C232-BC: Germany, Austria and Italy

CELLAR 232 BRITISH COLUMBIA

Order by March 30, 2015

Germany, Austria and Italy

ORDERING MADE EASY! WHAT TO ORDER Read the description or use the profile chart for each wine to help you make your selections. The profile chart features a variety of symbols; consult the legend below to discover which symbols best suit your palate.

THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO ORDER • Order online. Go to opim.ca , sign in and select Order Wine - Show Details or Quick Order Wine.

• Email opim@opim.ca with your selection.

• Call 1-800-361-9421.

• Fax your order to 514-481-9699.

• Mail your order.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO REDEEM YOUR COUPON From the same Cellar Offering…

• Order a case of wine and choose your free case from the coupon wines listed on the back cover.

OR • Order two cases of wine and receive $75 off your order.

Restrictions: Coupons are non-transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

See coupon for full details Exclusions: Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice Programs.

DELIVERY It takes time! The wines on this Cellar Offering are not yet in Canada. When the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution center, you will receive a Pick Up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick up location. You can follow the status of your shipment at opim.ca.

Expected arrival at a Canadian Port is mid-July 2015. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board, and processing time required by each liquor board.

LET US HELP YOU! Contact us at 1-800-361-9421 or email us at opim@opim.ca CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE • Methods of Payment: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque payable to Opimian.

• Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes, including GST/HST #105 233 217 and QST #1000640430.

• A valid 2015 membership card is required to order and pick up.

• Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum required.

• Last day to order from this Cellar Offering: March 30, 2015.

Built in 1902, this is the original cellar used for ageing Amarone at Ca’ La Bionda. This historically significant cellar has been turned into a beautiful tasting room. We strongly believe that the way we welcome our guests is just as important as the quality of the wine we make. A visit to our cellars is like reliving past moments with the smell of previous vintages in the air and the awareness of the significant contribution of our predecessors, those who started the work we carry on today.

-Alessandro Castellani, Winemaker and Owner, Ca’ La Bionda

LEGEND Members’ Choice

White

Aroma

Drink this year

Red

Taste

Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years

Rosé

Serving temperature

Opimian Suggests Wine meant for laying down

Ideal with

Sparkling

Bottle size Great concentration Heavy oak

Number of bottles in case Medium concentration

Light in body

Medium oak

Light oak

Less than 100 cases available Very limited quantities

Extremely limited quantities Limited quantities

Degrees of Maturity (M) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = lay down 10 = fully mature Degrees of Drinkability (D) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = needs time 10 = ready to drink

2

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

Medal Winner

This symbol denotes wines most ordered by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.

Appeared in the C224 Select Cases (2014 Season)

To help novice members, this symbol is a guide to wines that are suitable for starting a cellar, and/or for drinking within two years of delivery.

Sweetness scale gms/litre 00 0-3 01 4-6 02 7 - 12 03 13 - 20 04 21 - 34 05 35 - 50 06 51 - 74 07 75 - 100 08 101 - 139 09 140 - 179 10 180 >

Examples Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds Some New World varietals, some reds Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat Auslese, Beerenauslese Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

CELLAR OFFERING 232

Germany, Austria and ltaly

Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW is a graduate of Bordeaux’s famous Institut d’Oenologie and was elected to the Institute of Masters of Wine in 1997.

Fluent in French and English, Jane is currently a member of the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine, regularly speaks at industry seminars and is a Panel Chair for the International Wine Challenge.

Italy, sometimes known as Oenotria or the “land of vines”, has grown grapes for thousands of years. Virtually every region produces wine and has its own regional styles which enhance the local cuisine, but also complement a range of foods.

Last spring, I enjoyed 10 days in Tuscany; the countryside was looking glorious, the trees and wild roadside flowers all in bloom. I visited some of the coastal areas such as Bolgheri, as well as the classic Tuscan regions of Chianti and Montalcino, and we have some exciting new wines. Heading further south we have wines from Campania, close to Naples, cultivated on ancient volcanic soils.

Austria and Germany border one another. Their northern latitude makes them both suitable for similar grape varieties. Austria has re-invented itself as a high quality wine producer; Germany is in a state of transition. Christof Höpler’s 2014 wines are fresh and delicious with his Grüner Veltliner, Austria’s signature grape variety, full of green apple aromas. The Rheinhessen is one of Germany’s most exciting and dynamic regions. Horst Bretz has a range of interesting wines, but one to look out for in particular is the Regent QbA, 2012 matured in barrel. A new grape variety, this is amongst the best German red wines I have ever tasted.

Weingut Ernst Bretz p. 4

Höpler p. 7

Le Vigne di Sammarco Srl. p. 10

Avenue Srl. p. 12

BRITISH COLUMBIA

3

Weingut Ernst Bretz Bechtolsheim

Germany Passion, care and one hundred percent commitment to the family winery are the traditional values that the Bretz family lives daily. Recognized for the quality of its wines, the winery earned its third Best Regent Wine Producer Award in January this year.

4

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

German wines have been going through a revolution. Perceptions are changing, albeit slowly compared to the advances made in wine quality and styles. The damage done to the German wine trade, due to vast volumes of insipidtasting Liebfraumilch and Niersteiner which were exported, was deeply entrenched, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Last year, the enthusiasm and dynamism amongst producers at Prowein was infectious. The Rheinhessen, previously responsible for producing many of the insipid wines, is arguably currently one of Germany’s most exciting wine regions. The Bretz family, producers at Bechtolsheim in the south of the large Rheinhessen region, has been growing grapes there for three centuries. Today, Horst makes the wines and his brother Harald tends to the vineyards where the focus is on reducing yields through green-harvesting and reducing foliage to ensure fully mature grapes in this northern climate.

GERMANY Weingut Ernst Bretz >>

8038 $21.67

$130.00

8039 $24.33

$146.00

8040

Bretz Weisser Burgunder, QbA Trocken, 2013, Rheinhessen Weisser Burgunder, otherwise known as Pinot Blanc, is cultivated on the slopes of the Petersberg Hill that rises behind the village of Bechtolsheim. At only 264 metres, it is the highest point in this flat landscape and acts as a marker for the village. Pale yellow in colour, the wine has earthy, mineral notes of wet stone. More fruit emerges on the palate and there is the lightest touch of residual sweetness to balance the wine.

Bretz Gewürztraminer Spätlese, 2012, Rheinhessen For many years, Germans paid little attention to the classification of vineyard sites. Wines tend to be labeled according to the grape variety and ripeness at picking, although this is changing somewhat. There are various degrees of ripeness at picking starting with Kabinett.

Spätlese means late harvest. This wine is produced from 100% Gewürztraminer grapes grown on the family estate.

Pale in colour, it has a floral, lemongrass and rose petal fragrance. It is light and elegant on the palate, at 9,5% alcohol and 65 grams per litre residual sweetness, with fresh fruit flavours and lemony acidity.

Bretz Riesling Spätlese Trocken, 2013, Rheinhessen

$158.00

Riesling is considered by some as the most magnificent white grape variety of all. On the best sites it can produce wines which are unrivalled and, due to its natural level of acidity, are long-lived. Horst’s Riesling Spätlese Trocken 2013 was quite closed at the time of tasting for this cellar offering with subtle almond blossom aromas in the background, but not obvious. This is often the way with Riesling; it needs time. More fruits fight through on the palate, definitely restrained, but there is a nice limey characteristic supported by acid backbone and good depth for the wine to mature. This will be much more expressive in a year or two.

