C249-BC: Spain, Portugal and Mâcon

cellar SPAIN, PORTUGAL, AND MÂCON

BC

248 Order between March 24, 2017 and April 28, 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-July 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: April 28, 2017. Important: no orders will be processed after this deadline. * Deadline for mailing orders: April 18, 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 – C239 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature

2

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

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

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 — Winemakers like Maria Alfonso from Finca Volvoreta are

embracing ancient vines and revolutionizing Spain’s wine industry.

Portugal Spain

Cellar 248 |

Spain, Portugal and Mâcon

The Iberian Peninsula, in the south west corner of Europe, mainly consists of Spain and Portugal. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea. Its mountainous nature, vast central plateau tilted westwards and large river valleys create a variety of conditions for growing grapes and making wine.

Both countries have a long history of winemaking. Spain has more old vineyards than any other country in the world, many of which had been all but abandoned.

Both Portugal and Spain are currently going through a renaissance and are producing some great wines at very affordable prices.

To round off the selection, we include Coeur des Lanciers and some 2016 wines from the Mâconnais by Paul Sapin.

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 352 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 Vinoselección ---------------------------4 Spanish Palate------------------------ 10 Axial Vinos---------------------------- 16 Bodegas Concavins ------------------- 20 Alvisa---------------------------------- 24 Churchill Graham LDA---------------- 28 Quinta da Barreira -------------------- 32 Paul Sapin---------------------------- 40

— CELLAR 248 BRITISH COLUMBIA

3

4

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

SPAIN SPAIN

Madrid

Vinoselección Massimo Galimberti, passionate about wine, used to spend his weekends exploring Spain’s wine regions and wanted to share his discoveries with his friends.

As interest grew, Vinoselección was founded. The company continues to search for wines that tell a story about where they come from. Here are some of Opimian’s favourites.

“ We select outstanding wines: bottles that tell a story and come from traditional wine growing regions and wines from many areas that are still unknown and yet to be discovered.“

photo — The bottle cellar of Bodegas Portia, designed by the famous British architect Norman Foster

— SPAIN VINOSELECCIÓN

5

9047

FINCA LA COLINA VERDEJO, CIEN X CIEN, DO RUEDA, VINOS SANZ, 2015 Verdejo $27.67

Spain’s wine renaissance has produced great wines at affordable prices.

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Tempranillo $166.00

$26.67

$160.00

Finca La Colina, at La Seca in Rueda, is one of the region’s oldest estates, spanning six generations. Rueda is Spain’s finest white wine region.

Finca La Colina Verdejo Cien x Cien, coming from some of the estate’s oldest vines, is consistently high in quality every year. The 2015 has intense aromas of pink grapefruits which lead to a soft palate with flavours of quince, white fruits and passion fruit with a long, elegant finish; Verdejo at its best.

Bodegas Portia, owned by the Riojan Faustino Group, is a James Bond-style winery, designed and built by world-renowned architect Norman Foster.

If that doesn’t impress you, this wine will! Deep in colour with aromas of blackberries and fresh apples, it is concentrated, rich and smooth. Medium to full-bodied, it oozes dark fruit flavours of cassis and black cherry with a fine texture and ripe tannins. It was matured 18 months in French oak barrels.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2025, M6 D8

Pink grapefruit, floral

6

9048

PORTIA CRIANZA SELECCIÓN DE FAMILIA, DO RIBERA DEL DUERO, BODEGAS PORTIA, 2013

6°C

Blackberries, apples

18°C

Quince, white fruits, passion fruit, [00]

Cassis, cherries, dark fruits

Pan-roasted haddock with black olive tapenade and zucchini olive oil purée

Fabada Asturiana – Spanish cassoulet white beans stewed with chorizo, paprika and vegetables

photo — The iconic entrance to Bodegas Portia, nicknamed “a three-pointed star” in Ribera del Duero

NEW

ALFAR VENDIMIA SELECCIONADA,

9049 DOCA. RIOJA, BODEGAS VALDELACIERVA, 2014

Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo

Tempranillo $41.00

9050

ENATE RESERVA PRIVADA, DO SOMONTANO, BODEGA ENATE, 2012

$246.00

$33.00

$198.00

Somontano comes from the Latin for “beneath the mountain”. This region, created as a DO in 1984, lies in the north of Spain in the foothills of the Pyrenees. Enate, established in 1992, brings wine and art together. The winery is also a gallery and the wine labels are works of art. A blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 20% Tempranillo, Enate Reserva Privada 2012 has a complex bouquet with liquorice, black fruit and some green leaf. Mellow and smooth on the palate, it has a fine texture with juicy black cherries and succulent fruit flavours. Well-balanced, it is delicious to drink now with the potential for cellaring.

2017-2022, M6 D8

Bodegas Valdelacierva is located in Navarrete, in the Rioja Alta sub-region, and has over 80 hectares of vines in small plots. For the Vendimia Seleccionada, grapes came from vineyards in Briones and Baños de Ebro. 25 to 40-year-old vines are cultivated on clay loam and sandy loam soils. Older vines are on alluvial soils.

This is an elegant, yet complex Rioja. The bouquet is spicy with woody, ginger notes complementing red cherry and red fruit aromas. It is light to medium-bodied with a smooth palate and mellow fruit and vanilla flavours. Grapes were hand-picked, destemmed and left to macerate for three days before the onset of fermentation. The juice was fermented at 24°C to 26°C with an extended maceration followed by malolactic fermentation in French oak barrels. The wine was subsequently matured for a further eight months in barrels, giving it super spicy notes rather than an overtly oaky character.

Liquorice, black fruits, green leaf

18°C

Juicy black cherries Tagine of beef with fennel, peas, carrots and olives

2017-2022, M6 D9 Spicy, ginger, red cherries, woody

18°C

Mellow fruit, vanilla Ginger spiced rack of lamb with spiced mashed potatoes

photo — Grapes are hand-picked and selected from old vineyards in Rioja to produce Alfar.

— SPAIN VINOSELECCIÓN

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NEW

9051

BRAÓ, DO MONTSANT, ACÚSTIC CELLER, 2014 Carinyena, Garnatxa $39.50

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

VALDUERO, 2016

Albillo

$237.00

$26.83

$161.00

One of the highest scoring wines in the tasting, this is a wine with personality and verve. Intensely coloured, it has a mellow bouquet with ripe forest fruits, spice, caramel, woody and herbal notes. The palate is voluptuous and rich with a refreshing acidity to create a perfect balance, finishing with juicy fruits and blackberry flavours.

