C247-NT: Chablis and Italy

cellar CHABLIS AND ITALY

NT

247 Order between February 17 and March 24, 2017

Ordering Made Easy 1. Select Your Wines Let yourself be inspired by our detailed descriptions or use your personal wine profile to find out which wines best suit your palate. Our custom chart also features a variety of symbols (explained below) that can guide your selection.

Still unsure which wines to order? Opimian’s Wine Concierge is always available to help you make an informed choice. Contact our Wine Concierge at 1-800-361-9421 or by email at concierge@opim.ca.

Legend Grape variety Red White Rosé Sparkling Bottle size

2. Place Your Order There are five ways to order • Online: Go to opim.ca, sign in and select Order Now. • Email opim@opim.ca with your selection.

• Call 1-800-361-9421 • Fax your order to 514-481-9699 • Mail your order*

Number of bottles in case

3. Let Us Handle the Rest The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side.

Aroma

Expected arrival for shipments from this Cellar Offering is mid-June 2017. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board.

Taste

Once the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution centre, 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 all times at opim.ca.

Serving temperature

Ideal with Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring Concentration Light Medium Great

Conditions of Purchase • Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or 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 2017 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 24, 2017. Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline. * Deadline for mailing orders: March 14, 2017. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post.

Oak Light Medium Heavy Limited quantities Limited Very limited Extremely limited Less than 100 cases available Members’ Choice Most ordered by Opimian members Opimian Suggests Starting a cellar

Medal Winner

Discovery Opimian Select 2016 – C240 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature

2

D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10) D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Sweetness scale

Grams/litre

Examples

[00]

0-3

Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds

[01]

4-6

Some New World varietals, some reds

[02]

7 - 12

Champagne, Sparkling, Rosés, few reds

[03]

13 - 20

Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou

[04]

21 - 34

Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry

[05]

35 - 50

Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace

[06]

51 - 74

Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat

[07]

75 - 100

Auslese, Beerenauslese

[08]

101 - 139

Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

[09]

140 - 179

Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port

[10]

180 >

Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

cover photo — The Walch vineyards in Tramin overlooking the

Adige Valley with the majestic Dolomites in the background

Cellar 247 Chablis & Italy

This Cellar Offering comprises wines from classic regions of France and Italy – Chablis, Tuscany and Piedmont – as well as some lesser-known wines made from indigenous grape varieties and newer, up-and-coming regions. Italy and France vie for the number one slot for wine production each year.

Both have a long history of winemaking which dates back to the Ancient Greeks who, in fact, named Italy Oenotria – the land of wine.

Italy

Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW, tastes, selects and writes the commentary for each of the wines in the cellar offerings. Her aim is to find exclusive wines around the world that offer great value to Opimian members through regular visits to wine producers and trade shows.

A Master of Wine since 1997 (one of 353 globally), Jane was elected as Chairman of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine in September 2016.

Jane trained as a winemaker at the Bordeaux Institut d’Œnologie after a degree in Biological Chemistry and worked for UK retailer Marks & Spencer sourcing and managing the Wine & Drinks Category for 13 years.

Featured Lamblin Fils ----------------------------4 Alimenta SRL------------------------- 10 Avenue SRL--------------------------- 14 The Wine People---------------------- 32

— CELLAR 247 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

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“ We grow the vines in a sustainable way to produce healthy grapes, guarantee quality, preserve the ecosystem, and respect the health of our consumers.“

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CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — After manual harvesting, the grapes are received at the press.

CHABLIS Maligny-par-Chablis

Lamblin Fils

8985

CHABLIS

It’s not easy making wine in a marginal climate, but the Lamblin family has been doing just that for hundreds of years. In recent vintages there has been a series of frosts and hail at budburst and during the growing season, which reduced crops. 2015 was, we hoped, the harvest that broke the spell. Sadly, 2016 has once again seen the crop reduced to half that of an average one. The 2016 Chablis vintage will be short in supply with prices bound to increase. On the other hand, the 2015 vintage is showing well, so it is worth stocking up the cellar.

FOLIES PARISIENNES, L’HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE BLANC DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, Chardonnay $16.50

$198.00

8986

FOLIES PARISIENNES, L’HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE ROUGE DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS Syrah, Grenache $16.33

$196.00

A wine for everyday drinking, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc and Chardonnay were blended together to give a wine with white fruit aromas. Light to medium-bodied, it is soft and smooth with a bitter grapefruit finish.

Intense red berry fruit, banana and bubble-gum aromas are followed by a soft palate. This is medium-bodied with nice fruit flavours and a long cherry finish.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

White fruits

6°C

Red berries, banana

16°C

Grapefruit, pears, [00]

Cherries

Crispy pan-fried sole with pear salsa

Pizza with black olives and pepperoni

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

5

SAINT-BRIS SAUVIGNON, AOC, 8988 2015 CHARDONNAY, AOC, 8989 BOURGOGNE FLEURS DE PRINTEMPS, 2015

Sauvignon Blanc

ALIGOTÉ, FRUITS 8987 BOURGOGNE D’ÉTÉ, 2015

$24.50

$147.00

Chardonnay

Pale in colour, this wine is restrained with a combination of white fruit aromas, lime blossom and nectarines. Soft and light on the palate, it continues with stone fruit flavours of nectarine. It is supple, well-balanced with medium length. This Bourgogne is produced from the Aligoté grape variety. It was fermented at low temperature and matured for four months on lees.

With intense aromas of cassis, blackcurrant, fresh quince and floral notes, Lamblin’s SaintBris Sauvignon 2015 is aromatic with a soft and supple palate, smooth and elegant with good acidity and a passion fruit finish. The tiny appellation of Saint-Bris lies around the village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, just 30 kilometres southwest of Maligny where Lamblin Fils is based. Its specialty is Sauvignon Blanc and it is the only appellation in Burgundy to grow this variety.

Produced from the fruit of vines that lie just outside the Chablis appellation in the Auxerrois, this is a light to medium-bodied Chardonnay with lots of citrus characteristics. Pale in colour, it has flinty, spice aromas with more lemon and grapefruit flavours. It was fermented at 23°C and matured on fine lees with no use of oak.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

Aligoté $24.33

White fruits, lime blossom, nectarine

6

$146.00

6°C

Cassis, blackcurrant, fresh quince, aromatic

6°C

$24.83

Flint, lime, spice

$149.00

6°C

Stone fruits, nectarine, [00]

Smooth, passion fruit, [00]

Lemon, grapefruits, [00]

Shrimp ceviche

Deep fried panko oysters

Dungeness crab lemon basil pasta

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo —Lamblin Fils collection of old vintages

8990 PETIT CHABLIS, AOC, 2015

8991

Chardonnay $28.83

CHABLIS, AOC, FLEUR D’ACACIA, 2015 Chardonnay

$173.00

$30.67

$184.00

A restrained fruit nose with fresh Granny Smith apple aromas and a soft attack on the palate, the Petit Chablis is medium-bodied with lingering flavours of fresh lemons.