8041

Bretz Spätburgunder Spätlese Trocken, 2012, Rheinhessen

$26.33

$29.50

$177.00

Over the last two decades there has been a rise in the proportion of red wines produced in Germany.

Spätburgunder (aka Pinot Noir) has tripled in area in the space of a generation, making it the third most widely planted grape in Germany today. The Bretz Spätburgunder Spätlese Trocken 2012 is light to medium ruby in colour with intense aromas of red fruits. Soft and light on the palate, it has fresh, juicy acidity and good balance. As one can imagine, it is not always easy for black grapes to reach full maturity this far north. In order to “help” the vine ripen its fruit, the vines are greenharvested during the summer - bunches of grapes are dropped on the ground reducing the crop. In 2012, the sunny autumn allowed for full-ripening of the Pinot Noir.

GERMANY Weingut Ernst Bretz >>

Weisser Burgunder Earthy, mineral wet stone White fruits, [01] 6° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Fresh mussels in a white wine-tomato sauce

Gewürztraminer Lemongrass, rose petal Elegant, floral notes, lemon acidity, [06] 6° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 “Angry Lobster” – spicy Szechuan chilies, fried garlic, Calamansi lime, black bean dust, lemon cheesecake

Riesling Almond blossom, earthy Limes, [01] 6° C 2015-2020, M6 D7 Indian chicken curry served on basmati rice

Spätburgunder Red fruits Juicy 16° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Breaded pork cutlet with home fries and sautéed mushrooms

BRITISH COLUMBIA

5

8042 $31.33

$188.00

8043 $32.50

$195.00

6

Bretz St. Laurent, QbA, Im Barrique Gereift, 2012, Rheinhessen Medium ruby in colour, the St. Laurent has coconut aromas with more fruits showing on the palate. Soft and smooth, it has a lingering red berry and coconut flavour. The grape variety likely originated from Austria and probably derives its name from a reference to St. Laurentius, the patron saint of chefs, whose saint’s day on August 10th corresponds to when the variety starts to ripen.

Bretz Regent, QbA, Im Barrique Gereift, 2012, Rheinhessen My favourite red German wine in the tasting, it sits amongst the best red German wines I have ever tried. I do not recall ever having tasted the Regent grape variety before. Intense in colour, the wine has delicious, ripe dark fruit aromas combined with cedary notes. Concentrated and rich with dark cassis fruits and a mineral smoky character, it has great depth and a long, mellow finish.

Regent is a new grape variety, a complex hybrid obtained in 1967 by crossing Diana (itself a cross of Silvaner with Müller-Thurgau) with Chambourcin which was only authorized for quality wine production in 1996. Its advantage is that it is extremely resistant to rot and fungal disease, requiring no spray treatments in the vineyard.

The variety is being rapidly planted in Germany and outside. The wine was matured in oak for nine months.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

St. Laurent Coconut, fruits Red berries, smooth 16° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Hungarian goulash

Regent Dark fruits, cedar Cassis, smoke 16° C 2015-2019, M6 D9 Grilled beef tenderloin with crème de cassis onion marmalade, mashed potatoes and baby carrots

The new generation of winemakers has made Rheinhessen one of the most exciting wine regions in Germany. Along with other regions, it is gaining recognition for its red wines, with the quality produced soaring.

GERMANY Weingut Ernst Bretz

Austria Höpler Breitenbrunn Burgenland

I was disappointed not to be able to attend the 10th anniversary celebration for the opening of the Höpler wine rooms in April, 2014. By all accounts it was a great party with a ride by horse and carriage up to their famous Kirchberg vineyard. Since the festivities, another harvest has come and gone. 2014 was a challenging year for Austrian winemakers. Despite a good start to the season, weather conditions were cooler than usual. Crops, reduced by poor flowering, were ripening very slowly. Then came the rain and with the rain the threat of rot and disease, and the temptation to pick unripe grapes in order to have something to ferment. Christof held his bottle; he waited for the rain to pass and for the grapes to fully ripen before picking, generally bringing them in a full two weeks after most of his neighbours had finished. Picking started on September 23rd and was completed by mid-October. By early December, the wines were not finished, but samples were dispatched to me in London and the proof is in the bottle; his wines have delicious, fresh varietal fruit flavours and balance.

Christof Höpler at the vineyards located in the foothills of Leithaberg.

Lake Neusiedl, seen in the background, is the largest endorheic lake in Central Europe and positively influences the climate.

AUSTRIA Höpler >>

BRITISH COLUMBIA

7

The “Film Room” is one of eight wine rooms included in The Höpler Wine Rooms. This unique project allows visitors to experience the winemaker’s passion while discovering their own personal approach to wine.

8044 $27.17

$163.00

Grüner Veltliner, Qualitätswein, 2014, Burgenland Austria’s unique and dominant variety, Grüner Veltliner, is a popular choice with Opimian members. The 2014 Grüner Veltliner has fresh hay and green apple aromas.

Soft and round on the palate, it is smooth with good midpalate weight giving it a succulent characteristic, although the wine is completely dry. The grapes were harvested by hand between September 24th and October 7th. The spicy characteristic of the Grüner Veltliner makes it a very food-friendly wine which complements all manner of Asian cuisine ranging from Vietnamese, to Thai, to Chinese. It also pairs well with seafood and greens.

8045

Pinot Blanc, Qualitätswein, 2014, Burgenland

$29.17

In 2014, Christof made a Pinot Blanc with delicate white blossoms, lemon and quince aromas. Soft and smooth, there are flavours of fresh apples and lemons. The grapes, picked on September 24th and 25th, were lightly pressed and fermented at low temperature, leaving some residual sweetness.

$175.00

Grüner Veltliner Fresh hay, green apples Green apples, [00] 8° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Asian dumplings shrimp peas

Pinot Blanc Delicate, white blossom, quince, lemon Fresh apples, lemon, [02] 6° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Angel hair pasta with crab and country ham

8

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

AUSTRIA Höpler >>

8046 $31.67

$190.00

8047 $27.50

$165.00

8048 $32.17

$193.00

8049 $46.33

$278.00

Riesling, Qualitätswein, 2014, Burgenland It’s always more difficult to taste young Riesling than Pinot Blanc and Grüner Veltliner; the variety definitely tends to hide its light under a bushel. The Höpler Riesling 2014 sample was aromatically subdued with hints of floral blossom. Soft and broad on the palate, the natural acidity suddenly kicks in giving the wine a long, mineral finish with lime, citrus flavours. I have no doubt this will be a stunner.

Rosé Célestia, Qualitätswein, 2014, Burgenland The Rosé Célestia 2014 is produced from two grape varieties, Pinot Noir and St. Laurent; the 2012 offered previously was made from Blaufränkisch. Pale salmon pink in colour, the grapes were hand-harvested and directly pressed September 23rd to September 26th.

Nice fruit aromas precede a soft attack on the palate with flavours of red berries, passion fruit, guava and a long, lemony finish. It is soft and smooth, elegant with great balance. This is a star wine and, for me, probably the best rosé that Christof has ever made (that I have tasted).

Pinot Noir, Qualitätswein, 2012, Burgenland The Pinot Noir 2012 is a light ruby colour with bitter cherry and almond aromas. Soft and light on the palate, it has a juicy mid-palate with elegant red fruits on the finish.

