Aveleda Vinho Verde
This is an absolute favourite of mine! This fresh Portuguese white is a blend of three indigenous varietals from the Vinho Verde region: Loureiro, Trajadura and Arinto. Very pale lemon in colour, with ripe pear and apple on the nose. Generous acidity and bright fresh citrus fruit on the palate, the finish is zesty, clean and spritzy. This white is a fantastic aperitif and would pair well with fresh seafood or lighter fish dishes. Its low alcohol content makes it a great lunch time or afternoon wine. Best served at a very cool temperature of 6-8 degrees.
DeMorgenzon DMZ Chenin Blanc
Why Chenin Blanc? Why not! This wine gives you such a versatility in style and sweetness and has the ability to adapt to a wide range of tastes. Grown on weathered granite it offers green apple, apricot, hints of honey and floral aromas on the nose. The palate is rich and well balanced with a lingering aftertaste. With the warm weather approaching this wine will pair well with many dishes. From veal to trout and chicken to smoked salmon! Palate pleasing and refreshing.
Odinstal Riesling 120 NN
Organic and bio-dynamic producer Odinstal boasts a portfolio that contains a number of different white wines, but Riesling is arguably their most exciting endeavour. Planted just 120 meters above sea level, Riesling 120 NN comes from a number of different plots and soil types that include basalt, calcareous clay, limestone, and sandstone. The result is a bone dry, mineral driven white that can be enjoyed both young and after some time in the cellar. With green apple, pear, and citrus fruit on the palate, this wine pairs perfectly with oysters, salads, and even as an aperitif.
Benjamin Bridge Sparkling Rose
Every red-blooded maritime wine fan owes it to themselves to check this bottle out. Scents of fresh cut grapefruit spray, blood orange, cherry blossoms, and shortbread cookie make this wine incredible to sniff. When you sip it, many of those aromas are echoed on the palate but with a tension between the richness of the mouth-filling mousse and the refreshing acidity that leaves your palate feeling completely awake. This verve makes it excellent with food (I had sushi) but also makes it an excellent wine to pair with good company and conversation. With the 2012 BB Brut Rose, you don’t need much else. See what Nova Scotia is capable of!
Calmel & Joseph Rose
This pretty pale pink rose is made from Grenache gris and Grenache Noir grapes. The fine lees are added back to the wine at racking to add more structure on the palate, though the wine does not undergo malolactic fermentation and therefore is bright and fresh in style. It is subtle on the nose with light notes of spring flowers and aniseed. A fresh and pleasingly dry palate with flavours of red fruits and just a hint of mint and almonds on the finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with Mediterranean inspired food.
Dunham Biere de Table
Table beers are descendants of the “farmhouse” category of Belgian ales – light body, very dry, high carbonation, and fresh aromas of lemon, pepper, fruits, and subtle yeasty notes. Mouthfeel is zippy and ultra refreshing. Pair this up with a wide array of summer dinners, preferably on your patio. No tables were harmed in the making of this beer.
Casajus Vendimia Seleccionada
Medium to full bodied with plenty of cherry, vanilla, and smoke; this is a great example of the Crianza style. It’s a steal for the wine cellar at $35.
Domaine de Cassagnau Le Rose Cassagnau
A blending of traditional Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec) from Limioux. This deliciously affordable rose has notes of peach and watermelon that are very satisfying as the days get warmer. A great companion for olives, cheese and prosciutto.
Bastide Pic Saint Loup Rose
A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Pale dusty rose in colour with an expressive nose; I get notes of sweet strawberries and ripe pears. I love the texture of this rose; it is mouthfilling with ripe red fruit flavours follow through from start to finish. The wine’s bright acidity and touch of minerality make for a beautifully balanced dry rose. I would drink this with most seafood dishes, chicken salad or a savoury ham and leek quiche.
Propeller Common California Style Lager
I’m a wine lover through and through, but I do love a well-crafted brew this time of year especially. When Spring finally transforms my yard and our sweet city, I like to spend my time digging in my garden and hanging out on my deck with friends. During these times I want a simple, easy-drinking style of beer that’s refreshing and malt-driven. The Propeller Common California Style Lager is crisp and approachable style with subtle toasted malt notes and light floral esters balanced by restrained hopping. Perfect for the craft beer nerd or the casual sipper!
Am Stein Muschelkalk Riesling
This biodynamic winery from Franconia is a favourite producer of the staff and I can see why. This wine has a beautifully expressive nose of lemon curd, fresh pineapple and white flowers. The palate has weight which helps to carry the explosion of flavours and the fresh acidity balances so harmoniously with the slightly off dry finish, it will have reaching for another glass in no time. I had this with home made ginger beef and it was a perfect match.
Markus Molitor Graacher Himmelreich Spatlese
