Category Archives: Rosés

E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNES ROSÉ 2014, Ac Côtes Du Rhône, France

03 Sunday May 2015

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Guigal 2014

Cost: $17.95
Grape Variety: Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah & Mourvèdre
Category: Rosé Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Côtes Du Rhône
Format: 750 mL
Producer: E. Guigal
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A very nice Rosé from the venerable E. Guigal

Description: Pale salmon pink in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features lilacs on the nose, strawberry, cherry, watermelon and pink grapefruit on the finish. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Although I thoroughly enjoyed this wine, not as good as the 2013 reviewed by me and it’s a dollar more.

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with pan seared veal loin chops with rosemary

Tasted: 1 May 2015

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10 Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 225003

ALMADI BARDOLINO CHIARETTO ROSÉ 2013, DOCG Lake Garda, Bardolino Charetto, Veneto, Italy

17 Tuesday Mar 2015

Posted by in Best Buys, Non LCBO Wine, Rosés, Top Picks, Price Not Withstanding

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rose

Cost: $16.00 (Cayman Islands funds)
Grape Variety: Corvina, Rondinella & Molinara
Category: Rosé Wine
Location The Tasting Room, Cayman Islands
Country: Italy
Region: Lake Garda, Bardolino Charetto, Veneto
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Almadi
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

One of the best Rosé tasted. Balanced, substance, versatile & just plain yummy

Description: Red snapper in colour with a medium to medium+ intense. This complex wine features the fragrant bouquet of cherry blossoms, with strawberry, tangerine, Spy apple, white cranberry and pineapple on the palette. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: I tried this in several different wine glasses; all were slightly different and yet all very good.

Thanks to Mario from The Tasting Room for recommending this wine

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with chicken spicy Thai chicken soup

Tasted: 17 March 2015

Best Buy & Top Pick

Score: 9.5/10, Value: 9.5/10 Total: 19/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4.5

BOTTEGA ROSÉ GOLD BRUT SPUMANTE NV, Veneto, Italy

12 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by in Rosés, Sparkling Wine

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bottega

Cost: $26.95
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Sparkling Wine
Location LCBO Vintages
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Bottega Spa
Alcohol: 11.5% Alcohol/Vol.

A little pricey for a Spumante but is it ever delightful

Description: Pink salmon colour with a medium intense nose and a fine mousse. This off-dry sparkling wine features strawberry, pink grapefruit, peach and pear. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Cool bottle. This wine usually comes out before Christmas.

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with asparagus salad topped with poached eggs.

Tasted: 8 Jan 2015

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 187914

13th STREET CUVÉE ROSÉ SPARKLING WINE NV, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

23 Sunday Nov 2014

Posted by in 13th Street Winery, Canadian Wines, Rosés, Sparkling Wine, Winery Review Series

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13 Street

Cost: $24.95
Grape Variety: 55% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay
Category: Sparkling wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: 13th Street Winery
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

It’s not a full flavour sparkler but still pleasant

Description: Rustic red brick in colour with a medium intense nose and fine mousse. This wine features cherry, pomegranate, dried strawberry, pink grapefruit and a light yeastiness to it. Medium to medium+ body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: The first bottle I had to return as it was oxidized and lactic

Drink now or in the next 2 years on its own or pair it with roasted salmon with shallot grapefruit sauce.

Tasted: 16 Nov 2014

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5+/10, Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 147504

INNISKILLIN NIAGARA ESTATE PINOT NOIR ROSÉ 2013, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

20 Thursday Nov 2014

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Inniskilin Pinot

Cost: $12.95
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Category: Rosé wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Inniskillin
Alcohol: 12.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Full flavoured rosé that’s yummy

Description: Bright ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features strawberry, raspberry, rhubarb, cherry and red pepper jam. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Note: Use the Pinot Noir glass as it really accentuates all the flavours

Drink now or in the next year on its own or pair it with pork chop stuffed with sundried tomatoes

Tasted: 17 Nov 2014

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

LCBO: 336461

CHÂTEAU D’AQUÉRIA TAVEL ROSÉ 2013, Ac Tavel, Rhone, France

04 Saturday Oct 2014

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Tavel

Cost: $21.95
Grape Variety: 52% Grenache, 12% Syrah, Mouvèdre, 9% Clairette, 8% Cinsault, 6% Bourboulenc, 2% Picpoul
Category: Rosé wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Tavel, Rhone
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Château d’Aquéria
Alcohol: 14% Alcohol/Vol.

A tasty, juicy & full flavoured dry Rosé that can be paired with a variety of foods

Description: Light ruby in colour with a medium+ intense nose. This wine features fresh cut Carnations, strawberry, watermelon, some minerality on the finish. Medium to medium+ body with good acidity and a long length.

