C239-QCE: Portugal, Spain, the Mâconnais and the Rhône Valley

CELLAR 239 Portugal, Spain, the MÂconnais and the RhÔne Valley Emma Villajos, Oenologist Bodegas Valdelacierva

QUEBEC Order by FEBRUARY 29, 2016

ORDERING MADE EASY! WHAT TO ORDER Read the description or use the profile chart for each wine to help you make your selections. The profile chart features a variety of symbols; consult the legend below to discover which symbols best suit your palate.

THERE ARE FIVE WAYS TO ORDER • Order online. Go to opim.ca , sign in and select Order Wine - Show Details or Quick Order Wine.

• Email opim@opim.ca with your selection.

• Call 1-800-361-9421.

• Fax your order to 514-481-9699.

• Mail your order.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO REDEEM YOUR COUPON From the same Cellar Offering…

• Order a case of wine and choose your free case from the coupon wines listed on the back cover.

OR • Order two cases of wine and receive $75 off your order.

Restrictions: Coupons are non-transferrable and cannot be exchanged for cash.

See coupon for full details Exclusions: Opimian Select and Founders’ Choice Programs.

DELIVERY It takes time! The wines on this Cellar Offering are not yet in Canada. When the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution center, you will receive a Pick Up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick up location. You can follow the status of your shipment at opim.ca.

Expected arrival at a Canadian Port is mid-June 2016. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board, and processing time required by each liquor board.

LET US HELP YOU! Contact us at 1-800-361-9421 or email us at opim@opim.ca CONDITIONS OF PURCHASE • Methods of Payment: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or by cheque payable to Opimian.

• Prices include all applicable federal and provincial mark ups and taxes, including GST/HST #105 233 217 and QST #1000640430.

• A valid 2016 membership card is required to order and pick up.

• Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum required.

• Last day to order from this Cellar Offering: February 29, 2016.

As an agronomist with a Master’s degree in viticulture and oenology, I have been managing Bodegas Valdelacierva since 2007. I promptly began experimenting with new techniques and processes. Absolutely convinced that good wine can only come from quality grapes, I have been devoted to “reinventing” our vineyards, sourcing grapes from the most renowned wine areas on both sides of the Ebro River. Alfar Vendimia Seleccionada 2012 is the result of careful production in small tanks, delicately accentuated by fine-quality oak. Emma Villajos, Oenologist

Notes (as required by the SAQ’s operating procedures): 1. A member ordering from this Cellar Offering requests that Opimian acts as the member’s agent in ordering the wines from the Société des Alcools du Québec (SAQ) and requests that Opimian to remit the funds enclosed (less any administration fees) to the SAQ to pay for the wines ordered.

2. The prices as shown are the estimated costs to be charged by the SAQ plus an administration fee and consolidation charges.

LEGEND Members’ Choice

White

Aroma

Drink this year

Red

Taste

Enjoyable now; will develop 6 months-2 years

Rosé

Serving temperature

Opimian Suggests Wine meant for laying down

Ideal with

Sparkling

Bottle size Great concentration Heavy oak

Number of bottles in case Medium concentration

Light in body

Medium oak

Light oak

Less than 100 cases available Very limited quantities

Extremely limited quantities Limited quantities

Degrees of Maturity (M) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = lay down 10 = fully mature Degrees of Drinkability (D) (Scale of 1-10) 1 = needs time 10 = ready to drink

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

Medal Winner

This symbol denotes wines most ordered by Opimian members. These are consistently popular with our membership at large.

Appeared in the C231 Select Cases (2015 Season)

To help novice members, this symbol is a guide to wines that are suitable for starting a cellar, and/or for drinking within two years of delivery.

Sweetness scale gms/litre 00 0-3 01 4-6 02 7 - 12 03 13 - 20 04 21 - 34 05 35 - 50 06 51 - 74 07 75 - 100 08 101 - 139 09 140 - 179 10 180 >

Examples Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds Some New World varietals, some reds Champagne, Sparklers, Rosés, few reds Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat Auslese, Beerenauslese Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese

C ELL AR OFFE RING 239

Portugal, Spain, the Mâconnais and the Rhône Valley Europe has a long history of winemaking, initially brought to France and Spain by the Romans. These two countries rank within the top three wine-producing nations in the world alongside Italy. Their culture is inextricably linked to wine, as are the local cuisine and traditions. New generations of winegrowers have re-discovered and renewed old vineyard plots, be it old Mencía vines in Bierzo, Tinta del País in Ribera del Duero, or 80-year-old Samsó and Garnatxa in Montsant.

Opimian’s Wine Consultant Jane Masters MW is a graduate of Bordeaux’s famous Institut d’Oenologie and was elected to the Institute of Masters of Wine in 1997.

Fluent in French and English, Jane is currently a member of the Council of the Institute of Masters of Wine, regularly speaks at industry seminars and is a Panel Chair for the International Wine Challenge.

Portugal may be significantly smaller in terms of size and population, but it too has a history of producing wines with personality and depth, and cultivates many varieties which are unique to the country. In the traditional Douro Valley, merely 20 years ago only fortified Port wines were produced, but today quality white and red wines are made using the same traditional grapes. These wines are different, concentrated, suitable for cellaring and affordable.

Quinta da Barreira p. 4

Churchill Graham p. 10

Bodegas Concavins p. 13

Vinoselección p. 17

Paul Sapin p. 23

Bernard Perrin p. 26

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Quinta da Barreira Carvoeira

Portugal

Nuno Cancela de Abreu, fourth generation, created the Sociedade Agrícola Boas Quintas with the planting of a new vineyard, in order to continue his 130-year family legacy in the Dão region. In 2010, he dedicated himself exclusively to the project to develop it in a sustainable way.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>

opim.ca order online at

Perched on the southwestern edge of Europe, Portugal has a rich history and culture of its own despite its small size and population. It has a diverse landscape and climate, stretching from the coast with the influence of the Atlantic Ocean inland, to the valleys carved out by rivers with vines clinging to their steep banks. The wines of Portugal are gaining more critical acclaim every vintage and no wonder, for they too have personality. A young generation of winemakers has been moving and shaking things up by making modern styles of wine in traditional areas and often using Portugal’s indigenous grape varieties.

Branco, DOC Vinho Verde, Caves 8477 Miranda Campelo, 2015

$23.17

$139.00

Vinho Verde is a delightfully refreshing light white wine. Pale in colour, it has an elusive aroma with notes of white flowers and grass. The palate is light with a spritz and a touch of residual sweetness conjuring up thoughts of spring and all things fresh. Vinho Verde is produced from a blend of traditional varieties grown in the northwestern corner of Portugal. Close to the Atlantic Ocean, the climate is rainy and cool.

Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura White blossom, grass Light, spritzy, some sweetness, [02] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Caldeirada – Portuguese fish stew

de Gâmbia, White Wine, Peninsula de 8478 Herdade Setúbal, Sociedade Agrícola Boas Quintas, 2014

$27.50

$165.00

This is a light, elegant, floral wine with a fresh crisp palate produced from Moscatel Graúdo and Fernão Pires. The grapes were lightly crushed and left for some skin contact prior to pressing. The clear juice was decanted and fermented at 14°C, retaining the appealing lemony notes. Citrus flavours and tropical fruits persist on the palate.

