WCOW'14: Match 6

Match 6: Thursday, June 26th
Countries: USA VS. Germany
Theme: Riesling

USA - 3
Germany - 3



The Wines

USA: Dunham Cellars 2010 Riesling
Availability: Costco or direct from winery here
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 11.8%
Icon Score

Germany: St. Urbans-Hof 2012 Riesling
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $22.99
Alcohol: 11%




The Results

Complexity:     Dunham Cellars
Food Friendliness:       St. Urbans-Hof
Typicity:      St. Urbans-Hof
Concentration:       St. Urbans-Hof
Expression of Terroir:       Dunham Cellars
Value:     Dunham Cellars

Recap

If you watched the game between USA and Germany I probably don't need to tell you that a comparison of Rieslings is likely to give you more excitement. Our wine match was a draw with both Rieslings scoring in three categories each. The St. Urbans-Hof is everything you want in a well executed Mosel Riesling with great balance between fruit and flinty notes. Whereas the Dunham Cellars makes a great case why Washington State should be on the radar of all Riesling fans. Equally matched wines, in there own way.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

WCOW'14: Match 5

Match 5: Monday, June 23rd
Countries: Australia VS. Spain
Theme: Budget Whites

Australia - 1
Spain - 5



The Wines

Australia: Hardy's 2012 Stamp Series Riesling Gewurztraminer
Availability: Widely at BCLDB stores 
Cost: $10-12
Alcohol: 11%

Spain: Les Vins Bonhomme 2012 El Petit Bonhomme Blanco
Availability: Widely at BCLDB stores 
Cost: $14
Alcohol: 13.5%
Icon Score




The Results


Complexity:     El Petit Bonhomme
Food Friendliness:     El Petit Bonhomme
Typicity:    El Petit Bonhomme
Concentration:      Hardy's Riesling Gewurztraminer
Expression of Terroir:      El Petit Bonhomme
Value:     El Petit Bonhomme

Recap

Similar to the outcome on the pitch, the Spanish wine out duelled its Australian competitor thanks to an impressive medley of nectarine, peach pit and passion-fruit aromas on the nose and tangy citrus and ripe melon flavours on the mineral-infused palate. A lighter wine, by design, the only score the Aussies could muster was in 'concentration' which the tangy blend of Riesling and Gewurztraminer has in spades. - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

WCOW'14: Match 4

Match 4: Sunday, June 22nd
Countries: USA VS. Portugal
Theme: Field Blends

USA - 3
Portugal - 3



The Wines

USA: Cameron Hughes 2011 Lot 391
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14.2%

Portugal: Vinhos Borges 2010 Quinta de São Simão
Availability: BCLDB signature stores
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 12.5%




The Results


Complexity:      Cameron Hughes Lot 391
Food Friendliness:      Cameron Hughes Lot 391
Typicity:      Quinta de São Simão
Concentration:      Cameron Hughes Lot 391
Expression of Terroir:       Quinta de São Simão
Value:      Quinta de São Simão

Recap

Last minute heroics have kept Portugal's World Cup of Soccer dream alive, but in the cellar, the match-up was even from the get-go. Both wines make for interesting, unique and memorable experiences. The Cameron Hughes wine is juicy-goodness and certainly the ripe, intense, 'sweet' red wine that folks should be flocking towards (instead of Apothic Red). And the Quinta de São Simão is everything you could want from an affordable, rustic red blend that blends both fruit and savoury characters together. No winner, perhaps, but most importantly, no loser with these two fine wines.

