Pétrus is on a hilltop also named Pétrus. The 28-acre estate is a plateau in eastern Pomerol next door to Saint-Émilion. The soil is unique, with topsoil of clay and a subsoil of impenetrable blue clay that never erodes. In the wine, this clay is responsible for generous but soft tannins.
Longview is a family owned and operated property that has a winery producing wines from their estate vineyards. They also are a destination for accommodation, food, weddings, and other special occasions.
On the nose: black cherry, black currant, stewed strawberry, tobacco, mocha, stewed prune, and menthol. After breathing several hours, it turned into cranberry, cassis, and a hint of violet.
Robertson Winery started in 1941 by converting a former missionary chapel. It is located in South Africa’s Robertson Valley, which is irrigated by estuaries of the Breede River. The winery sources grapes from 35 grape farmers from the surrounding area, some of them 7thgeneration.
Tusket Falls Brewing Co. is located about ten minutes out of Yarmouth, Southwest Nova Scotia. The brewery has a tasting bar and limited food menu. There is ample parking and the property is beautifully landscaped. Seconds off Highway 103, it is well worth a stop.
Icewine is the result of juice from grapes frozen and harvested at temperatures between -8 and -12C for at least eight consecutive hours. Freezing concentrates the juice and its sugars to a drop of liquid gold in the centre of the grape. Icewine was first bottled in Germany as Eiswein. However, Canadian winters are ideal for producing icewine and Nova Scotia is unparalleled.
While driving to Walmart in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, I noticed a sign pointing to a winery that I did not know existed. Although Elmwood Winery was closed for the season, the owners, Heather and John Cartwright, graciously invited me in. From their impeccably maintained organic (not certified yet) vineyard, I drove away with an L’Acadie blanc and this rosé, Les Rosiers, blended with the unusual combination of baco noir, muscat, L’Acadie blanc.
On those cold winter days, this is a great wine to take to your little red cabin in the woods.
The Frescobaldi family has been prominent in Tuscany since the 13th Century and making wine since 1308.
Baby, it’s cold outside. Let’s drink to a reindeer wearing a red jumper!
This Riesling hails from Nierstein in Rheinhessen, Germany. The climate there is dry and warm with soil high in mineral content. These grapes are harvested fully ripe and vinified in stainless steel. Fermented wine is left to lay on the yeast lees longer than usual (this is called aging sur lie) to create a richer, softer, creamy texture.
This is a great choice to have around over the holiday season for its flavour profile, versatility, and medium price-point. I tasted the Rully over a three-day period.
