Winter warm-up Primitivo and Ontario Sparklers

FEUDI DI SAN MARZANO- SUD - PRIMITIVO DI MANDURIA 2008, PUGLIA - $21.00*

Stewed plum, raisin, clove (all spice), hint of pepper, juicy but slightly hot (not unexpected at 14%).
It feels more like an Amarone than its relative Zinfandel.

Well priced alternative with that in mind, but high-range for a Primitivo. I did get mine through an agent but note that my American friends are only paying about *$14, which would make it a fantastic buy!

http://www.feudisanmarzano.it/ita/home.html

I have said this before but with the holidays coming I will say this again. There are lots of affordable Champagne alternatives and Ontario is the home to many of them:

THE GRANGE OF PRINCE EDWARD - SPARKLING BRUT 2007 - XD - $29.75

Fresh notes of lemon and grapefruit with tinge of biscuit. tangy, long finish.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=183228

http://grangeofprinceedward.com/grange-wines/


FIELDING ESTATE - SPARKLING RIESLING - $28.15

A nice twist to use Riesling grapes, fresh apples and lemon freshness - beautifully balanced and a great value.

http://www.fieldingwines.com/page/whites

13th STREET WINERY- PREMIER CUVEE BRUT - XD - $29.95

I loved this at traditional method sparkler at Taste Ontario and now the LCBO is finally releasing it... nose of mineral, lemon zest and orchard fruit with lengthy finish.

http://www.lcbo.com/lcbo-ear/lcbo/product/details.do?language=EN&itemNumber=142679