It was matured for 12 months in second and third fills oak barrels, and bottled in July 2014. Lighter in structure than the 2011 offered last year, it has all the elegance and flavour of well-made Pinot Noir and is suitable for drinking over the next few years.

Trockenbeerenauslese, Prädikatswein, 2013, Burgenland The sweet wines of Austria, and in particular those from the Burgenland area, are amongst the best dessert wines in the world. TBA or Trockenbeerenauslese is produced from selectively picking grapes that have been dehydrated and concentrated by the attack of noble rot. The 2013 is a blend of 50% Welschriesling, 40% Sämling 88, and 10% Muscat. Golden yellow in colour, it has interesting earthy spice aromas combined with vanilla and apricot. It is mellow and, with its 180 grams per litre residual sugar and 10,5% alcohol, is perfectly balanced by the acidity, making an overall complex and elegant wine. The flat vineyard lands sit close to the shallow and marshy Lake Neusiedl. The lake, which is only three feet deep and 20 miles long, creates a mist that seeps into the vineyards in autumn, creating the ideal conditions for the development of noble rot.

AUSTRIA Höpler

Riesling Floral blossom Mineral, lime finish, [01] 6° C 2015-2018, M7 D8 Lemongrass-barbecued pork with ricevermicelli salad

Pinot Noir, St. Laurent Red berries, passion fruit Guava, lemon, passion fruit, [01] 6° C 2015-2016, M8 D9 Chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemons

Pinot Noir Almonds, cherries Bitter cherry, red fruits 18° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Pan-seared veal chop on polenta with chanterelle mushroom sauce

Welschriesling, Sämling 88, Muscat Earthy spice Vanilla, apricots, [10] 8° C 2015-2025, M6 D9 Apricot brûlée tart

BRITISH COLUMBIA

9

ltaly

Le Vigne di Sammarco SRL. vineyards of Le Vigne di Sammarco are located Cellino San Marco The in Cellino San Marco, in the heart of the Salento region in Southern Italy’s ‘heel”. The flat Salento Brindisi, Puglia peninsula benefits from the cooling winds blowing in off the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The Rizzello family cultivates about 180 hectares of vines, approximately 80% of which are local varieties.

Negroamaro is adaptable to different soil types, but prefers a mixture of clay and limestone as in the DOP Salice Salentino production area. It tolerates hot climates and drought very well, while maintaining its acidity.

10

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

ITALY Le Vigne di Sammarco SRL. >>

8050 $19.17

$115.00

8051 $19.17

$115.00

8052 $21.83

$131.00

8053 $27.00

$162.00

8054 $27.00

$162.00

Negroamaro, 2013, IGP Salento, Le Vigne di Sammarco Negroamaro is the local black grape, as its name suggests; it is deeply coloured and can be bitter and astringent if not handled carefully. The 2013 has been expertly made with intense, mellow aromas of chocolate, dark fruits and cherries. Soft and ripe on the palate, it has a powdery texture, balanced acidity, and a fresh, ripe cherry flavour.

Primitivo, 2013, IGP Salento, Le Vigne di Sammarco The Puglian variety Primitivo is more widely known and is the same as Zinfandel grown in California. The 2013 Le Vigne di Sammarco Primitivo has attractive lavender, chocolate and red cherry aromas. Softer and a bit lighter on the palate than the Negroamaro, it ends with chewy tannins.

Negroamaro Dark fruits, chocolate Cherries, mellow fruits 16° C 2015-2018, M8 D9 Apulian eggplant parmigiana

Primitivo Red cherries, lavender Smooth, sweet 16° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Pancetta, arugula and tomatoes over farfalle

Salice Salentino Riserva, 2011, DOP Salice Salentino, Le Vigne di Sammarco To produce the Salice Salentino Riserva 2011, Negroamaro has been partnered with 20% of the local Malvasia Nera. Deep ruby in colour, the wine is quite restrained with spicy aromas. The palate has more succulence with cooked fruit and dry, chewy tannins on the finish. It was aged for nine months in second and third fills oak barrels.

Nottetempo Chardonnay, 2014, IGP Salento, Le Vigne di Sammarco The sample tasted was from barrel and still cloudy, but the wine displayed great fruit intensity with tropical fruits such as mango and passion fruit intermingled with vanilla. The palate was rich and smooth; an opulent style full of sunshine and flavour. Produced from 100% Chardonnay, the grapes were harvested early September and gently pressed. After decantation of the juice at low temperature, it was fermented in oak barrels, 20% new.

SolEmnis, 2012, IGP Salento Primitivo, Le Vigne di Sammarco This is an altogether more concentrated, complex wine produced from 100% Primitivo. Deep purple in colour, it has aromas of cedar, spice, black cherries and raisins.

The palate is medium-bodied with solid structure and firm tannins, ending with a bitter cherry note. The grapes were harvested at the end of August, into September 2012; after de-stemming the wine was fermented and left on skins. It subsequently underwent malolactic and was matured for six months in Allier oak barrels.

ITALY Le Vigne di Sammarco SRL.

Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera Spice, restrained fruit Succulent, cooked fruits 16° C 2015-2018, M8 D8 Grilled flank steak in a garlic, balsamic, and red wine marinade

Chardonnay Vanilla, mango Smooth, ripe fruits, [03] 6° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Parmesan cheese risotto with Parma ham chips

Primitivo Cedar, black cherry, raisins Bitter cherries, firm tannins 16° C 2015-2018, M8 D9 Lamb stew with parsnips, prunes and chickpeas

BRITISH COLUMBIA

11

Avenue Srl. Termeno Alto Adige Südtirol

Werner Walch and his wife Elena, based in the Alto Adige in the north of Italy, close to the border with Austria, are themselves winemakers as well as négociants.

Werner’s family has been established in Tramin for 150 years. The original winery dates back beyond that to an ancient monastery and is full of ornately carved oak casks. This year we have worked with Werner to introduce some exciting new wines to the Italian selection. The range from Tuscany includes wines from the coastal regions of Bolgheri and Scansano, and there are some great value wines to discover from Campania, close to Naples.

Alto Adige

8055 $24.50

$147.00

12

Pinot Grigio, 2014, DOC Alto Adige, E. von Keller The Alto Adige, in the far north of Italy bordering Austria, is a mountain region with a range of terroirs at altitudes between 200 and 1000 metres. The region is not without its dangers. It was about this time last year that I read the headline – giant boulder rips through vineyard leaving a 300 year old building in tatters. 4,000 cubic metres of rock broke away from a cliff and hurtled downhill. Fortunately, no one was injured. Normally, life in Tramin is a little less dramatic. Vines thrive under the sun and produce racy white wines. The E. von Keller Pinot Grigio 2014 has aromas of fresh apples and spice with zesty acidity.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

Pinot Grigio Fresh apples, spice Fresh fruits, zesty acidity, [00] 6° C 2015-2016, M9 D9 Insalata paesana – country salad with asiago cheese, cauliflower, potatoes, apples, radish and walnuts

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Terrenostre Nebbiolo vineyards immersed in autumnal fog

8056 $25.33

$152.00

Sauvignon, 2014, DOC Alto Adige, E. von Keller The E. von Keller Sauvignon has a floral aroma with a hint of box tree; the succulent palate is brimming with citrus fruits, lime, grapefruit, and a fresh green apple finish. Produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes, these were gently pressed. The must was left to naturally decant at low temperature followed by fermentation at low temperature in stainless steel vats and maturation on the yeast lees.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Sauvignon Blanc Floral, box tree Limes, grapefruit, fresh green apples, [00] 6° C 2015-2016, M9 D9 Chicken scaloppini with baby artichokes, garlic and lemon

BRITISH COLUMBIA

13

8057 $27.00

$162.00

Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva, 2012, DOC Alto Adige, Wilhelm Walch 2012 was a promising year in the Alto Adige. Grape quantities were down and it was obvious, immediately postharvest, that the white wines were exceptional, although the jury was initially reticent with regard to the reds.

