City Cellars
November 30, 2022
El Enemigo Semillon
Mendoza, Argentina
750 ml, $39.99
One of Argentina's most acclaimed wineries, El Enemigo has rocketed to superstardom in just a few short vintages. El Enemigo is a joint venture of two big names in Argentine wine — Catena's winemaker Alejandro Vigil and Dr. Catena's younger daughter, Adrianna. These two were drawn together by a passion for creating more approachable and mineral-driven wines that are expressive of the nuances of Mendoza’s special terroirs.
This golden yellow Semillon shows aromas of passionfruit and quince, along with baked pear, orange blossom, and hay. Quince, pear, and apricot abound on the palate of this medium-bodied, complex white. It displays incredible texture and depth without being heavy and is kept fresh by generous and balanced acidity. The finish is long and pure, with plenty of orchard fruit and a hint of white pepper.
November 23, 2022
Filipa Pato Territorio Vivo Baga
Bairrada DOC, Beiras, Portugal
750 ml, $49.99
Filipa Pato’s family has been producing wine in Beiras since the 18th century. Her grandfather, João, was the first to bottle wine in Bairrada DOC after it was officially demarcated as an appellation, and her father, Luis, is credited with bringing Bairrada back to life as a viable and vibrant wine region.
This 100% Baga is a delicate 100% Baga, reflective of the true term of Living Terroir. Old vines are handpicked from different vineyards currently under conversion to organics / biodynamics in Bairrada. It's an elegant, structured and refined wine with a deep intense cherry colour. Pair with a fillet of veal or other delicate, meat-based dishes.
November 16, 2022
Barbacàn Rosso
Valtellina, Lombardy, Italy
750 ml, $49.99
Our wine of the week is the Barbacán Rosso from Lombardy, Italy. Based primarily on Chiavennesca, this juicy, vibrant and complex wine also includes a host of rare indigenous varieties. Spontaneous fermentation and traditional vinification with roughly twenty days of maceration, followed by nine months’ aging in old 3000L oak botte. This wine presents as fresh as the Alpine air it’s born in. Vibrant cherry and red fruit nose with a delicate pepper spice and minty freshness and a somehow fresh yet dusty granite-like minerality. This wine is both complex and instantly pleasurable, blossoming in the glass with every swirl.
November 9, 2022
Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva
Rioja, Spain
750 ml, $26.99
It's World Tempranillo Day, so our wine of the week is a Tempranillo from its most prominent region, Rioja! The Coto de Imaz Rioja Reserva is 100% Tempranillo from estate vineyards in Rioja Alta. Representing the classic Rioja marriage of red fruit and wood, this wine was aged 18 months in new and old American oak, followed by 24 months aging in bottle prior to release. Aromas of ripe fruit, toasted oak, coffee and cocoa. On the palate, it has a round, velvety mouthfeel with ripe tannins, medium body and good acidity. Pairs well with grilled lamb and red meat dishes.
November 2, 2022
Jermann Blau & Blau
Friuli-Venezia, Italy
750 ml, $45.99
The Jermann Blau & Blau is made from Franconio (Blaufrankisch) and a small part of Pinot Nero. Blaufränkisch is a historic variety (also known as Franconia del Collio and documented for the past two hundred years), cultivated by the Jermanns ever since the 1800s. It is dedicated to Sylvia Tunina, Silvio Jermann’s latest born. Rather intense ruby red color; vinous, well balanced nose, with herbaceous notes and nuances of berry fruit and underbrush. Dry on the palate, elegant, medium to full body, well balanced. Ideal with Friulian cuisine — pair with “kren and vegetable compote”, a traditional recipe from Gorizia and Trieste, which enhances this wine’s characteristics and is in turn enhanced by the wine.
October 26, 2022
Kritz Kupelweiser Pinot Noir
Alto Adige, Italy
750 ml, $35.99
The Kritz Kupelweiser Pinot Noir is a wine with Germanic precision but Italian soul. This Pinot Noir flourishes in the beautiful vineyards of the ‘Lowlands’ of Alto Adige. These hills, a conglomerate of particular soils of loam, chalk, and porphyry, and the very well-suited climate, form the ideal basis for producing a Pinot Noir of international stature. This Pinot Noir is a harmonious style, with wonderful red berries and black cherry character on top of a velvety structure. Delicate and soft with a slight juicy edge, spicy strawberry and cranberry shine through with a hint of mushroom and salami.
October 19, 2022
Chum Churum Original Soju
Seoul, South Korea
360 ml, $9.99
Soju is a liquor made with alkaline water, & since 80% of Soju is water, the minerals in the alkaline water play an important part in the drink's flavour. Soju is a clear, colourless and starch-based alcohol made from rice distillation.The Chum Churum Soju is one of the trendiest brands in Korea at the moment - this Original Flavour is slightly sweet, crisp and clean tasting with a smooth finish. Serve chilled on its own or as a cocktail ingredient.
