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Vintages Value List - September 12, 2009

2009-09-12T09:30:28-04:00

Greetings!

It is the traditional time when the LCBO promotes wines from our own backyard. The Ontario wine industry has been growing in leaps and bounds over the past few decades.

Gone are the days of Bright’s Unleaded, and today we can enjoy the fruits of some very talented grape growers and winemakers. Ontario wine has the VQA designation now – informing consumers that the wine is made exclusively from Canadian grapes. BUT, the vines are relatively young and there is stiff competition from abroad.

Recently overheard, “Why would I pay $17 for a bottle of so-so red from Prince Edward County, when I can get a decent bottle of red from Chile for $7?”

Good point, but if you want to support your local economy and try to consume as much local fare as possible and drink wine, then you must start trying the wines from Ontario! This is a great time to do so because 2007 was a stellar vintage in Ontario and wines made from those grapes are being released now.

Here are our picks:

WHITE WINE

129817 Oak Heights Estate Chardonnay 2007 (VQA) Niagara Peninsula $14.95

Distinct creamy buttery notes segue into a slight bitter edge. Oak is present, but not overwhelming – in fact we rather liked it. Upon further investigation learned that this wine is only aged in Canadian oak barrels! Another interesting tidbit about Oak Heights is that the winery is located in Northumberland (close to Peterborough). They sourced Niagara grapes for this wine. The boundary just expanded for those of you on the 100-mile diet!

RED WINE

143545 Le Clos Jordanne Talon Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007 (VQA) Niagara Peninsula $37.00

Absolutely delicious! Floral notes, plum and berries abound – but not overly. This is dry and still a bit tight – so laying it down for a few years will be rewarded.

76588 Montgo 2004 (Spain) $14.95

Huge tannins make this wine pack a bit of a punch – KAPOW! The nose offers earthiness, spice and blackberry. The palate moves us onto full, lush flavours of kirsch and blueberry.

687210 Memoria Primitivo di Manduria 2006 (Puglia, Italy) $14.95

Quite dry with strong baked plum and berry notes – but not a fruit bomb – definitely Old World.

68999 Finca Flichman Gestos Malbec 2007 (Argentina) $15.95

This is a very good Malbec. Cherry, light herbs and smooth silkiness are present.

14183 Cremaschi Furlotti Family Limited Edition 2005 (Chile) $17.95

Big, bold and full of interesting nuances of fruit, earth, leather & spice.

657601 Benmarco Malbec 2006 (Argentina) $19.95

Earthy, smoky, shtanky – deep purple with cherry tones.

125872 Chateau Brulesecaille 2003 (Bordeaux) $19.95

A super dry classic Bordeaux. It has some age and comes across as an elegant smooth wine. If you like the traditional taste of a dry French table wine – this one is for you.

ALP
Rose & Karen

PS – Don’t forget! The Vintages Value List can always be found at www.CEOTblog.com

Vintages Value List Release Sat Aug 29, 2009

2009-08-28T11:32:18-04:00

Well hello there,

We are off to the Rhône Valley in France this time round, with a slight detour to California to enjoy some great Zinfandels. The Rhône Valley is located in the southeastern part of France and extends from the start of the Rhône River to its mouth at the Mediterranean Sea. Needless to say, this vast wine region crosses many different terroirs and as a result, produces many different wines. The N. Rhône region is known for high quality red wines made predominantly from Syrah – Hermitage is the name you will hear when oenophiles speak of this region. The north contains steep riverbanks, providing well-drained soil and lovely slope aspects – ideal for growing quality wine grapes. The S. Rhône contains several well-known wine regions – Cotes du Rhone-Villages, Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Rasteau to name a few. These wine regions contain gentle, rolling hills, less altitude and a warmer climate. Many blends come out of this region where Grenache is the dominant grape. Did you know that Chateauneuf-du-Pape may contain up to 13 different grape varietals?

