City Cellars
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.
June 22, 2022
Bodegas Francisco Gomez "VID-A" Spring Rosé
Alicante, Spain
750 ml, $19.99
We opened up this vegan rosé for our floor pour a couple of weeks ago, and now it's our featured Wine of the Week! This wine is made from Monastrell and Syrah grapes grown at a vineyard located at 650 m in "Finca La Serrata" Villena Alicante. With an appealing shiny, raspberry pink colour, it has aromas of violet and ripe red fruit. Sweet and fresh on the palate with a long finish and fair acidity in the mouth, this wine pairs well with white meats, fish and vegetables.
June 15, 2022
Cantino di Solopaca Barbera
Sannio DOP, Campania, Italy
750 ml, $22.99
A favourite at last week's floor pour, our wine of the week is the Cantino di Solopaca Barbera. This wine is 100% Barbera from Campania, Italy - a rare find and delightfully different from Piedmontese Barbera. The nose is full of berries, ripe red fruit, with distinct vegetal notes. Barbera grapes from Campania have striking intense cherry followed by flowery tones of violet and rose. The flavour is intense, full, slightly tannic, and soft with a rich fruit finish. Pair with vegetable risotto or pizza.
June 8, 2022
Muralhas de Monção Vinho Verde
Monção, Portugal
750 ml, $19.99
This is a great value Vinho Verde (“Green Wine”) from Portugal — a perfect bottle to have on hand all summer long. Made from a blend of Alvarinho and Loureiro grapes, this youthful white wine is simple but refreshing, with notes of green apple, stone fruit, grapefruit, and floral notes, along with a touch of effervescence. Pair with broiled fish, sushi, or even fried chicken!
June 1, 2022
Viña Campanero Vegardal Red
Jumilla, Spain
750 ml, $23.99
Bodegas Viña Campanero is a small family winery that produces just 250 cases of this red wine per year. The vines are owned by the family and are the rare, unsupported variety that survive without any irrigation, producing incredible fruit despite the desolate soils. 100% Organic, non-grafted Monastrell, this wine is harvested by hand in wooden boxes then vinified by traditional Jumilla methods in stainless steel followed by 6 months of aging in French oak barrels.
In the glass, it presents a very intense colour while showing aromas of red fruit and delicate vanilla. In the mouth, the bright fruit is perfectly balanced with the subtle cassis notes that Monastrell is known for. It is balanced and bold with hints of coffee and cocoa. Pairs perfectly with grilled meat and hearty dishes like stews and casseroles!
May 25, 2022
De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault
Itata Valley, Chile
750 ml, $42.99
This is an incredible heritage Cinsault from Chile's Itata Valley! The De Martino Viejas Tinajas Cinsault is fermented and aged in centennial tinajas (amphorae), a tradition originated in the first vineyards of the Itata Valley planted in 1551. It has a floral & perfumed nose with notes of violets, fresh red & black fruits, & spices. On the palate, it's medium-bodied with fine, smooth tannins, fresh acidity and abundant fruit, accompanied by a long finish. Perfect BBQ wine!
May 11, 2022
Taiheizan Honjozo Nigori
Akita Prefecture, Tohoku, Japan
300 ml, $16.99
Kodama Brewing Company started brewing sake in 1913. They are one of the few sake breweries in Japan who is still producing both miso and soy sauce today.
By definition, Nigori means 'cloudy' and this style of sake is thicker and creamier in texture, with a milk-like appearance. The 'cloudiness' comes from the rice sediment which remains in the sake after it has been passed through a special coarse-mesh filter. This unfiltered nigori has a creamy yet drier mouthfeel with a nose of rice, banana and nuts, subtle sweetness, and great acidity with a dry finish. Very food friendly — pair with seafood, fruits and meat — and best enjoyed chilled!
April 27, 2022
Mitolo Jester Vermentino
McLaren Vale, Australia
750 ml, $25.99
Our Wine of the Week is a Vermentino from Australia - Vermentino is a white grape that originally hails from the island of Sardinia, where fresh, textured white wine ideal for the Mediterranean climate is produced. The Mitolo family has winemaking roots in Italy and have brought these typical Italian grapes to their lands in Australia's McLaren Vale. The wine has a fresh, lively acidity that rounds off a tight clean palate with bright citrus tones. Tropical, zesty, and perfect with seafood!