The smaller Petit Chablis appellation lies around the edges of Chablis. Grapes for Lamblin’s Petit Chablis were cultivated around the villages of Maligny, Lignorelles and La Chapelle-Vaupelteigne on soils with more loam and sand. The wines produced are lighter in body and are good for early drinking.

Subtle aromas of honey and white fruits precede a more structured palate. Fleur d’Acacia Chablis 2015 has good weight and acidity giving the wine depth with flavours of green apples and lime. Grapes come from the Lamblin Fils vineyards in Maligny. The basis for the Chablis appellation is the particular limestone clay soil, due to the rim of a wide submerged basin which outcrops in Chablis.

The other side pops up in Dorset in the UK and gives it its name; Kimmeridgian clay, produced over 150 million years ago from the deposits of prehistoric oyster shells.

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2020, M7 D9

Granny Smith apples

6°C

Honey, white fruits

8992

CHABLIS, AOC, ÉLEVÉ EN FÛT DE CHÊNE, 2015

6°C

Fresh lemon, [00]

Green apples, lime, [00]

Chardonnay

Prawn and chive dumplings

Salmon and spinach terrine with lime and dill crème fraîche

$32.50

$195.00

The vast majority of wines in Chablis see no oak, although there has been a trend in recent years for a few special oaked cuvées such as this. Lamblin Fils’ Chablis Élevé en Fût de Chêne 2015 has an intensely oaky character with coconut and brioche which complement white fruit aromas. After picking, the grapes were pressed and the juice fermented and matured in French oak barrels for six months. Grapes were grown next to the “Montée de Tonnerre” Premier Cru vineyard.

2017-2021, M7 D9 Oaky, coconut, brioche, white fruits

6°C

Lime, [00] Grilled veal chop with girolle and chestnut mushrooms

photo — Left to right: Alexandre, Michel, Didier and Clément Lamblin represent the 11th and 12th generations.

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

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MIXED CASE 8993

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU MIXED CASE $38.50

$231.00

Within the Chablis appellation there is a clear vineyard hierarchy linked to the quality and ageing potential of the wines produced. The Lamblin family at Maligny is established in the northern part of the Chablis appellation, close to the Serein River, which slowly meanders up from the town of Chablis northnorthwest to join the Yonne River. Along its banks are the finest vineyards; the Grand and Petit Crus.

These are wines which are subtle, yet powerful with the potential to age. Here we put together a selection of three Premier Crus.

Two bottles each Vaillon, Mont de Milieu & Fourchaumes

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, MONT DE MILIEU, AOC CHABLIS PREMIER CRU CONTRÔLÉE, 2014 Chardonnay

Vaillon sits on the left bank of the Serein River, producing ripe and concentrated grapes. The 2015 has aromas of fresh green apples and apple blossom. The palate is structured with firm acidity and apple flavours complemented by lime and flinty flavours with medium length. It was matured on fine lees for six months with no use of oak.

Mont de Milieu lies on the same side of the river and to the east of the Grand Crus slope. 2014 was a good vintage in Chablis, producing below-average yields of more concentrated wines than 2015. A mild winter was followed by above-average temperatures in spring so that an early harvest started on September 18th. Restrained with flinty aromas and pure lime flavours, Mont de Milieu 2014 has good depth and length with a sour lemon and lime finish. Grapes were picked by hand and pressed with 80% of the juice fermented in tank, 20% fermented in one to two-year-old oak barrels, and the two lots assembled post-malolactic fermentation.

The 2015 Fourchaumes is more floral and aromatic in nature. It was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 22°C and subsequently aged on lees for eight months.

Fourchaumes lies on the north bank of the Serein River and flanks the slope of the Grand Crus. It is a southwest facing slope to the northwest of Bougros.

2017-2025, M6 D8

2017-2025, M6 D7

2017-2022, M6 D9

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, VAILLON, AOC CHABLIS PREMIER CRU CONTRÔLÉE, 2015 Chardonnay

Fresh green apples, apple blossom

8

6°C

Flint, lime

6°C

CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, FOURCHAUMES, AOC CHABLIS PREMIER CRU CONTRÔLÉE, 2015 Chardonnay

Floral, apples

6°C

Limes, flinty, [00]

Lemon, lime, apples, [00]

Soft, white fruits, [00]

Chicken tarragon

Crab-stuffed lobster with citrus vinaigrette

Pan-seared scallops in saffron cream sauce

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

L&F CRÈME DE CERISE

Whole sour and black cherries are macerated separately in fine alcohol. The sweet and tart cherry flavours complement one another, creating a perfect balance. An alternative to cassis, it can be added to white wine or Champagne or used to create more exotic cocktails.

MIXED CASE Two bottles each cherry, blackberry & raspberry

L&F CRÈME DE MÛRE

Small wild blackberries were macerated in alcohol giving delicate floral notes of violets and blackberry fruits. Intense berry flavours hit the taste buds with luscious fruits and a long, smooth finish. Why not try a Blackberry Mule, vodka, crème de mûre, lime juice and ginger beer or an Epiphany, bourbon, crème de mûre and apple juice.

8994 FRUIT LIQUEURS MIXED CASE $38.50

L&F CRÈME DE FRAMBOISE

Several different varieties of wild raspberries are blended to give an intense and vivid raspberry flavour. Ripe, sweet berry flavours lead to a long finish with tangy acidity. It is great with Champagne, or try a Raspberry Cosmopolitan.

photo — The flowering of the vines, a crucial phase in wine production

$231.00

These fruit liqueurs are produced by an artisan company based in the centre of Dijon in Burgundy, in the original vaulted cellars beneath the city. They are produced using only fresh fruits of old and wild varieties sourced from the best regions of France. After a light crushing, the fruits are left to macerate in pure alcohol, absorbing the full flavours and colours from the fruit. They are perfect for making cocktails and for spicing up flavours in your favourite recipes and sauces.

— CHABLIS LAMBLIN FILS

9

“ We create wines that are recognizable because they express the true nature of the vine and the terroir. “

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CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Imagine the rich scents emanating from the earth and the vines.

ITALY San Sano Poggio Maestrino

Alimenta SRL

8995

ITALY

Alimenta is owned by the Calì family. Established by Calogero Calì in 1981, the family owns traditional high altitude vineyards in the heart of Chianti Classico as well as more recent plantings in the lower, warmer coastal Maremma region. All vineyards have been farmed organically for the last three years and received certification in 2016.

CASINA TOSCANA ROSSO, IGT, SAN SANO, 2015 Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon $22.17

$133.00

The San Sano Casina Toscana Rosso is classified IGT due to the presence of 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, which are blended with Sangiovese. This wine demonstrates how these international noble varieties have been cultivated to great success in Tuscany. Aromas of red and black cherries are complemented by smoky notes.

