This Month’s Wine Pack

IN THIS MONTH’S THREE-PACK:

13th Street Winery is sharing a gorgeous wine pack valued at $115 with CityNews Wine Club members. Featured wines are a luscious viognier, rich cabernet merlot blend, and a cabernet sauvignon reserve that will knock your socks off.

2021 Reserve Viognier
VQA Niagara Peninsula

This rich and sublimely viscous viognier gives you all the good feels! The aroma is layered with tropical fruit, lemon-lime, nectarine, and wet stone. The palate resonates with pineapple, citrus, peach pit, and a lovely backbone of minerality.

Pair this fresh but nuanced white with elevated fan favourite foods like creamy butter chicken, baked crab cakes, and sea bream with saffron and coconut.

2021 Cabernet Merlot
VQA Creek Shores

Dark ruby in colour, this blend of merlot (48%), cabernet franc (32%), and cabernet sauvignon (20%) is drinking superbly right now. On the nose, ripe brambly black fruits abound with black pepper and cocoa. The palate is ripe and beautifully concentrated with plum, cassis, tomato leaf, and a hint of smoke.

This easygoing red is a lovely match with beef wellington, herbed and roasted guinea hen, and classic smoky split pea soup.

2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
VQA Creek Shores

Aged for 20 months in French oak, this full-bodied and spicy cabernet sauvignon has a bouquet of chocolate-dipped cherries, Damson plum, earth, and graphite. The palate is tart but succulent with notes of cranberry, blackberry, and black pepper.

The wine is complex and active while also being smooth and refined; it’s a wonderful partner with beef brisket with shiitake mushrooms, smoked tofu with puy lentils, and poached pears in spiced red wine.

IN APRIL’S THREE-PACK:

The Grange of Prince Edward is sharing top tier wines with CityNews Wine Club members featuring the 2017 Lafontaine ‘du Loup Rosé’ Mousseaux sparkling, their sought-after County Gamay, and alluring Cabernet Franc.

2017 Lafontaine ‘du Loup Rosé’ Mousseaux
VQA Prince Edward County

A shining jewel in The Grange’s portfolio, this blushing bubbly is crafted from equal parts chardonnay and pinot noir in the traditional method. Fine notes of apricot, citrus, brioche, and almond are a nod to the 48 months the wine spent on its lees.

With a pleasing salinity, bright acidity, and beautiful presentation, this luxuriant wine is all about celebration and should be paired with equally extravagant fare such as caviar on toast points, oysters on the half-shell, and charcuterie with Iberian ham.

2022 County Gamay Noir
VQA Prince Edward County

Winemaker, Jonas Newman, has crafted a gamay with pleasing heft and weight but which also presents a light and supple mouthfeel. Medium-bodied and well-balanced, it has notes of plum jam, blackcurrant, earth, and spice. This rich and fulsome wine was aged in French oak for 10 months and is drinking superbly now.

The solid structure and balance makes this wine very food friendly; it’s a lovely match with savoury chicken tagine with olives, pork loin with chestnut stuffing, and salade niçoise.

2021 Cabernet Franc
VQA Ontario

This elegant cabernet franc has gorgeous top notes of violets, cassis, and plum with undertones of graphite and tarragon adding complexity.  Subtle spice was imparted from 12 months of aging in French oak. While the tannins are discernible, the mouthfeel is smooth and silky and the finish graceful.

This wine is a natural partner with steak frites, pizza with nduja sausage, and roasted eggplant medallions with tahini and za’atar spice.

IN MARCH’S THREE-PACK:

Known for crafting exquisite wine, Domaine Queylus in Niagara is featuring the best of their varietals in this month’s wine club pack — a signature chardonnay, pinot noir, and cabernet franc-merlot blend.

2020 Chardonnay
VQA Niagara Peninsula

For those who love bold North American-style chardonnay, this wine could have written the textbook. The delight is in the details; organically-grown vines were hand-pruned, hand-harvested, and fermented with native yeasts. The wine was gently aged in French oak for 16 months resulting in a mellow yet textured mouthfeel. Aromas of lemon, butterscotch, toffee, and popcorn continue on the palate with salinity and limestone adding a lovely savouriness.

Pair this white with a croque madame sandwich, Indian butter chicken, or whole wheat couscous risotto with peas, cauliflower, and toasted garlic.

