry, black raspberry, and cassis – with mocha, mint, and cinnamon notes. Well-integrated tannins; match with veal shank, game bird, and grilled meat dishes.

Merlot Black Sage Vineyard VQA Okanagan Valley 2006  $43

Sumac Ridge, Summerland, British Columbia

From the famous Black Sage vineyard in Oliver, this wine spent approximately 18 months in French- and American-oak barrels. Aromas and flavours of ripe black fruit – plum and cherry – with licorice, dark chocolate, and herbal/cedar notes. Medium-bodied and round, a good match for lamb, pork loin, and grilled meat dishes.         

Australia

Shiraz Pimpala Road 2005                                                          $34

Geoff Merrill, South Australia

Made from 100% Shiraz grapes surced from the Riverland District, and made by one of Australia’s top winemakers. Geoff won the prestigious Jimmy Watson Trophy in 2005. Aromas and flavours of black cherries, dark chocolate, and pepper spice. Medium-bodied with a smooth finish. Tasty: match with grilled meat dishes, particularly lamb.

Cabernet Sauvignon Hedge Lane 2006                                  $34

Beckman Estates, South Australia

This wine is also made by Geoff Merrill, from grapes sourced from the Clare Valley and the Limestone Coast in South Australia. Aromas and flavours of sweet, ripe fruit – blackcurrant, plum, and cherry – and mint notes. Balanced, round and smooth on the palate: a great match for grilled meat dishes.

Six Foot Six Pinot Noir 2007                                                       $45

Austins, Geelong, Australia

Classic Victoria Pinot. Medium- to-full-bodied with aromas and flavours of ripe black cherry and spicy vanilla spice. Balanced acidity and silky tannins make this a versatile match for vegetarian, pork, as well as meat dishes.

Hyland Shiraz 2005                                                                       $52

Penley Estate, Coonawara,  Australia

Top-scoring wine – 93pts in the 2008 Australian Wine Companion – aged in French (72%) and American (28%) oak barrels. Full-bodied, with ripe, red berry aromas and flavours with vanilla spice and mocha notes.  Pair with meat dishes.

New Zealand

Pinot Noir 2006                                                                              $58

Forrest Estates, Marlborough, New Zealand

Made from five different Pinot Noir clones, from various sites in New Zealand.  Medium-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of dark ripe cherry and raspberry with spicy/gamey notes. A versatile “crossover” wine that can match a range of foods from vegetarian, to pasta, to seafood, to meat dishes.

United States

Merlot Yulupa 2005                                                                       $40

Kenwood, Sonoma County, California

Medium-bodied, with aromas and flavours of dark cherries, plums and fresh herbs. Also versatile, it will pair well with chicken and pork dishes, as well as grilled meat dishes.

Cabernet Sauvignon Yulupa 2005                                            $42

Kenwood, Sonoma County, California

There’s a touch of Merlot and Cabernet Franc in the blend. Medium-bodied, with aromas and flavours of dark fruits, plums, herbs, and vanilla oak spice. Not overpowering; a great match for grilled meat dishes.

Merlot  2005                                                                                     $45

Toasted Head, Dunnigan Hills, California

Named for the process whereby the barrel heads are toasted as well as the staves, to impart a mellow, toastiness to barrel-aged wines – the wine spent 14 months in French and American oak barrels, 20% new. The Merlot grapes come from cooler Mendocino, Lake, and Sonoma County vineyards, providing more classic Merlot fruit aromas and flavours and structure in the. wine. Aromas and flavours of plum, cherry, and blackberry, with notes of herbs and vanilla. Smooth tannins and balancing acidity on the full palate: a great match for grilled meat dishes.

Merlot Los Osos 2006                                                                  $45

J. Lohr, Paso Robles, California

A great vintage in Paso Robles for Bordeaux varietals, including Merlot. This wine alsohas a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec in

the blend, and the finished spent about 16 months aging in 30% new, American andHungarian oak barrels. Full and round on the palate with aromas and flavours of blueberry,

cherry, and  raspberry with notes of licorice and cedar on the finish. Pairs well with grilled

meat dishes, especially beef and lamb.

Pinot Noir Leland Vineyard 2006                                              $96

Erath Winery, Willamette Valley, Oregon

A four-acre, single-vineyard site, planted in 1982; the Erath Winery has managed these vines for over 20 years.  An age-worthy style of Pinot Noir, the wine matured for 14 months in 100% French oak barrels, 40% of which were new. Earthy aromas and flavours of cherries and dark raspberry with vanilla cola and dark chocolate notes. Full and rich mouthfeel, with a silky lingering finish. Match with steak, lamb, and earthy braised meat dishes with mushrooms.

Cabernet Sauvignon  2005                                                         $45

Toasted Head, Dunnigan Hills, California

Named for the process whereby the barrel heads are toasted as well as the staves, to impart a mellow, toastiness to barrel-aged wines – the wine spent 18 months in French and American oak barrels, 20% new. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes come from cooler North Coast vineyards, providing more classic fruit aromas and flavours and structure in the wine, but there is also 13%

Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, and 2% Petite Sirah included in the blend for added complexity. Aromas

and flavours of cherry and blackcurrant, with notes of spices and vanilla. Integrated tannins and balancing acidity on the full palate: a great match for grilled meat dishes, even game.

South Africa

Roulette Rouge 2005                                                                    $55

Lammershoek, Swartland, South Africa

An exotic blend of Syrah (72%), Carignan (9%), Grenache (9%), Mourvedre (5%), and Viognier (5%): more typical of wines from the south of France than South Africa. Full-bodied, with earthy aromas and flavours of dark fruits, herbs, and spicy oak. Match with grilled meats, and game.

South America

Alamos Selección Malbec  2007                                                $44

Catena, Mendoza, Argentina

Malbec, the classic grape of the less travelled Cahors region of France, is Argentina’s most important red wine grape. Medium- to full-bodied, with aromas and flavours of ripe black fruits and blueberries with leather, licorice, and mocha spice notes. Supple tannins – a great match for fuller-style meat dishes, and game.

Carménère Tributo 2007                                                              $40

Caliterra, Colchagua Valley, Chile

Caliterra is a partnership of Robert Mondavi and Eduardo Chadwick, committed to sustainable agriculture and environmentally-friendly production. A blend of 86% Carménére, plus 10% Merlot

and 4% Syrah, matured in barrels for 14 months. Aromas and flavours of plum and cherry, with dark chocolate and herbs notes. Smooth tannins: a great match for grilled meats, lamb, and game.