This is a medium to full-bodied wine with good concentration. It is well-balanced with a bitter cherry finish; a great wine for the price. It was matured for six months in large oak casks.

2017-2020, M7 D9 Red and black cherries, smoke

18°C

Bitter cherries Pappardelle with sausage, tomatoes and mushrooms

— ITALY ALIMENTA SRL

11

NEW

SANO CHIANTI CLASSICO, 8996 SAN DOCG, 2015 Sangiovese, Canaiolo $25.33

GUARNELLOTTO, 2010

Sangiovese, Canaiolo

$152.00

This is a traditional Chianti Classico made from 90% Sangiovese and 10% Canaiolo from the San Sano vineyards around Gaiole, one of the highest points in the Chianti Classico region with vines at an average of 450 metres. The 2015 is currently a little mute on the nose with faint whiffs of plums and cherries. On the palate, it is tight and structured with light to medium body. Flavours of bitter and sour cherries emerge and linger with chewy tannins on the finish. Grapes were harvested from the second half of September into October.

2017-2020, M7 D9 Plums, cherries

CASTELLO SAN SANO CHIANTI

8997 CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG,

18°C

Bitter, sour cherry finish

$33.00

$198.00

A complex, concentrated wine with plenty of life ahead of it, the Chianti Classico Riserva Guarnellotto 2010 has a mellow bouquet with red fruits, spice and undergrowth. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied and remains a little austere, but it will mellow with time.

It has flavours of bitter cherries and treacle with firm acidity, and will continue to develop.

Vineyards are located in Pergoline, Podernovo and Casina on marly soils with rocks. Grapes were picked in the second half of October and were macerated during fermentation for ten days. The wine was matured in traditional Chianti casks, known as “botti”, for 15 months.

2017-2025, M6 D8 Red fruits, spice, undergrowth

18°C

Bitter cherries, treacle Chianti-braised lamb shank with celery root sauce and glazed shallots

Wild mushroom and mozzarella risotto cakes

12

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Focused on organic farming, the vineyards are surrounded by woods and olive trees.

NEW

SANO ROSSO TOSCANA, IGT 8998 SAN TOSCANA, BORRO AL FUMO, 2006 Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon $45.00

$270.00

NEW

8999

SPIAGGIOLE MORELLINO DI SCANSANO, DOCG, SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA POGGIO MAESTRINO E SPIAGGIOLE, 2015

9000

POGGIO MAESTRINO RISERVA MORELLINO DI SCANSANO, DOCG, SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA POGGIO MAESTRINO E SPIAGGIOLE, 2012 Sangiovese $29.67

Sangiovese

$178.00

San Sano’s top Tuscan is a blend of 60% Sangiovese and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon.

The Borro al Fumo plot, named after the little foggy stream that flows through the estate, was planted 30 years ago. At 550 metres in altitude, it is one of the highest points in the Chianti region. Intensely coloured, the 2006 has developed aromas of forest floor, spice, dark fruits and smoke. It is soft and juicy on the palate with smoky fruit flavours and a powdery texture. Drinking nicely now, it has the potential for further cellaring, finishing on notes of pure dark fruits and good acidity. Each grape variety was harvested and fermented separately with the Sangiovese aged in large Chianti barrels and the Cabernet Sauvignon in small French oak barriques for 18 months.

Sangiovese grown in coastal vineyards that overlook the Tyrrhenian Sea is influenced by the warm summer and marine breezes, and displays a different personality. Deep ruby in colour, Spiaggiole Morellino di Scansano 2015 has dark fruits aromas, with peppery, meaty notes and great depth. It is soft, medium-bodied with savoury flavours, firm tannins and a liquorice finish.

The Poggio Maestrino vineyard was planted ten years ago on volcanic soils close to the sea. The vines sit at an average altitude of 150 metres with rows oriented east-west.

Poggio Maestrino Riserva Morellino di Scansano 2012 is a deep brick, ruby colour and displays aromas of treacle and red apples. It is light to medium-bodied, round with a juicy mid-palate, finishing on flavours of bitter chocolate, eucalyptus and cherry menthol. After fermentation in tank, the wine was matured for a year in large tonneaux.

2017-2025, M6 D9

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2022, M6 D9

Forest floor, spice, dark fruits, smoke

18°C

$24.33

Dark fruit, pepper, meaty notes

$146.00

18°C

Black treacle, red apples

18°C

Juicy palate, smoky fruit flavours

Savoury, liquorice

Bitter chocolate, cherry menthol

NY Strip topped with gorgonzola, served with caramelized onions compote and garlic mashed potatoes

Veal shank Osso Buco served over potato gnocchi

Wild boar stew

photo — Barrel-ageing cellars located in the historic Chianti region

— ITALY ALIMENTA SRL

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14

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

ITALY ITALY

Termeno Alto Adige Südtirol

Avenue SRL Werner Walch comes from a long line of wine producers based in Tramin, in the north of Italy, close to the border with Austria. Vineyards are planted on the surrounding lower mountain slopes to produce Alto Adige wines. From here, Werner sources wines from individual estates across Italy.

“ We are a long-established trading company of high quality Italian wines. Our far-reaching experience in the market enables us to choose from a wide range of producers.“

photo, alceo manduria — Oak barrels in old stone

underground spaces once used for storing bulk wine

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

15

ALTO ADIGE

GRIGIO, DOC ALTO ADIGE, 9001 PINOT E. VON KELLER, 2016 Pinot Grigio $25.17

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Sauvignon Blanc $151.00

$26.17

$157.00

Despite a capricious summer in 2016, weather before and during harvest was fine in Alto Adige, and the wines produced high in quality. Pale in colour, it has nutty and apple aromas. The palate is broad in structure with fresh apple and melon flavours, and crisp acidity. Pinot Grigio grapes were gently pressed and the juice clarified through natural sedimentation at low temperature.

The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks at 20°C.

E. von Keller 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is intensely aromatic with floral notes, ripe fruits, cassis and passion fruit.

Broad in structure, it is smooth on the palate with flavours of grapefruit and passion fruit. An elegant, textured wine with many layers of flavours, it was fermented in stainless steel tanks and left to mature on fine lees.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2018, M8 D9

Nutty, apples

16

DOC ALTO ADIGE, E. 9002 SAUVIGNON, VON KELLER, 2016

6°C

Floral, cassis

6°C

Melons, fresh apples, [00]

Passion fruit, grapefruit, [00]

Pollo alla Valdostana – chicken breast with prosciutto and Fontina cheese

Crab cakes with red pepper coulis

photo — The Wilhelm Walch Cru “Wadleith” where superb Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio grow

PRENDO, PINOT NOIR, IGT VIGNETI

9003 DELLE DOLOMITI, WILHELM WALCH, TRAMIN, 2015

Pinot Noir $22.75

BIANCO, DOC ALTO ADIGE, 9004 PINOT SÜDTIROL, WILHELM WALCH, 2016 Pinot Bianco

$273.00

Prendo Pinot Noir 2015 has red berry fruits and a soft, light palate with red fruit and spice.

