Staff Picks

Alanna McIntyre

Product Specialist

The Clos Roussely L’Escale is an affordable organic Sauvignon Blanc from the Touraine appellation in the Loire Valley.  Sauvignon Blanc is known for its aromatic intensity and freshness and arguably some of the best examples come from the Loire Valley in France.  Vincent Roussely is a 4th generation vigneron who does all the vineyard work by hand (and horse!) and employs minimal intervention in the cellar; the wine is spontaneously fermented with wild yeasts and rests in stainless steel for 6 months before bottling.  The result is a beautiful bouquet of citrus that moves towards tropical fruit with underlying fresh herbs.  Medium weight with a round texture, lots of fruit with balanced zesty acidity and classic Loire Valley minerality.

Cody

Retail Staff

A premium nama (young + fresh) sake from Takara Sake with a 60% polish rate (this refers to the polishing of the rice granules to remove the outer fat and protein with stronger flavour profiles that may not be desirable). Most premium sake shows much better chilled than heated, allowing it to retain and show off its more delicate, floral notes. From this nama sake you can expect notes of green melon, raw almond, a distinct earthy quality that makes it a superb pairing option. Sushi is the cliche choice, but this style actually pairs better with heartier fare- think dumplings or tonkatsu. For lovers of fresh, savoury white wines with some weight (Vermentino, Soave, Roussanne…)

Jason MacLeod

Wine Category Manager

Domaine Bonnet Huteau have been making wine for over 150 years in this corner of the Loire valley and is now in the hands of Jean and Remi Bonnet. The winery has been certified organic for over 15 years now and they employ biodynamic farming practices. The Les Bonnets Blanc is a fine, slightly creamy wine that shows subtle flavours of lemon and peach and finishes with a nice chalky minerality. Definitely thirst quenching! If you are unfamiliar with Muscadet, try it with your favourite fish cake recipe or a shellfish pasta and thank me later.

Gaby McCotter

Store Manager

A deep and bright ruby-red colour. The aroma of this wine bursts into hints of prunes and cherry jam, with mineral notes and hints of cinnamon. The taste has an impact of volume, although it is fine, rich and balanced, with hints of small wild berries and spices in the finish.The Italian name for the grape, Primitivo, comes from the Latin word “primativus” and the old Italian word “primaticcio,” both mean “early ripener” or “first to ripen.” This grape is better known as Zinfandel!

I have to tell you that I’ve been enjoying this wine quite a bit lately and have converted a good group of friends to drinking it instead of California Cabs. This wine is just versatile, smooth, easy to drink and pairs well with many dishes. I’ve enjoyed it with big vegetable flavours like caramelised onions, mushrooms and olives. Simply sipping on it with no food and of course meat; burgers, tenderloin and even grilled chicken. Honestly a staple wine in my house now. Priced well and delicious!

Kathryn Harding

Sommelier and Retail Manager

The late vigneron Marcel Lapierre was a member of the Gang of Four, a group of Beaujolais producers who made it their mandate to maintain the viticultural and winemaking traditions of Beaujolais and arguably started the natural wine movement. 

This Beaujolais from the cru Morgon is one of my absolute favourite wines. Made from 70 year old vines the wine is plush and velvety, every sip is even better than the one before. The aromas of red fruit, spice and floral notes jump from the glass. Drinks like a Burgundian Pinot Noir with more forward fruit and softer tannins. In years past Bishop’s has only ever received a few cases, luckily we got double the amount this year so I haven’t had to save it for a special occasion and have already enjoyed a few bottles. Try it and I bet you will be back for a second bottle!

Kate Fraser

Retail Staff

The perfect summer gin. Fresh, with a slight sweetness and smidge of spice, the light pink hue of this gin makes for some beautiful drinks.

This is great on its own over ice but even better used in your G&T. Add a splash of Campari if you want to dial back the sweetness.

Lucas Mader

Refreshment Category Manager

Back again this year, Propeller Wild IPA is intensely dry hopped with Nelson Sauvin hops that give the beer juicy notes of gooseberry, tropical fruit, and white flowers. And it was fermented with “Brett” yeast that contributes another level of tropical fruit (think crushed rockets candy). This beer is silky smooth and has balanced bitterness. Do like!

Ryan Almeida

E-Commerce Manager

50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache Gris, and 20% Grenache Noir, Miraflors is Domaine Lafage’s flagship Rose and after the first sip, it’s obvious why. Sourced from 25 year old vines (on average) on stony soils next to the Mediterranean, expect floral notes on the nose reminiscent of rose and blossom, with added delicate notes of strawberry and stone fruit; think nectarine and white peach. The influence of the sea is evident with a mineral backbone and mouth-watering acidity. Like most Rose, this would be great as an aperitif, paired with a variety of charcuterie spreads, or on a patio/back-deck with the sun shining.

Erica

A great option for spring, Rosewood’s Follow the White Rabbit is as unpredictable as the Nova Scotia weather. In addition to the usual chardonnay and pinot gris, this year’s vintage sees the introduction of semion and chardonnay musquet, which bring a mouth-coating texture and muscat-like aromatics to the blend. Surprise!
Full-bodied with notes of lemon, honey, marmalade, and minerals, this wine pairs well with equally interesting cheeses, Thai dishes, or even grilled seafood. Bottled unfined and wild fermented, it is aged in 75% stainless steel / 25% neutral French oak. Grab a bottle and an umbrella – it’s time for adventure.

Stefan Nielsen

Retail Associate

If you’re looking to dip your toes into orange wine, a 355ml can is an affordable and easy way to try something new.

Blended with 10% nectarine cider, this wine is tropical, aromatic, salty and spritzy summer electricity.

For best results, pour from the can into a glass and don’t drink it too cold!

Matt Hodgson

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Lindemans, and it’s not too late to join in on the festivities. Spontanbasil is an authentic old Gueuze, which is a blend of 1 and 2 year old oak aged lambic beers. What separates Spontanbasil from the rest is the addition of fresh basil.

Due to the secondary bottle fermentation this beer can be enjoyed now or stashed away in your beer cellar. The basil brings a great balance and complexity to the natural sour taste which then leads into a crisp and dry finish. When I first sipped this beer I instantly regretted not having a Margherita pizza, or any tomato based pizza near by. Don’t make the same mistake I did!

Genny Dow

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to taste this delicious wine! You may have noticed this Sicilian red in our staff picks before, but I just enjoyed it so much I figured it deserves another month in the spotlight. Ever had a volcanic wine before? Start here. This blend of Nerello Mascalese and Nerello Cappuccio is grown in soils laden with volcanic matter on the North side of Mount Etna, at 1,000 metres above sea level. Think rustic pinot noir, but with a little more power and grit. I enjoyed this wine on its own, but pair it with a feta and sundried tomato spread and you’ll be well on your way.