Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring
Concentration
Light - Medium - Great
Oak
Light - Medium - Heavy
Organic*
Vegan/vegetarian**
Limited quantities
Limited
Very limited
Extremely limited Less than 100 cases available
Members’ Choice 2019 favourite
Opimian Suggests Starting a cellar
Medal Winner
Discovery 2019 Discovery Program Case - C265
Select Plus 2019 Select Plus Program Case - C265
Ordering Made Easy
1. SELECT YOUR WINES
Let yourself be inspired by our detailed descriptions to find out which wines best suit your palate. Our custom chart on the left also features a variety of user-friendly symbols that can guide your selection. Still unsure what to order? Opimian’s Member Service team is always available to help you make an informed choice. Call us at 1-800-361-9421 or e-mail MemberService@Opimian.ca
2. PLACE YOUR ORDER
Last day to order for this Cellar Offering is Monday, March 30, 2020 at 12:00 pm ET No orders will be processed after this time. There are four ways to order:
• Online: Go to Opimian.ca, sign in and select Order Wine
• Email MemberService@Opimian.ca with your selection.
• Mail your order by March 20, 2020. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post.
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.
Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board. For this Cellar Offering, the expected release date is August 2020
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.
Conditions of Purchase
• Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or cheque payable to Opimian.
• Prices include all applicable federal and provincial markups and taxes.
• A valid membership card is required to order.
• Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum required.
Notes (as required by the SAQ’s operating procedures)
• A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian remits the funds enclosed (minus any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered.
• The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges.
M—Degree of Maturity (1-10)
M1 = lay down
M10 = fully mature
D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10)
D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink
*This information is provided by our suppliers and reflects the certifications of their own countries which do not necessarily match Canadian norms.
**This information is provided by our producers and may not reflect Canadian norms.
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
Every wine offered by Opimian is tasted and selected for its deliciousness and value by our consultant Master of Wine, Jane Masters MW. Jane also chooses the mixed cases for Opimian’s Discovery and Select Plus subscription programs for members to discover wines in an easy way, as well as wines for the premium Founders’ Choice program. As one of 390 Masters of Wine worldwide, Jane has in-depth knowledge and her aim is to share her love of wine with members via the Cellar Offering. She was elected Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine 2016-2018.
Cellar 274
Italy and Chablis
Life in Italy revolves around the enjoyment of food and wine with friends. Every region has its own regional cuisine with wines to match. Southern Italy, with its warm sunny climes, offers great value wines for everyday drinking – look out for examples from Puglia, Sicily and Abruzzo. Prosecco is a world phenomenon when it comes to bubbly. This offering also sees a traditional sparkling wine from Trentino in the north and a more unusual one made from Sangiovese grapes in Tuscany. Lamblin Fils are back with another great selection from Chablis.
cover — Contesa’s strength is rooted in family, which, generation after generation, honours the art of winemaking.
photo — The cutting process during the harvest of Sangiovese.
Puglia, Sicily and Abruzzo
The Wine People
Southern Italy, including Puglia and the island of Sicily, produce some of Italy’s best value wines. Sunny days and warm temperatures, ideal for growing ripe, flavoursome grapes, are what first attracted Stefano Girelli and Stefano Chioccioli to the south, where they produce wines from both local and international grape varieties.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
1733 DEA DEL MARE PINOT GRIGIO, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2019
Pinot Grigio $ 20.00 $ 120.00
A soft and fruity wine with flavours of pears, pear drops and sherbet. Pinot Grigio is a relatively recent introduction to the vineyards in Sicily, following its success in more northern regions of Italy. It has nice mid palate fruit and with a soft crisp finish.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Sherbet 6°C
White fruits, crisp, [00]
Roasted mushroom and vermouth risotto
Colpasso Grillo has intense aromas of grapefruit and fresh grapes with a hint of smoke. Grillo is a traditional grape variety grown on the island of Sicily, originally to produce Marsala – the island’s sweet fortified wine. This dry version of Grillo has delicious flavours of ripe white fruits, pears and peaches which all linger on the palate.
Aromas of elderflower, lime cordial and orange blossom lead to more lime and gooseberry flavours. It is supple and crisp on the palate. Fiano is an old variety native to southern Italy which is growing in popularity due to its characterful wines.
