This weekend’s Vintages release showcases an exciting selection of well-crafted wines from all over the world that fit our budget.
Since the world will be watching athletes from across the globe exercise their best efforts to make it onto the podium at the Rio Summer Olympics, I have been inspired to seek out select value wines from around the world that are podium worthy as well.
So, let’s have a look at my world tour of well-crafted, value for quality wines…
Marlborough, New Zealand
LCBO Vintages 606848 | $18.95 | 12.5% alcohol
Temperatures are spiking and, at times, nothing seems more refreshing than sipping a chilled crisp Sauvignon Blanc under a patio umbrella. I find the Framingham 2015 Sauvignon Blanc to be a high-ranking player in the “crisp patio whites” category. This signature New Zealand white wine shows vibrant notes of citrus zest, lemon grass and floral notes. The palate is bone dry, mouthwatering and finishes with a crisp zesty citrus note. Enjoy pairing this Sauvignon Blanc with fresh oysters, king crab legs, poached lobster or ceviche.
Nemea, Greece
LCBO Vintages 47977 | $20.95 | 12.5% alcohol
Greece, where it all began! As the birthplace of the Olympics, Greece could not be overlooked. This weekend’s Vintages release actually showcases a decent selection of white and red wines from Greece, but the Estate Papaioannou 2010 Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko steals the podium.
Agiorgitiko – meaning St. George – is the most widely grown red grape variety in Greece, predominantly in the region of Nemea (northeastern part of the Peloponnese Peninsula). This red wine showcases an intense burst of perfumey floral and berry fruit aromas.
The palate is showing young , but polished tannins, a nice balance of acidity and a long tart cherry finish. Key flavours to note include red cherry, leather, tar, and dark chocolate. You may consider letting this medium to full bodied red wine sit in the cellar for another three to five years, but it is also drinking well now. Just be sure to decant this beauty for two hours prior to serving, and definitely try pairing it with beef tartar.
VQA Ontario, Canada
LCBO Vintages 86918 | $24.95 | 12.3% alcohol
Let’s offer our shout out to Team Canada with the Flat Rock 2010 Twisted Red. Flat Rock Cellars is no stranger to the pro-athlete world. In 2013, this winery collaborated with three-time world champion and Olympic medalist figure skater, Patrick Chan, to craft one the most top rated Reisling icewines release in our market. This red wine with a striking blend of fleshy fruity berries and smoke. Hailing from the Niagara Escarpment, this red wine shows hints of fresh cherry, cranberry, smoke and wet stone minerality. The acidity is mouthwatering, the tannins are young and grippy with a plump medium-bodied mouthfeel. I recommend drinking now, and enjoy pairing it with pulled port tacos.
Puglia, Italy
LCBO Vintages 86918 | $24.95 | 12.3% alcohol
Our world tour continues with this gorgeous Italian red wine known as Primitivo. Primitivo is the native grape of Puglia (the heel on the boot of Italy) and is actually the same grape as Zinfandel. This full-bodied red wine showcases inviting perfumed aromas of rose petals, cherry, plum, graphite minerality, and a touch of vanilla. Even though the flavours appear sweet – berry jam, vanilla, sweet smoke – the acidity is high with mild balanced tannins and long dark chocolate finish. It definitely reminds of a California style Zinfandels but with good complexity. It’s a great crowd pleaser and pairs well backyard BBQ ribs.
Victoria, Australia
LCBO Vintages 222323 | $19.95 | 14.5% alcohol
Finally, we a representative from Australia that excels in the “big bold BBQ red” category. This red wine shows classic Australian Shiraz notes of pronounced eucalyptus, licorice, black plum, and black cherry. The palate is off-dry, chewy (young tannins) and mouthwatering. Flavours are an exact repeat of the aromas with added notes of cedar, vanilla, and a touch of earthy minerality. This Shiraz is full bodied with a long minted-berry finish. This red wine can certainly afford to sit for another five to seven years, but it is drinking quite well now after a couple hours of decanting. Enjoy pairing this red wine with grilled lamb chops.
