Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring
Concentration
Light - Medium - Great
Oak
Light - Medium - Heavy
Organic*
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 - C266
Select Plus 2019 Select Plus Program Case - C266
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, May 4, 2020
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 April 24, 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 September 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
Spain has the highest acreage of vineyards of any country in the world. Many of these are old vines, in some cases planted over 100 years ago. As healthy vines age, the quality of the grapes they produce increases, yielding small, highly concentrated and flavoursome berries. Neighbouring Portugal, known for its fortified Port wines from the Douro Valley, also cultivates a host of indigenous wine grape varieties in most regions around the country. Both Spain and Portugal offer great value wines, the best of which are age worthy, concentrated with good tannin structure.
JANE MASTERS MW, OPIMIAN’S MASTER OF WINE
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 389 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.
SPAIN
Toro, Zamora
Spanish Palate
Spain has more land dedicated to vineyards than any other country in the world. Many of these are old vines. Regions such as Toro have plots of vines over a hundred years old, planted on their own roots. Thanks to its very sandy soils and low rainfall, the Phylloxera louse, which devasted vineyards across Europe in the late 19th century, did not develop in the region. Old vines, providing they are healthy, produce lower quantities of grapes with individual grapes, themselves smaller and more concentrated. This in turn translates into rich flavoursome wines.
photo — Jaime Saiz de la Hoya, owner and winemaker of Loess, contemplating his ancient vines.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
1789 MI TRACTOR AZUL VERDEJO, DO LA MANCHA, 2019
A fresh, crisp and very drinkable dry white Verdejo. Vines planted on the flat plains of central Spain enjoy long hot arid summers and short cold winters.
2020-2021, M8 D9
1790 MI TRACTOR AZUL, DO TORO, 2018
Violets, ripe blueberries and other sweet dark fruits all fight for attention. It has a rustic chewy character on the palate with a bitter cherry finish. Tinta de Toro grapes were grown organically on 20 to 40-yearold vines. No use of oak.
2020-2023, M8 D9
Spanish-style chicken casserole with sweet red peppers, onions and
Fresh apples 6°C
Crisp, fruity, [02]
Grilled fish tacos with green apple salsa
Blueberries, vanilla 18°C
Dark fruits, bitter cherry
pimentón
photo — This 1950s tractor was the inspiration behind the Mi Tractor Azul brand.
1793
A rich white, broad in structure, with peachy and apricot notes typical of the Viognier grape. These are complemented by bready yeasty notes to produce a characterful wine, perfectly ready for drinking.
Malted biscuit, red cherry and raspberry flavours combine to create a very drinkable wine. it is supple and light bodied. This wine was produced by the Carpintero family, grape growers turned winemakers, who farm seven different grape varieties matched to specific plots. Tempranillo vines, planted over 35 years ago, are some of the oldest on the estate. The wine was matured in new heavily toasted American oak barrels for six months.
Floral aromas with dried rose petals and pot-pourri, mixed with a hint of calfskin, precede a light bodied wine. More fruit and red berry flavours come out in the mouth with a long finish. The late ripening Malbec grapes were picked in October, cooled and left to macerate. The wine was matured in French oak barrels for six months.
Ripe fruits, [01]
Eggplant sushi with tuna tartare
fruits, raspberries
Red berries
Wild rice and mushroom stuffed peppers
2020-2022, M8 D9
Malted biscuit, red cherry 16°C
Red
Paella
2020-2022, M8 D9
Floral, dried roses 16°C
2020-2021, M8 D9
Sourdough, apricot 6°C
photo
Only 2 of you to celebrate?
This Cava offers a smaller size option for those weekday nights.
Xare.lo, Macabeo, Parellada
Chocolate, cooked summer fruits, vanilla and a hint of soft leather gather in a bouquet with lots of appeal. On the palate, Alsón Syrah 2017 is smooth, medium bodied with a fine texture and a long black cherry finish. Syrah grapes were harvested at night, cooled and left to cold soak for 36 hours prior to fermentation. The wine spent six months in American oak barrels.
2020-2023, M8 D9
A smooth Cava with biscuit character complementing fresh white fruit flavours. It is supple and fine in texture. This wine is named after Leonor, who lived and tended the vineyards on the estate all her life. Leonor continued the tradition started by her grandfather in the late 1800s of making Cava. Leonor de Carrera Brut is a blend of 50% Xare.lo, 25% Macabeo and 25% Parellada grown in the heart of Penedès, fermented in bottle and aged in underground cellars for a minimum of 15 months.