Moscatel Graúdo, Fernão Pires Floral, lemon Citrus, crisp finish, [01] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Fresh oysters with lemon wedges

PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>

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8479 Taurus, Vinho Regional Alentejano, 2010 $25.17

$151.00

This wine is produced from three traditional grape varieties, Aragonez (Tempranillo), Moreto, which originates in the area and enjoys the hot sunny climate of the Alentejo, and Trincadeira, a good blending partner for the other two. Taurus 2010 is an easy-drinking wine with intense smoky, black cherry aromas. Mediumbodied with juicy fruits and depth on the palate, the wine underwent an extended skin maceration and was matured in American oak. It is produced by José Gaspar in partnership with a friend.

de Fornos, Vinho Branco, Vinho Regional 8480 Vale Tejo, 2014

$27.83

$167.00

Produced from 100% Arinto, the white Vale de Fornos 2014 is pale in colour with restrained aromas of stone fruits and almond oil. The palate is fresh and crisp with nice mid-palate fruit and good balance. The grapes were hand-harvested, pressed and the must left to cold-settle for 48 hours. The juice was fermented, partly in oak, at low temperature. The winemaking team at Vale de Fornos is led by Nuno Morais with all the grapes grown, fermented and bottled on the estate.

Aragonez, Moreto, Trincadeira

Arinto

Black cherries, smoke

Stone fruits, almonds

Juicy fruits, fresh acidity

Crisp palate, white fruit, [00]

18°C

6°C

2016-2020, M7 D9

2016-2018, M8 D9

Portuguese-style pork and chorizo stew

Sardine salad with baby Yukon potatoes

8481 Vale de Fornos, Vinho Tinto, Vinho Regional Tejo, 2013 $27.83

$167.00

The Tejo region is named after the River Tagus and much of the land within the DO is alluvial, consisting of fertile soils on either side of the winding river.

The Vale de Fornos estate is located in the far southwest of the region, in a privileged spot. It is a very old estate, producing wine since 1873. Owned by the Monteiro family, the estate’s vineyards are planted on hillsides at 200 metres on clay limestone soils well-suited to quality grape-growing.

Aromas of wild herbs and juniper complement the cedar and pencil lead characteristics picked up from six months of maturation in new French oak. Soft and silky on the palate, it is smooth with flavours of red and black cherries and fine texture. While produced from a majority of non-Portuguese grape varieties (50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon), it is blended with the soft, juicy Castelão to reflect its Portuguese provenance.

Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Castelão Cedar, juniper berries Red and black cherries 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Rack of lamb with spicy juniper berry glaze

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PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>

Vale de Fornos, Cabernet Sauvignon 8482 Quinta Reserva, DOC Tejo, 2013 Quinta Vale de Fornos estate totals 200 hectares of land and has specialized in planting a wide range of $61.33 international and traditional varieties alike. This wine is produced from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from old vines grown on clay limestone and sandy loam slopes. All grapes were picked by hand into small $368.00 baskets before sunrise to benefit from the cooler temperature. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine was aged in new French oak barrels for eight months. Concentrated, it has flavours of black cherries and blackcurrants complemented by cedar and spice with good balance.

Cabernet Sauvignon Black cherries Concentrated, cedary 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D8 New York strip steak with wild mushroom ragout

do Castelo, Selection Tinto, Vinho 8483 Vale Regional Tejo, 2013 Produced from a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca and Merlot, the Vale do Castelo 2013 is ruby $35.67 plum in colour and has savoury, meaty liquorice aromas combined with blackcurrant fruits and cola. Mediumbodied with a firm structure, it is balanced with good acidity and some length. After fermentation at 26°C $214.00 to 28°C, the wine was matured in first and secondfill barrels for 12 months. Young winemaker Pedro Sereno is responsible for producing wines at this family company and was awarded Winemaker of the Year in 2013.

Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Merlot Liquorice, savoury, cola Blackcurrant, firm structure 16°C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Grilled goat chops with roasted squash and cauliflower

The Quinta da Giesta vineyards grow on a hillside at an average altitude of 200 metres, on clay-based soils with good water retention.

PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>

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Chardonnay e Arinto, Vinho Regional 8484 Tágide Lisboa, 2015 A great food wine, Tágide 2015 is restrained on the nose with some white fruits on the palate, structured $25.17 with great balance, and a lemony mineral finish. A blend of Portugal’s Arinto grape with Chardonnay, it has a Chablis-like characteristic to it. Arinto is among one of the oldest varieties in Portugal and comes from $151.00 the Lisbon region. It retains natural acidity even under warm conditions and adds freshness and backbone.

The grapes were immediately pressed after harvest and fermented at low temperature.

Chardonnay, Arinto Restrained, white blossom White fruits, elegant, [00] 8°C

da Barreira Reserva, Touriga Nacional 8485 Quinta e Cabernet Sauvignon, Vinho Regional Lisboa, 2014

José Gaspar inherited the Quinta da Barreira family estate which has been in his family since 1954. Located 50 kilometres south of Lisbon, he farms 11 hectares of vines on the estate. Quinta da Barreira Reserva 2014 is a firm, structured wine with aromas of plums, cherries $163.00 and red apples. It has a juicy mid-palate with emerging flavours of chocolate and liquorice alongside black cherries and plums. Still youthful, it is tight, medium to full-bodied and should mature over some years. It was aged for a year in American oak barrels. $27.17

2016-2018, M8 D9 Touriga Nacional, Cabernet Sauvignon

Crab ravioli

Plums, cherries Dark cherries, chocolate, liquorice 18°C

8486

2016-2022, M6 D8

Quinta da Giesta, DOC Dão, Sociedade Agrícola Boas Quintas, 2014

The traditional region of Dão permits only Portuguese grape varieties to be planted. In the past, many of the wines were made in a way that resulted in rustic $27.50 wines so tannic that they had to be kept for decades before coming around. Today, the wines retain all the concentration and power, but with sweeter, juicier flavours $165.00 that make them enjoyable earlier. Dão is a granite plateau shielded from the effects of the Atlantic Ocean by the Serra do Caramulo. Deep plum in colour, with aromas of black cherries, smoke and a hint of tar, Quinta da Giesta is a complex wine. The palate is restrained with sweet, dark, ripe fruits and a long, smoky flavour. Here is a wine with distinction and potential for cellaring; unbeatable value produced by winemaker Nuno Cancela de Abreu.

Venison tenderloin, cocoa roasted beets, and honey cap mushrooms

8487 Estopa Colheita, Branco, DOC Douro, 2014 $31.33

Touriga Nacional, Jaen, Tinta Roriz Smoke, black cherry, tar Ripe black fruits, smoky finish

$188.00

This is a complex white wine produced by José Pinheiro with flavours of lemon, mandarin and other citrus fruits.

Despite being a hot, arid climate, the Douro, in the right spots, can produce fresh and crisp white wines too. The Estopa Colheita 2014 is a blend of three traditional varieties, Gouveio, Rabigato and Códega do Larinho.

Cultivated on steep terraced plots of schist soils, the grapes are directly pressed and the clear juice fermented at low temperature, resulting in a wine with fresh pear fruit aromas, good weight and structure, and balanced acidity.

18°C

Gouveio, Rabigato, Códega do Larinho

2016-2020, M7 D9

Pears, melon

Braised short ribs with porcini-port sauce

White fruits, [01] 6°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Pan-seared cod fillet with citrus sauce

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira >>

Cytisus, DOC Douro, Sociedade Agrícola Boas 8488 Quintas, 2012 It is difficult to believe that it is only since the early 1990s that the Douro started to shift some of its attention away $31.50 from Port to produce great red table wines. Deep ruby in colour, Cytisus 2012 has intense aromas of blackcurrant, smoke and incense. It is mellow with a soft, juicy attack, lots of dark fruit flavours and concentration. This is $189.00 an elegant wine, well-balanced with a long finish and flavours of bitter cherry and dark chocolate. Produced from a blend of Portugal’s star grape Touriga Nacional with Tinta Roriz, vines are cultivated on the typical schist soils of the Douro. After picking, the grapes underwent cold skin contact for a day followed by a short cool fermentation. The wine was matured three months in older oak barrels, giving an extra dimension, but not obvious oaky flavours. It is produced by Nuno Cancela de Abreu.

