What's In Our Glasses: October

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.

Bright & Juicy

At the very heart of the Rhône Valley, at the northerly tip of the Southern Rhône, lie the vineyards of Grignan-Les-Adhémar.

Le Devoy checks in as a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. It has terrific notes of forest floor, cracked pepper, flowers and darker berry fruits as well as medium-bodied richness, an elegant, supple texture and notable purity of fruit. This wine has considerable charm and appeal and makes for a great everyday bottle.

Pair this wine with just about anything!

Bright & Creamy

The Baud estate dates back to 1742, today the 9th generation manages the winery. Siblings Clementine and Bastien, both under 30, are making some of the best-value wines in the area. Jura is that narrow valley in the remote hills between Burgundy and Switzerland, which millions of years ago was covered by an Ocean and today still bares many of the fossils from that time. If you kick a stone in a Jura vineyard, it will probably be a fossil!

This sparkler, or Crémant, is made in the traditional Champagne style, where the second fermentation happens inside the bottle. Expect rich aromatics of apple fruit with citrus, toasted brioche and a striking minerality. It sparks a great balance between creaminess and vivacity.  If you like Champagne, but not the price tag, then this is the wine of choice for you. 

It is very versatile at the table and you can drink this with almost any dish: try it with all types of classic cuisine or even spicy Asian dishes.

Intense & Rich

Established in 2001 by Julien Montagné and his family. Clos del Rey is located in the heart of the Maury appellation in the Roussillon. Although Maury is best known for its sweet, port-like wines, Clos del Rey only produces dry red wines now produced as AOC Maury Sec.

Le Sabina is an old bush vine cuvée of grenache, carignan and syrah grown on very stony, black schist soils. This engaging red is a concentrated, aromatic, flavourful wine, with a pure essence of blackberry and blueberry fruit, sweet and resinous wild herbs, scorched earth and liquorice. A highly satisfying and bold ensemble. Tannins are abundant but coated and softened by highly intense fruit extract. Great length as noted by Master Sommelier John Szabo.

This wine is great with BBQ meats, lamb, beef, you name it.

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.

Rich & Bold

Finca Aylés is located in the northeast of Spain, near the city of Zaragoza, halfway between Madrid and Barcelona.  The wine project of the Ramón Reula family began its journey in the 1980s and ended with the reunification of various properties that had belonged to the Finca Aylés since the Middle Ages. Today, Aylés is one of the largest private historical farms in Aragón.  

Attractive deep cherry red in colour. The wine displays a pronounced intensity on the nose, well defined, with an extraordinarily complex and wide range of aromas; think dark red fruits, ink, and spices.  On the palate the wine is clearly defined by its elegance and ripe fruit intensity. It's harmonious and well balanced leading to a rich finish. 

It's the perfect wine to pair with rich meats and anything on the BBQ.

Rich & Elegant

Softly-textured wine from an estate in Lussac-Saint-Emilion. Moulin Noir consists of seven hectares of vineyards on a good clay and limestone site. The wine is a blend of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc and is aged 12 months in oak.

This notably complex right bank blend from a satellite appellation of Saint-Emilion offers appealing savoury notes along with a mineral, iron component and liquorice spice. The oak treatment is wonderfully integrated with wood spice elevating the bright red fruit. Harmoniously matured, graceful and very elegant. The staying power of the finish is impressive. Drinking very well now.

The high content of Merlot in this wines makes it perfect with spicy Asian dishes like Korean hotpots or Chinese food. It also pairs nicely with roasted lamb or duck terrines and with fatty cheeses like Comté.

Floral & Subtle

Cascina Castlèt has belonged to the Borio family for generations; Mariuccia, the current owner, inherited it from her father in 1970. Mariuccia focuses on her terroir and the local varieties.

The vineyards of the estate are spread over 31 hectares, and are all located in Costigliole d'Asti. The clusters of Barbera were hand-harvested and unveil a rather aromatic wine with a crunchy fruitiness. The wine evokes blackberry and cherry on a delicately floral background. Balanced and delectable, there is even a subtle note of minerality.

A wine that will pair perfectly with white and red grilled meats, salami and young cheeses.

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.

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...

Soft & Creamy

Just across the Rhône river from the beautiful vineyards of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the Lirac appellation extends over the low hills alongside the river.

This is a blend of Marsanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Picpoul. The grapes are hand-picked and aged for 8 months in oak barrels.

This wine is creamy and lush, with hints of honeyed tangerine, melon and lime. Backed by a palate that's medium to full-bodied, slowly fading in intensity on the finish. A great example of how deliciously amazing Lirac can be.

What to drink with a Lirac Blanc? This wine and the mediterranean flavours of Bouillabaisse are a super match! It also pairs beautifully with poulet au citron et lavande (Lemon Lavender Chicken), another iconic recipe from the south of France.

