We're changing things up today since my colleague usually features the New Product Introductory Program (NPIP). Today I am featuring the four wines that are featured in our store for three months in total before the summer NPIPs arrive.
Sit back, relax and travel the world of wines from Spain to France, and from Italy to New Zealand. All these wines are very
affordable at $14.99.
LANGA
REAL DE ARAGON BRUT (+ 694844)
SPAIN
$14.99
The Langa family owns two estates with a total of 70 hectares, for which they are very proud. As with most vineyards this is a fifth generation - led business, with pride taken in knowing that they never use chemicals in their vineyards.
The grape varietals used for this spring sparkling are Macabeo and Chardonnay, the latter of which I am sure you've heard. The Macabeo is a native varietal to the
Calatayud region of Spain.
The Macabeo varietal thrives in the hot dry climate of Spain producing a mildly acidic grape with wildflower aromas and flavours.
I would consider this a medium-bodied sparkling. This sparkling was aged in the bottle for 15 months using the traditional method of being racked and
painstakingly riddled by hand.
I think you will enjoy this
bubbly with its peach and pear aromas and flavours followed by a bread-dough finish. Very crisp and refreshing. Serve chilled as dessert or with pastries.
SAINT DESIRANT
ARDECHE SYRAH (+ 188474)
FRANCE
$14.99
France has got to be for me one of the most confusing countries.
Just when I think I have it all figured out, I find out I don't. That's the fun in learning about wine - it never ends. Now Cave Saint Desirant produces this Syrah with dedication and perseverance to show off what the Rhone Valley of France has to offer.
The Rhone Valley is a famous appellation where the Syrah varietal is grown in the granite soils and also said to be ancient alluvia atop the hills. This red is 100 per cent Syrah, using old vines that are 20 years old. Unlike most labels you will find in France, this one has the varietal on the label which makes it easier for the consumer to make a choice - knowing what you're getting.
There was no barrel aging for this red, only stainless steel for a short time of four months. This is everything a Rhone style Syrah would be, with its dark rich colour and deep structure. The tannins grip your mouth while spices and earthy flavours burst your palate.
I would recommend this wine to be paired with a big meaty meal like grilled beef ribs or roast beef dinner.
MORELLINO DI SCANSANO
LA MORA 2010 (+ 35527)
ITALY
$14.99
The Cecchi family has done it again with a brand new red wine for consumers. The Cecchi family has been producing wines since 1893 and with that many years behind them, how could they go wrong?
The family owns more than 300 hectares of vineyards in throughout central Italy. The Cecchi family was instrumental in introducing the world to Sangiovese wines.
The grapes are grown high in the hills of Tuscany in this Mediterranean climate and its soils rich in quartz sandstone.
This red is a blend of 90 per cent Sangiovese and 10 per cent other red grapes. The Cecchi motto is basically their wines represent fruit of the land.
They also are always aware of ever y changing need of the wine world and try to ensure they keep up. This new red wine is all that and more.
The tannins are there on this medium-bodied red full of rich dark fruits that fills your glass with aromas of mocha and ripe black fruits.
Enjoy this red with any meat dish or cheese.
KIWI WALK
SAUVIGNON BLANC (+ 180620)
NEW ZEALAND
$14.99
When you think of a Sauvignon Blanc does Marlborough New Zealand come to mind? It does for me, especially if you wanted a classic one.
The perfect weather combination of warm dry heat during the day and cool evenings there's nothing better to enhance the grapes to retain their natural flavours.
The season was said to be outstanding, while selecting only the best fruits for harvesting.
The Sauvignon Blanc for this white were sourced from two different areas the Wairau and Awatere Valley's and then fermented separately before being blended and bottled.
Tropical fruit flavours will dance on your palate while a slight mineral touch and a real citrus rush finished it off.
Try chilling this white wine and serve it with seafood or perfect just on its own.
Kim Cabral 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.
