Wines of the week

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 06/10/2022 (764 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

IF you’ve come to this space seeking Thanksgiving wine recommendations, fret not — I’ve got you covered…

Weszeli 2020 “Felix” Grünew Veltliner (Niederosterreich, Austria — $18.99, Liquor Marts and beyond)

Green apple, lime zest, crisp pear and hints of spice and chalk all show well on the nose of this organic, vegan Austrian white wine. It’s light-bodied and bone dry, with fresh green apple, pear and lime coming with those spice and chalk notes that provide focus and zip (the medium acidity helps in that department too). A fresh and fun wine that would work as well with turkey or ham as it would with sushi, spring rolls, oysters and milder hors d’oeuvres. 4/5

Low Life Barrel House “Leaps” (Winnipeg/Ontario — $25, brewery/winery, Liquor Marts and beyond)

A blend of Cabernet Franc with Geisenheim, Riesling and Vidal grapes grown in Ontario, this wine, made at Low Life’s Daly Street facility, sees the white grapes left in contact with the skins for longer than your typical white wine — hence this rosé/orange wine’s salmon colour (it’s also slightly cloudy due to being unfiltered). Orange peel, marmalade, peach and spice notes on the nose show well, with similar flavours coming through on the off-dry, light-plus-bodied palate. There’s a hint of tannin and an almost-spritzy texture here; chill for 20-25 minutes before serving (and stand the bottle up if you want the harmless sediment to drop away to the bottom). 4/5

Bodegas Nodus 2019 Chavalote (Valencia, Spain — around $18, private wine stores)

An organic Tempranillo/Garnacha blend, this Spanish red offers plum, raspberry, herbal, red licorice and cherry aromas. It’s dry and medium-bodied, with juicy red berry flavours coming with plum, red licorice and cherry, light acidity and very modest tannins, while the 13 per cent alcohol stays out of the way. Chill for 10-15 minutes before serving this fun red. Available at Kenaston Wine Market and Ellement Wine + Spirits. 3.5/5