Here are our picks:

SPARKLING WINE

127811 La Maison du Crémant Brut Crémant du Bourgogne (Burgundy, FR) $18.95

All the classic notes of a champagne – yeasty nose, grapefruit peel But it has a bit of an oily length. That sounds odd, but this is great bubbly!

WHITE WINE

128645 Urban Uco Torrontés 2008 (Argentina) $11.95

This is a lovely little sipper that is pretty while being quite bold. Torrontés is a little known grape with similar characteristics of Viognier.

127480 Coopers Creek Chardonnay/Viognier 2007 (New Zealand) $16.95

This is a solid, bold white wine from a fabulous producer. Not too much oak and the Viognier gives it some elegance.

RED WINE

59287 Pasion 4 Merlot 2007 (Argentina) $11.95

A terrific value here. Fairly full-bodied with blackcurrant and mocha notes.

467957 Alamos Malbec 2008 (Argentina) $13.95

A big red that is dark purple in colour and spicy on the palate. Black fruits prevail.

132548 Chateau Mourgues du Gres Les Galets Rouges 2007 (S. Rhone, France) $14.95

Say that name 5x, fast!?! Loaded with berries and garrigue. It is quite perky.

130021 Domaine Paul Henry Cotes du Rhone 2006 (S. Rhone, France) $14.95

Medium bodied with a distinct charcoal finish. Plums, strawberry and blackberries reside on the palate

681346 Etim Selection 2006 (Spain) $15.00

Lots of herb and dark fruit notes. It is hearty, but complex and interesting. Rob Parker gave this a 91. Great value!

24505 Tommasi Vigneto Le Prunee Merlot 2007 (Italy) $16.95

Smooth, smoky coffee notes with a good fruit back bone. This is a good Old World find.

127738 Ogier Rasteau 2007 (S. Rhone) $19.95

Put this one down for a couple of years to let the tannins soften a bit. It is well-made with a big, bold oak palate and a definite Old World flare.

74195 Delas Haute Pierre Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007 (S. Rhone, France) $35.95

This is classic Chateauneuf-d-P. Full, full-bodied, intense dark wine that presents chewiness and solid wine-making skill. R. Parker scored if 92-94 and claims that it will drink well for 12-15+ years.

133389 Candor Lot 1 Zinfandel (California) $19.95

Big, bold and rich flavours of ripe berry fruit and spicy notes, good acidity and a nice finish. Quite elegant!

38000 Clos Du Bois Zinfandel (North Coast) $18.95

Berry aromas a hint of black olive and mocha notes, with ample fruit on the palate and an earthy finish.

678698 Gnarly Head Old Vine Zin Zinfandel 2007 (Lodi) $17.95

Big on dense berry fruit, smokey, spicy, and earthy, wow what a mouthful!

57356 Howling Moon Old Vine Zinfandel 2005 (Lodi) $18.95

Bouncing with flavours of juicy ripe berry fruit, dark cherry and spice and a good finish.

590216 Clos Du Val Zinfandel 2006 (Napa Valley) $21.95

Aromas and flavours of blueberry pie, ripe dark cherry and black pepper, and soft tannins. This is a fun and approachable zin, try it solo.

ALP

Karen and Rose

Vintages Value List Release Sat Aug 15, 2009

2009-08-14T17:44:57-04:00

Greetings

Chile is the feature in this release producing awesome wines from Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and their shining star, Carmenère. Bordeaux once home to Carmenère where it was a central component in the classic Bordeaux blend was lost to phylloxera in the 1860’s. In Chile Carmenère was thought to be a clone of Merlot and harvested together. It is only recently that growers have distinguished it from Merlot and rediscovered as Carmenère. Carmenère favours a long growing season in moderate to warm climates hence this is why it thrives in Chile. Here are some choices sure to please every palate as we move along with what has finally arrived ‘summer’ and a much awaited BBQ/patio season.

Here are our picks:

WHITE WINE

127506 Leyda Reserva Chardonnay 2008 (Leyda Valley, Chile) $13.95

A nice medium bodied chard featuring flavours of peach, pear, herbal notes and some smoky spice. Very good value!

