Europe's Wine Rivers

Europe's Wine Rivers - June 21 Release

Spain and Portugal | France | Germany, Austria and Italy

EUROPE'S

WINE RIVERS

Europe’s great rivers
flow through some of the continent’s most
bountiful, and beautiful, wine regions.

THROUGHOUT THE CENTURIES, the rivers of Europe have been a transportation hub, a source of food and water, a place to play and a wellspring of superbly priced, quality wines. Travel any of the innumerable rivers of Europe today and you will still see vineyards planted right up to the bank, boats and barges moving goods, fishermen catching dinner, and people enjoying a swim or entertaining friends. Join VINTAGES as we navigate Europe’s wine rivers pointing out along the way estates that offer great value, fine quality and wine styles that are perfect for summer.

FROM DOURO TO RIOJA, the steep landscapes of these riverside Iberian wine regions are so forbidding that some say the muscular vines themselves hold the earth in place. Portugal’s Douro is home to classic Port as well as generous and modern-styled reds while Spain’s river regions offer robust and vibrant red and white wines.

The Douro/ Duero River

There is a dangerous beauty to Portugal’s Douro River. With its treacherously steep banks, vineyards that have been literally dynamited out of the side of hills, paper-thin soil, extreme summer heat, perilous roads and a wild river, it begs the question: why would anybody ever consider growing grapes here? All it takes, though, is one sip of Port or the fabulous dry red wines of the region and you know why. This same river, under the name Duero, begins its long journey to the Atlantic in Spain, just east of Ribera del Duero.

QUINTA DOS ACIPRESTES 2004
DOC Douro
(Real Companhia Velha)

Grapes for this silky smooth, fresh and robust Touriga Nacional-based red were sourced from terraced vineyards lining the steep-banked Douro River. Aromas of oak prevail initially, with lovely cherry, blackberry and spice emerging as the wine breathes. Lush cassis and blackberry flavours fill the mouth, leading to a soft and pleasant finish. This will last 2-3 years in the cellar or can be enjoyed now with strong cheeses.

703561 (XD) 750 mL $18.95

MANOEL D. POÇAS JÚNIOR COLHEITA PORT 1991 Btld. 2008 Colheita Ports must be aged a minimum of seven years in wood before bottling, but better versions are frequently aged for much longer. For example, this 1991 Colheita, 17 years in wood. Ready to drink, this deeply delicious Port will not require decanting, as all the sediment would have settled in barrel, and once opened will easily last for weeks. Enjoy this rich, silky-textured Port with blue-veined cheeses, dried fruits or crème brûlée. 581140 (S) 750 mL $32.95

ARROCAL 2006 DO Ribera del Duero TASTING NOTE: Opaque ruby. Potent mulberry and blueberry aromas expand seductively, picking up baking spice and floral qualities. Suave, silky and impressively pure, with vibrant dark berry flavors saved from the brink of jamminess by bright acidity and fine-grained tannins. Impressively juicy and persistent, with excellent palatesaturation and clarity. Score - 90. (Josh Raynolds, International Wine Cellar, July/Aug. 2007) 067868 (D) 750 mL $17.95

MARTÍN CÓDAX ALBARIÑO 2007 DO Rías Baixas The Umia River's shores are home to some of Rías Baixas' best producers. The greatest vineyards are located on the south-facing side of this vibrant river. The extended sun exposure allows the Albariño grapes to reach their finest expression here. Beppi Crosariol of The Globe and Mail writes, "If you've ever been to the northwest coast of Spain ... you may have sampled one of the world's best-kept wine secrets. It's Rías Baixas, a district that excels at a white wine based on the albarino grape ..." (May 18, 2007) Be in the vanguard of those who discover this rare gem. 984906 (XD) 750 mL $17.95

LAN RESERVA 2001 DOCa Rioja This Tempranillo-based blend includes Mazuelo (more widely known as Carignan) and Garnacha, aged for one year in American oak. The cherry fruit is offset by pro-nounced toasty vanilla notes and licorice, with the Mazuelo providing muscular tannins. Enjoy this with grilled meats or strong cheeses, or cellar it for another 1-2 years. 042929 (XD) 750 mL $20.95

ONTAÑÓN CRIANZA 2005 DOCa Rioja Like the Loire River in France, the Ebro travels through not just Rioja, but most of Spain. It empties thousands of miles later into the Mediterranean. This blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha (Grenache) from some of Ontañón's oldest vines is filled with rich plum, raspberry and leather aromas and flavours. Aged for a year in French and Amer-ican oak, this dry, robust and very flavourful wine can be aged 3-5+ years or match it tonight to grilled steak. 976910 (XD) 750 mL $14.95

MOST OF FRANCE’S FAMOUS WINE regions (and some of the obscure ones too) are linked to the country’s rivers. The Romans planted the first vines along the Rhône, Garonne and Loire rivers establishing viticultural areas whose names were destined to become legendary to wine lovers around the world. Today’s spicy Syrah of Northern Rhône, elegant reds of Bordeaux and refreshing wines of the Loire are linked to their ancient origins through their rivers.