This wine is produced from 60 to 80-year-old vines grown on harsh and stony, sandy clay soils that have toiled to survive. The name Braó means courage, strength, valour. It is a blend of 70% Carinyena and 30% Garnatxa.

Produced from the Albillo grape grown on a ten-hectare plot with limited production, this is an elegant wine with white fruit aromas followed by a succulent palate. The Yunquera Blanco de Albillo is round and broad in structure with firm acidity, good weight and depth.

2017-2025, M6 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

Mellow, forest fruits, spice, caramel, herbs

8

YUNQUERA BLANCO DE ALBILLO,

9052 DO RIBERA DEL DUERO, BODEGAS

18°C

White fruits

Blackberries, juicy fruits

Broad, succulent fruit, [00]

Venison sausage and chestnut casserole

Fried zucchini flowers

6°C

photo — Albert Jané daydreaming with Braó 2014

9053

VALDUERO CRIANZA, DO RIBERA DEL DUERO, BODEGAS VALDUERO, 2012 Tinto Fino $40.83

Not sure what to order?

Call your Wine Concierge at 800-361-9421

Tinto Fino $245.00

$50.00

$300.00

Bodegas Valduero at Gumiel de Mercado was founded

by Gregorio Garcia Álvarez and is now run by his two daughters Yolanda and Carolina. The winery has 200 hectares of vineyards and specializes in producing wines matured in oak for long periods. The Crianza was matured for 15 months in two different types of oak. Deep plum in colour, it has a sweet vanilla character combined with violets and blackcurrants. It is supple and well-balanced with juicy dark fruits and a smooth red cherry acidity on the finish. This is an elegant and powerful wine.

Una Cepa is produced from grapes from old Tempranillo (Tinto Fino) bush vines planted over 40 years ago; just one bottle of wine is produced from each vine. All the grapes were harvested by hand into small 14 kilo crates the first week of October. Oaky aromas dominate the nose with notes of vanilla and coconut over a fruity background. On the palate, it is youthful and fresh with a sharp tangy acidity, powdery texture and long, oaky finish. Grapes were fermented for nine days at 23°C to 28°C, and the wine left on skins for a further ten days. The wine was matured in oak barrels for 18 months.

2017-2025, M6 D9

2017-2025, M6 D8

Sweet vanilla, violets, blackcurrant

photo — The Valduero winery and vineyards in Ribera del Duero

CEPA, DO RIBERA DEL 9054 UNA DUERO, BODEGAS VALDUERO, 2012

18°C

Vanilla, coconut

18°C

Red cherries

Oaky fruits

Rosemary garlic crusted lamb chops with balsamic reduction

Pan-seared filet mignon with red wine shallot reduction

— SPAIN VINOSELECCIÓN

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CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

SPAIN SPAIN

Toro, Zamora

Spanish Palate Nicola Thornton was an English student who went to Spain on an exchange year for her studies, but loved it so much she never went home. She lives in Toro with her husband and daughters. After years of working with Toro wines, she set up Spanish Palate with winemaker Alvaro Martín. Wines are sourced from regions around Spain from small independent wineries which produce wines which express their own unique and regional character.

“ Botas de Barro is a range of wines that pays hommage to the generations of unsung farmers who labour in the background to preserve some of the world´s finest vineyards.“

photo — 140-year-old vines remain in the region of Toro and produce amazing quality grapes.

— SPAIN SPANISH PALATE

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NEW

9055

BOTAS DE BARRO, OLD VINE TEMPRANILLO, DO RIBERA DEL DUERO, 2015

NEW

DE BARRO, OLD VINE 9056 BOTAS GARNACHA, DO ALMANSA, 2015

Tempranillo $19.83

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Garnacha Tintorera $20.00

$120.00

Spain has the largest number of old vineyards in the world and winemaker Alvaro Martín got to wondering how many pairs of muddy boots had walked through these vineyards and cared for the old vines over the years. So began the concept of the Botas de Barro range. The range consists of wines from different regions, all sourced from very old vines. Each wine reflects the terroir on which the grapes were cultivated. Onehundred-year-old vines in Ribera del Duero are on limestone soil with sand and clay.

The region is characterized by having large differences in temperature between day and night; at harvest time there is often the risk of frost. Mellow with dark fruits, vanilla and spice aromas are complemented by a savoury marmite character. It was matured for four months in American oak.

The Almansa region in the southeast of Spain cultivates the indigenous Garnacha Tintorera grape. Unlike most black grapes, its pulp, as well as its grape skin, is coloured. Vines are cultivated on poor soils under a semi-arid climate.

The wine was matured for four months in French oak barrels, 15% new oak, and has a distinctly spicy, chocolate and coffee character that complements the fresh fruit flavours. It is medium-bodied with a long, spicy finish. Grapes were harvested by hand and fermented at 30°C.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2020, M8 D9

Vanilla, spice, dark fruits

12

$119.00

18°C

Spicy, coffee, chocolate

Savoury

Dark fruits, cherries

Sausage, spinach and three cheese lasagna

Paella with rabbit and artichokes

18°C

photo — A more organic, natural, minimum-intervention winemaking philosophy is gaining momentum in Spain

NEW

DE BARRO, OLD VINE 9057 BOTAS MONASTRELL, DOP JUMILLA, 2015 Monastrell $20.00

Jumilla 2015 exudes heat with a sweet heady perfume of cooked forest fruits, which leads to a more savoury palate with liquorice, raisins and bitter chocolate. It is light to medium-bodied with a grippy finish. Jumilla is one the driest wine regions in Spain, with just 300 millilitres of rain a year. Grapes were grown on 60-year-old ungrafted bush vines on sandy soils.

$120.00

Jumilla, in the southeast of Spain next to Almansa, lies between the Mediterranean coast and the flat arid plains of Castilla La Mancha. It is home to the Monastrell grape (aka Mourvèdre in France). Botas de Barro

NEW

DE BARRO, TINTA DE TORO, 9058 BOTAS DO TORO, 2015 Tinta de Toro $120.00

$20.00 2017-2019, M8 D9 Stewed forest fruits Raisins, liquorice Wild boar stew with dumplings

18°C

The extreme sandy soils of Toro had the advantage in preventing the development of phylloxera, the louse that devastated European vineyards in the late 19th century.