However, if the Wilhelm Walch Cabernet Sauvignon Riserva 2012 is anything to go by, these have also turned out to be high in quality. Deep in colour, it has typical leafy Cabernet Sauvignon aromas. On the palate it is concentrated and structured with great depth. Produced and matured in large Allier oak barrels, it will continue to mature. The Wilhelm Walch winery, established in the ancient stone cellar in Tramin 145 years ago, is full of artistically hand-carved wooden barrels, each one a unique design.

Cabernet Sauvignon Leafy Structured, chewy tannins 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D7 Roasted venison and wild blackberry sauce with porcini polenta

Piemonte

8058 $18.50

$111.00

8059 $18.83

$113.00

Dolcetto d’Alba, 2013, DOC, Cantine Neirano Dolcetto is Piemonte’s third grape variety, after Barbera and Nebbiolo. Unlike the others, it can ripen in the cooler, higher vineyard sites. It is a trait which is important in such a varied, hilly region where less than 5% of the vineyards are classified as flat; Piemonte, after all, means “the foot of the mountains”. The Cantine Neirano Dolcetto d’Alba 2013 has a slightly earthy aroma with floral violet notes. The soft palate leads to savoury, meaty flavours with good acidity.

Barbera d’Alba, Franco Amoroso, 2013, DOC The Barbera d’Alba Franco Amoroso is quite complex for a wine at this level with spicy, meaty, savoury notes. Light to medium-bodied, it has tarry, smoky flavours and is perfect to complement rustic, gamey dishes. The Barbera grape variety, for many years a lowly grape, can produce quality wines in warmer sites and sturdy wines around Alba.

Dolcetto Violets, earthy Meaty, fresh acidity 18° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Chicken Basquaise

Barbera Savoury, meaty, spicy Tar, smoke 18° C 2015-2018, M7 D9 Lamb rack in Marsala and balsamic sauce

The Pinot Grigio vineyard owned by the Walch family / E. von Keller in the southern part of the Alto Adige with its characteristic rolling hills and Lake Caldaro in the background.

14

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

8060 $44.17

$265.00

8061 $28.83

$173.00

8062 $41.67

$250.00

Barolo, 2011, DOCG, Cantine Neirano Barolo is Piemonte’s most famous wine named after the eponymous hilltop village. It can only be produced from 100% Nebbiolo grapes. The wines are often deceptively light in colour, yet fragrant and long-lived. Nebbiolo needs warmth to fully ripen and 2011 was a hot year. The Cantine Neirano Barolo 2011 has a mellow fragrance with cherries and vanilla, soft ripe fruits on the palate with good concentration, and balanced acidity; it is starting to show nice development. It was aged for three years in large oak casks known as “botti”.

Piasa Sanmaurizio Moscato d’Asti, 2014, DOCG, Forteto della Luja This is a million miles away in quality terms from most of the Moscato d’Asti found on wine store shelves. This is produced from a single vineyard, Piasa Sanmaurizio, located in the village of Santo Stefano Belbo. This area has long been considered the most suitable for quality Moscato grapes. The vines are cultivated at 350 metres on calcareous and marly slopes, on a 30% gradient and facing south. Fresh rose petal and lemon aromas are complemented by a stream of fine bubbles creating a creamy texture on the palate which is sweet, refreshing and perfectly balanced with just 5,5% alcohol.

Le Grive, 2013, DOC Monferrato, Forteto della Luja I have been following the wines produced by Forteto della Luja for some years now and every year I am impressed by the combination of expression of fruit and elegance achieved.

Le Grive 2013 is vibrant with aromas of red berries, coconut, cherry menthol and mint. Soft and smooth on the palate, it has mellow flavours with red cherries, vanilla and oak; all lead to a long finish and well-balanced wine. The estate at Loazzolo is surrounded by thick juniper bushes on which thrushes, Grive in Italian, feed during the winter months. The vineyards are organically farmed and the site is classified as a nature reserve by the WWF. The wine was aged in oak barrels for several months prior to bottling.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Nebbiolo Mellow, cherries, vanilla Concentrated, ripe fruits 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D9 Braised short ribs with whipped boniato potato purée and crispy kale

Moscato Rose petal, lemon Fine, creamy palate, [09] 5° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Toasted panettone, key lime pie

Barbera, Pinot Noir Red berries, coconut, cherry menthol Smooth, red cherries, vanilla 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D9 Grilled duck breast, chicharróns, Barberacherry gastrique with pumpkin and sage bread pudding

BRITISH COLUMBIA

15

8063 $42.33

$254.00

8064 $63.17

$379.00

8065 $92.83

$557.00

16

Terrenostre Antré, Barbaresco, 2008, DOCG The village of Barbaresco lies in the Langhe hills on the right bank of the Tanaro River. Due to its late-ripening, the best Nebbiolo grapes come from the south-facing slopes at between 150 to 350 metres altitude. The region is also famous for its white truffles with the wines being a perfect match. The Terrenostre Antré Barbaresco 2008 exudes truffle, earthy aromas combined with a hint of tar. The palate is light and silky becoming more tannic.

Piemonte lived through a succession of good vintages so that the 2008 is drinking nicely now and will over the next five years. The vineyards are located at Neive, Treiso, Alba and Barbaresco on limestone soils with sandy veins.

Barolo, 2010, DOCG, Luigi Oddero The Luigi Oddero Barolo 2010 is brick ruby in colour, has aromas of black olives, floral, incense and spice, and a tarry, savoury flavour ending on bitter chocolate notes.

The estate, established by Luigi Oddero in 2006, is now managed by his widow Lena. Luigi came from a family of wine grape-growers going back to the 1870s and the Oddero family was one of the first to estate-bottle their wines in the 1950s, a time when most Bordeaux wines were sold in bulk. Luigi tended the family’s vineyards prior to setting up on his own. The Luigi Oddero vineyards are spread across the DOCG on a diverse range of sites in La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba, Castiglione Falletto and Monforte d’Alba. Two main soil types are found in Barolo; calcareous marls from the Tortonian era, similar to the soil in Barbaresco, and the much less fertile Helvetian soils of mixed clay and reddish sand strata. As the late-ripening Nebbiolo grapes are harvested at the end of September into October, the hills are shrouded in fog, hiding the tops of the hills and villages from view. All the grapes were hand-harvested and brought to the winery at La Morra where they underwent a traditional vinification, initially in stainless steel, followed by maturation in French and Slavonian oak casks for 24 months.

