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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.