Limes, gooseberries, [01]
This wine is salmon pink in colour with nice strawberry flavours. Pinot Grigio grapes from the Veneto were picked in early September, gently crushed and the juice left for 6 to 12 hours on grape skins to create this blush. It is quite light bodied and dry, with a fruity finish.
Goat cheese and caramelized onion frit-tata with a lemony green salad
2020-2021, M8 D9
Grapefruit, grapey, smoke 6°C
Pears, peaches, [01]
Pasta al limone
2020-2021, M8 D9
Elderflower, orange blossom 6°C
Rosemary-orange roasted chicken
2020-2021, M8 D9
Berry fruits, [00]
photo — Pressing grapes of Sangiovese for Altadonna Orarosa Spumante.
Deeper in colour, L’Auratae Rosé was produced from Nero d’Avola grapes grown around Trapani. It has spicy cooked red fruit aromas with a soft smooth palate and medium body. Grapes were all organically farmed. The wine is also made organically, and packaging elements such as the glass bottle, paper labels and cardboard are sourced from recycled and sustainable accredited sources.
A glass of fizz for any and every occasion, Dea del Mare Prosecco smells of white blossoms and dried chamomile flowers.
It has a creamy texture with fresh apple fruit flavours and a fresh crisp acidity.
33.00 $ 198.00
A more serious bubbly, pale salmon pink in colour. It has nutty, wild berries and bay leaf aromas. A stream of fine bubbles creates a creamy mousse, which complements flavours of strawberries and cream. It is refreshing with a tangy acidity and a long finish.
Spiced chicken thighs with fava puree and
2020-2021, M8 D9
Apples, pear drops, spice 6°C
Cooked red fruits, [01]
Grilled chicken salad with pomegranate seeds and pine nuts
2020-2021, M8 D9
White blossom, dried camomile 6°C
Fresh apples, creamy texture, [03]
Caprese salad
2020-2022, M8 D9
Nutty, wild berries, bay leaf 6°C
Strawberry cream, [01]
yogurt
photo — The presence of bees reflects The Wine People’s respect and commitment to biodiversity.
Pemo
Montepulciano
d’Abruzzo has floral and black cherry aromas. On the palate it is structured with flavours of bitter chocolate. Grapes were grown in Abruzzo on the east side of Italy, close to the Adriatic Sea on hillside slopes at 250 meters above sea level.
Dried fruits and figgy aromas with a slight earthy character are the result of this combination of the indigenous Nero d’Avola variety and Shiraz, grown in the west of Sicily. It is medium to full bodied with some firm chewy tannins and a bitter chocolate finish.
Nero d’Avola, the traditional black grape of Sicily, loves the heat of the southern climes and produces structured, full bodied wines. Part of the grapes were picked early, then dried on trays in the sun to produce “Appassimento”. The rest were picked approximately three weeks later. Colpasso is a combination of the two. It exudes dark fruits complemented by a touch of smoke.
2020-2023, M8 D9
Floral, black cherries 18°C
Bitter chocolate
Beef brisket with brown butter radishes
2020-2022, M8 D9
Earthy, dried fruits 18°C
Bitter chocolate Lasagne
2020-2023, M7 D9 Smoke 18°C
Black fruits, chewy Oxtail soup
photo — Nero d’avola Grapes. This picture was captured early in the morning during the harvest.
Lavender and black olive characterize the nose of Colpasso Primitivo. It is a supple wine with a silky texture, fruity blackcurrant flavours and juicy acidity. Grapes were grown in the Leverano area of the Salento peninsula. As its name suggests, Primitivo is an early-ripening grape at home in Puglia.
Blackcurrant
Sausage ragu with rigatoni pasta
Black cherries, oaky
Wine-stewed lentils with smoked bacon
To create Appassimento, rather than cutting bunches of grapes from the vines when the Primitivo grapes reached maturity in August, the stalks were twisted but the bunch left attached to the vine 10 to 12 days in the warm breezy air. During this time, the grapes dried, losing up to 30% of their weight through evaporation. This technique is known as “il giro del picciolo” (pinching of the stem). After fermentation, the wine was part matured in French and American oak barrels, giving it a distinctive woody and desiccated coconut character. On the palate, it has black cherries and other dark fruit flavours.