Barolo, 2009, Rocche Rivera, DOCG, Luigi Oddero This wine is produced from the fruit of the vineyard located on the prime Rocche Rivera site in Castiglione Falletto which Luigi purchased in the early 1990s. The three hectare vineyard sits high up on a slope beneath the village’s castle walls. Facing east-southeast, the spot has a sunny exposition to allow full-ripening. The Barolo 2009 has a complex bouquet with spicy oak, tar, truffles and cooked cherries. Soft and youthful on the palate, it is concentrated with firm acidity and good depth.

Soils are bluish-grey coloured marl with loose clay and sand mixed in from the Helvetian era. The grapes were hand-harvested and fermented at 27°C to 30°C with regular pump-over to fully extract colour and tannins from the grape skins. The wine was aged for 24 months in Slavonian and French oak casks.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

Nebbiolo Truffle, earthy Truffle, silky 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D9 Pan-roasted guinea fowl with truffles and leeks

Nebbiolo Floral, black olive, incense Savoury, tarry notes, bitter chocolate 18° C 2015-2025, M6 D7 Black truffle risotto

Nebbiolo Complex, tar, truffles, cooked cherries Concentrated, firm acidity 18° C 2015-2025, M6 D8 Wild boar and Barolo wine agnolotti with porcini mushrooms ragù

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Tenuta Argentiera is inspired by local architecture. The vinification area and the ageing cellar are underground and benefit from constant temperature all year round.

Veneto

8066 $30.50

$183.00

8067 $17.17

$103.00

Cirotto, 2014, DOCG Asolo Prosecco Superiore, Brut Prosecco is Italy’s sparkling wine success story. Indeed, in the run up to the New Year, one retailer in the UK claimed to sell more bottles of Prosecco per day than milk, with three bottles sold every second. Vines are cultivated high up in the Asolo hills, in the east of the Veneto region, on sandy clay and stoney soils. It is produced from 100% Glera grapes, hand-harvested into 15 kilogram perforated baskets and lightly pressed. Pale in colour, it has white fruit and sherbet flavours with good spritz and balanced acidity.

The Cirotto winery, nestled in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains, was founded by Leandro Cirotto in 1949 and is now run by his grandchildren Monica, Barbara and Gilberto.

Villa Dè Moreschi Soave, 2014, DOC Soave, in the Veneto region in the northeast of Italy, produces light, crisp, white wines. Vines are planted on volcanic soils around the villages of Soave, Monteforte d’Alpone, Lavagno, Colognola ai Colli, Illasi and Roncà.

Crisp wines are produced with lemon and almond flavours. The principal variety is Garganega blended with 30% Trebbiano.

Glera Yeasty Fresh fruits, [02] 6° C 2015-2016, M8 D9 Fig, prosciutto and burrata cheese salad

Garganega, Trebbiano White fruits, nutty Fresh apples, lemon, [01] 6° C 2015-2016, M9 D9 Cod fish wrapped in pancetta with lemon mayo

8068

Villa Mondi Garganega & Chardonnay, 2014, IGT

$17.33

Produced from a blend of the indigenous Garganega, which forms the basis of many a Soave, with 20% Chardonnay, the grapes are from hillside vineyards in Verona province. This is a fresh, easy-drinking wine, soft and round with subtle white fruit flavours.

$104.00

Garganega, Chardonnay Subtle white fruits Fresh, citrus finish, [01] 6° C 2015-2016, M9 D9 Mandu – Korean dumplings

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

BRITISH COLUMBIA

17

8069 $23.67

$142.00

Villa Mondi Valpolicella Classico, 2014, DOC This is a light-bodied fresh wine produced from 40% Corvina, 40% Corvinone and 20% Rondinella. The grapes were hand-harvested from hillside vineyards, lightly crushed and fermented at cool temperature to capture the fruit flavours. A touch of residual sweetness makes it soft and approachable for early drinking.

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella Dark berry fruits Ripe fruit, light-bodied 18° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Pasta alla Norma – pasta with tomatoes, basil, garlic and eggplant

8070 $38.00

$228.00

18

Malavoglia, Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore, 2012, DOC, Ca’ La Bionda Currently, Ca’ La Bionda is run by the fourth generation of the Castellani family. Brothers Nicola and Alessandro Castellani were among the first in the Valpolicella region to embrace organic farming and have since become a benchmark in Marano di Valpolicella for the whole DOC. The 2012 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore was produced from a blend of 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, and 10% Rondinella, Molinara and other varieties. To produce Ripasso, grapes were harvested, crushed and fermented on the skins of the grapes used for Amarone, in this case from the Ravazzol vineyard, and sweet Recioto from the Tordare vineyard. Mellow red fruit aromas with a touch of old leather lead to a soft, ripe, red cherry palate with good concentration, ripe tannins, smoke and a bitter cherry finish.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara and other varieties Mellow, red fruits, hint leather Ripe, red cherries, tar, smoke 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D9 Prime sirloin of beef with fricassee of spring vegetables and smoked almond purée

Ca’ La Bionda patriarch Pietro Castellani is proud of the fruit just harvested. Harvest is carried out using 5-to-7 kilogram crates where the bunches are placed with extreme care to ensure the grapes remain intact and quality is not compromised.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

8071 $63.00

$378.00

8072 $85.33

$512.00

Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 2011, DOCG, Ca’ La Bionda Deep plum in colour, the Ca’ La Bionda Amarone della Valpolicella has vibrant aromas of cherries and fresh apples. It is soft, smooth and rich on the palate with flavours of raisins, cherries, and vanilla; it is concentrated with good complexity and length. Only the best grapes from the estate are used to make Amarone. The vineyard sits on an east-facing hillside at 200 metres. The soil is rich clay limestone with a good amount of stones and rocks for drainage and aeration. Selected bunches are harvested by hand and laid out on racks to dry for several months.

During this time, the grapes lose nearly half their weight in water as it evaporates and concentrates flavours. Long, slow fermentation is followed by 36 months maturation in small oak barrels and larger casks. Delectable now, it will continue to evolve over the next 10 years.

Vigneti di Ravazzol, Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, 2010, DOCG, Ca’ La Bionda The Ravazzol vineyard, planted 50 to 70 years ago, lies at an altitude of 200 to 300 metres and is a prime spot producing low yields of high quality grapes. The bouquet is intense with raisins, dried fruits and treacle. On the palate there are both fruit and savoury flavours. It has great depth and concentration. Produced in much the same way as the Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011, the difference on the palate is all due to the terroir and old age of the vines. 2010 was a great year and this wine will benefit from some years in bottle before it reaches its optimum drinking.

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella Cherries, fresh apples Smooth, rich, cherries, vanilla 18° C 2015-2025, M6 D9 Venison with quince jelly, black trumpet mushrooms and Brussels sprouts

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella Raisins, treacle, savoury Christmas pudding 18° C 2015-2025, M6 D9 Roasted rack of lamb with spiced honey glaze and herb-flecked couscous

Toscana

8073 $21.17

$127.00

8074 $22.50

$135.00

Vermentino Toscano, 2014, IGT, Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano Tuscany is better known for its red wines, yet the white Vermentino grape is found all along the Tuscan coast; it’s also well-regarded in the South of France as Rolle and on the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia.

Very pale in colour, the Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano Vermentino Toscano 2014 has ripe white fruits, pears and fresh apple flavours. The palate is flavoursome with a zesty lemon finish. A small amount (7%) of Sauvignon Blanc forms part of the blend. The vineyards are planted 150 metres above sea level on sandy silt soils.

