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)

Staff Pick: Gaston Chiquet Brut Blanc de Blancs d’Ay 1.5L

You can be a fan of large format bottles for more than just practical reasons; they are big, bold, and impressive to your guests. If you’re looking for more of a pear taste than green apple – with a graceful mix of perfume and pure fruit that is likely to go down easy – look no further than this beautiful bubbly made from Chardonnay. This magnum is sure to disappear quickly as your guests ask for seconds (or thirds). -Reviewed by Robert, Marquis Wine Cellars Grapes: Chardonnay Producer: Gaston Chiquet Vintage: NV Country: France Region: Champagne Price: $139.16 (plus taxes & deposit) Buy here!

Staff Pick: 2009 Dominio De Tares Cepas Viejas

De Tares is a legend in Bierzo and produces elegant, age-worthy Mencia (of which this wine is 100%).  I love the velvety round texture of this wine.  It is full of lovely ripe plum and stewed strawberries along with a little spice, making it great as a late summer BBQ accompaniment.  Drink now and over the next few years. -Tasted by Leah Bickford, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Mencia Producer: Dominio de Tares Vintage: 2009 Country: Spain Region: Bierzo Price: $33.01 (inc tax) Buy here!

Staff Pick: 2011 Domaine Wachau Fresco Frizzante

An Austrian delight. Super fresh and fruity with notes of honey and melon, and a slight bubble to keep your taste buds happy all summer long. Perfect for a sunny September day on the patio with friends . -Tasted by James Martin, Marquis Wine Cellars Wine: Blend – Rivaner, Riesling and a touch of Grüner Veltliner Producer: Domane Wachau Vintage: 2011 Country: Austria Region: Wachau Price: $26.00 (inc tax) Buy here!

Sonoma by Surprise

Sonoma by Surprise by Leah Bickford  July 25, 2015 I was lucky to have the opportunity to visit Sonoma for the first time this past June and was surprisingly charmed.  Aside from being incredibly picturesque, Sonoma has what every celebrated wine region has; the whole package.   Community, sustainability, quality local food/wine and gorgeous scenery. Without feeling touristy, Sonoma has a plethora of options for visitors depending on your travelling objectives.   Cottage versus hotel?  The little town of Sonoma has a beautiful grocery store stalked with local goodies including wine and beer.   Prefer dining out?  Take your pick…from craft beer themed pubs *(try Bear Republic Brewing in Healdsburg) to upscale restaurants, it seems the options are unlimited.  I prefer casual and … (Click for more)

Staff Pick: 2012 Xiloca Garnacha

This wine is made from 100% Garnacha from old vines planted primarily in red clay soils. Bottled without oak, it’s a spicy, forward, and versatile wine with a fresh, juicy flavor and finish. The wine shows its minty, herbal side, as well as a powerful raspberry and strawberry fruitiness. Drink in the next few years. -Tasted by Marjan Navab-Tehrani, Marquis Wine Cellars Name: Xiloca Garnacha Producer: Bodega Vinae Mureri Vintage: 2012 Country: Spain Region: Ribera del Jiloca Appellation: Jiloca Valley Price: $18.90 (inc tax) Buy here

Staff Pick: 2010 Il Carnasciale Toscana IGT

Vibrant acidity and black fruit combined with spice, leather and mineral accents. This wine has layers of complexity, long length and a mouthwatering finish. Drink now or tuck it away for 8-10 years. -Renny P., Marquis Wine  Cellars Name: Il Carnasciale Toscana Producer: Podere Il Carnasciale Vintage: 2010 Country: Italy Region: Tuscany Appellation: Toscana IGT View this wine on Marquis-Wines.com

Staff Pick: 2011 Rockford Riesling

Riesling is arguably the most versatile and delicious white wine being made today. I will get lots of disagreement with this statement so not try some examples and be prepared to have your white wine choices expanded. This 2011 Rockford Riesling shows off exquisite citrus essence aromas and flavours. Brown lime, pink grapefruit, orange blossom and kaffir lime leaf all share the limelight with intriguing bath salts minerality. Experience tells us that this will soften and indeed ripen in the bottle, but I’m going to get as much pleasure as possible enjoying this in its vibrant infancy. A delightful match with seafood. Reviewed by Kevin McKinnon Click to view