The (Stay Home!) Delivery Issue
Dearest subscribers, the thing I love most about my big sister is her laugh. It's loud and frequent and probably best described as a cross between a howl and a cackle.
Tasha is incredibly uproarious, she's also one of the most feeling, empathetic and nurturing people I know.
She often asks me questions like, "What do you think that means? Why is this[insert noun]coming into your life right now? How is it serving you? What is your body, or the universe, trying to tell you?
Alec Baldwin shared a post on Instagram this week posing some of these same questions. Saying, "I don't know why this is happening but someone, something wants us to slow down. For what, I don't yet know."
In this very uncertain and strange time where many of us have been forced to slow down, I wonder if it wouldn't be worthwhile if we poured ourselves a glass of something nice to drink and pondered our own responses to some of these questions.
In light of the current situation, I have put together a short list of recommendations from producers and agents who offer home delivery.
Disclaimer: Due to recent events, unlike all previous issues, I was unable to personally taste these products. Likewise, the photography for this issue is not my own. My suggestions in this issue are based on my advanced knowledge of wine, previous tasting experiences and my own personal notions of what might be fun to try.
It's my sincerest hope that you are all well and feeling as connected as possible to friends and loved ones at this very challenging time.
“Sometimes, to follow an ideal, one must have the courage to face more difficult paths.”
This quote, taken from the vision statement published on the producer, Agricola Brandini's, website, seems very apropos of our present moment. The original message, however, was in reference to their philosophy on organic winemaking - that it's more than a method of production, rather, it is a state of being. And the ideal? To leave the land in better condition than it was found.
This is a varietal wine, meaning it is made from a single grape variety. In this case, Arneis, which was harvested from the Langhe hills region of Piedmont. The wine is described as intensely perfumed, fresh, with notes of lemon, white florals and herbs. A perfect sipping wine as we usher in Spring.
The importer's notes reference a 'charming sapidity' what they mean by this is that you can expect the wine to have weight and body. With 12.5% alc./vol. this wine is squarely medium-bodied and would do well with some food. I'd serve this with a herb and goat cheese quiche, such as this one from NYT Cooking.
However, If your quarantine situation makes it hard to stock fresh herbs, you could also try this one with pantry classics like Kraft Dinner topped with freshly ground black pepper or a tuna wrap with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkling of S&P.
This wine is distributed by Cavinona, an Ontario wine agency that specializes in indigenous Italian varietals. Cavinona is currently offering free delivery on all orders in the Toronto area.
Trail Estate Winery has tons of options for those looking to try something new and interesting. Novel, but not for novelty's sake, they continue to make wines at the forefront of viticultural and vinification trends.
Interested in trying Orange, Pet-Nat, Unfiltered, or Skin-Fermented wines? You'll find them all here. And, what's more, they're very well made.
The Oh Julius pictured first is what I want to be drinking all Spring and Summer long. Listen to this - "A delicate nose with notes of papaya and a touch of lime zest. The palate is light and bright with moderate acidity and complexity from the varied time on skins." My guess is that this wine would do nicely with a bowl of fresh fruit salad, or, taking an entirely different approach, crispy spring rolls with plum sauce for dipping.
The 2019 Red Pet-Nat pictured second is a rosé blend made of Baco Noir, Cab Franc, and Riesling. Sounds like every sommelier's dream! "Vibrant tart red raspberries and cranberries with a refreshing spritz on the palate. Bright. Juicy. Quenchable." I'd recommend pairing this with a charcuterie board- made for one!
Trail Estate is located in Prince Edward County and is currently offering free delivery, Province-wide on orders of 6 or more bottles.
Many of my most memorable wine-drinking moments have been at home, with a special bottle, shared with a special someone. If you're looking to treat yourself during this time of obligatory isolation, Bachelder has some truly special offerings.
This Twenty Mile Bench producer is low-interventionist, specializing in wines made from indigenous yeasts from mostly organic vineyard sites. The Bachelder approach is terroir-driven and errs on the side of a Burgundian style.
With this 2015 Wismer-Parke Pinot Noir you can expect "a wild, iron-tinged nuance, yet a pretty, savoury mouthfeel." Savory being one of the finest attributes of a quality PN, I know this is one I'd truly enjoy. My friend Charlotte and I were lucky enough to meet, speak with, and taste some wines with Thomas Bachelder about a year ago at a wine tasting event in Toronto. We've both since become serious enthusiasts and advocates for his wines.
I'd pair this wine with a simple roast chicken with potatoes and carrots confit.
Ps. their next wine release is scheduled for this coming Thursday, April 2. Check back online to discover the latest bottles available from this exceptional Niagara region producer!
As long as I am a somm I will feel duty-bound to recommend off-dry Rieslings.
Polarizing as they are ethereal, it's every sommelier's dream to convert those they know and love into Riesling drinkers. This 2017 Riesling AF from Rosewood Winery boasts flavours of ripe pear, apple and grapefruit.
The process of arrested fermentation, 'AF' is a winemaking technique whereby the fermentation process is prematurely halted, thereby 'arresting' the conversion of sugars into alcohol. This technique renders the wine slightly less dry than it otherwise would be.
The team at Rosewood prove time and time again that you don't have to spend a fortune to drink really great wine. This one is a steal at $15.95. And, for a limited time, Rosewood is not only offering free shipping on purchases of 4 bottles or more but you'll also get an additional 10% off your entire online order.
I'd suggest pairing this one with a purchase of their:
The Looking Glass: a blend of Cab Sauv., Cab Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Petit Verdot
Night Moves Gamay: previously reviewed in the 2018 Ontario Issue of SWP
Renaceau Cab Franc: because one should never resist an opportunity to drink Ontario CF
