Fresita Sparkling Wine, Patagonia, Chile

Fresita is Spanish for Strawberry.  This style of wine has been made in Chile for generations.  Hand picked Patagonian strawberries are infused into this crisp and refreshing sparkling wine creating a delicious aperitif or desert style wine.  The base wine is created with chardonnay and sauvignon blanc, which combined make up a rich sparkling wine with a firm cleansing acidity.  There is no sugar added only ripe sweet strawberries that lend a perfect touch of sweetness.  Fresita can be enjoyed on its own as a great sipper or aperitif. But, pairs perfectly with chocolate desserts.  Fresita can also be used in a plethora of cocktail recipes.

Make these brownies and sip Fresita for a divine experience!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/best-brownies/

Trivento Torrontes, Mendoza , Argentina

Torrontes is a grape that is grown almost exclusively in Argentina.  This Trivento offering is composed with 0 Torrontes grapes.  It is a pale yellow hue in the glass.  The nose is aromatic in its offering of ripe tropical fruit such as mandarin, poached pear, pineapple, mango and hints of violets.  Typically Torrontes shows these notes and presents itself on a soft round palate with a touch of sweet.  This wine shows true to the classic characteristics of the grape variety.  A sip will reveal a nice round viscous mouthfeel with notes of citrus fruit, white peaches and grassy tang reminiscent of sauvignon blanc. It finishes with a crisp and clean edge.  A fantastic pairing with seafood, shellfish, poultry or pork dishes.  Try this with your favourite white fish and a mango salsa!

http://www.grouprecipes.com/26722/halibut-with-mango-salsa.html

 

Foster Pink Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

If you are like most of us these days and cannot get enough Malbec, you need to try this unique offering from the winemakers at Enrique Foster.  It is a Rose or blush wine made entirely from Malbec grapes!  To sum it up in a few words… it is a red wine that drinks like a white wine!  In your glass it presents itself in a wonderful deep pink colour.  However, do not be fooled by its appearance. It is a bone dry rose which becomes obvious at the first scent of red cherries, raspberries and a hint of oak spice.  There is  a touch of warmth that presents itself.  On the palate it in nicely layered with fresh red cherries, sour cherries, light wood notes and a touch of pepper.  It is soft and smooth with  a dry and clean finish.  Great with poultry, pizza, pasta and rich seafood. But would really shine with smoked salmon!

http://www.dairygoodness.ca/recipes/smoked-salmon-mousse-canapes

Casillero Del Diablo Pinot Noir, Casablanca, Chile

Concha Y Toro is one of the largest and longest standing wine producers in Chile.  Many years ago to prevent theft from workers,  a story was created by the wineries proprietor that the devil himself lived in the depths of the wineries cellar.  The legend stuck and theft was never an issue.  Casillero del Diablo translates to “Cellar of the Devil”.  This Pinot Noir is a fantastic modern style.  It is a light ruby colour and clearly a light – medium bodied wine by its appearance.  The scents that rise from the glass are red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry and a touch of mocha.  It is elegant in its medium body with raspberry and cherry notes lilting along in hand with a black tea note. It is nice and juicy with mouthwatering acidity.  Fantastic with risotto, vegetarian dishes and poultry.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/mushroom-risotto-recipe/index.html

 

Finca el Origen Malbec Reserva, Mendoza, Argentina

Malbec…the emblematic wine of Argentina.  Finca el Origen represents the value that is ARgentinian wine. Great quality wines produced from specific sites in a modern drinking style at reasonable prices. You cant beat that!  This Malbec is a deep velvet purple in the glass. It is enticing if you catch a waft of the aroma’s that lift from the wine. Blueberry, plum, chocolate and vanilla bean rise up.  This malbec is rich in its concentration with ripe and round tannins that are balanced by deep fruit flavours of plum, dark cherry blueberry pie and mocha.  Perfect with red meats, stews and braises or sip and chat with friends and family!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/anne-burrell/braised-short-ribs-recipe/index.html