2019 Signature Pinot Noir
VQA Niagara Peninsula

Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in French oak for 17 months, this is a pinot noir with presence. Ripe red berry fruit and warm baking spices of anise and cinnamon greet the nose while cherry pie lights up the palate. Firm tannins balance the wine beautifully; it has a supple mouthfeel and a pleasing finish. This pinot was crafted by Kelly Mason’s expert hand and presents a particular richness that is rarely found in cold-climate expressions of this varietal.

An alluring partner with barbecued pork ribs, Cornish game hen with cherry glaze, and mushroom stroganoff.

2019 Droite
VQA Lincoln Lakeshore

A gorgeous assemblage of cabernet franc (52%) and merlot (48%) that was aged in French oak for 18 months, this organic wine is both focussed and generous, and undeniably structured for more aging. Aromas of plum, black cherry, cassis, and cola evolve into more savoury and graphite notes on the palate. Tannins are pleasantly integrated and the wine has excellent balance and structure.

This versatile red is a natural partner with braised lamb with white beans, grilled merguez sausage, and lentil and herb pie with barberries.

IN FEBRUARY’S THREE-PACK:

A leader in the international wine industry for sustainable winemaking, Stratus Vineyards is sending you a pretty package containing a bubbly white, an exclusive red blend, and a robust merlot reserve.

2022 “Field Blend” Ancestral
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

Crafted from a blend of riesling (57%), chardonnay (28%), and sauvignon blanc (15%), this intriguing sparkling white resulted from pausing fermentation in cold winter temperatures and restarting it in warmer spring temperatures to naturally bring the bubbles out. The wine’s hazy appearance comes from the sediment that remains in the bottle and contributes texture and flavour to the wine. Delicate aromas of lemon and biscuit lead to notes of tart green apple and sourdough on the palate.

The wine world’s equivalent of a sour beer, this white energizes the palate and will be a delightful pairing with roasted funghi flatbread, Salish Sea cobb salad with candied salmon, and fettucine alfredo with peas.

2021 Alto Red
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

This red blend of no less than eight varietals sounds complicated, but rings very true on the palate. Cabernet franc (37%), cabernet sauvignon (24%), merlot (12%), sauvignon blanc (10%), viognier (5%), semillon (5%), syrah (5%), and sangiovese (2%) were aged in French oak for 14 months. A bouquet of blackcurrant jam, cinnamon, and anise settles into more earthy flavours of cruciferous vegetables and savoury herbs. The mouthfeel is soft with evident tannins that will tame with time and food.

This structured wine is a natural partner with rosemary-crusted lamb, roasted squab with blackcurrant compote, and eggplant parmesan.

2019 Stratus Merlot
VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake

Aged for 20 months in French oak, this outspoken reserve announces itself with an aroma of black licorice, leather, cedar, and a touch of barnyard. Bone dry and firmly structured, the palate is lean but savoury with flavours of black cherry and green herbs. The mouthfeel is fulsome with a satisfying finish.

This wine will be enhanced with two years of cellaring, but if you can’t wait, serve it alongside truffle risotto, chargrilled skirt steak with paprika butter, and Chinese crispy duck pancakes.

IN JANUARY’S THREE-PACK:

Ring in the new year with wines that you can cozy up to. Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Reif Estate Winery is sending you a sumptuous semillon, a velvety merlot reserve, and a meritage that you will want to sip and savour.

2018 Semillon
VQA Niagara River

Semillon is a white grape varietal most often seen in France and Australia. Rarely is it planted in Niagara’s cooler climate — in fact, Reif’s semillon planting is only a half-acre in size — but if the weather conditions, the vine health, and Lady Luck all come together, the varietal can produce a knockout wine like this one. A pretty bouquet of orchard fruit enchants the nose while stone fruit, pear, and wildflower honey light up the palate.

Aging in French oak barrels for 18 months adds body, depth, and complexity to the wine; it’s a beautiful match with lobster thermidor, creamy Tuscan chicken, and gruyère cheese fondue.

2019 Merlot Reserve
VQA Niagara River

It’s always refreshing to find a winery that leans into its merlot. Reif took their time with this reserve, fermenting it on its skins for 16 days and then aging it for 30 months in French and American barriques. Rich dark cherry and ripe plum tantalize the nose and palate along with notes of cola and black pepper.  The wine has ample body and soft tannins with an elegant, lingering finish.