It is supple with balanced acidity and medium length on the palate. The wine was vinified in stainless steel tanks and subsequently matured in large oak vats, but the focus remains very much on fruit.

$23.83

versatile partner for food.

$143.00 White fruits, ripe green apples and white tree blossom aromas lead to a soft wine, light to mediumbodied with lemon and lime acidity.

Elegant in style, it is dry and a

2017-2019, M8 D9 Red berries

16°C

Not sure what to order?

Call your Wine Concierge at 800-361-9421

2017-2018, M8 D9 White tree blossom, ripe green apples

Supple, soft

Lemon, limes, [00]

Rosemary pork chops with balsamic strawberry sauce

Lemon cream shrimp scampi

6°C

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

17

PIEMONTE CANTINE NEIRANO, GAVI, DOCG, 9007 2016 Cortese $24.33

$146.00

FRIULI - VENEZIA GIULIA NEW

9005

NEW

CANTINA RAUSCEDO CHARDONNAY, DOC FRIULI GRAVE, 2016 Chardonnay $24.50

9006

CANTINA RAUSCEDO REFOSCO DAL PEDUNCOLO ROSSO, DOC FRIULI GRAVE, 2015 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

$147.00

$24.33

$146.00

This is a refreshing, elegant Chardonnay with aromas of melons, pears and other fruits. On the palate, it has quite firm acidity with lingering flavours of fresh lemons and sour green apples. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeastern Italy and, in particular, the cooler Colli Orientali del Friuli is famous for the quality of the white wines it produces. Chardonnay grapes were grown in the hills of the Venetian Prealps, on sandy calcareous soils.

An indigenous variety grown in Friuli, the Rauscedo Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2015 is deep plum in colour with intense fresh fruit aromas of redcurrants and raspberries. It is light to medium-bodied with supple tannins, fresh flavours and balanced acidity. The Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso vines were planted ten years ago. A late-ripening variety, the grapes were harvested at the end of September and the wine fermented at 22°C.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

Melons, pears

18

6°C

Redcurrants, raspberries

16°C

Gavi, in the province of Alessandria in Piedmont, is where the Cortese grape performs best. Cantine Neirano Gavi 2016 is pale in colour and restrained in aroma with a hint of aniseed and nectarine. The palate is steely with firm acidity, finishing on refreshing notes of fresh lemon and lime.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Aniseed, nectarine

6°C

Lemons, apples, [01]

Supple

Lemon, lime, [00]

Cheese ravioli with summer squash ribbons

Sausage with roasted red pepper and eggplant sauce

Smoked salmon, fennel and goat cheese toasts

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo, rauscedo — The ideal time for harvest is decided by

the vine; man must understand when that time has come.

NEW

D’ALBA, FRANCO 9008 BARBERA AMOROSO, DOC, 2016 Barbera $23.83

CINQUEFILE, DOC MONFERRATO

9009 ROSSO, VALTER BOSTICARDO, TENUTA DEI FIORI, 2009

Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon $143.00

Deep in colour and restrained in aroma, Barbera d’Alba Franco Amoroso 2016 has some smoke and red cherry aromas. It is medium-bodied with flavours of bitter cherries, and well-balanced with a smoky finish. Barbera is one of the grape varieties that makes Piedmont famous and is believed to have originated in the hills of Monferrato. It is a productive variety that ripens late, but retains good acidity.

2017-2020, M7 D9 Red cherries, smoke

NEW

$33.50

Mushroom pizza – cremini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, sausage, Pecorino and Fontina

photo — Oddero’s winemaking style involves the use of both concrete vats and large French oak barrels.

Barbera $49.50

$297.00

A number of black grape varieties are permitted in the Monferrato Rosso DOC and they can be blended together in any proportions.

Cinquefile 2009 is a blend of 60% Barbera with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep in colour, it has apple and leather notes. The palate is firm, yet smooth with riper fruits flavours combined with balsamic, gamey notes. To anyone looking for wines with some development which are ready for drinking to include in their cellar, this wine is perfect. It was aged for 24 months in French oak barrels.

Tenuta dei Fiori lies south of Asti at Calosso. Valter Bosticardo tends five hectares of vineyards including his old Barbera vines planted in 1933. This is a dense, concentrated wine with deep colour and intense aromas of vanilla and coconut oak.

2009 was a fine vintage with a hot summer and long, dry September and October. Rusticardi 1933 is medium to full-bodied and smooth with ripe fruits and heaps of concentration. It was matured for 22 months in French oak barrels and has a long, smoky fruit finish.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2025, M6 D9

18°C

Bitter cherries

$201.00

9010

RUSTICARDI 1933, DOCG BARBERA D’ASTI SUPERIORE, VALTER BOSTICARDO, TENUTA DEI FIORI, 2009

Leather, red apples

18°C

Intense, vanilla, coconut

18°C

Balsamic, ripe fruits, game

Ripe fruits, smoky finish

Duck breast with thyme-infused honey and balsamic pan sauce

Roasted lamb loin with red wine reduction, caramelized fennel and pan-seared potatoes

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

19

9011

NEBBIOLO, DOC LANGHE, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO, 2014 Nebbiolo $30.67

$184.00

9012

BARBARESCO, DOCG, ROMBONE FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO, 2014

9013

Nebbiolo $46.17

$277.00

BAROLO, DOCG, “SIMPOSIO”, BEL COLLE, 2013 Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo is the grape that produces the finest and most revered wines in Piedmont. It is also the latest-ripening of the Piemontese grape varieties, therefore location is allimportant. Nebbiolo was cultivated on mid-hillside vineyards at 250 to 300 metres around the town of La Morra. Marly soils contain small amounts of clay and sand, and are rich in humus and mineral salts. All the grapes were hand-picked and sorted prior to de-stemming and pressing. Medium brick ruby in colour, the Nebbiolo 2014 shows some signs of development with earthy forest floor aromas. The palate is light to medium-bodied, elegant with a fine texture and flavours of redcurrants.

Quite pale in colour with a brick ruby hue, Oddero’s 2014 Barbaresco is complex with aromas of red fruits, dried flowers, leather and some balsamic. The palate is soft and smooth with youthful red fruits, eucalyptus and a spicy finish. Nebbiolo grapes were cultivated at Rombone in the Treiso area of the Barbaresco DOCG, on soils composed of grey-white marl with clayeysandy layers. The hilly vineyard is exposed south-southwest. The grapes were handpicked, sorted, de-stemmed and fermented by indigenous yeast. The wine was aged in medium and large oak vessels for 18 months.