Louis Bernard Cotes du Rhone Villages, Rhone Valley, France

Perhaps the most “serious” of all the wines in this months discovery bag it is however, very approachable.  This wine has been hand crafted in the heart of the Rhone Valley true to its heritage.  Always created as a blend of the Holy Trinity, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre.  In the glass it presents itself a friendly medium dark cherry coulour.  The nose offers a mixed bag of  red and black cherries, black berries, white pepper and clove. The palate is noticeably dry on first attack with firm tannins which are washed away easily with a juicy red cherry note and hints of strawberry and dusty oak. It has a lingering  finish.  This is a dinner wine.  Enjoyed best with Alberta beef, firm cheese or an oven roast of lamb.

http://www.yummly.com/recipe/Grilled-Alberta-Beef-Tenderloin-And-Vegetable-Salad-Recipezaar

Rigamarole Rose

This wonderful wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Gamay, Merlot and Shiraz-an odd mix for sure but a pleasant one indeed. This wine is produced by the Artisan Wine Co. in B.C., which is essentially a holding company which has several wine brands, all made at Mission Hill. Their wines are fresh and fun, much like the labels. This rose has pretty strawberry and watermelon colors. The nose is full of red berries and ripe plums that make this very inviting. In the mouth, expect juicy strawberry, cherry and red currant flavors along with notes of citrus peel. The acidity is mouthwatering, leaving your mouth fresh and wanting more.

You can pair this rose with a dried cranberry salad, chicken salad or a light pasta dish.

http://www.cookingnook.com/angel-hair-pasta-recipes.html

BAREFOOT MOSCATO CALIFORNIA 2010

Most people don’t know this, but Barefoot has been making wine since 1965!

The original name of the winery is Barefoot Bynum Burgundy, which takes its name after the winemaking founder Davis Bynum.

This operation started as a side project, just for fun, selling wine out of his garage. Davis later moved to a proper winery in Albany, California.

Davis closed down his cellar in 1973 to pursue other wine interests in the Russian River Valley, but later reopened in 1986 as Barefoot Cellars.

This wine is charming, offering floral notes that have a pleasant sugary edge, with lemony citrus flavors along with peach, ripe apricots and a juicy acidity.

This delightfully sweet wine manages a bright, crisp finish at the end.

Think of this as a wine, which is good at keeping things fresh.

Pair with some fruit or mild cheese.

 

NAKED GRAPE UNOAKED RIESLING

 

With facilities in British Columbia, Ontario and New Brunswick, Naked Grape blends imported and domestic wines to create their stellar product. This technique enables the winery to produce a consistent product every year.

This unoaked Riesling is sure to delight anyone looking for an easygoing wine. The palate is lightly sweet taste with a refreshing acidity.

This medium bodied will awaken your taste buds with flavors of ripe peach and lemon.

The Naked Grape Riesling will pair nicely with fish, pork or chicken. A blue cheese will also work well.

 

CASTILLO DE MONSERAN GARNACHA SPAIN 2010

 

This wine is from Cariñena, which is located in Aragon, Spain. It is one of the oldest protected growing areas in Europe, the DO (Denominacion de Origen) having been created in 1932.

Known as a value-driven wine producer, Castillo de Monseran can surprise a lot of people when tasted blind against another more expensive wine.

This is made with Garnacha, which is the Spanish equivalent of Grenache in France and other parts of the wine world. Grenache has typical spicy, berry flavors and is soft on the palate with a relatively high alcohol content. Grenache is the dominant variety in southern Rhone wines, most famous of which is Chateauneuf du Pape, as well as in GSM blends in Australia and other parts of the New World.

On the nose this is quite complex with aromas of black cherry, berry, rose petals, anise and a touch of chocolate and barnyard.  On the palate, it is spicy with black cherry, plum, licorice, and meaty, peppery flavors.  This medium bodied wine has both good fruit and acidity mixed in with juicy plum, mint and herb flavors. Though some might find it has a bit of sharp-edge, this deep ruby wine is fresh and offers terrific value.

