Sunkissed Sips

Textured & Mineral

Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme focusing on terroir driven wines from old vine vineyards in Stellenbosch, SA & Willamette Valley, US.

This Chenin is made from old bush vines grown in decomposed granite/quartz on the Helderburg (Clear Mountain), in the southwestern-most corner of Stellenbosch.

Behold, Chenin Blanc! The most widely planted varietal in South Africa simply shines in this charming expression from Stellenbosch. Sourced from old vines and naturally fermented, expect elegant notes of white peach, lemon, and tangerine with an underlying layer of crisp yellow apple. Bright and fresh on the palate, but with good depth and concentration, this wine is ready to drink now but will also cellar nicely for the next 2-3 years.

This Chenin Blanc pairs perfectly with all kinds of fresh seafood; and also with tartare. Smoked salmon or trout would also be delicious next to a glass of this old vines Chenin. Its rich texture makes it suitable to be paired with goat cheese, roast chicken and butternut squash.

Textured & Mineral

A rising star in the Etna region, Tornatore is becoming one of the region's biggest and most respected wineries. Their vineyards are located at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level on the north side of this active volcano.

This Etna Bianco is made with the indigenous grape Carricante aged in concrete vats. The wine offers pleasant hints of grapefruit, white peach and herbs on the nose. The palate has a lovely texture and freshness complemented by an extraordinary minerality.

It is perfect with young and medium-aged cheeses, poultry and fish. 

Floral & Fruity

Pearce Predhomme is a collaboration between Nicholas Pearce and Will Predhomme focusing on terroir driven wines from old vine vineyards in Stellenbosch, SA & Willamette Valley, US. This Cinsault/Syrah is made from bush vines planted in Koffieklip soils in the Southwestern of Stellenbosch, South Africa. 

A brilliant medium purple colour in the glass. On the nose, it's all about fresh ripe red & black fruit: cherry, strawberry, wild raspberry; with hints of intense spice, it also has a granite minerality. On the palate it is light-bodied, with a vibrant acid and grippy though delicate tannins. It intermingles with surprisingly powerful fruit & spice; punching above its weight in flavour. It is very balanced with low alcohol.

This light red pairs with all manner of dishes: from barbecue meats to grilled salmon and veggies, to spicy dishes.

Fresh & Mineral

Wines from Soave are made with the local grape Garganega. Cantina Tessari has its vineyards in the volcanic hills above il Castello di Soave, which is the original - or 'Classico' - wine growing area in Soave, the best vines are located here. 

Tessari’s golden straw coloured Grisela is the backbone of the vineyard; a delicious entry level wine that is meant to be enjoyed on any occasion. Melba toast, elderflower and chamomile aromatics fill the glass with a notable mineral quality. The taste of crushed seashells dance on your tongue with a fun duo of stone fruit and citrus. The finish is refreshing with balanced acidity.

Grisela is excellent as an aperitif and for accompanying rich Italian seafood recipes and risottos.

Light & Earthy

The vineyards of Fattoria di Sammontana are located along the hills that border the Arno River, 20km to the south west of Florence. Today, the family - now in its fourth generation - runs the farm according to organic and biodynamic practices, with the intent to fully preserve and sustain the traditions and winemaking history of the land.

This wine is a nod to the old tradition that made Trebbiano a compulsory component of any Chianti blend. Almost entirely Sangiovese with just a touch of Trebbiano, Alberese is such a delicious, simple and easy drinking wine that it could go with just about anything. 

We particularly love opening a bottle of Alberese when cooking pizza or when having an aperitivo before dinner: a beautiful choice with cured meats, cheeses and olives. Any rich pasta dish made with bacon and tons of pecorino would also be a delicious option!

Floral & Zesty

Espérance Rosé exemplifies the Mediterranean lifestyle and 'Joie de Vivre'. The idea is to offer a pure expression of the Mediterranean: a rosé blend made with traditional grape varieties from the South of France: Cinsault, Grenache and Syrah.

This exquisite rosé has aromas of rose petals and sweet English candy on the nose. On the palate, it's fresh, nicely balanced and savoury, with notes of citrus on the finish.

The Espérance Rosé will turn any charcuterie and cheese boards, fresh salads, light pastas, or cold appetizers into a slice of gastronomic heaven.