Medium brick ruby in colour with complex aromas of raisins and black treacle, the Barolo “Simposio” 2013 is smooth with red fruit flavours, pot pourri and a long, spicy finish. It was matured for three years in French oak casks. Barolo is Piedmont’s most famous wine. The Barolo region is a hilly, convoluted region with a patchwork of vineyards planted around the hilltop villages of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d’Alba and La Morra.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2022, M6 D9

2017-2020, M7 D9

Earthy, autumnal

20

18°C

Leather, red fruits, pot pourri

18°C

$42.33

Raisins, black treacle

$254.00

18°C

Redcurrants

Eucalyptus, spicy red fruits

Smooth, red fruits, spicy

Beef short ribs braised in Nebbiolo served over mashed mélange of potatoes, turnips and cauliflower

Grilled veal tenderloin with sautéed spinach, crispy Speck ham, red wine glaze and white truffle

Venison and wild mushroom stew

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo, tenuta dei fiori — The hatchlings find themselves

nesting between the bunches of Barbera.

NEW

9014

BAROLO, DOCG, BARALE FRATELLI, 2012 Nebbiolo $48.83

$293.00

Medium to pale brick ruby, Barale Fratelli Barolo 2012 has mellow aromas of cooked fruits, figs and red fruits with a hint of tar. Grapes were grown on four hectares of vineyards around the municipalities of Barolo and Monforte d’Alba in the south of the DOCG. The vineyards are at an average altitude of 270 metres and face southwest.

Grapes were harvested by hand the first two weeks of October. After light crushing and de-stemming, the grapes were fermented in 50-hectolitre oak casks with extended 30-day maceration on skins. The wine was subsequently matured for three years in a combination of 15 to 30-hectolitre French oak casks and then bottled on July 27th, 2016. Medium-bodied with good acidity, it has flavours of sour cherries, redcurrants and other red fruits with vanilla.

2017-2025, M6 D9 Mellow, cooked fruits, figs

18°C

Sour cherries, redcurrants, red fruit Seared duck breast with fig glaze and baby shiitake mushrooms

photo — Sisters Eleonora and Gloria represent the fifth generation of Barale Fratelli.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

21

VENETO 9015

MALAVOGLIA, VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO CLASSICO SUPERIORE, DOC, CA’ LA BIONDA, 2014 Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara $33.67

Amarone the King of Valpolicella and one of the world’s most prestigious wines

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella

$202.00

$49.17

$295.00

Ca’ la Bionda is in the heart of the historic classic zone of Valpolicella in the comune of Marano.

The winery, founded

by Pietro Castellani in 1902, continues to be owned and run by the fourth generation of the Castellani family. It has over 29 hectares of vineyards on the hills to the northwest of Verona at between 150 and 300 metres. Grapes were harvested and put into 5000-litre oak vats where they were fermented with sweet Amarone grape skins from the previous year, a process known as “ripasso”. Quite light garnet in colour, Malavoglia Valpolicella Ripasso has aromas of strawberries, wine gums and spice. The palate is supple with flavours of red apples, spice and a long, bitter cherry and nutmeg finish. It was matured in large oak casks for 12 months.

Only the very best grapes are used to produce Amarone. At harvest time, the best bunches are selected in the vineyard and placed on cane drying racks where they are left to dry until the end of January to the beginning of February the following year.

During this time, the grapes concentrate, losing approximately 40% of their weight in water. At the same time, they develop different flavours of dried fruits and figs.

The dried grapes underwent a long, slow fermentation in stainless steel, preceding ageing for 36 months in oak. The result is a deeply-coloured wine, restrained with sweet fruits, vanilla, raisins, fruitcake and spicy aromas. Soft and smooth, it has great depth of flavour. It is medium-bodied with ginger, vanilla and cherry flavours.

2017-2021, M7 D9

2017-2024, M6 D9

Strawberry, wine gums

22

9016

AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, DOCG, CA’ LA BIONDA, 2013

16°C

Vanilla, raisins, fruitcake, spice

18°C

Red apples, spicy, bitter cherry

Ginger, cherries, bitter cherry

Roasted veal medallions with apple balsamic sauce

Lamb shanks with chickpeas and Moroccan spices

photo, ca’ la bionda — Grapes drying in the “fruttaio”. The “appas-

simento” process is critical to the production of Amarone.

9017

VIGNETI DI RAVAZZOL, AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, DOCG, CA’ LA BIONDA, 2012 Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella $64.17

$385.00

A single vineyard wine, the Ravazzol plot produces the best grapes on the estate due to its altitude and the age of the vines.

Ravazzol is on a hill at 200 to 300 metres in altitude. The average age of the vines is 50 to 70 years. The soil is predominantly claylimestone, with a high percentage of rock and stone, producing low yields of concentrated grapes. The wine, produced in the Amarone Classico method, is elegant and mineral in quality. Vibrant in colour, with moody aromas of smoke, coal and dark fruits, the palate is soft and medium-bodied with a youthful, juicy mid-palate and fresh fruit flavours.

2017-2022, M6 D8 Dark fruits, smoke, coal

18°C

Juicy fruits, youthful Stuffed quail with Amarone risotto

NEW

9018

VIGNETI LE TORDARE RECIOTO DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, DOCG, CA’ LA BIONDA, 2012 Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone $50.83

$305.00

Sweet Recioto, a speciality of the Valpolicella region, is made from partially dried grapes known as “passito”. Dense and deep purple in colour, Le Tordare Recioto 2012 has sweet succulent fruits and herb aromas. The palate is structured with good acidity and flavours of chocolate and berry fruits. Grapes were

photo — Proprietor Pietro Castellani rigorously selects the grapes for his winery’s flagship wine, Ravazzol Amarone.

picked at the end of September 2012 and were left to dry on cane tables known as “arelle” until the end of March and the beginning of April 2013. The dried grapes have extremely high sugar content and are fermented in stainless steel tanks at 18°C with the fermentation naturally stopping, leaving high residual sugars.

2017-2022, M6 D8 Herbs, cherries

18°C

Sweet succulent fruits, chocolate, berries, [08] Dark chocolate layer cake with chocolate ganache, mild gorgonzola

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

23

TOSCANA 9019

SERAPHICUM ROSSO TOSCANO, IGT, 2015 Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon $25.33

$152.00

Deep in colour with complex aromas of black cherries, tar and smoky oak, Seraphicum Rosso Toscano 2015 is medium to fullbodied with firm tannin structure. This wine will benefit from some time in bottle to open up. It is well-balanced with a long, bitter cherry and smoky oak finish. A blend of 70% Sangiovese with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, the two varieties were harvested and fermented separately. Towards the end of fermentation, the wine was blended and put into oak barrels for the malolactic fermentation.

