Wine Kitz

Cellar 2012

Each year Wine Kitz offers Limited Release wines available exclusively in our Cellar 2012 program. For this year, we have been able to source some of the most sought after varietals from Italy, Austria and South Africa. Since we only secure a small amount of varietal juice to create these limited release wines, they are only available on a pre-order basis and are in limited supply. Available in the Sommelier Reserve 18L-8 week and Sommelier 10L-5 week brands

• Gruner Veltliner (Austria) - Pre-Order Deadline January 12, 2012

  THE REGION: Vienna, Austria’s capital city, has over 1,680 acres of beautiful urban vineyards, many reachable by foot or tram. A relative newcomer to the commercial wine industry, Grüner Veltliner (or Gru-Vee as it has been dubbed) is the latest craze and becoming increasingly popular among white wine drinkers. This varietal dominates the grapes grown in Austria making up 37% of the total vineyard area within the country. Cool winds that flow through the vineyards from the north create the right growing conditions to produce grapes that provide the fresh and fruity notes in the wines.

  THE WINE: This is a complex wine full of exotic tropical fruit flavours and citrus notes. Traditionally consumed young, this Grüner is crisp, dry and full bodied on the palate with flavours of grapefruit and lentils. Aromas of white pepper, green beans and notes of asparagus on the nose.

  THE FOOD: This dry white pairs well with spicy Thai, bitter greens and Oyster sauce. poultry, veal and honey glazed carrots are excellent alongside a Grüner Veltliner as well as seafood such as bass, cod and shell fish.

  • Type: 8 Week

• Nebbiolo (Italy) - Pre-Order Deadline December 8, 2011

  THE REGION: Piedmont is the predominate grape growing region in Italy. Despite the fickle growing conditions, the grapes of this region are incredibly resistant to disease and mould. Due to the calcareous soils, this region of Italy produces grapes that are darker in colour and with skins that are fairly thin but tough, creating wines with great structure and more tannins.

  THE WINE: The name Nebbiolo derives from Nebbia, translating to fog because of the velvety, whitish coating covering the berries. This dark and tannic red produces aromas of truffle, blackberries, cherries and smoke. Flavours of earth, oak, vanilla and cedar fill the palate leaving a long and rich finish in the mouth.

  THE FOOD: Pair this robust red with strong meats like goose, steak and beef roasts. Fontina cheese, and aged parmesan are the perfect balance for this tart varietal. A creamy mushroom risotto and Gnocchi will be an excellent match for this wine at any dinner party.

  • Type: 8 Week

• Pinotage (South Africa) - Pre-Order Deadline February 9, 2012

   

  THE WINE: Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut and is the second most widely produced grape in South Africa. Bursting with flavours of cherry, red berries, tropical fruit and hints of banana, this red is unique and easy drinking. Aromas of plums, red berries, smoke and earth surround the senses of this red.

  THE FOOD: Pair this medium bodied red with roasted turkey breast, rabbit or smoked salmon. Perfect for dinner parties, you can try this with a variety of cheese platters including aged cheddar and Gouda.

  THE REGION: Although considered a new world wine region, South Africa produces wines of old world taste. Mountainous backdrops, coastal influences and Mediterranean climates influence the earthy tones of these wines. There is a hierarchy of production regions, districts and wards where the wine of origin must be 100% grapes from the wine region. This system was implemented in 1973 to protect both the producer and consumer by determining the true nature and characteristics of the wine.

  • Type: 8 Week