April 20, 2022
Howard Park Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon
Margaret River, Australia
750 ml, $27.99
Howard Park is a pioneering family-owned winery specializing in the region of Margaret River - arguably Australia's premier site for growing classic Cabernet Sauvignon. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon offers aromas of mint, violets, savoury dry herbs & blackcurrant, along with hints of smoky oak. The palate is fresh & bright, with red berries & plums & a fine acid structure. While its juicy freshness makes this an enjoyable wine to drink young, its good balance between fruit weight, tannin and oak suggests the wine will age gracefully through 2025.
April 13, 2022
Paolo Conterno Bricco Barbera D'Asti
Piemonte, Italy
750 ml, $25.99
It all started way back in 1886, when Paolo Conterno founded the Casa della Ginestra, dedicated to the production of Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto wines, and continues to make wines of these varietals today. 100% Barbera, the Paolo Conterno Bricco Barbera D'Asti shows finesse and elegance, with appealing hints of spices and fresh red fruit such as cherry and cranberry. Soft and structured on the palate, with the refreshing, tangy acidity that’s typical of Barbera. Enjoy this wine with cold cuts, hot hors-d’oeuvres including slightly spicy, flavoursome appetizers and white meats.
March 30, 2022
Tour de Rieux L'instant Rare Cinsault
Languedoc-Roussillon, France
750 ml, $26.99
From the Tour de Rieux vineyard in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region, an area with perfect altitude, scorching sun & cool soils that offer up wines with elegance, comes this 100% certified organic Cinsault that's perfect for summertime casual dining! The Tour de Rieux l'Instant Rare Cinsault has an intense nose with hint of licorice, cherries, and dried spices. Light on the palate with a hint of raspberry yogurt, along with silky tannins and a crisp finish. Pairs well with chicken and olives, or meat in sauce.
March 23, 2022
Kubota Senjyu Ginjo Sake
Niigata, Japan
720 ml, $39.99
This is a sake that drinks like a wine with similar aromatics - serve in a wine glass and enjoy with a variety of food! Asahi-shuzo Sake Brewing Company always puts quality of their sake first, and their Kubota Senjyu is no exception. Its modest nose and classic melon flavour are the perfect touch to a wide range of cuisine, brightening your taste buds and elevating the food experience. Its moderate aroma precedes a delicately flavoured palate followed by a pleasantly clean and crisp finish. Serve chilled or slightly warmed to enjoy the best expression of layered sake.
March 9, 2022
Sandpoint Chardonnay
Lodi, California
750 ml, $25.99
This Wine of the Week is all about representing that amazing Lodi fruit - we featured their Cabernet Sauvignon a few weeks ago, and now it's time for their Chardonnay! Twin brothers Brad and Randall Lange are fourth generation California winegrape farmers in Lodi, with a commitment to the environment embodied in their expressive, well-made wines. This 100% Chardonnay is layered with smooth tropical fruit and bright apple notes, with a toasty mellowness from oak aging. Rich, buttery, creamy and refreshing with a soft acidity.
March 2, 2022
Feudi di San Gregorio Primitivo
Campania, Italy
750 ml, $22.99
Over the past 20 years or more, Feudi di San Gregorio, in southern Italy’s Campania region, has played a leading role in fostering a winemaking revolution that extends across southern Italy, and has led to a remarkable resurgence of regional wine industries. Throughout its short yet prolific history, the estate’s proprietors have cultivated Campania & Apulia’s finest vineyards and worked closely with some of Italy’s best enologists. The results have been remarkable — the wines of Feudi di San Gregorio meet time and again with stellar reviews and consistently garner international critical acclaim.
Feudi di San Gregorio Primitivo (same grape as Zinfandel) taps into the enormous potential of local, ancient varieties in an effort to bring prestige and recognition to these treasures of the south. Serve this Primitivo with red meats, richly flavored pastas and risottos, casseroles, stews and a wide range of hard and semi-hard cheeses.
February 23, 2022
Sandpoint Cabernet Sauvignon
Lodi, California
750 ml, $25.99
This wine of the week is all about representing that amazing Lodi fruit! Twin brothers Brad and Randall Lange are fourth generation California winegrape farmers in Lodi, with a commitment to the environment embodied in their expressive, well-made wines. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon has notes of upfront plum, candied berries and cassis, supported by a smooth texture and spicy oak note. Pair with grilled lamb or aged cheeses!