cellar
AB
276 Order between
May 5 and
June 8, 2020
ITALY, AUSTRIA AND GERMANY
Ordering Made Easy Legend Grape variety Red - White - Rosé Sparkling - Port Bottle size
Number of bottles in case
Aroma
Taste
Serving temperature
Ideal with Evolution Drink this year Will develop, drink within 2 years Meant for cellaring Concentration Light - Medium - Great Oak Light - Medium - Heavy Organic*
Vegetarian** Limited quantities Limited Very limited Extremely limited Less than 100 cases available Members’ Choice 2019 favourite
1. SELECT YOUR WINES Let yourself be inspired by our detailed descriptions to find out which wines best suit your palate. Our custom chart on the left also features a variety of user-friendly symbols that can guide your selection. Still unsure what to order? Opimian’s Member Service team is always available to help you make an informed choice. Call us at 1-800-361-9421 or e-mail MemberService@Opimian.ca. 2. PLACE YOUR ORDER Last day to order for this Cellar Offering is Monday, June 8, 2020. No orders will be processed after this time. There are four ways to order: • Online: Go to Opimian.ca, sign in and select Order Wine. • Email MemberService@Opimian.ca with your selection. • Call 1-800-361-9421, Monday-Friday, 10am - 5pm ET. • Mail your order by May 29, 2020. Please allow 10 days for delivery by Canada Post. 3. LET US HANDLE THE REST The wines featured on this Cellar Offering are still at the producers’ wineries when you order them, so it is normal that the process takes a bit of time and effort on our side. Release dates are dependent upon actual arrival dates, distance from port of entry to liquor board and processing time required by each liquor board. For this Cellar Offering, the expected release date is October 2020. Once the wine arrives at your local liquor store or distribution centre, you will receive a Pick-up Notice with the specified date (the Release Date) and your pick-up location.
Conditions of Purchase • Accepted payment methods: Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or cheque payable to Opimian. • Prices include all applicable federal and provincial markups and taxes. • A valid membership card is required to order. • Bottle prices are for reference only. All orders are by the case, with no minimum required. Notes, as required by the law in the Province of Alberta • All purchase transactions are completed pursuant to the laws in the Province of Alberta and are between you as the customer and Rocky Mountain Wine, Spirits & Beer (“Rocky Mountain”), an independent third party of Opimian Society (“Opimian”). All charges will appear on your credit card statement as Rocky Mountain. • You hereby acknowledge and agree that your dealings with Rocky Mountain which are not related to an Opimian purchase, including payment and all other terms, conditions, representations and warranties related to such transaction, whether implied by law or by expressed agreement between you and Rocky Mountain, are solely between you and Rocky Mountain and not Opimian. You hereby acknowledge that Opimian is not responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of, or in connection with, or a resulting transaction, and you hereby release and waive any claims you may have against Opimian in connection thereof.
*This information is provided by our suppliers and reflects the certifications of their own countries which do not necessarily match Canadian norms.
Sweetness scale Opimian Suggests Starting a cellar Medal Winner Discovery 2019 Discovery Program Case - C267 Select Plus 2019 Select Plus Program Case - C267 M—Degree of Maturity (1-10) M1 = lay down M10 = fully mature
22
D—Degree of Drinkability (1-10) D1 = needs time D10 = ready to drink
OPIMIAN WINE CLUB DE VIN —
300 - 2170 RENÉ-LÉVESQUE WEST MONTREAL QC H3H 2T8
Grams/litre
**This information is provided by our producers and may not reflect Canadian norms.
Examples
[00]
0-3
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, many reds
[01]
4-6
Some New World varietals, some reds
[02]
7 - 12
[03]
13 - 20
Champagne, Sparkling, Rosés, few reds Mosel, some Alsace, Anjou
[04]
21 - 34
Semi-sweet Bordeaux, some sherry
[05]
35 - 50
Kabinett German, Late Harvest, Alsace
[06]
51 - 74
Spätlese German, Sweet Loire, Port, Dessert Muscat
[07]
75 - 100
Auslese, Beerenauslese
[08]
101 - 139
Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port
[09]
140 - 179
Icewines, Sauternes, Barsac, dessert wines, Port
[10]
180 >
Speciality sweet wines, Trockenbeerenauslese
Germany
Cellar 276
Austria
Italy, Austria and Germany 2019 produced some great-tasting wines throughout Italy and in more northern winegrowing regions including Austria and Germany, and for all colours and styles to suit every wine lover’s taste! Producers featured include the Rizzello family, wine producers based in the heel of Italy, whose Classica Verdeca shone in 2019; highly regarded German winemaker Gerd Stepp in Germany’s Pfalz region with some fabulous Rieslings, and Austrian Christof Höpler with his Grüner Veltliner and some delicious red wines.
JANE MASTERS MW, OPIMIAN’S MASTER OF WINE Every wine offered by Opimian is tasted and selected for its deliciousness and value by our consultant Master of Wine, Jane Masters MW. Jane also chooses the mixed cases for Opimian’s Discovery and Select Plus subscription programs for members to discover wines in an easy way, as well as wines for the premium Founders’ Choice program. As one of 389 Masters of Wine worldwide, Jane has in-depth knowledge and her aim is to share her love of wine with members via the Cellar Offering. She was elected Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine 2016-2018.
cover — The Stepp team takes a well-deserved break
in the middle of harvesting.
