This youthful Savvy is bursting with aromas and flavours of binned apples, lime, nut shells, fresh grass and flinty mineral notes. Crisp and refreshing, it has a lively streak of acidity and a lingering finish. Enjoy it as an aperitif or serve it up with steamed clams and mussels, grilled squid or a three-bean salad.

Pinot Blanc is relatively rare in Ontario, and Strewn has become the leading force for this grape in the province. This oak-aged wine features attractive smoky notes underpinned by peach and vanilla. Medium bodied, it is more expressive and flavourful than many Pinot Blancs. A good alternative to Chardonnay, match it to grilled prawns or other seafoods.

A delightful and refreshing wine with plenty of peach and citrus fruit flavours balanced by vibrant acidity. This is just the ticket for summer sipping on the cottage deck on a warm and sunny afternoon.

From their very first vintage in 1972, Chardonnay has contributed enormously to the success of Dry Creek Vineyard. Since 2003 the fruit has been sourced strictly from the Russian River Valley, where the foggy mornings and cool afternoon breezes are ideal for developing the intense flavours and balancing acidity of this wine. It's complex, with a core of peach, apple and tropical fruit as well as a balanced note of light cedary oak.

A favourite with VINTAGES' customers, this stylish Chardonnay is aged for six months in new and seasoned barrels. The wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation, giving it a soft and round mouthfeel. Dry and full-bodied, it displays tropical fruit, banana and toasty oak aromas, with a lingering, fruity/toasty finish. Enjoy with grilled salmon, pork chops or bouillabaisse.

This wine was awarded Critics Gold at the 2008 Critics Challenge Wine Competition (winereviewonline.com) and it also received 91 points from the fine folks at justwinepoints.com. This bold and complex take on Tempranillo is aged for 20 months in French oak, resulting in a very dry, silky smooth, full-bodied wine. It displays rich red-cherry flavours along with vanilla, spice and smoky notes supported by gentle tannins. Chargrilled steaks anyone?

Franciscan's Merlot is sourced from the cooler half of Napa Valley, including the winery's estate in the heart of the Oakville District and south to vineyards in Carneros. It's believed these cooler vineyards give more vibrant flavours and denser structure to the wine. This Merlot features plenty of red-fruit aromas and flavours, and on the palate, the ripe fruit flavours are nicely balanced by fresh acidity and ripe tannins. Enjoy with grilled lamb chops.

This silky smooth wine shows why the Russian River Valley is the 'go to' region for quality Pinot Noir in California. Seductive aromas of cherry, plum, cinnamon, and oak spice replay on the medium full-bodied palate. Dry and well-balanced, it's soft and smooth with a peppery finish. If you're not already a Pinot lover, you're about to become one. Try it with grilled salmon or veal tenderloin.

This big, round, mouth-filling Merlot features exuberant black cherry and raspberry aromas plus complex hints of spice, licorice, lavender and chocolate. Try it with lamb, beef or chicken kebabs.

The name Toasted Head refers to the barrels in which this wine is aged. Common practice is to char only the barrel walls, but in this case the heads are toasted too which imparts a more rich, toasty character to the wine. This Shiraz offers bountiful black cherry flavours with nicely integrated notes of cocoa and cedar. Excellent with red meats or spicy pastas.

Extreme care is taken with the fruit selection for this Pinot Noir. The fruit is hand-picked and then a rigorous table sort is conducted to select the best fruit. To evenly extract the colour and flavours from the fruit, the wine goes through a cool maceration and is then drained off into barrels using only gravity. The resulting wine displays exceptional varietal character of sour cherry, beetroot, plum and raspberry. Fresh and fruity, this is a good choice for grilled salmon and salsa.

2005 is being heralded as the best-ever harvest for Brazilian wine grapes. Here's your opportunity to discover what all the buzz is about. This Cab is packed with sweet-tinged black fruit, firm tannins and an impressively long finish. Try it with grilled meats or bean salads.

Leyda's Classic Reserve Carmenère comes from specific vineyards in higher elevation areas of Rapel Valley. For the grapes, higher elevation means the intense heat of the day is balanced by cool temperatures at night, allowing the fruit to ripen slowly and achieve balance. Featuring aromas of plum, cedar, vanilla and smoke, this Carmenère is an excellent choice for grilled steak or even liver and onions.

Bright, fresh, fruit-driven style of Chardonnay with pretty aromas of apple, pear, melon and citrus. Medium- to medium-full bodied, this Chard is a good partner for grilled salmon or barbecued chicken.

Sourced from a single vineyard in the relatively cool Eden Valley region, this refreshing lime- and apple-scented Chardonnay is not overburdened by oak or excessive fruitiness. An excellent choice for pan-fried freshwater fish.

This is the sister wine to two popular red wines from the Vintages Essentials Collection, namely the Premium Selection Cabernet Sauvignon (321927, $25.95) and the Premium Selection Shiraz (348540, $25.95). This elegant Chardonnay is a great value. Well-balanced and focused, it features pure fresh citrus and apple flavours as well as some spicy notes. Great for summer entertaining, it would match well with pan-fried freshly caught lake fish served with a light seasonal salad.