Hence the region has some of the oldest non-grafted vines in the world, at over 140 years old. Old Tempranillo vines, known locally as Tinta de Toro, produce low yields of concentrated grapes. Deep purple in colour, Botas de Barro Tinta de Toro 2015 has aromas of blackberries, fresh apples and incense. It is medium-bodied with spicy flavours of sweet ripe fruits followed by an intense coffee finish. It was matured for five months in American oak.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Apples, blackberries, incense

18°C

Ripe fruits, spicy oak, coffee Grilled NY Strip steak with wild mushrooms ragout

photo — Generation after generation tirelessly nurture Spain´s oldest vines, vine by vine

— SPAIN SPANISH PALATE

13

NEW

9059

NEW

VEGAZAR CRIANZA, DO RIBERA DEL DUERO, 2014 Tempranillo $24.67

Tempranillo $148.00

$24.17

$145.00

Aromas of smoky bacon and fresh red fruits lead to a light to medium-bodied wine with flavours of fresh red apples and a long spicy finish. Vegazar consists of 280 hectares and is unique in having the largest amount of old vines on a single estate in Ribera del Duero. Vines range from 70 to 105 years in age and grow on sandy clay and limestone soils. Grapes were harvested by hand the second week of October. After fermentation, the wine was matured for 12 months in French oak.

Jaime Sáez de La Hoya was a viticultural consultant roaming the fields of Ribera del Duero and Rueda before he purchased his first vineyard, six specially selected plots, in 2001. Hence Loess was established, named after the sedimentary soils formed by the accumulation of wind-blown silt. Inspiration 2015 is deep plum purple in colour with a restrained, but complex array of aromas of ripe dark fruits, vanilla, coconut milk, and oak with great depth. Mellow and concentrated, it has great presence with a long, lingering finish. This is a special wine offering great value.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2025, M6 D9

Red fruits, plums, smoky

14

9060

LOESS INSPIRATION, TEMPRANILLO EN ROBLE, DO RIBERA DEL DUERO, MIGUEL Y RUANO, 2015

18°C

Ripe dark fruits, vanilla, coconut

Red apples, spicy

Mellow, black fruits

Albóndigas – Spanish meatballs with chickpeas in tomato sauce

Wild mushroom risotto

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

18°C

photo — Only the finest oak barrels are used to age Loess´s wines.

NEW

DO TORO, FINCA 9062 JULIETTE, VOLVORETA, 2015 Tempranillo $21.83

$131.00

Tempranillo at its best in its native Spain

NEW

9061

LOESS CAPSULA AZUL, DO RIBERA DEL DUERO, MIGUEL Y RUANO, 2014 Tempranillo $35.17

$211.00

Loess wines are made by Isaac Fernandez. His wines are super elegant and fine with the potential for cellaring. Each plot is vinified separately in order to express the different nuances of each. Loess Capsula Azul is more savoury in character with intense aromas of liquorice and marmite. The palate is soft and smooth with rich treacle flavours, dark fruits; it is savoury with a bitter chocolate finish. Grapes were picked in October and underwent a cold soak followed by fermentation in tank. The wine was matured for 12 months in new and oneyear-old French oak barrels.

Exuding all manner of forest fruits, fresh blackberries, cherries and plums, this is a medium-bodied wine, well-balanced and smooth with soft tannins. Finca Volvoreta is managed by father and daughter team Antonio and Maria Alfonso. It is the first 100% organic winery in Toro and the pair follow a total natural and healthy philosophy.

The Zamora estate, at 800 metres, is one of the highest in the region.

2017-2025, M6 D9

2017-2020, M7 D9

Savoury, liquorice

18°C

Forest fruits, blackberries, cherries

18°C

Dark fruit, treacle, bitter chocolate

Blackberries, plums

Braised beef pappardelle

Balsamic plum-glazed pork tenderloin

photo — Loess’s vineyards grow in the purest of environments in and around Roa in Ribera del Duero.

— SPAIN SPANISH PALATE

15

“ Our success is based on the close relationship and invaluable support of our winery partners from the most renowned Spanish wine regions. “

16

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The harvest taking place in DO Navarra

SPAIN Zaragoza

Axial Vinos

SPAIN

Axial Vinos was set up by Dutch wine lover and lover of all things Spanish Louis Geirnaerdt and his wife Eugenie. Louis may not be Spanish, but he knows more about Spain and its wines than most Spaniards. He works closely with winemakers in regions such as Calatayud and Navarra.

NEW

MACABEO VIÑAS VIEJAS, 9065 ALBADA DO CALATAYUD, 2016 Macabeo $18.83

$113.00

Calatayud is one of those “re-discovered” regions of Spain; until recently a hidden gem with forgotten old vines. Macabeo was grown on 50 to 100-year-old vines and it shows in the complexity and intensity of aromas with pears, melons and mandarins, leading to a soft palate with persistent flavours of passion fruit, orange and other citrus; elegant and great value.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Melons, pears, mandarins

6°C

Passion fruit, citrus, [00] Grilled octopus and celery potato salad with olive oil and lemon dressing

— SPAIN AXIAL VINOS

17

NEW

9066

NEW

ALBADA GARNACHA VIÑAS VIEJAS, DO CALATAYUD, 2015 Garnacha $18.83

9067

MARQUÉS DE MONTAÑANA, GARNACHA, SELECCIÓN ESPECIAL, DO CALATAYUD, BODEGA VIRGEN DE LA SIERRA, 2015 Garnacha

$113.00

$22.83

NEW

9068

JAVIER SAN PEDRO RÁNDEZ, TEMPRANILLO, DOCA RIOJA, BODEGAS VALLOBERA, 2016 Tempranillo

$137.00

$15.00

$90.00

Generations of grape growers have cultivated Garnacha in Calatayud over the years.

Intensely concentrated grapes were grown on 50-year-old bush vines to produce a wine with aromas of cooked dark fruits, blackberries with herbal notes and mint. The palate is soft and smooth with good depth, rich in flavour with balanced acidity.

After picking, the grapes were destalked, crushed and fermented in concrete vats.

With no use of oak, this wine is a true reflection of its terroir and grape variety.

A special selection of grapes from the oldest vineyards close to Zaragoza, Marqués de Montañana is the name of the village from which it originates. It is mediumbodied with red and black fruit flavours, blackberries, apples and has medium length.

