Holiday Suggestions

Turning to reds, two Italian offerings on the regular list offer great value at the lower end of the price scale.

Pasqua ‘Villa Borghetti’, $12.95, is in the Passimento style of Valpolicella Ripasso for $4 less per bottle.

It contains some Merlot as well as the Corvina grape, and has terrific cherry and plum flavours.

The finish is dry, and it would go well with aged cheese.

With Passimento and Ripasso, the grapes are partially dried before pressing to intensify the flavour.

Illuminatti Riparosso Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, $12.25, earned two out of three glasses from the Italian publication, Gambero Rosso, a very good rating.

Rich, smooth and warm, it has nice structure and some tart cherry on the finish.

California’s Mirassou Pinot Noir, $13.45, is a fine choice for those who like their reds smooth and fruity. It is lighter in style, with good cranberry/cherry fruit but it’s not tart at all and is really pleasing over-all.

Turning to Vintages, the Terredora Aglianico, $15.95, is an interesting wine from Campania in Italy’s south.

The Mastroberardino estate was divided over inheritance issues, with one branch retaining the name, and the other creating Terredora – while retaining some of the best vineyards.

Aglianico is an ancient red grape.

This example is said to be vibrant and juicy, sporting red berry flavours, soft tannins and a satisfying finish.

The Lena di Mezzo Valpolicella Ripasso, $17.00, has some real elegance, along with a core of red and dark berry fruit and a backbone of herb and spice.

The Wine Spectator gave it a ‘90’

Look for The Foreign Affair The Conspiracy from Niagara, $19.95, made in the same Ripasso method of the Veneto but featuring the Cabernet Sauvignon grape.

It has a nose expressive of many aromas – coffee, plum, spice, etc. It is unusual, elegant and rich.

The Seqhesio Sonoma Zinfandel, $29,95, is an exceptional, beautifully made California red, earning an amazing ‘93’ from the Wine Enthusiast.

Delicious, it displays bramble fruit and coffee notes and is just a pleasure to drink.

The Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir, $24.95, delivers way above price.

It could cellar for a couple of years, and has some earthiness to accompany blueberry and black cherry in a classic California Pinot Noir.

If you are looking for a wine to lay down for a while, Chateau Pipeau, $34.95. and Chateau de Cruzeau 2009, $27.95 are both well-made wines from Bordeaux.

You could drink them now, but they would benefit from being decanted for a couple of hours at least to unlock the flavours and allow the fruit to show through.

The great wine of the Veneto is Amarone, and the I Castei Campo Castalin 2007, $47.95, is a terrific choice.

Alison Napjus of the Wine Spectator scored it ‘92’ and identifies “syrupy sun-dried black cherry flavors”, and “fine integration with supple tannins and a velvety texture throughout.” Sounds good to me.

Great for laying down and a top value is the Qunita de Ventozelo 2002 Vintage Port, $42.95.

A ‘92’ from the Wine Enthusiast suggests that this fortified sweet wine will work wonders for someone celebrating a 25^th Anniversary or Birthday in 2027!

Drinkable now is the Offley LBV Porto 2007, a gold medal dessert –type wine, great with Stilton cheese, for $19.95.

“Late Bottled Vintage means that this has been aged prior to release and marketed in a style for current enjoyment.

There are, of course, a myriad of other choices in our stores for you to enjoy and share.

Have fun picking them out, and be confident that the gift you’re giving is a worthy one.

To everyone, a Blessed and Happy Holiday. Merry Christmas!