With the New Year fresh in our minds, it's always good having a "new " selection of wines to try. All three wines today are just that. One is featured with our 90-point wines display in-store, the other is the only red available from Austria, while the final is from France and one of my favourite regions - Alsace.
HICKINBOTHAM
SHIRAZ CABERNET 2009 (+ 132605)
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
$19.99
The Hickinbotham family have been instrumental in winemaking since 1936, and this tradition continues three generations later with Winemaker Andrew Hickinbotham at the helm. The winery is located one hour south of Melbourne in a suburb and the capital of Victoria, Dromana. The website reads Hickinbotham of Dromana and their slogan is "Old world wines from the New world ". You can be the judge on this 91-point wine. The name for this wine comes from the "grandfather of Australian Oenology" Alan aka "Hick". The deep purple hues in your glass are bursting with aromas and flavours of dark fruits, chocolate, lavender, tobacco and spice. For $19.99, it's a steal.
ZVY-GELT NIEDEROESTERRICH
ZWEIGELT 2008 (+ 53595)
AUSTRIA
$16.99
This red is part of the Monika Caha Selection - producing quality wines with intense labour involved. Born and raised in Austria, she gained her knowledge of the foods native to her birthplace. Her intention in life was to move to the US to pursue her other passion, which was screenwriting. That led to her opening an Austrian restaurant in New York which quickly became the hippest spot in NYC. She was also instrumental in starting the Austrian film festival as well as a wine and culinary firm. Monika believes in sharing with the world what Austrian wines have to offer. Now you might not be familiar with this grape Zweigelt (pronounced ZVY-GELT ) as it is native to Austria, but has since been planted in the Okanagan and Niagara regions. The vines for this red range from 10 to 40 years old, and are aged in both oak and stainless steel tanks. I really noticed cherry aromas with a mellow palate with little to no tannins. Very enjoyable and fruity, enjoy on its own or with almost anything pork. $16.99 for this light-bodied and easy drinking red.
ZINCK
PINOT BLANC ( 414557)
FRANCE
$17.99
I have to say I haven't found an Alsatian wine that I didn't like and now I have another one to add to my list. The winery for this fabulous Pinot is located in what's said to be the "loveliest village" called Eguisheim in Alsace. The temperature there is very sunny and dry and has lots of shelter from the Vosges Mountains. The vineyard is only 30 hectares in total with a very rich chalky, clay and volcanic ash soil, which is ideal for the types of grapes grown there. This Pinot Blanc comes from the "Portrait" series which is affordable for almost anyone to try. It made me think of warmer sunny days when I poured this Pinot Blanc in my glass. Aromas of honey, apple, and pear grab your attention while the same fruity flavours follow through on the creamy dreamy finish. You could even cellar this white for maybe another six to eight months and see the difference it has. Try pairing this Pinot with puff pastries or aged parmesan. $17.99.
