Prices do not include HST

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The Granite's Wine List Tasting Notes

WHITE WINES

 

Sauvignon Blanc 2008, J. Bouchon, Chile

Good value. Intense, very guava jam, grapefruit and fresh herb flavours. Mid-weight, dry, zesty and green. Crisp and almost tart. Solid with good length.

 

Pinot Grigio 2007, Greyhawk, Niagara

Bone-dry with citrus notes and sharp, clean varietal flavours make this the perfect accompaniment to pasta dishes with cream sauce, chicken, veal scaloppini and white fish. Its ample fruit and bracing acidity also make it a most agreeable aperitif.

 

Chardonnay, Lindeman’s Bin 65, Australia  ***1/2

Solid ripe fruit flavours, a clean, smooth and slightly edgy texture with good balance. It isn’t too much of anything but has enough of everything to make is a versatile food wine. Drink it with roast pork or chicken.

 

Sauvignon Blanc, Two Oceans, South Africa ****

Well defined, nicely concentrated flavours, clean and crisp textures. Enjoy with warm goat cheese, white fish or seafood.

 

Riesling VQA, Hillebrand, Niagara ****

Restrained style rather than perfumed. Look for rich spicy, pungent fruitiness and a refreshing texture, pair it with spicy chicken or seafood.

 

Pinot Grigio 2006, Argento, Argentina ***1/2

Nice example that gets away from the common fruity stiletto, one that’s crisp and refreshing and in many ways better with food. Look for well defined flavours and a dry and zesty texture. Serve it with slightly spicy seafood.

RED WINES

 

Cabernet Merlot 2007, Greyhawk, Niagara

A judicious blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc and merlot grapes picked at the peak of ripeness. It is silken and warm in the mouth, with robust flavours of blackberry, cherry and spice.  Oak-ageing softens the tannins and makes this cabernet/merlot supremely “more-ish”.

 

Merlot/Malbec 2007, Trapiche, Argentina ***1/2

Medium bodied, dry, and juicy textured with quite concentrated flavours. Not too complex and goes well with barbequed meats and chicken.

 

Pinot Noir, Condo Sur, Chile ****1/2

Intense flavour you would expect from a Chilean wine but it is subtle enough to capture the classic textures and character of pinot noir. Look for concentrated flavours and a lively, food friendly texture. Dry and medium bodied, it has light tannins and goes very well with grilled salmon or lamb.

 

Pinot Noir 2006, Greyhawk, Niagara

This pinot noir shows a beautiful, clear cherry colour, with a nose of raspberries and currants and a soft, medium body. Warm red fruit flavours linger to a dry finish.

 

ROSE

White Zinfandel, Mondavi, California ***1/2

Great for summer sipping or to pour with spicy foods like chicken and ribs with zesty barbeque sauce. The bright flavours tame the sauce, and its crispness keeps your palate fresh.

 

These wine tasting notes have been taken from Toronto Life’s 2008 Eating and Drinking Magazine,
"The 500 Best-Value Wines in the LCBO 2009" by Rod Phillips and by John Maxwell.