Viognier Toscano, 2014, IGT, Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano Unlike Vermentino, Viognier is a relatively new variety to be planted in Tuscany. These Viognier vines were planted six to ten years ago at a density of 4000 vines per hectare. The grapes were harvested at the end of August and pressed at low temperature in order to maximize the natural fruit flavours. The 2014 Viognier Toscano has apple notes with a typical broad structure on the palate and fine, elegant floral notes.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Vermentino, Sauvignon Blanc Ripe pears, fresh apples Zesty lemon, [00] 6° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Grilled sea bass over creamy polenta served with an apple and pear chutney

Viognier Apples, blossom Floral, broad structure, [00] 6° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Onion and fennel-braised chicken with brown butter and roasted garlic mashed potatoes

BRITISH COLUMBIA

19

8075 $21.00

$126.00

8076

Capoccia, 2013, DOC Maremma Toscana, Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano Since the Tuscan coastal DOCs such as Bolgheri have gained in popularity, attracting attention and external investment, there has been increased interest and moves to explore further southwards. The Maremma Toscana DOC was created to include all the coastal areas.

Bolgheri, in the north, is most definitely suited to fine Cabernet Sauvignon production. Conditions in the south are more suitable for fine indigenous Italian varieties. The Capoccia is a blend of 85% Ciliegiolo and 15% Alicante.

Deep in colour, it has a fruity nose with red cherries and strawberries. The soft palate is balanced with berry acidity.

The Ciliegiolo grape, named after the Italian for cherry, is a minor component in traditional Chianti blends.

Vignabenefizio, 2013, DOCG Morellino di Scansano, Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano

$162.00

A blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, the Vignabenefizio has intense blackcurrant and smoke aromas. Light to medium-bodied, it is soft and juicy with good concentration and length. Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese. Scansano is the name of the hilltop village south of Grosseto which gives the DOCG its name, a reflection of the fact that this is the Maremma’s top zone for classic, high-quality Sangiovese. Vineyards spread over the hills around Scansano. Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano was founded in 1972, with the DOC created in 1978. After fermentation the wine was aged for six months in French oak barrels.

8077

Seraphicum Rosso Toscano, 2013, IGT

$27.00

$24.67

$148.00

8078 $30.33

$182.00

The Seraphicum Rosso Toscano is a blend of 70% Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an intense wine with spicy, cedary oak notes which complement dark fruits and black cherry aromas. Mellow and complex, it is nicely developed for early drinking with good concentration and a smooth, structured palate. It is produced by Caterina Sacchet, a young winemaker who studied in Florence then worked for Brown Brothers in Australia and in the south of France before returning to Tuscany to work with her father. Caterina ferments her red wines at relatively low temperatures to maximize fruit. Fermentation was completed and the wine matured in oak barrels.

Seraphicum Chianti Classico, 2013, DOCG A more concentrated, serious wine with great balance, it has a velvety texture and backbone. Produced from 80% Sangiovese with 20% Canaiolo, it has a rich, complex bouquet with notes of leather, dark fruits and cedar, and succulent fruits on the palate. The wine was aged in oak casks and in bottle prior to release so that it is deliciously mellow for drinking now and over the coming five years.

Ciliegiolo, Alicante Red cherries, strawberries Red berries, soft tannins 16° C 2015-2018, M7 D9 Fettuccine with veal, sausage and porcini ragù

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon Cassis, smoke, blackcurrant Soft, juicy 18° C 2015-2018, M7 D9 Pan-seared duck breast with a cherrybalsamic glaze

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon Complex, dark fruits, leather Succulent fruit, cedar 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D7 Bistecca alla Fiorentina – “Florentinestyle” steak with French fried potatoes

Sangiovese, Canaiolo Mellow spices, cedar, black cherries Smooth, succulent fruits 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D8 Roasted quail with cabbage, onion and smoked chestnuts

20

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

The cellars of the Vignaioli Morellino di Scansano where the reserves are aged in French oak barrels

8079 $41.33

$248.00

8080 $37.50

$225.00

Fonte al Vescovo, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, 2012, DOCG, Vinicola Bartali This family wine company was founded by Alberto Bartali and his wife Leda Pucci in 1927. Alberto ran the local post office and at the same time as delivering the mail, he would deliver wines to his customers. This became so popular that he later gave up the post office and focused solely on wine. The business grew and is now run by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Fonte al Vescovo Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2012 is produced from 90% Sangiovese, known as Prugnolo Gentile in the town of Montepulciano, with 10% other local varieties. The vines, cultivated around the villages of Argiano and Ascianello close to the hilltop town of Montepulciano in southern Tuscany, are planted on mixtures of clay and fine sand soils with Pliocene marine sediments. This wine has black treacle and smoky notes. Medium to full-bodied with fresh acidity and flavours of dried fruits, it will continue to mature.

The local climate around Montepulciano is regulated by the lakes Montepulciano, Chiusi and Trasimeno, and Mount Amiata. The wine was matured for two years in Slavonian oak casks and small French oak barrels.

Eco di Mare, 2010, DOC Bolgheri, Tenuta Argentiera Located close to the northern Tuscan coast, the Bolgheri DOC was made world-famous by the Tenuta San Guido with Sassicaia. Today, it is a fast-changing region. Its potential having been proven, yet little developed until relatively recently, it continues to draw new producers from outside the region. The Tenuta Argentiera estate, consisting of 500 hectares in total, is the closest to the sea in the whole of the DOC Bolgheri. In Etruscan times, the estate’s plateau was rich in natural springs, canals and silver mines, from which the estate takes its name.

Today, 75 hectares are under vine. The 2010 is delicious for drinking now with a complex, mellow bouquet. Meaty, leather notes lead to a vibrant palate with dark cherries and sour cherry finish. Each variety was picked and vinified separately. The wine underwent malolactic in French Allier and Tronçais oak barrels, and was matured a further 14 months in barrel.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Sangiovese, 10% other local varieties Black treacle, smoke Raisins, fresh acidity 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D7 Pappardelle with wild boar and seasonal mushroom ragù

Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot Complex, meaty, leather Dark and sour cherries 18°C 2015-2020, M6 D9 Rack of lamb cooked sous-vide, herb crust, Yukon Gold mash and green beans

BRITISH COLUMBIA

21

8081 $30.67

$184.00

8082 $48.00

$288.00

8083 $48.83

$293.00

22

Il Veltro, Rosso di Montalcino, 2013, DOC, Tenuta Il Veltro When Count Marone’s father purchased the Col d’Orcia estate in 1973, the DOCG of Brunello di Montalcino was little known and the hilltop village of Montalcino one of the poorest hilltop towns in the whole of Italy. The area was growing more tobacco than cultivating vines and the region produced its own, fairly rough, cigars. The estate, which comprises Tenuta Il Veltro, is located 10 kilometres south of Montalcino, close to the village of Sant’Angelo.

Today, 142 hectares of vineyards sit on the hillside facing south-southwest at 300 metres and overlooking the Orcia River. Montalcino was the first DOCG to designate a more “junior” DOC Rosso di Montalcino to produce earlier drinking wines; traditionally, sturdy Montalcino wines spent four years ageing in oak. Il Veltro Rosso di Montalcino 2013 has an elegant, red apple aroma, nice concentration and weight on the palate with cherry flavours and good balance. Produced from 100% Sangiovese, known in the region as Brunello, the wine was aged for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks.