Pair this smooth red with slow-roasted prime rib with au jus, roasted lamb with rosemary and sea salt, or post-dinner dark chocolate and sharp cheeses.

2020 Meritage
VQA Niagara River

2020 was an exceptional vintage for reds and this meritage is in good company with the best of them. A classic blend of cabernet sauvignon (50%), merlot (40%), and cabernet franc (10%), the wine was aged for 24 months in French oak. Rich notes of ripe black fruit, anise, graphite, and tobacco swirl on the palate. This full-bodied, dry wine shows excellent structure and firm tannins with a rich mouthfeel.

Serve this Bordeaux-style gem with a charbroiled hamburger with sautéed onions and melted cheddar, wood-fired pizza, or wild mushroom ravioli in gorgonzola cream sauce.

IN DECEMBER’S THREE-PACK:

This wine collection was curated to pair perfectly with holiday fare from turkey to latkes! You’ll receive a bubbly rosé, crisp sauvignon blanc, and rich meritage red blend from Niagara’s Ravine Vineyard.

NV Charmat Rosé
VQA Ontario

This joyful sparkler is composed largely of gamay noir (90%) with a touch of cabernet franc, riesling, and sauvignon blanc. Strawberries and juicy Christmas clementines delight the nose while fine bubbles dance on the palate. Fermented in high pressure tanks under cold temperatures, the Charmat Method delivers effervescence while retaining all the brightness and vibrancy of the fruit.

It’s nearly impossible to set this alluring sipper down, but if you manage to do so in the name of pairing, creamy ham croquettes, salmon and watercress quiche, or fried calamari will be a spectacular reward.

2022 Sauvignon Blanc
VQA Four Mile Creek

Honeyed notes of pear, apricot, passion fruit, and mango leap out of the glass with this single vineyard sauvignon blanc. Five months of barrel aging adds a layer of complexity. The wine is crisp and refreshing while also being expressive and sumptuous.

Pair this generous white with Greek salad with feta and briny olives, seafood ceviche, and dill and cheddar pierogies with sour cream and bacon.

2020 Ravine Meritage
VQA Niagara Peninsula

Aged long and slow, this Bordeaux-style red blend saw 18 months in French oak. It’s merlot-dominant (61%) with cabernet franc (28%) and cabernet sauvignon (11%) adding savouriness and depth to the flavour profile. Aromas of forest floor, earth, and leather coincide with cassis, coffee, and chocolate on the palate. Rich and supple with a silky mouthfeel, this is an elegant red with a lovely finish.

This full-bodied wine will go toe-to-toe with the holiday roast beast (whether it’s beef, turkey, or mock duck), strong cheeses like Stilton, and Christmas cake with brandied cherries.

IN NOVEMBER’S THREE-PACK:

Prince Edward County’s Redtail Vineyards is giving you a taste of both the County and Niagara in this month’s club box. A sultry pinot noir and chardonnay from Hubbs Creek fruit, and a smooth pinot noir and chardonnay from Niagara grapes. That’s right, you’ll receive a bonus fourth bottle of wine in your pack.

Enjoy this head-to-head tasting and let us know which region was your favourite!

2020 Hubbs Creek Vineyard Chardonnay
VQA Prince Edward County

Smooth and seductive, this County chardonnay is a great ambassador for the region. It has resplendent yellow fruit on the nose and palate — think ripe pear and golden delicious apple — with a pleasing salinity and a hint of smoke. In keeping with a growing tradition in the region, it was fermented using wild yeast.

Pair it with walnut kale pesto over fettuccini, Dungeness crab cakes with a smoky aioli, and herb-roasted chicken with cannelloni beans.

2020 Hubbs Creek Vineyard Pinot Noir
VQA Prince Edward County

This sophisticated pinot conjures notes of black cherry, blackcurrant jam, and strawberry shortcake with a tiny edge of black pepper. The wine was cold soaked and wild fermented in oak cuvées, and then aged in Burgundian oak for 18 months. Nicely concentrated and with an ample mouthfeel, there is a pleasant hint of smokiness reminiscent of the Hubbs Creek Chardonnay.

