Category Archives: value

San Valero ‘Particular’ Garnacha Cariñena 2014

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Winery: Located in the Cariñena region of northern Spain, the San Valero Cooperative was founded in 1944 [making it the oldest winery in Cariñena] by 60 growers who at the time were producing bulk wines. Today the cooperative consists of more than 700 members that cultivate 3500 hectares of vineyards located between the rivers Huerva and Jalón. They focus on producing high quality wines using modern technology.

Winemaking: Grapes are from vines more than 25 years old. Aged for at least 6 months in French oak.

Tasting Notes: Red-violet in colour with aromas of black cherry, plum, black pepper and a wisp of sweet smoky earth. Dense, dark fruits are dusted with crushed black peppercorn. Velvety tannins and a trace of menthol supplement the rich, plush texture. Baking chocolate and a drop of espresso compliment the fruity finish. Engaging and expressive, fantastic on its own or with a wide variety of dishes.

100% Garnacha
Cariñena
Spain
Estate Bottled by Bodegas San Valero S. Coop
14% Alcohol
$10 [average price]
Enjoy now

Rated 85 points and a “Best Buy” by Wine Enthusiast

 

Sample submitted for review purpose.

Gotham Project ‘Boom Box’ Rosé 2016

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Brand: Gotham Project is a collaboration between Charles Bieler [of Bieler Pere et Fils, Charles & Charles and Three Thieves fame] and Bruce Schneider [of Schneider Vineyards, Schneider Selections and Onabay Vineyard]. The duo has pioneered wine on tap in the US, beginning in 2009 with their inaugural release of Finger Lakes Riesling from Seneca Lake, NY. They are the leading producer of wines on tap in the States, and “the only vertically integrated wine-on-tap company in the United States. Their wine ‘filling station’ is just a few miles from the #1 port for imported wines in the U.S., ensuring all wines remain as fresh as their first day of life until they hit your glass.” Their portfolio of tap wines feature wines from all over the world, from New York to Greece to New Zealand, and can be found in hip, progressive wine bars and restaurants. Boom Box Rosé is their first wine to be available for enjoyment at home.

Philosophy: “A BETTER GLASS OF WINE!”

Winemaking: Grapes are sourced from dry-farmed, old-vine [80+ years] vineyards in Bullas, Spain. [Bullas is known for its light reds and rosés made from Monastrell.] Grapes were picked “on the early edge of ripeness and made direct to press”.

Tasting Notes: Sunset orange-pink in colour with aromas of peach, watermelon, cherry and tomato leaf. Predominately savoury and spicy notes, complimented by cherry and strawberry. Pink grapefruit and herbs on the dry finish add to its refreshing, off the beaten path character.

100% Monastrell [Mourvèdre]
Bullas
Spain
Cellared and packed by Gotham Project NY
13% Alcohol
$25 [3L box equivalent to 4 750ML bottles]
Enjoy now

Domaine de la Patience ‘From the Tank’ Rosé 2016

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Brand: ‘From the Tank’ is a collaboration between Jenny & François Selections and various small, natural artisan winemakers that focus on expressing their terroir. Jenny & François Selections is a New York based wine distributor founded in 2000. They feature small vineyard wines and “winemakers who work like artisans, crafting a different wine each year. They do not impose a preconceived taste on their wines, but look to be surprised by what nature gives”. The concept ‘From the Tank’ hails from traditional wine culture in France, “of going to the local winery with a big empty jug to fill up with easy-drinking juice”.

Philosophy: “High quality natural wine at a very low price that’s good for the planet too!”

Estate: ‘From the Tank’ Rosé was made exclusively for Jenny & François Selections by Domaine de la Patience, located in the Costières de Nîmes in southeastern France. The family estate takes its name from “La Patience”, a wild aromatic herb that makes its home in the vineyards. Christophe Aguilar farms the 60 hectares of vines, the very same soil that his grandfather respectfully farmed 50 years ago.