Mineral & Zesty

From a new family (relatively speaking) in Chablis, the estate belongs to Marie-Noëlle & Laurent Ternynck. They have deep roots in the surrounding area of AOC Burgundy, farming for multiple generations. 

This old vines Chardonnay is wild fermented fermented in stainless steel tanks, then ages “Sur Lee” for 12 months after malolactic fermentation is complete. The fruit is gathered from vineyards in Fleys and this area sits at a higher altitude on a windswept plateau, which helps maintain the acidity in the wine.  Fresh, floral and mineral on the nose. There are notes of fresh almond, hazelnut, citrus and white flowers on the palate. It is balanced, structured and texture example of classic favourite. 

Keep it chilled in the fridge, uncork it at the end of the day and pour yourself a glass! Also pairs well with oysters, all kinds of fish dishes, and roasted chicken.

Light & Bright

Stéphane Aviron is considered a pioneer in his approach to winemaking in Beaujolais, however he would just tell you that he’s simply returning to the traditional practices that have always made fantastic Gamay wines. Sustainable viticulture, extremely old vines and classic Burgundian techniques.

This Gamay is made from 50+ year old vines which give it an extraordinary concentration of fruit and a true essence of the terroir of the region. The wine shows itself to be full of complexity and charm at the same time. It is so full of freshness and easy-drinking with fruity and floral notes of strawberry and spice.

Pair with just about anything or enjoy on its on as an aperitif. 

Fruity & Spicy

Matthias Hager's winery has about 13ha of vineyards in and around the small wine-growing village of Mollands. All of his vineyards are cultivated biodynamically according to Demeter. The strength of this family business is its diversity. Loess, clay and different kinds of primary rock (mica shist, gneiss, etc.) can be found in the northern part of Kamptal.

This Gruner Veltliner has fruity aromas on the nose. These aromas combine with a soft spiciness and a mineral quality on the palate. It has a medium body and a nice long saline finish.

This a typical Gruner Veltliner of the Kamptal region and a very food-friendly wine. It's a great match with cold starters and typical Austrian home cooking: roast pork, schnitzel, meat dumplings...

Fruity & Juicy

The dream of four French partners in Argentina's Mendoza Province. The Malbec vines grow in the southwest of San Rafael, an oasis surrounded by large canyons and crossed by two rivers. This Malbec opens up with red fruits, black raspberry and tones of fresh leather. It's chewy and sumptuous on the palate, with firm tannins and a very well balanced acidity.

This is the perfect BBQ wine, but it is also capable of so much more! Rich meats, stews and braises are a great match, or try leaner meats with fruity and hearty sauces such as pork tenderloin with prunes and red wine jus. Another favourite, enjoy alongside a prime rib roast!

Fresh & Zesty

The Vitas Winery has been in the family since 1937, for four generations. Despite its French origin, Pinot Grigio has been cultivated in Friuli since the 18th century, where it has found an ideal habitat to produce wines of exceptional quality.

This dry-farmed Friulian Pinot Grigio is different in style than its counterpart from Veneto. The wine wears a straw yellow robe with elegant copper-gold overtones. Its bouquet is elegant and intense, with hints of acacia flowers, dry hay, walnut kernel, yellow peach and golden apple, intertwined with fresh and mineral notes. It promises a concentrated palate full of fragrant white peaches, tangerines, and a lively minerality. 

A perfect casual sipper, or to complement antipasti, fried fish or vegetables and light pasta dishes.

Earthy & Juicy

The French have a very beautiful expression for wines like this, they call it “vin de soif”, which essentially means a wine that is measured by the purity, honesty and, especially, by the joy and refreshment it provides. “La Pinada” is just that kind of wine, it showcases the fruit, freshness and balance of a genuine single varietal Bobal. The grapes are exclusively sourced from a single parcel called La Pinada planted in 1958, growing on alluvial and clay soils.

With a fresh and fruit-forward nose, the wine displays aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, blossom, and a hint of earthy minerality. On the palate it is juicy, focused and well balanced, with a crunchy acidity and some light drying tannins.

Enjoy this vin de soif with just about any dish. 

Ripe & Fruity

Pardevalles is recognized for being one of the driving forces behind the D.O Tierra de León, betting on the development of the indigenous grape varieties Prieto Picudo and Albarín Blanco.

