AN ESSENTIAL is something fundamental,
indispensable – something you can count on.
VINTAGES is known for its ever-changing collection of superior quality wines
and spirits. Over the years, a number of fine products have emerged as
proven favourites – deemed ‘essential’ – that are now always available
in our stores. The Essentials Collection runs the gamut, with wine styles
ranging from delicate and fruity whites to big bold reds.
The collection
features grape varieties from Barbera to Zinfandel, and an atlas-full of
wine regions from Niagara to Bordeaux and all points in-between. There is
something here for every occasion, meal and taste. Whether you need
a refreshing white to sip while relaxing on the cottage deck, a robust and
juicy red for around the barbecue or a bottle of bubbly for a seafood
feast, VINTAGES has you covered. Stock the wine pantry with Essentials
this summer then kick back knowing you can count on us.
SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS EASY especially with VINTAGES’ guide to summer entertaining. Whether it’s an outdoor dinner party in the city, a relaxing weekend in cottage country or the ultimate backyard barbecue bash, the Essentials Collection always has that perfect match to make a meal inspirational and festivities unforgettable. The summer entertaining season is very busy, but this style guide to our Essentials Collection takes the pressure off with handy tips how, when and with what to serve these wines. Follow this helpful guide, discover your favourite styles and choose your next wines with confidence.
what's NEW?
These two newcomers are complex, deliciously dry reds that express the best of their respective New World and European origins. Perfect for all kinds of summertime fare.
CATEÑA MALBEC (V)
Mendoza, Argentina
478727 (D) 750 mL $19.95
DURING SUMMER THERE ARE so many occasions that call for something refreshing and light to suit the season’s lighter foods and warmer weather. Most fresh and fruity wines feature an aroma and flavour combination of peach, pear, nectarine, gooseberry, crisp apple and citrus fruits.
Rieslings from Alsace or Ontario, Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand and the Loire Valley, unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays from Ontario or Burgundy, and the light and fruity white wines of Northern Italy, perfectly demonstrate this style. Light- to medium-bodied, these fruity wines are well-supported by a lively crispness that make them a perfect refresher for those hot summer days.
THE URBAN GARDEN PARTY
You don’t have to leave the city to appreciate the great outdoors. Whether you escape to the intimacy of a backyard deck or a rooftop patio with a city view, you can enjoy the outdoors and the good life with your friends right at home. Prepare some trays of light, elegant but easy foods such as grilled panini sandwiches, fresh vegetables, fruit and cheeses. Then chill some light and fruity wines in a cooler filled with water and ice and you’ve now got the perfect urban oasis.
THESE WINES ARE LIKE SUNSHINE IN A GLASS. Perfect as summer sippers for the garden party or when paired with lighter foods such as crab cakes, grilled salmon or tapas.
MIKE WEIR CHARDONNAY
Ontario-Niagara Peninsula
Packed with peach, pear and citrus fruit, this Chardonnay scores a hole-in-one matched with grilled chicken skewers.
26 (D) 750 mL $15.95
OYSTER BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC
New Zealand-Marlborough
Intensely aromatic, bursting with flavour and refreshingly crisp, this chic Savvy is great with grilled shrimp wrapped in prosciutto.
316570 (XD) 750 mL $18.95
WILLM RIESLING RESERVE
France–Alsace
Racy and refreshing with lime, peach and mineral notes, the ever-versatile Riesling pairs with everything from summer salads to grilled pork sausages.
11452 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO
Italy–Veneto
This light and fruity blend from Northern
Italy is a primo pairing with pasta in
a light cream sauce.
948158 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
BEST SERVED: 8-10° C
Best served chilled. Refrigerate white wine for no more than
2 to 3 hours. This accentuates the refreshing quality of these
wines while retaining the fruity character.
