Earlier this year, my brother-in-law and good friend passed away. He appreciated wine as much as I do and not only loved to discuss wine but the region it came from and it's history. On his last trip to France, he drove many kilometers out of his way to bring me back a bottle of Sauternes from a local vineyard in the Bordeaux region because he and his wife thought I might like it. That's the kind of person he was and will be remembered as. A kind and gentle man who always tried to make everyone's life a little bit better. I will truly miss our long chats about wine and history.
I would like to dedicate this posting to my friend and brother-in-law Doug who is dearly missed by all his family and friends. Here are a couple of his favourite varietals.
Perrin & Fils Les Sinards Chateauneuf du Pape - Chateauneuf du Pape, France
Where else could you find such a distinctive wine produced in the heart of the Rhone valley and cloaked in Papal history. A blend of 70% Grenache with some Syrah, Mourvedre and Counoise. A deep dark rich red wine with a long cherry finish with some pepper. Some noticeable tannins on the finish
Price - under $35 (LCBO Vintages - 926626)
Great with Sunday roast beef dinner
2009 Montecillo Crianza La Rioja - Rioja Spain
100% Tempranillo grapes aged in American oak for 12 months and stored in bottles for further aging. A dark red wine with aromas of ripe red fruit like cherries and some cedar. Lots of cherry flavour with a firm tannic structure that doesn't overpower the long cherry finish. Excellent wine to sip while listening to flamenco guitar music on a warm summer night
Price - under $15 (LCBO - 144493)
Pair this wine with your own little tapas bar of olives, aged cheeses and fresh bread.