This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from two different vineyards in McLaren Vale. Aged in oak for 2 years (60% new American), it's a powerhouse with aromas of blackcurrant, dark berries and cedar. Dry and full-bodied, it has masses of ripe fruit balanced by gripping tannins, leading to a long finish. Enjoy it over the next five years with grilled steaks or game.

For a long time, winemaker/consultant Matt Thomson had been searching for a suitable site in Marlborough to start his joint-venture with David Gleave MW and when he finally discovered a triangular-shaped hill to the west of Blenheim in 2000, the dream turned reality. The regular Pinot Noir comes from the flat section of the vineyard, Hatters Hill from an elevation that rises to 175m. (Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate, April 2008)

TASTING NOTE: The 2007 Pinot Noir is much better, quite a high extraction on the nose with dark cherry and plum with a touch of mulberry, the palate soft and supple with a plush finish tinged with white pepper. Score - 90. (Neal Martin, www.erobertparker.com, April 2008) 

675231    (XD)            750 mL    $22.95   

Alsace has established itself as the home for Pinot Gris in the wine world. Made in a variety of styles, this fragrant, flavourful wine is also an excellent partner for a variety of foods from spicy Asian fare to simply prepared fish dishes.

From 45-year-old vines grown in the chalk and clay soils of the region, Nadine Ferrand's Mâcon Blanc is a sunny gold colour with silver highlights. Its nose features spice, mineral and floral tones, while the palate is rich and smooth with notes of anise, dried fruit and subtle oak. Crisp and refreshing, this is a great summertime wine.

After Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, Touraine makes the most exciting, palate-refreshing Sauvignon Blancs in the Loire Valley. Touraine is also the classic source for value-priced versions of this grape. Crisp and vibrant, this Savvy is an excellent choice for pan-fried freshwater bass.

A great wine for crab cakes, lobster or grilled prawns, this wine offers classic Chenin Blanc aromas of honey, banana, mushroom and melon. It is off-dry, with very good depth of flavour and a fine core of acid. The whole package is wrapped up with a nice long finish. It's also a fine match for a vast array of Asian fusion cuisine.

Finely structured and complex, this is a great wine to keep on hand for impromptu gatherings and special dinners. Spicy and velvety-textured, it delivers plenty of ripe black fruit and promises to age well for 3+ years. In the meantime, should the occasion arise, uncork a bottle and enjoy with roast beef or fine cheeses.

A ready-to-drink Pinot Noir that is a great value-priced intro to the charms of Burgundy. Chill it down slightly and enjoy this cherry- and strawberry-scented wine with planked barbecued salmon.

New at VINTAGES
CHÂTEAU DE SURVILLE PRESTIGE  2006
AC Costières de Nîmes  
(D. Ricome, Vign.-Recolt.)

TASTING NOTE: Rich, jammy nose. Deep, dark, dense, tannic wine with heavy, dense bramble fruit. Score - Gold. Decanter World Wine Awards, 2007) 

078766    (XD)            750 mL    $18.95   

This wine comes from a small domaine (20 ha) now run by the brothers Jacques and Jean-Louis Pradelle. They produce only 8500 cases a year of beautifully crafted, deeply coloured, rich Syrahs. To add layers of flavour, they mature the wines for nine months in a combination of new and seasoned French barriques. From the great 2005 vintage, this wine displays aromas of cherry, plum, leather and smoke, with a soft, well-balanced finish. Enjoy with grilled steaks.

Moselland is a co-op that produces value-priced single-vineyard wines, such as this Riesling. The bouquet features peach and citrus fruit, while on the palate, the aromas replay balanced by classic Riesling acidity. Serve it with Asian cuisine, barbecued chicken or fruit salad.

A vibrant, modestly sweet Riesling with aromas of peach and apricot. The fruit is beautifully balanced by a seam of acidity suggesting short-term ageing potential (2-3 years). But why wait? This delicious wine is an excellent choice for grilled salmon.

Moschofilero (mo-sko-FEEL-ero) is a deep pink-skinned grape that is used to produce aromatically intense white wines. Indigenous to Greece, it is reminiscent of Muscat with its impressive floral, grapey and spicy qualities. Its crisp acidity brings a nice balance to the wine. Enjoy this version alongside chicken gyros with hot sauce.

Roditis is an indigenous Greek grape that is known for keeping its acid levels while at the same time achieving complete ripeness. The best versions, such as this one grown at 800 metres, are made with fruit from vineyards located at high altitudes. Oenoforos improves their product further by drastically reducing yields, thereby heightening the wine's intensity and concentration. Terrific with moussaka.

Produced from the local varietals Xinomavro, Krassato and Stavroto. Aged for 12 months in French oak, the Rapsani Reserve is a forcefully fruity, balanced wine that is a natural match for lamb souvlaki.