Grapes were picked by hand and underwent a cold soak for five days at 8°C. The juice was then fermented in concrete tanks at 25°C to 30°C with extended maceration on skins for 20 days. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in new oak barrels, producing a wine with savoury cedary notes.

A great value Rioja from Spain’s most famous wine region, the San Pedro family have been grape growers and producers of bulk wine in Rioja Alavesa for centuries. Yet, Javier San Pedro Rández always dreamt of making his own wines. His 2016 is vibrant in colour with primary aromas of red fruits with some blackcurrant. The grapes were grown on San Pedro’s vineyards around the medieval hilltop village of Laguardia. Grapes were harvested in early October, with 80% undergoing carbonic maceration. It is light to medium-bodied with supple tannins and dark fruit flavours.

2017-2022, M6 D9

2017-2022, M6 D8

2017-2020, M7 D9

Cooked dark fruit, herbs

18

16°C

Savoury, plums

18°C

Blackcurrant

Blackberries, mint

Red and black fruits, blackberries, apples

Dark fruits

Roasted quail with rosemary, thyme and garlic served with potatoes and beans

Roast suckling pig with whole-roasted apples

Lentil and vegetable stew

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

18°C

photo — A crossroad leading to three vineyards in DO Calatayud

NEW

9069

NEW

JAVIER SAN PEDRO RÁNDEZ, CRIANZA, DOCA. RIOJA, BODEGAS VALLOBERA, 2014

Garnacha, Tempranillo, Merlot

Tempranillo $18.67

Last day to order April 28, 2017

9070

CÁTULO TINTO, ORGANIC WINE, DO NAVARRA, BODEGAS LA CASA DE LÚCULO, 2016

$112.00

Javier’s Rioja wines are quite traditional; light to medium-bodied wines rather than blockbusters.

His Crianza 2014 has aromas of blackcurrants, herbs, smoke and wood.

Linear in structure rather than big and bulky, it has good acidity and a sour blackberry finish. Produced from 100% Tempranillo grown on 25-year-old vines, grapes were picked in early October and fermented at 28°C for 25 days. The wine was aged in American oak barrels for 12 months.

$17.17

$103.00

Navarra lies to the east of Rioja, closer to the Pyrenees. The climate is continental with the influence of the Pyrenees to the north and east and the Mediterranean to the south.

Cold nights and sunny days result, allowing grapes to slowly ripen on the lower mountain slopes. Cátulo is made by Juan Glaría from organically grown Garnacha, Tempranillo and Merlot. It is light to medium-bodied with fresh plummy fruits, herbs and notes of chocolate. Fermented in concrete tanks, there is no use of oak.

2017-2020, M7 D9 Blackcurrant, herbs, wood

18°C

Sour blackberries, smoky Rosemary braised pork shanks with polenta and braised greens

2017-2020, M8 D9 Chocolate

16°C

Plummy fruits Chorizo pizza with peppers and Manchego

photo — A walk through the vineyards with Javier San Pedro Rández in DOCa Rioja

— SPAIN AXIAL VINOS

19

20

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

SPAIN SPAIN Catalonia

Bodegas Concavins

Montblanc, Barberà de la Conca Located in the Conca de Barberà in Catalonia, Clos Montblanc is owned by the Carbonell Figueras family. Close to the winery is the fortified town of Montblanc and the monastery of Poblet. The area was settled by Cistercian monks from France over a thousand years ago on land conquered from the Moors. The monks re-established and worked vineyards in the area. Today, wines are made by Winemaker Josep Vadrí from both indigenous and international varieties. The influence from the mountains is strong. This is a cool climate region with many vineyards cultivated at high altitude.

“ We apply the latest knowledge in viticulture and enology, with the aim of achieving unique wines with a strong temperament and sensitivity.“

photo — Surrounded by mountains, the Clos Montblanc winery is established next to the village of Barberà de la Conca.

— SPAIN BODEGAS CONCAVINS

21

MONTBLANC 362, BRUT CAVA

9071 RESERVA, MÈTODE TRADICIONAL, DO CAVA

Macabeu, Xarel-lo, Parellada $18.83

$113.00

Bubbles to celebrate any occasion! Cava is a great and affordable alternative to Champagne. Produced in the same way from Spanish grape varieties Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada, Montblanc 362 Brut Cava Reserva is an aromatic bubbly with floral aromas, quince and grapefruit. It has a fine, creamy mousse and a crisp lemon finish.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Grapefruit, floral

MONTBLANC 362 MACABEU/

9072 CHARDONNAY, DO CATALUNYA, 2016

Macabeu, Chardonnay $14.83

Macabeu and Chardonnay vines were planted 21 years ago around the town of Montblanc on clay loam soils. The 2016 Montblanc 362, a blend of 70% Macabeu and 30% Chardonnay, has fresh fruit aromas of pineapple and pear drops. This is a soft, easy drinking wine with lemon citrus flavours and a slightly pithy finish, giving it length.

6°C 2017-2018, M8 D9

Quince, lemon, [01] Vegetable tempura

$89.00

Pear drops, pineapple

6°C

Lemon, pears, [00] Crispy fish tacos with apple pear slaw

22

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Mas Vidal, the renovated 18th-century farm house, is the birthplace of the Clos Montblanc.

362 CHARDONNAY, 9073 MONTBLANC DO CATALUNYA, 2016 Chardonnay $28.67

$172.00

9074

MONTBLANC 362 TEMPRANILLO/ CABERNET, DO CATALUNYA, 2016 Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon $14.67

This barrel-fermented Chardonnay has spicy aromas and a rich palate. Grapes were harvested at night, pressed and fermented in different types of new oak barrels from the Nevers, Tronçais and Allier forests in France.

The wine underwent malolactic fermentation and was matured in barrel for a further three to four months to produce a wine with aromas of nutmeg, vanilla and cooked pineapple. In the mouth, this is a broad structured wine with oaky pineapple flavours and a persistent bitter marmalade finish.

6°C

Samsó, Syrah $110.00

$18.33

Produced from a blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2016 Montblanc 362 has black cherry fruit aromas with just a hint of cocoa; it was aged for three months in used barrels. It is medium-bodied with a bitter cherry finish.

The vines are cultivated on clay limestone soils with each variety picked at full ripeness, Tempranillo mid-September, Cabernet Sauvignon mid-October.