Winemaking: The vineyards are certified organic. Grapes were sourced from 20+ year old Syrah vines and 40 year old Grenache vines, then aged in concrete vats with minimum sulfur added.

Tasting Notes: Light coral pink in colour with aromas of strawberry, watermelon and a hint of tropical coconut and banana. Tasting similar to the aromas, with strawberry and mango glazing traces of banana and coconut. Fresh acidity, a streak of minerality and zippy citrus zest on the crisp, dry finish. A fantastic summer sip, a steal at $20!

80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Vin de Pays du Pont du Gard
France
[Bottling information not available]
12-14% Alcohol
$20 [3L box equivalent to 4 750ML bottles]
Enjoy now

A Trio of Light, White, Summer Sippers from La Fiera

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These three refreshing [and budget friendly] wines pair great with summer activities and foods, and are very adept at hanging out on the porch or patio.

Estate: The Botter family has been producing wines under environmentally friendly practices since 1928. Today, the company is managed by the family’s third generation and specializes in wines of the Veneto region of northern Italy. With its association with fairs, the carousel has been the symbol of the Botter family for centuries. The name La Fiera, translates to “The Fair” and refers to the medieval riding fairs in northern Italy. Fairs took place in royal courts and featured lavishly decorated horses and highly skilled riders performing synchronized formations. The carousal with its wooden horses on a rotating platform was developed to replicate the riders at these fairs.

La Fiera Moscato Terre Siciliane IGT 2016
Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with friendly aromas of honeysuckle, pineapple, grapefruit and a hint of fresh cut grass. Subtle lemon and a savory streak highlight lush tropical fruits and honeysuckle flavours abounding in each fizzy sip. Sweet, but not cloying thanks to the underlying fresh acidity. Bright and fun, fantastic on its own or with light snacks.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Enjoy simply as a sipper or paired with light cuisine and desserts.

100% Moscato
10.5% Alcohol
$8 [average price]

La Fiera Soave DOC 2015
Tasting Notes: Light gold in colour with sunny aromas of wildflowers and pineapple. Light apple, melon and pear flavours harmonize with floral elements, citrus fruit and minerals comprise the smooth, clean finish. Very easy drinking, great on its own, especially as a first glass [or aperitif] and with light, summery dishes.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Salads, roasted vegetables, seafood.

80% Garganega, 10% Trebbiano, 10% Chardonnay
12% Alcohol
$8 [average price]

La Fiera Pinot Grigio Veneto IGT 2016
Tasting Notes: Pale gold in colour with aromas of pear and lemon, along with a floral trace. Yellow apple and pear are backed by food friendly acidity, a light zip of grapefruit and minerals energizes the dry, crisp finish. A friendly, versatile wine for the table.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Salads, grilled chicken, seafood, mushroom based dishes, soft cheese, pastas in cream or olive oil.

100% Pinot Grigio
12% Alcohol
$8 [average price]

 

Samples submitted for review purpose.

Bodegas Ateca ‘Honoro Vera’ Rueda 2016

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Estate: Bodegas Ateca was founded in 2005 and is a joint project between the Gil Family Estates group and passionate, pioneering wine importer Jorge Ordonez. Gil Family Estates is a collection of small, family estates located throughout Spain. The wines express the different characteristics of their respective regions; all are made with indigenous grapes, are high in quality and priced budget friendly.

Tasting Notes: Pale straw yellow in colour with heady aromas of honeysuckle pineapple, honey, herbs and a trace of wet rocks. Tasting very similar to the aromas with bright lemon, pineapple, honeysuckle balanced by a refreshing acidity, citrus zest compliments the dry finish. Easy drinking on its own or with a wide variety of fresh, summer dishes.

Verdejo [I could not verify varietal percentage; previous vintages have included Sauvignon Blanc.]
Rueda
Spain
Bottled for Bodegas Ateca by Bodegas y Viñedos Shaya
13% Alcohol
$9
Enjoy now