This 100% Prieto Picudo rosé is intense and fresh on the nose.  Rich and hypnotizing aromas of raspberry, strawberry, herbs, citrus and red rose petals jump out of the glass.  These flavours follow through on the palate, which is both powerful and flavourful, while maintaining great freshness.

Enjoy this one on its own while basking in the sun.

Deep & Earthy

Garage Wine Co. is an artisanal winery in the Maule in Southern Chile dedicated to reviving old-growth vineyards in marginalized rural communities.

'Revival' is a project that started during lockdown, and focuses on producing wine from previously-neglected old vines of País in the Maule, while at the same time supporting local farming communities.

Born out of the Covid pandemic, the initiative enabled farmers to work in their local vineyards, which also eliminated the need to travel. Maule is home to a wealth of very old, dry-farmed, family-owned vines. Yet these have largely been ignored by the mainstream industry due to their limited production potential and issues with accessibility.

The wine was first offered for sale en primeur, which further contributed to financial security for both the growers and producer in the midst of the pandemic. We at Nicholas Pearce Wines supported the initiave and are proud the bring the wines to the Ontario market.

Darker and more serious than many País out there with proper complexity and depth, ripe flavours and round tannins without ‘rusticity’. This is the character of the grape on granite soils made in small lots with focus.

Enjoy this wine with roasted duck breast, or a mushroom-based dish.

Zesty & Mineral

Gilvesy winery is located in the outskirts of Lake Balaton, near an ancient dormant volcano, in Hungary. Hungarian expat Robert Gilvesy moved back to his homeland from Canada to start this exciting project involving native grape varieties and volcanic soils.

This blend is light and fresh. On the nose, it's all about hints of mint, lemon and fresh cucumber, while on the palate it's zesty, with notes of green apple and citrus fruit.

It's delicious when paired with summer meals: fresh salads dressed with dried fruits such as cranberries and walnuts, grilled fish with potatoes and zesty ceviches.

Floral & Fresh

Vitivinicola Fangareggi is located in the heart of the Lambrusco region, between the provinces of Reggio Emilia and Modena. Their ancestors have been making wine since the 19th century, and in 2004 the family decided to resume their winemaking tradition.

Specialized in making Lambrusco, the family takes care of the whole production from vineyard to bottle. In 2021, they began the process of converting the vineyard to organic farming.

Made from a blend of Lambrusco di Sorbara, Fortana and Pinot Nero, this low-alcohol rosato frizzante is the perfect bubbly to pop and enjoy at any occasion. Rose petals, black cherry, vague reminiscences of bread crust, and lots of freshness. Pop and enjoy.

Juicy & Earthy

One of the most coveted, yet accessible natural wines in France. From legendary winemaker Matthieu Barret of Domaine de Coulet in Cornas. The Matthieu Barret labelled wines are from a leased organic and biodynamic vineyard in Visan, about an hour South of the Domaine. Petit Ours ('Little Bear') is Matthieu Barret's nickname.

Made of 100% Syrah from clay and limestone soils. Expect fresh dark berries with hints of black pepper, lavender and smoky tones on the nose. On the palate it's vibrant, tight, refreshing and with gripping tannins.

Enjoy this wine with classic wine bar fare chicken liver mousse, duck confit and mushrooms or a dish of lentils with boudin. Savour the last sip with a blackberry and rhubarb butter tart.

Mineral & Rich

In 2010, Joana and António founded Maçanita Vinhos after an invitation from a local Douro family who had read about these playful and ambitious sibling winemakers. Both siblings contribute to Maçanita Vinhos, but the challenging Douro Valley has been Joana’s passion project since the start, and Joana and her children even moved to the Porto area to be closer to the winery and vineyards. Setting down roots in the region has allowed her to focus her famous energy into expanding the rising star that is her Douro career.

Maçanita’s Douro Branco exemplifies the confluence of richness and elegant minerality that is the hallmark of Douro whites. The indigenous Viosinho provides the backbone to this mineral driven wine, showcasing the slate soil and high altitude plantings that fuel this project. Fermented and aged all in stainless steel, Antonio and Joana very capably maintain the freshness and acidity in this wine, yielding a wine of purity and balance.

