Primitivo Lapaccio Pasqua Salento i.g.t. 2007

Another Primitivo- produced by Lapaccio- grown in the Apulia region of Southern Italy (actually this wine is 5% negroamaro). Wonderfully sweet bouquet of cherry and other small berries slight hint of raspberry. The bouquet opens to an exquisite dry and very rich flavour - most noticeably of plum. Has a beautiful warm taste perfect for a spring evening on a terrace while the sun is setting. One of the best Primitivo’s in its price range (13 dollars). Would pair nice nicely with a red meat or even just a baguette from a local bakery. Excellent example of a primitivo 8.4/10

Miglianico Montepulciano D’Abruzzo 2007

The SAQ recently began selling three Italian wines of the Montepulciano D’Abruzzo variety under ten dollars- one of which is produced by Miglianico. This particular wine is dry, soft on the palate and goes down very smoothly (with the consistency of water). It lacks distinctive and complex flavour, but that is to be expected as the wine itself costs only $8.60 (on sale -usually $9.60) per liter. It is an unpretentious table wine and goes well with havarti and other soft cheeses or perhaps with pasta. This is the type of wine that one would bring to a party instead of beer, but certainly not one to impress a date. Considering the price 6.4/10

Carpene Malvoti Cuvee Brut Prosecco

This Prosecco is an absolutely wonderful find. Prosecco is a type of a grape variety used mostly to produced sparkling wine. It is only allowed to be called a Prosecco if grown a protected region in Italy close to Venice, similar to Champagne in France. When Prosecco sparkling wines are being produced the second stage of fermentation takes place is a steel container rather than in the bottles themselves, like Champagnes and some other sparkling wines. Also, Prosecco wines are best within two years of production unlike Champagnes that can improve or at least maintain their quality with age (this bottle doesn't even have a year on it). Carpene Malvoti Cuvee Brut Prosecco is quite light and fruity, somewhat sweet yet with a very crisp taste. The bouquet is noticeably fruity with subtle hints of apple. The bubbles are very fine and maintain their evanescence on the palate, creating a nice refreshing effect. Definitely worth trying; again and again- 8.3/10. It is under 17 dollars a bottle.

Kumala Merlot-Pinotage Western Cape 2008

Tonight I tried Kumala’s Merlot-Pinotage 2008 from South Africa. It was one of my first times trying Pinotage grape, a variety apparently developed in South Africa in 1925 that is a cross between a Pinot Noir and Cinsaut. The addition of the Pinotage grapes is very evident and certainly adds a lot to the flavour. The wine is fairly light, sweet and fruity- very smooth with a delicious and long aftertaste. Surprisingly this wine has 14% alcohol content. It goes very well with havarti cheese seasoned with jalapeno peppers. This is a beautiful simple everyday type wine - and for what it is, it deserves a 7.5/10 - especially at 10 dollars a bottle.

Wyndham Estate’s bin 555 2006 Shiraz

Today’s wine is Wyndham Estate’s bin 555 2006 Shiraz from South Eastern Australia. Wyndham Estate is one of the biggest about most reputable producers of Australian wine; and this bottle proves the producer is worthy of its reputation. At 14.5% this wine is heavy and its flavours are well developed and pronounced. The initial taste of berries dissipates quickly and leaves a tingly sensation on your tongue, making you want to have another sip. The color is a beautiful intense red , almost violet when held up to the light. I could imagine drinking this wine in a leather chair by a fireplace perhaps accompanied by a fine cigar and an incredibly appealing woman (who might very well be there for just the wine...). It is rich, strong and sexy. At under 14 dollars a bottle it undoubtedly merits 9.2/10. Pairs extremely well with cheddar aged for five years on slightly salted wheat crackers.

I Monili Primitivo del Tarantino 2006

Recommended by SAQ staff, I present to you I Monili Primitivo del Tarantino 2006 12.5%. Primitivo grapes, known as Zinfandel in California, produce notoriously simple wines; wines that I often love and are light so they don’t need to be paired with foods. This particular wine however is so simple it tastes unfinished and the flavours are overwhelmingly harsh. Starts sweet with a bitter tannin aftertaste. Would go well with pasta. The beautiful dark ruby colors of this wine are its greatest attribute. At ten dollars a bottle it merits 5/10

Les Jamelles Syrah Vin du pay D'oc 2006

This weeks wine of the week is Les Jamelles Syrah Vin du pay D'oc 2006 $12 and 13.5% alcohol so its guaranteed to do the trick with the ladies; goes down very smooth yet retains a memorable complexity. Honestly one of the best wines in its price range. 8.5/10 in my books.