 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

WCOW'14: Match 3

Match 3: Wednesday, June 18th
Countries: Spain  VS. Chile
Theme: Budget Blends

Spain - 3
Chile - 2




The Wines

Spain: Les Vins Bonhomme 2012 El Petit Bonhomme Tinto
Availability: Widely available at BCLDB stores
Cost: $15
Alcohol: 14.5%
Icon Score

Chile: Viña Palo Alto 2012 Reserva
Availability: Widely available at BCDLDB stores
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Icon Score




The Results

Complexity      Palo Alto Reserva
Food Friendliness     El Petit Bonhomme Tinto
Typicity     No clear winner
Concentration     Palo Alto Reserva
Expression of Terroir     El Petit Bonhomme Tinto
Value     El Petit Bonhomme Tinto

Recap

Another close World Cup of Wine battle with a narrow Spanish victory on the heels of the El Petit Bonhomme's unscientific sense of 'value' - thanks to its drinkability and joie de vivre. The Palo Alto also offers incredible value, but more of the sort where you think, "wow, that's amazing concentration and surprising complexity for a $15 bottle of wine." Certainly, Spain faired much better in the cellar today than they did against Chile on the pitch. A lacklustre performance on the field , whose affect, perhaps, is somewhat diminished by knowing they won their WCoW match today. Probably not.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

WCOW'14: Match 2

Match 2: Monday, June 16th
Countries: Germany VS. Portugal
Theme: Crisp Whites


Germany - 3
Portugal - 3


The Wines

Germany: Clean Slate 2012 Riesling
Availability: BCLDB
Cost: $14.99
Alcohol: 10.5
Icon Score

Portugal: Casal Garcia N/V Vinho Verde
Availability: BCLDB and Private Stores
Cost: $11.99
Alcohol: 10%




The Results

Complexity:    Clean Slate Riesling
Food Friendliness:      Casal Garcia
Typicity:    Clean Slate Riesling
Concentration:     Casal Garcia
Expression of Terroir:    Clean Slate Riesling
Value:      Casal Garcia

Recap

On the pitch, the contest wasn't close with Portugal self-destructing under the pressure of Germany's sound, methodical constant attack. In the cellar, the match was even with both teams winning 3 categories each. Portugal's non-vintage Casal Garcia scored on value, concentration and its ability to pair easily with food while Germany's Clean Slate scored on complexity, typicity and its expression of terroir. - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

WCOW'14: Match 1

Match 1: Friday, June 13th
Countries: Chile VS. Australia
Theme: Syrah/Shiraz

Australia - 3
Chile - 2


The Wines

Chile: Viña Errázuriz 2011 Max Reserva Syrah
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 14%
Icon Score

Australia: Layer Cake Wines 2011 Shiraz
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $28
Alcohol: 14.5%
Icon Score


The Results

Complexity:    Layer Cake Shiraz
Food Friendliness:    Layer Cake Shiraz
Typicity:    Layer Cake Shiraz
Concentration:    Max Reserva Syrah
Expression of Terroir:    Neither
Value:    Max Reserva Syrah

Recap

Though the World Cup soccer game was a little one-sided in favour of Chile's impressive squad, the wine match was far more competitive with the Australia Shiraz squeaking out a victory thanks to it's edge in complexity and typicity - you certainly know you're drinking an Aussie (sourced) Shiraz. Neither wine, however, expressed a sense of specific terroir as reflected by their sub-90pt scores. Both Syrah/Shiraz are well-made for mass-produced wines but lack that unique, identifying qualify that one hopes to find. The Layer Cake entry received the food-friendly nod thanks to its vein of peppercorn spice on the palate that screams 'Steak!", but really, you can't go wrong with either wine.
 - Liam Carrier ©copyright 2014 IconWines.ca

2014 World Cup Of Wine

To celebrate the 2014 World Cup of Soccer in Brazil we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own, of the wine variety, obviously. There are a number of the world's major wine producing nations competing in "The Finals" and each time they meet we will have their wines compete head-to-head. Themes have been chosen for each match-up to help frame a judgeable context.