Bright yellow-gold. On the nose, fresh floral aromas commingle with ripe yellow and green orchard fruit and a touch of slate. On the palate, bright and juicy, with mouth filling concentration and refreshing acidity. A core of green and gold apple, pear and white pepper are wrapped with pleasant floral and mineral flavours on the long finish. Maçanita Douro Branco is a beautiful pair for roasted or grilled poultry, as well as richer seafood dishes.

Sultry & Complex

Peninsula Skin Contact is a low-SO2 orange wine that explores the complexity and nuances of long macerations of white grapes on their skins. Spain and Castile, in particular, have a long tradition of skin-contact whites, which deserves to be explored and updated. The wine is made from a single, experimental parcel of Albariño, grown organically on their estate in Cuenca. The climate is dry and very continental, with the high altitude causing a wide diurnal temperature range, helping the Albariño to develop remarkable aromatic intensity early in the ripening cycle. This allows early picking for moderate potential alcohol and to preserve its naturally high acidity. 

The aroma is very complex and grows in the glass, combining primary notes of stone fruit with orange peel, grapefruit and ginger. A very versatile and gastronomic wine which combines lightness and the variety's mouthwatering freshness on the palate with the textural depth from the skins. The finish is remarkably long and satisfyingly dry, underscored by a firm but fine tannic grip.

Consider pairing it with shellfish, lean fish, and vegetarian options like a nut roast. Its crisp and refreshing character also makes it a good match for grilled chicken or roasted fish. 

Fresh & Crisp

Nestled on the rolling hills of Abruzzo near Vasto, the Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo from the Jasci family, who have cultivated vineyards for three generations, is a vibrant, organic-certified rosé that showcases the region's rich winemaking tradition.

This wine bursts with fruity notes of cherry and strawberry, complemented by subtle hints of grapefruit, apricot, and nectarine. It offers a fresh, lively profile with good body, balanced acidity, and a delightful aftertaste of bitter almond.

Perfectly suited to pair with light salads, seafood, and white meats, this Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo embodies elegance and delicacy, reflecting the sun-kissed terroir of the Abruzzo hills.

Rich & Mineral

Maison Mahaut captures everything we love about white Burgundy — classic Chardonnay, exceptional value, and effortless drinkability. Sourced from select vineyards across Burgundy, the wine is fermented in stainless steel with a touch of oak ageing to preserve its freshness while adding subtle texture and depth.

Expect vibrant notes of lemon, crisp green apple, white peach, and a hint of chalky minerality, finishing bright, clean, and beautifully balanced.

The kind of bottle you'll reach for again and again, whether paired with roast chicken, grilled seafood, creamy pastas, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Light & Fruity

Domaine de Pellehaut, located in the hills of Gascony, is known for sustainable winemaking practices and utilizing native yeasts, with wines often aged in stainless steel to maintain fresh fruit character. 

This wine presents aromas of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. It is light and delicate with soft tannins.

To be enjoyed as an aperitif, with white meat or a cheese platter.

Fresh & Balanced

In 2010, Joana and António founded Maçanita Vinhos after an invitation from a local Douro family who had read about these playful and ambitious sibling winemakers. Both siblings contribute to Maçanita Vinhos, but the challenging Douro Valley has been Joana’s passion project since the start, and Joana and her children even moved to the Porto area to be closer to the winery and vineyards. Setting down roots in the region has allowed her to focus her famous energy into expanding the rising star that is her Douro career.

This is a fresh, balanced rendition of a classic Douro red. Preserving the intrinsic bent toward the richness and power of the Douro, all while showcasing balance, minerality and elegance. Some of the vines tended at an altitude of 200m to 540 m altitude in schist soils, and others at 600m altitude in granitic soils elevation, both in Cima Corgo, Douro. This is a subregion that experiences extreme highs and lows from a temperature standpoint, with some of the greatest day-night temperature delta in Portugal. As such the fruit experiences extended hangtime.

Deep violet. On the nose, redolent of black and blue fruit tinged with violets and wet stone. On the palate, rich but balanced, with fresh acidity coupling the dark blueberry and plum fruit. Finishes long and spicy, with a big dose of flowers and minerals.

