Wines worth the effort to find
We live in an era where great wine is being produced around the world. Yet the most interesting ones still might require some effort to find.
In the 1960s and ’70s, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Barolo and Vintage Port were the go-to wines, mostly because their quality was proved and that’s what was available. Quality wines from countries such as Chile, Argentina and Australia either did not exist or never made it to Canada. Today, these countries, along with a long list of others, including Canada, are considered serious winegrowing nations.
Unfortunately, as wine becomes more popular, it has also become commoditized. We are under the false impression, and sadly come to expect, that even the most unique, distinctive, sense-of-place-possessing wines will be found case-stacked at every corner liquor store. News flash — that’s not going to happen.
So many of the most interesting wines in the world are not readily available (and keep in mind that “interesting” doesn’t necessarily mean “expensive”). Many get sold direct via mailing lists, go straight on to restaurant wine lists or find their way in tiny quantities to the best wine shops. But that’s not a bad thing. Want to buy unique, cool, quality shoes? We make a special visit to Gravitypope or Poppy Barley. Want great quality menswear? We find our way to Henry Singer, Sam Abouhassan or The Helm. Want to try Daniel Costa’s new dish? We make the effort to get a reservation at Corso 32.
We seek out people “in the know” to capitalize on their knowledge and experience. But, too often with wine, we get lazy. And, unfortunately, too many devalue the time, effort and cost associated with becoming a knowledgeable wine professional.
For wines that are unique, distinct, undiscovered and often under-valued, you may just have to visit a wine store with knowledgeable staff. This is how you find the wines, regions and people that you should know about, instead of the ones that everyone already knows about. And don’t be afraid to be a leader as opposed to a follower. Introduce your friends to something great that they’ve never tasted before … it’s much more interesting than always drinking the wine equivalent of a Big Mac.
TRY THESE
Navarro Lopez Old Vines Tempranillo ‘Pergolas’ 2011, Valdepenas Spain ($14.99) CSPC: 616011 Expressive and balanced with bright flavours of cherry, plum, vanilla, earth and spice with a soft texture and lively finish. One of the world’s great wine values. De Angelis Rosso Piceno 2014, Marche Italy ($16.99) CSPC: 707799 Unique, delicious, meaty, smoky and juicy with full flavours and an elegant boldness. A blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Post Scriptum de Chryseia 2013, Douro Portugal ($36) CSPC: 772765 Rich, round and full blend of Touriga Franca and Touriga Nacional with spice and dark berries, fresh acidity and ripe tannins and a long complex finish. Seek it out.