WINES OF THE WEEK FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2007
Great Stuff from the Iberian Peninsula:
These are exciting times for the winegrowing regions of Spain and Portugal. Not only has quality never been higher, but the sheer selection of items available has become ever-more fantastic! Ten years ago, such was not the case, as most wines (especially from Spain) were only of acceptable quality. This has entirely changed, and I am happy to recommend a few bottles that I think any true wine enthusiast would very much enjoy.
These are exciting times for the winegrowing regions of Spain and Portugal. Not only has quality never been higher, but the sheer selection of items available has become ever-more fantastic! Ten years ago, such was not the case, as most wines (especially from Spain) were only of acceptable quality. This has entirely changed, and I am happy to recommend a few bottles that I think any true wine enthusiast would very much enjoy.
RED WINES
(1) Bodegas Fontana-'Gran Fontal'
-La Mancha, Spain
-Vintage 2001
(Drink Now or Hold)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $19.95
-L.C.B.O. # 28118
(widely available at L.C.B.O.
stores with a Vintages section)
-8.25/10
COMMENT: On
trying this wine at the 'Tasting Tower' at Summerhill, I could not help
but noticing the fine balance of all its components. With lots of dry
fruit on the nose (this wine is made from the Tempranillo
grape varietal), as well as the tiniest hint of sweetness on the mouth,
this wine carried both charm and 'good spirit,' even though the
alcohol/vol. is 13.5%. Very good value!
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pork tenderloin with a small honey glaze --- enjoy!
(2) Quinta de Cabriz-'Reserva'
-Dão, Portugal
-A blend of 3 grapes
-Vintage 2003
(Drink Now or Hold)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $14.50
-L.C.B.O. # 664631
(available in most larger
L.C.B.O. outlets)
-8/10
COMMENT: Though best known for its Port,
Portugal is one of Europe's most unique winemaking countries, in that
they utilize almost exclusively their own local grape varietals. This
has resulted in the making of some the world's most individualized (and
underrated) table wines! A blend of three grapes (Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, and Alfrocheiro Preto), the
2003 'Reserva' of Quinta de Cabriz boasts a lovely mouthfeel with great
fruit; and is an excellent example of the direction of quality Portugal
is advancing.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Chicken wings with barbeque sauce --- enjoy!
WHITE WINES
(1) Adegas d'Altamira-'Brandal'
-Rias Biaxas, Spain
-Albariño
-Vintage 2005
(Drink Now)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $19.95
-L.C.B.O. # 39875
(available at many L.C.B.O. outlets)
-8.25/10
COMMENT: Thougn perhaps not widely known, Albariño
is one of Spain's most important white grape varietals, and increasing
numbers of Spanish winemakers are well-aware that this grape is capable
of producing some very fine white table wines. For its part, this
particular wine is quite mellow, overall, with lovely fruit and end
notes. As the world becomes more and more tired of the same old white
grape varietals, higher-quality white wines such as those made from Albariño will probably become increasingly popular, especially in North America.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Pea soup with a little bit of ham --- enjoy!
(2) Vinhos Sogrape-'Quinta de Azevedo'
-Vinho Verde, Portugal
-Blend
-Vintage 2006
(Drink Now)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $11.95
(only a few bottles left within
the L.C.B.O. system)
-L.C.B.O. # 727115
-8/10
COMMENT: Released
in March 2007, this wine was well-received by the 'L.C.B.O. audience,'
myself included. Carrying a tiny natural fizz, with just a few apricots
for flavour (among other fruit), I found this wine extremely refreshing
(and very well-priced). In general, I would argue the L.C.B.O. could
use a few more higher-quality whites from Portugal --- the potential
for greatness is most certainly there.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Light cheese and fine crackers --- enjoy!
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
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