October 12, 2022
Bibi Graetz Casamatta Bianco
Toscana IGT, Italy
750 ml, $18.99
This wine comes from Argentario in the south Tuscan coast. Like most of Bibi Graetz wines, the name is very evocative — "Casa-Matta" means "Crazy-House"! This wine tells a lot about traditional vines and old vineyards. A fresh, crunchy and sapid blend that brings with it the sea breeze. Made from 60% Vermentino, 30% Trebbiano, 10% Ansonico, the zesty aroma, orange and peach flowers, citrus and acidity comes from the Vermentino, while the pear, exotic fruits, balance and body comes from Trebbiano and Ansonica. Super fresh and drinkable now!
September 28, 2022
Presqu'ile Winery Santa Barbara County Syrah
Santa Barbara, California, USA
750 ml, $38.99
This Wine of the Week comes from Presqu'ile Winery in Santa Barbara, California - Presqu'ile arose from their penchant for fine wines, an inclination for adventure, and the discovery of Santa Maria Valley's ideal terroir.
This sustainably-farmed Syrah is aged for 18 months in French oak. It's a juicy and concentrated, northern-Rhône style Syrah loaded with flavours of blackberries, sappy plums, cracked black pepper, dried herbs, and briny olivees. A wine with texture, weight, and signature stemmy spice. These delicate flavours would pair nicely with grilled lamb.
September 14, 2022
Pieropan Soave
Soave, Veneto, Italy
750 ml, $23.99
The Pieropan family has been producing wines in Soave since the 1890s, and their estate covers nearly 60 hectares of organic vineyards, dotting the stony hills of Soave Classico. It is now run by the 4th generation, brothers Andrea and Dario. Made from 85% Garganega and 15% Trebbiano di Soave, the colour of this wine is a brilliant, light straw yellow with greenish reflections. It has a fresh, delicate bouquet with notes of vine blossoms, cherry blossoms and elderberry. Flavourful on the palate, very appealing and well balanced, pleasing bitterish finish. Pair with codfish fritters or Caprese chicken.
September 7, 2022
Parés Baltà Mas Petit
Penedès, Catalonia, Spain
750 ml, $19.99
Our Wine of the Week is the Mas Petit from biodynamic producer Parés Baltà from the Penedès in Spain. Made with hand-harvested grapes, and with minimal intervention in the cellar, this wine marries the smoothest Cabernet Sauvignon with the most delicate & aromatic Garnacha. Aged in 2nd, 3rd and 4th year Allier French oak barrels for some months, it has aromas of black fruits, liquorice, toast, vanilla and sweet spices. It's smooth and gentle on the palate, with velvety and round tannins and flavours of cherries with hints of vanilla. Serve with BBQ or a charcuterie platter.
August 31, 2022
Château Caronne St Gemme Haut-Medoc
Bordeaux, France
750 ml, $39.99
Situated close to Château Gruaud Larose and Château Lanessan, the Château Caronne estate possesses top class vineyards producing fruit worthy of Classed Growth status at great value. It has an aromatic, elegant nose with notes of flowers, ripe strawberries, cassis and a hint of toast. The palate is fruity and offers freshness, with flavours of blackberry jelly, ripe/fresh raspberry, cassis, plum & sweet spice. Drink from 2025 through 2035!
August 17, 2022
Clover Hill Tasmanian Cuvée NV Rosé
Tasmania, Australia
750 ml, $46.99
Made from grapes (54% Chardonnay, 43% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Meunier) sourced from Clover Hill’s vineyards in Tasmania, using the finest parcels of Tasmanian fruit from select vintages, skillfully blended to best represent the region and capture the vivacity and intensity that is the Clover Hill house style. Expressing the freshness and vibrancy for which the apple isle is renowned, this award-winning rosé offers elegance and refinement.
A delicate salmon pink colour, our wine of the week has a soft and creamy mousse. Attractive stewed strawberry and dark cherry notes marry perfectly with the wine’s fresh brioche characters. The wine is well structured, with sweet red berries and cream enveloping the palate. A fresh and vibrant wine!
August 10, 2022
Carmen Gran Reserva Chardonnay
Casablanca Valley, Chile
750 ml, $26.99
This is a tasty Chardonnay from Chile that you can actually try for yourself this weekend! Carmen wines are a favourite here at City Cellars, and we will be pouring their Gran Reserva Chardonnay, Gran Reserva Carignan, and Carmen DO Cinsault this Saturday from 4-7 PM!