CHIANTI CLASSICO, 9020 SERAPHICUM DOCG, 2015 Sangiovese, Canaiolo $29.33

24

18°C

IL VELTRO, NASTASIO, IGT TOSCANA, TENUTA IL VELTRO, 2015 Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo

$176.00

$28.00

$168.00

Distinctly oaky in style, Seraphicum Chianti Classico 2015 will benefit from some bottle ageing for the oak to integrate.

Aromas of spicy oak, pencil lead and cedar lead to more fruit on the palate.

Round and mediumbodied, it has juicy acidity. It is concentrated with lingering flavours of bitter cherries and smoke complementing the prominent oak flavours. The grapes were picked and left to macerate prior to the onset of fermentation at controlled low temperature. The wine was aged for six months in oak casks.

Youthful aromas of plums and red fruits precede a linear wine with depth and a bitter cherry finish. Il Veltro Nastasio is made from a blend of Sangiovese and the indigenous Ciliegiolo grape which gives fresh aromas of ripe black cherries. The grapes were left to macerate on skins for eight to ten days during fermentation at 26°C, followed by malolactic fermentation in oak barrels and early bottling.

2017-2022, M6 D8

2017-2022, M6 D9

2017-2022, M6 D8 Oak, black cherries, tar

9021

Spicy oak, pencil lead

18°C

Red fruit

16°C

Bitter cherry, smoky finish

Bitter cherry, concentrated

Ripe red fruits, bitter cherries

Grilled vegetables lasagna

Bistecca alla Fiorentina with arugula and shaved parmesan

Veal meatballs served over polenta

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo, seraphicum — In the olive tree and cypress-studded countryside lay the hilltop villages of the Chianti Classico region.

Variety is the spice of life – Sign-up for Discovery or Select Plus!

9022

IL VELTRO, ROSSO DI MONTALCINO, DOC, TENUTA IL VELTRO, 2015 Brunello (Sangiovese) $28.83

$173.00

9023

SCANTIANUM VIOGNIER TOSCANA, IGT, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2016

The hilltop village of Montalcino gives its name to the wine region located to the south of the Chianti Classico region. Protected by the nearby Mount Amiata, the region has a warm, dry climate similar to that of the Tuscan coast. Il Veltro Rosso di Montalcino was produced from grapes grown at the southern boundary of the DOC. Vineyards are planted on Sant’Angelo hill overlooking the Orcia River and facing south-southwest at around 300 metres above sea level. Grapes were fermented in shallow, wide stainless steel tanks, allowing maximum extraction of colour and tannins. The wine was matured in large Slavonian oak casks for 12 months.

Only recently bottled at the time of tasting, the wine was a little subdued and will benefit from some bottle maturation. It is mediumbodied with soft, fine tannins and fresh acidity. It is well-balanced and elegant with bitter cherry and almond flavours.

With wonderful intense aromas of grapefruits, peaches, spices, lemons, melons and white peaches, it is well-balanced with a long, crisp finish. The Viognier vines were planted six to ten years ago on sandy soils rich in silt. Grapes were harvested at the end of August and protected against oxidation with carbonic snow. A cool fermentation in stainless steel tanks has revealed an array of fruit flavours.

2017-2022, M6 D9

2017-2018, M8 D9

Cherry

18°C

Viognier $24.50

Grapefruits, peaches, spices

$147.00

6°C

Medium-bodied, elegant

Lemons, white peaches, melons, [00]

Rustic Tuscan sausage stew with white beans

Risotto primavera

photo — At Vignaioli Morellino Scansano vinification is followed by maturation in steel tanks, barrels, or both.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

25

9024

CAPOCCIA, CILIEGIOLO MAREMMA TOSCANA, DOC, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2016 Ciliegiolo, Alicante $23.83

Sangiovese $143.00

The Maremma Toscana stretches 125 kilometres from Bibbona in the north to Scansano in the south.

Capoccia is produced from the indigenous Ciliegiolo grape, a parent of Sangiovese which is named after its cherry aroma, blended with 15% Alicante. Capoccia 2016 has intense aromas of dark berry fruits and black cherries. It is soft and concentrated with lots of appeal, finishing on smoky dark fruit flavours. Grapes were harvested mid-September and underwent a warm maceration at 35°C for twelve hours before fermentation.

2017-2020, M7 D9 Dark berry fruits, black cherries

9025

VIGNA BENEFIZIO, MORELLINO DI SCANSANO DOCG, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2015

$27.17

Sangiovese $163.00

$33.67

Morellino is the local name for Sangiovese.

Scansano is the name of the town of medieval origin. This coastal region was unheard of internationally until recently. Today, it is one of the most exciting in Tuscany, producing great value wines.

Sangiovese vines were planted 15 years ago, close to the coast at 150 metres on sandy, silty soils. Ruby in colour, it has a savoury spice nose. Medium-bodied with good mid-palate fruits, it is well-balanced with lingering cherry and smoky flavours, and a slightly chewy finish. After fermentation it was matured in one and two-year-old French oak barrels for six months. It is a classy wine for the price!

2017-2022, M6 D9

18°C

Smoky dark fruits

Savoury spice

Rabbit stew with olives and rosemary

Smoky, cherries

9026

SICOMORO, MORELLINO DI SCANSANO RISERVA, DOCG, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2013

18°C

$202.00

Sicomoro is produced from grapes from the oldest vines planted 30 years ago. The vineyard sits at 300 metres above sea level, on sandy soils rich in silt and clay at one meter below the surface.

Brick ruby in colour, the Sicomoro 2013 has a mellow bouquet with ripe fruits, vanilla oak, a touch of leather and some red cherries. Smooth on the palate with a medium body, it has good depth with a red cherry finish. It was matured in French oak barrels for 15 months, 60% new and 40% once-used.

2017-2022, M6 D9 Mellow fruits, vanilla oak, leather

18°C

Red cherries, medium-bodied Wild boar chili

Pici pasta with minced meat ragù

26

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Maremma is characterized by an untouched landscape

with olive groves and vineyards next to woods and farms.

Complexity and concentration – two wines for the Collector

DI MARE, BOLGHERI, DOC, 9028 ECO TENUTA ARGENTIERA, 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot $36.50

9027

DRÒMOS L’ALTRO, SANGIOVESE, IGT COSTA TOSCANA, POGGIO VERRANO, 2011 Sangiovese $40.33

$242.00

photo — The modern Poggio Verrano winery is fully underground and uses gravity on three levels.

$219.00

Poggio Verrano estate was established by Francesco Bolla in 2000. Previously part of the larger Bolla wine company in Verona, this is his personal project. The estate, in the southern end of the Maremma, consists of 27 hectares planted with a range of grape varieties. Dròmos l’Altro is produced from a small two-hectare plot of Sangiovese.