Negatives: Some heat coming from the 14% alcohol

Interesting Note: From Château d’Aquéria: “The harvest is completely destemmed before being put into the maceration vats for 24 to 48 hours. The grape varieties are then blended two by two, bringing great aromatic complexity to the wine in addition to their own distinctive character. After fully “bleeding” the vats (drawing off the juice), fermentation at regulated temperatures (18 to 20°C) then takes place. The different grape varieties are then all blended together and age for several months before being bottled at the estate.”

Drink now or in the next 2-3 years on its own or pair it with pepperoni, tomato and mushroom pizza

Tasted: 28 Sept 2014

Score: 9/10, Value: 8.5/10 Total: 17.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 319368

MAGNOTTA CRACKLING GAMAY ROSÉ NV, Charmat Method, VQA, Ontario, Canada

14 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Rosés, Sparkling Wine

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Magnotta Gamay

Cost: $10.15 (Sale price September 2014: $8.15)
Grape Variety: Gamay Noir
Category: Sparkling wine
Location Bought: Magnotta Winery
Country: Canada
Region: Ontario
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta
Alcohol: 11.9% Alcohol/Vol.

An off dry spritzer that’s a really nice wine to bring to a party

Description: Deep ruby in colour with a low intense nose and creamy mousse. The simple but flavourful wine features strawberry and cherry. Medium+ body with good acidity and an average length.

Negatives: None

Drink now on its own or pair it with Cayman Style Ceviche (Fresh Snapper, Vinegar, Lime Juice, Tomato, Red Onion, Cilantro & Scotch Bonnet)

Tasted: 11 Sept 2014

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10 (Sale price 10/10) Total: 17.5+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+

DON JACOBO ROSÉ 2013, DOCa Rioja, Spain

07 Thursday Aug 2014

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Don Jacobo

Cost: $14.95
Grape Variety: Tempranillo and Garnacha
Category: Rosé wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: Spain
Region: Rioja
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Don Jacobo
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Lots of juicy flavour

Description: Bright salmon colour with a medium intense nose. This wine features cherry, raspberry, plum and apples. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: Using the Tempranillo glassware makes this wine even smoother

Drink now or in the next year on its own or and pair it with pork skewers.

Tasted: 1 Aug 2014

Best Buy

Score: 9/10, Value: 9/10 Total: 18/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4

LCBO: 374850

E. GUIGAL CÔTES DU RHÔNE ROSÉ 2013, AC Côtes Du Rhône, France

29 Tuesday Jul 2014

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Guigal 2013

Cost: $16.95
Grape Variety: Grenache, Cinsaut, Syrah & Mourvèdre
Category: Rosé wine
Location Bought: LCBO Vintages
Country: France
Region: Côtes Du Rhône
Format: 750 mL
Producer: E. Guigal
Alcohol: 13.5% Alcohol/Vol.

Giving my standard warning: “DANGER WILL ROBINSON” This is so smooth you can drink 2 bottles easily. Perfect summer party wine.

Description: Beautiful bright salmon in colour with a medium to low intense nose. This wine features watermelon, MacIntosh apple, wild strawberry and cherry. Medium body with good acidity and a fairly long length.

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: E. Guigal is one of my favourite French winemakers/producers. Usually a safe bet to get their wines from entry level to high end.

Drink now or in the next year on its own or and pair it with Caprese salad.

Tasted: 27 July 2014

Best Buy & Top Pick

Score: 9+/10, Value: 9+/10 Total: 18.5/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 4+

LCBO: 225003

MAGNOTTA BLANC DE NOIRS NV, Méthode Classique, VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada

13 Sunday Jul 2014

Posted by in Best Buys, Canadian Wines, Non LCBO Wine, Rosés, Sparkling Wine

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d_swbldenoir

Cost: $21.15
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir with a dosage of Cabernet Franc Icewine
Category: Sparkling wine
Location Bought: Magnotta
Country: Canada
Region: Niagara Peninsula
Format: 750 mL
Producer: Magnotta Wines
Alcohol: 13.6% Alcohol/Vol.
Description: Salmon in colour with a medium intense nose and fine mousse.

A simple sparkling with nice flavours & easy to drink

Positives: This wine features MacIntosh apples, strawberry, raspberry, cantaloupe and a hint of honey. Full body with good acidity and a fairly long length

Negatives: None

Interesting Point: 1. It was better in a wider base Champagne/Sparkling glass than the slimmer style. 2. Made with a touch of icewine.

Drink now or in the next 10 years on its own or and pair it with bacon wrapped seared scallops served on a bed of cantaloupe with caramelized shallots.

Tasted: 13 July 2014, Congrats to Germany on their World Cup Win!

Best Buy

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 9/10, Total: 18+/20

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5+