8489 Alteia, Vinho Branco, DOC Douro, 2014 $33.00

The white Alteia 2014 is a blend of traditional varieties Viosinho, Gouveio, Moscatel Galego and Rabigato grown on the south bank of the Douro River, facing predominantly northwest and west. This is a restrained wine with discrete mineral, slate and stone fruit aromas.

It is soft with structure and depth.

$198.00 Viosinho, Gouveio, Moscatel Galego, Rabigato Slate, stone fruit Deep, structured, [00] 6°C

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz

2016-2020, M7 D9

Intense blackcurrant, smoke, incense

Caldo Verde – Portuguese green soup

Dark fruits, bitter cherries 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D9 Beef Wellington

8490 Alteia Vinhas Velhas Reserva, DOC Douro, 2012 $33.17

$199.00

Shortly before he was due to retire, Fausto José Montenegro Vieira Cardoso inherited some land in the Douro Valley planted with vines and olive trees. Having walked this land as a child with his father and uncles, he could not bring himself to sell it, but rather felt compelled to see what he could produce, aiming for the best wines possible. Today, the vineyards cover almost 10 hectares with six hectares newly planted and four hectares of very old vines. Produced from grapes grown on very old vines in the Cima Corgo region of the Douro on a steep west-facing slope, Alteia Vinhas Velhas is predominantly Touriga Franca (45%) and Tinta da Bairrada (15%), Malvasia Preta (15%) with a mix of local varieties in a field blend which includes Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Roriz. Medium ruby in colour, it has aromas of red cherries and red apples with more savoury flavours developing on the palate. Well-balanced with nice weight, it is medium to full-bodied with structure and a long smoky finish. One of my favourite wines in the tastings and once again fantastic value, this is a wine with potential to age.

Touriga Franca, Tinta da Bairrada, Malvasia Preta, Tinta Amarela, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz Red cherries, red apples, smoke Savoury, smoky finish 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D9 Roast leg of lamb with apples and fennel

PORTUGAL Quinta da Barreira

QUEBEC

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Churchill Graham Villa Nova de Gaia

In 1756, the Douro Valley became the first wine region to be legally demarcated, almost a century before Bordeaux. The old vineyards in the region, planted on traditional terraces built by human hand, are some of the most dramatic and beautiful vineyard landscapes in the world. Quinta da Gricha is located on the south bank of Douro River.

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

PORTUGAL CHURCHILL GRAHAM >>

The Douro Valley is a special and magical place.

Located in the north of Portugal, the valley has been carved out by the Douro River flowing from Spain, where it is known as the Duero, westwards to the Atlantic coast and the cities of Porto and Villa Nova de Gaia on either side. For centuries the river was the main means of communication and transport between the inhospitable inland areas and Villa Nova de Gaia.

Barrels of Port were brought by boat to the Port lodges in Villa Nova de Gaia where they were blended and matured.

The region is one of the oldest demarcated quality winegrowing areas in the world, dating back to 1756.

When Churchill’s was founded by John Graham and his wife Caroline in 1981 it was the first British Port wine company to have been established in over 50 years.

They produce Port the traditional way at Quinta da Gricha. Their 50-hectare estate, all grade “A” vineyards, is in a prime spot on the south bank of the Douro River.

8492 Churchill’s Reserve Port, Churchill Graham

Vineyards in the Douro are all classified from “A” to “F” according to their quality potential based on aspect, orientation, altitude, location, soil and inclination. $31.50 Churchill Graham only uses grapes from the highest quality grade “A” vineyards located in the Cima Corgo sub-region. Based on a field blend of traditional varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto $189.00 Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca and Tinta Francisca, the Reserve Port is deep ruby in colour with sweet, ripe, plummy aromas. The palate is sweet and rich with flavours of raisins and cherries. Youthful and fruity, it has good balance and some firm structure. The grapes were hand-picked and traditionally trodden in stone lagares to extract maximum colour and tannin.

Fermentation was arrested using brandy spirit and the final blend created from Ports from several vintages with an average of three years of maturation. It was filtered and bottled making it ready for drinking. It will keep, but will not improve in bottle.

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca Plums, eucalyptus Raisins, black cherries, [07] 18°C Ready to drink Brie de Meaux, Port and Raisin Christmas Pudding

PORTUGAL CHURCHILL GRAHAM >>

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10 Years Old Tawny Port, Churchill 8493 Churchill’s Graham

Late Bottled Vintage Port, 2005, 8494 Churchill’s Churchill Graham

Tawny Ports are matured for many years in old oak casks. During this time the intensity of the colour of the Port drops and changes from ruby to a brownish $45.11 or tawny hue, hence the name. At the same time more nutty flavours and dried fruit characteristics develop.

9 Churchill’s 10 Years Old Tawny Port is a blend of Ports $406.00 with an average age of 10 years. It has a definite brick ruby hue and appealing aromas of raisins, Christmas cake and nuts. The palate has lively acidity with red cherries, nutmeg and vanilla flavours combining both the complexity of age while retaining freshness and acidity. Ready for drinking, there is no need to decant.

Late Bottled Vintage Port, or LBV, has become one of the most popular styles of Port in recent years. $43.50 Produced in a similar style to Vintage Port, it is an affordable alternative and offers good value for money.

2005 was a good quality harvest although marked by drought conditions following a very dry and cold $261.00 winter that also followed a dry and hot 2004 growing season. Vigour in the vineyards was low, producing small concentrated berries which ripened fully. Post-harvest the young Ports were tasted and the best casks selected to produce this LBV. Ruby in colour, it has aromas of chocolate, cherries and spice.

Complex with flavours of raisins, treacle and black liquorice which persist on the palate, this is scrummy stuff now, but if you can bear to wait, it will continue to mature over the next five to ten years.

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca

Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cão, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Franca, Tinta Francisca

Nuts, raisins, Christmas cake Nutmeg, vanilla, red cherries, [08]

Chocolate, cherries

12°C

Treacle, raisins, black liquorice, [07]

Ready to drink

18°C

Saint-Marcellin, caramelized nut tart

2016-2026, M6 D7 Castelo Branco, dark chocolate cake with chocolate ganache and sweet glazed cherries

8495 Churchill’s Quinta da Gricha Vintage Port, 2013, Churchill Graham $105.67

$634.00

While 2013 was not a year unanimously declared by major Port Houses, at Quinta da Gricha it is a classic with the potential to age 30 years. The Douro Valley experienced cool temperatures in April and May of 2013 followed by a hot and dry summer. Vines produced low yields of generally high quality grapes.

The vines are an average of 50 years old and are planted on the south bank of the Douro River on steep terraced schist slopes. Produced from a field blend of predominantly Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca and Tinta Francisca, the 2013 is intense and dense in colour. Aromas of violets, kirsch and a hint of smoke lead to a soft, smooth palate brimming with cherries, blackberries and other fruits. Bottled unfiltered, it will throw a deposit. Stand the bottle upright for a few hours prior to decanting. While it has lots of appeal now, it will really come into its own after some years.

Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Francisca Violets, Kirsch Cherries, blackberries, spice, [08] 18°C 2016-2030, M5 D9 Stilton, caramel cheesecake with chunky berry coulis

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PORTUGAL CHURCHILL GRAHAM

Spain

Bodegas Concavins Montblanc, Barberà de la Conca Catalonia Life in Spain is centered on food and wine. There is no doubt about it, the Spanish like to eat, drink and be merry, and who can blame them when there is so much good produce? Ranking in the top three wine-producing countries after France and Italy, every region has a history of winemaking that dates back centuries.