1745 INTEGRO NEGROAMARO, IGP PUGLIA, 2019
Negroamaro $ 24.00 $ 144.00
Intense floral notes, violets, wine gums, red cherries and oak are hugely appealing. This is a light to medium bodied wine with juicy blackcurrant flavours. Negroamaro grapes were organically farmed in the San Donaci area of Salento.
wine gums, red cherries
Blackcurrant, oak
Warm sausage and lentil salad
2020-2023, M8 D9
Pencil shavings, desiccated coconut 18°C
2020-2022, M8 D9
Violets,
18°C
2020-2022, M8 D9
Lavender, black olive 18°C
photo — The E. von Keller winery is one of the oldest estates in the region, founded in 1869. Five generations have been working at the winery.
CELLAR
QUEBEC
Termeno,
Alto Adige, Südtirol Avenue SRL
A selection of tasty everyday drinking whites, rosés and reds from around Italy, and wines from more traditional regions such as Tuscany and Piedmont, ideal for aging. Avenue SRL, based in the mountainous Alto Adige in the north of Italy, offers wines from this alpine region and a sparkling wine from Trentino.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
1752
1747 CONTESA PECORINO ABRUZZO, DOC, 2019
Pecorino
$ 30.00 $ 180.00
A smooth floral white with a savoury cheese rind note. More fruit emerges on the palate with pear flavours and a crisp finish. Pecorino is a local variety to Abruzzo. Contesa vines are planted on silty clay soils at 200 metres.
This is a ripe rosé, bright crimson in colour (almost light red rather than pink) and brimming with red fruit flavours. Montepulciano grapes were left to soak on skins for several hours then the juice fermented at low temperature. Soft red fruit flavours are complemented by a crisp acidity.
Red berries, [00]
Pan-seared tuna with avocado, soy, ginger, and lime
2020-2021, M8 D9
Floral, cheese rind 6°C
Pears, crisp, [00]
Shrimp scampi with linguini
2020-2022, M8 D9
Red fruits, strawberries 12°C
PUGLIA ALTO ADIGE
1749
PINOT GRIGIO, DOC ALTO ADIGE, E. VON KELLER, 2019
Pinot Grigio
$ 29.00 $ 174.00
This is a medium bodied Pinot Grigio with mellow fruit flavours such as apples, pears and lemon. Grapes were grown in the north of Italy in the mountainous region of Alto Adige. The region is named after the Adige river that flows through it, rising in the Alps close to the border with Austria and Switzerland and out into the Adriatic Sea.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Apples, pears 6°C
Pear drops, lemon, [00]
1750
SAUVIGNON, DOC ALTO ADIGE, E. VON KELLER, 2019
Sauvignon Blanc $ 32.00 $ 192.00
An intense wine with pungent aromas of gooseberries, nettles and spices. It has good mid palate weight with fresh fruit flavours that persist in the mouth. Great concentration and flavour.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Fresh nettles, spice 6°C
Gooseberries, [00]
Grilled sea bass piperade
1748 AVELIUM, IGP PUGLIA, MASSERIA PERTUSO, 2019
Bombino Bianco, Chardonnay
$ 27.00 $ 162.00 NEW
A southern white from Puglia produced from the indigenous Bombino Bianco variety blended with Chardonnay. Avelium 2019 has appealing apples and pear drop aromas and a fresh crisp palate. Grapes were grown in the Mugia Hills in central Puglia.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Pear drops, apples 6°C
Crisp lemon, [00]
Blue cheese, pear and honey crostini
Herb and lemon roasted chicken
photo — Wine aging in French barriques and large Slavonian oak barrels in the heart of the winery at E. Von Keller—the “Viktoriacellar”.
1751 VIGNETI DELLE DOLOMITI ROSÉ, IGT, E. VON KELLER, 2019
Lagrein, Merlot
$ 29.00 $ 174.00
Bright in colour, E. von Keller rosé has strawberry and boiled sweets aromas with a yeasty complexity. It is soft and smooth on the palate. It has nice weight and depth with a long cherry finish. It is produced from Lagrein grapes traditionally grown in the Alto Adige region, combined with a slug of Merlot.
TRENTINO
a
Trentino has a long history of producing high quality sparkling wines. Monfort has ripe nectarines and sherbet aromas leading to a rich creamy palate. This wine was produced from Chardonnay grapes grown on slopes of around Trento and Pergine Valsugana at 400 to 600 metres. It was made according to the traditional method with bottle fermentation and 24 months aging on lees.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Boiled sweets, strawberry 6°C
Yeasty, cherries, [00]
Salmon filet with
pistachio crust
photo — Lorenzo Simoni from Cantine Monfort and his children Chiara and Lorenzo in their wine tasting room.
