Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc 2024

Reyneke Organic Chenin Blanc 2024 Price: $21.95Channel: LCBO Vintages Producer: ReynekeCountry: South AfricaRegion: StellenboschAppellation: Western Cape WO Grapes: Chenin BlancAlcohol by Volume: 13.5%Sugar Content: 4 grams per litre Philosopher winemaker Johan Reyneke’s “Organic” line sources grapes from outside of his biodynamic farm. In this case, we are told from a site under the cooling influence of the South Atlantic ocean. In any event, here is fresh and elegant fancy white wine for just a bit over $20, proving that…

Brotte Creation

Brotte Création Grosset Cairanne 2021

Brotte Création Grosset Cairanne 2021 Price: $19.95Channel: LCBO Vintages Producer: Maison BrotteCountry: FranceRegion: Provence (Rhône)Appellation: Cairrane AOC Grapes: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèrdre, CarignanAlcohol by Volume: 14.5%Sugar Content: 3 grams per litre The Brotte family hails from Châteuneuf-du-Pape. The Grosset vineyard, if my French literacy is assez fonctionnel, was acquired relatively recently through marriage of the current, 4th generation, vigneron. New though the Grosset parcels may be to the family, they include about 60 acres of 100 year old Grenache vines. I…

Bertani Soave

Bertani Sereole Soave Classico 2023

Bertani Sereole Soave Classico 2023 Price: $19.95Channel: LCBO Vintages Producer: BertaniCountry: ItalyRegion: Veneto (Verona)Appellation: Soave Classico Grapes: GarganegaAlcohol by Volume: 13%Sugar Content: 3 grams per litre With the rehabilitation of Soave as a serious white wine has come the inevitable price increases. This, in turn, has fostered in me some scepticism towards any bottle of Soave I see for under $20. The 2023 Sereole Soave Classico has restored my faith that there is still perfectly delicious, affordable, every day…

M. Chapoutier La Ciboise Luberon 2022

M. Chapoutier La Ciboise Luberon 2022 Price: $14.95Channel: LCBO Vintages Producer: M. ChapoutierCountry: FranceRegion: ProvenceAppellation: Luberon AOC Grapes: Grenache and Syrah (%NA)Alcohol by Volume: 14.5%Sugar Content: 3 grams per litre Chapoutier doesn’t reveal the precentage split between Grenache and Syrah in La Ciboise. My guess is it’s close to 50-50: look for cherry, then blackfruit and a touch of white pepper. It’s long way from L’Hermitage to the Luberon, and this is a rich and juicy wine, with silky…

Hatzmichalis Assyrtiko

Hatzimichalis Alepotrypa Assyrtiko 2023

Hatzimichalis Alepotrypa Assyrtiko 2023 Price: $18.95Channel: LCBO Vintages Producer: Domaine HatzimichalisCountry: GreeceRegion: Atalanti ValleyAppellation: Atalanti Valley PGI Grapes: AssyrtikoAlcohol by Volume: 14%Sugar Content: 2 grams per litre Here is a sophisticated white from the middle of Greece at a very welcoming price. Assyrtiko is best known as the white grape from the windswept volcanic island of Santorini, where it tends to make very lean mineral whites. This Hatzimichal version shows a reserved richness, with citrus acidity and a bit…

Gaba Mencia 2020

Price: $19.95Channel: LCBO Vintages Producer: Telmo RodriguezCountry: SpainRegion: GaliciaAppellation: Valdeorras DO Grapes: MenciaAlcohol by Volume: 12.5%Sugar Content: 2 grams per litre The tasting notes on the LCBO website for this red wine from the Northwestern corner of Spain, are all about juicy bright cherry red fruit. I agree, but a few years later, there’s more going on like rose aromatics and a tar or leather note. Those notes point to a comparison with Pinot Noir, but I’m getting more…