July 9th LCBO Vintages Release.... my recommendations <$20

July 9^th, 2011 Vintages release.

From the desk of Allan Martineau, Sommelier, ottawasommelier@gmail.com

REDS

LAN RESERVA 2005                                                                                          #042929     $19.95 One of my absolute favorite Spanish botegas. The 2005 Reserva is 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo and if the 2005 is half as good as the 2004 you’re in for a treat at a great price. You will find smoke, spice box, floral, coffee, and black- berry on the nose. Big and concenrated on the palate, it reflects the high quality of the vintage. A well balanced wine has plenty of ripe tannin, superior length, and as such is best enjoyed with food. Try it with roast lamb or chicken

VITICCIO BERE 2007 IGT Toscana                                                                                 #224311 $17.95 Unlike the traditional DOC or DOCG designation, you may have noticed on many Italian wines. The IGT designation or Indicazione geografica tipica is the second of four classifications of wine recognized by the government of Italy. Created to recognize the unusually high quality of the class of wines known as Super Tuscans, IGT wines are labeled with the locality of their creation, but do not meet the requirements of the stricter DOC or DOCG designations, which are generally intended to protect traditional wine formulations such as Chianti or Barolo. This particular IGT has a lot of Cabernet character on the nose and palate, with dried herbs and black currant. Chewy yet fruit-coated tannins. Long and flavorful. Needs a little time to come together.(Store it if you can) Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Best after 2009. Will go well with most meaty Italian meals

DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR ANTARÈS LIRAC 2007 AC, Rhône                         #213082                    $19.95  This red wine is from the Lirac wine region of the far southern Rhone. Antares is a blend of 60% Grenache and equal parts Mourvedre and Syrah. 2007 was a spectacular year for this region. Typical of this region, you will get raspberry and black cherry fruit, licorice, smoke on the nose which is repeated in the mouth. The tannins are medium to full . This wine will be paired well with a host of meats both on and off the BBQ

WHITES

LEONE DE CASTRIS MESSAPIA VERDECA 2009                                                                         #221879    $14.95 Bright citrus, lime peel and flowers come together beautifully in this rich, textured white wine. This wine made from the lesser-known verdeca grape, pairs well with most seafood. Excellent value for a wine rated 90 points.

GURRUTXAGA TXAKOLI 2009 DO Bizkaiko Txakolina                                                             #240333    $18.95 I have never tried this wine nor any of the three grapes noted in the release. I offer this as a wine to try based solely on the notes from vintages. Bizkaiko Txakolina is a small appellation in the Vizcaya province, of northwest Spain. Made from 60% Hondarribi Zuri, 20% Mune Mahatsa, and 20% Txori Mahatsa fermented in stain- less steel. Light straw-colored, it offers up an enticing nose of mineral, sea salt, baking spices, citrus, and floral notes. You may in fact get a small amount of fizz off this wine. Crisp, concentrated, and vibrant, it will pair beautifully with raw shellfish. Happy shucking.

CHÂTEAU GAUDRELLE VOUVRAY 2009                                                                  #228924     $18.95 Vouvray is an acidic, sometimes sweet white wine made in the Loire Valley of western France from the Chenin Blanc grape variety. Unlike most white wines, some of the sweet Vouvrays may age gracefully for decades..A classic Loire Valley chenin nose of honey and pear, and minerality, It’s medium weight, barely off dry but  well balanced acidity. One of the best chenins available in Ontario. Suggested food pairings include Ham, Catfish, and Seafood with Cream Sauce