An altogether fuller and more concentrated wine, Samsó is the Catalan name for Carignan.

Both Syrah and Samsó are cultivated on black slate and quartz soils known as Llicorella. Youthful in character, it has spicy, woody aromas with black cherries and vanilla. Medium to full-bodied, it is concentrated with some rustic tannins and a firm finish. Grapes were fermented at 25°C to 28°C and the wine aged in used and new barrels for 16 months.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2022, M6 D8

2017-2020, M7 D8 Cooked pineapple, nutmeg, vanilla

$88.00

362 SYRAH/SAMSÓ, 9075 MONTBLANC DO CONCA DE BARBERÀ, 2014

Black cherries, cocoa

18°C

Spicy oak, black cherries, vanilla

18°C

Oaky, pineapple, bitter marmalade, [01]

Bitter cherries

Fresh dark fruits

Chicken Makhani

Empanadas

Filet mignon of venison with black cherries, port wine reduction and rosemary potatoes

photo — Exclusive wines are produced in the traditional way in this stone vat in the Masia Les Comes farmhouse.

— SPAIN BODEGAS CONCAVINS

23

24

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

SPAIN SPAIN

Socuéllamos

Alvisa (Ciudad Real)

The plateau of La Mancha in central Spain stretches out south of Madrid in all directions. It is Spain’s largest wine region, indeed Europe’s largest demarcated wine region. At an average altitude of 610 metres, these plains are arid and hot in summer and bitterly cold in winter. It is inhospitable land and agriculture is limited by the conditions. Until 2003, when irrigation was permitted, most of the wine produced was either for distillation to make brandy, or sold in bulk. Today, the region has moved on in terms of quality, offering well-made great value wines for everyday drinking.

“ Tradition and quality combined with high technology and flexibility offer the best DO La Mancha wines year after year. “

photo — The main entrance to the Alvisa Cellar in a

Mudéjar-style building made of bricks and ceramics

— SPAIN ALVISA

25

NEW

9076

NEW

GUSTO, VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA, 2015 Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon $14.83

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

Verdejo $15.83

$95.00

Tempranillo was blended with 15% Syrah and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon to create a wine with red berry fruits, balsamic and liquorice aromas. It is soft with a juicy mid-palate and red and black fruit flavours. It was aged for three months in French oak.

Pale in colour with subtle aromas of apples and pears, Thoro Loko Verdejo is a dry white, soft and round with medium body and floral notes, quince and green apple.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2018, M8 D9

Red berries, balsamic

26

$89.00

9077

THORO LOKO VERDEJO, BLANCO SECO, VERDEJO, DO LA MANCHA, 2015

16°C

Fresh apples

6°C

Red and black fruits, liquorice

Quince, floral, apples, [00]

Sirloin steak with balsamic and shallots jam

Spicy shrimp cocktail with avocado and corn

photo — Serafín Moya, enologist. “Wine is my life; I grew up surrounded by vineyards”

NEW

THORO LOKO, BLANCO SECO,

9078 SAUVIGNON BLANC, DO LA MANCHA, 2015

Sauvignon Blanc $15.83

$95.00

Spanish character and terroir bottled with love and passion

NEW

9079

THORO LOKO, TINTO SECO, CABERNET SAUVIGNON, ROBLE, DO LA MANCHA, 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon $15.83

A pale dry white wine with some floral aromas, it is not overtly Sauvignon Blanc in character. On the palate it is has more fruit flavours finishing with floral notes and pears.

Blackcurrant aromas with some tarry notes lead to a medium-bodied wine with some grippy tannins on the finish.

It spent six months in French oak.

2017-2018, M8 D9 Floral

6°C

$95.00

2017-2019, M8 D9 Blackcurrant, tarry notes

18°C

Pears, fruity, [00]

Firm, grippy tannins

Vietnamese spring rolls

Veal rib-eye with chanterelle mushrooms

photo — The stairs to the white wine tank. Three cooling rings keep the wine at constant temperature.

— SPAIN ALVISA

27

28

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

PORTUGAL PORTUGAL

Villa Nova de Gaia

Churchill Graham LDA When Johnny Graham founded Churchill Graham in 1981, it was the first Port House to have been founded in 50 years. In those days, the Douro vineyards were a remote back water, cut off from the commercial cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia downstream. Today the region is connected by fast, modern roads that attract visitors to this hip region.

“ In a sector surrounded by old players, established for many centuries, Churchill’s in its 35 years of existence has distinguished itself by its exclusive wines with their unique identity. “

photo — Quinta da Gricha, located on the south bank of the river Douro in the Cima Corgo wine region

— PORTUGAL CHURCHILL GRAHAM LDA

29

QUEIJO, VINHO BRANCO, DO 9080 MEIO DOURO, 2016 Rabigato, Viosinho, Arinto $17.33

$104.00

Like many in the Douro, Churchill Graham started making still wines in the late 1990s to complement the range of Port and in response to consumers’ desire for lighter alcohol rather than fortified wines. Grapes were harvested at night, chilled to 5°C, lightly crushed and left on skins for 12 hours. About 10% of the wine was aged in new oak casks and the balance in tank, producing a light, refreshing, crisp white.

2017-2018, M8 D9 White fruits, pears

8°C

Crisp, refreshing, lemon finish, [00] Grilled sea bass fillets with lemon and fennel

30

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The slopes of the Douro Valley come to life with workers collecting the grapes by hand at harvest.

QUEIJO, VINHO TINTO, DO 9081 MEIO DOURO, 2013 Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz $17.33

20 YEARS OLD 9082 CHURCHILL’S TAWNY PORTO

$104.00 Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca

In 1999, Johnny purchased Quinta da Gricha, on the south bank of the Douro River. All the grapes used in Meio Queijo wine come from this estate. Using a blend of three traditional grapes, it is 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Touriga Franca and 30% Tinta Roriz.

All grapes were hand-harvested into small boxes, lightly crushed and left to cold soak for four days prior to fermentation. Meio Queijo 2013 is restrained in style with aromas of black cherries and other dark fruits with a hint of smoke. It is medium-bodied, smooth with structure, a fine texture and a blackberry finish. 20% of the wine was aged in two to three-year-old casks.

As tawny Port ages in old oak casks it becomes paler in colour and more brown in hue.