A delectable pairing with roast duck with plum sauce, salmon wellington, and pear and gorgonzola pizza.

2017 Pinot Noir
VQA Niagara Peninsula

This pinot noir was also crafted by winemaker, Renan Theilloux, at Redtail Vineyards and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels — but 100% of the fruit came from Niagara which makes it a different tasting sensation from the Hubbs Creek pinot. Rich blackberry and cassis reign supreme in this pinot. It’s lean yet delicate with beautiful acidity; a nod to excellent structure.

Partner alongside baked camembert with blackcurrant sauce, Shanghai fried noodles with shiitake mushrooms, and herbed lamb chops.

2017 Chardonnay (bonus bottle)
VQA Niagara Peninsula

The amazing folks at Redtail Vineyards are offering CityNews Wine Club members a true County vs. Niagara wine tasting, so the bonus bottle is a chardonnay made with Niagara grapes. This wine was fermented in French oak but aged in stainless steel, preserving gorgeous aromatics of ripe orchard fruit like pear, peach, and orange citrus. It has a lovely balance; it’s crisp and focused but also fruit-driven and generous.

A real treat matched with raw oysters on the half shell, Chinese orange chicken, and creamy broccoli soup with Gruyere cheese.

FEATURED IN OCTOBER’S THREE-PACK:

Swing into autumn in high class with a sumptuous white blend, a Bordeaux-style red, and an exquisite cabernet sauvignon from Niagara’s Ferox Estate.

2020 White
VQA Ontario

Aromas of orange blossom, honeydew melon, and citrus sail out of the glass while juicy stone fruits, like peach and nectarine, delight the palate with this pinot gris-dominant (44%) blend. Also at the table are chardonnay (20%), sauvignon blanc (20%), gewürztraminer (9%), and riesling (7%), each varietal beautifully rounding out the blend and contributing structure, crispness, lushness, and acidity to the wine.

Pair this versatile white with pasta al limone with parmesan, chicken enchiladas with spicy peach salsa, and tempura-battered halibut and chips.

2019 Red
VQA Niagara Peninsula

What distinguishes this Bordeaux-style red from others crafted in Niagara is the emphasis on merlot (86%) with just enough petit verdot (8%) and cabernet sauvignon (6%) to conjure comparisons to a Right Bank expression.  Ample red and black berry fruit hits the palate first with notes of earth and black pepper following. Lovely balance with a roundness that comes from 12 months of aging in French oak barrels.

Very food-friendly, this red is a jovial partner to a wide range of cuisines from black olive tapenade bruschetta to grilled salmon with herbs to hamburgers topped with cheddar cheese and sautéed mushrooms.

2020 Cabernet Sauvignon
VQA Niagara Lakeshore

Often cited as Niagara’s most favourable wine year in recent history, the 2020 vintage brought idyllic weather conditions and, as a result, near perfect fruit. This impressive and complex cabernet sauvignon proudly showcases its vintage. Aged for two years in neutral oak, notes of cassis, cocoa, licorice, coffee, and clove ripple gracefully across the palate. Structured and textured, this wine is intriguing with a richness that goes beyond flavour; its $65 price tag is not a surprise.

Savour this cabernet by sipping it on its own or pair it alongside Szechuan beef with black beans, red wine-braised aubergine over polenta, and sous vide lamb chops with mint mustard sauce. The wine will also cellar well for up to 15 years.

FEATURED IN SEPTEMBER’S THREE-PACK:

A small-batch, and hand-crafted, riesling, pinot noir, and their impressive red Cuvée Winona that showcases the best of boutique Niagara winery, Leaning Post Wines.

Plus, enjoy a complimentary VIP wine tasting experience for two that includes cheese and charcuterie at Leaning Post ($100 value). Vouchers included in each box.

* Not to mention, one lucky CityNews Wine Club member will be selected to receive a Super VIP tasting experience for 4 people at Leaning Post which includes an in-depth and guided wine tasting with cheese and charcuterie along with one-on-one time with Ilya Senchuk, the winemaker, who will chat about the winemaking process and show you the facilities. The lucky winner will also go home with a magnum bottle (1.5L) of Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay, the winery’s best chardonnay in a large format bottle valued at $110. The total value of this once in a lifetime experience is $400. See details below!