Vines are planted at high density on rocky, calcareous and clay soils. The property is 15 kilometres from the sea with vineyards between 170 and 300 metres. The 2011 is nicely developed with a complex bouquet with woody, floral, meaty and balsamic notes. This is a dense and concentrated wine with firm acidity. Flavours of bitter liquorice, leather and treacle emerge on the palate. It is fullbodied with chewy rustic tannins. Sangiovese was picked by hand on September 20th, 2011. A long, slow maceration in open-top stainless steel tanks was carried out with regular punching down of the cap. It was then matured for 12 months in French oak.

Unlike most of Tuscany where wines are generally based on the Sangiovese grape, Bolgheri, at the northern end of the Maremma coast, specializes in cultivating Bordeaux varieties.

Grapes for Eco di Mare were grown just two kilometres from the Tyrrhenian Sea at 150 to 200 metres, the highest point in Bolgheri. The 2013 spring season was marked by below average temperatures, but was followed by a fairly hot summer with peaks at 32°C punctuated by a few much-needed showers. September was warm and dry, allowing full-ripening of all the varieties. Dense plum in colour, Eco di Mare 2013 has mellow oak aromas complemented with herbal fruits, vanilla, strawberry leaf and blackberry. A rich and concentrated wine, it is supple with a savoury character. It is full-bodied with great depth and a bitter cherry, chocolate and vanilla finish, and lots of potential for ageing.

2017-2025, M6 D9

2017-2025, M6 D8

Balsamic, wood, floral, meaty

18°C

Mellow oak, herbal fruits, blackberry, strawberry leaf

18°C

Dense, liquorice, treacle

Savoury, vanilla, concentrated

Spezzatino d’agnello finocchio – lamb and fennel stew

Char crusted beef tenderloin with baked parmesan polenta fries

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

27

ABRUZZO D’ABRUZZO, 9029 MONTEPULCIANO DOC, CORSI, 2015 Montepulciano $22.00

$132.00

A simple but concentrated wine, it has aromas of pepper and black cherries with a hint of smoke.

Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2015 is medium-bodied and well-balanced with a savoury liquorice finish.

Montepulciano grapes cultivated in the central Abruzzo region were harvested at the end of September and underwent classic vinification.

2017-2020, M8 D9 Pepper, black cherries, smoke

18°C

Savoury, liquorice Fennel-crusted pork loin with spring onion, fennel purée and pancetta

PUGLIA NEW

ALCEO, IGP PRIMITIVO SALENTO, 9030 2016

Order online at opim.ca

Primitivo $23.17

$139.00

Puglia forms the heel of Italy’s boot.

Primitivo vines are cultivated around Manduria, producing concentrated wines.

Alceo 2016 has a savoury and herbal, mint character combined with a bit of leather saddle. Soft, yet full-bodied, it is concentrated with flavours of bitter cherry and liquorice.

28

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

2017-2020, M7 D9 Leather, savoury, mint

18°C

Liquorice, bitter cherries Orecchiette with rapini and sausage

photo, alceo manduria — 90 year-old “alberello” (bush-trained)

Primitivo, the typical Apulian vine-training system.

SICILIA

NEW

9031

NEW

SIBILIANA ROCENO GRILLO, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016 Grillo $20.50

SIBILIANA ROCENO GRECANICO, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016 Grecanico

$123.00

Grillo, a classic Sicilian variety, has produced a wine pale in colour with discrete aromas of pear drops and floral notes. Soft and full on the palate, it has a powdery texture with flavours of melons and pears.

It is elegant with good depth; perfect for everyday drinking.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Pear drop, floral

9032

$20.50

$123.00

Grecanico is synonymous with Garganega, which is grown in the northeast of Italy in Veneto to produce Soave. In Sicily, it has been cultivated for several centuries. Restrained aromas of fresh fruits and a nutty character lead to a fresh, crisp palate with flavours of melons, apples and almonds.

6°C 2017-2018, M8 D9

Lemon, pears, [00] Lemon, chicken and parmesan rissoles

Fresh fruit

6°C

Apples, melons, [01] Prosciutto and melon

photo, canicattì — Over 1,000 hectares of vineyards and over 60

diverse growing areas, vineyards are still mixed with cereal fields.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

29

NEW

9033

NEW

SIBILIANA ROCENO NERO D’AVOLA, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016 Nero d’Avola $20.67

NEW

ROCENO FRAPPATO, 9034 SIBILIANA IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016

$20.83

CVA CANICATTÌ, LA FERLA ROSATO, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016 Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese

Frappato $124.00

9035

$125.00

$22.17

$133.00

Deep ruby in colour, with aromas of black cherries and blueberries, Roceno Nero d’Avola 2016 is medium-bodied with a juicy mid-palate. This is Sicily’s most widely planted black grape and it enjoys the warm sun. Grapes were harvested by hand in the early morning and late evening. Fermentation was carried out at 18°C to 20°C in stainless steel tanks.

Often used as a blender to Nero d’Avola, this wine is 100% Frappato.

Ruby in colour, it has a savoury liquorice aroma. It is more rustic in style than the Nero d’Avola and has meaty flavours with firm acidity and a chewy finish.

Pale baby pink, La Ferla Rosato is fruity with aromas of pear drops, fresh apples and pears. This is an easy-drinking wine with lemony flavours and a crisp finish. Produced from Nero d’Avola and Nerello Mascalese grown in the hinterland of Agrigento, the grapes had a short maceration on skins, ceding its pretty pink colour.

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2018, M8 D9

Black cherries, blueberries

30

18°C

Herbs, savoury, liquorice

Pear drops, fresh apples

18°C

Juicy dark fruits

Meaty, savoury, grippy

Lemon, pears, [00]

Eggplant Parmigiana

Lamb-stuffed zucchini with Romesco sauce

Calamari salad

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

6°C

photo, sibiliana — Thanks to a mild climate and to generous soil, in western Sicily vineyards extend as far as the eye can see.

9036

CVA CANICATTÌ, SYRAH AQUILAE, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2015 NEW

Syrah $26.33

$158.00

9037

CVA CANICATTÌ, CABERNET SAUVIGNON AQUILAE, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2015

Deep vibrant purple colour with intense black cherry aromas, the Syrah is cultivated on limestone, sandy, silt soils at an altitude of 250 to 400 metres.

After fermentation in tank, the wine is aged for a short time with oak. Soft and smooth, this is well-balanced with fresh cherry flavours.

Intensely coloured with aromas of Parma Violets and lavender, the Aquilae Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 is medium-bodied with more savoury flavours on the palate. Firm in structure, it has good mid-palate fruit and a chewy finish.

