Forgotten Vines Not Forgotten at Marquis Wine Cellars!

Les Vignes Oubliees 2014 Terrasses du Larzac Rouge, 750ml, $41.65+tax Varieties: 60% Grenache, 20% Carignan, 20% Syrah Appellation: Terrasses du Larzac Les Vignes Oubliees translates as The Forgotten Vines, which was in fact the fate these particular vines were suffering until Jean-Baptiste Granier and Ollivier Julien recognized their potential. Planted on terraces and in valleys near the commune of St. Privat in the Terasses du Larzac appellation of the Languedoc, these vines were unsuitable for the industrial agriculture that dominated local production. Now that the vines are farmed organically and the wine made manually, the true potential of the terroir can shine through. Especially cool is the barrel cellar, a natural subterranean grotto that was used in Roman times for … (Click for more)

New wines from Rioja in store now!

Heras Cordon 2012 Rioja Vendimia Seleccionada, 750ml, $34.69+tax Varieties: 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano Appellation: Rioja   Heras Cordon 2010 Rioja Reserva, 750ml, $56.43+tax Varieties: 90% Tempranillo, 5% Mazuelo, 5% Graciano Appellation: Rioja   The Heras Cordon family name has been associated with winemaking in Rioja since the 19th Century, but the modern winery and barrel cellar where their wines are now made date only from the 2001 vintage.  The wines are made from 50 ha of estate vineyards in Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa combined with grapes from independent growers with whom they work closely.  Like all traditional Riojas, they see extended ageing in both barrel and bottle before release – 12 months each for the Vendimia Seleccionada, … (Click for more)

ORANGE WINE is Hip

We have received an influx of inquiries into Orange wine and thought it suiting to put together a post explaining what Orange wine is and provide some great orange wine sipping suggestions alongside it. What is Orange wine? Despite how it might sound, there are no oranges used to make orange wine. It is made using white grapes. It is a process where the skins and seeds are left in contact with the juice giving it an orange hued colour. The contact can be as little as a few days and as long as over one year! Many of the world’s wine regions are producing varying styles with Italy, France and Slovenia the more common places. The contact the skin … (Click for more)

Chrystala’s Staff Pick: 2014 Andrea Rinaldi Moscato D’Asti

I am very excited that this delicious Moscato arrived just in time for Easter because it will be perfect  with the olive orange cake my friend Anna makes every year. Pale golden color with tropical fruit aromas. Palate shows peachy fruit with some citrus notes, sweet and refreshing. The finish is about medium sweet and refreshing good balance. Enjoy with dessert, a plate of fruit, or on its own. Origin: Asti, Italy Variety: Moscato Bianco Price: $27.74 + taxes Buy now.

Karen’s Staff Pick: Ant Moore 2015 Sauvignon Blanc (Signature Series)

This is a refined and voluptuous Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Tantalizing ‘come hither’ nose of guava, lime zest, gooseberries, sun warmed tomato leaves and and ever-so-subtle hint of white pepper. Elegant yet frisky acidity dances with flavours of kiwi, guava, meyer lemon preserve, pomelo and finishes with a seductive whisper of young Hawaiian ginger. The Mrs. Robinson of Sauvignon Blanc. Try it with Ceviche, Asparagus with goat cheese and lemon zest, pesto and prawn linguine or even salsa and tortilla chips. Origin: New Zealand Variety: Sauvignon Blanc Price: $26 + taxes Buy now.

Jon’s Staff Pick: 2013 Turley Old Vines Zinfandel

It’s never too early for a Turley.  This is luscious, juicy red has the dial turned all the way up to 11 with its blackberry and raspberry notes.  A spicy, balanced wine that hides its muscular nature behind a surprisingly soft mouthfeel.  Perfect to drink now or to hold in the cellar for a few years. Origin:California, USA Variety: Zinfandel Price: $55.56 + taxes Buy now.

Alex’s Staff Pick: Plateau des Chenes Lirac Blanc

One of the best parts of working for Marquis is our staff training seminars.  That’s where I first fell in love with this stunningly clean Rhone blend.  Focused minerality with beautiful citrus notes, this would be a perfect pair with shellfish, or just on its own. Origin: Lirac, Rhone, France Variety: Grenache Blanc, Rousanne, Clairette Price: $32.17 + taxes Buy now.

Jesse’s Staff Pick: Ventolera 2012 Litoral Pinot Noir

Why buy this Pinot Noir from Chile? First, because it’s full of bright, strawberry-driven fruit flavor. Second, because if it was from anywhere else it would likely cost fifty percent more!  Chile has always done value well, and increasingly, it does quality too. The grapes for this wine come from vineyards near the Pacific coast, and you can taste the cool-climate freshness. Origin: Chile Variety: Pinot Noir Price: $30.35 + taxes Buy now.

James’ Staff Pick: Mumm Napa Cuvee M Sparkling

Cuvée M displays a swish stream of fine bubbles, a stunning peach-rose hue, and fresh white and yellow fruit aromas complemented by notes of strawberry, freshly-baked bread, vanilla and honey. Layers of ripe peach with refined hints of mandarin orange mix with crisp citrus tones, resulting in an extended, satisfying finish. Origin: California, USA Variety: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir Price: $36.99 + taxes Buy now.