Treacle, coffee and dark fruit aromas lead to a supple palate with more raisin and earthy flavours. Traditional Valpolicella varieties Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella were grown on the hills at Negrar at between 300 and 420 metres. Grapes were harvested by hand and fermented in tank. A second “ripasso” fermentation on Amarone grapeskins was carried out some months later, then the wine was matured in barrel for nine months.
2020-2023, M7 D9
treacle
Raisins, earthy
Braised veal shank with herbs
Montigoli is based in the heart of the Valpolicella region close to Verona in the north-east of Italy. Rosso Veronese 2018 is a deliciously fruity wine, vibrant in colour with aromas of blackberries, blueberries and coffee. It is supple with sweet fruit flavours and a long black cherry finish.
1756
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, DOCG, MONTIGOLI, 2016
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
$ 52.00 $ 312.00
Rich and concentrated with aromas of black treacle, raisins, coffee and meaty notes. It is soft and rich, high in alcohol (15%) with sweet ripe fruit character. Smooth and full bodied, it has a good acidity, supple tannins with a long bitter chocolate and black treacle finish. Grapes were harvested in early October and then dried in racks for 120 days. The dried grapes were pressed the following February and slowly fermented on skins with manual punching down of the cap. It was matured in oak for 18 months. A great vintage for Amarone, 2016 will continue to evolve for years to come.
2021-2026, M6 D7
Black treacle, raisins, coffee 18°C
Bitter chocolate
Wild boar ragu Bolognese
1757
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
$ 43.00 $ 258.00
Figs, raisins, savoury treacle
Slow-cooked lamb with onions and thyme
A complex wine with aromas of cola cubes, herbs, plums and figs. On the palate it is vibrant and juicy with a good acidity, leading to savoury treacle and raisin flavours. Ca La Bionda’s 29-hectare vineyards are on a hillside facing east at between 150 and 300 metres with predominantly clay limestone soils with lots of stones and rocks. The Castellani family, currently fourth generation, have been practicing organic viticulture and winemaking since 2000 with the first official certification in 2016. Wild yeasts were used to ferment the grapes at 25°C.
1758
AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO, DOCG, MONTE CASTELON, 2015
Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara
$ 70.00 $ 420.00
Woodsmoke and menthol aromas lead to a sweet and succulent palate with lots of fruit. Monte Castelon Amarone 2015 is well balanced with red and sour cherries, a juicy acidity and very moreish finish. It was produced from 70% Corvina, 20% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella and Molinara all grown at high altitude (400 to 530 metres) on southfacing sites on the slopes of Monte Castelon. Grapes were dried on racks for four months, losing 40% of their weight, then a long slow fermentation was carried out at low temperature. The wine was matured for 30 months in oak casks.
2020-2025, M7 D8
Cola cubes, herbs, cooked plums 18°C
2020-2026, M7 D9
Menthol, ripe fruits, smoke 18°C
Red and sour cherries
Beef Wellington
photo — Ca’ la Bionda has been practicing organic viticulture and winemaking since the year 2000.
1759
SOLICELLO MOSCATO D’ASTI, DOCG, 2019
Moscato
$ 26.00 $ 156.00
A speciality from Asti in Piemonte, Solicello Moscato has delicious grapey aromas with green apples and lime sherbet. Sweet with fresh grapey fruit flavours, it is light with just 5.5% alcohol and refreshing with a creamy spritz and long fruity finish.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Grapes, green apples, lime sherbet 6°C
Sweet, grapey, [08]
Charred squid with beans and Meyer lemon
1760
1761
BARBERA D’ALBA, DOC, FRANCO AMOROSO, 2019
Barbera
$ 27.00 $ 162.00
Earthy dark fruits and incense precede black fruit and bitter chocolate flavours on the palate. Barbera d’Alba Franco Amoroso is medium bodied with a firm tannin structure and potential for some cellaring. Barbera, which ripens earlier than Nebbiolo, is planted throughout Piedmont on slopes with varying expositions and giving rise to a selection of DOCs.
Oaky pencil lead aromas complement cola and dark fruits. Neirano Barbera d’Asti 2018 is medium bodied with a supple mid palate with savoury and dark chocolate flavours. It is fine in texture with a fresh acidity and was matured for six months in oak casks.
