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Thursday, January 16, 2014

Downton Abbey Wines!



2012 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Claret..$12.99
This classic Bordeaux red blend or “Claret” is an elegant, dry wine made with grapes from the renowned Entre-Deux-Mers (“between two seas”) region of Bordeaux, France. Here, sun-drenched vineyards on well-draining limestone and clay soils are situated between the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers. Warm days and cool evenings provide optimal growing conditions for the slow ripening of grapes and excellent flavour development.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec -- three of the classic grape varieties of Bordeaux – were blended together in crafting this wine. Fruit was sourced from premium vineyards in the eastern part of Entre-Deux-Mers, a terroir particularly well-suited to these varietals. The wine was made using traditional vinification practices: Each varietal was vinified separately including temperature-controlled macerations of 4-5 weeks for maximum extraction of flavour and colour. The wines were then aged an additional nine months prior to final blending.

Deep purple in colour, this wine reveals gorgeous scents of wild berries including blackberries, raspberries and black currants in the glass. Additional spicy notes and hints of violet are contributed by the Malbec. On the round, well-balanced palate, more ripe fruit flavours merge seamlessly with velvety tannins from the Merlot. Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend gives added freshness, backbone and age-worthiness to this authentic Bordeaux bottling.

Winemaker’s Note: An excellent food wine, enjoy this Bordeaux Claret with cheeses, game, grilled red meats, hearty stews and more.






2012 Downton Abbey Bordeaux Blanc...$12.99

This classic Bordeaux white wine is an elegant, dry version made with grapes sourced from the famed Entre-Deux-Mers (“between two seas”) region of Bordeaux, France. Here, sun-drenched vineyards on well-draining limestone and clay soils are situated between the Garonne and Dordogne Rivers, creating ideal grape growing conditions featuring warm days tempered by the cool evenings.

A blend of Muscadelle and Semillion fruit from the northern part of the region was used in crafting this wine. Grapes were harvested at the perfect moment of ripeness for maximum aromas and flavours. Ferments took place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to harness even more bright fruit characters and freshness. Following fermentation, the juice underwent maturation on fine lees to add richness and complexity to the final blend.

In the glass, this wine is a lovely pale yellow in colour. On the expressive nose, classic notes of tangerine lead to more citrusy notes and delicious flavours of apricots on a harmonious, crisp palate. The wine is perfectly balanced offering roundness on the palate complimented by a refreshing, lingering finish.

Winemaker’s Note: Enjoy this wine as delicious accompaniment to goat cheese, fish, shellfish and more, or as a refreshing aperitif all on its own.

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