Chocolate, cooked summer fruits 18°C
Vanilla, hint of leather
Barbecued pork seasoned with pepper and cumin
2020-2021, M8 D9
Biscuits, white fruits 6°C
Smooth, fine bubbles, [02]
Mussels with Cava and roasted carrot romesco
photo — Hacienda Albae, in Central Spain, are pioneers of modern viticulture. The harsh, dry conditions are almost perfect for quality grapes.
Botas de Barro Verdejo is deliciously appealing with aromas of grapefruit and gooseberry. On the palate, more ripe fruit flavours emerge with a smooth rich mid palate, leading to a crisp finish. The Verdejo grape variety expresses itself fully in this wine. It was grown on old bush vines planted on gravelly soils rich in calcium and magnesium. Rueda is one of Spain’s top regions for white wine.
1798
Dried fruits and spicy aromas precede a sweet fruit character on the palate. This is a rich medium bodied wine with good mid palate and ripe flavours. Tinta de Toro is a local variant of Tempranillo. It has evolved to adapt to the extreme hot and dry conditions in Toro, producing tiny grapes that are hugely concentrated in flavour with thick skins and high tannin content. Some of the oldest vines in the world are found in Toro, thanks to its sandy soils which protect against Phylloxera. The wine was matured for five months in American oak.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Grapefruit, gooseberry 6°C
Smooth ripe fruits, [00]
Salt cod croquettes (croquetas de bacalao)
2020-2022, M8 D9
Raisins, dried fruits, spice 16°C
Sweet dark fruits
Roast mushrooms with braised celery and smoked paprika
Tinta
Botas de Barro Ribera del Duero has mellow aromas of ripe dark fruits. It is smooth with a fine silky texture, medium bodied with substance. Grapes were grown on hundred-year-old bush vines cultivated on sandy limestone soils with no use of irrigation. Grapes ripen slowly in Ribera del Duero due to the large drop in temperature at night during the summer months.
2020-2023, M8 D9
Ripe black fruits 18°C
Mellow, smooth
Deep ruby in colour, Loess has a mellow fruit nose with lots of spice. It is smooth with a linear structure. Refined in character with fine tannins, lingering dark fruit flavours and black cherries on the finish, it is well balanced and has the potential for some cellaring. A distinguished wine which was matured in French oak for approximately nine months. Jaime Saiz de la Hoya has six vineyard parcels in selected sites around Burgos in the Ribera del Duero region. The name Loess refers to the sedimentary soil laid down by the wind.
White Rioja is usually made from Viura grapes. This version is made from 100% Tempranillo Blanco, a mutation of the red Tempranillo grape discovered in 1988 in the Rioja Baja region. The first bottling of the variety was in 2005. It is still only cultivated to a very limited extent in the region, yet given the quality of this wine I suspect its popularity will grow! It is intensely aromatic, fruity with lemon, limes and other citrus notes. The palate is fresh with nectarine flavours and a long limey finish.
Grilled
Pollo Granadina – pan-fried chicken with Serrano ham, garlic and sherry
2020-2021, M8 D9
Aromatic, lemon, lime 6°C
Refreshing citrus, [00]
Thai fish curry
2020-2024, M8 D9
Mellow fruits, spices 18°C
Dark fruits, black cherries
spiced lamb chops with vegetable stew
photo — On the Loess estate, each vine is manipulated by hand at least 13 times during the growing season.
Pale pink in colour, Insaciable is a barrelfermented rosé. The use of American and French oak confer a more complex character rather than overt oaky flavours, creating a Provence style of rosé. It has winey yeasty notes on the nose, leading to a smooth and well-balanced palate. Produced from Garnacha, grapes were destemmed, lightly crushed and juice left in contact with the skins for four hours.
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A concentrated and complex wine with cooked red fruits, vanilla and milk chocolate aromas. It is medium bodied with more dark fruit and raisin flavours, leading to a bitter cherry grainy finish. One-hundred-yearold bush vines produce just two tons of tiny concentrated berries per hectare. After a long slow fermentation, 8 Rosas Negras was matured in new oak (70% French and 30% American) for eight months. Raúl Garcia and Grace Li fell in love with the estate when they began buying wines from it for the Chinese market. When the previous owners decided to retire, they took on the role of “carers” of the magical old vines at El Pego, in the southernmost and highest part of DO Toro.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Winey, yeasty 6°C
Lemon, citrus, [00]
Grilled bread with olive oil, tomato and anchovies
2020-2024, M7 D9
Cooked red fruits, vanilla 18°C
Dark fruits, raisins, bitter cherries
Albondigas - chorizo meatballs with tomato sauce
photo — Mateo, owner of Bodegas D. Mateo is a 7th generation grape grower and winemaker.
