Category Archives: RED
Vouette et Sorbée, Cuvée Fidèle, Extra Brut, Champagne, France, NV, C$90.00
I have slaved, seriously slaved for several years. So, after finding out I passed my final set of WSET Diploma exams, I wanted something worthy for the celebration. Into the fridge popped this bottle. Named after two vineyards, the Fidèle, Extra … Continue reading
Sommavite, Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Italia, 2008, 14% abv, US$19.99 @ Trader Joe’s
I will admit to having experienced a small amount of panic when I opened this because of some extra alcoholic vapours and concerns about faults. But those literally blew over and off and although the cork was grainy and falling … Continue reading
Caymus, Zinfandel, Napa Valley, California, 2011, 15.2% abv, C$46.00
Owned for 40 years in Rutherford, California by the Wagner family, the Caymus wines are some of the most dependable and tasty produced in Napa Valley. Over the course of time, they’ve diversified with several product lines and quality levels. … Continue reading
Chateau Pradeaux, Bandol AOP, Provence, France 2007, 14.5% abv, US$45.95
Mention Provence and most people conjure up images of the sparkling azure waters of the Mediterranean, olive trees and pink wines. In this case, the pictures are accurate – except for the wine. This nectar is the famous red Provencal wine from the … Continue reading
Rose, Bodegas Muga, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2013, 12.5% abv, C$18
Summer is meant for rose wine – or is it the other way around? I often wonder why rose is not called ‘pink’ wine in English – we have white and red, so why not pink? This pink wine is fresh, … Continue reading
Les Solitaires, Chateau la Begude, Gigondas AC, Gabriel Meffre Negociant-Eleveur, France, 2010, 14.5% abv
Gigondas is well-known as the little sibling to Chateauneuf-de-Pape and hails from France’s Southern Rhone Valley. An Appellation Controlee since 1971, most wines made here are red and may be no more than 80% Grenache. Some roses are made, but no … Continue reading
Champagne Louis de Sacy, Brut Rose Grand Cru, NV, Verzy, Champagne, France, 12% abv, 375 ml
In December 2013, we had bought a bottle of the Louis de Sacy Brut Grand Cru and really enjoyed it (review here). Louis de Sacy is the kind of brand I like to support – relatively small production and mostly … Continue reading
Il Fauno Di Arcanum, IGT, Toscana, Italia, 2008, 14% abv.
Oh happy day – a Supertuscan wine from the Castelnuovo Beradenga region of Chianti Classico that has been declassified to IGT status because it’s a blend of 62 Merlot, 23 Cab Sauvignon, 8 Cab Franc, 6 Sangiovese and 1% Petit … Continue reading
Champagne René Geoffroy, Aÿ, Champagne, France
I realized three things about Champagne after arriving there and having only studied it out of books up until that point. First, it’s not actually that big. Second, the Montagne de Reims is a misnomer – more of a large … Continue reading
Quails’ Gate, Old Vines Foch, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, 2009, 15% abv.
It’s Sunday morning and I stumble sleepily into the living room, fire up the iPad and think, “What a perfect time to catch up on a few posts.” I pull out the bottle and a glass so I can take … Continue reading
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