Malbec Garnacha Syrah – Argentina / Spain

Sweetness: Dry Alcohol: 13% Body: Full Oak: Yes

THE WINE:

A marriage of Argentina and Spain brings you a full-bodied wine rich in aromas of dark berries with nuances of licorice and chocolate. Balanced and full with soft tannins, a palate of ripe black and blue berries are complemented with spice of black and white pepper, creating a finish that is long and pleasing.

THE REGION:

Mendoza, Argentina and Valencia, Spain share similar growing conditions; hot dry summer days that create the perfect environment for full ripening with cooler nights to provide a much needed break from the daytime heat. Both located at higher elevations, Mendoza is a high flat dessert like plain (2000-3600 ft.), and Valencia is a more mountainous region (400 – 3600 ft.). Both regions rely on man controlled irrigation because of the extreme dry climate and threat of drought.

THE FOOD:

This bold blend deserves a bold food pairing. Try a barbeque burger topped with smoky bacon and blue cheese. Other food ideas include beef empanadas, mushroom and bean stews and beef brisket.

Merlot Cabernet Franc – California

Sweetness: Dry Alcohol: 13.5% Body: Medium - Full Oak: Yes

THE WINE:

This blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc offers a balanced soft rustic profile. Merlot stands as the fruitforward backbone of the wine, while the aromatic Cabernet Franc rounds out the blend with soft spices and herbal notes. On the nose and palate, this wine offers plum, red and black berries and dark cherry fruit notes, with underlying woody smoke, herbal spice and soft tannins.

THE REGION:

Known for its Bordeaux style wines, Paso Robles dedicates over half their vines to Bordeaux varieties including Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Spanning over 614,000 acres it is California’s largest AVA. Paso Robles is unique as it holds three key factors to ripening grapes with refreshing acidity; diverse soil found in varying elevations, hot days and cooler nights, and varying rainfall levels combine to create the perfect environment for brilliantly defined wines.

THE FOOD:

The tannins in this blend open it up to a variety of food pairings. Enjoy with lightly herbed pork loin roast with fresh sage, thyme and rosemary or try a mushroom risotto, rosemary lamb or a variety of meat casseroles and pies.

Super Tuscan – Italy

Sweetness: Dry Alcohol: 14% Body: Full Oak: Yes

THE WINE:

Super Tuscan, a term made popular in the 1980’s, is used to describe wines made in Chianti that did not follow the strict DOCG rules using varietals non-indigenous to the region. A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, this full bodied Super Tuscan exhibits aromatic notes of oak, vanilla, leather and spice while the palate punches with bold black cherry and raspberry flavours. Firm but not aggressive tannins and a long lingering finish makes this wine a true show stopper.

THE REGION:

Tuscany Italy, where foodies and wine lovers bask in the beauty and bounty of the land. The growing season is by definition Mediterranean. Warm sunny days and cool nights benefit the grapes, contributing to the glowing reputation of Tuscany’s wines. While the land has challenged soil conditions, this benefits the region resulting in lower yields and higher quality wines loved by critics worldwide.

THE FOOD:

Pour this wine alongside signature Tuscan fare. Try a charcuterie board with prosciutto, salami, aged Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino cheeses with crusty Italian bread, or a traditional pasta dish with rich tomato herbed meat sauce. If looking for vegetarian options, vegetable pasta (mushroom and eggplant) drizzled in olive oil is a surprising match, as the olive oil will cut through the rich tannins and compliment the wine nicely.

West Coast White – California/ Washington/ Oregon

Sweetness: Off-Dry Alcohol: 12% Body: Medium Oak: No

THE WINE:

The perfect trio of Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Gris, create this off-dry, medium bodied white wine. Fresh aromas of orchard fruit and delicate honey rise from the glass, while the palate sings with lively pineapple, lemon and stone fruit flavours combined with hints of apple, pear and honey. The zesty acidity in this wine balances the slight sweetness perfectly.

THE REGION:

East of San Francisco Bay rests Lodi California. Basking in a Mediterranean climate, Chardonnay grapes grow plump during the warm days and cool nights. Pinot Gris from Oregon’s Willamette Valley are protected from over-ripening by the cool nights while the valley offers mild, warm and sunny days for the grapes. Yakima Valley in Washington, Riesling, one of the state’s most widely planted varieties, benefits from limited rainfall in the growing season creating crisp, fruit forward wines.

THE FOOD:

Pair this blend with lighter meats and fresh vegetables, perhaps linguini and grilled vegetables with shrimp in a light cream sauce. Sushi and lightly spiced Asian dishes and cheeses such as Brie, Camembert, and Gruyère complement this wine beautifully.