drink|spring wines
BY GORD STIMMELL
LATEST GREATEST TOP VALUES
Sip a taste of
SPRING
We are all dreaming of spring. The first yellow daffodil, shy violet crocuses peeking from the earth, lime green buds on tree limbs signalling a reawakening of life. In Ontario, however, sometimes you need the patience of Job. The cold Great Lakes hold back the heat, and snowstorms can still come knocking. Which brings us to spring wines. With nature in bloom, you might think floral accented white wines like muscat, viognier and gewürztraminer. But I know few who adore this wine style.
Beaulieu Vineyards Coastal 2013 Sauvignon Blanc $10.95 (California)
Our two pricebeater whites – a sauvignon blanc and a chardonnay – nestle in the $10 zone. I am envisioning the first front porch or back deck gathering of friends and a plate of cheese, pate and breads. A first celebration of winter survival. For reds, we start with Gnarly Head Pinot Noir. Considering that most pinot noirs worth their salt are more than $20, this is a steal. The style of pinot noirs is slightly lighter than big bold cabernets. They are ideal with mushroom dishes, like risotto, but also with white meats, such as pork medallions or veal chops. And with spring, we cannot
help but think barbecue. The beast is still there; the mounds of snow finally melted off it, and it’s time to fire it up and test it with seriously seared meats. We have two perfect barbecue reds. The newcomer Carnivor blends cabernet sauvignon with some merlot and is big in style. Ribs slathered with spicy hot sauce spring to mind with this mellow gusher. The Red Knot shows a bit more finesse and is ideal with butterflied leg of lamb on the grill or any kind of thick juicy steak. Even without food, these wines will put a spring in your step. Enjoy!
Argento 2013 Chardonnay $9.95 (Argentina)
Gnarly Head 2012 Pinot Noir $14.95 (California)
Carnivor 2013 Cabernet $16.95 (California)
Great party starter white! Aromas of fruit salad, melon, pineapple and yellow apple with lemon-lime flavours hinting of ripe apple ending with a crisp citrus finish.
Fabulous value! Smoky nutty apple, charred oak and poached pear aromas and flavours of yellow apple, lime, lemon and a hint of grapefruit. Light oak keeps it zesty.
Smoke, blueberry, blackberry and beetroot in the aromas, with smoky black cherry, strawberry and dried dates in a mellow, super smooth delivery. LCBO #358911
This red is a new, very bold and dense newcomer with rich vanilla, plum and smoky blackberry aromas and lush mellow black cherry and vanilla bean flavours. Delicious!
LCBO #295253
LCBO #591701
Rating: 90
LCBO #392647
LCBO #91702
Rating: 89+
Rating: 90
Rating: 90
Food suggestion: Shrimp or crab dishes.
Food suggestion: Chicken or turkey.
Food suggestion: Clove studded baked ham.
Rating: 90 Food suggestion: Steaks or kebabs.
Food suggestion: Rib roast, lamb.
66 | GoodLife Barrie Edition - March April 2015 ■
Red Knot 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon $17.95 (Australia) Lavish plum, black cherry and cedar scents with a gush of vanilla-laced black cherry and blueberry pie delivered in a round plump manner.