Consider pairing with wild mushroom risotto dishes, grilled entrees, barbecue and Asian fare.

 

LA PUERTA MALBEC ARGENTINA 2011

 

La Puerta started out in 1994 with olive grove plantings and it wasn’t until 2002 that a winery was built. Today, it is one of Argentina’s most technologically advanced wineries.

Located in the Famatina Valley in La Rioja, the vineyards experience a nice dry, warm and sunny climate ideal for grapes.

In the glass you’ll notice an intense dark ruby color. The nose has spicy aromas of black cherry and violets with hints of mint, pepper as well as a touch of ripened plum.

On the palate it is full-bodied, ripe and chewy with flavors of currants, cocoa powder and coffee notes all in a pure mouthful of tasty fruit. Drink this easygoing, friendly wine over the next four years.

This variety’, typically sweet and smooth tannins will match well with burgers, barbecue ribs and stews.

 

FARNESE PRIMITIVO PUGLIA ITALY

 

The Farnese winery is based out of Abruzzo, but they also make several IGT wines from different regions in Italy.  What they are known for is great value driven wines which are consistent year in and year out.

The Primitivo grape is genetically equivalent to the Croatian grape Crljenak Kaštelanski where it originated, and also to the Californian grape Zinfandel and exhibits many of the same characteristics.

This Primitivo, like most actually, is from the region located in the heel of Italy, Puglia. In this part of Italy, Primitivos are often more rustic than their Californian counterparts, but just as good with nice black cherry and blueberry notes.

This wine has a nice nose of mild oak, cherry and hazelnut. The palate tastes of ripe red cherries, strawberries, oak and smoky dark chocolate, with hints of black pepper and anise. There is also a nice finish of oak sweetness and leather. This wine is a sure thing and that is priced under $15.00 makes it a keeper and one to have on hand in the kitchen all the time. Enjoy for easy sipping  and/or a great steak, lasagna or rich marinara pastas.

 

FRONTERA SAUVIGNON BLANC CHILE 2010

 

Frontera is one of Chile’s best selling wines in the world. The vineyards are located in the sunny and fertile land of the Maule valley, where the heat of the day is balanced by the night’s cool air, ensuring a fantastic fruity character.

Light straw with gold highlights, this young and romantic wine has aromas of citrus and grass (more along the lines of lemongrass) with very slight citrus floral notes. Well-balanced on the palate, the expressive fruit flavors are citrusy but not tart or astringent. There is some minerality, which develops into the moderately long finish. 

This can easily become your "go-to" wine, as it’s versatile enough to pair with many dishes. This fresh wine is light and explosive, leaving ones palate refreshed and satisfied.

Perfect with seafood and lightly grilled meats.

 

 

 Moet Chandon, Imperial Brut, Champagne France

This classic and elegant champagne is made by the world renowned House Moet Chandon. Moet has been making champagne since 1743, and this wine is considered to be their flagship and it is meant to be ”champagne to be shared”. The wine is made from a traditional blend from the region of chardonnay, pinot noir and pinot meunier. This careful blend and time aging in the cellars give this wine lively bubbles and lovely flavours of red apples, fresh pears, warm lemons, fresh rolls and hints of vanilla and tropical fruits.

This wine makes a delicious choice to with brunch dishes, traditional Christmas dinner, cheese plates, and of course, great company. Enjoy with this recipe for Vanilla French Toast http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Vanilla-French-Toast

 

Robert Mondavi, Napa Valley Chardonnay, California, United States

A fresh and beautifully balanced wine, it is sure to delight you with every sip. This wine brings together all of the classical expressions of the chardonnay grape in the glass offering you flavours of red and green apples, yellow pears, lemons, pineapple and hints of coconut, butter, toffee and toast from the subtle oak aging. A wine that is guaranteed to be a holiday favourite this “winter white” is perfect for pairing with traditional holiday dinners, turkey leftovers, apple desserts, cheese plates, seafood with butter and easy sipping with friends.