After twenty years in seasoned oak casks, this Port is quite pale with a mellow, smoky, nutty bouquet. It is smooth with flavours of dried figs, raisins and nuts.

2017-2020, M7 D9

2017-2025, M6 D8

Black cherries, smoke

photo — Quinta da Gricha has a very exclusive and specific terroir bringing personality and style to the wines

18°C

$410.00

$45.56

Smoky, dried fruits

18°C

Structured, blackberries

Nutty, [08]

Roast partridge with thyme and wild mushrooms

São Jorge, roasted chestnuts

— PORTUGAL CHURCHILL GRAHAM LDA

31

“ Our focus is the production of high quality wines at very competitive prices. “

32

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The Caves Campelo vineyards produce delicious Vinho Verde wines from local grape varieties

PORTUGAL PORTUGAL

Carvoeira

José Gaspar is an agronomist, vine-grower, winemaker and consultant. He has worked for wine companies large and small, witnessed and driven the progress made in wine quality across Portugal. His grandfather produced wine at the small family property in the 1950s, which José Gaspar has run for the last 20 years. Quinta da Barreira is located 50 kilometers south of Lisbon.

Quinta da Barreira

As well as his own vineyards, José works on a range of projects in areas throughout Portugal.

SOUTHERN PORTUGAL

NEW

TÁGIDE SYRAH, VINHO REGIONAL

9084 LISBOA, QUINTA DA BARREIRA, 2015

NEW

9083

TÁGIDE ARINTO E MOSCATEL, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, QUINTA DA BARREIRA, 2016

Syrah $18.33

$110.00

This is a light crisp white wine with delicate aromas of pears, white fruits and fresh apples. It is produced from a blend of the indigenous Arinto, one of Portugal’s oldest grape varieties originally from Lisboa, and Moscatel grapes.

Quinta da Barreira has been in José Gaspar’s family since 1954. He has farmed the 11-hectare vineyard which features both indigenous and international grapes varieties for the last 20 years. Tágide Syrah 2015 is a spicy wine with notes of leather and coffee.

It is light to medium-bodied with some restrained fruit flavours preceding savoury, meaty characters and a bitter finish. The wine was fermented in concrete tanks with extended maceration on skins. The Tágide takes its name from the Tagus River which is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula and runs from Spain, along the border and across Portugal to empty out into the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2020, M8 D9

Arinto, Moscatel $18.33

Pears, fresh apples

$110.00

6°C

Spicy, coffee, leather

18°C

White fruits, crisp, [00]

Dark fruits, savoury notes

Seafood fritters with smoked paprika aïoli

Syrah-braised short ribs with roasted carrots and braised onions

— PORTUGAL QUINTA DA BARREIRA

33

9085

NEW

QUINTA DA BARREIRA RESERVA, TOURIGA NACIONAL/CABERNET SAUVIGNON, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2015

9086 BRANCO, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO,

Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon

Fernão Pires, Arinto, Malvasia

$20.67

$124.00

Portugal is a mine of indigenous grapes, but without doubt Touriga Nacional is the star amongst them. José Gaspar has blended it with Cabernet Sauvignon. The result is a wine with floral notes, Parma violets combined with blackberries and a hint of leather. The palate is smooth and round with nice acidity and a fragrant finish. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks then aged in American oak barrels for a year.

2017-2022, M6 D9 Floral, Parma violets, blackberries

18°C

Fragrant, smooth

ENCOSTA DO SOBRAL SELECTION, ENCOSTA DO SOBRAL, 2016

$24.83

$149.00

An elegant, food friendly wine, it reminds me somewhat of Grüner Veltliner, although it is produced from completely different grape varieties, the indigenous Fernão Pires, Arinto and Malvasia. It has aromas of apple blossom, good mid-palate weight and fruit, and is quite restrained in style. After some skin contact, the juice was fermented at low temperature with a third aged in one and two-year-old French and American oak barrels, giving extra complexity rather than oaky flavours.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Apple blossom

6°C

Soft, elegant white fruits, [01] Waldorf salad

Portuguese Feijoada – rich pork and bean stew

34

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Wine ageing bottles in wood containers.

The wines of today are shaped by time.

Order online at opimian.ca

NEW

9088

NEW

9087

QUINTA VALE DE FORNOS, TOURIGA NACIONAL RESERVA, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, 2015 Touriga Nacional $43.17

$259.00

photo — The Cancela de Abreu family has a farming and winemaking tradition dating back 130 years.

MARQUÊS DOS VALES SELECTA RESERVA, VINHO REGIONAL ALGARVE, QUINTA DOS VALES, 2012 Syrah, Touriga Nacional

José Gaspar has worked with the Monteiro family as consultant to revitalize and renovate the old vineyards of Quinta Vale de Fornos. This is a historic 200-hectare estate with a winery built in the 18th century. The terrain is irregular with valleys, slopes and hills. Eighteen different varieties are planted on clay-limestone, sandy and clay loam soils.

This wine is made from just one of them, and what a fine example of Touriga Nacional it is. Dense purple in colour, it has a rich, sweet bouquet of cooked dark fruits, cherry jam, vanilla and cedar. It is soft and ripe on the palate, concentrated with intense spicy oak which leads to a more savoury smoky flavour that lingers. Touriga Nacional grapes were picked by hand in the cool hours of the early morning with careful selection of the clusters. After a cold soak, fermentation and malolactic, the wine was aged for 12 months in new French oak.

Quinta dos Vales is situated at Estômbar, in the heart of western Algarve, in southern Portugal. The estate has 44 hectares situated less than 10 kilometers from the coast with a climate of long, dry, hot summers and mild winters. Marquês dos Vales Selecta Reserva, a blend of Syrah and Touriga Nacional, has appealing cooked cherry pie and vanilla aromas. The oak is prominent, but integrated, producing a wine that is wellbalanced with red and black fruit flavours and a sour cherry finish.

2017-2025, M6 D8

2017-2021, M7 D9

Cooked dark fruits, cherry jam, vanilla, cedar

18°C

$150.00

$25.00

Cooked cherry pie, vanilla, spice

18°C

Ripe fruits, spicy oak, smoky

Oaky, ripe red and black fruits

Oxtail stew

Pepper-crusted duck breasts with cherryport sauce

— PORTUGAL QUINTA DA BARREIRA

35

Portugal has over 250 indigenous grape varieties.

