This week, this article offers a bit of a mixed bag. What makes this week's selections interesting is that the wines are made from grapes we don't see, let alone taste very often. The first wine is a fun blend of Pinot Grigio and a little Verduzzo. The second selection is a blend of two Portuguese grapes -- one common and the other not -- that offers good value. Finally, there is an appealing Sauvignon Blanc from Chile to try. So try some and let me know what you think.
Masi Masianco
2010 Pinot Grigio Verduzzo (244681)
Italy
$17.99
In Italy, Masi Masianco's Pinot Grigio Verduzzo wine is considered to be a white supervenetian. This is the Venetian wine region's answer to Super Tuscan wines. Supervenetians are not made according to strict Venetian wine making traditions but in an original and extremely modern way. The 2010 Masi Masianco is a blend of Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo grapes. The Verduzzo grapes have been treated to a little appassimento, which means they were dried slightly before the juice was pressed from the grape. This technique concentrates the flavour. This straw coloured, medium-bodied wine with floral and fruit aromas from tree fruits such an apple and pear and a slight banana scent. The wine has a fresh acidity that underlies the light and delicate fruit flavours. This combination makes this wine ideal to serve with soft mild cheese, roast chicken or filled-pastry appetizer. $17.99 a bottle for this Italian white that is a little different.
Vista TR
2008 Tinta Roriz (413872)
Portugal
$9.99
A red table wine from Portugal is the 2008 Vista TR This wine is a blend of Tinta Roriz -- the Spanish name for Tempranillo -- and Touriga Nacional. Both of these grapes are major components in Port wines. While these grapes may be the same as those used in dark, rich Port fortified wines, they are grown in an area a little further south in the Beira region. As a result, the Caves Alianca winery has created a red wine that is deep purple in colour with aromas of red currant and blackberries and cherry. This medium to full-bodied wine is balanced with nice dark fruit, mild acidity with nearly unnoticeable tannins. This wine is very easy to enjoy all on its own but would pair nicely to a main course of slow roasted pot roast or poultry. At $9.99, this Portuguese table wine is a good value.
Errazuriz Estate
2010 Sauvignon Blanc (286385)
Chile
$13.99
More than 140 years ago, Don Maximiano began planting grapes in Chile's Aconcagua Valley. Today, five generations later, his descendent owns and operates the Errazuriz Estate winery. Errazuriz Estate's 2010 Sauvignon Blanc seems like it is infused with summer. It smells so fresh and green and citrusy that I am reminded that summer is over and winter looms on the horizon. This is a fuller-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous aromas with a crisp apple and citrus freshness that provides a nice lingering finish. This white wiis $13.99 and wants to extend summer in a meal of shellfish or creamy seafood pasta sauce.
Al Spoklie is a product consultant at the B.C. Signature Liquor Store, Pine Centre. The bracketed numbers are the product codes for the B.C. liquor stores.
