In Vino Veritas
As we head into the final stretch of this semester, we at In Vino Veritas find ourselves feeling “senioritis” at an all-time high—so much so that we were unable to come up with a real theme this month. Instead, we’ve put together a list of our favourite wines of the moment. Please enjoy these wonderful juices as you procrastinate working on outlines.
Quinn Hartwig (2L)
Howard – 2018 Folly Alvarinho
Summerhill LCBO | $23.95
A few nights ago, I had the pleasure of enjoying this rich, moderately aged white from the Vinho Verde region of northern Portugal. This unique microclimate is renowned for producing crisp and refreshing white wines with high acidity. The high acidity lends itself well to aging the wine, a relatively unique quality among whites.
The result of five years in the bottle is a well-balanced, elegant palate with a relatively full body and dark honey colour. It smells of citrus and minerality with green apple, pear, and candied lemon flavours.
It drinks beautifully on its own but would also pair well with light appetizers or seafood. I found it was perfect alongside fish tacos and chips and dip.
I would recommend this bottle (and Portuguese Alvarinho/Spanish Albariño in general) to anyone who is a fan of mineral-forward whites like Pinot Grigio and is looking to explore bolder, more unique options.
Tom Russell (3L)
Segura Viudas – 2021 Heredad Reserva Brut Cava
LCBO | $39.95
Sometimes I just walk into the LCBO and take the first bottle that catches my eye. This month, that bottle was the Segura Viudas Cava Reserva Heredad Brut. This is a sparkling wine composed of a blend of Macabeo and Parellada from Catalonia. I am so happy I picked up this bottle because I loved this wine.
Not only is the bottle eye-catching, but the wine has a light straw colour and a beautiful, fruity aroma. I noted flavours of lemon, apricot, and nuts. The taste is very smooth and the finish was noticeably acidic and clean. This wine is delicious, light, and refreshing. I would highly recommend this sparkling wine as a starter at your next summer hangout. For pairing, I would recommend shellfish, cured meats, or white fish.
Jared Barkman (2L)
Claus Preisinger – Blaufränkisch
Grape Witches | $39
I had a rude awakening in recent weeks when someone referred to me as being in my “late 20s.” Upon further reflection, it struck me that, at my age, my parents had three kids and a mortgage, while I’m a broke student undertaking yet another degree. Perhaps that explains why I’m suddenly waking up with a headache after two glasses of wine, necessitating a reprioritization of my alcohol consumption.
In essence, it’s time to “act my age,” ditch the bottom-shelf bottles from undergrad, and choose my early-onset hangovers selectively. This is where Claus Preisinger comes in, an organic producer in Burgenland, Austria, who embraced biodynamic wine long before it was trendy. While long a fan of his infamous Zwiegelt, this bottle was my first foray into the Blaufränkisch varietal, and I may never go back. A dark red grape with rich tannins and a touch of spice, the wine still drinks nearly as light as a pinot noir, with juicy notes of plum and red fruit and bright minerality. Why buy two bottles of Apothic Red when you can have twice the enjoyment and half the headache?
Shae Rothery (3L)
Domaine Bulliat – 2020 “Sur le Granit” Beaujolais Blanc
Grape Witches | $35
As I sit down to write this review, seven hours past the article submission deadline, I can feel the senioritis reaching peak levels. I’ve managed to not contribute a single IVV review for my entire 3L year thus far, but that all changes now! While I had all the intentions of going out with a bang and reviewing something bougie to end the year (and my degree), I have simply lost control of the semester and so, instead, you’ll get my review of a bottle of wine that’s been collecting dust on my shelf for at least the past year. I know what you’re thinking: ”Shae, what do you mean you don’t immediately drink the wine that you buy?” Listen, I get you, but I love to plan for a rainy day, not unlike today. You never know when the procrastination will hit, and you’ll be thankful you saved yourself a secret stash of the good stuff.
Okay, onto the wine. One thing I love more than putting off my responsibilities until the absolute last moment is a good French wine. This is no exception. Hints of lemon meringue, tart acidity, and chalky on the palate (trust me, ask for a mineral-forward white and you won’t be disappointed), this wine pairs great with salty chips and the last ounces of energy and willpower you have to finish the semester.
Is this my best review? Absolutely not, but it’s honest work. Grade: P
Soon-to-be-Desperate Housewife (2L)
Mare Di Sirena – Pinot Grigio
LCBO | $9.95
It is 11pm. You are in a lonely study room in the Bora Laskin Law Library, which is about to close. You are in no way close to finishing your revisions for your Corporate Tax Law exam. Standards have dropped. There is an LCBO only a 15 minute walk away. On top of everything else, you only have $20 in your account after paying rent. Suddenly, you see a beautiful mermaid on a bottle that claims to be imported from Italy. You buy it. It tastes horrid but it’s just the liquid courage you need to continue your work (and potentially blackout if you decide to go clubbing).
According to reviews, this white wine is meant to have flavours of citrus, white peach, and a hint of pear. In my humble opinion, it is not good, but it is cheap and, if you just want to drown your Corporate Tax sorrows, it does the job. Best paired with your burned-out brain.
