The winds of change are blowing. While American wines, especially from renowned regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma, are beloved by many, the world of wine is vast, offering countless exciting options you may not have explored. With the on-again, off-again, and now on, tariff war, U.S. products might soon be off the shelves at LCBO. With that possibility, let’s broaden our palates and discover new wines that offer a sense of adventure.

Try Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon

California’s Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its deep, rich, and bold flavours, with notes of black fruit, tobacco, and a touch of oak. For a similar experience, try a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon. Chile’s warm climate and unique terroir produce Cabernets that are equally bold but with a slightly more herbal and earthy profile, along with a touch of spice. Chile has been making a name for itself as a powerhouse in the wine world, and for good reason. With its unique climate and diverse terroirs, Chile produces wines that are rich in flavour yet often surprisingly affordable. Try Montgras Antu Las Araucarias Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 from the country’s scenic Maipo Valley. New in VINTAGES, this single vineyard wine has bold black currant aromas, subtle oak flavours, and a long, lingering finish. Serve with burgers, lamb chops and mushroom risotto. 

Experience Argentine Malbec

California Merlot is one of California’s most popular red varietals, offering a smoother, softer alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. It is known for its silky tannins and flavours of dark fruits like plum and black cherry. Malbec from Argentina, particularly from Mendoza, offers a similar round mouthfeel with rich fruit flavours like blackberry and plum and a deep, velvety texture. Malbec often has a slightly smoky or earthy finish and more robust tannins than Merlot. Still, it’s an excellent substitution for fans of full-bodied reds with fruit-forward profiles and a silky finish. Back in VINTAGES last month is Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec 2022. This award-winning red wine has aromas of violets, chocolate flavours and a lingering vanilla finish. Serve with grilled steak, BBQ chicken and cheddar cheese.

Enjoy Ontario Pinot Noir

Oregon’s cool-climate Pinot Noir is renowned for its bright acidity, red berry flavours, and earthy undertones. For a comparable experience, I highly recommend Ontario Pinot Noir. These wines are fruit-forward, with juicy cherry and raspberry notes, earthy undertones, and silky tannins. They maintain the similar elegant structure and balance, as those from Oregon. The VINTAGES Essential from Niagara, Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2021 has soft berry aromas, flavours, and an elegant balanced finish. Serve with grilled fish such as salmon, halibut, tuna, roast turkey, and creamy cheeses.

Explore Italian Primitivo

Zinfandel is considered California’s heritage grape. The varietal is known for its bold, fruit-forward character with blackberry, plum, and sometimes pepper or spice flavours. Zinfandel thrives in warm regions like Napa Valley and Sonoma County, where it ripens well and can produce wines ranging from medium-bodied to powerful and robust.

Primitivo, which is genetically identical to Zinfandel, is grown in southern Italy, particularly in Puglia, and offers a similarly rich, jammy fruit profile with spicy, peppery notes. Primitivo often has a rustic and earthy character with slightly high acidity, making it a great alternative for fans of Zinfandel’s bold style and intensity. New in VINTAGES is Masseria Altemura Sasseo Primitivo 2021. A zippy, fruity finish follows the forward, rich, herbal and fruity aromas. Serve with hearty foods such as spaghetti and meatballs, grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Discover Aligoté from Burgundy, France

While California’s Chardonnay is known for its full-bodied, often oaky style, Burgundy in France offers some of the world’s finest expressions of the grape. Also, from Burgundy, there is a lesser-known, less celebrated, and somewhat less prestigious variety called Aligoté. These wines are crisp and zesty with apple, citrus and floral characteristics. They are lighter, more straightforward, with higher acidity than Chardonnay, and less likely to see oak aging. Enjoyed young, this niche varietal has a loyal following that appreciates its simplicity. The simplicity and freshness of Burgundy Aligoté make them ideal for those seeking an alternative to the bold California style. Just released in VINTAGES is Bourgogne Aligoté Réserve Saint-Pierre Pascal Bouchard 2022. It has subtle fresh aromas of apple and pear and a lean, fruity, fresh finish. Enjoy with pan-seared shellfish, sushi and goat cheeses.

Sample New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Suppose you love California’s refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with its citrus and green apple notes. In that case, you’ll appreciate the added intensity and zesty flavours that New Zealand brings to the table. Sauvignon Blanc, particularly from regions like Napa and Sonoma, tends to have a grassy or herbaceous quality. For a similar profile, New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, is known for its intense, aromatic character. Expect vibrant grapefruit, lime, and passionfruit flavours with a pronounced herbaceousness and crisp acidity. New Zealand versions are often more pronounced in aromas and more vivid in flavour than their U.S. counterparts. An excellent example is the family-owned and operated Astrolabe Sauvignon Blanc 2023. Returning to VINTAGES, it is mouthwatering with forward aromas of gooseberries, crisp acidity and a fresh finish. Serve with smoked salmon, pasta with cream sauce and leafy salads.

St. Patrick’s Day!

While St. Patrick’s Day often brings Guinness and Irish whiskey to mind, there is a new stout from Ireland in town called O’hara’s Irish Nitro Stout. An independent family-owned business, O’hara’s Brewery was established in 1999 in Barrow Valley. Similar to Guinness, with a more toasty, rich malt character, it has dark chocolate and nutty flavours with a soft, smooth, creamy finish. It will pair well with rich, hearty traditional Irish dishes like corned beef, cabbage stews, or shepherd’s pie.

There are tremendous global alternatives, whether you want to try something new or can’t find a particular U.S. wine on the shelf. You’ll find international, and our local wines, offering similar profiles, exciting nuances, and regional variations that enhance your wine adventures.

Cheers to wine discoveries!

Shari 🥂

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