Batasiolo 2008 Moscato D'Asti - 85pts

Batasiolo 2008 Moscato D'Asti (Piedmont) Italy

Availability: BCLDB Stores

Cost: $21.99

Alcohol: 5.5%

Dates Tasted: September 22nd, 2009

Tasting Notes: A low-alcohol, full-bodied treat of a sparkling wine made from Muscat grapes that will add a bit of elegance to your Sunday brunch and pair perfectly with Eggs Benedict.

Youthful aromas of apricots, lychee, orange blossoms and Motts fruit cocktails on the intense nose. Flavours of tin mandarins and more apricots on the sweet palate with medium-minus acidity and a medium-plus finish. Drink now. - LC

SKU 288449 UPC 632738100082

Catello di Gabbiano 2008 Chianti - 82pts

Castello di Gabbiano 2008 Chianti (Chianti) Tuscany - Italy

Availability: Widely available

Cost: $14.99 (BCLDB Stores)

Alcohol: 12.5%

Date Tasted: October 19th, 2009

Tasting Notes: This DOCG Chianti is a blend of 90% Sangiovese with small amounts of Canaiolo and Colorino grapes added to round out the flavours and add colour. On the nose this intensely ruby wine offers youthful aromas of sweet herbs, coffee and smoke with sweet notes of nibs.

Mild flavours of coffee, toasted oak and dark fruit with medium-minus acidity and tannins create a somewhat subdued palate. Sadly forgettable if consumed without food. Flavours do come alive (well, passable for a life) when matched with tomato-based pasta sauces. Drink now. - LC

Mionetto NV Il Prosecco - 84pts

Mionetto Non Vintage Il Prosecco (Prosecco Zone) Veneto - Italy

Availability: Widely available at private and BCLDB stores.

Cost: $17.99 (BC Liquor Stores)

Alcohol: 10.5%

Date Tasted: October 5th, 2009

Tasting Notes: A refreshing treat of moderate complexity with a touch of residual sugar. The nose of this Northern Italian medium-bubbles sparkling wine offers pleasing aromas of orchard fruits. On the palate medium-plus acidity and citrus flavours of lemon and grapefruit peel dominate the low alcohol making this light-bodied wine a perfect hot-weather sipper. Or try it as a appetizing at Thanksgiving to wake-up the taste buds of your guests. Pair with antipasto or a fresh salad with prosciutto and dried-cranberries. - LC