136390 Delicato Viognier/Chardonnay 2008 (California) $14.95

Pretty, subtle aromas of apricot, crisp and refreshing acidity, featuring white grapefruit and orange citrus peel flavours that linger. Awesome sipper!

919514 Wither Hills Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Marlborough, New Zealand) $17.95

This Sauvignon Blanc is everything New Zealand, fresh and crisp acidity, tasty gooseberry, lemongrass, crisp green apple and mineral.

701094 Mas Des Bressades Cuvée Tradition Blanc 2008 (Rhône) $13.95

This one is big on flavour and aromatics, nice floral notes, oily mouth feel, making it smooth and silky. Drink solo or match with cheeses of the Rhône.

RED WINE

398800 Casa Lapostolle Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Rapel Valley, Chile) $15.95

Big, bold and smooth flavours of dark cherry, plum, cassis and tobacco.

30957 Concha Y Toro Winemaker’s Lot 148 Carmenère 2007 (Rapel Valley, Chile) $16.95

Rich in dark fruit flavours, earth, and smoky oak. Very well priced!

960542 Montgras Reserva Carmenère 2008 (Colchaqua Valley, Chile) $12.95

Very smooth brimming of ripe fruit, spice, cocoa and vanilla.

127522 Terra Andina Carmenère 2008 (Central Valley, Chile) $11.95

A good value medium bodied Carmenère featuring flavours of plum, dark berries, cedar and spicy notes.

125492 Château Courrière-Rongièras 2005 (Bordeaux) $18.95

This 100% Merlot features flavours of ripe plums, coco, good tannins and a zip of acidity.

724674 Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2001 (Puglia) $13.95

Here is a go to fun wine featuring tons of dark fruit jam, but not over the top, coffee, mineral, and soft tannins. This is nicely balanced and has an overall nice mouth feel and a good finish.

947440 Banfi Centine 2006 (Tuscany) $16.95

Lovely and light, blackberry, earthy tones, and good length.

650713 Corte Zovo Sa’ Solin Ripasso 2007 (Veneto) $17.95

Here is a returning fave for all you Valpolicella Ripasso fans, red cherry fruit, some meat, herb notes and peppery spice.

673541 Torres San Valentin Garnacha 2007 (Spain) $13.95

Yum, flavours of plums, dark berries, coco and spice, soft tannins and a long finish.

ALP

Rose & Karen

Blue Gloves

2009-08-01T16:10:04-04:00

Blue Gloves
Originally uploaded by LexnGer.

The CheapEats Photo of the Week is Blue Gloves taken by LexnGer.

Here's what LexnGer said when uploading Blue Gloves to the CheapEats Flickr Group

"Have I mentioned how much I hate blue sanitary gloves? Don't get me wrong, I like my food clean and I don't really want to catch your cooties... but it really screws up my photos!

It also makes my food feel less personal, less honest and frankly less healthy. I always see gloves as protecting the wearer... so what's wrong with my sandwich that you have to handle it with gloves?
But maybe that's just me."

Vintages Value List Release Sat. August 1, 2009

2009-07-30T12:40:12-04:00

Greetings fellow tipplers,

The “weather-tellers” predict a relatively dry and warm August – thank goodness – and once again Vintages rises to the occasion with great grilling wines to enhance your BBQ fare and general Epicurean enjoyment.

Here are our picks:

WHITE WINE

113696 Miguel Torres Vina Esmeralda 2008 (Spain) $12.95

A blend of Moscatel & Gewurtztraminer from an unlikely place made us have our doubts on this one. It is off-dry with strong peach & floral notes. 11.5% alcohol makes it a fine aperitif or evening starter.

618827 Henry of Pelham Pinot Blanc 2008 (VQA Ontario)$14.95

A lovely light, white sipper that will go nicely with a cool breeze, and a sunny afternoon on the dock or in the back yard. 12% alcohol makes it a safe bet …

626710 D’Arenberg The Money Spider Roussanne 2007 (McLaren Vale, AUS)$19.95

This has some oomph and will go well with grilled chicken. Strong citrus notes and large flavours all round. It is big for an unoaked white, which speaks to the strong character of the roussanne grape. Give it a whirl. Bob Parker did and gave it a 91.