FULLER whites & Champagne
SMOKY FLAVOURS FROM THE GRILL and rich sauces are hallmarks of summer dining. That’s when something with a little more oomph is called for. Bold, rich and flavourful white wines typically offer aromas and flavours including tropical fruit, baked apple, butter, toast and smoke. The most common example of this style is an oak-aged Chardonnay but wines that blend multiple grape varieties, like Conundrum, also have body and depth. In the world of sparkling wines, classic Champagne is known for its layered complexity and rich texture.
WEEKEND WRAP UP
Another busy, sun-filled weekend is winding down and it’s time to relax, maybe invite the neighbours over for a casual barbecue and watch the sunset. It’s the perfect time to savour the remains of the day with friends and family. Why not open a few wines to sample and share over a meal? An impromptu wine tasting is a fun way to discover new favourites and experiment with novel food pairings.
BIGGER FLAVOURS CALL FOR BIGGER WINES. These big, bold whites match the intensity of smoky barbecued chicken or game bird as well as richer seafood dishes like lobster or pan-seared scallops.
MALIVOIRE CHARDONNAY
Ontario-Beamsville Bench
This wine possesses complex aromas of spiced apple, citrus, butter, spice and elegant toast. It matches beautifully with pork tenderloin or pan-fried freshwater fish.
573147 (D) 750 mL $21.95
CONUNDRUM
California
This blend-a-rama offers a delicious solution
to the conundrum of what wine to serve
with hot and spicy dishes.
694653 (MD) 750 mL $26.95
TOASTED HEAD CHARDONNAY
California
The tropical fruit flavours and toasty oak
notes here pair nicely with smoky barbecue
chicken or blackened salmon.
594341 (D) 750 mL $17.95
LOUIS ROEDERER PREMIER
BRUT CHAMPAGNE
France
Perfect for toasting June brides or when serving freshly caught Maritime lobster.
268771 (D) 750 mL $67.95
BEST SERVED: 10-12° C
Best served lightly chilled. Full-flavoured wines do not require as deep
a chill as fresh, fruity-styled whites. Leave them in the refrigerator or
cooler for no longer than two hours.
REFRESHING reds
IT’S GETTING HOT OUTSIDE so what better time to explore red wines that offer refreshment rather than power. Extremely versatile, these are reds that match a wide variety of dishes and can even be served slightly chilled to bring out their fresh fruit characteristics. They have a light to medium body with aromas that suggest cherry, blackberry, strawberry, raspberry and earth tones. Often crisp with soft tannins, they are made with grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Gamay and Merlot, or regional grapes like Spain’s trademark Tempranillo. On the lighter end of the scale, this style can also include rosés from Provence.
OUTDOOR ECO PARTY
Looking for a new twist for your summer dinner party? VINTAGES suggests an elegant outdoor feast with an Eco theme. Save a tree by phoning friends or sending e-vites. Then shop for locally grown organic produce and meat to fill out your menu. Leave the disposable place settings behind and use your own plates – the extra clean up time is worth the green conscience. Save electricity by lighting the entire event with candles and, of course, serve organically grown wines.
EQUALLY AT HOME ON THE DINING ROOM TABLE or the patio, refreshing reds naturally complement light- to medium-flavoured dishes such as grilled chicken, pork loin, veal chops, vegetarian dishes and, yes, even fish.
FLAT ROCK PINOT NOIR
Ontario-Twenty Mile Bench
If planked salmon is on the menu, this pretty, cherry- and plum-scented Pinot is your homegrown hero.
1545 (D) 750 mL $19.95
STERLING MERLOT
California-Napa Valley
Like a good kiss, this Merlot is soft and deep.
The ripe fruity core and hints of oak spice
pair nicely with shish kebabs or veal chops.
330241 (D) 750 mL $29.95
CHANSON PÈRE ET FILS
LE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR
France–Burgundy
A splendid Burgundy to match with roasted rabbit or a wild mushroom risotto.