NORTHERN PORTUGAL BRANCO, DOC VINHO 9090 MIRANDA VERDE, CAVES CAMPELO, 2016 NEW

9089

MARQUÊS DOS VALES DUO, TOURIGA FRANCA AND TOURIGA NACIONAL, VINHO REGIONAL ALGARVE, QUINTA DOS VALES, 2014 Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca

$98.00

Duo is made from Touriga Nacional and Touriga Franca grapes cultivated on the Quinta dos Vales estate on clay limestone soils. The two varieties have yielded a restrained wine with coconut and vanilla aromas which complement the red fruits; it was aged for twelve months in French oak.

It is medium-bodied with firm acidity and a balsamic finish. Grapes were picked by hand into small 12-kilogram boxes, de-stemmed and fermented at 18°C to 20°C. 2017-2022, M6 D8

2017-2018, M8 D9

Coconut, red fruit, balsamic

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

$16.33

For those who enjoy a light white wine, lower in alcohol than most, Vinho Verde is a speciality from the northwest corner of Portugal. Bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Spain’s Galicia, this is one of the wettest regions in the country.

Winemaker Reinaldo Pinho used a blend of indigenous grapes: 40% Loureiro, 30% Trajadura and 30% Arinto.

Miranda 2016 has fresh apple flavours, a light palate with just 10% alcohol, and a touch of residual sweetness offset by the naturally high acidity and some spritz.

$33.17

36

Loureiro, Trajadura, Arinto

$199.00

18°C

White fruits

Red fruits

Apples, spritz, [02]

Lamb and prune tagine

Salt cod croquettes

6°C

DOURO

NEW

BRANCO, DOC 9091 VINDIMEIRO, DOURO, CAVES CAMPELO, 2016 Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Gouveio, Rabigato $18.00

$108.00

Aromas of almonds, nectarine and white fruit flavours all slowly emerge from this wine, which is both classy and structured. A blend of 40% Malvasia Fina, 20% Viosinho, 20% Gouveio and 20% Rabigato, it shows the potential Portugal has to produce fine quality white wines. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks then aged on fine lees with regular bâtonnage.

2017-2019, M8 D9 Almonds, nectarines

6°C

DOC DOURO, SOCIEDADE 9092 CYTISUS, AGRÍCOLA BOAS QUINTAS, 2015 Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz $24.67

$148.00

Boas Quintas was started

by Nuno Cancela de Abreu in the Dão region in 1991.

In 2010, he expanded into other areas of Portugal.

Cytisus was produced from grapes grown on the schist slopes of the Douro Valley. Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz were combined to produce a wine with plummy fruit and floral aromas. It is light to medium-bodied and well-balanced.

After a short cold soak and fermentation in tank, the wine spent three months in used oak barrels.

White fruits, [00] 2017-2020, M8 D9

Pumpkin ravioli Plums, floral

16°C

Floral fruits Coelho à Caçador - Portuguese rabbit with red wine and pork sausage casserole

Portugal’s Douro Valley is a world-heritage UNESCO site.

photo — The Touriga Franca vineyard at Quinta dos Vales,

with The Four Winds accommodation units in the background

— PORTUGAL QUINTA DA BARREIRA

37

NEW

NEW

PORTO 10 ANOS, 9093 SONETO GESPROVE Field blend, traditional grapes $39.33

$236.00

In the 1980s, José Gaspar worked in the Douro for a Port house and this is where he met his friend José Pinheiro, who makes the Soneto range of Ports.

José Pinheiro knows the vineyards of the Upper Corgo sub-region and works directly with growers to source grapes. This tenyear-old tawny is a dream. Brown in colour, it has an intense, mellow and complex bouquet with raisins, spice and treacle. Soft and sweet on the palate, the sweetness is balanced by good acidity with lingering fresh and dried fruits and nutty flavours. It was matured in old 630-litre oak casks for ten years. This 10-year-old tawny is completely ready for drinking, it will not develop further in bottle, but can be kept in the cellar for years and will retain its flavour profile.

Ready to drink Raisins, spice, treacle Complex, dried fruit, nutty, [08]

18°C

PORTO VINTAGE 2013, 9094 SONETO GESPROVE Field blend, traditional grapes $51.83

$311.00

Vintage Port is the highest quality of Port produced. It is made from the best grapes in the best vintages and not every Port house produces a vintage standard each year. In 2013 only a small amount of vintage Port was produced by a small number of the Port houses; a reflection of the growing season which was sunny and dry, but with some rain at harvest. Very different in style to a tawny Port, it spends much less time in oak, but has the ability to be aged for decades in bottle. Soneto Vintage 2013 is dense and vibrant in colour with a black cherry hue.

It has aromas of chocolate, smoke and graphite combined with ripe succulent fruits.

Full on the palate, it has a long, bitter cherry finish. It is so delicious that it is tempting to drink it all now, however I suggest trying to hold on to some of those bottles for at least five to ten years.

2017-2027, M6 D8 Chocolate, black cherries, graphite

18°C

Succulent fruit, bitter cherries, [08] Chocolate cherry port wine cake, Roquefort

Tarte Tatin, Camembert

38

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — Nuno Cancela de Abreu, Boas Quintas Partner, at his winery in Dão, where Agenda is produced

NEW

DA BICA VINHAS VELHAS, 9097 QUINTA DOC DÃO, QUINTA DA BICA, 2011 Jaen, Baga, Rufete, Alfrocheiro, Alvarelhão, Touriga Nacional $191.00

$31.83

DÃO NEW

NEW

DA PORTA, TINTO, DOC 9095 CAMPO DÃO, CAVES CAMPELO, 2015 Tinta Roriz, Jaen, Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro

DOC DÃO, SOCIEDADE 9096 AGENDA, AGRÍCOLA BOAS QUINTAS, 2014 Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz

The Dão DOC takes its name from the river which flows through it. Only Portuguese varieties are permitted in the DOC and most wines produced are blends, in this case 30% Tinta Roriz, 30% Jaen, 20% Touriga Nacional and 20% Alfrocheiro.

Campo da Porta is a relatively light wine, ready for early drinking with ripe fruit flavours, raspberries and some balsamic character.

The region is shielded from the influence of the Atlantic by the Serra do Caramulo, so summer is warm and dry.