For a decedent meal try with this recipe for lobster mac and cheese. http://www.lobsterqueen.com/lobster-macaroni-and-cheese.html

 

Grey Monk, Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

This is a wonderful wine to have on hand for the holidays, as you will discover that it is both people and food friendly. The fruit for this wine is source from a selection of vineyards in the Okanagan Valley, which brings the wine many delicious layers of fruit expression. The wine has been aged in French Oak that gives it has a roundness and silkiness on the palate that makes it an excellent choice to pair with food.

This wine is filled with the flavours of black tea, red cherries, hints of raspberries, blackberries, smoke, and roses.  Enjoy pairing this wine with red meats, poultry dishes, salmon, cheeses, and charcuterie plates. Enjoy with this pork tenderloin recipe for a wonderful night at home. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/tenderloin-with-cherry-sauce/detail.aspx

Freemark Abby, Merlot, Napa Valley, California, United States

A concentrated and luscious wine this classic merlot show why this grape is one of the most beloved around the world. The wine has a deep blackberry colour and is youthful in its profile. The well-structured tannins hold the deep black fruit flavours of cherries, plums, and blueberries together along with hints of spice, vanilla bean and cherry cola. This wine will show well right out of the bottle but we do recommend allowing it to sit for a least an hour before enjoying so that it will open up and relax a bit before you take your first sip.

Enjoy this wine with hard cheeses, dark chocolate desserts, grilled meats, and Mexican dishes, pasta dishes with red meats, and beef roasts and stews. Try this wine with this classic recipe for Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding for a divine pairing that is sure to bring a WOW factor to the table. http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/roastbeefandyorkshir_72053

 

St. Francis, Old Vines Pagani Vineyard, Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California, United States

A full-bodied and fruit forward red wine is filled with scrumptious flavours of raspberries, blueberries, chocolate covered raisins, smoke, spice and ripe red cherries. This wine is a superb example of how delicious this grape can be and the intense and well-structured wines that it can be made into under loving and expert hands. This is a wonderful wine to open with friends and family over the holidays and catch up over a glass or two.

Pair this wine with red meats, stews, cheese plates, and grilled meat dishes such as this delicious rib recipe.

http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Molasses-Glazed-Baby-Back-Ribs

 

Taylor Fladgate, 10 Year Old, Tawny Port, Portugal

This wine makes a perfect addition to our collection, as it is elegant and smooth, and perfect for enjoying over the holidays. This wine is meant to be drunk as soon as you get it home as it has been aged in barrel prior to bottling so it is all ready for you to enjoy. You will find this port to be filled with the brilliant flavours of toffee, vanilla, soft oak and nuts. A superb choice to enjoy after a delicious meal or when sitting by a fire with friends, this port pairs wonderfully with toffee puddings, cheese plates, crème caramel, and roasted nuts. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sugar-coated-pecans/

 

 

 

El Petit Bonhomme, Jumilla, Spain

A fun wine that definitely has a wonderful holiday feel to it, with its bright red label and sparkly, silver stick person. This wine is made from a blend of Monastrell, Grenache, and Syrah and is made in the Jumilla (hoo-mee-ya) region in Spain, from vines that are between 25 and 15 years old and all the grapes have been hand picked. You will find this wine to be a deep ruby colour in the glass and it will fill your nose and palate with the flavours and aromas of bright red cherries, plums, raspberries and hints of soft oak, smoke and fennel. This wine is a perfect choice for a cocktail party wine, easy sipping by a fire or while your busy wrapping presents.