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

Black cherries

18°C

Cabernet Sauvignon $26.33

Parma Violets, lavender

$158.00

18°C

Smooth, fresh cherries

Savoury

Lamb loin chops with eggplant caponata

Sicilian Braciole – Sicilian-style stuffed flank steak

photo — Harvest at Canicattì when the sun, that made this land harsh yet generous, makes hand-harvesting more challenging.

— ITALY AVENUE SRL

31

32

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

ITALY ITALY

Puglia & Sicily

The Wine People Southern Italy, Puglia and Sicily, makes some of the best value wines from Italy. In Sicily, vineyards planted on the west of the island around Marsala, originally used to produce sweet wines, are now used to making dry wines. In the south, in the hinterland of Agrigento, vines share the landscape with Ancient Greece temples. Stefano Girelli, founder of The Wine People, has long seen the potential in the south and has built up strong links.

“ The quality of wines in Puglia has taken off in recent years. It is probably one of the best regions for the future of Italian wines.“ — Stefano Girelli, Founder

photo — The Wine People is committed to growing quality grapes and producing wines which are a reflection of their terroir.

— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE

33

9041

DENATILE GRILLO CHARDONNAY, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016 Grillo, Chardonnay $20.33

NERO D’AVOLA SHIRAZ, 9042 DENATILE IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2016 Nero d’Avola, Shiraz

$122.00

$20.33

Grillo

$122.00

Amazing value for money, this is a simple wine, easy to drink with great flavour. Denatile Grillo Chardonnay 2016 has restrained white fruit aromas, lemon and other citrus flavours, and a dry, crisp finish. Chardonnay grapes were selected from low-yielding vineyards in the Trapani area while Grillo was cultivated close to Marsala.

Aromas of dark fruits and raspberries lead to a soft, light palate. This is an easy-drinking wine with some grip and a red berry finish.

Both Nero d’Avola and Shiraz were cultivated close to Trapani on sandy soils rich in minerals.

The vines are trained using the traditional “spalliera” method.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2018, M8 D9

White fruits

6°C

Dark fruits, raspberries

GRILLO, IGP TERRE 9043 PRECISO SICILIANE, 2016

$20.17

$121.00

16°C

Lemon, [01]

Red berries

Chicken fettuccine alfredo

Venison with green peppercorn sauce

Indigenous to Sicily, Grillo grapes were selected from the best vineyards around Marsala in the west of the island. Bright in colour with aromas of ripe fruits, quince and pears, it is light to medium-bodied with a refreshing crisp finish. Grapes were handpicked in mid-September, de-stemmed and gently pressed using a pneumatic press.

The juice was slowly fermented over a three week period.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Quince, pears

6°C

Ripe fruits, [02] Baby spinach salad with pears, toasted pine nuts, crumbled gorgonzola cheese

34

CELLAR 247 — NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

photo — Winemaker Stefano Chioccioli ensures each wine offers quality and is a true example of its type.

NEW

PRIMITIVO, IGP 9046 COLPASSO PRIMITIVO PUGLIA, 2016 Primitivo $130.00

$21.67

Terrific value, this wine scored highly in my tasting. Mellow ripe fruit aromas are complemented by some liquorice. It is soft and smooth with juicy fruits and a bitter cherry finish. Primitivo grapes were grown around the Leverano area in Puglia’s Salento peninsula. The flat land benefits from the cooling effects of breezes blowing in off the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Grapes were handpicked into small containers and transported to the winery. After de-stemming, the wine was fermented at 22°C to 24°C with frequent pumping-over of the must.

NEW

NEW

PINOT GRIGIO, IGP 9044 COLPASSO TERRE SICILIANE, 2016

NERO D’AVOLA, IGP 9045 COLPASSO TERRE SICILIANE, 2016

Pinot Grigio

Nero d’Avola

$20.83

$125.00

$20.83

$125.00

This is not a variety one commonly finds in Sicily, but on selected sites around Trapani it works! Pinot Grigio was carefully harvested in midAugust so that the natural fresh acidity was retained. Pale in colour, Colpasso Pinot Grigio 2016 has aromas of fresh apples with some floral notes behind. Light and elegant, it develops green apples and lemon flavours on the palate, leading to a crisp citrus finish.

Nero d’Avola grapes were grown in western Sicily around the area of Belice.

Some the grapes, hand-picked late September, were dried for five weeks in order to retain natural acidity and the balance picked in October. Colpasso Nero d’Avola 2016 has dark fruit aromas with a soft, succulent palate and juicy acidity.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

Fresh apples, floral

6°C

Dark fruits

18°C

2017-2019, M8 D9 Mellow, liquorice

18°C

Lemon, green apples, [01]

Succulent

Juicy fruits, bitter cherry

Seared sea scallops with lemon herb risotto

Sicilian-style sausage meatball stew

Pan-simmered capretto (baby goat) with tomatoes, onion, parsley and herbs

photo — The Wine People work with the growers to ensure the wine and environment are respected at every level of production.

— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE

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Our Programs Opimian offers three wine programs: Discovery, Select Plus and Founders’ Choice. All three showcase great value for money wines, yet they do suit somewhat different interests. Whether you decide to embark on an exploratory journey or want to enjoy a more premium selection, the process stays the same.

You don’t have to worry about deadlines or ordering procedures since Opimian automatically places an order on your behalf with every new Cellar Offering. Your preferred payment will be used, then your wine is shipped and you will receive a Pick Up Notice indicating where to pick it up. Visit Opim.ca for more information.

Eager to learn your way around the world of wine or simply enjoy a selection of bottles for everyday drinking? The Discovery program has it all. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive one mixed case of six bottles from a featured supplier per cellar offering. These wines are all for immediate drinking so you can indulge in one or two the moment they get to you. Whether you’re new to Opimian or fancy hopping on an introductory tour of the world of wine, we recommend this route.

Members previously enlisted in the Select program will now automatically be converted to our Discovery program.

Delve into a versatile selection of bottles and explore the four corners of the world of wine.

This program features both early drinkability and mid-term aging potential bottles so you can enjoy some now and lay the others down. Throughout the year, Select Plus members receive one mixed case of six bottles per Cellar Offering. These wines may all be enjoyed young but will benefit from some maturing time. The ideal program for those who wish to expand their horizons and refine their palate one bottle at a time.

A collector’s dream. Dedicated to the spirit of our Founders, this program presents only the finest wines our very own Master of Wine Jane Masters has handpicked and tasted over the past year. The wines featured here are exclusive to this program and don’t appear on our Cellar Offerings. Made up of six bottles of a premium wine with a dedicated back label and a special message with tasting notes from the producer, each of the cases you will receive represents the very best our producers have to offer. These bottles offer long-term aging potential so you might want to free up space in that cellar … or start building one.

The Founders’ Choice supplier for this cellar offering is Avenue SRL.

www.opim.ca opim@opim.ca

#420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal QC H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699