The Good Juice

For this edition of The Good Juice we have selected two wines; the Rowi, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc and the Bersano, 2003 Badarina Barolo. Rowi is another new supplier for Barrique/VinVino and with its addition to the portfolio we can now offer a racy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc to our clients. Yahoo!
2003 Bersano Badarina Barolo $59.95 6-pks

Bersano purchased the Cascina Badarina estate in 1968, at the time of intense growth that was to bring Barolo to its great success of the 80’s and 90’s. At that time Bersano was one of the first winemakers to believe in the potential of this noble wine, and purchased the estate in Serralunga d'Alba to ensure that it had a significant presence in one of the three areas with a vocation for producing it. The Badarina estate has calcareous soil with a strong clayey-limey component giving rise to wines of great structure ideally suited to prolonged aging.

The estates unusual elevation of about 450 metres above sea level and its south-southeast exposure create an incomparable microclimate for a wine of rare elegance with a wide, intense bouquet and austere, “subtle” body due to the great variations in temperature by day and night. The vineyard is pruned sharply in January and February; other treatments are applied according to traditional growing methods. At the beginning of August the grower decides on the intensity of thinning of the grape bunches, which is completed within the first half of the month. At the end of October the best bunches are picked by hand. This is followed by a further selection in the winery prior to vinification.

The wine spends 30 months in oak casks, 6 months in barriques and 6 more months in the bottle before it is released. The resulting wine is a deep garnet-red colour tending garnet with aging with typical orange and brick hues. On the palate the 2003 vintage is dry, full bodied, and strong with a reasonable amount of austerity. Additional aging will soften the wine and it will develop a velvety mouth feel. With respect to food pairings, I would serve the Badarina with roasted meats and in particular it would match up very well with a venison winter stew.

2006 Rowi Sauvignon Blanc $21.95

As stated above, Rowi is a relatively new supplier for Barrique/VinVino. The grapes for this wine have been sourced from a single-vineyard located near the stony banks of Marlborough’s Wairau River. Marlborough is the largest of New Zealand’s big three wine regions, at least in terms of vineyard acreage. The region is located at the north end of the South Island. Sauvignon Blanc is Marlborough’s best-known and most planted variety, however Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Noir are produced in reasonable amounts as well.

Once produced, the wine is aged in 99% stainless steel tanks with 1% four year old French barriques to preserve the freshness and varietal character. Lifted aromas of passion fruit and gooseberry abound in this vibrant lively wine, which balances the freshness of melon and lime with rich, ripe tropical fruit on the palate and a long lingering finish. The subtle use of seasoned French Oak casks on a portion of the blend adds further weight and complexity.

I’m a big fan of Sauvignon Blanc and in particular those from New Zealand where you seem to get wines that have the fabulous citrus nose and flavours with clean acidity. The Rowi, 2006 Sauvignon Blanc is no exception in this regard. There are plenty of pairing options with this wine but you might want to think about a great big bowl of steamed mussels or a plate of fresh oysters. If you have the time and the inclination you might want to throw in a wild mushroom and goat cheese bruschetta. Enjoy.

How to order

Phone: 416-598-0033 extension 243 to speak directly with Allan Leal, or you can
E-mail him at aleal@profilewinegroup.com

All orders are COD. Payment can be made by Visa, MasterCard, AMEX or cheque. Your credit card will not be charged until the product is shipped.

Minimum Orders: There is a one case minimum order (12 bottles unless otherwise noted).

Delivery to a single destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is free of charge. Delivery outside of the GTA can be arranged.

You must be 19 years of age or older to place or receive a wine order.