Both of the wines I am talking about this week have me very excited. Because I know they are not going to stay on the shelves very long. I am also excited because it’s a Spinal Tap kind of week… I am reminded of that scene from this is Spinal Tap when they are looking at a Marshall Amplifier talking about turning things to eleven… when 10 just isn’t enough you sometimes want to have that little bit of oomph. Both of these wines would fall into that category.
2009 The Foreign Affair Sauvignon Blanc – VINTAGES 307587 – $24.95 – Before I even get into my description of this wine, this is the BEST Sauvignon Blanc I have tried from Ontario. That is not taking away from many of the great Sauvignon Blancs I have had a chance to try. This wine is made with 30% dried grapes using appassimento method typically found in Italy (but there is more than one place in Ontario using this method). The idea behind drying the grapes is to focus and concentrate the flavours found in the grapes. The end result is electric on the tongue! Ontario Sauvignon Blanc typically has a very grassy nose and taste to it, this is no exception, but beyond the initial aromas you get intense flavours of grapefruit and subtle lime with a lingering finish that is a balance of all the flavours. This would be a perfect match for Herbed Roast Chicken. To be frank, I would not recommend pairing this with anything it is fantastic on it’s own!
2010 Pondview Cabernet Merlot – VINTAGES 307561 – $19.15 – This wine is very intense with heavy aromas of Black Pepper and Black Licorice and flavours to match. Very dark fruit flavours to be found in this wine with black currant, black berry and black cherry; but wait there is more, spicy notes are very “in your face” err… “in your mouth”… as well as black licorice that works it’s way on the back of your tongue with a lingering after taste. This is begging to be paired with Tomato sauce … so why not do a homemade pizza, or pasta… What I would recommend is opening this right at the beginning of your meal and saving a glass for after the meal.