2020-2023, M8 D9
Cola, pencil lead 18°C
Savoury, dark chocolate
Mushroom linguini with tomato sauce
2020-2024, M6 D8
Incense, savoury 18°C
Dark fruits, bitter chocolate, earth
Roast pork with blueberry Port sauce
top
Traditional and modern winemaking co-exist in Piedmont.
Mulberries, sweet fruit, red liquorice and floral aromas contribute to an appealing bouquet. Roche Vini’s Barbera d’Asti 2017 is medium bodied with good mid palate weight and lots of red fruit flavours, and a balanced yet firm acidity. Barbera d’Asti DOCG covers the hilly areas of the provinces of Asti and Alexandria.
Crushed raspberries, red fruits and vanilla oak aromas lead to a fresh youthful palate. Smooth and supple with bitter almond and cherry flavours, Roche Vini Barbaresco 2016 is well balanced with a lingering finish. It will benefit from more time in bottle, becoming more complex. It was matured in oak barrels for 24 months.
2020-2025, M7 D9
Mulberries, floral, red liquorice 18°C
Red fruits
Cast-iron pizza with spicy Italian sausage and fennel
2021-2028, M6 D8
Vanilla, raspberry crush 18°C
Red fruits, bitter almond
Catalan braised rabbit (with tomatoes, carrots, almonds and garlic)
BARBARESCO, DOCG, ROCHE, 2016
1764 BARBERA D’ALBA, DOC, FIGLI LUIGI ODDERO, 2017
A concentrated and structured Barbera produced by Vigneti Luigi Oddero, it has dark fruits, smoke, plum jam, yogurt and blackberries all present on the nose. It is medium bodied with supple tannins, good fruit and a sour blackberry acidity. Drinking nicely now, it will continue to develop. The vineyards lie on hillsides close to the town of La Morra, at 250-300 metres with south-east and south-west exposure.
Translucent ruby in colour, the 2015 Barolo has smoke and treacle aromas. It is smooth with savoury flavours with juicy mid palate fruits. A structured wine, coming from a great 2015 vintage. It is not yet at its peak for drinking and will benefit from some keeping. Oddero select the finest grapes from their vineyards in La Morra, Serralunga d’Alba and Castiglione Falletto to produce Barolo. Vines are planted on deep layers of tufaceous marl and clay layers mixed with red sand. It was matured in large oak casks for 24 months.
2020-2026, M7 D9
Smoke, plum jam, blackberries 18°C
Blackberries
Chicken thigh ragu and creamy polenta
2021-2026, M6 D7
Oaky, treacle 18°C
Savoury
Wild mushroom risotto
photo — Lena Gavrilova, owner of Figli Luigi Oddero, during the harvest at the Rocche Rivera vineyard in Castiglione Falletto.
Herbal savoury wine with tarragon and oregano notes. It is light to medium bodied with a slightly firm finish. Produced from 100% Sangiovese.
Supple
1767 SERAPHICUM ROSSO TOSCANO, IGT, 2018
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 29.00 $ 174.00
Medium to full bodied with lots of oak character, Seraphicum 2018 has intense cedary and pencil lead notes over a dark fruit background. It is a blend of 70% Sangiovese with 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, each picked and vinified separately. The wines completed fermentation in small oak barrels, giving a spicy incense flavour complemented by a sour blackberry finish.
1768
SAN PIETRO IN AVENANO, CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, 2016
Sangiovese $ 42.00 $ 252.00
A youthful wine with spicy oak, fresh plums and strawberry aromas, this Chianti Classico Riserva is the lighter side of medium bodied with a fine texture and a firm acidity. It is well balanced and builds in the mouth with sour and bitter cherry flavours emerging. Grapes grown at 400 metres at the Casi Vineyard were harvested by hand and fermented in oak vats. Half the wine was matured in large Slavonian oak casks, the other half in small second-and third fill oak barrels for 18 months.
Incense, spice, blackberries
Braised veal stew with black pepper and cherries
Spicy, plums, strawberries
Sour and bitter cherries
Neapolitan pizza
2020-2022, M8 D9
Earth, tarragon, oregano 18°C
Roast chicken with salsa verde and roast-ed lemons
2020-2025, M7 D7
Cedary oak, dark fruits 18°C
2021-2030, M5 D6
photo — View of one the oldest Sangiovese vineyard for Brunello di Montalcino. It is an Integral part of the Orcia valley, a UNESCO world heritage site.
1769
ROGGIANO MORELLINO DI SCANSANO, DOC, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2018
Sangiovese, Alicante
$ 29.00 $ 174.00
Youthful, fresh plummy fruits lead to a light to medium bodied palate. Quite simple in style, it has intense flavours, a grainy texture and firm acidity. Sangiovese is blended with 5% Alicante, both grown in the Maremma region in coastal Tuscany around the town of Scansano. After picking, grapes undergo a hot maceration at 35°C for 12 hours, before being fermented on skins for seven days.
1770
VIN DEL FATTORE, SANGIOVESE TOSCANO, IGT, GOVERNO ALL’USO TOSCANO, VIGNAIOLI MORELLINO SCANSANO, 2018
Sangiovese, Merlot
$ 32.00 $ 192.00
Blackcurrants
Charcuterie plate
Vin Del Fattore is deep purple in colour with some floral violet notes with black cherries and blackcurrant. The palate is soft with deliciously ripe and mellow fruit flavours. It is medium bodied with a tangy acidity and lingering flavours. Concentrated with some cellaring potential, it is an immediate hit. The Maremma coastal region in Tuscany suits Bordeaux varieties well, hence Vin del Fattore is a blend of 85% Sangiovese traditionally fermented with 15% Merlot.
2020-2025, M8 D9
Floral, violets, black cherries 18°C
bottom photo — The Sala del Consiglio in Castello di Meleto is decorated in the Baroque style of the 1700s with gold detailing and stucco works.
2020-2022, M8 D9
Plummy 18°C
Dark fruits
Gemelli pasta with sausage, fennel and arugula sauce
CELLAR 274 — QUEBEC
1771
Intense bouquet with aromas of black liquorice, treacle, raisins and smoke which follow through onto the palate. Il Veltro Rosso di Montalcino 2018 is medium to full bodied with a grainy powdery texture and good intensity of flavour. Showing deliciously well now, it has great length and the potential for cellaring. Brunello vines are cultivated on south-southwest facing slopes at 300 metres and look down to the Orcia river. It was matured for 12 months in large Slavonian oak casks.
1772
Smoky dark fruits
$ 66.00 $ 396.00
The majestic Il Veltro 2015 Brunello di Montalcino is a mellow, savoury wine with layers of vanilla oak and some nice earthy notes. It is soft and smooth with a fine silky texture enhanced by dried fruit and nutty flavours. Brunello grapes (a local variant of Sangiovese) were manually harvested with a rigorous selection of the best bunches in the vineyard, followed by another sorting table at the winery. After fermentation, the wine was matured for three years in large traditional casks known as “botti”, which are made from Slavonian and Allier oak. Spring rains in 2015 topped up reserves in the soils, giving vital water to vines during the hot summer months to produce wholesome grapes.
fruits, savoury
2020-2030, M6 D8
Black liquorice, treacle, raisins 18°C
Braised pork shoulder in Chianti sauce
2020-2030, M6 D8
Mellow oaky, raisins. earthy 18°C
Dried
Venison ravioli with wild mushrooms
top photo — Cantina Cooperativa Vignaioli del Morellino di Scansano, founded in 1972, is formed by 170 members. 21
San Sano Poggio Maestrino San Sano (Alimenta SRL)
The San Sano vineyards lie on the hills around the small village of San Sano in the heart of the Chianti region. The vineyards owned by the Cali family have been farmed organically since 2014 and have been in the process of being fully certified since 2017.
photo — In San Sano’s vineyards in Gaiole in Chianti, the harvest is done by hand to choose the best fruits.
1775 CASINA TOSCANA ROSSO, IGT, SAN SANO, 2018
Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
$ 24.00 $ 144.00
2020-2022, M8 D9
Woodlands, green pepper 18°C
Plums
Herb-marinated dry-aged beef tenderloin with garlic, roasted tomatoes, red peppers and cipollini onions
1776 FONTE DELLA RANA CHIANTI, DOCG, SAN SANO, 2018
Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo
$ 26.00 $ 156.00
Strawberry and violet aromas are followed by a soft palate. Fonte della Rana Chianti is light to medium bodied with a grainy texture and firm finish with bitter cherry and savoury flavours. Vines are cultivated on volcanic soils with Travertine calcareous subsoils close to Rapolano Terme and two natural hot springs. Fonte Della Rana 2018 was matured in cask for 12 months.