FEATURED Le Vigne di Sammarco ------------------4 The Wine People SRL-------------------8 Cinciano------------------------------- 14 Avenue-------------------------------- 18 Winetraders--------------------------- 22 Höpler--------------------------------- 26 Stepp---------------------------------- 30
— CELLAR 276 ALBERTA
3
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CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
photo — This typical conical structure, made of traditional dry stone, is called “trullo”. They served as temporary shelters for farmers during harvest.
ITALY Brindisi, Puglia
Based in Salento, in the heel of Italy at Cellino San Marco, the Rizzello family owns 180 hectares of land and cultivates ancient bush vines. Their winery is in an area that was considered the cradle of wine by the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The region benefits from lots of sunshine and cooling sea breezes. Located on a promontory jutting into the Adriatic and Ionian, one is never far from the sea.
Le Vigne di Sammarco Cellino San Marco
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
NEW
1846
VERDECA, IGP SALENTO, 2019
Verdeca $ 16.00
$ 96.00
A traditional variety to the Puglian region, Verdeca 2019 has lime and white blossom aromas. It is medium bodied with nice depth and a crisp lemon and lime flavour with some citrus pith character adding length. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Lime, white blossom
6°C
Lemon, lime, [02] Ceviche with mango salsa
— ITALY LE VIGNE DI SAMMARCO
5
1848
NEGROAMARO, IGP SALENTO, 2019 Negroamaro $ 16.00
1849
PRIMITIVO, IGP SALENTO, 2019
Primitivo $ 96.00
A light- to mediumbodied red produced from Negroamaro – one of Puglia’s most important grape varieties, grown exclusively in Salento. As the name suggests, the variety produces dark thick-skinned grapes, and care must be taken not to over extract during winemaking. The 2019 Negroamaro has fruity cherry aromas with red cherries and redcurrant flavours on the palate.
$ 17.00
$ 102.00
Primitivo 2019 has marmite, treacle and black fruit aromas. It is a full-bodied wine, which is supple and piqued with ripe blackberries and coconut flavours. Grapes were picked at the start of September, crushed and fermented on skins for six to seven days, producing a dense and textured wine with some grainy tannins. 2020-2023, M8 D9
2020-2022, M8 D9 Treacle, black fruits Cherries
18°C
16°C Blackberries
Redcurrant, red cherries
1847
Rigatoni with sausage and fennel
ROSATO, IGP SALENTO, 2019
Orecchiette alle cime di rapa
Negroamaro $ 16.00
$ 96.00
A crisp rosé, salmon in colour with fresh fruit aromas, made from Negroamaro grapes picked in late September and left to macerate on skins for 12-14 hours, then fermented at 14-15°C. Flavours of apples and pears are complemented by an acidulated character on the palate, creating a refreshing rosé wine. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Fresh fruits, pears, apples
6°C
Crunchy fruits, [02] Antipasto platter
6
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
photo — The Santa Croce baroque cathedral is located in the historic center of Lecce.
1852
VERVE, NEGROAMARO, IGP SALENTO, 2017 Negroamaro $ 21.00
$ 126.00
Spicy aromas of white pepper, musk and meaty notes precede a sweet attack on the palate, revealing ginger, nutmeg and blackberry flavours. Verve is a mediumbodied wine with some chewy tannins on the finish. Matured for six months in Allier barrels, the oak is less marked than the Solemnis.
1850
PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA, DOP, 2018
1851
SOLEMNIS, PRIMITIVO, IGP SALENTO, 2017 Primitivo
Primitivo $ 18.00
$ 21.00 $ 108.00
Intense black cherry aromas and other fresh fruits combine to create a juicy palate. Soft on the attack, the Primitivo di Manduria 2018 is medium bodied with juicy black fruit flavours, a fine texture and supple structure. Primitivo di Manduria is a southern sub-region of Puglia renowned for the quality of its full-bodied Primitivo.
Intense cedar, pencil shavings, buttered toast and oaky aromas are complemented by ripe dark berries and blackberry characters. On the palate it is supple with oaky vanilla cream and succulent mulberries and blackberries, which continue to linger in the mouth. After fermentation and an extended maceration on skins, Solemnis was matured for six months in Allier oak barrels. Drinking deliciously now, it should stay at its peak for some time.
2020-2023, M8 D9 Black cherries
18°C
$ 126.00
2020-2023, M8 D9 Pencil shavings, buttery toast, blackberries
18°C
2020-2023, M7 D9 Musk, white pepper
Juicy fruits
Vanilla, berries
Blackberries, nutmeg, ginger
Peperonata (stewed bell peppers)
Beetroot curry
Eggplant parmigiana
photo — This three-wheel vehicle is used by farmers to transport the harvest back to the cellar.
18°C
— ITALY LE VIGNE DI SAMMARCO
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CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
photo — Harvesting under the Italian sun.
ITALY
The Wine People SRL
Stefano Girelli comes from a winemaking family in Trento in the north of Italy, a region geographically and culturally very close to Austria and Switzerland. Stefano is a proud Italian with a particular passion for the southern climes of the island of Sicily some 1,500 kilometres away. Joining forces with Stefano Chioccoli to create The Wine People, the pair produce and make great value wines throughout Italy.
PRODUCER FOR THIS CELLAR
1855
INDESIO PINOT GRIGIO, DOC DELLE VENEZIE, 2019
1856
Pinot Grigio $ 15.00
DEA DEL MARE MONTEPULCIANO D’ABRUZZO, DOC, 2019
$ 90.00 Montepulciano
A light Pinot Grigio wine from the Veneto region, that stretches from the Dolomite Mountains to the Adriatic Sea in northern Italy. This Pinot Grigio is very pale in colour – almost colourless – with appealing pear drop and fresh apple flavours. A smooth and crisp wine with a tangy, fresh lemon finish.
