After the holidays and splurging at the Boxing Day sales, most of us have to reign in the spending in January. Fortunately, wine lovers have another few weeks to take advantage of the tax break. No worries! I’ve drawn up a list of great wines that offer excellent value. All of these are highly recommended and most are currently discounted with the HST savings.
I recently discovered this terrific Shiraz from the tip of South Africa. It shows lovely aromas and flavours of ripe raspberry, cherry, white pepper and spicy anise. It’s a well-balanced, flavourful wine with soft tannins and a smooth finish. Pair it with roast lamb, hearty stews, or beef tenderloin. Vegan, Fair Trade and Sustainably produced.
Dry • 13.5% • LCBO# 33148 • $13.25 with HST savings
Wines from South Africa are not as well known as those from France, Italy or California, but you will want to get to know them because of their value and variety. The winegrowing region, known as the Cape Winelands, is located mainly in the south-western tip of South Africa in the Western Cape Province.
The Cape Winelands have a Mediterranean climate that is beneficial to cultivating grapes. South Africa can identify exactly when its wine industry began: 02 February, 1659. The first Governor of the Cape, Jan van Riebeeck, arrived at the Cape in 1652 to organize a refreshment station for the ships of the Dutch East India Company, which travelled the spice routes.
Vines from France, the Rhineland and Spain were shipped to the Cape and planted around 1655. By 1659, wine was made for the first time from Cape grapes. Today, sustainable viticulture is flourishing.
Refreshing Arniston Bay Sauvignon Blanc is made from grapes that are handpicked early in the morning, or even at night. It shows lively aromas of stone fruit, lime and passion fruit. The vibrant palate is crisp and dry, with lime, gooseberry, pear and mineral flavours. This South African Sauvignon Blanc shows excellent varietal character. Pair it with fresh seafood, salads or Chicken Alfredo.
Dry • 13% • LCBO# 33147 • $13.25 with HST savings
Last year I discovered Cocchi Vermouth Red and liked it so much that this year I tried their classic-style vermouth extra dry. Another fantastic discovery was made in Torino, the birthplace of vermouth. It’s made using ingredients that originate in Piemonte, giving the authentic flavour profile that reflects the region. The grapes used to craft it are local Cortese. This is a refreshing and elegant stand-alone vermouth with fresh apple, melon and white flower notes, beautifully balanced with aromatic botanicals: cardamom, artemisia, coriander and angelica. Piedmontese mint and lemon peels add a lovely freshness to the palate. It adds an elegant touch to a classic martini and I also enjoy it over ice, mixed with a splash of tonic water and a slice of lemon peel.
Extra dry • 16% • LCBO VINTAGES# 38001 • $26 • 500 ml
An old favourite that is a repeat performer at my house. It’s a fragrant, full-bodied red wine that offers lots of ripe plum, raspberry, floral and coffee notes, along with a hint of allspice. A very versatile wine that you can pair with roast pork tenderloin, lamb burgers or hearty winter stews.
Dry • 13.5% • LCBO# 427377 • $12.40 with HST savings
This was a Christmas gift, which I enjoyed so much that I ran out a few days later to grab another bottle! So fragrant and flavourful with tons of sensuous blackcurrant and dark berry notes, vanilla, chocolate, floral and sweet spice. Excellent acidity and a smooth finish complete the experience. Highly recommended! Perfect with pork ribs or lamb chops.
Dry • 12.5% • LCBO# 303800 • $21.55 with HST savings
For some, it has become popular to skip the booze in January, while others will do a “Dryish January”, reducing their consumption rather than cutting it out altogether. My tip: instead of pouring a glass of wine next time, pour three-quarters of a glass. That way, you can still enjoy your wine, but you consume less. Another option is to substitute that second glass with a favourite fruit juice. Sometimes what I want is a little treat and that doesn’t need to be alcoholic! Drink less – spend less – it’s a win-win!
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
