The 2010 Selection Estate Small Lots “” was so popular Winexpert is pleased to announce a 3 Continents Red AND 3 Continents White Meritage.

The name Meritage came into existence back in 1989 in California as a way to define a “Bordeaux Blend” of grapes made on non-French soil.  The word Meritage is a combination of merit and heritage, which represents the high degree of winemaking skill required to produce these outstanding blends.

Red Meritage must include at least two of the following:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.  White Meritage must have 2 of the following:  Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle.  A single varietal cannot make up more than 90% of the blend, and it must be a ‘high-end’ wine for the winery – no bargain basement offerings.

The taste profile for a Meritage is very similar to a Bordeaux since it is made with the same grapes, but not in France.

Price to be announced.

Available May 2011 – while quantities last.  Reserve them now!

When the Spanish Rose was first released a couple of years ago, Katherine made one of the first batches.  She and her husband were relaxing on their patio, enjoying the ‘part bottle’ from their batch, when the neighbours noticed and came over to try the “pink” wine.  Then the other neighbours dropped in, and it was a party in the making!  Katherine had to make a second batch the next week to keep up with demand.  It’s a fabulous wine!

Rose is one of the most glorious wines in the world, even though its often overshadowed by big reds and heavier, oaky whites.  The best Roses are subtle, complex wines that have about as much in common with White Zinfandel as the graceful art of ballet has with falling down a set of stairs!  Winexpert Spanish Rose is a luscious combination of Spanish red and white grapes, including the silky and seductive Tempranillo, and creates a perfect Spanish Rose that should be enjoyed while young, crisp and refreshing.

Full of red summer fruit aromas, grenadine, cherry and strawberry over a backdrop of aromatic herbs, it is soft and silky on the palate, but with a fine freshness underlining the ripe berry flavours.  The palate is full of bright stone fruit that is beautifully balanced with a crisp, refreshing acidity and a lingering finish with a hint of minerality.  A versatile wine that pairs well with a long list of dishes, from small appetizers, to a fish and seafood paella and many other tapas based on vegetables and white meats.

Kit to Go:  $121.95
Made on Premises:  $175.28

Available April – while quantities last.

The perfect summertime beer!  Lime beers are the most popular style introduced in years, and no wonder:  nothing refreshes quite like a hit of citrus in a light, clean beer.  Although citrus and beer seems like a new trend, it goes back a long way:  the iconic image of a Mexican beer is one with a wedge of lime in the neck of the bottle, the Germans drank Radler Pils (beer and lemonade) and the English drink vastly more amount of lager and lime than they do traditional ales.  Time for us to catch up!

Kit to Go:  $35.95
Made on Premises:  $83.95

Available April – while quantities last.

Twisted Mist, the monster party hit of last summer is back this spring with your original favourites, Mojito and Strawberry Margarita, and they have a delicious NEW friend with them in 2011 – Lime Margarita!

Whether you’re looking to throw a spring fling fiesta, a summer time backyard BBQ extravaganza or you just want to relax in the sun with good company, these 3 fun-loving cocktail flavours have got you covered.  Each Twisted Mist flavour is fantastic chilled and on its own, but they’re great mixed up a little!  Blend them with ice, add fresh fruit, a little soda or dry ginger…experiment!

But – don’t forget that weighing in at about 12.5% alcohol these guys have a slight kick, and being so tasty they can go down quickly!  So – serve with some tasty treats.  Enjoy!

Kit to go:  $73.25
Made on Premises:  $126.58

Available April – but only for the summer.

We hope you enjoy the Easter weekend!  Wine Central will be closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday (April 22-24), and re-open on Monday, April 25 at 9:30.

Rod is looking forward to having his youngest daughter and his grandson here for a visit.  Maria will enjoy time with family and friends.  Sara will enjoy a BBQ with friends, and maybe hit the links.  Brittney is cramming hard for her exams, but we know her parents will cook a fabulous dinner on Sunday.  Katherine will play a little golf (weather permitting!), and cook a great meal for her husband on Sunday.  She’s planning the meal around a 3 year old bottle of Stag’s Leap Merlot!

Happy Easter – and we look forward to seeing you next week!