$ 90.00
$ 15.00
Raisins and cherries with bitter chocolate and savoury notes combine to create a smooth and easy drinking flavoursome wine. Montepulciano grapes were grown in select vineyards in the provinces of Chieti and Pescara, close to the Adriatic coast in Abruzzo, central Italy.
2020-2021, M8 D9 Pears
6°C
2020-2022, M8 D9 Raisins, cherry
18°C
Fresh apples, pears, [01]
Savoury, bitter chocolate
Pasta pescatore
Pepperoni pizza
— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE SRL
9
1857
DEA DEL MARE CATARRATTO PINOT GRIGIO, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2019
1858
Shiraz
Catarratto, Pinot Grigio $ 90.00
$ 15.00
$ 90.00
$ 15.00
Intense forest fruit aromas with mulberries, raspberries and blueberries lead to a soft juicy palate. This is a succulent wine with fresh cherry flavours and a vibrant acidity. The vineyards are located in the south west region of Sicily and planted at high density with up to 5,000 vines per hectare.
Light- to mediumbodied with white fruits, melon and pear flavours, this white wine is refreshing on the palate with a grapefruit pith finish. Catarratto and Pinot Grigio grapes were grown on sites around Trapani, a city in western Sicily with a crescent-shaped coastline. 2020-2021, M8 D9 White fruits, pear drops
INDESIO SHIRAZ, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2019
6°C
Grapefruit, [01] 2020-2022, M8 D9
Sicilian vegetable stew (Caponata siciliana)
Mulberries, blueberries, raspberries
18°C
Cherries, succulent fruits Rack of lamb with blueberry sauce
NEW
A subtle white with fresh apple flavours and spicy earthy notes. Crisp with a lingering finish, this wine was produced from a majority of Catarratto grapes with some Inzolia and Grecanico, all grown in selected vineyards around Trapani. Located at the western tip of Sicily, and offering views as far as the Aegadian Islands, this is the region best known for white grapes, with each variety picked and vinified separately at their peak.
10
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
1859
FEDELE BIANCO, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, 2019 Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico $ 16.00
$ 96.00
2020-2021, M8 D9 Earthy spice
6°C
Fresh apple, [01] Fettucine Alfredo
photo — The Nostru Carricante label was inpired by the baroque style of the San Giorgi cathedral in Ragusa (Sicily) and Sicilian ceramics.
1860
RUPE SECCA NERO D’AVOLA, DOC SICILIA, 2019
Nerello Mascalese
Nero d’Avola $ 17.00
$ 102.00
Blackberry fruits and savoury musky notes combine in the bouquet, making this a firm wine with some chewy tannins and a grainy texture. Nero d’Avola is Sicily’s most planted black grape, its reliability based on its love of heat, which produces full bodied wines with some aging potential. 2020-2023, M8 D9 Blackberries, musk
1862
NOSTRU NERELLO MASCALESE, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, AZIENDA AGRICOLA CORTESE, 2019
$ 114.00
$ 19.00
Indigenous to the Etna region in Sicily, Nerello Mascalese takes its name from the small village of Mascali in the foothills of Mount Etna. The variety has become a rising star as the wines have proven themselves and developed in popularity in recent years. Nostru 2019 has mellow cooked cherries and summer pudding aromas with a hint of cedar. It is medium bodied with blackcurrant flavours and a firm acidity.
18°C
Savoury, chewy tannins
2020-2024, M7 D8 Cooked cherries, summer pudding
Oxtail soup
18°C
Mellow, cedar, blackcurrant Wild mushroom and eggplant filo parcels
1861
NOSTRU CARRICANTE, IGP TERRE SICILIANE, AZIENDA AGRICOLA CORTESE, 2019 Carricante $ 19.00
$ 114.00
2020-2021, M8 D9 White fruits
6°C
Smooth, apples, nectarines, white peach, [00] Burrata with peach and cucumber salad
Carricante is a distinctive white variety grown in Sicily, which retains a high natural acidity under warm conditions. This is a smooth white with nice depth and flavours of white fleshy seeded fruits, nectarines, white peaches and fresh apples, which persist on the palate. For Nostru, vines are cultivated at 400 metres above sea level with grapes picked in early September, when they were gently pressed and the juice left to decant for 48 hours, then fermented. It was matured on fine lees for five months.
— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE SRL
11
1863
SOGATIA CHIANTI, DOCG, 2019
Sangiovese, Cannaiolo $ 16.00
$ 96.00
A relatively light, easydrinking Chianti for every day, with restrained red cherry and redcurrant aromas and a firm acidity and cranberry finish. A small percentage of Cannaiolo grapes were added to Sangiovese. 2020-2022, M8 D9 Red cherries, redcurrants
1864
SOGATIA CHIANTI RISERVA, DOCG, 2017 Sangiovese $ 17.00
$ 102.00
Produced from a selection of the best Sangiovese grapes grown at between 200 and 400 metres. Sogatia Chianti Riserva 2017 has spicy dried fruit and incense aromas. This is a medium- to fullbodied wine, serious with abundant concentration and good tannin structure and acidity. After fermentation in concrete tanks, it was matured for 12 months in Slavonian oak casks.
16°C 2020-2024, M7 D8
Cranberry Baked pork tenderloin stuffed with cranberries
Dried fruits, incense
18°C
Chewy finish Creamy chicken and mushrooms
1865
ALTADONNA CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE, 2017 Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah $ 25.00
$ 150.00
2021-2026, M6 D7 Blackberries, wild herbs, hint vanilla Bitter cherry, blackcurrant Veal marsala
12
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
18°C
Last year’s Select Plus wines are back! Order your favourite today.
Blackberries, wild herbs, rosemary and green leaf aromas mix with subtle notes of vanilla, making this a complex wine that needs more time before reaching its peak. It is smooth with a fine texture and good grip on the finish. The Altadonna vineyards are located around Gaiole and Quercegrossa in the heart of Chianti Classico. This is the personal estate of Stefano Chioccoli and his family, run by his two sons, Niccolo and Enrico. Stefano, one of the leading winemaking consultants in Italy, is continually experimenting new techniques to improve quality. Aged for 12 months in old 225-litre French barriques, it has a long bitter cherry and blackcurrant finish.
photo — A damigiana is a glass container commonly used for wine in Italy.
NEW
1866
ALTADONNA CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, CHIOCCIOLI ALTADONNA FAMILY ESTATE, 2016 Sangiovese, Merlot $ 33.00
SIVÀ PROSECCO EXTRA DRY, DOC
Glera
$ 198.00
Drinking nicely already, Altadonna Riserva 2016 has lots of potential! Spicy coconut oak aromas mingle with ripe dark fruits, blueberries and mulberries, and the result is a smooth, bitter cherry finish with a hint of smoke. After a traditional fermentation on skins for 21 days, the wine was matured in French oak barrels for 14 to 16 months. 2020-2028, M6 D8 Spicy, coconut, blueberries, mulberries
1867
18°C
$ 108.00
$ 18.00
A smooth, easy-drinking glass of fizz with fresh fruity pear aromas and a limey acidity. That’s what you get when Glera grapes are grown on gentle hillside slopes and picked mid-to-late September. The grapes were fermented at low temperature with a second fermentation to capture the bubbles. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Pear drops
6°C
Lime, creamy fizz, [03] Italian sponge cake
Bitter cherry, smoke Juicy rack of lamb
photo — Marina Girelli drives the winery tractor.
In the trailer, Stefano Chioccioli and Stefano Girelli pose with the rest of the team.
— ITALY THE WINE PEOPLE SRL
13
14
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
ITALY
Poggibonsi
Cinciano Cinciano estate has a commanding position overlooking the Elsa valley across the medieval hilltop town of San Gimignano, known as the city of towers. The origin of the estate likely dates back to Roman times. In 1126 it was gifted by Zaballina, widow of Ridolfino da Catignano, to Gotifredo, Bishop of Florence, along with the castles of Linari and Catignano. This was a time when Tuscany was wealthy and wars were raging between the nearby cities of Siena and Florence. The historic property has ancient buildings now completely renovated set on 150 hectares of land, with 24 hectares under vine planted to Sangiovese.
photo — The entrance to the Villa Zaballina at Cinciano Estate. The ground floor consists of a succession of frescoed rooms and lounges.
— ITALY CINCIANO
15
1869
CINCIANO BIANCO, IGP TOSCANA, 2019 Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc $ 20.00
$ 120.00
A deliciously flavoursome and refreshing wine with aromas of quince and apples, it is supple and smooth with a delightful mix of passion fruit, cassis and white peach flavours. Produced from 60% Viognier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Sauvignon Blanc, Cinciano buys in white grapes from local growers. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Quince, apples
6°C
Passion fruit, white peach, [00] Asian-style salad
Tasty Tuscan wines never disappoint!
1870
CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO, DOCG, 2018 Sangiovese $ 26.00
$ 156.00
2021-2026, M6 D7 Cherry jam, black cherries Sour bitter cherries, raisins Hanger steak
16
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
18°C
A concentrated wine with fresh black cherry and cherry jam aromas, this Chianti becomes a tad more serious on the palate with nice depth, black fruits and a smoky bitter and sour cherry finish. This is a wine with some grip. Sangiovese grapes were grown on vines planted on the estate 10 to 18 years ago on typical Chianti Alberese soils and fermented in concrete tanks, and while matured in Slavonian oak casks for eight to ten months, this wine shows no obvious oak. top photo — Cinciano overlooks the Chianti Classico
hills. Autumn mornings bring fog, which makes for a breathtaking show.
1871
CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA, DOCG, 2017 Sangiovese $ 32.00
$ 192.00
Grapes were grown on older vines on a 44-year-old vineyard, planted at higher altitude. The result is a concentrated wine, quite restrained in aroma with a rich smooth palate. It will benefit from some more bottle age prior to reaching its optimum. It is fine in texture with a juicy acidity. Picked by hand in early October 2017, the wine was fermented for 30 days in concrete tanks, then matured for 14 to 18 months in large oak casks. 2021-2028, M6 D8 Coal, black cherries
18°C
Rich, smooth Bistecca alla Fiorentina
A special selection of grapes was used to produce Gran Selezione. Grown at between 250 and 230 metres in altitude, grapes were harvested by hand in the first half of October. The 2015 has a mellow bouquet with vanilla, black fruits, loganberries and jam. It is soft and smooth with good mid palate fruit, a fine texture and long supple finish. It is mediumto full-bodied and was matured in large oak casks for 20 to 24 months. Drinking nicely now, it will continue to develop.
CINCIANO CHIANTI CLASSICO GRAN SELEZIONE, DOCG, 2015 Sangiovese
1872
$ 240.00
WOOD CASE
$ 91.00
1873
$ 273.00
bottom photo — Niccolò, one of Cinciano’s young winemakers, inside a concrete barrel during the racking of the wine.
2021-2028, M6 D7
$ 40.00 Mellow vanilla, loganberries, black cherry
18°C
Smooth, fine texture Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic
— ITALY CINCIANO
17
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CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
ITALY
Avenue A window on some of the regions of Italy sourced through Avenue. The 2019 whites are great for drinking now with food. We also feature some choice reds.
1874
VILLA DÈ MORESCHI SOAVE, DOC, 2019 Garganega, Trebbiano di Soave $ 16.00
$ 96.00
A light and refreshing white produced from Garganega grapes grown in the hills around Soave to the east of Verona. It has fresh pear and white fruit flavours with a citrus finish. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Fresh pears
6°C
White fruits, light, refreshing, [01] Grilled salmon
photo — Cantina Terrenostre, in the Langhe hills, produces Barbera d’Alba Ajè only in the best vintages.
— ITALY AVENUE
19
1875
VERDICCHIO DEI CASTELLI DI JESI CLASSICO, DOC, 2019 Verdicchio, Malvasia $ 17.00
1876
PONTEMAGNO ROSSO PICENO, DOC, 2019 Sangiovese, Montepulciano
$ 102.00
$ 17.00
$ 102.00
A more intense, flavoursome white with notes of green apples and spring blossoms, this wine is medium bodied with a persistent finish. Verdicchio grapes were blended with 15% Malvasia from the hilliest areas in the province of Ancona on the east coast of Italy.
Floral aromas of peonies and lilies mingle with a touch of graphite. 2019 Piersanti Rosso Piceno is medium bodied with red fruit flavours. It is gifted with a grainy texture and a chewy sour cherry finish. A blend of 50% Sangiovese with 50% Montepulciano.
2020-2021, M8 D9
2020-2022, M8 D9
Fresh green apples, blossom
6°C
Floral, graphite
Spritz, fresh apple, [00]
Red fruits, sour cherries
Seared tuna steak
Tagliatelle alla bolognese
1877
TERRENOSTRE BARBERA D’ALBA AJÈ, DOC, 2015 Barbera $ 21.00
$ 126.00
18°C
Showing really nicely now, it will remain at its peak for some years. Aje 2015 has tar, black fruit and treacly aromas, which lead to a soft, ripe fruit palate. It is supple and smooth with black cherry flavours. A wine which punches well above its weight in terms of price and class, and one of my favourites in the cellar offering. 2020-2024, M8 D9 Black fruits, treacle
18°C
Black cherries, ripe fruits Traditional tajarin pasta with truffle
20
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
photo — Villa De Moreschi was established in the early 1970s by Giorgio Cristoforetti (on the right side) and Walter Delibori (2nd from the left).
1878
TRUFFLE HUNTER LEDA BARBERA D’ALBA, DOC, BOSIO WINERY, 2018 NEW
Barbera $ 22.00
$ 132.00
A smooth wine, which oozes dark chocolate, raisins, black forest cake and blackberry fruits. Leda Truffle Hunter is named after Leda the estate dog who sniffs out the prized white truffles found around Alba. The 2018 is supple with a fine texture and long bitter chocolate finish. It was matured in new French oak barrels for 18 months.
1879
PIETRASERENA CHIANTI COLLI SENESI, DOCG, ARRIGONI, 2019 Sangiovese, Colorino, Canaiolo $ 23.00
An intense fruity Chianti, medium-bodied, smooth and very easy to drink. Aromas of red berries, strawberry and raspberries continue onto the palate. Low in tannin with a fine texture. Vines are cultivated on the slopes of the Senesi hills close to San Gimignano at 330 metres.
2020-2026, M7 D9 Dark chocolate, raisins
18°C
2020-2023, M8 D9 Red berries
Mellow, plums, blackberries, bitter chocolate
Strawberry, raspberries
Brasato al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo)
Roast chicken
photo — Bosio Winery’s Barbera grapes in the Alba area are all selected by hand. This vineyard is 30 years old.
$ 138.00
16°C
— ITALY AVENUE
21
22
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
ITALY
Winetraders
A curated selection from Italy
1880
ORVIETO SUPERIORE, DOC, ARGILLAE, 2019 Grechetto, Procanico, Malvasia, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc $ 18.00
$ 108.00
Orvieto is one of the famous white wines of Italy. The DOC lies almost halfway on the route between Rome and Florence around the small town with the same name. An appealing and mellow white with aromas of apples, pears, quince and lemon. It is an unusual blend of five grape varieties. On the palate, more tropical characters are present with a nice mandarin citrus finish. The beautiful Argillae estate covers approximately 200 hectares, 39 of which are dedicated to the vineyard amongst wild woodlands and olive groves. The Bonollo family has integrated sustainability into every aspect of the winery – from vineyard to packaging, using light bottles made from 80% recycled glass. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Apples, quince, lemon
6°C
Tropical fruit, mandarin, citrus, [01] Couscous salad
photo — These gorgeous Glera grapes were picked at the peak of their ripeness in September 2019.