Wines will be judged on:

Complexity
Food Friendliness
Typicity
Concentration
Expression of Terroir
Value

The Schedule

Group Stage:

Match 1: Friday, June 13th
Countries: Chile VS. Australia
Theme: Syrah/Shiraz
Results Chile 2, Australia 3

Match 2: Monday, June 16th
Countries: Germany VS. Portugal
Theme: Crisp Whites
Results Germany 3, Portugal 3

Match 3: Wednesday, June 18th
Countries: Spain  VS. Chile
Theme: Budget Red Blends
Results - Spain 3 - Chile 2

Match 4: Sunday, June 22nd
Countries: USA VS. Portugal
Theme: Field Blends
Results - USA 3, Portugal 3

Match 5: Monday, June 23rd
Countries: Australia VS. Spain
Theme: Budget Whites
Results - Australia 1, Spain 5

Match 6: Thursday, June 26th
Countries: USA VS. Germany
Theme: Riesling
Results - USA 3, Germany 3

Knockout Stage:

TBD - Upon advancement of wine producing nations.

WCOW: Spain VS. The Netherlands

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet. However, the final features only one wine powerhouse, Spain. Therefore, the theme is Beer.


Match 8 The Final. Spain takes on The Netherlands in a battle of lager. For the first time we'll make tasting notes on beer:

Spain's Beer: Estrella Damm
Cost: $2.25 (500ml can)
Alcohol: 4.6%
Notes: Light straw in colour. Light nose of hops, light texture with a touch of tangerine and lemon citrus flavours.

Holland's Beer: Grolsch Premium Lager
Cost: $2.25 (500ml can)
Alcohol: 5%
Notes: Medium intense nose. Bit of a bitter bite on the palate. Peat and forest floor flavours.

The Conclusion: (other than we're more beer drinkers than beer reviewers)

Complexity (Nose): Grolsch
Complexity (Palate): Estrella
Food Friendly: Grolsch
Concentration: Estrella
Expression of Terroir: Toss-up
Value: Toss-up
Winner: Estrella

The Estrella wins, edging out the Dutch Grolsch completely based on personal taste - sorry, we aren't beer reviewers. The Estrella is a nice, light beer that should match well with a wide variety of game time snacks. But who will win the game?
- Liam Carrier

WCOW: Spain VS. Germany

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.

Match 7 has Spain facing off against Germany in the semifinal to decide who will face Holland in the finals. The theme for the match is Budget White wines and both countries produce a wide selection. Germany's budget wines are often produced in a off-dry or even semi-sweet style and come from the Rheinhessen where yields are very high. Spain's budget whites are less easily typified and come from all over the country due to inexpensive land and labour (relatively speaking). The two wines we selected for the match-up at under $10 and offer good typicity for the theme.

Spain's Wine: Castillo de Monseran 2007 Carinena Viura
Region: Aragón
Cost: $8.99
Alcohol: 12.5%
Notes: Dry, with citrus fruit, mineral, mediterranean fruit flavours. Moderately intense and refreshing. Excellent value. Pairs well with white fish.




Germany's Wine: Blue Nun Qualitatswein
Region: Rheinhessen
Cost: $9.99
Alcohol: 9.5%
Notes: Off-dry, blend of Silvaner and Muller-Thurgau. Notoriously known as a cheap, pure quality wine, popular in the 70's. Modern example is well made with modern techniques. Simple, far from complex, but not the swill of old. Matches many dishes.

The Conclusion:

Complexity (Nose): Castillo de Monseran
Complexity (Palate): Castillo de Monseran
Food Friendly: Blue Nun Qualitatswein
Concentration: Blue Nun Qualitatswein
Expression of Terroir: Castillo de Monseran
Value: Castillo de Monseran
Winner: Castillo de Monseran

Despite the fact that the modern-day Blue Nun is miles better than the sweet, 70's export favourite, in this match-up is loses out to the Spanish Viura - an echo of Germany's performance on the pitch. The Spanish wine, for the price, offers excellent concentration and expression of the hot, arid terroir it comes from.
 - Liam Carrier

Next Match: We'll switch gears for the World Cup Final on Sunday, July 11th and have the Dutch face-off against the Spanish in a battle of beers. Stay tuned.

WCOW: Germany VS. Argentina

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.

Match 6 has Germany facing Argentina in a classic Quarterfinals battle on the pitch and a war of aromatic whites off the field. Native to Argentina, the Torrontés grape produces lovely white wines that have refreshing acidity and thrive in cold, dry conditions - similar to Riesling grown in Germany. Both wines are under $25 and both are new to us at Icon Wines.