Many regions were introduced to viticulture by the Romans, although subsequently Moorish rule discouraged wine production.

In modern times, there has been a renewed interest in producing quality wines with winemakers seeking out old, previously abandoned hillsides and terraces and reinvigorating them.

Clos Montblanc in the Conca de Barberà region in northeast Spain is owned by the Carbonell Figueras family. Close to the medieval town of Montblanc and the monastery of Santa María de Poblet, its vineyards are protected from the wind by the mountain range and benefit from a temperate Mediterranean climate. Wines are made by Josep Vadrí from both indigenous and international grape varieties.

The Carbonell family farmhouse dates back to the 18th century. For generations the family has produced wine here in the same artisanal manner. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes for the Montblanc 362 Reserva come from the vineyards surrounding this farmhouse.

SPAIN BODEGAS CONCAVINS >>

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8496 Montblanc 362, Brut, Cava Reserva, DO Cava $26.67

$160.00

Conca de Barberà was traditionally a source for highquality base wines to produce the local sparkling Cava.

The three traditional grape varieties Macabeu, Xarel-lo and Parellada were harvested in early September and the base wine fermented in tank. The second fermentation in bottle was carried out in much the same way as Champagne production and the wine left to mature on lees for some time before disgorgement. Nice white fruits combine with toasty brioche notes. This is crisp and wellbalanced, a perfect palate cleanser and aperitif.

362 Macabeu/Chardonnay, DO 8497 Montblanc Catalunya, 2015

$22.33

$134.00

Pale in colour with intense primary fruit aromas and pear drops, this is an easy-drinking white wine with attractive fruit flavours of melons and pears which linger on the palate. It is refreshing with crisp acidity; perfect for an end-of-day pick-me-up in the sun. It is a blend of 70% Macabeu, traditional to the region, with 30% Chardonnay. After picking, the grapes underwent a short maceration before pressing and the juice fermented at 16°C to dryness.

Macabeu, Xarel-lo, Parellada

Macabeu, Chardonnay

White fruits, toffee

Pear drops

Crisp, well-balanced, [01]

Melon, pears, [00]

6°C

6°C

2016-2018, M8 D9

2016-2017, M8 D9

Chicken croquettes

Seared scallops served over romesco sauce

8498 Montblanc 362 Chardonnay, DO Catalunya, 2015 $38.00

$228.00

This is a rich, ripe style of Chardonnay with aromas of pineapple and butterscotch. The wine underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel, conferring a buttery characteristic combined with smoky fruits. The Chardonnay was planted on clay loam soils approximately 20 years ago.

The grapes were picked mid-September at night to benefit from the cool temperatures and the wine made without the use of sulphur. After pressing, the juice was fermented in new oak barrels coming from the Nevers, Tronçais and Allier forests in France.

Chardonnay Pineapple, butterscotch Rich, succulent fruits, [00] 8°C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Pineapple-glazed pork chops with charred scallions

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

SPAIN BODEGAS CONCAVINS >>

362 Tempranillo/Cabernet, DO 8499 Montblanc Catalunya, 2015

$22.17

$133.00

A soft and simple Tempranillo/Cabernet offering great value for everyday drinking, Montblanc 362 Tempranillo/ Cabernet is a little mute in terms of aroma, with some plums. On the palate it has nice fruit and is light to medium-bodied. Tempranillo is cultivated on calcareous clay soils, to which 15% Cabernet Sauvignon was added.

Montblanc 362 Syrah/Samsó, DO Conca de 8500 Barberà, 2013

$25.50

$153.00

Montblanc 362 Samsó/Syrah is deep plum in colour with aromas of dark fruits, prunes, herbs and smoke. It is light to medium-bodied with firm acidity and flavours of ripe, juicy black fruits. Produced from a blend of 77% Samsó with 23% Syrah, the vines were cultivated on black slate and quartz soils, and the grapes picked mid to late October. The wine was aged in new and used barrels for 12 months.

Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon Plums Red and black fruits 16°C 2016-2018, M8 D9 Chorizo-stuffed bell peppers

Samsó, Syrah Prunes, smoke, herbs Juicy black fruits 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Roasted loin of pork stuffed with prunes

Equipped with the latest technology, Bodegas Concavins has the capacity to produce three million litres of wine annually, oversees 50 hectares of vineyards and has 34 stainless steel tanks, as well as more than one thousand barrels made from the finest French and American oak.

SPAIN BODEGAS CONCAVINS >>

QUEBEC

15

362 Merlot, DO Conca de Barberà, 8501 Montblanc 2012

$28.17

$169.00

Merlot vines are planted in plots with loose, well-drained soils. Produced from 100% Merlot grapes, the 2012 has typical aromas of green bean, green peppers and leaf. Youthful on the palate, more dark fruits and cherry flavours come through. After fermentation, the wine underwent malolactic fermentation in American oak barrels followed by a further 12 months of maturation.

Merlot Green pepper, leaf

362 Syrah, DO Conca de Barberà, 8502 Montblanc 2013 Syrah seems to love the black slate and quartz soils known as Llicorella (similar to those in Priorat) which $29.17 bring out flavours of blueberries and smoky notes.

The grapes were harvested in early October with fermentation in stainless steel tanks at 25°C to 28°C. The wine was put into French oak barrels for the $175.00 malolactic fermentation then subsequently transferred to American oak barrels for 12 months of ageing. A concentrated wine with medium weight and a linear structure ending on earthy dark fruit flavours, it will benefit from a little more time in bottle.

Cherries, supple fruits

Syrah

18°C

Blueberries, smoke

2016-2019, M7 D8

Dark fruits, fine texture

Pappardelle with veal ragù

18°C 2016-2020, M7 D8 Smoked lamb ribs with spicy blueberry sauce

8503 Montblanc 362 Reserva, DO Conca de Barberà, 2012 $34.17

$205.00

Montblanc 362 Reserva is deep ruby in colour with a complex array of dark fruits, figs, violets and herb aromas. The palate is medium to full-bodied with some firm chewy tannins and good concentration. It is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. The vines are 25 years old and are all farmed organically. The varieties were picked separately and fermented between 25°C and 28°C and the wine was matured in barrels for 18 months.

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot Dark fruits, violets Figs, herbs 18°C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Herb-crusted roast beef with fig-onion relish

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SPAIN BODEGAS CONCAVINS

Bodegas Portia’s exterior façade with stainless steel tanks of wine. It is one of the most cutting-edge wineries in Europe, designed by famed architect Norman Foster.

Vinoselección winemakers have Madrid Spanish renewed enthusiasm for

previously abandoned hillsides and terraces, restoring the vineyards and producing quality wines. Vinoselección specializes in sniffing out some of these special family-run wine producers from regions around Spain. Here we bring Opimian members our selected favorites.

SPAIN Vinoselección >>

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La Colina Verdejo, Cien x Cien, DO Rueda, 8507 Finca Vinos Sanz, 2014

de San Juan Joven, DO Ribera del 8508 Blasón Duero, Bodegas y Viñedos Ortega Fournier,

Intense and complex, the Finca La Colina Verdejo 2014 displays aromas of white flowers, white fruits, $35.17 honey, lemon and spice. Soft and smooth, it has a broad structure with lively lemon and lime flavours and balanced acidity with a long, smoky finish. Rueda is Spain’s most renowned white wine region, and Verdejo $211.00 its local variety. Vinos Sanz is one of the oldest wineries in the region, spanning six generations. Verdejo grapes were grown on the Finca La Colina estate at La Seca.