Bold & Floral

Located on the hills that rise from the Adriatic Sea and neighbouring the coastal town of Vasto in Abruzzo, the Jasci family has been growing grapes and producing wine for three generations. In 1980, the family decided to convert the farm to organic, becoming one of the first ten wineries in all of Italy to be certified. 

This vegan-certified wine is made from hand-picked Montelpulciano grapes cultivated at 250 meters in the sunny hills of Abruzzo. The healthy grapes macerate on the skins for 15 days and age in concrete tanks. Expect intense floral aromas of violet on the nose that intermingle with fruity notes of strawberry and black currant, backed with fragrant hints of cinnamon and vanilla. On the palate is full-bodied, round and with a long fruity aftertaste.

This bold Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs well with flavourful dishes, such as hoisin and balsamic glazed lamb chops or seared mushrooms with garlic and thyme.

Structured & Floral

Located along the Loire river on the most reputable clay and limestone terroir of Saumur-Champigny appellation, Château de Parnay has been producing outstanding wines for more than two centuries.

This wine is made from old vine Cabernet Franc and it shows with beautiful notes of ripe red fruits, mint and spices. The palate is structured, silky and very well balanced. The length is exceptional.

Suggested pairing: grilled white meat, meaty stews, bœuf bourguignon, casseroles, and more) stuffed vegetables, cold meats, soft cheeses. 

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.

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.

Leathery & Peppery

As at many family domaines with deep roots in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, vigneron Alexandre Favier was by his own account “raised in the vineyards”: Alexandre’s grandfather, Noël Sabon, is from one of the best known winemaking families in the region. Alexandre himself began his viticultural studies in Orange at the age of fifteen and passed the exams four years later in 2001. A year later (at age twenty!) he took over winemaking duties at the domaine when his father experienced health problems. Today, Domaine Chante Cigale is one of the most important family estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

This wine comes from 30-year-old vines grown in clay-limestone soil, composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan. Hand-harvested with careful grape selection, it undergoes a short maceration of about a week and is matured in tanks on fine lees. The result is a brilliant red wine with a fresh nose of red fruits, balanced acidity, and soft tannins.

Best served chilled, it pairs well with grilled meats, cold dishes, cheese, and even chocolate cake. Ideal for enjoying young, it has an aging potential of 2–3 years.

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.

Domaine de la Garenne's Sancerre Rouge, made from 100% Pinot Noir, is sourced from two hectares of vineyards in the commune of Verdigny, where the soil is primarily clay-limestone marl. The vines, averaging 30 years in age, are cultivated using organic methods, with careful attention to tillage, yield control, and manual leaf thinning—without the use of herbicides or insecticides. 

Part of the production is aged in 500-litre oak barrels which allows the Domaine to obtain a balanced wine, with small red fruits (cherry, sour cherry) aromatics and subtle oaked notes. The colour is garnet with purple undertones, and the palate is delicious. 

Suggested pairings include red mullet or monkfish; the Sancerre Rouge would also work with a well-ripened Brie or Camembert. 

Bright & Textured

Established in 2007 by the folks at Radford Dale winery in South Africa, the Land of Hope project aims to produce and market a range of premium wines wherein 50% of all profits are directed back towards previously disadvantaged employees, their families, and dependents. The Land of Hope Trust focuses on providing high-quality education and skill development opportunities, empowering individuals for long-term social upliftment and contributing to positive economic and democratic evolution.

Château Haut Grelot is located near the Gironde Estuaire, north of the town of Bordeaux. Haut Grelot has been making wine and taking great care of their vineyards since its establishment in 1920!

This Vin de France is made from 100% Cabernet Franc, sourced from a 2-hectare vineyard with sandy, silty, and clay-rich soils. Yields are kept to 50 hl/ha, with grapes mechanically harvested and sorted. Vinification is followed by 6 months of aging in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness and varietal character. The wine shows a vibrant dark pink hue and a very bright appearance. Its intense nose reveals aromas of strawberry and floral notes, while the palate is round and fruity with lovely richness, leading to a generous, persistent finish.

Perfect to serve young and fresh as an aperitif, with a summer salad, pizzas, or grilled meat.

Rich & Mineral

Domaine de Pellehaut, located in the hills of Gascony, has produced a remarkably energetic white wine with its Harmonie cuvée. It's a refreshing and modern wine, designed for those seeking vibrancy and a range of bright flavors. 

A complex white blend of Colombard, Ugni Blanc, Sauvignon, Gros Manseng, Chardonnay, and Folle Blanche, shaped by high-altitude vineyards on mineral-rich boulbène and calcareous clay soils. Crafted with low-temperature winemaking, it highlights fresh, vibrant fruit with a clean mineral backbone.