SPAIN
Zaragoza Axial Vinos
Louis Geirnaerdt has a passion for Spain, its wines, old vines and in particular the Garnacha grape. Originally from the Netherlands, he and his wife Eugenie van Ekeris were drawn to the historic region of Cariñena in the north of Spain, considered the cradle of Garnacha. They set up Bodegas Bodem in Cariñena and work on projects in other parts of Spain.
photo
Vallobera Winery.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
1805
MARQUESA DE ATIZA VIURA GARNACHA BLANCA, 2019
Viura, Garnacha Blanca $ 20.00 $ 120.00
A soft, easy drinking white wine with flavours of fresh apples and pears. Viura grapes were grown in the Sierra de Algairén and Serrallón in Cariñena.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Apples, pears 6°C
Soft, [01]
Chicken pesto pizza
1806
MARQUESA DE ATIZA GARNACHA ROSÉ, DOP CARIÑENA, BODEM BODEGAS, 2019
Red berries, raspberry and red wine gum flavours contribute to this intense fruity rosé. It is soft and smooth with a crisp finish. Quite deep and bright in colour, Garnacha grapes were grown at 600 metres, picked by hand and fermented at low temperature.
2020-2021, M8 D9
Raspberry, wine gum
Sherbet, red berries, [01]
Serve as an apéritif
6°C
1807
OXTE, THE SILENCE, RED BLEND, DOP CARIÑENA, BODEM BODEGAS, 2019
Tempranillo, Garnacha, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 24.00 $ 144.00
Characterized by a savoury meaty nose with smoky bacon and spicy notes, Oxte Red Blend 2019 is medium bodied with a firm acidity. It is a blend of 40% Tempranillo, 25% Garnacha, 25% Syrah and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon.
1808
OXTE, THE SILENCE, TEMPRANILLO GARNACHA, DOP CARIÑENA, BODEM BODEGAS, 2019
Tempranillo, Garnacha
$ 24.00 $ 144.00
Oxte Tempranillo Garnacha 2019 is concentrated and smooth with more dark fruit and black olive flavours. Grapes were harvested manually from bush vines, destemmed, crushed and fermented, then matured for two months in oak barrels. Bodem Bodegas is owned by Louis Geirnaerdt and Eugenie van Ekeris. The couple chose to establish their winery in Cariñena after falling in love with Spain, its wines and the Garnacha grape variety.
braised with
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2020-2023, M7 D8
Meat, spicy
Savoury
Red wine risotto style quinoa
2020-2023, M8 D9
Black olive
Dark fruits
Sausages
fennel and red wine
photo — Eugenie van Ekeris and Louis Geirnaerdt walking through the vineyards of La Casa de Lúculo winery at Mendigorría, Navarra.
1809
Macabeo
$
Refreshing aromas and flavours of melons and spices lead to a pithy finish, adding length. Macabeo grapes were grown at an altitude between 600-900 metres on old bush vines in the region of Calatayud, between Madrid and Zaragoza.
2020-2021, M8 D9
spice 6°C
Grapefruit, [00]
1810
LA MIRADA AL SUR TINTO, DO CALATAYUD, VIRGEN DE LA SIERRA, 2019
Garnacha
$ 21.00 $ 126.00
Delicious red cherry aromas complement the vivid plum colour of La Mirada al Sur. It is a medium bodied wine with structure and good depth. Garnacha grapes grown on ancient low bush vines planted high in the mountains of Calatayud have produced a characterful and intense wine.
1811
JARDÍN DE LÚCULO, LOS BOHEMIOS, GARNACHA, DO NAVARRA, BODEGAS LA CASA DE LÚCULO, 2019
Garnacha
$ 23.00 $ 138.00
La Casa de Lúculo was founded by Juan Garcia and Virginia Arranza in 2006. The pair wanted to save old bush vines in Navarra in Spain’s Basque country and to safeguard the heritage that these represent. Los Bohemios was produced from old Grenache grown on the lower mountains of the Pyrénées close to the border with France. Intense aromas of red cherries, red apples and cooked fruits lead to a supple palate. More red cherry flavours are complemented by a good juicy acidity and fine texture.
