deVine Thoughts

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Domaine Coudoulet Pinot Noir (Pays d’Oc, France) – $17.49 , regularly $24.99.

Domaine Coudoulet is run by brothers Jean-Yves and Pierre-André Ournac who are the sixth generation of their family to run the estate located in southern France. They produce varietally correct wines at a great price point. Like other growers in the area, they have progressively replanted their vineyards over the last 15 years, replacing many traditional varieties with Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Petite Verdot and Viognier. The vines are grown on clay-chalk soils.

Our feature this week is their Pinot Noir – it is a lovely Mediterranean expression of this lighter bodied red grape. Light in body with delicate tannins, it has notes of ripe strawberries, raspberries, hibiscus, and mushrooms leading to a Burgundian elegant finish with juicy, fruity and slightly spicy notes. Serve this slightly chilled as an aperitif or with light meat dishes.

Domaine Coudoulet Pinot Noir (Pays d’Oc, France) – $17.49 , regularly $24.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $20.99 , regularly $26.49.

The Bodega Catena Zapata is certainly one of the standout wineries in all of Argentina. Famous for its production of world class Malbecs, it is Argentina’s oldest family winery, started by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena back in 1902. The winery itself is distinguished by its pyramid-like design based on Mayan architecture, located in the sub-appellation of Agrelo.

Our feature this week is their High Mountain Vines Malbec made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. It is a blend of 100% Malbec from three different vineyards all harvested at different times:

1. Lunlunta – 3,018 ft (920m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loamy clay in the topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom.

2. El Cepillo, Eugenio Bustos – 3,593 ft (1,090 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loam-sandy soil with thick calcareous layers and rounded rocks on the bottom.

3. Gualtallary – 4,757 ft (1,450 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Gravel and limestone soil. Rounded rocks in the bottom.

Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes, with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of blueberries and blackberries with a touch of leather and cinnamon. The wine has well-integrated tannins, bright acidity and a flinty minerality that provides exceptional length to the finish. Try with a grilled steak.

Catena High Mountain Vines Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $20.99 , regularly $26.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Château Recougne Blanc (Bordeaux, France) – $16.49 , regularly $23.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Rust en Vrede Stellenbosch Reserve Merlot (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $21.99 , regularly $30.49.

Rust en Vrede is one of the best wineries out of Stellenbosch wine producing region. Nestled in the Helderberge, this estate has a rich history of more than 300 years (founded in 1694) in winemaking, it is recognized for its terroir driven portfolio of robust reds.

The name translates to “Rest and peace” and this certainly is representative of this tranquil and beautiful estate, with its gorgeous Manor house, tasting room and restaurant. Sized at 55 hectares, it is known for its international grape based wines.

Our feature this week is their Stellenbosch Reserve Merlot”, showing a fresh combination of pomegranate, plums, cherries, and an herbal note of fennel. The fresh fruity flavours are accentuated by bright acidity on the palate and supported by fine tannins. Flavours of caramel and mocha are balanced by savoury notes of cured meat that bring complexity to the wine. A note of pomegranate leaves a fresh finish. Serve with substantial foods including grilled or barbequed lamb, slow cooked lamb shanks, beef, and game meats..

Rust en Vrede Stellenbosch Reserve Merlot (Stellenbosch, South Africa) – $21.99 , regularly $30.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the 2021 Balbo Estate Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99 , regularly $22.99.

The Familia Falasco owns two wineries – Los Haroldos and Balbo, which are located in the province of Mendoza in Argentina. The company’s products are in great demand among the population and to date, 8% of the wine sold in Argentina are made in the company Familia Falasco. In addition, the company exports wine to 35 countries in the world.

Our feature this week is their “Estate Malbec” – it is made ​​from grapes harvested from selected varieties of vines Malbec throughout their holdings in Mendoza. The hot and dry climate of the region is ideal for creating fine wines balanced with rounded tannins and a delicate flavors. The Balbo Estate Malbec has a complex aroma of berries, cherries, jam and plum. The wine has notes of chocolate, coffee, tobacco, vanilla and caramel. The wine pairs well with beef, pork and lamb.

