The Wine Club tasting of November 2, 2023 was held at Jennifer Roberts’ apartment. There were two wines featured that appealed to the majority of the group. The first was a white wine, while the second was a red wine.
South Australia, One Pound Per Acre – Chardonnay, 2022
The winery is called One Pound Per Acre, and the wine is a Chardonnay from South Australia. This wine producer celebrates the history of its vineyards on its label by representing the initial price paid for an acre of its land: One Pound Per Acre.
This Chardonnay is a light yellow colour with a green hue and aromas of tropical fruit, fig, citrus and stone fruit. It is fresh and crisp with balanced flavours on the finish, and is medium-bodied. This wine would be good to serve with creamy pasta dishes.
Overall, the white wines were not as favourably received as the reds at this wine tasting. However 6 people out of the 11 attending would buy this wine. The wine is valued priced and costs only $9.95 per bottle. The alcohol content 13% and the wine was produced in 2022. This would make a good house wine for those who like Chardonnays.
Puglia, Italy, Zensa – Primitivio IGP, 2021
The one wine that stood out the most was an organic red wine from Italy. Ten out of the 11 wine tasters attending would buy it with only one person who would not buy it. This wine is from Puglia, the winery is Zensa and the grape used is called Primitivo in Italy, but is is also known as a Zinfadel in other countries. It is a new arrival at the LCBO.
This wine is produced from 100% Primitivo grapes that are harvested by hand into small wooden crates. The crates are then placed in aerated lofts for 2 to 3 weeks to dry the grapes out. During this process, known as Appassimento and famously used in Amarone production, the grapes lose about 30% of their weight. Thus the flavours, aromas and natural sweetness are all concentrated to produce a more intense wine.
The appearance of the wine is an intense ruby-red, and on the nose, it has a complex bouquet, reminiscent of cherries, dried berries and toasted almonds. In the mouth it is described as full-bodied yet smooth and elegant with a silky texture. The finish is long and lingering, with a burst of spiced cherries and bright fruit and earthiness at the end. This wine is good served with cheese and charcuterie.
The cost is $15.95 and alcohol content is 13.5%. The wine was produced in 2021.
Probus Club of Kingsway-Islington 