This past week I picked up a copy of the Intervin International Wine Awards held last August in Niagara-On-The–Lake.
1200-plus wines from 17 countries were entered, 52 golds were awarded, and they identified 27 wines as “great values under $15.
Wine competitions can point us towards options worth trying, though it is important to remember that these were the “best wines” in that particular competition.
Many wineries – and their distributors – take a pass on the competitions, and so the results are not exhaustive, just snapshots of what might be available.
Amongst the affordable gold-medal wines are a handful available in the Sault.
There are only 2 bottles of the Willm Gewurztraminer, $15.95, from Alsace, though it is “replenishable” on the general list. It is said to be honeyed with the classic lychee nose.
Devil’s Lair Fifth Leg Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, $15.95 from Western Australia will be a good choice for a summer white, and work really well with grilled fish.
It will display some of the asparagus and grapefruit characteristics for which Sauvignon Blanc is noted, with some roundness in mouth-feel provided by the Semillon.
You’ll find the Tawse Sketches of Niagara 2010 Riesling, $17.95, in Vintages.
This is a very bright and zippy Riesling with stone fruit flavours.
While it’s a bit pricier than most Ontario Rieslings on the regular list, it is well worth the investment.
Zenato Ripassa Valpolicella Superiore, $24.95, as a Vintages Essential, is always available.
Most Ripasso wines would be $8 or $9 less, but this does set the “gold standard” with its heightened flavours and texture.
The “best value” wines include the Bodegas Francois Lurton Pinot Grigio, $11.95, from Argentina which the judges admired for its peach and apricot flavour and long spicy finish.
Australia’s d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre, $14.95, is one of those wines which “migrated” from the Vintages section to the regular list, and has survived.
Occasionally popular Vintages Essentials get moved, but then disappear as the previous Vintages followers stick to the Vintages area instead of tracking it down in its new home.
Delicious berry fruit flavours are at play here, with decent weight and structure.
From Argentina, the Graffigna Centenario Reserve Malbec is on offer until May 26 for $12.95. It has a bit more complexity than some other Malbecs, with good balance and good length.
Lindeman’s Bin 65 Chardonnay, $10.95, was also recognized for its value, which is nothing new for this perennial good deal champion, a balanced white leaning towards tropical fruit notes with persistent satisfying flavour.
For fun, try Fresita, $13.95, a strawberry- infused sparkler from Patagonia in Chile.
It’s a perfect wine for the patio, on its own or certainly with fruit.
One curious note.
Vines Magazine, which published the list of winners, seemed to leave some strange gaps.
For example, it indicated 52 gold medal winners, but only identified 46.
A few others were identified in paid advertisements, but it left me scratching my head as to why the list would be incomplete.
Still there’s more than enough for us to contemplate and enjoy.
Saultilicious Tickets are now on sale for the “tasting tour” on June 8 which features 5 Ontario wineries with stops at 5 downtown locations where the wines will be paired with hors d’oeuvres.
The event will benefit The Art gallery of Algoma and the Algoma Conservatory of Music.
Each venue will feature live music arranged by the Conservatory.
The final stop will be in the historic Mill Square building at the former St. Marys’ Paper site.
Free bus transportation home is available flowing the event.
Tickets are $125, with a tax receipt of $25 provided, I understand.
Tickets, which are limited, are available at the Art Gallery, 705- 949-9067.
Call for details