2021 Balbo Estate Malbec (Mendoza, Argentina) – $18.99 , regularly $22.99

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Glen Carlou Classic Chardonnay (Paarl, South Africa) – $20.99 , regularly $27.49.

The award-winning estate of Glen Carlou is owned by the Hess Group of Napa Valley fame (who also owns Peter Lehmann in Barossa and Bodegas Colome in Argentina. Carlou is located in Paarl, South Africa in the northern foothills (a half hour drive NE of Stellenbosch) and has 70 hectares under vine. They produced commercially Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc wines.

Our feature this week is their Classic Chardonnay, with lovely citrus, Granny Smith and peaches with a fair dose of butterscotch vanilla on a fruit driven mid-palate. The finish offers pear and lime with some spicy vanilla notes and softer tannins. Full-bodied with lovely finesse. Not as heavily oaked as in American chards. Lovely with a pasta in cream sauce, oysters or an oily fish.

Glen Carlou Classic Chardonnay (Paarl, South Africa) – $20.99 , regularly $27.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Quinta Das Carvalhas Tinto (Douro, Portugal) – $17.99 , regularly $26.49.

Quinta das Carvalhas is one of the most emblematic and spectacular properties in the Douro valley. Written references regarding this magnificent vineyard can be traced back to 1759. It enjoys a prominent position on the left bank of the Douro river, in Pinhão, the estate covers the entire hillside facing the Douro river and occupies part of the slopes of the right bank of the tributary Torto river.

Carvalhas’ old vines, are a post-phylloxera plantation, which have reached over a century old and represent one of the richest selection of ancient indigenous Douro varieties. Quinta das Carvalhas’ total area is located at different altitudes, varying from 80 to 500 metres above sea level, with vineyards exposed to both northern and southern quadrants with 74.5 hectares planted.

Our feature this week is their Tinto, made from Portuguese indigenous grapesTouriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca. A very fresh red witha beautiful ruby color and aromas of red fruit harmoniously integrated with creamy vanilla notes, demonstrating notable aromatic intensity and complexity. Very balanced and round, resulting in a very pleasant and long-lasting finish.

Quinta Das Carvalhas Tinto (Douro, Portugal) – $17.99 , regularly $26.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Allegrini Valpolicella Classico (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $24.49.

Located in the Monti Lessini foothills in the Valpolicella Classico area of Veneto, Italy, Allegrini’s vineyards (100 hectares) sit on highly favourable morainic, gravel soils and enjoy a unique Mediterranean micro-climate thanks to the proximity to Lake Garda which warms the valleys created by the Lessini mountains to the north, making it an ideal environment for growing classy Valpolicella and Amarone. They also have a luxury Bed & Breakfast on site.

The Allegrini family has lived in Valpolicella for at least 5 centuries and are on their 6th generation of wine makers at the estate so they know how to make Valpolicella. Our feature this week is their Valpolicella Classico, Ruby red in colour with purplish hues, it expresses a fragrant fruity note dominated by cherry, echoed by fresher nuances of aromatic herbs and peper. The palate has nice red fruit alongside spice and underbrush, typical of the Corvina grape. A great everyday drinker.

Allegrini Valpolicella Classico (Veneto, Italy) – $16.99 , regularly $24.49

Return to devinewines.ca

Author: Dirk Chan

Our online feature this week is the Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99.

Throughout the 1960s Villa Maria was a one-man band. In 1961, at just 21 years of age, Sir George Fistonich leased five acres of land near Mangere, Auckland and started off with just an acre of vines. The first wine under the name Villa Maria in 1962 was made with grapes harvested from this block. Today, Villa Maria is one of the biggest wineries in New Zealand anda globally recognised and adored for its bold, expressive and exceptional wines.

Now an icon of the New Zealand wine industry, Villa Maria is known for bold and industry-changing moves with an emphasis on sustainable practices in every area. Their wines are a reflection of the unique sites and regions they are grown.

Our feature this week is their Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc, a white with a citrus (grapefruit, lime) and gooseberry nose, a palate of lemongrass, passion fruit and lemons finishing with vibrant acidity, herbaceousness, medium-bodied and juiciness. Pair with fish, shellfish, even stands up to a crab and artichoke dip.

Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc (Marlborough, New Zealand) – $17.99 , regularly $22.99

Return to devinewines.ca