Kew Marsanne 2016
Marsanne is a grape I usually associate with the Rhone Valley but here’s a great version of this wine from Ontario. Winemaker Philip Dowell at Kew Vineyards has followed up his award-winning 2015 vintage of Marsanne with an equally worthy 2016. Yellow straw in colour, it’s lightly minerally, floral, white peach nose has some oak spice backing; it’s medium-bodied, dry, elegant, beautifully balanced with a fresh, white peach flavour and lemony acidity. Works well with grilled fish. It costs $19.95 That’s Kew Vineyards Marsanne 2016 from Ontario. For Post City Magazines, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS.   ($19.95, Vintages #485334) (90)

Vilarnau Brut Reserva Cava
If you’re looking for an inexpensive sparkling wine of quality, here’s my pick of the new releases: Vilarnau Brut Reserva Cava from Spain. This tasty blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada and 15% Xarello is light straw in colour with a lightly floral, apple and citrus nose; it’s medium-bodied, dry and well-balanced with apple puree and lemon flavours. It costs $15.95 at Vintages outlets, That’s Vilarnau Brut Reserva Cava from Penedes in Spain. For Post City Magazine, I’m Tony Aspler, 680 NEWS. ($15.95, Vintages #515254) (88.5)