Melon,
Sweet chili-glazed cod with squash and jasmine rice
2020-2023, M7 D9
Red cherries
Structured Lasagne
2020-2022, M8 D9
Cooked fruits, red apples
Red cherries Ratatouille
photo — Virginia Arranz, oenologist from La Casa de Lúculo, in the vineyards near Mendigorría.
1812
JAVIER SAN PEDRO RÁNDEZ, TEMPRANILLO, DOCA RIOJA, BODEGAS VALLOBERA, 2019
Tempranillo
$ 25.00 $ 150.00
A medium bodied Rioja with ripe fruits, blackberry jam flavours and a supple finish. Javier San Pedro Rández, coming from a family of vine growers, grew up in the vineyards around the medieval village of Laguardia. His dream always was to produce his own wines. Made from 100% Tempranillo, grapes were harvested in early October. 80% went through carbonic maceration, the balance underwent a traditional fermentation to produce a soft approachable wine ready for early drinking.
Smooth, medium bodied
Braised chicken legs with green olives
Verdejo, Viura $ 26.00 $ 156.00
This organic Rueda has floral and fresh apple aromas. It is soft and easy to drink with a smooth palate, finishing with flavours of gooseberry jam and limes. It was produced from 85% Verdejo with 15% Viura grapes grown on the Avelino Vegas family estate.
fresh apples 6°C
Gooseberries, lime, [01]
Beef carpaccio with arugula and balsamic vinegar
2020-2022, M8 D9
Blackberry jam 18°C
2020-2021, M8 D9
Floral,
photo — Josep Vadrí, winemaker at Clos Montblanc, tastes the evolution of the Cabernet Sauvignon before bottling it.
SPAIN
Montblanc, Barberà de la Conca Catalonia
Bodegas Concavins
1815
MONTBLANC 362 MACABEU/ CHARDONNAY, DO CATALUNYA, 2019
Macabeu, Chardonnay
$ 22.00 $ 132.00
A refreshing tangy wine with lemony flavours and a crisp palate. Traditional Macabeu grapes were blended with wines made from Chardonnay grown in the highest vineyards of the Conca de Barberà.
The Conca de Barberà region in Catalunya was originally known for the quality of its white wines and as a source of good base wines for Cava production. Winemaker Josep Vadrì at Bodegas Concavins has proven the potential to make high quality reds. The estate, which is close to the fortified town of Montblanc and Poblet monastery founded by Cistercian monks in the 12th century, farms 80 hectares. Fifteen grape varieties are cultivated on the estate’s vineyards, protected by the surrounding mountains.
1816
MONTBLANC 362 ROSAT, DO CATALUNYA, 2019
Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Trepat
$ 22.00 $ 132.00
Deep vivid crimson in colour, Montblanc 362 Rosat has appealing aromas of crushed strawberries and rose petals. It is round and smooth on the palate with a lingering strawberry fruit flavour and dry finish.
balsamic vegetables
2020-2021, M8 D9
Lemon 6°C
Citrus, [00]
Barbecued baby octopus salad with mango salsa and chilli lime dressing
2020-2021, M8 D9
Rose petal, crushed berries 6°C
Strawberries, [00]
Grilled
1817
MONTBLANC 362 TEMPRANILLO/ CABERNET, DO CATALUNYA, 2019
Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon
$ 22.00 $ 132.00
An immediate Coup de Cœur, the 2019 Montblanc 362 Tempranillo Cabernet is deep purple in colour with aromas of black cherries and violets. It is medium to full bodied, concentrated with a firm structure. Tempranillo was blended with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was matured for two to three months in old oak barrels.
2020-2024, M7 D8
Black cherries, violets 18°C
Medium to full bodied
1818 MONTBLANC 362 SELECCIÓ, DO CATALUNYA, 2017
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cariñena, Garnacha
$ 24.00 $ 144.00
Montblanc Selecció was produced from a blend of four varietals grown in four distinct vineyards. This is a medium bodied wine with intense aromas of coffee, vanilla and ripe black cherries. It has a fine layered texture with lingering bitter cherry flavours. Aged in American and French oak barrels for four months.
