Bodegas Breca 2010 Old Vines Garnacha (Calatayud DO) Aragon - Spain
Availability: Private wine shops and BCLDB stores
Cost: $24
Alcohol: 15%
Date Tasted: January 31st, 2014
Tasting Notes: At first sniff, you might think you're about to dive into a fine Port due to the intense and matured, spicy-plum, sweet-incense and anise aromas seeping from the glass. This 100% Garnacha (Grenache) is sourced from vineyards ranging from 70-100 years old and offers an equally intense palate where the spicy-plum profile continues supported by cherry-cola, vanilla-bean and mineral notes.
Though powerful and layered with meaty tannins and savoury flavours, the body doesn't feel weighted down or thick thanks to well-balanced acidity and a refined texture. Tasting beautifully now, yet, should develop further in the bottle over the next 2-3 years. Drink 2014-2018+.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Terra Andina N/V Sparkling Moscato (Vale do Sao Francisco) Brazil
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $16
Alcohol: 7.5%
Date Tasted: January 28th, 2014
Tasting Notes: A 'brunch' wine if ever there was one. This low-alcohol, sweet Moscato with a persistent, fine bead of bubbles, will make a fun and vibrant edition to a Sunday brunch meal of Eggs Benedict. Not a complex wine, but one that delivers clean, ripe, orchard fruit flavours on the lightly textured palate though to candied fruit notes on the short finish. Drink now.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
Chateau Des Charmes N/V Brut Sparkling Wine (Niagara-on-The-Lake) Niagara Peninsula - Ontario
Availability: Direct from the winery here
Cost: $22.95
Alcohol: 13%
Production: 3026 cases
Date Tasted: January 26th, 2014
Tasting Notes: This non-vintage, traditional method Brut from Chateau Des Charmes offers excellent value for the quality on offer. There's a nice balance on the palate of this pale-gold, finely-beaded bubbly, between tangy citrus and sweet peach fruit flavours, which in turn, balance the classic, yeasty-brioche and creamy-texture, making it approachable and crowd-pleasing; you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who'll turn-down a second glass. Enjoy on its own or serve with light appetizers. Drink now-2015.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca
