About Wine
Where's The Cork? The twist cap, "Stelvin closure", is becoming more common with wines. Here's why:
- Eliminates cork taint, which causes that musty smell and taste.
- Virtually eliminates all risk of oxidation which dulls the wine.
- Helps the wine age by preserving its freshness, aromatic and varietal character.
- And last and most important: it's convenient - simply replace the cap and twist to re-seal!
Environmentally Friendly Denman Place Wines!
We currently carry a selection of wines that fall under all three of these environmentally friendly methods of production....
Sustainable: Currently there is no official certification for sustainable farming. Sustainable farmers have the flexibility to choose what works best for their individual property so that they can be profitable, recycle, conserve energy and water, and use renewable resources whenever possible. The sustainable farmer works around three basic concepts: 1.) Environmentally sound. (2.) Economically feasible. (3.) Socially equitable.
Organic: Organic farmers strive to conserve soil and water by using renewable resources. However, organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Certification takes up to three years and includes annual reviews and fees. This is why many farmers have organic wine but do not label organic on the bottle.
Biodynamic: Biodynamic faming goes beyond organic standards to incorporate criteria to promote biodiversity, soil health and the accomodation of nature on the farm and in winemaking practices. Optimal conditions are achieved by cultivating healthy, naturally robust farm ecosystems and by utilizing active crop rotation and composting on-farm and winery wastes for farming, with attention to natural cycles. The wine is not inorganically manipulated, as only indigenous yeasts are used in fermentation, along with no additional sugar being added and only bentonite clay and egg whites from ogranic free-range chickens being permitted for refining. There is a strong connection with nature emphasized with biodynamic farming.
Sustainable/Biodynamic Wineries: Cousino-Macul (Chile), Antech (France), Villa Maria (New Zealand), Summerhill (B.C.), M. Chapoutier (France), Winds Of Change (South Africa), Babich (New Zealand)
Organic Wineries: Pares Balta (Spain), 8th Generation (B.C.), Renato Fenocchio (Italy), Oak Bay (B.C.), St Hubertus (B.C.), Maurel Vedeau (France) and many more....
WINES FOR THE WINTER:
Port- It is typically a sweet red wine, but also comes in dry, semi-dry and white varieties. There is many different types of port, including Ruby (aged in stainless steel to preserve its rich claret colour), Tawny (has been aged in wooden barrels, giving them a slightly nutty flavour), and White (made from white grapes in a range of styles from dry-very sweet). Wines in the style of port are produced around the world in several countries—most notably Australia, South Africa, Canada, India, Argentina and the United States. But under European Union guidelines, only the product from Portugal may be labelled as Port. Port wine is typically richer, sweeter, heavier, and possesses a higher alcohol content than most other wines. This is caused by the addition of distilled grape spirits to fortify the wine and halt fermentation before all the sugar is converted to alcohol and results in a wine that is usually either 19.5% or 20% alcohol. Port is commonly served after meals as a dessert wine, often with cheese; commonly Stilton. White and tawny ports are often served as an aperitif.
Fonseca LBV - Ruby (Portugal) $17.90, Buller - Tawny (Australia) $24.65, Taylor Fladgate - White (Portugal) $25.50, Grahams Six Grapes - Ruby (Portugal) $30.15, Smith Woodhouse LBV Ruby(Portugal) - $39.70
Beaujolais/Gamay Noir- "The only grape used in Beaujolais is the Gamay. The wine's personality begins with the gamay grape. Gamay's flavours are virtually unmistakable: a rush of sweet black cherry and black raspberry, then a hint of peaches, violets, roses and cranberry, followed by a smidgen of peppery spiciness at the end. In many reds a tight rasp of tannin acts as a cloak over the fruit flavours but not so in Beaujolais. Because gamay is naturally low in tannins, its already profuse fruitiness seems even more dramatic." Karen MacNeil, 'The Wine Bible'.
This varietal is perfect for fall because of its medium body, ripe fruit flavours and easy pairing with food. Try it with turkey, roasts, stews, any sort of rustic dish or just enjoy sipping on its own!
Joseph Drouhin - Moulin-A-Vent Beaujolais (France) $24.05, Louis Jadot - Combe aux Jacques Beaujolais (France) $22.40, Sandhill - Gamay Noir (B.C.) $20.90, Robin Ridge - Gamay Noir (B.C.) $20.10, Mt. Boucherie - Gamay Noir (B.C.) $17.05
Riesling- Riesling is considered by many wine experts to be one of the most noble and unique grape varieties out there. Great riesling has soaring acidity and considerable extract, yet the wine is often low in alcohol and thus light in body. Its refined structure is complemented by the mouthwateringly delicate flavours of fresh ripe peaches, apricots, melons and sometimes is pierced with a vibrant mineral quality.
Rieslings are one of the most vibrant and exciting white wines to pair with food...its penetratingly sharp acid is a great counterpoint to the fat in meats, but is also perfect with complex Asian food, salads and simple vegetable dishes.
Leitz Kabinett - Riesling (Germany) $24.70, Rd.13 - Riesling (B.C.) $20.90, 8th Generation - Riesling (B.C.) $20.45, Dirty Laundry - (B.C.) $19.80, Chateau St. Michelle - Riesling (B.C.) $16.90