Il Veltro, Brunello di Montalcino, 2010, DOCG, Tenuta Il Veltro 2010 was a good year in Montalcino. Rainfall in spring was followed by a hot, dry summer with regular temperatures during the day and cool nights. Il Veltro Brunello di Montalcino 2010 has a subtle bouquet with smoke, spices, red fruits and black treacle notes. On the palate it is soft with a long, elegant finish revealing flavours of raisins, bitter cherries, red berries and treacle.

A vertical tasting of wines from the estate going back as far as 1968 demonstrated the potential for longevity of these wines. Work in the vineyards on clonal and massal selection, and DNA tracing has led to great improvements in grape quality since. The best Brunello clones produced grapes which were hand-harvested and fermented on skins for 20 days. The wine was matured for three years in casks made from Slavonian and Allier oak. Current areas of research in the vineyards pertain to cover crops.

The estate also boasts some of the oldest olive groves planted by man some 500 years ago. It is believed that grapes were also grown at that time with vines trained up around the olive trees.

Dròmos l’Altro, Sangiovese, 2007, IGT Maremma Toscana, Poggio Verrano The Poggio Verrano estate lies at the southern end of the Maremma region just 15 kilometres from the coast. It was established by Francesco Bolla in 2000. Members may remember that we offered Poggio Verrano’s 3, 2007 some years ago. That was a blend of three grape varieties whereas the Dròmos l’Altro is 100% expression of Sangiovese. 2007 was a much better vintage in Tuscany than in Bordeaux or Burgundy. Intense in colour, the Dròmos l’Altro 2007 has an autumnal bouquet with mellow aromas of forest leaves and vanilla. Full-bodied, it is nicely developed with crisp acidity and long, smoky, tar flavours. It was matured for 12 months in oak. Vines are planted on rugged land made up of calcareous rocky soils with clay. 27 hectares lie at between 170 and 300 metres facing south, southwest. The grapes were handharvested and slowly fermented in small open-top stainless steel vats with gentle punching down of the cap.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

Sangiovese (Brunello clones) Fresh red apples Cherries, concentrated 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D9 Tagliatelle with butter and white truffles shavings

Sangiovese (Brunello clones) Red fruits, spice, smoke Treacle, bitter cherries, raisins 18° C 2015-2025, M6 D8 Sausage and broccoli rabe risotto with seared duck breast

Sangiovese Mellow, autumn leaves, vanilla Smoke, tar 18° C 2015-2020, M6 D8 Wild boar stew served with spinach

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

In 1924, Castello di Querceto was one of 33 founding members of the Consorzio del Vino Chianti Classico. The old cellars house the winery’s private collection of historical bottles dating back to the first vintages of the 20th century.

8084 $62.50

$375.00

Il Querciolaia, 2009, IGT Colli della Toscana Centrale, Castello di Querceto This Super Tuscan wine, produced by Castello di Querceto, is a blend of 65% Sangiovese and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep plum in colour, it is complex with spices, dark fruits and great depth; 2009 was a superb vintage. It is medium-bodied with fine texture, yet dense with smoky, bitter cherry flavours and great balance. The estate is located in the heart of the Chianti Classico region in the commune of Greve in Chianti just 25 kilometres south of Florence. The 190 hectare estate has 60 hectares of vineyards planted between 400 and 530 metres, five hectares of olive trees and the rest are woodlands of oak and chestnut trees. There is a castle built in the 16th century after the previous buildings had been sacked and burnt down during local wars. The grapes for Il Querciolaia are from the Querciolaia dè Pitti vineyard which faces south-southeast at between 390 and 430 metres. The wine was matured for 20 months in barrels made of oak from the French forests of Allier, Tronçais and Limousin.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon Smoke, spice, dark fruits Dense, bitter cherries, smoky finish 18° C 2015-2025, M6 D7 Braised lamb osso buco with spicy eggplant sauce

BRITISH COLUMBIA

23

Le Marche

8085 $15.83

$95.00

8086 $16.50

$99.00

Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico, 2014, DOC, Casa Vinicola S. Piersanti & C. The DOC Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico sits in the hinterlands behind the Adriatic coast, in the east of Italy around Ancona. The Verdicchio grape has long been cultivated in the Marche region and vines are planted on hilly terrain close to the Esino River. Verdicchio was blended with 10% other white grapes, producing a pale white wine with pear drop and lemon citrus flavours.

Pontemagno Rosso Piceno, 2014, DOC, Casa Vinicola S. Piersanti & C. The Pontemagno Rosso Piceno is produced from Sangiovese and Montepulciano grapes. The 2014 has a yeasty, hazelnut nose with soft fruits and bitter cherry flavours. The vineyards are located in the provinces of Ancona, Macerata and Ascoli Piceno stretching from the hills down to the Adriatic Sea.

Verdicchio Subtle white fruits Pear drops, crisp lemon finish, [00] 6° C 2015-2016, M8 D9 Mussels with pancetta and crème fraîche

Sangiovese, Montepulciano Hazelnut Bitter cherries 18° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Salami and goat curd pizza

At the Cirotto winery, a tailor-made vineyard management process is followed from pruning to hand-harvesting. Located in the Asolo hills at an altitude of 300 metres, the best representation of Asolo Prosecco DOCG is born here.

24

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Abruzzo

8087 $15.33

$92.00

Arduini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, 2014, DOC The Montepulciano grape variety, not to be confused with the eponymous region in Tuscany, is productive, deeply coloured and firmly structured. Widely planted in Italy, the grape’s true home is the Abruzzo region in central Italy, on the Adriatic coast south of the Marche region where it produces soft, yet structured quaffing wines. The 2014 Arduini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo has a fresh apples and bramble aroma. Soft on the palate with firm acidity, it displays nice fresh fruit flavours.

Montepulciano Brambly, apples Light, fruits 16° C 2015-2016, M8 D9 Baked veal meatballs with ricotta, tomato sauce and parmigiano cheese

Campania

8088 $22.50

$135.00

8089 $17.17

$103.00

8090 8095 $17.17

$103.00 COUPON

Torrevigne Greco di Tufo, 2014, DOCG Greco di Tufo is a fine grape variety which performs well in Campania. Torrevigne Greco di Tufo 2014 is an elegant wine with white blossom and honey aromas. The palate is fine and delicious with a broad structure and flavours of passion fruit and lemon finishing with a moreish citrus tang. An old grape variety, it does well on the calcareous clay soils around Avellino. The variety is quite late-ripening and so grapes were picked in October.

Campania Fiano, 2014, IGT, Colleantico, Cantine in Montefusco Avellino Campania, in the south of Italy, east of the town of Naples, was the historical centre of Italian wineproduction exploited by the ancient Greeks. It is a land rich in art and tradition. It was inhabited in the 8th century BC by the Greeks, later the Etruscans and then became part of the Roman Empire in the first century BC. The land was devoted to agriculture and produced the “wines of the Emperors”. Montefusco is located between Irpinia and Sannio, in a fertile area with volcanic soils and excellent sun exposure. The Campania Fiano 2014 is pale in colour with delicate white fruit aromas. Light in alcohol at less than 12%, it is refreshing and wellbalanced. Fiano is an old grape variety from this area.

Campania Falanghina, 2014, IGT, Colleantico, Cantine in Montefusco Avellino Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering Until recently, there was thought to be just one Falanghina grape variety in Campania, however recent DNA profiling has identified two distinct cultivars; the Falanghina Beneventano and the Falanghina Campi Flegrei. The former is more widely planted around Sannio.