— ITALY WINETRADERS
23
NEW
1881
DOGLIANI, DOCG, CLAVESANA, 2018 NEW
Dolcetto $ 19.00
$ 114.00
1882
‘84 PROSECCO BRUT, DOC TREVISO
The Dogliani DOCG, named after the little town of Dogliani, lies directly south of Barolo. The DOCG specializes in Dolcetto, and, in fact, only the Dolcetto grape is permitted to produce its wines. The 2018 from Clavesana has floral lavender aromas complemented by delicious buttery patisserie characters. More blueberry and blackcurrant flavours emerge on the palate. This is a structured wine with a long finish.
An intense Prosecco with fruits, pears and spicy flavours. It has a creamy texture with crisp acidity and lingering lemon and lime flavours. Discovered by Winetraders’ Michael Palij MW during a buying trip to the Veneto, this textbook example of Prosecco is made by one of the Veneto’s top producers who would prefer to remain anonymous given the astonishingly good price.
2020-2023, M8 D9
2020-2021, M8 D9
Floral, lavender, patisserie
24
18°C
Glera $ 20.00
Pears, spices
Blackcurrant
Fresh pear, lemon, lime, [02]
French onion soup
Croque-monsieur
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
$ 120.00
6°C
photo — The Argillae cellar room is painted in black and white stripes to mimic the cathedral of Orvieto.
1883
ZUCCHETTO VALDOBBIADENE EXTRA DRY, PROSECCO SUPERIORE, DOCG, PAOLO ZUCCHETTO, 2019 Glera $ 24.00
$ 144.00
2020-2021, M8 D9 Subtle bouquet, floral
A more subtle wine with floral, citrus and peach flavours with spice. It has very fine bubbles, a soft creamy texture with good weight and a long finish. A more serious style of Prosecco for special occasions and as an accompaniment to meals. The Zucchetto estate vineyards lie in the Valdobbiadene hills and are tended to by Paolo Zucchetto. His son, Carlo Alberto, is the winemaker.
1884
VERSO SUD SUSUMANIELLO, IGP PUGLIA, I PÀSTINI, 2018 Susumaniello $ 24.00
$ 144.00
6°C
Crisp citrus fruits, peach, spice, [02] Grilled shrimp with citrus sauce
The winemakers at I Pastini champion local grapes such as Susumaniello.
A succulent and voluptuous wine with intense aromas of coffee liqueur, dark berry fruits and cocoa. More raspberries and blackberries shine through on the palate. A traditional variety to the region, Susumaniello grapes cultivated in the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve were harvested by hand and into boxes in early October 2018. The wine was matured in oak barrels for six months. 2020-2023, M8 D9 Coffee liqueur, dark fruits, cocoa
18°C
Raspberries, blackberries, vanilla, cloves Stuffed aubergines and peppers
photo — The members of the Cantina Clavesana cooperative recreate the crown pictured on their wine labels.
— ITALY WINETRADERS
25
26
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
AUSTRIA Breitenbrunn Burgenland
Höpler
Burgenland growers are very happy with the quality of intensely flavoured grapes picked in 2019. These were harvested under perfect, stable weather conditions, with no pressure in the vineyard to pick quickly. Harvest started on September 4, two weeks later than 2018, and Christof and his team experienced a relatively calm harvest – if ever there is one – with delicious results.
NEW
1885
PANNONICA WHITE BLEND, LANDWEIN, BURGENLAND, 2019 Grüner Veltliner, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc $ 21.00
$ 126.00
An intense combination of white fruit aromas with fresh pears and nectarines to the fore. Pannonica is soft and smooth with a medium body. It has flavours of fresh apples and good depth. A blend of three grape varieties, these were picked between September 12 and 30, 2019. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Pears, nectarine
6°C
Fresh apples, [01] Broiled lobster tails
photo — The view from the Edelgraben vineyard over the Neusiedlsee (Lake Neusiedl). The Höpler winery is on the far left.
— AUSTRIA HÖPLER
27
1887
HÖPLER GRÜNER VELTLINER, QUALITÄTSWEIN, BURGENLAND, 2019 Grüner Veltliner $ 22.00
HÖPLER RIESLING, QUALITÄTSWEIN, BURGENLAND, 2019 Riesling
$ 132.00
Christof Höpler’s 2019 Grüner Veltliner is an invigorating affair with aromas of apple blossom, fresh apples and lime. With a touch of spritz on the palate, flavours of fresh fennel, lemon sherbet and a limey finish give it lots of appeal. A great variety for food matching, it has become Austria’s national grape, winning the hearts and minds of sommeliers the world over. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Apple blossom, fresh apples
1888
6°C
$ 26.00
Here is an elegant, flavoursome and supple Riesling with fresh apples, peaches and spicy flavours, medium-bodied with a long, crisp limey finish and the concentration and balance to develop for some years. Grapes were picked by hand September 16-18, gently pressed and fermented at low temperature. 2020-2024, M7 D9 Fresh green apples, peaches, spice Green apple, lime, [01]
Fennel, lemon sherbet, [00] NEW
1886
Smoked eel
PANNONICA ROSÉ, LANDWEIN, BURGENLAND, 2019 Pinot Noir, St. Laurent, Blaufränkisch $ 21.00
$ 126.00
An easy drinking rosé with lots of raspberry and sour cherry flavours, salmon pink in colour with a soft, smooth body. Pannonia was a province of the Roman Empire, bounded to the north and east by the Danube River, which flows down through Vienna, close to Breitenbrunn, where Höpler is located, and out into the Black Sea. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Fresh apple Raspberries, sour cherry, [01] Grilled pork chops
28
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
6°C
Oysters
$ 156.00
6°C
1889
HÖPLER BLAUFRÄNKISCH, QUALITÄTSWEIN, BURGENLAND, 2017
HÖPLER “ERWEIN” ST. LAURENT, QUALITÄTSWEIN, BURGENLAND, 2017 St. Laurent
Blaufränkisch $ 25.00
1890
$ 150.00
While Austria produces a majority of white wines, the Leithaberg region in Burgenland, where Höpler is based, is suitable for growing a wider range of grapes. The region is located next to the shallow Neusiedl Lake, and benefits from having one of the highest number of sunshine hours in Europe. This, combined with the tempering effect of the lake, makes the area famous for its Blaufränkisch wines. Höpler 2017 Blaufränkisch has smoky, graphite and mineral aromas over a blackcurrant background, while being soft and smooth with a fine texture. Still youthful, it has a juicy acidity and will continue to develop.
