Selection California Sauvignon Blanc Rosé

by Rick Vanderberg, Global Vintners Inc.

Since the announcement of our limited release Selection Sauvignon Blanc Rosé I have had several questions about how the Sauvignon Blanc gets its pink colour, and if there are any commercial examples of this style.

Firstly, our wine gets its pink colour via the addition of Pinot Noir juice in the F-pack, also adding some sweetness for an off-dry finish. This process was first used in Germany (although now very rare) to produce spectacular wines called “Rotgold” (red-gold).

The concept of Sauvignon Blanc Rosé is fairly new to New World wine production, with 2012 the oldest vintage I could find, but catching on fast! It is particularly popular in New Zealand, with prestigious producers such as Southbank Estate in Marborough and Peter Yealand in Hawke’s Bay among the notable examples. Chile also produces the style, with Montevista and Monos Locos among the top producers, and South Africa has some great examples including Enigma from the Stellenbosch region.

While different producers use different red varietals to achieve the pink colour, including Cabernet Franc, Grenache and Merlot, Winexpert uses Pinot Noir (in the California style) to produce an outstanding, layered wine, full of character!

Under Construction: We're Moving this Summer!

We're moving! Thanks to all of our loyal customers, we have outgrown our space! Currently in the renovation stage, we know you will love our new digs.

 

Located slightly deeper into the Warehouse District, our new location is 2300 Dewdney Avenue, at the corner of Dewdney Avenue and Lorne Street. More convenient and easier to find.

 

And our move does not mean you have to fight for parking! We have not forgotten you! There will be plenty of free parking right by our door. 

 

We have no set date for the move yet, but we will be sure to keep you posted here and in our newsletter. Stay tuned.

Shop Local: Put on Your Bib & Tucker!

Bib and Tucker is one of my favourite clothing shops in Regina. Did you know that “bib and tucker” is an old British saying, meaning “your best dress”, as in “put on your bib and tucker”? Well, if you want to put on your bib and tucker, Bib and Tucker is the place for you.

Gaynor Novak, the owner, who opened the shop at 2535 Broad Street in July 2014, carries a fantastic range of clothing from jeans to party dresses. She carries many Canadian brands, including Watuko, a line of bamboo headwear out of Saskatoon! Gaynor limits the number of pieces she stocks in varying sizes, so that what you purchase really is special and you won’t see it on everyone all over town (which we all know, is very important to us women, right?)

Another thing that sets Bib and Tucker apart from other clothing shops is the service. Gaynor and her staff treat you like family the minute you set foot through the door. They are unpretentious, helpful and honest. You won’t leave with something that doesn’t look absolutely great on you.  You can get more information at www.bibandtuckerclothing.com and on Facebook at /bibandtuckerregina.

Originally published in The Wine Cellar February 2016.

Top 5 Premium Kits of 2015!

5. Eclipse New Zealand Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Intensely aromatic, fragrant with grass and currant leaves, this fruit-forward wine casts long, robust flavours of zesty fruit with a crisp dry finish.

4. Cellar Craft Showcase Mystic, California
A captivating blend that reveals intense fruity aromas on opening, this full bodied, off-dry red offers rich flavours of black cherry, mocha, spice and vanilla, and closes with a velvety, smooth finish. You will find it medium oaked and an alcohol content of 13%.

3. KenRidge Showcase Cabernet Malbec Carmenere, Chile
The rich black fruits of Cabernet, along with the spice and full mouth-feel of the Malbec, and the smooth plumy fruit notes of the Carménère showcase a perfect balance of flavour, texture and structure to this blend. Heat up the grill and enjoy with steaks, lamb chops and cheese burgers.

2. Selection California Enigma
Intense fruit aromas and notes of black cherry, coffee, chocolate and vanilla. Full bodied with a smooth, round finish. Food friendly, this wine pairs well with everything from pizza to pasta and is a great match for meats like ribs or chicken with sweet and sticky marinade.

#1 Eclipse Forza
FORZA, which means strength in Italian, is a bold red blend from Veneto, Italy. It's a blend of Corvina, Sangiovese and Barbera and includes grape skins for added depth.

In Support of the Regina Queen City Kinettes for Telemiracle!

The Wine Cellar is proud to support the 12th Annual Regina Queen City Kinettes Ladies Night Out for Telemiracle 40 by donating a Wine Making Experience valued at $200.

Looking for something fun to do on January 30? Click here to check out all the event details or to get tickets. Their 2015 event looks like it was a great time and all in support of a fantastic cause!

It's Pawsitively Purrfect!

It’s not only a one stop dog shop but a one stop pet shop. Anything you need for your pet, can be found at Pawsitively Purrfect at a competitive price with unbeatable service (and you know how we feel about service)!

I’ve been frequenting this great place since Ivy and Richard Morton first opened their dog grooming business in a small 400 square foot space on south Albert Street in October of 1997. Two moves later and they can now be found at 4637 Rae Street in 4600 square feet of space. They have everything (and I mean everything) you need for your pets, from kibble, canned, dehydrated and raw food to pet treats, leashes, beds, kennels, clothes, dishes… you name it and you’ll find it here.

They still do grooming as well, but appointments book up well in advance. You may want to take advantage of their $10 walk-in nail trims, which is a very popular service. For more details, I encourage you to check out their website onestopdogshop.com or visit them in person. You’ll find the service knowledgeable, friendly and second to none. Pawsitively Purrfect is another great reason to shop local!

Originally published in The Wine Cellar January 2016.

Top 5 Selling Kits for 2015

Wondering what the top 5 selling kits of 2015 at The Wine Cellar were? Here is the list! Maybe one of  your favourites is on it, or maybe something new you might want to try!

5. Cellar Craft Showcase Mystic, California          
A captivating blend that reveals intense fruity aromas on opening, this full bodied, off-dry red offers rich flavours of black cherry, mocha, spice and vanilla, and closes with a velvety, smooth finish. You will find it medium oaked and an alcohol content of 13%.

4. World Vineyard Italian Pinot Grigio
The Italians have their own way with the Pinot Gris grape variety, and in the process they create a special magic with it that's unmatched elsewhere in the wine world. Though dry in character and with a pleasant zip of acidity, this Pinot Grigio shows off a pleasant floral fragrance and tremendous fruit flavours, making it the perfect picnic accompaniment.
Sweetness: Dry | Body: Light-Medium | Oak Intensity: None

3. Cheeky Monkey Chardonnay, Australia
Crikey! No Wood! No worries, this great white will have all the ‘Sheilas’ wanting to get Cheeky!! This wine is a true reflection of the climate it comes from. Chardonnay’s many unique flavours are enhanced by the rich red soils and warm Aussie sun. You will enjoy hints of apple, pineapple and tropical fruit. A great wine with such seafood dishes as butter-soaked lobster and smoked salmon. It’s even great with chicken from the ‘barbie’, smothered in a creamy alfredo sauce.
Alc./Vol. 11.5%

2. Eclipse Forza, Limited Release, Release Date: July 2015
Winexpert secured a limited quantity of superb quality juice and is able to offer it as a limited release product under the Eclipse brand. The quantity of juice is limited but we expect this product to be available for about one year. FORZA, which means strength in Italian, is a bold red blend from Veneto, Italy. It's a blend of Corvina, Sangiovese and Barbera and includes grape skins for added depth.

#1 Selection California Enigma
Intense fruit aromas and notes of black cherry, coffee, chocolate and vanilla. Full bodied with a smooth, round finish. Food friendly, this wine pairs well with everything from pizza to pasta and is a great match for meats like ribs or chicken with sweet and sticky marinade.