Pauls Picks

Recorded at Napoli’s Cafe and joined by Bassel Khalil 

Wines in this episode:

Santa Margherita Brut Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore

$20.95

https://www.lcbo.com/en/santa-margherita-brut-valdobbiadene-prosecco-superiore-687582 

Paired with Zuccini Fritti and Calamari

Santa Margherita Pinot Grigio 

$20.95

https://www.lcbo.com/en/santa-margherita-pinot-grigio-106450 

Paired with Bruschetta 

Santa Margherita Rosé 2021

$19.95

https://www.lcbo.com/en/santa-margherita-rose-25752 

Paired with Linguine Di Pesce 

Santa Margherita Chianti Classico 2019

$22.95

https://www.lcbo.com/en/santa-margherita-chianti-classico-2019-91694 

Paired with Spaghetti Bolognese and Veal Picatta 

Did you know that...

Canada is the #1 consumer of donuts in the WORLD!!!

Japan is a close second

Canada consumes over a billion donuts a year.

In 2017 if you stacked donuts consumed in Canada next to the CN tower. Those donuts would have dwarfed it.

Wines in this episode are:

Aveleda Vinho Verde, $13.00, LCBO#: 5322

Pale lemon with citrus, herbs, apple and slightly spritzy.

Paired with a lemon torte.  Gave the wine more bubbles and sweeter.

Errázuriz Estate Series Sauvignon Blanc, $15.00,  LCBO#: 263574

Floral, Citrus, Grass

Also paired with the lemon torte.  Crust of the torte came through really well and gave the wine kind of a wintergreen taste.

Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais AOC, $19.95, LCBO#: 212480

Dark ruby colour with great tastes of young berry fruit & cherry aromas.

Paired with a blueberry macaroon.  

Hob Nob Pinot Noir Pays D'OC, $15.05, LCBO#: 184069

Bright ruby colour with tastes of smoke, cherry and beets.

Paired with a Cranberry-Oatmeal cookie

Merlot is a super friendly grape that pairs easily with most foods.

Les Jamelles Merlot Pays d'Oc
$15.35, LCBO#: 245324
A deep ruby colour with forward dark fruit aromas that include black berries, currants and cherries; medium body, easy drinking.  Tastes of dark fruit, licorice and black olive.
Made In South of France

Las Mulas Merlot Reserva Organic
$15.50, LCBO#: 454868
Deep ruby with purple highlights; the nose offers upfront aromas of cassis, herbs and spices; the velvety palate is dry, light to medium-bodied with moderate acidity and tannins with concentrated flavours of cassis and herbs followed by a medium finish.  Floral, Cassis, Herbal
Made In Central Valley, Chile

Broadside Cellars Margarita Vineyard Merlot 2018
$24.95, VINTAGES#: 22642
Intense aromas of baked black cherry, red berries, star anise and mace are deliciously fruit-forward on the nose of this bottling. The wine lands with a ripe quality on the palate, offering that rich and dark-cherry and mulberry character, but also presenting white pepper and minty tarragon.  Pair with a pizza.
Made In California, United States

Pinot Noir and Popcorn is a classic pairing for any night with a movie or the game.

We made popcorn on the stove using a big pot and hot oil then added butter and a good amount of salt.  Don’t use microwave popcorn because the traditional methods will give you a much better pairing with the wine.

Bouchard Père & Fils Pinot Noir Bourgogne

$24.30

LCBO#: 605667

Pale ruby colour; dark fruit and beetroot, vanilla, underbrush and juniper aromas; dark fruit, earth and mushroom on the palate with a long finish.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough

$20.05

LCBO#: 146548

Clear ruby red colour; raspberry, beetroot and red fruit aroma with an herbal and earthy touches.  We also found tastes of cherry Twizzler and blueberries.

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir

$25.95

VINTAGES#:  130989

Polished and refined, with upfront cherry and strawberry notes. 

Pinot Noir grapes are grown around the world.  This episode explores the difference between a Pinot Noir from France, New Zealand and Ontario.

Bouchard Père & Fils Pinot Noir Bourgogne

$24.30

LCBO#: 605667

Pale ruby colour; dark fruit and beetroot, vanilla, underbrush and juniper aromas; dark fruit, earth and mushroom on the palate with a long finish.