$ 25.00
This wine brims with wild berry fruits, redcurrants, mulberries and blackcurrants with some floral notes, creating an immediately attractive perfume. It is supple with a fine grainy texture – a wine with elegance – and a persistent finish. Matured for 18 months, in second and third use oak barrels, the oak is seamlessly integrated with the fruit. For many generations the Höpler family has named the first-born son Erwein, as well as this special selection of St. Laurent.
2020-2025, M7 D8 Smoke, mineral, blackcurrant
photo — Höpler’s oldest vineyard, Kirchberg, was first planted by Cisterian monks in the year 1203.
18°C
$ 150.00
2020-2024, M7 D9 Redcurrants, mulberries, floral
Juicy fruits
Blackcurrants
Slow cooked and caramelized pork belly
Roast beef
18°C
— AUSTRIA HÖPLER
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30
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
photo — Getting ready for lunch during the 2019 harvest at the winery.
GERMANY Pfalz
Stepp
At the moment at least, it generally seems that climate change is having a beneficial effect on growing grapes at more northerly latitudes. Based in the Pfalz, Stepp’s vineyards are located in the sunniest, warmest wine region of Germany. In 2019, the Pfalz experienced extremely low rainfall and warmer temperatures, which created some stress for vines so that viticulture techniques had to be adapted. Whereas fungal diseases used to be the primary concern, in 2019 water availability and avoiding sunburn of the grapes became greater issues of concern. Gerd Stepp has produced a fine range of perfectly balanced wines with great freshness, flavour and typicity.
NEW
1891
STEPP SCHEUREBE, PFALZ, 2019
Scheurebe $ 19.00
$ 114.00
The Scheurebe grape shows good expression grown at higher elevations on limestonerich soils around the village of Herxheim am Berg. Aromas of fresh apples and grapefruit with some flint and wet stone lead to a smooth apricoty palate with firm acidity and a long, crisp finish. A crossing between Riesling and Bouquet Blanc, the Scheurebe grape variety was created by Dr. Georg Scheu in 1916. After some years of being pulled out of vineyards, it has recently been garnering renewed attention. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Fresh apple, grapefruit, wet stone
6°C
Fennel, lemon, apricot, [01] Brussels sprout babaganoush
— GERMANY STEPP
31
1892
STEPP PINOT NOIR ROSÉ, PFALZ, 2019
Try our Vietnamese recipes in Vino Etcetera. They pair perfectly with Stepp wines.
Pinot Noir $ 20.00
$ 120.00
Made using the “saignée” method, the juice for this rosé was drawn off from the Pinot Noir grapes used to make the red. It is a pale salmon pink, with aromas of watermelon and citrus with nice mid palate red fruits and a lingering finish. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Watermelon, lemon, lime sherbet
6°C
Red fruits, lemon, [01] Roast pork tenderloin with fennel–citrus salad
1893
STEPP PINOT BLANC, PFALZ, 2019
STEPP PINOT GRIS, PFALZ, 2019
Pinot Gris
Pinot Blanc $ 20.00
1894
$ 120.00
A medium-bodied white with fresh apple and white fruit flavours and a touch of minerality. Pinot Blanc grapes were grown in most northern sites of the Pfalz region on soils high in limestone content. Yields are reduced by the nature of the soils and work in the vineyards with a green harvest in June.
$ 20.00
A rich, smooth wine with mellow fruit aromas, quince, pears and spice, along with a broad structure and supple texture. Pinot Gris is susceptible to botrytis more than any other grape variety, hence the importance of harvesting at exactly the right moment. After fermentation, the wine was left on yeast lees, ‘sur lie’ for four months.
2020-2021, M8 D9 Fresh apples, flint
32
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
6°C
$ 120.00
2020-2021, M8 D9 Quince, pears
6°C
Fresh white fruit, [01]
Spice, rich and smooth, [01]
Cheesy pretzels
Bavarian roast pork, cabbage and dumplings
photo — Gerd driving the winery tractor during the 2019 harvest. This is more fun than emptying buckets full of grapes!
1895
STEPP PINOT NOIR, PFALZ, 2018
Pinot Noir $ 24.00
1896
STEPP RIESLING, PFALZ, 2019
Riesling $ 144.00
A lightish Pinot Noir, with restrained aromas of red fruits and blackcurrant cordial. This wine is smooth and very moreish, with a long raspberry finish. The warm climate of the Pfalz makes it the best region for Pinot Noir in Germany. Grapes came from selected terraced vineyards on limestone and coloured sandstone soils. Harvested by hand, the grapes were fermented in open-top fermenters with manual punch downs carried out two to three times a day. Malolactic fermentation and maturation for 12 months were carried out in oak barrels, with one third in new French oak and the balance in second and third filled barrels.
