This week’s wine list features wines that work well with fall cuisine, plus a popular Irish Whiskey to sip as the fall evenings get cooler. Enjoy!
Faustino I Gran Riserva 2014
Rioja, Spain
This multi-award winner hits all the buttons for a beautiful wine experience and is a perennial favourite at my house! It’s rich, fragrant and opulent, with layers of flavour, satiny smooth texture and a lingering finish, all in very fine balance. The three classic Rioja grape varieties Tempranillo, Graciano and Mazuelo are used to craft this iconic red wine which is emblematic of the Rioja region. It was aged for a minimum of 30 months. The perfumed nose gives notes of tart cherry, vanilla, cinnamon, sandalwood, violets, leather, fine tobacco and earthy mushrooms, which you can enjoy again on the richly layered palate. This wine has a lovely harmonious flow of all the elements, from the start to the very long finish. The acidity is just right, making it versatile with food, too. The finish offers ripe red fruit, vanilla, wood and earthy notes. Pair with roast lamb or duck, mushroom risotto or hard cheeses like Manchego or Gran Paderno. I also recommend enjoying a glass of this on its own, so that you can savour the flavours, the silky texture and the excellent balance.
Dry • 13.5% • LCBO VINTAGES# 976662 • $31.95, now $27.95 til October 13
Bread & Butter Pinot Noir 2022
Napa Valley, California
A bright and sexy Pinot Noir, with mouthwatering aromas and flavours of tart cherries, raspberries, cassis, sweet spice and earthy mushrooms. The mouthfeel is satiny and rich, with excellent acidity, and the smooth finish has berry, sweet spice and vanilla notes. This wine gives excellent value at the price point. Highly recommended for Pinot lovers! Pair with roast turkey, duck breast, or grilled mushrooms.
Dry • 13.5% • LCBO# 13686 • $19.95
Errazuriz Aconcagua Costa Chardonnay 2023
Aconcagua Costa, Chile
There’s a delightful note of tangerine dancing through this wine. The nose gives lovely citrus, vanilla and tropical fruit, which continues on a rich, full-bodied palate with a more pronounced tangerine note and slight minerality. The tangerine flavour lingers on the finish. Wonderful with seafood or roast turkey.
Extra Dry • 13% • LCBO Vintages# 556118 • $22.95
Jameson Triple Distilled Whiskey
Ireland
Ireland’s best-selling whiskey has been triple-distilled for smoothness. It gives lovely subtle aromas of white flowers, nectarines, ripe pears and cloves, with a mellow palate that adds vanilla, honey and ginger flavours. I highly recommend this memorable whiskey, which you can enjoy neat or add to your coffee on a windy fall evening. Pair with mature white cheddar for your next charcuterie board, along with some walnuts, a fruit jam and potato chips.
Whiskey vs Whisky – Ever wondered why the word whisky has two spellings? “Whisky” is the spelling used in Scotland, Canada and Japan, while “whiskey” is used in Ireland and the United States.
40% • LCBO# 10157 • $42.45
For more wine and food discovery from Jane Staples, visit www.bellovinoj.com
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