Coffee, black cherries 18°C
Vanilla, bitter cherry
Navarin of lamb and spring vegetables
1819
MONTBLANC 362 SYRAH/SAMSÓ, DO CONCA DE BARBERÀ, 2017
Syrah, Samsó
$ 25.00 $ 150.00
A blend of Syrah and Samsó grown on black slate and quartz soils, it has a developed bouquet with meaty aromas, coffee grist, blackcurrant and menthol spice. Harvest was in mid to late October. After fermentation in tank, the wine was matured for over 12 months in new and used oak barrels.
Black cherries, spices
Spanish prawns with spicy lentils
Curried beef pot pie
2020-2023, M8 D9
D8
photo — Manolo has been part of the vineyard harvesting team for more than 15 years.
Read our Q&A with Josep Vadrí, Clos Montblanc’s winemaker, in Vino Etcetera.
1820
362 TREPAT, DO CONCA DE BARBERÀ, 2016
Trepat
$ 28.00 $ 168.00
Trepat is an indigenous variety from the Conca de Barberà region where it was traditionally used for rosé wines. More recently it has shown its potential for producing light reds. Bodegas Concavins have a single vineyard of 1.5 hectares of Trepat vines planted over 50 years ago at 400 metres. The 2016 has appealing aromas of coconut and red berries, raspberries, woody with a hint of mint. It is light in structure with herbal flavours, strawberry and mint.
1821
MONTBLANC 362, BRUT CAVA RESERVA, MÈTODE TRADICIONAL, DO CAVA
Macabeu, Xarel-lo, Parellada
$ 25.00 $ 150.00
A spicy Cava with fresh apples and lemony fruits and a crisp finish. It is a blend of 50% Macabeu, 30% Xarello with 20% Parellada. After primary fermentation, a second fermentation was carried out in bottle followed by about two years of aging. For many years the Conca de Barberà region was known in the trade as one of the finest sources of base wines for Cava production in Penedès.
2020-2023, M8 D9
Coconut, red berries, mint 16°C
Strawberry leaf, woody
Broad beans with jamon Ibérico
2020-2021, M8 D9
Fresh apples, spice 6°C
Quince, lemon, [03]
Crab cakes
photo — The entrance to the 18th century farmhouse, where the Carbonell family has been making wine for 300 years. 21
photo — This Tempranillo vineyard was planted in 1946. The 3-hectare plot is located next to Lagunas de Laguardia, a protected natural site.
22 CELLAR 275 — QUEBEC
1822
LUIS
ALEGRE CRIANZA, EDICIÓN LIMITADA, DOCA RIOJA, BODEGAS LUIS ALEGRE, 2016
Tempranillo, Graciano, Garnacha
Mellow ripe fruit aromas of mulberries and cooked cherries lead to a concentrated palate. This is a medium to full bodied Crianza matured in oak for 14 months using 80% American and 20% French oak barrels. Tempranillo was blended with 5% Graciano and 5% Garnacha from 40 years old vines cultivated at 500 metres in altitude. Some sour fruit flavours emerge on the palate with a firm acidity which will soften with some cellaring before it reaches it optimum for drinking.
Madrid Vinoselección SPAIN
If you are looking for something special to lay down, Spain produces some noteworthy wines with long cellaring potential.
A medium to full bodied wine with lots of potential for cellaring. Bodegas Valdelacierva is located in the heart of the Rioja Alta. It has 200 hectares of vineyards in small plots ranging between 25 and 130 years old. Tempranillo for Alfar Vendimia Seleccionada 2017 was grown at over 500 metres at Ollauri on 50-year-old vines. It has plummy fruits, mint and blackcurrant aromas. It is soft and juicy on the palate with ripe fruits and a long flavoursome finish. Grapes were handpicked into small boxes, destemmed and then macerated at 12°C for three days prior to fermentation. The malolactic fermentation was carried out in new French oak barrels over two months and the wine matured a further 10 months in these.
1824 BRAÓ, DO MONTSANT, ACÚSTIC CELLER, 2017
Cariñena, Garnacha
$ 48.00 $ 288.00
The vineyards of Monsant lie in the foothills of the mountain of Montsant between 300 and 700 metres. Albert Jané works with plots of twisted and gnarled 60 to 80-year-old vines which have struggled in the barren landscape to survive. His 2017 Braó has floral, redcurrant and raspberry aromas. It is firm on the palate with berry flavours combined with vanilla and a warm elegant finish. A blend of 90% Cariñena and 10% Garnacha, it was aged for 12 months in new and one-yearold French oak barrels. Delicious to drink now, it can be cellared further and should reach its peak in five to eight years.
