Six great wines to start the year
Welcome to another year of wine reviews! If you are new to the law school, then allow me to introduce myself. I am one of the co-presidents of In Vino Veritas, the wine club, along with fellow 2Ls Danica Bennewies and Jason Lamb, and 3L Anne Marshall. My team and I will be writing monthly reviews, here, for your edification and pleasure. So, whether you are looking to impress, or just for something new to try we have you covered.
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It is hard to believe that by the time you read this, we will already be a month into the fall semester. If you are an optimist, then you might say that we are a quarter of the way to the winter break. If, however, you are jaded like me, then you might say, “go to hell!”
I’m sorry. I am just missing summer. That is why, for this edition of Ultra Vires, we at In Vino Veritas decided that we would reject our reality and return to happier times. Danica, Jason and I have reviewed our favourite summer discoveries, as well as something to take the edge off the next month.
Danica
While I sampled a variety of wines this summer, the peak of my wine experience was a trip to Portugal. The great thing about Portugal is that a glass of wine costs pretty much the same as a bottle of water, but it’s twice as delicious. Upon my return, I was thrilled to find that a number of the wines I had tried were available at the LCBO (and at affordable prices too)!
One of my favourite finds was the JP Azeito Syrah Rosé 2016 ($8.95 from the LCBO). This is a dry, fuller-bodied rosé, with lots of fruity red berry flavours and medium acidity. I highly recommend this rosé for when you’re craving a glass of red wine, but also want something cool and refreshing. And the best part is that, at a price-tag of less than $10, it fits the back-to-school budget!
While in Portugal, I also discovered a love for port, the sweet wine which derives its name from the Portuguese town of Oporto. One particularly tasty and affordable bottle that you can get in Canada is Taylor’s 10-Year Tawny Port ($35.95 from the LCBO). While you can find ruby and white port in the LCBO as well, I love the tawny variety because it has a great toffee and burnt caramel flavor. This goes great alongside a bowl of vanilla ice cream but is also delicious mixed with tonic water as a happy-hour cocktail.
Tom
This summer, I endeavoured to try a new wine every week. By chance, my favourite discovery was one of the first bottles I opened: Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2017. A blend of Malbec and Pinot Noir, this extra dry Argentinian rosé is a light, poached-salmon pink. Its nose makes enticing promises: strawberry, watermelon, candied orange. And the palate doesn’t disappoint. There is a zing of refreshing citrus right away, followed by tart lemon, minerality, and a hint of strawberry. It is unquestionably the best rosé I have had for the price; it rivals many $30 bottles I have had. Chill and pair it with sunshine.
Looking forward, now, I would recommend Piedra Negra Reserva Malbec 2015, especially if you tend to like big reds. Another Argentinian offering, this one is available for only $19.95. For that price, you get a beautiful, purply red wine that spares no flavour. This is a bold, full-bodied wine, but rather than being jammy and soft, it is very dry and taut; the mouthfeel keeps you sipping. The palate is spicy, even peppery, with notes of dried red fruits, earth, and fine tannins, and it gives way to a long, savoury finish. No discernable nose, though. This would pair phenomenally with the last barbecue of the season on a cool, autumn evening.
Jason
One humid afternoon, I discovered the delightful Lang & Reed Chenin Blanc 2016 in the LCBO’s clearance basket. It cost $39, but I jumped at the chance to try a Chenin Blanc from Napa, where the white vineyards are predominantly Chardonnay. As a connoisseur of France and South Africa’s cool climate versions of this varietal, I was wowed by the fruitiness and smoothness imbued by the warm California sun. I would be remiss to not mention the colour—an inviting greenish gold that stands out from Chenin Blanc’s typically watery appearance. The 2016 is increasingly hard to find but be on the lookout for the 2017 coming soon.
For those of you with more student-y budgets, El Gorú is back! I had the pleasure of sampling the 2015 vintage last year. This Monastrell blend from Jumilla, Spain is one of the most drinkable at its price point, a mere $13.95. Medium bodied with lasting fruit, its tannic structure is neither offensive nor lacking in complexity. It is certainly a great choice for grabbing a drink with a friend at a bar or restaurant, as it will often be one of the most affordable wines on the menu.