Loire River
Travelling halfway across France until it finally joins the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire River has for centuries been a playground for winter-weary Parisians. Scores of historic castles lining the river’s path are still popular vacation spots for the French. Much more than a favourite escape destination though, the Loire exerts its influence on the local culture, food and vineyard plantings in each part of this diverse region.

Rhône

GUYOT CROZES- HERMITAGE LE MILLEPERTUIS 2005
AC

In Northern Rhône, the Rhône River is narrow, steep-banked and moves rather rapidly; in the Southern Rhône, the river widens, the banks flatten out and the current slows. It is in the North that the Rhône's most noble grape, Syrah, thrives. Growers have been known to plant their grapes in whatever superior nooks and crannies they can find along the river in this spectacular landscape.

TASTING NOTE: ... it is soft, smoky, spicy and gently perfumed. A lovely drop, which reveals its full elegance after it's been opened for an hour or so. (Simon Hoggart, The Spectator, Nov. 3, 2007)

073890 (XD) 750 mL $21.95

Southwest
CHATEAU HAUT- MONPLAISIR TRADITION CAHORS 2005 AC (Cathy et Daniel Fournié, Prop.-Récolt.) The tough-to-ripen Malbec still reaches its finest expression in all of Europe in Cahors, the dynamic southwest France wine region. Zigzagging through the heart of the AC, the Lot River has a huge influence on the vineyards planted along its banks. Almost all the important vineyards are located on the south-facing portions of the snaking riverbank. This classic-style, full-bodied Malbec is accented with Merlot and displays lovely blackcurrant and cherry fruit with notes of tobacco. Cellar it 3-5 years or enjoy it tonight with marinated rack of lamb. 673590 (XD) 750 mL $16.95

Bordeaux
CHÂTEAU D'AGASSAC 2005 AC Haut Médoc, Cru Bourgeois Supérieur The wine is a blend of 50% Merlot, 47% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. The fruit is sourced from various vineyards located along the wide Gironde Estuary before it breaks into the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. TASTING NOTE: Aromas of coffee, blackberry, raspberry and milk chocolate follow through to a full body, with round, chewy tannins and a jammy, sweet fruit aftertaste. Very fruity. Best after 2012. Score - 90. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, March 31, 2008) 075721 (XD) 750 mL $54.95

New at VINTAGES CHÂTEAU DELORD 2005 AC Premières Côtes de Bordeaux (Pierre Yung et Fils, Prop.) Château Delord is a tiny 8-hectare property that has been producing wines since the 15th century. The wine, from 50-year-old vines, is a blend of 60% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc and 3% Malbec. Sporting bright aromas of blackcurrant, cocoa and raspberry, in the mouth it is dry and ripe with velvety tannins. An excellent intro wine that demonstrates the strengths of the spectacular 2005 vintage. Age it 2-4 years, or match it tonight with grilled leg of lamb garnished with rosemary and garlic. 075713 (XD) 750 mL $17.95

CHÂTEAU HAUT-VIGNEAU 2005 AC Pessac-Léognan Pessac-Léognan was separated from the larger Graves AC in 1987. Its distinctive soils, principally fine-draining gravel, are also assisted by its proximity to the moderating Garonne River. In fact, it is believed that the AC's soils are pulverized rocks from when, eons ago, the river covered a much larger area. So the river not only affects the wines today, it also had an influence on the soils of the region. TASTING NOTE: Interesting aromas of meat, game, cèpe [mushrooms] and dark fruits. Full-bodied, with silky tannins and lots of fruit. Needs time to come together. Chewy. Best after 2009. Score - 88. (James Suckling, www.winespectator.com, Web Only, 2008) 029678 (XD) 750 mL $27.95

Loire
DOMAINE DOMINIQUE PABIOT POUILLY-FUMÉ 2006 AC, Les Vieilles Terres (Les Loges, Prop.-Vitic.) Along with Sancerre, producers in Pouilly-Fumé probably make the best Sauvignon Blancs in Europe. Racy and fresh, they are full of gooseberry, grass, passion fruit and lime aromas and flavours. Match this with seafood salads and other light summertime fare. 065979 (XD) 750 mL $19.95

DOMAINE LES HAUTES NOËLLES MUSCADET CÔTES DE GRANDLIEU 2006 AC, Sur Lie (Serge Batard, Vign.) The perfect summer wine for seafood and fresh fish dishes, this Muscadet, from the equally vibrant, but lesser-known Muscadet Côtes de Grandlieu AC, features concentrated melon and citrus flavours, refreshingly tangy acidity and mineral notes. It's dry, medium-bodied with a lengthy finish. A terrific value from this underrated region near the mouth of the Loire River. 070524 (MD) 750 mL $14.95

Loire

DOMAINE DE LA NOBLAIE CHINON LES CHIENS-CHIENS 2005
AC
(Manzagol-Billard, Prop.-Vitic.)

