SOME NEW PRODUCTS TASTED THIS MONTH -

 

++ CARPANO ANTICA FORMULA VERMOUTH, $47.95 litre, limited quantities OR
$18.95 for 375 mL, also limited, from Fratelli Branca, repped in
Ontario by Majestic Wine Cellars: a revelation in the vermouth world,
created in 1786. This is red vermouth, numbered in hand-blown glasses,
emphasizing vanilla, dried fruit, dates and orange zest. Bitter-sweet,
with some gentian root notes. 16.5% ABV, long persistent finish, best
on the rocks as an aperitif or after a meal straight up. Many Toronto
bars use it in their cocktails, such as Negroni or Manhattan.
Quality/Price rating is 94 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

++ CARPANO CLASSICO, $23.95 litre and CARPANO BIANCO, $22.95 litre,
Majestic Wine Cellars – Two nifty vermouths to savour or to use in
blends with cocktails. The Classico is a baby Antica, not as dominating
in tone and palate, but great with soda or on ice. 16% ABV. The Bianco
has more vanilla tones and sweetness than expected. Not for dry
martinis, but great on the rocks, on its own for a comfort drink.
Quality/Price rating for both is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic
Epicures.

 

++ Marchesi di Barolo La Tradizione Barolo 2008, +168179 Vintages
Essential, $34.95: just released in November, this wine is four dollars
less than the previous 2005 which I top rated as a best buy (should you
want the 1958, it is $1295.00; the LCBO still lists it on the website
as of this writing). It was fermented and stored in small barrels for a
while before transferring to Slovenian oak for 18 months (medium
toast). The vintage years have been good for nebbiolo in Piedmont,
since 1996, and 2008 was no exception. Expect some red fruit of cherry-
berry, tobacco leaf, woodsy cedar/oak, and concentrated complexity
aided by a dash of mint. This is traditional Barolo at its finest at
this price level. A good buy. Tasted over the course of a week, proving
to be a keeper. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of
Gothic Epicures.

 

++ Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling MC 2010 NOTL VQA, +78055, $28.95:
a mix of half chardonnay and pinot noir from vines planted as early as
1991, very pretty colour, reminiscent of strawberry blush, 2+ years
lees contact and fermented in the bottle. Full, rich, ripe yeasty
biscuit complexity. Citric finish, best with food or apps. Recently
Disgorged. 13% ABV. Now at Vintages (it was supposed to be a Christmas
offering). Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic
Epicures.

 

++ Chateau des Charmes Brut Sparkling MC NV NOTL VQA, +224766, $22.95:
This Brut is a mix of half chardonnay and pinot noir from vines planted
as early as 1991, exhibiting apple tones with citrus and toast. All 
from the 2009 vintage, and Recently Disgorged after three years on
lees, 13% ABV. Base material for both bubblies is the same: just the
dosage and skin contact varies. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by
Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.