Paired with four cheese sandwich on garlic bread with strawberry marmalade

Works well with Tofu

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir Marlborough

$20.05

LCBO#: 146548

Clear ruby red colour; raspberry, beetroot and red fruit aroma with an herbal and earthy touches.  We also found tastes of cherry Twizzler and blueberries.

Paired with chicken quesadilla and salsa or salty roast beef

Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir

$25.95

VINTAGES#:  130989

Polished and refined, with upfront cherry and strawberry notes. 

Paired with toasted ravioli and marinara sauce

Carmenère is a grape from Chili that offers tremendous value and variety.  Food pairings included garlic chicken and ribs with a generous amount of Kansas style BBQ sauce.

Root 1 Carmenere Colchagua, $14.20

Red plum, black fruit and spice; dry, medium-full bodied with flavours of plum, black fruit and spice with soft, supple tannins; medium finish.

PKNT Carmenère Reserve, $12.00

Clear ruby red; floral, black olive, chocolate and spice notes; medium-plus body; black olive with hints of chocolate and spice flavours; medium ripe tannins in medium length finish.  Paired with salty, garlicy chicken.

San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Carmenère 2019, $19.95

A delicious ripe red fruit juice with rich herbal notes.

You may have walked right past bottles of Vinho Verde and never noticed.

In this episode, Paul explains this unique form of wine from Portugal.   It is a very well priced type of white wine that will be easily loved by all.

Casal Garcia Vinho Verde Loureiro, $10.05.  The best selling vinho verde worldwide. Pale colour with a light effervescence. Dry, crisp and fresh with a clean finish. Low in alcohol and quite refreshing. Try with sushi or fish and chips.

Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde, $13.50.  Pale lemon yellow with green highlights; aromas of nuts, grapefruit and herbs; extra dry, fresh and lively, with a slight spritz, steely mineral notes as well as flavours of lime, herbs and a cleansing touch of yeast on the finish.

One of the best selling wines in the United States finally comes north.

The Twisted Cedar wine brand is wholly owned by the Cedar Band of Paiute Indians, one of five constituent Bands of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah.

Very aggressive pricing for the quality of these California wines.

Twisted Cedar Chardonnay, $18.95.  Aged for 10 months in French and American oak. Expect tropical fruit flavours, toasty oak, and vanilla.

Twisted Cedar Cabernet Sauvignon, $18.95.  Look for cherry, plum, cassis, chocolate, and oak notes. 

You may have your favourite types of wines that you buy all the time.

This episode explores some grapes that you may not be familiar with, but you should be trying.

Cesari Costa di Rose Rosé 2020 (Sangiovese)  Easy-drinking rosé with an effervescence of fresh red cherries.

Nestor Avarino White (70% Trebbiano – 20% Moschofilero – 10% Roditis)  Citrus fruits.

Chateau D'Aigueville CdRhone Villages Red AOC  (Grenache/Syrah/Carignan)  Smoke, juniper, tobacco.  Really becomes smooth after being opened for a couple of hours.

Pascual Toso Limited Edition Malbec.   Spice, pepper, solid fruity finish.

Sortilège Maple Cream.  Canadian whisky, pure maple syrup and fresh dairy cream.

Its been a tough year.  This may be the time to splurge on a couple of items.

Products in this episode are...

Tommasi Graticcio & Lugana, 2 x 750 mL bottles make a great gift.  The red is Tommasi Graticcio Appassionato which has dried fruit, herb and nutty flavours.  The white is Le Fornaci Lugana which is a blend of the same Turbiana grape from two vineyards with very different soil compositions. 

Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Red Duo, Nerello Mascalese Blend, 2 x 750 mL bottles from volcanic soils.  A very complicated taste of red fruits with spicy cinnamon and nutmeg.  Carpineto Chianti Classico 2019

Sangiovese Blend in a 3000 mL bottle!  A classic Tuscan style that pairs perfectly with food.

Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2016 in a 1500 mL bottle.  This is a beautiful rich, layered Amarone with lots of fruit that will drink like an older wine

The wines in this episode include...

Bernard-Massard Cuvée de l'Écusson Brut Sparkling Rosé Pinot Noir
VINTAGES#:  369074
$19.95
Sparkling wine made from Pinot Noir wine grapes. Juicy with light herbs. Pair with turkey, ham and charcuterie. 

Cesari Liano White 2019
VINTAGES#:  18609
$19.95
A blend of 70% Chardonnay and 30% Sauvignon Blanc.  Citrus and grassy herbs.

Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz
VINTAGES#:  660043
$24.95
Smoke, chocolate and vanilla. Big and bold.

Ventoux Grande Reserve Des Challieres from Rhône, France
Grenache/Syrah/Mourvèdre
LCBO#:  20865
$12.45
Classic old world French wine at an amazing price.

(Bonus tip - for making gravy... get a box of Pinot Grigio to use in the sauce and the chef.)

In this episode Paul pairs KFC with a sparkling wine and two RED wines!

The bottles.... 

Henkell Trocken, $15.05  

Enjoy light sweetness and a balanced finish. Ideal for entertaining; pair with appetizers, seafood, poultry or light, fruit-based desserts.

Carpineto Chianti Classico 2018, $19.95

Sweet red cherry, mint, white pepper

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Old Vine Zinfandel, $18.40

Oak, nuts and dark berry fruit, this is made for barbecued meats. 

Paul pairs burgers and Beaujolais!  What is a Beaujolais?  How is it different than a gamay?  What is the difference between France and Ontario versions?  Which Beaujolais goes with which burger?

The burgers in this episode are:

Pub Burger - Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, and Pickle.
The Chicken Burger - Fire Grilled Fresh Chicken Breast with Pesto
"Beyond Meat Burger" - Finished with a chipotle mayo & Pico de Gallo

The wines are:

Bouchard Aine & Fils Beaujolais Superieur
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages
Château des Charmes St. David's Bench Vineyard Gamay Noir Droit 2018 Gamay

This episode editing by: Eden Tates

Paul pairs Rosé from Ontario, France and California with nachos.

The bottles in this episode include....

Rosehall Run Pixie Sparkling Rosé VQA

LCBO#:  492959   $19.95

A lovely sparkling blend of vidal and pinot noir from one of Prince Edward County's original wineries. Pours a frothy, bright pink colour. Shows aromas and flavours of citrus, red berry, herbs, yeast and nuts with lively carbonation and rounded acidity all balanced towards dry, cleansing finish. A perfect anytime bubbly.

Typic Rose

LCBO#:  19235        $14.45

Also from France and due to arrive in coming weeks at the LCBO is the 2020 Typic Rosé (Vintages 66899 $13.95) from the Languedoc region. This dry, pale coral wine is based on Cinsault with a splash of Syrah and tastes coy, understated and enchanting. Scents suggest citrus — pomelo and grapefruit — with a touch of pomegranate. And the flavours echo the fragrance. Each sip is silky-smooth, mouthwatering and long. It arrives on shelf soon so is definitely a bottle to watch for. Score: 92

Josh Cellars Rosé

LCBO#:  539312      $18.95

From the top achieving New World Wine brand comes this rosé, that's sure to be an instant customer favourite. Led by a bouquet of vibrant aromas of light spice, red plum, fresh pastry with floral and nutty notes that turn into mouth-watering plum, floral and nutty flavours on the palate and culminate in a clean, dry finish.

Paul Carriere has three Sauvignon Blanc wines, from three different parts of the world... and they all taste completely different.

The wines are paired with a Caesar salad and a margarita pizza.

The wines in this episode are:

1. Henry of Palham, Sauvignon Blanc 2019
2. Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, Sauvignon Blanc (this is the one that tastes like pot!)
3. Whitecliff, Sauvignon Blanc 2020

Paul explains the difference between a Shiraz and a Syrah (they are the same) plus pairs the bottles with meatloaf and a smoked meat poutine.

Famille Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône
VINTAGES#:  363457
$16.95
Ripe red berry fruit and spices
Paired with meatloaf and mashed potatoes

Porcupine Ridge Syrah
VINTAGES#:  595280
$15.95
Blackberry, spice and vanilla paired with a smoked meat poutine.

Dandelion Vineyards Lionheart of the Barossa Shiraz
VINTAGES#:  167189
$21.95

Learn the the differences in a Cabernet Sauvignon with wines from France, Argentina and California.  Plus, Paul explains how a pandemic in France during the 1800's caused this popular grape to spread around the world.

The wines in this episode are:

Raymond Family Classic Cabernet Sauvignon: Deep ruby colour; floral, dark berries - cassis, blackberry, herbal and soft vanilla aromas; medium body; cassis, vanilla and spice flavours with ripe supportive tannins.