Would pair perfectly with a seafood platter or grilled prawns, sushi, or vegetable spring rolls. 

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.

Julien Bonneau, (Château Haut Grelot in the Blayais), and his friend Alexandre Lavigne, restaurateur in Saint-Palais-sur-Mer, created in 2014 a range of wines, Grains d'Estuaire, from a 10 ha vineyard located in Saint-Bonnet-sur-Gironde, in the south of Charente-Maritime.

Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes and produced at a yield of 40 hectoliters per hectare. The vines thrive in gravelly-sandy loam soils on the Agrières hillsides, near the estuary, which contribute to the wine’s distinctive character and structure. Vinification is carried out entirely in barrels, ensuring a meticulous expression of the grape and terroir. Following fermentation, the wine is aged for 16 months in 225-liter barrels, allowing it to develop depth, complexity, and refined balance. On the nose, it reveals woody, vanilla, and toasty aromas complemented by the freshness of red fruits. The palate is powerful and full-bodied, with enveloping tannins and a long, aromatic finish.

Enjoy with red or game meats.

Fruity & Floral

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 Blaufränkisch from Heinrich is an elegant, biodynamic red shaped by the contrasting chalky and sandy terroirs of Lake Neusiedl. It shows juicy berry fruit layered with floral, herbal, and mineral notes, supported by refined tannins and lively acidity. Matured in neutral oak, it’s a balanced, versatile wine with depth, ideal for pairing with hearty, rustic dishes.

Try this wine with braised beef, grilled vegetables, and spicy cheeses.

Volcanic & Floral

A breakout star in the Etna DOC of Sicily, Tornatore has become one of the region's largest and most respected wineries. Established back in 1865, the estate continues to be run by the same family who have acted as the faithful custodians of the land for generations. Tending to high altitude vineyards on the north side of the active volcano, the conditions are ideal for indigenous grape varieties to thrive. The wines are distinctive bottlings which encapsulate the essence of Mount Etna and effortlessly reveal the unique characteristics that make the region one to watch.

The wine has enticing floral scents of spring blossoms and Spanish broom that mingle with summer orchard fruit and wet stone. The tangy, savoury palate boasts finesse and mineral tension, delivering juicy Meyer lemon, creamy pear, yellow apple and saline before a white pepper finish. Fresh acidity brightens the rich flavours.

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

Complex & Silky

Château de La Chaize is among the oldest, most historic estates in Burgundy’s Beaujolais region. Cared for by the same family for nearly three and a half centuries, the estate has been passed on to new owners, the Gruy family, who are equally committed to managing the estate with the utmost care, while implementing an ambitious environmental plan.

Pale yellow colour with golden reflections, the nose opens on notes of citrus fruits and pear, with a delicate hint of acacia blossom enriching the aromatic palette. Expect a clean and balanced palate, reflecting the generosity of a sunny vintage with a pleasant volume and a delicate, mouth-watering finish.

Chill and serve with shellfish, white fish, or soft goat cheese.

Fresh & Floral

Welcome to the intimate world of Quevedo, a small, family-owned winery where quality is a treasured tradition. The Quevedo family's viticultural heritage spans over five generations, beginning with Abel Gouveia Costa, who planted the first vines in 1889. Through the years, the family diligently expanded their vineyards, culminating in the 1970s when Oscar and Beatriz Quevedo modernized their facilities and established the Quevedo winery in 1993. Today, Quevedo oversees 100 hectares of vineyards and 25 hectares of organic olive groves, with current proprietors Cláudia and Oscar Quevedo Jr. continuing the legacy of crafting exceptional wines.

The Bravo Red is led by notes of violets. It’s followed by a vibrant array of red fruits like raspberry, cherry, and red plum, with a subtle hint of black pepper adding a sophisticated layer. This wine is all about elegance and a silky mouthfeel. It’s incredibly smooth, with a refreshing and spicy finish that makes it dangerously seductive.

Ideal matches for this wine include light meat dishes, pasta, and cheese boards.

Mineral & Spicy

Robert, whose family is originally from Hungary, was born in Canada and grew up on a farm. After some years working as an architect, he found his passion in winemaking, and relocated to his grandparent's country to start a winery.

Furmint is the historic grape of the region and this example shows its true strength. Alongside the lemon and lime rind nose, the palate is led by a lean minerality and exciting flavours that come from the various organically farmed vineyards across Szent György-hegy. The grapes are gently pressed, spontaneously fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks for 6 months. It has a complex character and long aging potential. 

Furmint complements herb-crusted poultry or fish. You can also try it with delicate Asian dishes like sushi or dumplings.