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The Good Juice
The wines that we have chosen this week are the 2004 Mas Elena from Pares Balta and the 2007 Grillo from Feudo D’Elimi. If you are a regular reader of The Good Juice you may remember that we featured two wines from Pares Balta earlier this summer; the 2003 Absis and the 2004 Marta. The Mas Elena is a more reasonably priced Bordeaux blend from the same winery. Feudo D’Elimi, is named after an ancient population known as “Elimi” who migrated from Greece to Sicily in the 7th century B.C. and lived in the extreme West of Sicily for nearly 400 years. They settled in a small area in the Province of Trapani where it is believed they began the wine making tradition of today.
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Pares Balta 2004 Mas Elena $21.95/bottle
The Mas Elena is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 31%, Merlot Pujols 25%, Merlot Miret 36% and Cabernet Franc 8%. The harvest for this wine started 10 days later than usual, primarily due to the fact that rainfall during the first few days of harvest demanded an extreme summer pruning. The four grape varieties were macerated and fermented separately. Maceration lasted for 18 to 23 days. Malolactic fermentation – the conversion of stronger Malic Acid naturally present in wine to weaker Lactic Acid and Carbon Dioxide - was induced using indigenous bacteria. The wine was then fermented for eight months in 2nd and 3rd fill French Oak barrels from Allier.
The Mas Elena displays an intense red colour with blue hints. On the nose there is an aroma of red fruit with licorice and spices. The wine is elegant and fresh in the mouth with good structure and a long soft after taste from barrel aging. If well cellared, this wine will age well for the next six to seven years.
Given the blend present in this wine there are lots of choices available in terms of pairing it with food. With the abundance of Merlot I would tend to look for medium weight dishes rather than extremely heavy food. I would try Pork Tenderloin with Apple, Prune and Apricot Sauce. |
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Feudo D’Elimi 2007 Grillo $14.45/bottle
Grillo, also know as Riddu, is a white grape variety which withstands high temperatures and is widely used in Sicilian wine making and in particular for Marsala. It’s origins are uncertain, but it may have been introduced into Sicily from Puglia. It was already planted in the Province of Trapani by 1897 and today it is grown throughout Sicily and also in the Aeolian Islands. The grapes for the 07’ Feudo D’Elimi Grillo were sourced from the Valle del Bellice region in the Northwest, roughly 400 metres above sea level.
The grapes were picked by hand, destemmed and the crushed berries left to cold macerate for a short time before being gently pressed. The resulting juice was clarified by natural sedimentation. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks with controlled temperatures, 14/15°C. The wine is a pale straw yellow in its youth with aromas reminiscent of apricots and tropical fruits, which follow through full and
elegant on the palate. There is great harmony here, the alcohol balanced by firm acidity.
The 2007 Grillo is best enjoyed young while it retains its youthful freshness, though it will mature well in bottle for a year or two.
I am quite fond of this wine, I think that it represents excellent value. Grillo makes an excellent partner for typical Mediterranean cuisine, especially sea fish.
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When you have a moment please check out our website at www.profilewinegroup.com
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. |
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