Enjoy with this easy Spanish Tapas recipe Pan Con Tomate – (Toast with Tomatoes and Garlic) http://www.easy-spanish-recipes.com/pan-con-tomate.html

Chocolate Shop, Washington, United States

This wine is described as the “The Chocolate Lovers Wine”, and true to its name it is sure to become a favourite of any chocolate fan. The wine is created by the wine makers take a medium bodied red wine and then infusing it with dark chocolate, which creates a one-of-a-kind flavour experience in the glass. The wine shows as a deep garnet colour and as soon as you pour a glass your nose will be delighted with the nuances of dark chocolate covered cherries which follow through on the palate in a burst of all the flavours promised on the nose.

This wine will make a delicious choice to pair with a chocolate dessert, cheese plate or a bubble bath with a great book. Enjoying pairing this wine with this decadent chocolate lava cake. http://americanfood.about.com/od/desserts/r/choclavacake.htm

Mark West, Pinot Noir, California

The Mark West Winery was founded in 1978, with the philosophy that great pinot noir “shouldn’t cost more then the meal you’re enjoying it with” and we feel this wine shows that they are still living by their original mantra. This wine is made from 100% California fruit that is picked from different regions which allows the winemaker to create a well-balanced wine with many layers. In the glass and on the palate you will enjoy a classic, easy to drink style of pinot noir with its bright strawberry colour and flavours of cherries, raspberries, plums, black tea and hints of vanilla and smoke. This wine is medium bodied and has a fruit forward profile with smooth tannins that support all the flavours in the glass.

Pair this wine with smoked salmon, appetizers, and light dinners. It is also a great party wine choice and will go well with a selection of cheeses and pates for easy sipping.

To wow your friends try this recipe for smoked duck with pear appetizer spoons. http://frenchcookingfordummies.com/2009/smoked-duck-pear-appetizer-spoons/

Trimbach, Riesling, Alsace, France

The Trimbach family has been making wine in the Alsace region since the 1600’s, which gives the family over thirteen generations of family wine making experience.  Today, the winery is still family owned and run and they stand proudly behind all the wines in their world-renowned portfolio.  This wine shows as a classic Alsatian Riesling with a soft gold colour in the glass, medium body and delicious flavours of ripe apples, pears, peaches, apricots and hints of lemon. A delight in the glass, this wine is one that will make a great staple wine for your kitchen wine rack, as it is so food and people friendly you are sure to find many reasons to enjoy a bottle.

Pair this wine with sushi, pork roasts, Thai or Indian foods, French onion soup, and grilled chicken. This is a perfect wine for wine and cheese parties and we are sure you will fall in love with this delicious and user-friendly wine. Enjoy with this cheese fondue recipe for a great night in. http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/cheese_fondue/

Chasing Lions, Propriety Blend, Red Wine, Napa Valley, California

Two Canadian friends who fulfilled their childhood dreams of making great wine in California together make this wine. As a wine made as a merlot-based blend it also has some cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, syrah and petite verdot in the mix to bring in all the flavours and textures that they wanted to express in this wine. The wine is a full-bodied red with firm tannins and deep, black fruit flavours in the glass. It shows as a deep magenta colour and fills your palate with black plums, cassis, raspberries and blackberries on the palate. Enjoy this wine with hard cheeses, red meats and dark chocolate.

Enjoy with this easy and delicious recipe for grilled steak. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/bbq-steak/

Wolfberger, Cremant d’Alsace, France

It just wouldn’t be right to build a December Discovery Wine Pack and not put in a delicious bottle of bubbles for you to enjoy. Wolfberger was founded in 1904 when a group of winemakers joined together. This Cremant (which is a name given to sparkling wines made in France that are made in the same method as champagne but not from that region) is a terrific wine to enjoy through the season. This wine is made from Pinot Blanc and is medium-bodied on the palate.  Flavours of ripe apples, pears, fresh roles and warm lemons will delight you with every sip and make this wine a perfect choice to serve with a traditional Christmas dinner or brunch. Enjoy this wine with cheeses and appetizers and open a bottle anytime a celebrational mood strikes.

Enjoy with this easy breakfast casserole for a stress free holiday morning. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/sausage-egg-casserole/