50575 (D) 750 mL $19.95
LOUIS JADOT BEAUJOLAIS VILLAGES
France–Beaujolais
Bursting with vibrant fruit, this Beaujolais is a
pleasure on its own or with grilled tuna steaks.
365924 (D) 750 mL $17.95
BEST SERVED: 10-12° C
Best served at a similar temperature to full-bodied whites. The slight chill brightens the fruit flavours and makes it even fresher tasting.
BIG & BOLD reds
BARBECUE SEASON IS FINALLY UPON US and many of our favourite grilled foods call for big, bold reds. These wines showcase concentrated flavours of plum, cassis, berries, chocolate, cedar, leather, smoke, vanilla and earth. The wines are barrel aged and typical grape varieties include Syrah/Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Regional wines that fit this style include Amarone, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Brunello and Bordeaux blends. Enjoyable tonight, these wines will also develop nicely over time.
THE ULTIMATE BBQ
We live to grill, and we grill to live. The barbecue party is the perfect warm-weather get-together. Having family and friends gather to enjoy the sunshine, the wine and the sensational foods hot off the grill is one of summer’s most enjoyable rituals. Almost any food tastes better when grilled outside! No matter what is on your menu or who is dropping by, the VINTAGES Essentials Collection has a wine for the occasion.
BOLD WINES WORK WITH BOLD DISHES, so bring out the beef, bison, lamb, game meats and get grilling. Mature hard cheeses also match well to this style of wine.
STERLING CABERNET SAUVIGNON
California-Napa Valley
This Napa Cab is meant for thick juicy steaks and sautéed mushrooms still sizzling from the grill.
314575 (D) 750 mL $29.95
WOLF BLASS PREMIUM
SELECTION SHIRAZ
Australia-South Australia
Give this wolf what he wants – grilled lamb
chops with a sprig of rosemary.
348540 (XD) 750 mL $25.95
TEDESCHI AMARONE DELLA
VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO
Italy–Veneto
Call the butcher, this rich and flavourful wine calls for something more exotic. Perhaps wild boar sausages?
433417 (D) 750 mL $44.95
PERRIN & FILS CHÂTEAUNEUF
DU-PAPE LES SINARDS
France–Rhône
Treat yourself to this brooding beast when serving rare roast beef or rack of lamb.
926626 (XD) 750 mL $37.95
BEST SERVED: 16-18° C
If served too warm these wines can taste soupy; too cool and the flavours are dulled.
FUN IN THEsun
Don’t beat the heat, savour it with these refreshing summer sippers and barbecue-ready reds.
CARTE NOIRE ROSÉ (V)
AC Côtes de Provence, France
319384 (XD) 750 mL $14.95
ANSELMI SAN VINCENZO (V)
IGT, Italy – Veneto
948158 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
RODNEY STRONG PINOT NOIR (V)
Russian River Valley, Sonoma
County, California
954834 (D) 750 mL $24.95
PÉREZ CRUZ CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVA (V)
Maipo Valley, Chile
694208 (XD) 750 mL $14.95
POPULARLY PRICED pinot
These tasty Pinots prove this sought-after variety can combine finesse with affordability.
CHANSON PÈRE & FILS
LE BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR (V)
AC, France – Burgundy
050575 (D) 750 mL $19.95
FLAT ROCK PINOT NOIR (V)
VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Ontario
001545 (XD) 750 mL $18.95
entertaining IDEAS
Add taste to your warm weather get-togethers with these classy, food-friendly whites.
WILLM RIESLING
RÉSERVE (V)
AC, France – Alsace
011452 (XD) 750 mL $16.95
ROBERT MONDAVI
FUMÉ BLANC (V)
Napa Valley, California
221887 (D) 750 mL $24.95
A WINE pantry
Consider stocking your wine rack as you would your pantry, with staples that will have you ready for anything all summer long. The VINTAGES Essentials Collection offers a one-stop shopping solution with a diverse selection of great food-friendly wines.