The vine, named after the green colour of its grapes, can be vigorous and needs careful management to produce mature, high quality fruit.

Natalia Ortega and her brother José Manuel were drawn to Berlangas de Roa by the 60-year-old Tinta del País vines planted there. Since buying the estate in 2002, they have transformed the vineyard, giving it a new lease of life by carefully pruning and tending to $190.00 each of the old vines. Blasón de San Juan Joven 2013 is a vibrant ruby colour with equally vibrant aromas of raspberry compote and red cherries. Light to mediumbodied, it has firm acidity and fine texture.

2013

$31.67

Tinta del País

Verdejo

Raspberry compote, red cherries

White fruits, honey, lemon

Red fruits, firm acidity

Spice, lemon, lime, toasty [00]

18°C

6°C

2016-2022, M6 D8

2016-2017, M8 D9

Albondigas – meatballs in garlictomato sauce

Salmon tartare with lemon and capers

Crianza Selección de Familia, DO Ribera del Duero, 8509 Portia Bodegas Portia, 2012

$33.67

$202.00

Bodegas Portia, built and owned by Rioja’s Faustino Group, is an impressive winery built with no expense spared and designed by renowned architect Norman Foster. Expanding into areas outside of Rioja, the family company initially bought land and planted vineyards around Roa, Gumiel de Izán, Villanueva and Gumiel de Mercado and has a total of 160 hectares in Ribera del Duero. Portia Crianza Selección de Familia 2012 has an intensely woody, spicy aroma which complements the dark fruit and musky characteristic. Concentrated on the palate with some chewy tannins and dark fruit flavours, it has nice mid-palate weight.

Produced from 100% Tinta del País (the local name for Tempranillo), it was aged for 10 months in French oak barrels followed by a further four months in American oak. Lots of oak, but lots of fruit to support it, this wine will mellow nicely in the future.

Tinta del País Spice, woody, musky Dark fruits 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D7 Sausage and wild mushroom lasagne

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SPAIN Vinoselección >>

Vertical Tasting Case Alfa Spiga, DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas y Viñedos Ortega Fournier 2 bottles each : 2006, 2007, 2008 Tasting Case - Alfa Spiga, DO Ribera 8510 Vertical del Duero, Bodegas y Viñedos Ortega Fournier 2 bottles each: 2006, 2007, 2008

$71.67

$430.00

This is a mixed case of O Fournier’s premium Alfa Spiga. The grapes come from the oldest bush vines on the property, grown on the stony alluvial soils. After picking, the grapes are crushed and left to macerate for five days at cold temperature. They are then fermented in oak vats for 22 days and the wine transferred to new oak barrels for the malolactic fermentation. Alfa Spiga is aged for a further 24 months with 80% French and 20% American oak.

Alfa Spiga, DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas y Viñedos Ortega Fournier, 2007 Intense cassis aromas with earthy forest fruits and a hint of angelica, Alfa Spiga 2007 is showing some nice development. While this wine has lots of life ahead of it, it will be ready for drinking before the 2006. Soft on the palate, it has black fruit and spicy oak flavours with a long, savoury, bitter chocolate and red cherry finish. 2007 was a difficult year in Ribera del Duero due to the summer frost which hit on September 24th just before harvest.

Tinta del País Cassis, angelica, forest fruits

Alfa Spiga, DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas y Viñedos Ortega Fournier, 2006 Alfa Spiga 2006 remains youthful and vibrant with aromas of blackcurrants and coffee. The palate is silky with good texture, concentrated and well-balanced. It has still not reached its peak and merits more time in bottle. Spring in 2006 was relatively warm with budbreak occurring during the third and fourth weeks of April, and flowering in the middle of June. Hot temperatures in August were offset by some light rain in September, allowing the vines to recover and produce ripe, well-balanced grapes and a very good vintage in Ribera del Duero.

Tinta del País Blackcurrant, coffee Concentrated 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Lamb Merguez sausage with pepperonion relish

Black fruits, vanilla, bitter chocolate 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D9 Grilled Black Angus rib-eye steak with crispy herbed potatoes

Alfa Spiga, DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas y Viñedos Ortega Fournier, 2008 Deep in colour, the 2008 is quite restrained on the nose with aromas of spicy oak, walnuts, red cherries and a hint of smoke. It is elegant and well-balanced, with a fine structure and red fruit flavours of raspberries and red cherries. A relatively cool summer in 2008 allowed a slow, balanced ripening of the grapes to produce concentrated and elegant wines.

Tinta del País Walnuts, red cherries, smoke Red fruits, fine texture 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D9 Bacon-wrapped pork loin stuffed with walnuts and rice

SPAIN Vinoselección >>

QUEBEC

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8511 Valduero Crianza, DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Valduero, 2011 $56.00

$336.00

Bodegas Valduero was created by Gregorio García Álvarez at about the same time that the DO of Ribera del Duero was founded when there were only a handful of wineries in the region. Wines were originally made in a small stone cellar in the centre of the village of Gumiel de Mercado.

Gregorio designed and built a new installation on the site of an old derelict winery, based on a series of tunnels buried under a hill. It looks more like something the Incas might have built than a modern winery, but the five metres of earth provides insulation and cool storage conditions. Valduero specializes in long oak maturation of its wines made by Gregorio’s daughters Carolina and Yolanda. Valduero Crianza 2011 was matured 15 months in two types of oak and has intense coconut and spicy aromas with some plummy fruits. The palate is light to medium-bodied with more red fruits and a soft mellow finish. Tinto Fino grapes from low bush vines were picked by hand the first week of October.

Tinto Fino Coconut, spice Mellow, plums, red fruits 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D9 Roasted venison with plum compote

Abelenda Reserva, DOCa. Rioja, Bodegas 8513 Olarra, 2010

8512 $68.67

$412.00

Una Cepa, DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas Valduero, 2009 Each old vine (over 50 years of age) is lovingly tended to yield just one bottle of Una Cepa wine intense and concentrated. Matured for 18 months in oak barrels, the Una Cepa 2009 has mellow coconut and red fruit aromas. The palate is vibrant with flavours of raspberry, sour red cherries and cranberries followed by firm red berry acidity. The grapes were hand-picked and fermented for nine days then macerated for a further ten days.

Tinto Fino Coconut, red fruits Raspberry, sour cherries 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Spanish Chilindron stew with lamb

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Bodegas Olarra, situated just outside Logroño in the Rioja Alta sub-region has remained family-owned $31.50 since its foundation in 1973. Olarra’s stated aim is to make affordable wines and the Abelenda Reserva 2010 certainly conforms to that aspiration. Produced by winemaker Javier Martínez de Salinas, it is medium $189.00 brick-ruby in colour with restrained mellow aromas of fruits and coconut. Soft and smooth, it has a juicy midpalate with nice red cherry flavours, some grainy tannins and crisp acidity. Made essentially from Tempranillo with just a smidgeon of Graciano and Mazuelo, it was matured in new and old American oak barrels for 22 months. Delicious now, it will keep for some years.

Tempranillo, Graciano, Mazuelo Coconut, red berries Red cherry, cranberry 16°C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Braised oxtail served with creamy mashed potatoes

SPAIN Vinoselección >>

8514 Alfar Vendimia Seleccionada, DOCa. Rioja, Bodegas Valdelacierva, 2012 $55.83

$335.00

Bodegas Valdelacierva is located in the picturesque town of Navarrete in the Rioja Alta region. Wines are made by young Emma Villajos who specializes in producing small quantities of high-quality, plot-specific wines. The area is characterized by its clay limestone soils and its location in the northwest of the appellation protected from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean by the Sierra de Cantabria Mountains. This is Tempranillo country, as not much else will ripen in this climate. Bodegas Valdelacierva farms 80 hectares of vines, with the grapes for the Alfar Vendimia Seleccionada coming from selected sites of over 40-year-old vines in Briones and Baños de Ebro at an altitude of 425 to 500 metres, reflected in the elegance and class of this wine.

