Made by a small winemaking family in Italy’s southernmost Puglia region, the Palamà Arcangelo is an enticing example of the Primitivo grape. Full-bodied, lush, and smooth, the mouth-filling Arcangelo treats the palate to flavours of plum, black cherry, strawberry and cassis that are lifted by hints of dark chocolate and earthy spices. And all that ripe, sun-kissed fruit is balanced with a refreshing dash of acidity. Satisfyingly complex and blessed with a lingering finish, this beauty is available at Everything Wine for $34.50.
Although best known for their Sauvignon Blanc (with Pinot Noir in second place), New Zealand also produces fine Chardonnay. One I can strongly recommend is made by Villa Maria, that country’s most-awarded winery. Very different from the oaky-buttery style associated with California, this dry and medium-bodied Chardonnay is charmingly aromatic and has lots of orchard and tropical fruit on the palate as well as touches of minerality and a racy acidity. Villa Maria is great with seafood, especially smoked salmon. Nicely priced at $23.
Founded nearly two centuries ago in southeastern Australia, Lindeman’s has long been synonymous with popular, easy-drinking wines. Their Bin 45 Cabernet Sauvignon is rich, fruit-forward, and surprisingly full-bodied for a $16 wine. Offering flavours of red and black berry fruit plus a touch of pepper and spice, Bin 45 is juicy and a bit complex – an ideal choice for pizza night or with Italian sausage or something equally meaty off of the barbecue.
It’s only been on sale for a few months but Hester Creek’s just-launched GSM – their version of the classic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre – has already won platinum at the National Wine Awards of Canada and a double gold at the All Canadian Wine Awards. This B.C. award winner from just south of Oliver on the Golden Mile Bench is an elegant and layered wine, delicately flavourful, with red-fruit notes dominated by plum and raspberry. The finish is exceptionally long. Would be perfect with pork tenderloin or duck confit and is available from the winery for $40. (All prices include tax.)