2020-2023, M7 D8
Violets, strawberry 18°C
Bitter cherry, savoury
Bistecca Fiorentina - Tuscan Porterhouse steak wood-grilled and served with rosemary potatoes
A savoury wine with a hint of green pepper and woodland aromas. It is light to medium bodied with a supple mid palate and plummy fruits. It is well balanced with meaty flavours and a bitter fruit finish, making it a versatile and great everyday wine. It is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot. Grapes were grown on slopes around the medieval fortress at Castagnoli.
Italian wine calls for Italian food! Read our suggestions in Vino Etcetera.
photo — Attentive care and time in the cellar convey the essence of the fruit in San Sano’s elegant wines.
A more structured wine coming from the heart of the region. It has aromas of smoke, black liquorice and wood. It is medium bodied with flavours of dark fruits, spices and bitter liquorice on the finish. Youthful and concentrated, it needs some time to mellow. It is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Colorino grown at 400 to 600 metres in altitude on limestone soils. Grapes were harvested in September 2018 and benefitted from sunny days interspersed with cool nighttime temperatures.
A dense and structured wine showing some nice development. The bouquet is restrained with notes of pot pourri and spices. It is concentrated and firm on the palate and opens up with some air. Grapes were grown at 500 metres on old vines planted on the Poggio a’Frati hill on poor limestone calcareous soils which produce very low yields. After an extended maceration and fermentation, the wine was matured for 22 months in cask and barrels. A hot dry July followed by light rains in August produced concentrated grapes.
Dense, concentrated, meaty
Rustic Tuscan bean soup
2021-2026, M6 D7
Black liquorice, wood 18°C
Dark fruits, spices
Sweet Italian sausage-stuffed bell peppers
2021-2028, M6 D7
Pot pourri 18°C
photo — Il Celliere restaurant, in the fortress in Gaiole in Chianti, serves typical Italian fare.
photo — A young Chardonnay planting in the Chablis 1er Cru Fourchaumes vineyard.
CELLAR 274 — QUEBEC
CHABLIS
Maligny-par-Chablis
Lamblin Fils
Based in one of France’s most classic regions, the Lamblins have been wine growers in Maligny, near Chablis, for centuries. Chablis, in the far north of Burgundy, is somewhat set apart from the rest of Burgundy and produces distinctive wines different in style to other appellations in the region. Chablis character comes from the poor chalky soils and its cool northern climate. Its wines are generally unoaked with a taut acidity and mineral freshness.
1779
FOLIES PARISIENNES, L’HÉRITAGE
FRANÇAIS, LE BLANC DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D’OC
Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc
$ 17.00 $ 204.00
Intensely aromatic and fruity, this is a great sipping wine with bags of flavour.
1780
FOLIES PARISIENNES, L’HÉRITAGE FRANÇAIS, LE ROSÉ DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D’OC
Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault
$ 18.00 $ 216.00
Almost colourless, the rosé is a little more subtle in aroma with elegant lemon sherbet and a hint of red berry. It is light with a crisp finish.
pork
2020-2021, M8 D9
Grapefruits, nectarines 6°C
Pink grapefruit, [00]
Salmon tartare with cream of watercress and straw potatoes
2020-2021, M8 D9
Lemon sherbet 6°C
Red berries, [00]
Mustard-roasted
loin with squash polenta
1781
FOLIES PARISIENNES, L’HÉRITAGE
FRANÇAIS, LE ROUGE DES HÉRITIERS LAMBLIN, VIN DE PAYS D’OC
Grenache, Syrah
$ 17.00 $ 204.00
A medium bodied red which is supple and smooth, with lots of rich forest and dark berry fruits leading to a bitter cherry finish.
2020-2022, M8 D9
1782
1783
SAINT-BRIS SAUVIGNON, AOC, 2018
Sauvignon Blanc
$ 27.00 $ 162.00
Subtle white blossoms and cassis aromas lead to a soft and relatively light wine with lime and flinty flavours.
The Saint-Bris appellation, based around the small village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux, a few kilometres south-west of Maligny, is the only Burgundy appellation permitted to grow Sauvignon Blanc.
