Beaujolais Nouveau
On Thursday, the LCBO released this year’s vintage of Beaujolais Nouveau. Ten new wines altogether, including two Novellos for Italy and two new wines from Reif winery in Ontario. If Beaujolais Nouveau is a harbinger of the quality of the red Burgundy vintage then 2017 is going to be a terrific year. My recommendation for Beaujolais Nouveau is the Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau at $16.95 or the Duboeuf Gamay Nouveau, a vin de pays de L’Ardeche, at $10.95. My top Novello is Negrar Novello del Veneto at $9.95. Chill them all and enjoy their fruity, cherry-like flavours – and they are just great with roast chestnuts. That’s Joseph Drouhin Beaujolais Villages Nouveau, Duboeuf Gamay Nouveau and Negrar Novello del Veneto. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 News.

Hacienda Valvarés 2012
Today’s recommendation is a Tempranillo from Spain’s Rioja region: Hacienda Valvarés 2012 is dense purple in colour with a spicy, high-toned nose of red plums and a cedary note. Medium-bodied and dry on the palate, it’s firmly structured with plum and red berry flavours carried on lively acidity to a firm tannic finish. It costs $18.95 at Vintages outlets and works well with roast meat dishes, especially lamb. That’s Hacienda Valvarés 2012 from Spain. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($18.95, Vintages #423509) (89)