Recently, Colio Estate Wines, which has a kiosk in Pino’s Supermarket on Trunk Road, introduced their new “Bricklayer’s” line of wines.
If availability at the winery is any indication, the wines have been very well received, as only two of at least 6 or 7 varieties are still shown as available; however, 4 are still on the shelves at Pino’s, and a fifth, the Bricklayer’s Predicament Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio 2013, can be found at the LCBO stores.
The label features what could be mistaken for an arrowhead, but is actually a bricklayer’s trowel, and the line of wines honours the bricklaying founders of the winery, brothers Alfredo, Enzo, and Tiberio.
Two of the wines are blends and bear the name “Bricklayer’s Predicament”, the Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio and the Cabernet-Merlot, and the name reflects the problem the brothers faced when, before the first crush, their partners pulled out of the fledgling operation.
The brothers persisted, and that persistence ultimately resulted in these two wines “telling the tale” – The Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio 2013 is $13.95 at the LCBO, but currently out of stock at the kiosk and the winery.
It’s not complicated, but it is delicious, starting with a generously round ‘mouth feel’ thanks to the Chardonnay, with the Pinot Grigio adding crispness on the finish – the flavours suggest apple and pear, with, to me, a tantalizing spicy note which reminded me a bit of Beechnut Gum! This is a great sipper, and would work well with roasted chicken or roast pork.
The Cabernet-Merlot, $14.95, is a blend of 35% Cabernet Franc, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot, and comes across as soft, mid-weight and straightforward, with good berry fruit, and, when it has been opened awhile, some good herbal notes…a touch of mint, a whisper of rosemary… and pleasing soft tannins.
If the Bricklayers had a predicament, their perseverance had a “Reward”, and that is acknowledged with the “Big Pond” Sauvignon Blanc 2013, $15.95, the”Six Rows” Riesling 2013, $15.95, and the “Old Farm” Cabernet Franc 2012, $18.95.
The Sauvignon Blanc, which was one of the best in the region, displays good ‘typicity”, true to the unique character of the grape with its sharp acidic notes on the finish, but the gooseberry is well harnessed, and melon notes lift the entry, so, in all, it is a good wine to pair with seafood, or, if your aim is contrast, to enjoy with ‘fatter” flavours, perhaps a corn chowder.
Only a mere 125 cases of the Riesling were made, and this wine gives us the slightest whiff of the classic ‘petrol’ on the nose and then a surprisingly generous glycerol entry with green apple and honey notes and then, at the last moment, balancing lemon to cap off a really elegant experience.
The Cabernet Franc comes from a top-notch vintage for the Lake Erie North Shore appellation, and the dark berry fruit comes through right away on the nose with rich berry flavours and mint on the palate, all supported with significant but soft tannins - Where’s my steak?? Where’s my rack of lamb???
In all, I believe that Colio has come up with a great marketing idea here, one that is well supported by the quality of the wines carrying the “Bricklayers” banner.
September 27 Vintages Release
Whites
If it is Chardonnay you crave, Foxglove 2012, $19.95, will deliver the yumminess you expect from California, this from the Central Coast region with oodles of tropical fruit, some oak influence, I suspect, and a finish that reins it all in crisply.
From Italy’s Campania province, La Guardiense Janare Senete Falanghina 2012, $14.95, promises to be exceptional, dry but rich, and perfect with seafood.
Spain’s Rias Baixas region, which curls over the top of Portugal to the Atlantic. Is a rainy area wherein they have all kinds of tricks to balance out the acidity, but without sacrificing purity and minerality.
Leira Albariño 2013, $17.95, has good juicy flavours with some peach and apple and will pair well with fowl or fish.
Reds
From the Midi in France, Domaine Lafage Vignes Magiques Grenache/ Syrah 2011, $17.95, is an old vine, medium bodied red from a very respected producer, and is said by the erobertparker.com people to exhibit ”white pepper, spice, underbrush and sweet Grenache fruit…as well as a… lively and lightly textured feel on the palate.”
Gold medalist Chateau Hyot 2010, $17.95 from Castillon in Bordeaux is a very good buy from a fine vintage, and has a Wine Spectator 90 for flavours that are “saturated”, “racy and distinctive” with “nice density” on the finish.
If Carmenère has captured your taste buds, you will be pleased with Ventisquero Grey Single Block 2011, $19.95, which garnered a 90 from Josh Reynolds of the International Wine Cellar who admired its “sappy and incisive [attack] on the palate, “intense blueberry and cherry-cola flavours” and the “grip” on the “gently sweet focused finish” – the Great Northern Road store should have 5 cases.
Spirits and Fortifieds
We are not slated to receive Italy’s medium sweet Castellani Sommavite Santovino Vino Liquoroso, but place an order by Monday for this 500 ml. $10.95 steal (if we can call a “holy wine” a steal…) – it is said to be creamy, caramel and nut-flavoured, so break out the biscotti.
Scotch lovers with $85 burning a hole in their pockets, and wanting to either celebrate the “No” side victory or mourn the “Yes” side loss, will want to order in (705-759-7740) by Monday Isle of Arran Machrie Moor Single Malt featured in 1001 Whiskies You Must Taste Before You Die.
The Tasting Note: “Nutty peat, spicy malt, and lemon on the slightly savoury nose with hints of toffee and vanilla. Vibrant on the palate, with lots of citrusy fruit. A bonfire smokiness develops steadily with spice, nuts and plain chocolate through to the long, spicy, citrusy finish.”
Hallowe’en Wine Tasting
The Art Gallery of Algoma will hold a wine and appetizer tasting on October 31, and while it shouldn’t be too scary, it might be surprising and it will be fun. Call the Gallery at 705-949-9067 for further information and to make reservations. We hope to see you there.
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