This Chardonnay comes from a single vineyard in the Casablanca Valley, which has incredible terroir due to it being 30 km from the Pacific ocean. It has distinctive citrus notes on the nose with aromas of peaches, almonds, custard and green apple. The palate is fresh, persistent and balanced, sustained by its characteristic minerality. You can also age this wine for 4-6 years!
August 3, 2022
Malivoire Lady Bug Rosé
Niagara Peninsula, Canada
750 ml, $23.99
Composed of 47% Cabernet franc, 46% Gamay and 7% Pinot Noir, the Lady Bug Rosé is the pillar of the rosé family at the Niagara Malivoire winery, where they take their rosé wines very seriously. Brightly perfumed with rich strawberries, raspberries, rhubarb and watermelon, each sip is juicy, mouth-filling and tastes of dark cherries and other red berry fruits, pomegranate and Granny Smith apple. The finish is long and fresh — serve chilled and pair with chicken wings, barbecued poultry or oven-fired pizza.
July 27, 2022
Roceno Nerello Mascalese
Sicilia, Italy
750 ml, $24.99
This wine is made from Nerello Mascalese, a highly regarded, dark-skinned grape variety that grows most commonly on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. The character of Nerello Mascalese can be compared to that of Pinot Noir and Nebbiolo!
Sibiliana is the new project from the Cantine Europa Group. A collaboration between Sicilian grape growers, it brings together 4500 hectares of vineyards in the areas of Trapani, Agrigento and Palermo. The cooperative includes 2,100 growers and was founded in Petrosino in 1962. Compared to a Nerello Mascalese from Mt Etna, the Sibiliana Roceno Nerello Mascalese displays a more Mediterranean side of the variety. Garnet red in hue, on the nose it has aromas of dusty red cherries, malwina strawberry, cinnamon, smoke, and leather. The palate is medium bodied with firm tannins and vigorous acidity.
July 20, 2022
Birichino Scylla California Old Vine Red Blend
California, USA
750 ml, $43.99
Birichino is not a brand-new winery, having been around for a decade now, but its popularity is gaining strength as people look toward older California vineyards for their vibrancy and concentration of fruit. Founders Alex Krause and John Locke source their fruit from family-owned vineyards planted in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Because they have such amazing material to work with, these guys aim for minimal intervention in the winery, favouring native fermentations, neutral oak and little filtration.
The Birichino Scylla is a blend of 50% Carignan, 48% Grenache, 2% Mourvèdre. It has earthy aromas of soil, charcuterie, cran-raspberry & strawberry, with a palate featuring juicy black raspberry, cherry & candied lavender flavours and a long and lively finish.
July 14, 2022
Maquina Y Tabla "El Oso y La Alemana" Blanco
Toro, Castilla y León, Spain
750 ml, $31.99
This wine comes from a small family producer in Spain's Castilla y León region. The "El Oso y La Alemana" Blanco is a blend of Verdejo and Malvasia from old vines, farmed biodynamically and hand-harvested. The nose hums with frenetic energy, bright lines of lemon yogurt, freshly peeled tangerine, a hint of oak spice, and lily of the valley and orange blossom water. On the palate, a touch of grip from the skin contact structures this otherwise rambunctious wine dense with pineapple core and white balsamic and mango notes, further developed by oak tannin and a leesy roundness on the finish.
July 13, 2022
Maquina Y Tabla El Oso y La Alemania Tinto
Toro, Castilla y León, Spain
750 ml, $36.99
The Maquina Y Tabla "El Oso y La Alemania" (The Bear and the German) Tinto is a punk rock, skid row, all out thrasher of a wine, full bodied, unencumbered, and proud of its wild side. It's a blend of Tinta de Toro (Tempranillo) and Garnacha. The nose is unabashedly fruit forward with quieter nuances of roasted vegetables and minty herbs hiding under the bravado. On the palate, a chewy cocoa tannin and an amplified red fruit profile turned up to eleven. This is a party wine if ever there was one!
June 29, 2022
Domaine Michelot Bourgogne Clos De Montmeix
Meursault, Burgundy, France
750 ml, $59.99
Our wine of the week is a very special Chardonnay from the Meursault village in Burgundy. Domaine Michelot has been in Meursault for 6 generations. With ownership still in the family, Nicolas Mestre has been leading the Domaine since 2009, sharing decision-making duties with his father Jean François. The Domaine covers 19ha of vines farmed with regular ploughing, grass-grown between vines, and copper/sulphur use generally kept at a bare minimum. Armed with barrels of different sizes, amphora eggs, and new oak use quite low (10-20%), Nicolas’ wines are pure, focused, and detailed with exceptional length.
The 2018 vintage has aromas of pear, red apple, and lemon with hints of vanilla, hazelnut, and acacia on the nose. Rich and broad on the palate, great orchard and citrus fruit concentration, fresh acidity, creamy texture, pleasant bitterness on a lengthy finish.