$ 21.00
STEPP RIESLING VOM SAUMAGEN, KALLSTADTER SAUMAGEN, PFALZ, 2018 Riesling
$ 126.00
Fresh and fruity with white fruits, fresh apples and melon aromas, this is an immediately attractive wine, with supple lime and sour green apple characters and a long finish. Riesling grapes came from sites around Herxheim am Berg and Bad Dürkheim in the heart of the Pfalz region. 2020-2023, M7 D9 White fruits, melon,
1897
6°C
$ 23.00
$ 138.00
Stepp Riesling vom Saumagen is starting to show some delicious mature Riesling character, with notes of flint and diesel complementing lime and apple flavours. This Riesling is rich on the palate with some residual sweetness, which perfectly balances the high natural acidity. Kallstadter Saumagen is a single vineyard in the Pfalz with loess-loam soils and a southeast facing exposition. The wine was slowly fermented over two to three months and the left ‘sur lie’ for a further four months, giving it a spicy mineral finish.
Fresh apples, lime, [01] 2020-2023, M8 D9
Apple, speck, arugula salad with aged balsamic Flint, diesel
6°C
Apples, lime, spice, [02] Vietnamese grilled pork with rice vermicelli
2020-2022, M8 D9 Fresh red fruits, ribena
16°C
Raspberry German spaetzle dumplings
photo — The barrels are cellared for the maturation
of the Pinot Noir wines.
— GERMANY STEPP
33
MIXED CASE
NEW
NEW
STEPP RIESLING VOM KÖNIGSWINGERT, PFALZ, 2019
STEPP RIESLING VOM FUCHSMANTEL, PFALZ, 2019
NEW
1898
STEPP SINGLE CRU CASE $ 23.00
$ 138.00
Riesling is a noble grape and the king of white grapes in Germany. It produces some of the longest-lived white wines in the world. When young, these are often subtle with fresh, white fruits, which, over time, develop into richer, spicier wines with some diesel notes, always with a high natural acidity giving vivacity, balance and longevity.
Riesling
Riesling
Königswingert, the single vineyard site, is a cru with deep mineral rich soils of alluvial stones and lots of sandstones, allowing the vines’ roots to dig deep and find water and nutrients. A complex wine, it has spices, apples and yellow peaches on the nose, and a tangy lemon lime acidity with more sour green apples and great depth.
This is a wine of substance with fresh apples, apple blossom and quince aromas. It has good depth on the palate and a long finish indicating potential for aging and developing complexity. Fuchsmantel, meaning “fox’s coat”, is a classic terraced vineyard site. The Stepp vineyard is located in the lower part of Fuchsmantel on loam-loess soils high in coloured sandstones with good water retention.
2020-2024, M7 D8 Spice, fresh apple
6°C
2020-2024, M8 D9 Apple blossom, fresh apple, quince
6°C
Lemon lime, sour green apple, [01]
Three bottles each Vom Königswingert & Vom Fuchsmantel
34
CELLAR 276 — ALBERTA
More weight, substance, [01] Crab-stuffed sole paupiettes with white wine sauce
Caramelized scallops with citrus and crispy shallot
22.00
photo — Hand-picked Riesling grapes from the Fuchsmantel vineyard.
STEPP GEWÜRZTRAMINER, PFALZ, 2019
1899
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
Gewürztraminer $ 20.00
$ 120.00
An aromatic wine with intense perfume of Turkish delight, lychees and spices. More tropical and bitter fruits emerge on the palate with ripe and char-grilled pineapple and grapefruit notes all apparent. The vineyard was selected for its alluvial soil with clay, sand and gravel to produce an intense, yet elegant style. 2020-2021, M8 D9 Turkish delight, spices
NEW
6°C
Tropical fruits, char-grilled pineapple, [02]
1901
CRAFT 3 MALBEC, MENDOZA, 2019
Foie gras terrine with brioche toasts and lychee jelly
Malbec
1900
STEPP BEERENAUSLESE, PFALZ, 2018 Weisburgunder (Pinot Blanc), Ortega $ 22.00
$ 132.00
This is a dessert wine with almond, marzipan, lime, apple and yeasty aromas. It is sweet with an elegant structure, deliciously balanced with fresh fruits and long finish. Grapes were left for an extended time to ripen on the vines, allowing the development of noble rot. 2020-2024, M7 D8 Almond, marzipan, lime, yeasty Elegant, medium-bodied, [08]
6°C
$ 20.00
$ 120.00
For all you Malbec lovers, this is a must. Intense in colour, this wine has aromas of plums and violets leading to a rich ripe palate. It is smooth with a fine texture and long finish with flavours of violets and some grip. Gerd Stepp has been going to Argentina for the best part of the last twenty years. As a keen runner, over the years he got to know and fell in love with the highaltitude vineyards of the Uco valley. During a consultancy trip in 2015, he decided to start making his own Malbec from grapes in Chacayes and Tupungato. Gerd makes the wine each year then ships it to his winery in Germany where he matures and bottles it with just a kiss of oak. 2020-2023, M7 D9 Plums, violets
18°C
Ripe fruits, smooth Lamb tagine
Roquefort cheese
photo — Malbec vineyards in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in Uco Valley, Argentina
— GERMANY STEPP
35
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WHAT YOU GET FOR $109 PER CELLAR OFFERING
9
surprise mixed cases from 9 different regions
3
pairs of fine wines with distinct personalities
54
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