Germany's Wine: Schloss Reinhartshausen 2008 Riesling
Region: Rheingau
Cost: $19.99
Alcohol: 12%
Notes: Dry but fruity with the slightest hint of residual sugar coming from the concentrated fruit flavours. Tangy citrus palate with lemon sorbet and grapefruit peel. Youthful aromas of lime zest and slate. Good quality and well balanced.

Argentina's Wine: Crios de Susana Balbo 2009 Torrontés
Region: Cafayate
Cost: $17.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Notes: Dry with just the slightest residual sugar. Aromas of honey, spring flowers, apricots, tangerines and light minerals notes. Flavours of citrus fruit and bitter steel with vibrant acidity. Good quality and well balanced. Good typicity for a Torrontés.

The Conclusion:

Complexity (Nose): Crios de Susana Balbo
Complexity (Palate): Schloss Reinhartshausen
Food Friendly: Schloss Reinhartshausen
Concentration: Schloss Reinhartshausen
Expression of Terroir: Crios de Susana Balbo
Value: Crios de Susana Balbo
Winner: Crios de Susana Balbo

The off-field match-up was very tight (as was the battle on the pitch). The Torrontés wins the battle for its expression of terroir and vibrancy. If you have yet to try an Argentina Torrontés do so soon! It makes a unique alternative to traditional Riesling.
- Liam Carrier

Next Match: TBA - If Spain goes through we'll have a Semi-Final match with two world wine powers facing off.

WCOW: Portugal VS. Spain

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.

Match 5 has Portugal taking on Spain in our only match-up of the round of 16. Both Portugal and Spain make amazing and varied Tempranillo-based wines that can range from cellar worthy to Tuesday night sippers. The styles may be different, but the passion displayed in the winemaking and on the pitch is equally strong. Both wines are under $25 and both are new to us at Icon Wines.

Portugal's Wine: Porca de Murca 2007 Tinto
Region: Douro DOC
Cost: $12.99
Alcohol: 13%
Notes: Dry, high-minus acidity with moderate tannins. Youthful aromas of red berries and vanilla, spice and stewed fruit. A savoury palate of tobacco, spice and red fruit. Nice long finish. (Available at Signature BCLDB stores across BC)

Spain's Wine: Bodegas Beronia 2005 Reserva
Region: Rioja DOC
Cost: $24.99
Alcohol: 13.5%
Notes: Touch of residual sugar on the palate. High-minus acidity, moderate tannins with flavours of dark berries and oak with earthy notes. Well balanced with a lovely, intense nose of candied fruit. (Available at Signature BCLDB stores across BC)

The Conclusion:

Complexity (Nose): Bodegas Beronia
Complexity (Palate): Porca de Murca
Food Friendly: Porca de Murca
Concentration: Bodegas Beronia
Expression of Terroir: Bodegas Beronia
Value: Porca de Murca
Winner: Bodegas Beronia

The Beronia Reserva which cost nearly twice as much as the affordable Porca de Murca just barely squeaks out the victory. Despite the impressive value of the Tinto, we had to go with the concentration and complexity offered by the oak-aged Rioja. Spain wins on the pitch today and in our Tempranillo showdown.
- Liam Carrier

Next Match: Germany VS. Argentina in the Round of 8.

WCOW: Germany VS. Australia

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own whenever two major wine producing countries meet.

Match 1 has Germany taking on Australia in a battle of cool climate Rieslings. We chose two highly regarded wines that we had never previously tasted and sent them into a head-to-head, winner-takes-all, taste-off.

