Tis
the season that threatens to overcome your Mastercard and Visa
accounts, as you hustle around town buying presents and rich food and
drink to regale your friends and family!
In an
effort to provide some relief here are some wine selections that will
caress your guests taste buds without breaking the bank. You don't
want your co-workers spilling the Chateau Lafite on the carpet during
the office party!
I
shop at the Barrack Street LCBO and all of these wines were on the
shelves there as of yesterday, Dec. 6. May your shopping be Merry!
The
first thing to do is buy Champagne/Bubbly. It is supremely versatile,
being a great party wine as well as matching up very well with all
kinds of dishes.
2014
was the first year ever that Italian Prosecco outsold French
Champagne around the word. Spanish Cavas and Canadian Sparklers are
also great.
I
like Frixenet in the Black Bottle $12.95 and Cremant D'Alsace (
Vintages ). There are loads of other great buys. Just ask Kent Or
Adam, the wine consultants at Barrack St.
White
Wines
Strewn
2 Vines Riesling/Gewurztraminer 2013 has become a house staple for
Sheila and I. Very well-balanced, fruity and lively. On Sale at the
moment for $10.95!
Ironstone
Symphony 2012 from California. Very interesting and tasty dry wine
$16.10, Symphony is the grape, designed by researchers at UCLA @
Davis. A superb wine!!
Esquinas
Pinot Grigio 2013 Argentina $11.85. BEST discovery of the year.
Delicious!
Caliterra
Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2013 $9.95. Chile. Beppy Crossariol of the
Globe and Mail recommended this one and he was right on. Extremely
true to the varietal.
Bougrier
Vouvray 2013 $13.95. France. Full-bodied, intense fruit/acid balance.
This would be great with the turkey and ham.
Laroche
Viognier 2013 $12.70. We tried this Saturday and were impressed. Dry,
full-body, crisp.
Ruffino
Orvieto Classico Umbria 2013 $11.45. Bone dry and flavourful. Try
with fish. Also great as a party starter/aperitif.
Hardy
Stamp Series Riesling/Gewurztraminer Australia $9.90. BARGAIN!!
Hardy
Stamp Series Chardonnay/Semillon $9.90. I have not tried this yet. I
just saw it on the shelves and am curious. If it is as good as the
Ries/Gewurz it is worth buying. Price is right!
Lindeman's
Bin 65 Chardonnay 2013 $10.95. A good, old favourite that will please
most tastes.
Red
Wines
Sandbanks
Baco Noir 2013 $14.95. Support your local vintner. Great wine @ a
fair price.
Nederberg
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $11.95 S. Africa. Another best buy from
Beppi!
Mirassou
Pinot Noir 2013 $14.00 California. Light and fruity.
Esquinas
Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Argentina $11.90. Make note of this Vintner!
Alamos
Malbec 2013 Argentina $13.90. The new bargain wine country!
Bousquet
Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 Chile $12.90. For fans of big Aussie wines.
Casillero
Del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ON SALE @$11.95. BEST BUY OF THE
SEASON!!!
Citra
Montepulciano D'Abruzzo $7.75. Another Beppi find! Light body but
very good!!!
Costalungo
Barbera D'Asti 2012 $ 13.95. Medium body, loads of fruit, very dry.
Wyndham
Bin 555 Shiraz 2012 $15.95 Australia Rich and smooth.
Rosemount
Diamond Shiraz 2013 $13.95. A well balanced, substantial wine.
Peter
Lehman Clancy's Blend $17.95 Australia. Classy, rich enticing!
My
favourite Beers for stocking stuffers:
Warsteiner
from Germany and Hops & Bolts.
Best
Gin for you Martini Lovers: Hendriks.
First
choice for Rye Whisky: Crown Royal.
Recent
good reads:
Don't
ever get old by Daniel Friedman. Geriatric ex-cop in a wild caper!
Carnage
and Culture by Victor Davis Hanson.
A Spy
Among Friends by Ben Macintyre. A riveting account of the Kim Philby
story.
The
Proud Tower by Barbara Tuchman. Pre-World War One History. Fantastic
Historian!!!
Party
Of One by Michael Harris. Should be required reading for all voters
in Canada.
Ecstatic
Nation by Brenda Wineapple. I thought I had read everything worth
reading about the U.S. Civil War but I was wrong. A truly amazing
history book!
Sheila
and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and New Year.
Thanks,
Justin