This wine has a delicious, white fruit and almond aroma.

More aromatic than the Fiano, it is soft and easy with well-balanced acidity. Vines are planted on the hillsides in the Benevento area on clay, chalky soils. The grapes were harvested the first week of October and, after a short skin contact, pressed and fermented at low temperature.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Greco Honey, blossom Passion fruit, melon, [00] 6° C 2015-2016, M8 D9 Grilled sea bass with tropical salsa

Fiano Delicate white fruits Light, refreshing, [00] 6° C 2015-2016, M9 D9 Olive oil-poached salt cod

Falanghina White fruits, almonds Fresh, soft, smooth, [00] 6° C 2015-2016, M8 D9 Clams cooked with garlic, butter and mixed herbs

BRITISH COLUMBIA

25

8091 8096 $17.17

$103.00 COUPON

8092 $24.83

$149.00

26

Campania Aglianico, 2012, IGT, Colleantico, Cantine in Montefusco Avellino Free case CHOICE for this Cellar Offering Aglianico is one of Italy’s greatest black grapes, characterized for its late-ripening and tannic structure.

In this instance, it has been made in a lighter style, ready for early drinking. The 2012 Campania Aglianico was a little mute at the time of tasting with cherry fruit aromas.

Soft and light on the palate, it has fresh red cherries and berry flavours with fine tannin. The grapes were picked by hand the third week in October. After fermentation and maceration for 15 days, the wine was aged in oak casks for three months, although it does not display oak characteristics. It is a great quaffing wine.

Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio, Rosato, 2014, DOC, Sorrentino VESUVIO The vineyards of the Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio DOC lie on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius where the sun-burnt soils have been periodically fertilized by lava flows. The Sorrentino family lives in the area close to Pompei and the Gulf of Naples. The 2014 Lacryma Christi del Vesuvio Rosato is a pale salmon-pink colour, with fresh red berry fruits and crisp acidity. Produced from 90% Piedirosso and 10% Aglianico, the vines are planted at 500 metres on typical volcanic soils.

The name of the DOC, Lacryma Christi, literally means “tears of Christ”, and there are a number of myths relating to Jesus ascending to heaven and looking down and seeing the beautiful bay of Naples, weeping tears of joy, and of Lucifer’s fall from heaven bringing a piece of it with him.

OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 232

Aglianico Cherry fruits Soft, light-bodied, cherry finish 16° C 2015-2017, M8 D9 Grilled pork sausage with spiced peppers

Piedirosso, Aglianico Red berries Crisp, fresh fruits, [00] 6° C 2015-2016, M8 D9 Pizza Margherita

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

The Viticultori Associati Canicattì are located in Agrigento province on Sicily’s southwestern coast. 480 members cultivate 1000 hectares of 60 different types of vines across the island. The wines produced are an expression of the uniqueness of the soils on which the vines grow.

Sicilia

8093 $29.50

$177.00

8094 $26.17

$157.00

Canicattì Fileno Grillo, 2014, DOC Sicilia Despite the long history of winemaking dating back thousands of years, there are not many wine-producing regions that can boast an almost complete ancient Greek temple, but the Mediterranean island of Sicily and the vineyards around Agrigento is one. Grillo vines are cultivated on limestone sandy silt soils in the hinterland of Agrigento at between 200 and 600 metres. The 2014 Canicattì Fileno Grillo is pale in colour with a gooseberry, flinty aroma, and soft and broad palate with bags of passion fruit and gooseberry flavours.

Canicattì Syrah Aquilae, 2013, IGP Terre Siciliane Sicily has its indigenous grape varieties, but this Syrah was so good I couldn’t resist selecting it for this cellar offering. Deep ruby in colour, it has intense aromas of kirsch, ripe cherries and chocolate. Medium to full-bodied, it has a fine, powdery texture and is rich and smooth.

Sicily has a hot, dry climate due to its southern latitude.

Agrigento, on the south-central coast, is as close to North Africa and Tunis as it is to mainland Italy. The wine was matured for three months in French oak barrels.

ITALY AVENUE SRL. >>

Grillo Flint, gooseberry Passion fruit, [00] 8° C 2015-2016, M9 D9 Calamari ripieni – baked stuffed calamari with garlic, breadcrumbs, parsley, capers and grated pecorino cheese

Syrah Kirsch, chocolate Ripe cherries, smooth 18° C 2015-2018, M8 D9 Lamb loin chops with eggplant caponata

BRITISH COLUMBIA

27

OUR COUPON PROGRAMS

Refer a new member, and upon

joining, both you and the new member will receive a coupon for one of two great rewards

YOUR COUPON GIVES YOU OPTIONS! 1. Order a case of wine & choose your free case from the free case choices for this Cellar Offering: Lot 8095 (See Lot 8090 on page 25) Lot 8096 (See Lot 8091 on page 26)

OUR WINE PROGRAMS OPIMIAN SELECT Taste the World!

Only Opimian gives you access to exclusive cellars from around the world.

A successful innovation catered to New Members and those who are still uncertain of what to order, the Opimian Select program allows you to try a minimum of 24 wines – from every day sippers to a gourmet dinner partner – at a fixed price of $123. Sign up for Opimian Select and receive a mixed case from every Cellar Offering regardless of whether you are away, on holidays or simply forgot to place your order. Develop your palate, taste the classics from each region, discover new varietals and experience what our suppliers have to offer! Application forms are available for download at opim.ca under “Downloads”.

THE SELECTION Opimian Select includes a case (6 bottles) of three to six different wines from a featured supplier on each Cellar Offering. Mostly reds with the occasional white or rosé, these wines showcase the variety of styles available through Opimian - if you happen to find a favourite wine, make note of the supplier for future Cellar Offerings!

To browse past selections and tasting notes, sign in at opim.ca and click on “Opimian Select” in the left hand column. View details by clicking on each wine name or supplier.

“Opimian Select is an educational experience and, as any wine lover knows, it is essential and fun to continuously try new things.”

~ David Lawrason, Toronto Life

OR 2. Order two cases of wine & receive $75 off your order

opim.ca OR

800-361-9421

“Opimian’s philosophy is to create bonds between people through wine.”

~ Roberto Echeverría, Opimian Supplier

FOUNDERS’ CHOICE Cherish the Experience!

The premium wine experience – only with Opimian!

Established in recognition of Opimian’s founders, this program offers premium wines from our most cherished suppliers – at a fixed price of $206. Each wine is specifically selected to dedicate to the spirit of Opimian. Some are hidden jewels discovered in a cellar by our Master of Wine; others are specially crafted by our suppliers with the Founders’ Choice program in mind.

Application forms are available for download at opim.ca under “Downloads”.

THE WINES Sign up for Founders’ Choice and receive a case (6 bottles) of premium wine from every Cellar Offering that is ready to drink and has great cellaring ability. Each wine comes with a dedicated back label and a personal message from the supplier detailing why they chose to share with us this one-of-a-kind wine. These wines are not, and will never be, on any Cellar Offering and can only be received by signing up for this program.

To browse past selections and tasting notes, sign in at opim.ca and click on “Founders’ Choice” in the left hand column.

Avenue Srl. is the Founders’ Choice feature supplier on this Cellar Offering. #420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC, H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699 opim@opim.ca www.opim.ca