Ripe fruits
2021-2028, M6 D7
Mulberries, cooked cherries 18°C
Ripe and sour red fruits
Leg of lamb slow cooked in red wine with figs
2021-2030, M5 D6
Plums, blackcurrant, mint 18°C
Pappardelle with porcini and pistachios
2020-2027, M6 D8
Floral, redcurrants, raspberry 18°C
Berry fruits, vanilla Duck confit
Carvoeira JAPGVitivinicultura e Serviços, LDA
Portugal cultivates a host of indigenous varieties under a range of climate conditions in its various regions. The country’s reputation for fortified Port wines from the Douro Valley was established centuries ago. More recently, Portugal’s still wines have been causing a stir. The best of the country’s red wines are age worthy, concentrated with good tannin structure and always with a vibrant acidity. What’s more, they are accessibly priced, so you don’t need to spend a fortune.
photo — Harvesting Touriga Nacional, one of Portugal’s finest grape varieties, at Encosta do Sobral.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
1825
MIRANDA BRANCO, DOC VINHO VERDE, CAMPELO, 2019
Loureiro, Trajadura, Arinto
$ 22.00 $ 132.00
Vinho Verde is a specialty from the north of Portugal. This light white has just 10% alcohol, a touch of residual sweetness to offset the natural acidity and a refreshing spritz. It was produced from three traditional grape varieties: 40% Loureiro, 30% Trajadura and 30% Arinto.
2020-2021, M8 D9
1826
CAMPELO ADAMADO, DOC VINHO VERDE, CAMPELO, 2019
Loureiro, Trajadura, Avesso, Arinto
$ 23.00 $ 138.00 NEW
Campelo Adamado
Vinho Verde has more weight and some nice yeasty characters which complement green apple and yellow plum flavours. Produced from four grape varieties – 50% Loureiro, 20% Trajadura, 20% Avesso and 10% Arinto. A perfect accompaniment to shellfish.
1827
VINDIMEIRO, BRANCO, DOC DOURO, CARVALHO LIMA WINES, 2019
Malvasia Fina, Viosinho, Gouveio, Rabigato
$ 24.00 $ 144.00
Fresh apples and pear aromas with some pineapple are followed by a smooth palate with some citrus pith flavours. Vindimeiro Branco is well balanced with some length. Produced from four grape varieties grown in the Douro, it is a blend of 40% Malvasia fina, 20% Viosinho, 20% Gouveio and 20% Rabigato.
Melon, lemon 6°C
Sherbet, [02]
Tapas
2020-2021, M8 D9
Yeasty, green apples, mineral 6°C
Sour yellow plum, spritz, [02]
Moules-frites
2020-2021, M8 D9
Fresh apples, pears 6°C
Citrus pith, [01]
Grilled Chilean sea bass
1828 MONTELOURO, DOC DOURO, CARVALHO LIMA WINES, 2018
Montelouro, DOC Douro, Carvalho Lima Wines, 2018
$ 28.00 $ 168.00
A mellow wine, concentrated and smooth, it has cooked dark fruit and plum aromas. It is medium bodied with a fine texture. Grapes were pressed by treading in traditional granite basins known as lagares by foot. The wine was matured in barrels for 20 months with 50% French and 50% American oak.
2020-2023, M8 D9
1829
ADEGA DA CONFRARIA, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, TINTO, ADEGA COOPERATIVA DO CADAVAL, 2017
Castelão, Trincadeira, Aragonês
$ 20.00 $ 120.00
Fresh red fruits, with cranberry flavours on the finish and a hint of leather. Adega da Confraria is medium bodied with a firm acidity.
2020-2022, M8 D9
Cooked dark fruits 18°C
Plums
Lamb and plum tajine
Red fruits, hint leather 18°C
Cranberries
Cod with red wine sauce
photo — Handcrafting wooden bird houses at Boas Quintas.
1831
1830
MIRANTE, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, TINTO, ADEGA DE CARVOEIRA, 2018
Blend of indigenous grape varieties
$ 20.00 $ 120.00
Mirante is a more concentrated wine with spicy oak and black fruit aromas. Produced from a blend of indigenous grape varieties, it is medium to full bodied and has savoury and crunchy black fruits and sour blackberry flavours.
