COUPS DE COEUR

THIS CELLAR'S HIGHEST SCORING WINES

ESPUMANTE CONFRARIA, SUPER RESERVA BRUTO, ARINTO E CHARDONNAY, 2016, LOT 3663, P43

EVERYDAY DRINKING

RAMILO VINHAS VELHAS TINTO, VINHO REGIONAL LISBOA, 2020, LOT 3655, P39 DUXINARO CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY, 2019, LOT 3618, P10

CELLARING POTENTIAL

DEVIL'S FOG PINOT NOIR, LODI, 2020, LOT 3626, P19

hold Mountain View wines are made from 75% recycled glass while the case cartons are produced from 85% post-consumer recycled paper. At Kautz Family Vineyards, the family has been practising sustainability for over 35 years. Stephen Kautz describes it as “looking at the trees and the forest at the same time,” and considers future generations by taking a long-term view in the decisions that they make. They have been instrumental in rescuing the wood duck from extinction by placing nesting boxes on their estate. Deer are permitted in the vineyard too. Even though they eat some of the Kautz’s prized grapes, the family knows that they are part of a healthy and diverse ecosystem. Additional strategies include irrigation with grey water to conserve energy and reduce the strain on the water supply. Energy is further conserved by heating the property’s buildings with solar-powered heated floors. In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, the Holloran vineyards are farmed organically or biodynamically. All key vineyard tasks such as shoot-thinning and positioning, leaf removal, crop reduction and hedging are performed by hand. As a result of their viticultural effort, the Holloran vines produce riper fruit and develop deeper roots that can access more of the varied mineral layers of the soil. In the glass, the wines reflect an increased complexity and more concentrated mid-palate flavours. In Prince Edward County, Ontario, vintner Sherry Karlo and partner Saxe Brickenden are responsible for producing the first certified vegan wine in the world. Not only do Karlo Estates wines appeal to the growing number of consumers interested in plant-based consumption, forgoing the use of any animalbased products reduces the winery’s carbon footprint. If you are wondering why all wine is not vegan, it is often due to the use of animal-based fining materials. If you are interested in learning more on this topic, you might wish to read my research paper “An Investigation into Consumer Attitudes Toward Vegan and Vegetarian wine in Canada” which can be found on the Master of Wine Website at Mastersofwine.org/rp. These are just a few examples of our many Opimian wine and spirit making partners who are not only dedicated to exceptional craftsmanship and providing great value but who also strive to make a difference. We hope you enjoy hearing their stories and getting to know all the quality-minded producers that have contributed to this Cellar.