LAMBLIN CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE BRUT ROSÉ, AOC
Pinot Noir $ 35.00 $ 210.00
This sparkling rosé, produced from Pinot Noir grapes, has flavours of grenadine and wine gums complemented by an earthy vinous character. It is medium bodied and has substance. Crémant de Bourgogne can be produced throughout the Burgundy region. In this case, grapes were grown in the Yonne Valley on Kimmeridgian and Portlandian soils sharing similar characteristics and climate to the Champagne region, which is approximately 200 kilometres to the north.
Wine-marinated chicken with lemon and fresh herbs
Dark berries 18°C
Bitter cherry
Steak and mushroom pie
2020-2021, M8 D9
Vinous, grenadine 6°C
Earthy, [02]
Grilled balsamic eggplant
2020-2021, M8 D9
White blossom, cassis 6°C
Lime, flint, [00]
photo — A bird has made its home in the vines of Chablis 1er Cru Vaillon.
A very drinkable and versatile food matching wine. It is understated with subtle fresh apples and passionfruit character with a supple smooth palate.
A hint of orange blossom and nice citrus fruit flavours with grapefruit and mandarin. A slight bitter pith finish lingers in the mouth. Grapes were grown close to the Chablis region on vineyards that fall just outside of the appellation.
Restrained aromas of fresh green Granny Smith apples, some lemon and fennel precede a supple palate with depth. It is smooth with passionfruit, lime and bitter grapefruit flavours and should develop nicely over several years.
Citrus, grapefruit, mandarin,
Stuffed butternut, Caesar salad
2020-2021, M8 D9
Fresh apple 6°C
Passionfruit, [00]
Spicy passionfruit-glazed shrimp
2020-2022, M8 D9
Orange Blossom 6°C
[00]
2020-2026, M6 D7
Fresh Granny Smith apples, lemon, fennel 6°C
Lemon, passionfruit, [00]
Veal scaloppini with lemon cream sauce
photo — A Scot, visiting for the harvest, plays the bagpipes at the foot of the Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos vines.
Two bottles each Vaillon, Mont de Milieu & Fourchaumes
1787 CHABLIS PREMIER CRU CASE
Vineyards in the Chablis appellation are classified according to soils and exposition, with the best sites awarded Premier and Grands Cru status. These are huddled close together on either side of the Serein river, producing riper and more flavoursome grapes which in turn produce wines with aging potential. Each cru has a different exposition and incline which confers a personality to the wines. 2018 was a warm and plentiful year.
The Vaillon vineyards lie on the left bank of the Serein river on gentle south-east facing slopes with good sun exposition. The 2018 is quite delicate, with great persistence on the palate. It was aged for six months on fine lees with no use of oak.
Persistent, [00]
Bresse chicken with morel mushrooms
photo — The beautiful grapes of the 2018 vintage picked in the Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu.
CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, VAILLON, AOC CHABLIS 1ER CRU, 2018
Chardonnay
2020-2024, M7 D9
Lemon, lime, flint 6°C
$ 58.00 $ 348.00
CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, MONT DE MILIEU, AOC
CHABLIS 1ER CRU, 2018
Chardonnay
Mont de Milieu is more floral in nature and has a bit more structure than Vaillon in 2018. It is crisp with limey flavours and a long pithy finish. The Cru sits on the same side of the river as the Grand Cru vineyards, to the east of the Grand Crus on a slope facing directly south.
2020-2025, M6 D7
Crisp, lingering pithy finish, [00]
Herb-roasted Cornish game hen
CHABLIS PREMIER CRU, FOURCHAUMES, AOC
CHABLIS 1ER CRU, 2018
Chardonnay
The most expressive of the three premier Crus in 2018, Fourchaumes has ripe passionfruit, white peach, lemon and mandarin flavours. It is smooth with ripe white fruits and a bitter lemon finish. Fourchaumes faces south-west and lies to the west of the Grand Crus slope.
Lemon, peach, [00]
Black cod with tropical fruit salsa
Three fruit liqueurs made by artisans in Dijon. Each is made from old fruit varieties grown for their concentration and intensity of flavour. Fruits are lightly crushed and left to steep in alcohol with no use of preservatives. Perfect for wine-based Kirs or Bellinis, or as ingredient in more exotic cocktails.
Two bottles each Cassis, Framboise & Pêche de Vigne
2020-2026, M7 D8
Passionfruit, mandarin, white peach 6°C
Floral 6°C
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