The French wine region of Burgundy may be small in size but its influence is huge in the world of wine. Located in the east-central part of France, Burgundy has five primary wine growing areas (not including Beaujolais and Châtillonnais): Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune, Côte Chalonnaise and Mâconnais.
Chablis - This growing region is located furthest north and is geographically set apart from the rest of Burgundy. The dominant soil is called “Kimmeridgian” limestone. Its white, chalky texture is great at retaining and reflecting the warmth of the sun, sorely needed this far north, which also helps the grapes ripen and gives the wines a purity and crispness that just says, “Sha-blee!” All wines in Chablis are white and made with Chardonnay grapes.
Mâconnais - Located between the town of Tournus and Saint-Véran, the Mâconnais lies at the crossroads between Northern and Southern France. The change is striking. As you travel south, even the buildings appear different — more Mediterranean in color and style with curved tiles on the rooftops. The climate is decidedly warmer too; in fact, harvest begins a full two weeks earlier here than in Chablis. The influence of the warmer climate shows up in the well-structured Chardonnays, with notes of ripe stone fruits, honeysuckle, citrus peel, and wild herbs.
Côte de Nuits - The Côte de Nuits (named after walnut trees) is home to 24 Grand Cru vineyards and some of the world’s most expensive vineyard real estate. The area begins just south of Dijon and ends at the village of Corgoloin. 80% of the wines produced here are Pinot Noir, and the remaining 20% are either Chardonnay or Rosé — a specialty of Marsannay. The Pinot Noir wines show classic full-bodied Burgundy notes of black currant, cherry, fresh red fruits, earthy mushroom, and spice.
Learn more at winefolly.com
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La Chablisienne Les Vénérables Vieilles Vignes Chablis 2016
VINTAGES#: 215525, $24.45 SHOP »»
LIMITED TIME OFFER: SAVE $3.50. Until March 28th, 2021.
"Made from 35-year-old vines, this tightly-wound but deeply restrained charmer offers immediate pleasure with chiseled flavours of salt and stone, lemon zest, crushed oyster shell, and more — all with tingling acidity. The texture is glass-like and the length, long." Score: 94 Pts. - Carolyn Evans Hammond, The Toronto Star, September 2020.
Terres Secrètes Les Préludes Saint-Véran 2018 (Chardonnay)
VINTAGES#: 16725, $21.95 SHOP »»
"This is s a really lovely, delicate, slightly crunchy and mineral Chardonnay from the southernmost appellation of the Mâcon — right on the boundary of Beaujolais where limestone passes the baton to granite. It shows a complex aromatic weave of peach pit, yellow flower, fresh herbs and fine oak. It is medium bodied, firm and lively but not the least austere. Very refined, if not powerful. The length, however, is excellent." Score: 92 Pts. - David Lawrason, Wine Align. Tasted February 2021.
Nuiton-Beaunoy Le Prieuré Hautes Côtes de Nuits 2018 (Pinot Noir)
VINTAGES#: 18146, $26.95 SHOP »»
"Ripe and perfumed, this is a good example of the increased quality (and ripeness) emerging from the formerly marginal Hautes Côtes region. I really like the aromatics here: the sweet red cherry and cranberry, the dried roses and carnations, and gently twiggy-earthy aspect in the Pinot idiom. The palate is likewise light-mid-weight in the appropriate class, with a chalky-talcy texture, fine acids, succulent and juicy. Good length." Score: 90 Pts. - John Szabo, MS, Wine Align. Tasted February 2021.
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The exalted Chardonnay grape has several inherent cheese-friendly characteristics, such as a fuller body (compared with most other white wines), good acidity, discernible fruit, and, depending on how it is made, creaminess. There is an ideal cheese pairing for almost any style of Chardonnay.
Learn more at winecountrytable.com
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Vintage Trade and Vinexx are pleased to launch Session 2 of our VIRTUAL WINE TASTING ACADEMY: A FOCUS ON SOUTH AFRICA with Senior Wine Educator Aaron Shaw.
Join us for this online session on Thursday, March 11th at 7pm. Discover South Africa’s world-renowned growing regions, and their esteemed producers.
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Great Wines 🍷 Home Delivery 🏠 🚚
Vinexx and Vintage Trade are pleased to offer exclusive wines to our customers, delivered right to your door. Visit Vintage Trade to view our curated selection of boutique wines.
Please note: consignment wines are not available at the LCBO.
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We are offering FREE contactless delivery, right to your door in the Greater Toronto Area, Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and the Niagara region.
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Windsor, rural central, eastern Ontario: add $20 per order.
Northern Ontario: add $35 per order.
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