Terroir D'Altitude Cabernet Sauvignon: This food-friendly wine was aged for four months in French oak. It's full-bodied and smooth with a long finish. 

La Mascota Cabernet Sauvignon: Black plum, chocolate and currant notes followed by a dry, cedar finish.

Paul Carriere explains why some of the best wines in the world are blends.

Wines tasted in this episode:

Château Pierre de Montignac 2015,  $25.95   Smoke, fine oak, coffee and ripe dark fruit.   Pair with an older salty cheddar.

Marchesi de' Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni, $21.95.  This silky, modern-styled blend of Cab, Merlot and Sangiovese is filled with red fruit.

The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2018, $18.95.  Ripe dark-plum flavors including blueberry and theme.

The wines Paul has picked are:

Torres Gran Coronas Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon

$19.95

Over 130 years old, Spain's Torres Winery almost single-handedly established the now-famous Penedès wine region. Intense redcurrant and plum, plus coffee bean flavours, with silky tannins. Pair with spicy beef fajitas, empanadas, filet mignon or grilled lamb.

Langmeil Blacksmith Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

$23.95

This wine is named in honour of blacksmith Christian Auricht, who brought his family to Langmeil from Prussia in 1842. His smithy still stands on the winery grounds. This Cab features bright, vibrant dark fruit, with superb intensity supported by mint, sweet spice, cedar and a touch of vanilla. Well-made and balanced, this will be a fine addition to a steak dinner. (Vintages panel, Feb. 2020)

The foods are:

• Penne regatta with a Bolognese sauce
• Rib steak with Montreal steak spice
• Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Balderson old cheddar 

Paul makes your hot summer night easier with these perfect pairings...

Anselme La Fiole Du Pape Chateauneuf-Du-Pape AOC, $44.95

paired with a meat lovers pizza and chicken wings with Texas BBQ sauce

Citra Pinot Grigio Terre Di Chieti IGP, $9.65

paired with a chicken Caesar salad

Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Brut Rosé Champagne, $99.95

paired with chicken wings in a Texas BBQ sauce

The wines in this podcast are:

• Matua Hawke's Bay Sauvignon Blanc: Pear, passion fruit, melon, tropical with lively acidity.
• Schloss Schönborn Estate Feinherb Riesling 2018: Apple, peach, apricot and automotive.  Warming afterglow.
• Werner Anselmann Gewürztraminer Kabinett 2018: Lychee, rose petals and spices.

AND - the food pairings:

• Strawberry, raspberry
• Beef pot roast
• Chicken Souvlaki 
• Fine herb yogurt dressing
• Cucumber dressing

Get the basics of fruity reds with some amazing food pairings.

In this episode, the wines are:

J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot paired with Sweet and Sour Chicken Balls

Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages paired with Egg Rolls

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel paired with Garlic Spareribs

Paul explores the growing regions for his backyard of Ontario, Canada.

Enjoy reds even more when you know the basics.

The Black Chook Shiraz/Viognier 2017, $18.95

Shiraz Blend

VINTAGES#:  66738

This brilliantly priced red shows perfumed aromas of black/blueberry, raspberry, toasted nut and warm spice on the nose, leading to a succulent palate that is plump and fleshy. It is brightly fruited and smooth with layers of silky texture, finishing persistent and satisfying. 

https://www.lcbo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lcbo/the-black-chook-shiraz-viognier-2017-66738#.Xo8_evhKiiM 

Learn the main varieties of white wine and their differences.

Montes Limited Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2018, $14.95

VINTAGES#:  32060

This Sauvignon glistens in its exuberance. From the vineyards of Leyda, it has notes of tropical fruits, herbs, and citrus together with a light body but a firm and crisp acidity. This is the white to pair with ceviche. 

https://www.lcbo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lcbo/montes-limited-selection-sauvignon-blanc-2018-32060#.Xo8_NvhKiiM 

Paul explains how to enjoy a great Sparkling wine.

Fiol Prosecco DOC, $16.25

LCBO#:  394577

Clear pale straw colour with persistent bubbles; aromas of pear, citrus and green apple with notes of white flowers and banana; dry, light to medium bodied, balanced acidity, flavours of green apple, pear and citrus, with notes of almond, bread and yeast.

https://www.lcbo.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/lcbo/fiol-prosecco-doc-394577#.Xo8-7vhKiiM