FRESH & FRUITY WHITES
FULL-BODIED WHITE WINES
Match with salmon, spicy Asian dishes, sushi, grilled chicken or lighter vegetarian dishes and they also make excellent aperitif wines.
• Dry to medium-dry Rieslings from Ontario or Alsace
• Sauvignon Blanc from Ontario, Loire Valley or New Zealand.
• Pinot Grigio or other whites from Northern Italy
• Chablis and other unoaked Chardonnays
Match with richer dishes such as scallops pan-seared in butter, boiled lobster, grilled game bird, or smoky, barbecued pork or chicken.
• Barrel-aged Chardonnays from California, Australia, Burgundy and beyond.
• Fumé Blanc (barrel-aged Sauvignon Blanc) from California
• Conundrum from California
REFRESHING REDS
BIG BOLD REDS
Match with gourmet sausages or hamburgers, veal or pork chops, and grilled vegetables.
• Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Ontario or California
• Gamay from Beaujolais
• Chianti from Tuscany
• Merlot from California or Bordeaux
• Barbera from Piedmont
• Rosé from Provence
Match with rich lamb, beef and game
meats either grilled on the barbecue
or roasted in the oven.
• Cabernet Sauvignon and blends from California, Bordeaux, Chile, Australia etc.
• Australian Shiraz
• Châteauneuf-du-Pape and other Rhône reds
• California Zinfandel
• Argentine Malbec
• Brunellos from Tuscany
• Amarone and Ripasso from Veneto
CHAMPAGNE
ICEWINE
While certainly great for toasts and celebrations, Champagnes are also excellent at the dinner table with rich dishes such as lobster, smoked salmon or pasta with cream sauces.
Ontario’s gift to the world. These luscious
and complex wines make a delicious cap
to any meal and an excellent complement
to a cheese course featuring blue-veined
and other mature salty cheeses.
VINTAGES is your source for superb organic wines from around the world.
What makes a wine organic? Here are some basics. In the vineyard, no synthetic chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides may be used. In the winery no synthetic chemical fining agents may be used, filtration is kept to a minimum and only natural products are used to clean equipment, tanks and barrels. Wild yeast is used in fermentation.
The Bonterra Chardonnay (342346, $18.95) and the Bonterra Cabernet Sauvignon (342428, $19.95) from the VINTAGES Essentials Collection are made with 100% organically grown grapes.
gift-wrap essentials
Beautiful packaging makes all the difference. VINTAGES has just what you need.
VINTAGES GIFT CARD Available in any denomination.
Works for any purchase made at the LCBO.
VINTAGES COLLAPSIBLE GIFT BOXES Small 673848 $1.95 Large 673855 $2.95 Icewine 673863 $1.75
SINGLE BOTTLE BAG 923599 $1.95
Available in any denomination. Works for any purchase made at the LCBO.
Gift packaging available in selected VINTAGES locations
legend
(V)
Vintage Dated Product*
PERCEIVED SUGAR CONTENT: Perceived dryness/sweetness by tasting evaluation.
(XD)
Extra Dry
(D)
Dry
(MD)
Medium Dry
(M)
Medium
(MS)
Medium Sweet
(S)
Sweet
Organic Product
Vintners Quality Alliance
Drink Now
Drink or Hold
Hold
* These products are vintage dated; if new shipments arrive between Essentials Collection catalogues, the vintages may change. The wines in the Essentials Collection are made to deliver consistent quality, vintage after vintage. The taste profiles provided are based on our tasting panel's notes from several vintages. If you are interested in what specific vintage is available now, please contact your local store.
VINTAGES cannot assume responsibility for typographical errors. Please note prices shown are subject to change without notice. The vintages indicated reflect availability at time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Price includes PST, GST and applicable container deposit as of February 5, 2007. For more information on these products, please contact our Product Consultants, store staff or VINTAGES Sales Centre at (416) 365-5767 or toll-free at 1-800-266-4764.
Please note: Products can only be shipped to LCBO stores.