127696 Inniskillin Okanagan Reserve Chardonnay 2007 (Okanagan Valley) $13.95

Lightly toasty, brimming with tropical fruit, crisp acidity and a generous finish. This is great value! so pick up a few!

57299 J. Lohr Bay Mist Riesling 2007 (Monterey County, California) $16.95

Deliciously fruit forward, good acidity and warm spice will pair nicely with spicey dishes.

RED WINE

726760 Aresti Reserva Merlot 2006 (Chile) $12.95

The nose is not that great, but get past that and the palate bursts forward with an oak-berry sync with that smooth merlot feel.

65664 Finca El Origen Reserva Malbec 2007 (Argentina) $14.95

A pleasant blend of dark fruits, earthiness with slight spice hints. Good length.

427617 Chateau de Nages Reserve 2007 (Rhone, France) $14.95

My notes say “fantastic”. This is an interesting wine featuring plum, black cherry and tobacco notes. Great character!

970707 Castellani Chianti Riserva 2004 (Tuscany) $14.95

A fabulous entry-level chianti – a wine that can be quite pricey. Classic baked cherry and plum flavours balanced off with tobacco and leather notes.

32136 De Martino Legado Reserva Syrah 2006 (Chile) $16.95

Big berry flavor. This one is juicy and fresh with a lovely lingering finish.

130260 Egle Ripasso Valpolicella 2006 (Veneto) $16.95

Nice and smooth ripe fruit, dried fig character, chocolate tones and some smoke with a finish to boot!

125526 Château de Paillet-Quancard 2005 (Bordeaux) $16.95

From the stellar ’05 vintage a bargain priced Bordeaux that won’t disappoint featuring dark plum, tar and smoke that is big with ample length. This won silver at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2008.

948240 J. Lohr South Ridge Syrah 2006 (Paso Robles, California) $18.95

Silky and smooth with tons of fruit and spice reminiscent of plum pudding!

129072 Domaine de la Bastide Visan 2007 960542 (Côtes Du Rhône-Villages) $13.95

Big and juicy dark fruit persists to the end.

994616 Terra D’Aligi Tatone Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2005 (Abruzzo) $15.95

Big on flavour featuring dark fruit, coffee tones and a long dry finish.

999946 Remo Farina Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2005 (Veneto) $16.95

Smokey and licorice aromas melding into flavours of raisin fruit cake and ginger spice with a long finish.

Don’t forget, you can always find the Vintages Value List on www.ceotblog.com.

ALP

Karen & Rose

Alternative Breakfasts Poll

2009-07-24T12:49:22-04:00

Following our discussion of alternative breakfasts, what would you have for breakfast that is non-egg and non-sweet?

QotW: Whats For Breakfast

2009-07-24T12:37:00-04:00

I had an interesting conversation on twitter yesterday about alternative breakfasts. It started with a friend wondering if I had “discovered the cheap, greasy joy of halwa puri? Big breakfast: $5.95” Halwa puri being a “sweet semolina, chickpea curry, potato curry, and paratha (kind of greasy).”

It got us into a discussion which generated the question:

What do you get for a yummy non-egg, non-sweet breakfast?

Alternatives that have come up so far include:

halwa puri
dim sum
foul
dosa
doubles
pho
menudo

What do you order when you want something non-egg, non-sweet for breakfast?

Please join in the conversation by adding a comment below or follow the discussion on twitter using the hashtag #CEOTbreakfast

National Hot Dog Day

2009-07-22T12:33:06-04:00

Today, July 22nd, is National Hot Dog Day 2009. So says the National Hot Dog & Sausage Council.

Sure, it’s a US organisation but I’m sure many of us will celebrate it with relish.