The 2012 is still quite closed on the nose with some coconut oak. The palate is linear with vibrant acidity, pure with delicious defined red fruits. Yields in 2012 were low due to the dry conditions during the season. Fully mature grapes were harvested by hand between September 27th and October 15th, de-stemmed and left to macerate for three days before fermentation. Malolactic fermentation was carried out in French oak barrels, and the wine matured a further eight months in new French oak. This is a pure wine with delicious vibrancy and length that will cellar nicely for some years.

Tempranillo Coconut, herbal notes Vibrant 16°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Smoky beef and leek stew

This is an old restored refuge made of stones, called “Tenada”. It is now the Valduero headquarters and includes a restaurant where they offer typical regional dishes such as roasted lamb.

SPAIN Vinoselección >>

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8515 Dama de Toro Reserva, DO Toro, Fariña, 2009

Toro is a wild and remote region in the Duero Valley, west of Ribera del Duero. Soils are dry and arid; some resemble a sandy beach or desert. A local variant of $40.00 Tempranillo has evolved known as Tinta de Toro. Surviving under hot, dry conditions, it produces naturally-small concentrated berries with thick skins and crunchy pips, almost with a roasted characteristic which, if left too $240.00 long on the vine, produce wines high in alcohol. Manuel Fariña is acknowledged as being one of the pioneers of the region, shifting towards fresher, more balanced wine styles. However, the grapes are still picked in the traditional way, into small buckets by hand. Dama de Toro Reserva 2009 is deep plum in colour, with smoky aromas. On the palate, sweet ripe fruits lead to light to medium-bodied wine with good concentration. It was matured for 18 months in a range of different American oak barrels to add complexity.

de Ulver Crianza, DO Bierzo, Bodegas 8516 Ribera Estefanía, 2011 Bierzo, in the northwest of Spain, makes some great wines from the Mencía grape variety. Sheltered from the $28.17 influence of the Atlantic Ocean, the best plots are on granite and slate soils. The Bodegas Estefanía vineyards are located on a hill at 770 metres above sea level, between the villages of Valtuille de Arriba, Villafranca del $169.00 Bierzo and Cacabelos and the vines are 40 to 80 years old. Winemaker of reputation in Spain and especially in his home region of Bierzo, Raúl Peréz makes the wines at Bodegas Estefanía along with Carlos García Basante. Deep ruby in colour with mellow aromas of red berries and leaves, the palate is soft with balsamic fruits and firm acidity on the finish. The wine was matured for a year in 85% French and 15% American oak.

Mencía

Tinta de Toro

Red berries, mellow, undergrowth

Smoky, oak

Balsamic fruits

Sweet fruits

18°C

16°C

2016-2022, M6 D8

2016-2020, M7 D9

Veal Osso Buco

Fusilli Bolognese

8517 Braó, DO Montsant, Acústic Celler, 2013 $56.00

$336.00

Despite being a relatively new DO, the region of Montsant has a history of winemaking dating back to Roman times. Named after the Serra de Montsant mountain range, vineyards sit between 200 and 700 metres under a continental climate. The Serra de Montsant, meaning “Holy Mountain Range”, had many hermits living in it in medieval times and there is definitely a spiritual feel to the place. Carthusian monks promoted grape-growing in the region, and in the 19th century, wines of Montsant were acclaimed around the world.

Founder of Acústic Celler Albert Jané was drawn to the region to produce wines with great personality and vitality from the very old vines he found here. His Braó 2013 is deep plum in colour with intense aromas of blueberries and crème caramel. Soft and ripe on the palate, it is supple, brimming with succulent dark fruits, blackberries, blueberries and vanilla cream. It is concentrated and structured with a long, spicy fruit finish. Samsó (Carignan) and Garnatxa (Grenache) vines, aged 60 to 80 years old, struggle on barren stony, sandy and clay soils to produce low yields of concentrated grapes. The wine was aged for 13 months in new and one-year-old French oak barrels. This is a wine which I would happily enjoy now and which will only continue to improve.

Samsó, Garnatxa Blueberries, crème caramel Blackberries, vanilla, blueberries 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Roast squab with corn cake and blueberry gastrique

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

SPAIN Vinoselección

Paul Sapin Southern Burgundy

The Mâconnais

The Mâconnais at the southern end of Burgundy had a fine summer in 2015, producing ripe Chardonnay grapes in abundance. Early and rapid flowering of the vines was followed by sunshine in June and July and above-average temperatures. The grapes were picked in early September.

Located 10 kilometres west of Mâcon, in the heart of the Mâconnais, the Château de Pierreclos is a masterpiece of medieval architecture. Visitors can be accommodated in its guest rooms.

The Mâconnais PAUL SAPIN >>

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1-800-361-9421 call in your order

8519 Coeur des Lanciers Rosé, Vin de France $17.50

Red fruits, strawberries and cherries, Coeur des Lanciers Rosé is balanced with good acidity. Only a very small amount of rosé is produced in the Côtes de Gascogne from traditional grape varieties.

$210.00 Floc de Gascogne Rosé (Cabernet Franc), Grenache

8518 Coeur des Lanciers Blanc, Vin de France $17.50

Red fruits

Fresh lime, gooseberry and pear flavours, dry with firm acidity, the Coeur des Lanciers Blanc is a blend of Floc de Gascogne Blanc (Colombard) and Chardonnay from the Gascogne region in South West France.

Soft, crisp, strawberry finish, [01] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Vietnamese spring rolls

$210.00 Floc de Gascogne Blanc, Chardonnay Primary fruits Melons, pears, [01] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9

Sapin Mâcon-Villages, La Collection, AOP, 8521 Paul 2015

Pasta salad with melon and pancetta $31.33

$188.00

8520 Coeur des Lanciers Rouge, Vin de France $17.50

A soft and easy-drinking red wine for any occasion, the Coeur des Lanciers Rouge is produced from Syrah and Marselan grown in the South of France. It has lots of red berry fruit aromas and flavours. The grapes were picked, de-stemmed and fermented at cool temperature to maximize flavours.

Mâcon-Villages is white wine territory. Lying south of the Côte d’Or, it benefits from a slightly warmer climate producing wines with soft roundness and body. Soils consist of limestone sub-soils overlaid with either clay or alluvial top-soils. Pale in colour, the Paul Sapin MâconVillages 2015 has fresh white fruit and blossom aromas.

On the palate it is soft with crisp acidity and lemon citrus and green apple flavours which persist.

Chardonnay White fruits, blossom Lemon, green apples, [00] 6°C 2016-2019, M7 D9

$210.00 Syrah, Marselan

Grilled shrimp with avocado, apple and citrus vinaigrette

Red and black fruits Light, fruity 16°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Flank steak and grilled vegetables pita

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

The Mâconnais PAUL SAPIN >>

An aerial view of Château de Pierreclos.

8522 Paul Sapin Pouilly-Fuissé, La Collection, AOP, 2015 $45.67

$274.00

The quality of the vintage and the terroir shines through in Paul Sapin’s 2015 Pouilly-Fuissé. It has a flinty smoke characteristic on the nose adding complexity to the white fruits. On the palate it is concentrated with great depth and poise. A pungent and pure wine with great acidity finishing on limey notes, this is a distinctive wine which will cellar for some years. The vines are cultivated on south-east facing slopes between 200 and 400 metres. Soils are comprised of clay and limestone from the Middle Jurassic period with crystalline primary schists exposed in areas.