2019 Riesling
VQA Twenty Mile Bench

The Wismer Foxcroft vineyard has a long established reputation for yielding the highest quality grapes in the region. 100% of Leaning Post’s 2019 riesling came from the Foxcroft block of Wismer Vineyards, so you’re getting a single-vineyard treat with this wine. Fragrant floral aromas of honeysuckle and orange blossom mingle with lemon peel and stone fruit. On the palate, you’re greeted with nectarine, green apple, and classic Niagara minerality with zippy acidity. Fuller-bodied than most riesling expressions, the mouthfeel is textured and generous.

Pair this delight with chicken korma over basmati rice, roasted pork shoulder with applesauce, and Thai drunken noodles with crispy tofu.

2020 Cuvée Winona
VQA Niagara Peninsula

A blend of merlot (61%) and cabernet franc (39%), this smooth and deliciously heavy-hitting red was aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Expect notes of cedar, tobacco, licorice, and white pepper on the nose and a palate of wild blueberry, cassis, dark chocolate, sage, and black pepper. The 2020 vintage provided optimal growing conditions; this is expressed in the wine’s richness, and graceful integration, of flavour.

Merlot-dominant blends love food; pair this cuvée with mushroom risotto with shaved parmesan, Cajun-smoked shrimp over grits, and steak with French bordelaise red wine sauce.

2020 Pinot Noir

This pinot was a labour of love: four different vineyards were sourced for their top fruit and the grapes were hand-picked, hand-sorted, and fermented separately by vineyard. The wine was then blended and aged for 15 months in French oak which explains its mellow mouthfeel and subtle spice notes. A bouquet of violets, earth, and pencil shavings leads into tart cherry and raspberry on the palate. Charming, and with surprising depth, this wine is drinking beautifully now, but can also be cellared for up to five years.

A lovely match with roasted beet salad with goat cheese, quattro stagioni pizza, and miso chicken with shiitake mushrooms.

* No purchase necessary. Sign up for a free account at citynewswineclub.com and you’ll automatically be entered into the draw. You can also mail your entry, (inclusive of your name, phone number and the contest you want to enter), to CityNews Wine Club at 215 Spadina Ave., Suite 400, Toronto, ON M5T 2C7. Contest closes September 21, 2023 at 11:59pm (ET.) 1 prize to be won consisting of 1 Super VIP tasting experience for 4 people at Leaning Post Winery valued at $400 total that includes a magnum bottle of Senchuk Vineyard Chardonnay. VIP tasting experience is based on availability and valid until August 31, 2024. Black-out dates apply. Open to residents of Ontario over the age of 19. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. Must correctly answer a mathematical skill-testing question to win.

FEATURED IN AUGUST’S THREE-PACK:

An elegant pinot noir, a smooth chardonnay, and the perfect summery rosé from terroir-focused winery, Westcott Vineyards.

Plus, enjoy a complimentary tasting flight for two at Westcott winery ($40 value). Start the car!

2021 Pinot Noir Rosé
VQA Vinemount Ridge

Bright and audacious with racy acidity, this pretty pink-hued pinot presents notes of red cherry, strawberry, a hint of watermelon, and a dash of tarragon. A delightful summer sipper, the wine is crisp, flavourful, and refreshing.

Dry through and through, it’s a perfect partner with summer foods like leafy green salads, goat cheese crostini,  and hot dogs with all the fixings.

2021 Estate Chardonnay
VQA Niagara Escarpment

A perfume of orange blossom, caramel, and tropical fruit lands on the palate as butterscotch, golden apple, pineapple, and a touch of wildflower honey. A creamy, opulent mouthfeel nods to excellent balance and structure. This wine is sumptuous and elegant with a lingering finish.

Pair this superb white with creamy alfredo linguini, fresh lobster roll, or grilled corn-on-the-cob with butter and salt.

2019 Estate Pinot Noir
VQA Niagara Escarpment

Notes of violet, cherry, earth, and spice on the palate. Acid and tannins are noticeable but wonderfully measured such that this light-bodied pinot remains floral and delicate. The mouthfeel is mellow and round as a result of the wine aging for 22 months in French oak barrels.

Pair with salmon in phyllo with mustard, mushroom risotto, or char siu pork.