Here’s a little “hot dogs are evil” article for those of us who lean that way.

I got the one in the photo Tout Dresse at la Pataterie Hulloise, with a side poutine (of course).

Where is your favourite hot dog vendor?

Vintages Value List Release Saturday July 18, 2009

2009-07-18T11:08:04-04:00

Wines from southern Italy are the feature of this release. That’s good news for you “Value Listers” because Italian wines can be pricey, but this is not necessarily the case when they hail from the southern regions.

Rose is a self-declared “Zin-head” – meaning an individual that prefers Zinfandel. Zinfandel hails from California, so Rose was delighted to see that Southern Italy was the feature because that is the birthplace of the Zinfandel grape aka Primitivo in Italy. We know, this wine jargon, rules and descriptions can be confusing. Suffice to say both Zinfandel and Primitivo are fruit-forward and full-bodied, but Primitivo tends to be more restrained than its American cousin. There are other great wines on offer this week.

Check them out and remember – good friends don’t let their friends drink Fuzion every day!

Sparkling Wine

665372 Codorniu Pinot Noir Rose Brut Cava (Spain) $16.95

This is a great value for a wine made from a pesky grape in the traditional method. This sparkling rose will knock your socks off – it’s dry, crisp and lively with gentle berry notes.

White Wine

119669 Oceana Riesling 2007 (California) $15.95

This is a medium-dry bargain from California – packaged in a vibrant blue bottle. Inside you will find a wine brimming with lime, peach and a speck of stoniness. It is crisp despite its medium-dry status.

9167 Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand) $18.95

Fun and light typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc featuring the signature aromas of asparagus, fresh cut grass, herb and pea notes with citrusy flavours of lemon and grapefruit and juicy acidity.

115782 Gamona Gessamí 2007 (Spain) $19.95

This sexy number is a 30, 30, 30 blend of Muscat d’Alexandria, Muscat de Frontignan and Sauvignon Blanc and 10 Gewurztraminer hence the perfumed aromatics of sweet melon, tangerine, rose and lavender with flavours of citrus, fruit pit and tropical fruit and an ample finish. Just like a fruit parfait in a bottle.

Red Wine

120915 Feudi di San Marzano Primitivo 2007 (Italy) $13.95

First off, this wine tastes better than its nose. We realize this isn’t a huge selling feature but give it a whirl as you won’t be disappointed. Look for damson plum notes in a well-rounded wine with a very slight sweet note. *

123364 Menhir No. Zero Negroamaro 2006 (Italy) $14.95

Modern meets traditional! Loads of ripe and flavourful plums, cherry, licorice and cocoa with good acidity and some gripping tannins. The berries for this wine were sourced from very old vines, and modern winemaking techniques were used with this traditional grape variety. This is an excellent buy!

23119 Gladiator Primitivo Di Manduria 2006 (Italy) $14.95

Calling all you "Zin" heads, this does not disappoint. Medium bodied with loads of black fruit, sage tar, spice and meaty notes that is quite velvety smooth on the palate. *

121038 Vignamaggio Suhaili Syrah 2006 (Italy) $14.95

Well defined old world style here. Berries, spice and leather come out of this well-balanced, medium bodied wine. Great with BBQ fare.

719674 Domaine de Poujc Madiran 2005 (SW France) $14.95

Dark, inky, shtanky – true to the Madiran form. This is a lovely wine, from the iconic ’05 vintage at a fabulous price.

673590 Château Haut-Monplaisir Traditon 2006 (Cahors) $16.95

Here is a big black and inky beauty Malbec aka Cot with some Merlot featuring blackcurrant, black cherry and tobacco box. Drink now or cellar for 3-5 years to soften those tannins.

108068 Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2004 (McLaren Vale, AUS) $19.95

Blackberry, chocolate and spice predominate. We tasted this release with a wine neophyte – Trevor – and this was his fave.

106914 Le Tobele Ripasso Valpolicella 2006 (Italy) $19.95

This is a rather fruity Italian number with raisin notes due to the ripasso method (a winemaking method that involves using unpressed skins from dried grapes in order to increase body, colour & alcohol).