Amyndeon is the only appellation producing rosé wines in Greece. This charmer made from the Xinomavro grape is full of fresh strawberries balanced with fine acidity. Xinomavro is grown as far south as the foot of Mount Olympus: this version is fit for the gods.

Made with the native Hungarian grape variety Cerzegi Füszeres, which is a cross between Traminer and Irsai Oliver, Woodcutter's White is a new wine from the old vineyards of central Europe. The aromas are intense, suggesting spring flowers and peach. It is dry, fresh and crisp with good aroma replays. Superb for all sorts of patio parties or picnics.

GRAF KÁROLYI PRIVATE COLLECTION CABERNET FRANC  2002
Szeksárd  

TASTING NOTE: Appearance: Ruby with a touch of orange on the rim. Nose: Ripe fruit, plum, chocolate and herbal notes with a slightly oxidative character. Taste: Dry, and medium-bodied with a long savoury finish. Great value.
Score - (out of 5). (Tony Aspler, www.tonyaspler.com, Dec. 21, 2006) 

012310    (D)            750 mL    $13.95   

Santa Margherita was the first to make Pinot Grigio as a purely white wine by ensuring that no pigment from the grape's light-pink skin coloured the juice. This, our #1 selling wine, sports aromas of fresh green apple, lime and peach that replay on the cleansing finish. Excellent as an aperitif, or serve it with antipasto or gnocchi. From July 20 to August 16, 50¢ from the sale of Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio will go to support the National AIDS Walk For Life.

The Cortese grape achieves its finest expression in the vineyards near the town of Gavi. This brilliant example from Batasiolo possesses a fragrant, fruity nose featuring notes of pineapple, lemon, lime and mineral. Dry, crisp and delicate, it's lovely with pan-fried scallops, grilled prawns, crab cakes, sushi or antipasto platters.

A very flavourful Orvieto with intense aromas of lemon, minerals and fresh herbs. Enjoy this vibrant wine with steamed clams or mussels.

The IGT delle Venezie can source its fruit from both Veneto and Friuli. This is a great value in Pinot Grigio. Kris offers enticing floral and citrus aromas with hints of apricots and almonds. Clean, crisp, and fruity on the palate with delicate wisps of blossom and honey. A lovely match for risotto, lightly flavoured pastas and brunch omelettes.

Aromas of plum, oak and leather, tempered by the softness of vanilla, dominate this wine. The palate of the Primitivo (a.k.a. Zinfandel) is smooth and silky, soft and sweet. A good complement to grilled steak with mushrooms and onions.

Made with 100% Nero d'Avola, this fantastic value displays rich aromas and flavours of pomegranate, dried plum, leather and smoky oak. A smouldering wine that's as warm as the island of Sicily itself. The soft tannins make it perfect with calzone, or give it a try with grilled lamb chops.

This Vino Nobile is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Depending on vintage, the wines are aged for 18 to 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels. They are aged a further 12 months in bottle before release. The resulting wine is filled with cedar, plum, cassis and truffle aromas and flavours. Age it 3-5+ years or enjoy it tonight, decanted, with rare roast beef.

Wine Spectator and International Wine Cellar also awarded this wine a
score of 90.

A Chianti that may be enjoyed tonight with rare roast beef and root vegetables, or cellared for 3-5 years. The aromas and flavours are dominated by cherry, leather, truffle and plum. On the palate, this wine is dry and fresh with good tannins for balance and structure.

936724    (XD)            750 mL    $22.95   

A stunning wine, this Ripasso uses grapes sourced exclusively from the hillside Montecorna vineyard in the Valpolicella Classico zone. It has an intense nose with aromas of black cherry, chocolate, coffee, red fruit reduction and smoke. Classy and well-structured with a plush mouthfeel, intense fruit flavours, hints of chocolate and good length, this wine bridges the gap between the Valpolicella Classico Superiore and the Amarone Classico styles. Enjoy with barbecued leg of lamb.

... Valpantena owes a great deal of its success to the work of Luca Degani, who has perfectly interpreted the magic moment Valpolicella is currently enjoying. The commitment of the member growers in the vineyard has been renewed, the cellar techniques perfected and, above all, the classic grape types have been interpreted in a contemporary key and promoted with effective marketing techniques. (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines 2008) Match this rich, robust and balanced Amarone with braised beef dishes.

Alvarinho is a grape normally associated with Vinho Verde, so to have one from Estremadura in the south of Portugal is a rarity. The warmer South produces an Alvarinho that displays an array of tree-fruit aromas and flavours, including apple, pear and green plum. These flavours are overlaid with a refreshing acidity that makes this an exceptional palate refresher before a fine meal. Alvarinho is also a versatile companion for hors d'oeuvres.

Made with the classic grapes used for Port - Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz and Touriga Franca - this wine is aged for four months in a 50/50 combination of French and American oak. The result is a forwardly fruity, yet expertly structured, wine. Age it 3-5 years, or try it tonight with grilled steak or stuffed veal tenderloin.