Winexpert LE 2023

- Reserve yours by November 11, 2023 -

Bobal Cabernet Sauvignon - Valencia, Spain

Available December 2023

Body: Medium
Oak: Medium

Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 13.5%

CABERNET MERLOT

This Spanish red combines Bobal and Cabernet Sauvignon to deliver a medium-bodied wine with a fruity palate and silky tannin. Aromas of black fruit, mild spice, and subtle toasty oak. The first sip shows bright flavours of plum, cassis, and cherry joined by notes of licorice, cocoa, oak, and earthy nuances. Fresh acidity, soft tannin, and a light spicy sensation complete this polished blend.

WALLA WALLA, WASHINGTON

Bobal is indigenous to Spain, where it is the 2nd most planted red wine grape. Its thick skin and drought resistance make it well suited to the subtropical Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers. It is mostly found in Valencia on Spain’s sunny east coast. The region is cooled slightly by sea breezes, and grapes are often grown in altitudes up to 1100 meters above sea level. Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon also perform well here and are often blended with indigenous Spanish grapes.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Best Skillet Steak

Also a great match for: Valencian paella, chorizo and Manchego flatbread, stew

Winemaker’s Blend - Italy

Available January 2024

Body: Light-Medium
Oak: None

Sweetness: Off-Dry
Alcohol: 12%

WINEMAKER’S BLEND 

The varietals in our Winemaker’s Blend play off each other to create a crisp off-dry wine with a tapestry of vibrant fruit flavours. Pinot Grigio leads with lush peach and apple flavours. Riesling adds aromatics, a shot of sweetness, and amplifies fresh acidity. Vermentino plays up the citrus character, while Verduzzo brings tropical notes to the background. A touch of Trebbiano rounds out the orchard fruit flavours and adds a fresh mineral accent.

ITALY

This cunning blend pulls choice varietals from the four corners of Italy, showcasing the best the country has to offer: Sicily in the southwest, where climate and geography make near-perfect growing conditions; Tuscany on the northwest coast, one of the world’s most famous wine regions; Veneto on the northeast coast where hot summers are tempered by the Adriatic Sea, and finally Puglia on the southeast coast, where the surrounding seas provide balance to the dry heat helping grow mature and fruity grapes.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Pancetta Egg Pasta

Also a great match for: Rich & creamy mac ’n cheese, maple glazed ham, spiced nuts

Nebbiolo - Lodi, California

Available February 2024

Body: Full
Oak: Heavy

Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 14%

NEBBIOLO

The regal Italian red you know and love with a bit of laid-back California charm. Nebbiolo maintains its strong tannin on North American soil but reins in some boldness, showing more voluptuous fruit and floral undertones. Aromas hint at rose and violet with notes of earth and spice. Cherry and raspberry flavours are forefront, while licorice, plum and chalky earth notes add depth. A gratifying wine with strong structure and balance thanks to Nebbiolo’s characteristic high tannin and acidity.

LODI, CALIFORNIA

Nebbiolo does well in Lodi, situated in the middle of California’s Central Valley. The Mediterranean climate is tempered in part by cool breezes blowing inland from the San Francisco Bay area, which promotes the grape’s natural acidity. Two mountain-fed rivers run through the region bringing rich granite-based minerals to the soil, lending complex flavours. These mineral rich sandy soils in conjunction with the dry growing season encourage more concentrated flavours. 

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Prosciutto & Olive Pizza

Also a great match for: Braised short ribs, caponata, spiced lamb tagine, white truffle fettucine

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc - Provence, France

Available March 2024

Body: Medium
Oak: None

Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 13%

SEMILLON SAUVIGNON BLANC

This White Bordeaux style wine is a classic French blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and grassy aromas lead to a gorgeous palate with refreshing grapefruit and lemon/lime flavours. Gooseberry, passionfruit, and green apple notes come through, hinting at honeysuckle and lemon peel. Serve lightly chilled to emphasize the vibrant acidity and prominent citrus flavours of this crisp dry white.

PROVENCE, FRANCE

Provence lies on the southeast tip of France and vineyards in this small coastal region are all within 60kms of the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm with abundant sunshine. Coastal breezes help moderate the temperature and the strong mistral wind keeps skies clear and grapes dry, protecting against disease. Soils vary across the region with white wine grapes generally planted in areas with rich limestone and shale deposits.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Shrimp Curry

Also a great match for: Sushi, asparagus risotto, crab cakes

Tempranillo Shiraz - Riverland, Australia

Available April 2024

Body: Full
Oak: Heavy

Sweetness: Dry
Alcohol: 14%

TEMPRANILLO SHIRAZ – WITH GRAPE SKINS

Tempranillo and Shiraz are exceptional blending partners creating a poignant blend abound with rich fruit and spice. Aromas of red berry, chocolate, and peppery spice set the tone for a palate packed with flavours of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and plum. Ripe tannin and rich spice lend to the lush mouthfeel, while layered notes of milk chocolate play off savoury elements of tobacco and licorice. A blockbuster example of how these two flavourful grapes amplify each other.

RIVERLAND, AUSTRALIA

Australia has long been a powerhouse of Shiraz, but it’s only recently that Tempranillo plantings have surged in the country. In the Riverland, the warm Mediterranean climate and long sunny days bring out more of Tempranillo’s generous black fruit flavours and spice character. The Murray Darling River winds through the region providing relief from the hot South Australian sun, vital access to water for irrigation, and contributes to the region’s fertile soils.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Smoky Chorizo & Chicken Chili

 Also a great match for: Smoked meat sandwiches, tourtière, carne asada fajitas