> $40.

123745 La Palazzetta Brunello Di Montalcino 2003 (Tuscany) $42.95

Well priced Brunello featuring flavours of sour cherry, dried fig, almond, underbrush, and softening tannins that is oh so delish! Drink now or hold for 2-4 years. Perfect for that special occasion!

* for you Deb.

ALP

Rose & Karen

Vintages Value List - Saturday July 4, 2009 Release

2009-07-03T17:39:50-04:00

Greetings!

This time round it is all about summer – BBQs, vacation and a wonderful opportunity to taste the world on your stay-cation. Hope you are enjoying the season …

White Wine

683847 Ravenswood Vintners Blend Chardonnay 2007 (California) $16.95

Well rounded Cali Chard big on mango, peach some citrus and toasty oak flavours.

991950 Kim Crawford Unoaked Chardonnay 2007 (New Zealand) $19.95

Here is a pure and clean fruit driven Chardonnay with pretty floral and tropical fruit nose and flavours following through on the finish.

727255 Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Gris 2007 (New Zealand) $18.95

A Pinot Gris with some hue and flavour! Layers of pear and apple flavours abound, peach pit bitterness, and some mineral envelopes the palate with a slightly oily mouth feel and a lengthy finish.

662882 Sileni Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand) $16.95

Bouncing with all the aromas and flavours that is signature to N. Z. Sauvignon Blancs - gooseberry, herb, grass, citrus, clean and crisp acidity and a long finish.

926931 Lucien Albrecht Réserve Gewurztraminer 2007 (Alsace) $21.95

Seductive and big on aromatics and flavours of lychee, rose petals, grapefruit, spice and honey. Pair with spicy foods. This is an excellent wine from a very good producer!

350124 Beauvignac Picpoul De Pinet 2008 (Midi) $15.95

Light bodied, crisp and refreshing, exploding with flavours of crisp green apple, lemon, lime, white grapefruit, persisting acidity and mineral on the finish. Makes an ideal sipper!

525295 Beauvignac Viognier 2008 (Midi) $14.95

A very pretty wine that is exuding aromas of soft rose petal, apricot, ripe peach, flavours with some mineral, good acidity very well rounded and a lingering finish.

119446 Albino Piona Custoza 2008 (Veneto) $14.95

Made from the Garganega varietal this number is floral scented bursting with flavours of green apple, citrus, zippy acidity with somewhat of an oily mouth feel.

Red Wine

117168 Villa Giada Suri Rosso Barbera D’Astuie 2007 (Piedmont) $14.95

Flavours of cherry and leather notes, full bodied but quite refreshing!

117085 Zonin Valpolicella Classico 2008 (Italy) $15.95

This is a dry, solid Italian table wine. Tons of black & red fruit w/ a lingering finish.

104182 Newman’s Own Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 (California) $17.95

The proceeds of Newman’s Own go to charity and giving never tasted better! Dark berries, tobacco, smoke with an inky colour.

672691 Celeste Crianza 2005 (Spain) $19.95

Dense plum flavours, spice, tobacco box and coffee, nicely balanced.

42929 Lan Reserva 2004 (Rioja) $23.95

This is a sure one if you want something a little more $$. Quite dry , exuding flavours of dark plum, violets, menthol, licorice and smoke, nicely balanced and round with intense flavour structure. This was ranked #52 on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 wines of 2008.

91025 Frei Brothers Reserve Pinot Noir 2007 (Sonoma) $24.95

This is a well-priced, easy-sipping pinot noir. Great for summer lounging. Typical pinot notes of cherry & strawberry abound.

510628 Chateau Reynella Basket Pressed Shiraz 2005 (S. Australia) $34.95

This is a fantastic wine. It has solid tannins that will enable it to lie down for 5 years. Great berry extraction.

Don’t forget – the Vintages Value List can always be found at:

www.cetoblog.com

ALP

Rose & Karen