WINE BUZZ - 4 Fabulous Wines To Try
by Andy Lee

Patio Season is upon us and so are many new vintages from the LCBO. There are so many fabulous wines to select from, different varietals from all over the world. For this edition, I selected 2 whites and 2 reds, all of which are versatile - great as sipping wines or enjoyed with food. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Chateau Des Charmes 2008 VQA Aligote Estate Bottled

Aligote is rarely seen outside France where it is grown in the Burgundy region. In Europe it is often drunk on its own as an aperitif or mixed with a little blackcurrant cassis as a Kir cocktail as it appears in many of the Michelin Starred restaurants. This wine has a fruity nose reminiscent of apples and pears, with good acidity and a well balanced finish.

Food match: Pear salad and steamed mussels
Product: LCBO # 284950
$13.45

Masi Tupungato 2008 Passo Doble

Italian wine producer Masi makes a fairly gutsy wine made from Argentina Malbec that is double fermented with a percentage of dried Corvina grapes. The wine has a rich fruity aroma with good structure and body.
Food match: Excellent wine for barbequed food.
Product: LCBO # 620880
$13.95

The Stump Jump 2008 GSM, South Australia

A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre grape varieties. d’Arenberg produces a wine that is very approachable with aromas of red fruit and dark cherries, ripe fresh red berry fruit on the palate with an inner layer of plum, star anise and a hint of cinnamon.
Food match: Fillet steak in a peppercorn sauce
Product: LCBO # 942904
$19.95

Robertson Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2008, South Africa

Established in 1941, Robertson Winery is recognized today as one of South Africa’s leading wineries. The terroir in the Robertson Valley is ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc. The wine is green and has grassy apple aroma. I found it citrusy on the palate with hints of melon and pineapple; it has well balanced acidity and fresh crispness, an excellent aperitif or patio wine.
Food match: Oysters, goats cheese salad.
Product: LCBO # 129684
$10.75

Andy Lee is a recognized Sommelier, a Certified Specialist of Wine with The American Society of Wine Educators and Certified Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Andy is a management consultant for the hospitality industry and is also the proprietor of Bacchus House, a luxury boutique bed and breakfast in Collingwood, the 1st B&B property to be awarded 5 stars by Canada Select in Ontario. Andy will be starting a wine club, which will meet once a month. Interested in becoming a member of the Collingwood Wine Club
email: andylee-sommelier@live.ca