CABEÇO DA PEDRA, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, TINTO, ENCOSTA DO SOBRAL, 2017
Castelão, Aragonês
$ 24.00 $ 144.00
Marked by oak, Cabeço da Pedra has an intense spicy coffee character with a hint of smoke and complementary blackcurrant aromas. Produced from a blend of Castelão with Aragonês, it was matured in French oak barrels for eight months. It is soft and smooth on the palate with juicy fruit flavours and a supple finish.
Portugal is famous for the many indigenous grapes used to produce wine. Try a few today!
Juicy fruits, blackberries, smoke
Chicken enchiladas
2020-2023, M8 D9
Spicy oak, black fruits 18°C
Sour blackberries
Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice stew)
2020-2022, M8 D9
Spicy, coffee, blackcurrant 18°C
photo — Traditional harvesting in Boas Quintas is part of the sustainability promise.
1833
1832
ENCOSTA DO SOBRAL, TOURIGA NACIONAL, VINHO REGIONAL TEJO, ENCOSTA DO SOBRAL, 2017
Touriga Nacional
$ 34.00 $ 204.00
Encosta do Sobral was produced from 100% Touriga Nacional – Portugal’s flagship grape – grown in the southern Tejo region close to Lisbon. Encosta do Sobral has nutmeg and chocolate aromas with a concentrated ripe fruit palate. It is medium bodied, smooth and round. The Tejo region is named after the Tagus river which moderates the region’s climate, making it more temperate than other Portuguese wine growing regions.
QUINTA DA GIESTA, DOC DÃO, BOAS QUINTAS, 2017
Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Jaen
$ 28.00 $ 168.00
Made by Nuno Cancela de Abreu in the Dão region, Quinta da Giesta has aromas of coffee and other spices. It is smooth with a tart fruit acidity that emerges on the palate.
Touriga Nacional, Jaen and Tinta Roriz underwent a cold maceration for two days followed by a five-day fermentation at 23°C. It is quite light mid palate with a long and refreshing red berry and chocolate finish.
Vivid salmon strawberry pink in colour, Estopa Rosé has rosehip and strawberry flavours. Grapes were lightly crushed and the skins left in contact with the juice for a few hours. It was slowly fermented at very low temperature and has a touch of residual sweetness.
Coffee crusted prime rib of beef with roast fingerling potatoes
A rich and dense wine, this full-bodied red stood out in my tasting. Toasty aromas are complemented by ripe dark fruits on the palate. It was produced from Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional grapes cultivated on terraced slopes of schist soils in the Upper Corgo sub-region of the Douro. It is structured with a grippy finish with lingering bitter chocolate notes and was matured in new French barrels for six months.
2020-2025, M7 D8
Toast, blackcurrant 18°C
Ripe dark fruits, bitter chocolate
Cassoulet with duck, sausage, and beans
1836
ABASTADO GRANDE RESERVA TINTO, DOC DOURO, GESPROVE, 2016
Touriga Nacional, Souzão, Touriga Franca
$ 43.00 $ 258.00
Cedar and cigar box aromas combine with dark fruits on the nose. More fruit flavours – red and black cherries –come through on the palate. The texture of this wine is grainy. Produced from 80%
Touriga Nacional, 19% Souzao and 1% Touriga Franca, it was aged in new French oak barrels for 12 months.
2020-2028, M6 D8
Oak, cedar, dark fruits 18°C
Red and black cherries
Spicy chicken skewers
photo — José Pinheiro, the CEO and winemaker at Gesprove, has been making wine for 34 years.
The Douro Valley has produced fortified Ports for centuries – rich with high alcohol and natural sweetness. The steep granite slopes and hot arid climate landscape are pretty inhospitable to most crops, but vines have been cultivated on man-made terraces held in place by traditional stone walls for centuries. Within plots, a mix of grape varieties is found, known as a field blend. Each plot is classified, and grapes designated to each of the styles to be produced.
Two bottles each Special Reserve, Tawny Reserve, Late Bottled Vintage 2009
Dense in colour with sweet plummy fruits and vanilla aromas. Soneto Reserva Especial is a ruby Port, sweet and smooth with bitter cherry, chocolate flavours and warm alcohol finish. Ready for drinking, it will not develop in bottle.
This Late Bottle Vintage Port is very fine in texture with jammy aromas, cooked black cherries and cassis. It is smooth, concentrated and so finely balanced it gives an impression of less sweetness, although it’s actually got a few more g/l of residual sweetness than the other two Soneto ports. Matured in tank and in large oak casks, it is drinking well now and will continue to evolve in bottle for years to come.