Germany's Wine: Loosen Bros. 2008 Riesling "Dr L"
Region: Mosel.
Alcohol: 8.5%
Price: $18.99 (BCLDB stores)
Notes: An off-dry, food-friendly, crowd pleasing Riesling from Mosel. Floral and stone fruit notes on the nose with a good balance of sweet fruit to acid on the palate with a long finish.
Full Review

Australia's Wine: Jacob's Creek 2007 Steingarten Riesling
Region: Barossa
Alcohol: 12.5%
Cost:: $24.50  (BCLDB stores)
Notes: A dry, slightly effervescent Riesling with excellent concentration of mineral and fruit flavours on the palate. A complex nose of lemon grass, butter, rubber, citrus and petrol notes.
Full Review

The Conclusion:

Complexity (Nose): Jacob's Creek
Complexity (Palate): Jacob's Creek
Food Friendly: Loosen Bros.
Concentration: Jacob's Creek
Expression of Terroir: Jacob's Creek
Value: Loosen Bros.
Winner: Jacob's Creek

For this match-up, the Aussie wine gets the win, somewhat redeeming the nation after its terrible showing on the pitch today (Germany won 4-0). That is not to say that Australia makes better Riesling than Germany on a whole, it doesn't, but it did win this battle, handedly. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - Oi, Oi, Oi!
 - Liam Carrier and Hugh Carter

Next Match: June 20th, Italy VS. New Zealand in a battle of refreshing white wines.

2010 World Cup Of Wine

To celebrate the 2010 World Cup of Soccer in South Africa we are hosting a few nation VS. nation competitions of our own, of the wine variety, of course. There are a number of the world's major wine producing nations competing in "The Finals" and each time they meet we will have their wines compete head-to-head. Themes have been chosen for each match-up to create a judgeable context.

Wines will be judged on:

Complexity (Nose)
Complexity (Palate)
Food Friendly
Concentration of Flavours
Expression of Terroir
Value - Wines must be under $25

The Schedule

Round Robin stage:
Match 1: Sunday, June 13th
Countries: Germany VS. Australia
Theme: Riesling
Results

Match 2: Sunday, June 20th
Countries: Italy VS. New Zealand
Theme: Refreshinging Whites
Results

Match 3: Tuesday, June 22nd
Countries: France VS. South Africa
Theme: Syrah
Results

Match 4: Friday, June 25th
Countries: Chile VS. Spain
Theme: Rosé
Results

Round of 16 stage:

Match 5: Tuesday, June 29th
Countries: Spain VS. Portugal
Theme: Tempranillo
Results

Quarterfinals:

Match 6: Saturday, July 3rd
Countries: Germany VS. Argentina
Theme: Aromatic Whites
Results

Semifinals:

Match 7: Wednesday, July 7th
Countries: Spain VS. Germany
Theme: Budget Whites ($10)
Results

The Final

Match 8: Sunday, July 11th
Countries: Holland VS. Spain
Theme: Beer
Results

WCOW: Chile Single Red Varietal Nationals

Country: Chile
Manager: Liam Carrier

Chile is known for great Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Carmenere. It is not really known for great Malbec, but I came across a value-priced gem at Marquis Wine Cellars last year and was mightily impressed. I matched it against a great Carmenere from the Maipo Valley which is one of the better examples of this spicy and smooth grape around the $20 price point.

Both of these wines are sold around the world closer to the $10 mark but due to our ridiculous import taxes in British Columbia (60%), show-up closer to the $20 price point. Luckily, both are worth the price in local currency and offer good examples of the fine wines produced in Chile. Chile = value (just not as great value compared to purchasing the same wines within the USA).

Wine #1: Haras de Pirque 2008 Equus Carmenere
Price: $19.99
Region: Maipo Valle
Country: Chile
Notes: The palate offers flavours of dark fruit, pepper, toasted oak, cooking spice and nibs that will please your mouth and culminates in a smooth and lingering finish.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 88 points

Wine #2: Luis Felipe Edwards 2006 Reserva Malbec
Price: $15
Region: Puquillay Valley - Rapel
Country: Chile
Notes: Inky-purple core with a ruby rim, this full-bodied Chilean charmer offers an intense nose of red-berry and spice aromas.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 89 points

Conclusion: The Luis Felipe Edwards 2006 Reserva Malbec takes this match-up on points and uniqueness. I look forward to the inevitable taste-off between this Malbec from Chile and the Argentina submission in the single-red category which will likely also be a Malbec.

