By Jane Staples
The September 5th release is all about uncorking a great wine. A great bottle of wine is like a great painting; so much goes into creating it and the final product is a work of art.
Like a painter working with colour and canvas, the winemaker works with the soil, the vines, the harvest and the oak, making decisions about blending and aging along the way.
Uncorking a great bottle of wine can kick off a great conversation. Some wine lovers enjoy discussing the terroir and winemaking techniques, or the history of a particular region.
Others are more interested in the food that goes with it. Or maybe you have a special occasion like a birthday or a promotion to toast.
A glass of wine shared with a good friend or loved one is sure to start a great conversation. Share your memories or just kick back after a busy week at work. There’s magic in your glass!
Vintages is a great spot to discover new wines. Don’t be intimidated by the wood panelling or the location at the back of the store; this corner is a place for everyone to discover a new wine.
Vintages has quality wines for every budget, whether you’re looking for a Tuscan Tignanello or an incredible value like Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes-du-Rhone.
The stock changes regularly because there are too many great wines out there to keep on the shelves at one time. Visit soon and make a new discovery…then uncork something great!
Hidden Bench Chardonnay 2013
Beamsville Bench, Ontario VQA
A full-bodied Chardonnay made from organically grown grapes, opening with a soft nose of tropical fruit and butterscotch, then a rich palate turns up the volume, repeating the nose with a touch of lemon to keep it lively. Dry with well-integrated flavours and a long lemon/tropical finish
Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Extra- Dry
750 ml
Drink: 2014-2018
Price: $28.95
Score: 90/100
Paul Prieur Et Fils Sancerre 2014 
Loire AC, France
A refreshing and elegant French white wine made from hand-picked Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The nose shows apple and melon, while the palate shows orchard fruit, herbal notes and citrus rind. Dry with mouth-watering acidity and a long citrus finish.
Alcohol: 13%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
750 ml
Drink: 2014-2017
Price: $26.95
Score: 91/100
Maculan Pinot Grigio 2013 
Veneto IGT, Italy
From the Veneto, Italy, this is a bright lemony yellow Pinot Grigio with a fresh nose of pear, apple and “toca di limone”. The refreshing palate repeats this lovely melody. Dry, medium-bodied with herbal touches on the finish.
Alcohol: 12.5%
Sweetness: Extra –Dry
750ml
Drink: 2015-2017
Price: $14.95
Score: 90/100
Mulderbosch Faithful Hound 2012 
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
From Western Cape W O in South Africa, a delicious blend of Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Dark garnet red with a ripe cassis nose, followed by a palate giving juicy cassis, ripe strawberries, slight mint, subtle baking spice, mocha and vanilla. Dry and multi-layered with very well integrated flavours and a long, satisfying dark berry/mocha finish. A wonderful wine discovery! Read the story of the faithful hound on the label, then trade stories about your favourite pet.
Alcohol: 13.5%
Sweetness: Extra Dry
750 ml
Drink: 2015-2019
Price: $20.95
Score: 92/100
Verbena Brunello Di Montalcino 2009
Tuscany DOCG, Italy
A Tuscan favourite made from 100% Sangiovese grapes. Aromatic nose with ripe cherry, blueberry, dark chocolate and violet, while the rich palate gives cherries, leather, dried herbs, mocha and mineral notes. Polished tannins and a rich, satisfying finish. A wine to linger over.
Alcohol: 14.5%
Sweetness: Dry
750 ml
Drink: 2015-2020
Price: $39.95
Score: 92/100
Jane Staples
Wine Columnist
Jane graduated from Algonquin College’s Sommelier Program with the Gold Medal in Food and Wine Pairing and a score of 94.5% in the final exam.
She completed courses in Winetasting, Grape Varieties, Food and Wine Pairing, Old World Wines, New World Wines, Vinification and Advanced Sommelier Techniques. She also has a BA from the University of Toronto.
Jane is a principal wine columnist for nataliemaclean.com, with this regular column, as well as for her own site, bellovino.ca. Jane is also the regular wine columnist for Ottawa Wedding Magazine and also writes for Alive Magazine.