Matured in large old oak casks for an average of eight years, Soneto Reserve Tawny has a brown-ruby hue. Aromas of smoke and treacle lead to a soft palate. Lighter in weight mid palate, it has nice flavours of dried raisins and a lingering finish.
Sweet plummy fruits, vanilla
Bitter cherry, chocolate, [08]
Jammy, cooked black cherries, cassis
Smooth, fine, [08]
Smoky, treacle
Raisins, dried fruit, [07]
SONETO PORTO, RESERVA ESPECIAL RUBY, GESPROVE
Blend of traditional Douro grape varieties
SONETO PORTO, LATE BOTTLED VINTAGE, 2009, GESPROVE
Blend of traditional Douro grape varieties
SONETO PORTO, RESERVA TAWNY, GESPROVE
Blend of traditional Douro grape varieties
SONETO PORTO
photo — Vines of Chardonnay in the Saint-Véran appellation in the Mâconnais. In the background, the famous Roche de Solutré dominates the landscape.
Southern Burgundy Paul Sapin
A light and refreshing dry white made from Chardonnay and Colombard grapes.
Three everyday drinking French wines and some whites from the Mâconnais, the most southern part of Burgundy.
salad with lemon vinaigrette dressing
Paul Sapin’s wines never disappoint! Why not try their wines from Mâcon?
DES LANCIERS ROSÉ, VIN
An easy drinking smooth rosé, very pale in colour with subtle fruit flavours. Grapes were grown in the south west of France in the Côtes de Gascogne.
Easy drinking, [01]
Tataki of trout
2020-2021, M8 D9
Lemon, gooseberry 6°C
Lemon, [01]
Chef’s
2020-2021, M8 D9
Pear drops 6°C
1842
1843
Ripe red and black fruit flavours lead to a light to medium bodied palate, supple with winey fruit flavours.
Produced from Gamay grapes grown in the most southern vineyards of Burgundy between the town of Mâcon and Tournus. It has intense red berry fruit aromas, red cherries and banana. Grapes went through a traditional halfcarbonic vinification. It is supple with a juicy acidity and long fruit finish.
Intense tropical fruit aromas with passionfruit and pineapple are complemented by a crisp lemony palate with a twist of bitter grapefruit. Chardonnay vines are cultivated on predominantly limestone soils with layers of marl, silt and gravel. No use of oak.
Passionfruit, pineapple 6°C
Grapefruit, lemon, [00]
Chèvre-chaud salad with lemon vinaigrette
2020-2022, M8 D9
Red and black fruits 16°C
Winey
Fresh fruit tart
2020-2022, M8 D9
Red berries, banana 16°C
Red cherries
Duck and pork terrine with pickled cherries
2020-2022, M8 D9
photo — The Château of the domaine Mont-SaintGilbert in Davayé, where Burgundy and Beaujolais wines are produced.
1844
PAUL SAPIN SAINT-VÉRAN, LA COLLECTION, AOP, 2019
Chardonnay $ 33.00 $ 198.00
A richer more concentrated wine with broad ripe fruits, apricots and peaches. A proportion of the grapes was fermented in barrels, the other underwent some skin contact before fermenting in tank, producing a supple and smooth wine. The appellation of Saint-Véran lies on the lower slopes of the rocks of Solutré and Vergisson. 25 to 30-year-old vines are planted on clay limestone soils over underlying crystalline rock and Jurassic sandstone.
2020-2024, M7 D9
Broad ripe fruits 6°C
Apricot, peach, [00]
Serve as an apéritif
1845
37.00 $ 222.00
An intense bouquet with lime and mineral stony aromas. It is medium bodied with a smooth palate and fine texture.
Domaine Mont-Saint-Gilbert at Davayé has 40 hectares of vines across several villages close by. Chardonnay was vinified by Sébastien Collonge in stainless steel tanks, then aged for 10 months of fine lees.
2020-2024, M7 D9
Lime, mineral 6°C
Smooth, creamy, [00]
Veal scallops with creamy mushroom sauce
9 surprise cases with producer tasting notes
6 bottles of one premium wine sourced uniquely for Founders’ Choice
54 bottles per year of rare wines to distinguish your cellar
OPIMIAN SUBSCRIPTION CASES
WITH 1 SIMPLE SUBSCRIPTION automatically receive 9 surprise cases of Opimian wines per year selected by Jane Masters MW, Opimian’s Master of Wine. Each case is carefully prepared by an independent winemaker from a different region.