A more full-bodied wine from Dão with succulent mid-palate fruit, Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro and Tinta Roriz are cultivated on clay soils. Agenda 2014 has spicy cooked fruits, smoky bacon and woody notes. It is smooth on the palate with a sour cherry acidity and a smoky finish. Agenda is made by Nuno Cancela de Abreu, whose family has been making wines in the Dão region since 1884. Grapes underwent cold skin contact for two days, followed by a fiveday fermentation period.

Up until the 1960s, The Dão region was the most renowned region in Portugal for its still table wines. Quinta da Bica was a convent between 1550 and 1650. The property has been owned by the Sacadura Botte family since the second half of the 17th century and in the late 19th century it grew a reputation for quality wines. Today, these are made by Douro-born winemaker Paulo Nunes. The Quinta da Bica Vinhas Velhas 2011 has an earthy aroma with some floral notes. It is a smooth wine with a succulent dark fruits mid-palate, plums and cherries, which ends with a savoury twist. A total of just 7000 bottles were produced from a melée of indigenous grapes cultivated on granite and calcareous clay soils. It was matured in French oak barrels for 12 months and finally bottled in May 2015.

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2020, M7 D8

2017-2022, M6 D9

$18.00

Ripe fruits, raspberries, balsamic

$108.00

16°C

$20.33

$122.00

Cooked spicy fruits, smoky bacon

18°C

Earthy, coal, floral

18°C

Soft, red fruits

Sour cherries, woody

Dark fruits, plums, cherries, savoury

Tomato-braised pork belly with white beans, spinach and sun-dried tomatoes

Tagliatelle with wild boar ragù

Boeuf Bourguignon

photo — The Gesprove cellar in the heart of the Douro region

— PORTUGAL QUINTA DA BARREIRA

39

“ Our cellar team works closely with growers to monitor the wines’ quality and plays an active role in making them .“

40

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The famous rock of Solutré overlooks the Saint-Véran village and its vineyards in the Mâconnais.

FRANCE

MÂCON Southern Burgundy

Paul Sapin

COEUR DES LANCIERS BLANC, VIN DE FRANCE

Colombard, Chardonnay

9099 WINE FOR 2

9100

MÂCON

Wine merchant Paul Sapin was founded in Southern Burgundy in 1889 at Lancier, close to where Beaujolais meets Mâcon. 2016 was not an easy year in the Mâconnais.

Frost and hail meant the amount of wine produced was low, but quality has resulted due to sunshine in August and September. Thierry Coulon and winemaker Vincent Charleux keep a watchful eye on the vineyards around them throughout the growing season and work with local estates.

At this price, you couldn’t expect anything more than this deliciously fruity wine. Pale in colour, it has intense aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit coming from the Colombard and Chardonnay grapes used to make it. The palate is soft with a crisp finish and lingering flavours of passion fruit and citrus.

2017-2018, M8 D9

$12.17 $146.00

Gooseberry, grapefruit

$11.83

Passion fruit, citrus, [01]

$71.00

Shrimp, avocado and grapefruit salad

6°C

— MÂCON PAUL SAPIN

41

COEUR DES LANCIERS ROSÉ, VIN DE FRANCE

COEUR DES LANCIERS ROUGE, VIN DE FRANCE

Syrah, Marselan

Cabernet Franc, Grenache

9101 WINE FOR 2

9102

$146.00 $11.83 $71.00

9103 WINE FOR 2

9104

$12.17 $146.00 $11.83 $71.00

Pale baby pink in colour, it is produced from Cabernet Franc and Grenache grapes grown in the Côtes de Gascogne in southwest France.

Fruity aromas of pear drops and fresh apples lead to red berry flavours. A very approachable, drinkable wine.

A blend of Syrah and Marselan. The Marselan grape is a cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, bred in France in the 1960s.

The cross was originally rejected as it only produced small berries and low yields at a time when the trade was looking at ways to increase production. Coeur des Lanciers Rouge is deep plum in colour with ripe dark fruits, cherries and blackberry aromas. It is medium-bodied with a savoury finish.

2017-2018, M8 D9

2017-2019, M8 D9

Pear drops, apples

42

$12.17

6°C

Cherries, blackberries

16°C

Red berries, [01]

Floral, violet, savoury

Pizza Margherita

Baked zucchini with minced meat and tomato

CELLAR 248 — BRITISH COLUMBIA

photo — The Coeur des Lanciers wines are meant to be enjoyed at any occasion.

PAUL SAPIN MÂCON-LUGNY, LA COLLECTION, AOP, 2016

PAUL SAPIN SAINT-VÉRAN, LA COLLECTION, AOP, 2016

Chardonnay

9105 WINE FOR 2

9106

Chardonnay $25.33 $152.00 $19.00 $114.00

9107 WINE FOR 2

9108

Chardonnay $28.67 $172.00 $21.17 $127.00

2016 was not an easy year in the Mâconnais at the southern end of Burgundy with spring frosts and hail, but the wines are showing well. The soil around the village of Lugny is made of soft limestone over pebbles. The 2016 was tasted as a tank sample and showed banana and yogurt aromas. It is dry and smooth with good weight and a lingering finish.

This wine is full of citrus, lemons and limes, combined with green apples and a certain flintiness. It has great balance and will develop some more honeyed notes as it matures. SaintVéran is the southernmost appellation of the Mâconnais region, lying at the feet of the great rocks of Solutré and Vergisson. Vines are cultivated on clay and limestone soils over crystalline rock and Jurassic sandstone.

2017-2019, M8 D9

2017-2020, M8 D9

Banana, yogurt

PAUL SAPIN POUILLY-VINZELLES, LA COLLECTION, AOP, 2016

6°C

Flinty, lemon

9109 WINE FOR 2

9110

$37.17 $223.00 $26.67 $160.00

6°C

Smooth, [00]

Lemon, lime, green apples, [00]

Poached salmon with creamy dill sauce

Roast chicken with lemon and herbs

A rich Burgundy style with rich oaky character, it has aromas of ripe pineapple, butterscotch and toffee. It is concentrated and well-balanced on the palate with a long finish and the potential for cellaring. PouillyVinzelles is a small appellation next to its more famous neighbour Pouilly-Fuissé.

2017-2020, M7 D9 Toffee

6°C

Pineapple, caramel, [00] Lobster en croûte

photo — Although 2016 was a tough year in the Mâconnais, winemakers used their expertise to produce quality wines.

— MÂCON PAUL SAPIN

43

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.

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 Spanish Palate.

www.opim.ca opim@opim.ca

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