TASTING NOTE: Focused and pure, with black cherry and currant fruit that is a bit reticent for now, while a taut minerally spine dominates. Shows hints of herb and tobacco on the finish. Cellar short-term. Drink now through 2008. Score - 89. (James Molesworth, www.winespectator.com, May 31, 2007)

076646 (XD) 750 mL $19.95

DOMAINE LES GRANDES VIGNES CABERNET D'ANJOU ROSÉ 2007
AC
(Laurence, Jean-François et Dominique Vaillant, Prop.-Vitic.)

"Here's a rising star in the Loire firmament. Jean François, Dominique and Laurence Vaillant go from strength to strength. Farming their 50 hectares of vines in the Bonne-zeaux area of Anjou according to biodynamic principles, they produce an exciting range of the region's wines ..." (Jacqueline Friedrich, www.jac-quelinefriedrich.com)

071076 (D) 750 mL $13.95

Alsace
New at VINTAGES DOMAINE GÉRARD NEUMEYER PINOT GRIS LE BERGER 2006 AC Alsace The Rhine River has minimal impact on the wines of Alsace beyond some warming airflow heading towards the Vosges Mountains, but historically, the Rhine was vital as a tran-sportation route for Alsatian winemakers to get their product to market. Today, Pinot Gris is quickly becoming the 'go to' wine when customers think of Alsace. Made in a multitude of styles this slightly off-dry version is filled with pear, apple and exotic fruit aromas and flavours. It would pair beautifully with grilled salmon or other flavourful fish. 066407 (D) 750 mL $19.95

THE STEEP SOUTH-FACING RIVERBANKS have a vital warming effect on the vineyards in cool-climate Germany, Austria and northern Italy, helping the grapes to reach full maturity. The racy and refreshing wines produced in these regions are remarkably food-friendly with the versatility to match any number of dishes.

The Mosel & Rhine Rivers
In winemaking, these are the two greatest rivers in Germany. The prime vineyard sites of both are on the steepest, curving banks, with the best of the best being south or southeast facing. Germany’s cooler growing conditions create a need for maximum sun exposure if the grapes are to ripen properly. The heat directly from the sun and reflected off the river is harnessed by the angle and steepness of the vineyards.

Germany
FÜRST LÖWENSTEIN RIESLING KABINETT FEINHERB 2006 QmP, Hallgartener Schönhell, Estate Btld. Germany – Rheingau Feinherb is a synonym for halbtrocken, or literally, half-dry. Germany has had a string of superb vintages and this elegant 2006 is another fine achievement. It's off-dry, light and delicate with lovely lime, honey, floral and mineral aromas, zippy acidity and a lengthy finish. This is a great value and absolutely perfect for a hot summer's day. Matches wonderfully with grilled rainbow trout and steamed asparagus. 071100 (M) 750 mL $20.95

ZILLIKEN RIESLING KABINETT 2002 QmP, Ockfener Bockstein, Estate Btld. Germany – Mosel-Saar-Ruwer TASTING NOTE: The passion fruit and ginger-scented 2002 Riesling Kabinett Ockfener Bockstein's nose is so spicy, so exotic, that I double-checked the label to ascertain that a Scheurebe had not been inadvertently opened. On the palate, this light to medium-bodied wine is soft, tangy, and filled with yellow plums as well as tangerines. It is an excellent wine, though one that may confound those searching for a mineral-dominated Kabinett. Antici-pated maturity: now-2010. Score - 89. (Pierre Rovani, www.erobertparker.com, Feb. 2004) 071241 (MD) 750 mL $19.95

Austria
RABL GRÜNER VELTLINER VINUM OPTIMUM 2006 Kamptal The Kamptal region is influenced mostly by the Kamp River and, second-arily, by the Danube River. The Kamp River's steep, southeast-facing valley walls, carved out over centuries by the river's inexorable flow, have proven ideal for growing both Grüner Veltliner and Riesling. The steep vineyards help the plants absorb direct heat from the sun, and reflected heat from the river. This version of Grüner from Rabl is vibrant and delicious with aromas of apple, clove and spring flowers. Dry, round and ripe, it is a fine match for mildly spiced chicken or seafood dishes. 078642 (D) 750 mL $19.95

Italy- Veneto
ZENATO BARDOLINO CHIARETTO 2007 DOC The warm and moderating Adige River's course runs from the Austrian border through Alto Adige into Veneto, meanders right through the centre of Bardolino, and finally empties into the Adriatic Sea near Venice. Chiaretto (kia-RE-to), an Italian term for rosé, literally means 'neither red nor white'. Made with the local Corvina and Rondinella grapes, the wines are allowed only a few hours on their skins to extract the pleasant pink colour. Serve this light and fruity wine with appetizers, cold cuts or pan-fried freshwater fish. 045203 (D) 750 mL $12.95