WCOW: Canadian Single White Varietal Regionals

Country: Canada
Region: BC
Manager: Liam Carrier

When I think of the best white wines that BC has to offer, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer come to mind. Other white varietals like Riesling and Viognier are on the rise but for this challenge I went for the big boys with multiple years of good vintages. As the best Chardonnay in BC are over $20 I was left with Pinot Gris and Gewurztraminer, which is just fine with me as I love them both.

Wine #1: Lake Breeze Vineyards 2008 Gewurztraminer
Price: $18
Region: Naramata Bench - Okanagan Valley - BC
Country: Canada
Notes: Perfect acidity compliments the sweetness of the citrus fruit aromas and flavours despite the lack of any residual sugar.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 91 points

Wine #2: Thornhaven Estates 2008 Pinot Gris
Price: $17.90
Region: Summerland - OkanaganValley - BC
Country: Canada
Notes: Lovely floral aromas of jasmine and blossoms with zesty citrus and rhubarb notes on the nose. Off-dry on the palate with tangy citrus acidity and cool minerality.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 89 points

Conclusion: The Lake Breeze Gewurz takes this round on points and value. The Naramata Bench outfit make a number of great white wines, but I think their Gewurz shines and is one of the best examples of this varietal in the province. To learn more about the winery or plan a visit, check out their website www.lakebreeze.ca/ . - LC

WCOW: Canadian White Blend Regional Try-outs

Country: Canada
Manager: Liam Carrier

Canadian white blends were the focus of this week's tastings. This isn't a category with an abundance of qualifying wines at the top-end of the quality scale as many BC producers offer low-end white blends which sometimes appear as though they were afterthoughts. Not so with the two wines going head-to-head in this showdown. Both wines have been expertly crafted:

Wine #1: Road 13 Winery and Vineyards 2008 Honest John's White
Price: $16.99
Region: Black Sage Bench - Okanagan Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: A blend of 51% Sauvignon Blanc, 18 % Muller Thurgau, 11% Orange Muscat, 7% Schoenberger, 7% Kerner and 6% Chardonnay.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 88 points

Wine #2: Blackwood Lane 2008 Vicuna Blanca
Price: $19
Region: Langley - Fraser Valley
Country: Canada
Notes: A tasty blend of Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chenin Blanc and Gewurztraminer which offer aromas and flavours of grapefruit, apricot and blossoms with good minerality
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 87.5 points

Conclusion: The Road 13 offering edges out Blackwood Lane on points and availability and moves on to the next round. Close call, but the production level of the Honest John's White makes it much easier to get a hold of.

WCOW: Chile Red Blend National Try-outs

Country: Chile
Manager: Liam Carrier

Chile produces many great red blends so this was a tough list to narrow down. I ended up with two blends which incorporate one of Chile's greatest exports: Carmenere. This lesser-known varietal of the classic six Bordeaux varietals (yes there are six) is what I consider the Grenache of South America: a superb blending grape. Add this puppy to your blend with skill and you will add a touch of heaven. Carmenere can also produce amazing solo efforts with the right winemaker. Look for those when we take on Chile Single Red Varietal wines next month.

Wine #1: Palo Alto 2008 Reserva
Price: $14.99
Region: Maule Valle
Country: Chile
Notes: A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Carmenere and 15% Syrah. A complex wine at a bargain price.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 88 points

Wine #2: Montes 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon-Carmenere
Price: $19.90
Region: Colchagua Valley
Country: Chile
Notes: A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Carmenere. Balanced, ready-to-drink pleaser with great fruit concentration and tasty spice.
Full review: Follow Link
Score: 89 points

Conclusion: The Montes wins this match-up with its incredible smooth and sexy texture. A solid wine to enjoy on its own or with food. Montes has a great line-up of wine with many different varietals and blends to choose from in multiple price points. I have yet to be unsatisfied with any of their many wines. Look for them at your local liquor store and fine wine shop. Enjoy. - LC