Fresh & Crisp

Cordero San Giorgio is a new beginning in Oltrépo-Pavese for three siblings who grew up surrounded by their family’s vines at the legendary Vietti Estate in Castiglione Falletto in Barolo. The siblings Francesco, Lorenzo, and Caterina Cordero, are grandchildren of Luciana Vietti & Alfredo Currado, one of the pioneers of the first Barolo crus and considered the “father of Arneis.” Their father is Mario Cordero, Alfredo and Luciana’s son-in-law, who was the company’s co-owner from the beginning of the ‘80s until 2016 when it was sold.

The Oltrepò Pavese is a hilly triangle of land in Lombardy, embraced by Piedmont, Liguria, and Emilia-Romagna. A territory dedicated to the cultivation of vines and the culture of wine for centuries: a land of both cultural and gastronomic encounter and exchange. Cordero San Giorgio is in the town of Santa Giuletta, and focuses on working with Pinot Nero, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay.

This is a fresh and balanced Pinot Grigio, which maintains the intrinsic finesse of the grape variety with a vibrant, well-balanced acidity. This Pinot Grigio is made from grapes grown in the localitá of Rocca de' Giorgi, at 400 meters above sea level, amidst valleys covered by forests, steep slopes and thick ridges.

Made in stainless steel, this outstanding Pinot Grigio has a pale straw yellow colour with green hues, on the nose, it is fresh floral with fruity aromas of pear, apple, and jasmine. A dry, medium-bodied white wine, with marked crispy acidity. On the palate, it is fresh, well balanced, with a pleasant lingering finish.

Ideal as an aperitif and in combination with fish appetizers and white meats, such as poultry. A good pairing for salads, light and pureed soups, and fish first courses.

Rich & Floral

McArthur Ridge is a Central Otago winery located in Alexandra, New Zealand, where vineyards are planted on ancient glacial moraine terraces known as Brassknocker soils. The estate is recognized for producing cool-climate Pinot Noir that reflects the rugged mountain environment, combining careful vineyard management with a winemaking philosophy focused on purity, balance, and regional expression. Their Brassknocker range represents the winery’s “village level” Pinot Noir, showcasing the distinctive terroir and freshness that have helped establish Central Otago as one of the world’s premier Pinot Noir regions.

The Brassknocker Central Otago Pinot Noir is richly aromatic and expressive, offering notes of ripe cherry, dark plum, red berries, floral tones, oak spice, and mocha. Crafted from separately harvested vineyard parcels, the wine undergoes cold soaking, wild and cultured yeast fermentation, extended skin contact, and partial ageing in seasoned French oak to build complexity while preserving freshness. On the palate it is supple and balanced, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, polished finish that makes it approachable now while also suitable for further cellaring.

Try pairing with lamb samosas, curries, or duck with plum sauce.

Fresh & Juicy

Heinrich Winery believes great wines express a true sense of place—something best achieved when vines thrive within a biologically diverse environment where soil vitality and natural symbiosis are preserved. Their ultimate aspiration is to let nature speak through their wines, guided by ethical and qualitative principles that shape every decision. 

Cheerfully juicy. This amber-coloured potion spreads its aromas around in a manner that’s equally expressive and unobtrusive… This wine can indeed call itself ‘orange’, though far more delicate and tender than the buzzword ‘orange’ might suggest.

The Heinrich Naked Orange is an approachable wine that pairs well with Salmon tartare with pickled raspberries, couscous salad with feta and cranberry, toasted sourdough bread with avocado.

Textured & Vibrant

Heinrich Winery believes great wines express a true sense of place — something best achieved when vines thrive within a biologically diverse environment where soil vitality and natural symbiosis are preserved. Their ultimate aspiration is to let nature speak through their wines, guided by ethical and qualitative principles that shape every decision. 

The Weisze Freyheit is a distinctive blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc from Lake Neusiedl, showcasing a bold, modern skin-contact style with notable depth and structure. It opens with complex aromas of dried herbs, roasted nuts, brioche, and subtle mineral tones, layered with hints of orchard fruit and citrus blossom. On the palate, it is taut with a firm, slightly bitter grip, balanced by a juicy core and a lingering herbal, nutty finish. Overall, it is an uncompromising, intellectually engaging wine with a strong sense of character and precision.

Try pairing with aged cheeses, roasted vegetables or a mushroom risotto.