Chardonnay Flint, smoke, white fruits Lemon, lime, great depth, [00] 8°C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Chicken Cordon Bleu

The Mâconnais PAUL SAPIN

QUEBEC

25

Bernard Perrin Viticulteur-récoltant-négociant

Wine has been produced in the Rhône Valley for centuries. The Rhône River flows from the Swiss Alps westward and southward to the Mediterranean Sea. Close to Lyon, this powerful unruly river joins up with the Saône. South of Vienne, the steep slopes above it are planted with vineyards of the Northern Rhône; Syrah and Viognier. Further south, the landscape becomes more gentle slopes with alluvial soils containing the typical galets or rolled pebbles. Here, the climate is warmer and the land is planted with an array of grapes including Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Counoise, often blended together in the wines produced in appellations such as Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône.

The Rhône Valley Southern Rhône de la Grange des Moines, Rosé, AOP 8523 Clos Costières de Nîmes, 2015 A light fruity rosé produced from a blend of 65% Syrah, 20% Cinsault and 15% Grenache. The Clos $24.33 de la Grange des Moines Rosé 2015 is pale pink in colour with nice red fruits, redcurrants and raspberries.

Produced by brother and sister team François and Fanny Broyer whose family has owned the estate since $292.00 the early 1900s, vines are farmed organically and are located on the southern side of Costières de Nîmes, overlooking the lakes of La Petite Camargue and the natural habitat of wild horses and birds.

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Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache Fresh red fruits Light, fruity, [00] 6°C 2016-2017, M8 D9 Honeyed goat cheese and wine jelly on crackers

THE RHÔNE VALLEY BERNARD PERRIN >>

The Dentelles de Montmirail, a small chain of mountains in Provence, as seen from the La Ferme Saint-Martin domaine located in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône appellation. The mountains look over the Beaumes-deVenise and Gigondas vineyards.

des Romarins, AOC Côtes du Rhône, 8524 Domaine Xavier Fabre, 2014

$29.50

$177.00

The Domaine des Romarins is a little family estate in the village of Domazan in the Southern Rhône. The estate is run by Xavier Fabre, fourth generation winegrower, with the help of his parents, having inherited it from his grandfather Georges. Domaine des Romarins 2014 has a mellow aroma with dark fruits. The palate is soft with good mid-palate fruit. Produced from a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Carignan, the vines are cultivated on typical stony ground and limestone clay soils.

THE RHÔNE VALLEY BERNARD PERRIN >>

Syrah, Grenache, Carignan Mellow dark fruits Black cherries 18°C 2016-2020, M7 D9 Moroccan-spiced lamb chops

QUEBEC

27

Rochette Sélection, Visan, AOC Côtes 8525 Vincent du Rhône Villages, 2014

Domaine Berthet-Rayne, Cairanne, Vieilles 8526 Vignes, AOC Côtes du Rhône Villages, 2014

Visan is one of eighteen villages within the Côtes du Rhône region that can append their name on the label $30.50 in recognition of the quality of their terroirs. Vincent Rochette’s 7.5 hectare vineyard is located to the west of Visan village, at an altitude of 140 metres. His family has cultivated grapes on this land for five generations. $183.00 The vines are 60 years old and have been farmed using biodynamic practices since 2006. The land is arid and is comprised of over 60% pebbles in sandy clay-limestone soils. The dark red soils are planted with Grenache, the deep brown with Syrah. Vibrant in colour, Vincent Rochette Sélection Visan 2014 has aromas of lavender and cooked damsons. The palate is firm with more flavours of plums combined with smoke, blackcurrants and cranberries.

The picturesque village of Cairanne, perched atop a rocky outcrop, was awarded the right to its own $35.33 appellation in 2009. The old vines of Domaine BerthetRayne are on limestone clay and stony soils with an average age of 55 years. The 2014 Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% $212.00 Carignan. Restrained on the nose, this is a wine that will open up with some bottle-ageing. Aromas of black cherries, blackberries, and a hint of blueberry segue to a medium to full-bodied wine with great depth and balance. Produced in a traditional way, the grapes were de-stemmed and fermented in concrete vats with regular pump-overs and “délestage” over thirty days.

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan

Grenache, Syrah

Black cherries, blackberries, blueberries

Lavender, damson

Dark fruits, plums

Plums, smoke, blackcurrant

18°C

18°C

2016-2020, M7 D9

2016-2020, M7 D9

Red-wine braised venison over pumpkin risotto

Roast prime rib with thyme au jus

La Ferme Saint-Martin, AOP Beaumes-de-Venise, Les 8527 Domaine Terres Jaunes, Guy and Thomas Jullien, 2014

$40.00

$240.00

Domaine La Ferme Saint-Martin is located high up in the little village of Suzette with views of the famous Dentelles de Montmirail range, the Alpilles and Mont Ventoux. The estate consists of 25 hectares of vines.

The vines face directly south on dry, stony soils at between 200 and 600 metres and are all farmed organically. Cuvée Les Terres Jaunes is named after the coloured soils around Suzette, and is a parcel selection with 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah. The ancient Trias soils confer intense spicy characteristics to the wines produced, similar to ageing in oak, although this wine has never seen the inside of a barrel. Deep ruby in colour, the 2014 Les Terres Jaunes has intense smoky, cloves and damson aromas. The palate is concentrated with ripe, cooked dark fruits, blackcurrants, spice and a long finish.

Grenache, Syrah Plums, cloves, smoky Cooked dark fruits, blackcurrant, apples 18°C 2016-2022, M6 D7 Seared spiced duck breast with pickled lime, tamarind and port sauce

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THE RHÔNE VALLEY BERNARD PERRIN >>

des Coteaux des Travers, Labartalas, AOC Rasteau, 8528 Domaine Robert Charavin, 2014

$41.50

$249.00

Domaine des Coteaux des Travers has been passed from father to son since 1920. Robert Charavin has been at the helm since 1976 and was the first to bottle his estate wines. He farms 10 hectares of vines in Rasteau. Cuvée Labartalas is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre with vines aged 40 to 90 years old. Soils are chalky clay with slopes facing south-south-west. Mellow black fruit aromas with a touch of tar lead to a medium to full-bodied wine with some chewy tannins. This is a juicy wine with black fruits complemented by firm acidity and tarry flavours on the finish. This wine will benefit from more time in bottle.

Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre Mellow dark fruits, tar Black fruits, firm 16°C 2018-2022, M6 D6 Boeuf à la Gardiane – beef, red wine and black olive stew

Durieu, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 8529 Domaine Tradition, 2013 Domaine Durieu is in the heart of the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, opposite the ancient chapel of $62.50 Saint Théodoric. Its 30 hectares of vineyards lie around the outskirts of the village and have been owned by the family for centuries. They continue to farm the land in a traditional way. The 2013 is a blend of 80% $375.00 Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 3% Cinsault, and 2% Counoise. Deep ruby in colour, it has mellow youthful aromas of dark fruits. Soft and rich on the palate with plummy fruits and a long, spicy finish with black cherries, it is well-balanced and has the potential to age nicely, developing more complex savoury flavours.

Durieu, AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 8530 Domaine Lucile Avril, 2013 Despite being matured in oak, the wine is not dominated by oak in any way. Youthful in colour, it has a rich, $80.83 concentrated palate with cherries, plums and fresh fruits. Produced from 90 year old Grenache vines, with 10% Mourvèdre from 60 year old vines and a touch of Syrah (5%), the age of the vines shines through in the $485.00 wine’s vibrancy and concentration. The grapes were vinified in traditional concrete tanks, fermented at 30°C and left to macerate on skins for 30 days. The wine was subsequently matured 18 months with the Syrah in new oak barrels.

Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Counoise

Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah

Dark fruits

Plums, cherries

Plums, spice, black cherry

Rich, concentrated, cherries, fresh fruits

18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Roast loin of bison with King Trumpet mushrooms and cipollini onions

THE RHÔNE VALLEY BERNARD PERRIN >>

18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Lamb daube

QUEBEC

29

Northern Rhône du Murinais, Vieilles Vignes, AOC Crozes Hermitage, Luc Tardy, 8531 Domaine 2014

$44.17

$265.00

Crozes-Hermitage is the largest appellation in the Northern Rhône close to Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage. The Domaine Murinais family estate is in the commune of BeaumontMonteux in the south of the appellation. Produced from 100% Syrah, the vines are cultivated on a limestone clay plateau with typical galet stones. Shy on the nose with some black fruits, the palate is quite firm and austere with good acidity. This wine needs some time to develop; it is concentrated with a solid structure. Luc Tardy has been making wine in the old vaulted stone cellar, which dates back to 1768, since 1998 when he took over the reins. Luc farms 17 hectares traditionally. Each plot is vinified separately and harvested by hand. The cellar was redesigned by Tardy with gravity-filling of the concrete tanks, allowing extended maceration. The wine was matured for 12 months, half in traditional 225-litre barrels and half in 600-litre casks.

Syrah Black fruit Concentrated, structured 18°C 2018-2025, M6 D6 Braised wild boar shanks with sweet soy and star anise

Reines, AOC Saint Joseph, Gilles Flacher, 8532 Les 2014 This is a hugely powerful wine produced from 100% Syrah from Saint Joseph in Charnas. Gilles Flacher has $52.50 produced a wine which is intense in colour and in aromas with black fruits, smoke, oak, vanilla and spice. This is a complex wine. The palate is rich and concentrated, full-bodied with firm acidity and fine texture, fully $315.00 expressing the granite soils on which the Syrah vines struggle, producing low yields. The grapes were picked by hand. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and subsequently matured for 12 months in barrel. If you enjoy Syrah from the Northern Rhône this is a must for the cellar. Concentrated and youthful now, it will continue to develop for years to come.

Syrah Black fruits, smoke, vanilla, spice Rich, concentrated 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D7 Sirloin strip roast with Roquefortstuffed Portobello mushrooms

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OPIMIAN CELLAR OFFERING 239

Thomas Jullien, from La Ferme Saint-Martin, travels by tractor between the vines and the cellar door to bring the harvest to the sorting table located at the front of the winery.

THE RHÔNE VALLEY BERNARD PERRIN >>

8533 Côte-Rôtie, Fortis, AOP Côte-Rôtie, Stéphane Montez du Monteillet, 2013

The Romans established vineyards on hillside terrain near rivers and close to a town so it is no surprise that vineyards were cultivated in Côte-Rôtie. Vines cling for dear life to the steep south-east facing slope of the Rhône close to Ampuis. The $132.83 Stéphane Montez du Monteillet Côte-Rôtie 2013 Fortis is a blend of 94% Syrah with 6% Viognier cultivated on Gneiss soils south of Ampuis. It is dense in colour with an intense and complex bouquet with spice, vanilla, black cherries and smoke aromas.

Concentrated, it is linear with pure acidity, cassis and vanilla flavours; a wine with $797.00 balance and poise. The grapes underwent a cold soak for a week followed by a long, slow fermentation. The wine was aged for 18 months in 580-litre new French oak casks. Stéphane Montez farms a total of 24 hectares having inherited the land from his father Antoine, but the Monteillet has existed since the 17th century and, little by little, the Montez family acquired the land.

Syrah, Viognier Intense, spice, black cherries, smoke Cassis, vanilla, concentrated 18°C 2016-2025, M6 D8 Cassoulet

Les Grandes Chaillées, AOP 8534 Condrieu, Condrieu, Stéphane Montez du Monteillet, 2014 Viognier grapes came from eight specific plots of terraced vineyards supported by old dry stone walls $94.83 close to Chavanay, Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône, Condrieu and Vérin. Les Grandes Chaillées 2014 is pale yellow in colour and has intense, mellow, spicy, vanilla and honey aromas. The palate is soft and rich with spicy $569.00 white fruits and pineapple flavours. It is balanced with good mineral acidity and a long finish. The grapes were picked, de-stemmed, lightly crushed and left to macerate on skins for some hours. The wine was matured in barrel for 11 months and underwent malolactic fermentation, giving it a soft, creamy texture. While there are plantings of Viognier all around the world, Condrieu remains its spiritual homeland and is where the finest Viognier wines are produced.

Viognier Mellow, vanilla, honey Rich, white fruits, pineapple, spice, [00] 8°C 2016-2019, M7 D9 Pork and Shrimp dumplings

THE RHÔNE VALLEY BERNARD PERRIN

QUEBEC

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a new member, and upon joining, both you and the OUR COUPON PROGRAMS Refer new member will receive a coupon for one of two great rewards.

Your coupon gives you options! Opim.ca or 800-361-9421 Order any case of wine & choose your free case from the Choices below

or

Order any two cases of wine & receive $75 off your order

362 Macabeu/Chardonnay, DO 8504 Montblanc Catalunya, 2015

362 Tempranillo/Cabernet, DO 8505 Montblanc Catalunya, 2015

Pale in colour with intense primary fruit aromas and pear drops, this is an easy-drinking white wine with attractive fruit flavours of melons and pears which linger on the palate. It is refreshing with crisp acidity; perfect for an end-of-day pickme-up in the sun. It is a blend of 70% Macabeu, traditional COUPON to the region, with 30% Chardonnay. After picking, the grapes underwent a short maceration before pressing and the juice fermented at 16°C to dryness.

A soft and simple Tempranillo/Cabernet offering great value for everyday drinking, Montblanc 362 Tempranillo/ Cabernet is a little mute in terms of aroma, with some plums. On the palate it has nice fruit and is light to medium-bodied. Tempranillo is cultivated on calcareous COUPON clay soils, to which 15% Cabernet Sauvignon was added.

Macabeu, Chardonnay

Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon

Pear drops

Plums

Melon, pears, [00]

Red and black fruits

6°C

16°C

2016-2017, M8 D9

2016-2018, M8 D9

Seared scallops served over romesco sauce

Chorizo-stuffed bell peppers

OUR WINE PROGRAMS

Opimian Select

Expand your horizons, cellar, taste — it doesn’t matter what it is. Opimian Select will provide you with several different wines to try from eight different wine regions. You can sample and taste the great, everyday selection of wine from our suppliers… find a few favourites and discover what characteristics you love. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive eight mixed cases of wine, one from each Cellar Offering.

Founders’ Choice

Invest in your cellar, palate, experience – the Founders’ Choice program will enrich many aspects of your life… it will refine your palate and develop your cellar. Over the course of the year, members enrolled in this program receive eight cases of premium wine, one for each Cellar Offering. This program is for members who are looking to expand their cellars and refine their palate.

Founders’ Choice is a hidden jewel among Opimian’s wine selection – rare with many unique facets that reveal something new with each case.

Quinta da Barreira is the Founders’ Choice feature supplier on this Cellar Offering.

#420 - 5165 Sherbrooke West, Montreal, QC H4A 1T6 T: 514-483-5551 or 800-361-9421 F: 514-481-9699 opim@opim.ca www.opim.ca