Do you walk into the LCBO and head for the same old, same old when it comes to wine? Are you swayed by the specials, or do you go in looking for something new to impress your friends that pairs with your dinner menu perfectly? Whatever kind of wine connoisseur you are, you have to admit that while there\u2019s nothing like that faithful chardonnay, there\u2019s equally nothing like invigorating your palate and trying something new.<\/p>\n
The great news is that unusual vintages don\u2019t have to break the bank, nor do you have to travel the world to find them (though there\u2019s probably no better place to enjoy a Nero di Troia than at an outdoor caf\u00e9 on the dusty cobblestones of a narrow Puglia street). You can simply go online to a wine retailer and sample rare finds that add a little sparkle to the dreary between-season evenings that are just begging for something to add interest to our everyday fare. Here are some must-try wines that you won\u2019t necessarily see featured at the Wine Rack, but are worth tracking down.<\/p>\n
North America<\/strong><\/p>\n Tanzen Dame Edelzwicker Blue Cap from Bloomer Creek Vineyard<\/a>, Finger Lakes area, Syracuse New York: Tanzen Dame, which roughly translates to \u201cDance, Lady?\u201d in German, was created as a tribute to the great wines of Germany, Austria, and the Alsace. Artisanally produced in small, minimally processed batches, the Edelzwicker wines are blends of Riesling,\u00a0Gewurztraminer and Cayuga White, the Finger Lakes\u2019 own grape, plus other white varietals.<\/p>\n South America<\/strong><\/p>\n 2011 Alto de la Ballena<\/strong>, Uruguay: Forget the Argentinian Malbec for just one moment and try this startling Tannat-Viognier blend of surprisingly complementary opposites \u2013 Tannat’s rugged and unrefined tannins combine with the Viognier’s delicate fragrance to make Uruguay a contender to the throne currently occupied by more popular and better known Chilean and Argentinian offerings.<\/p>\n Southern Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n Agali<\/a>, Koutsogiannopoulous Winery, Santorini, Greece: We all know Italy and France for their remarkable variety of high quality wines, but Greeks didn\u2019t invent democracy without the aid of grapes, thank you very much. The volcanic soil of the Greek island of Santorini produces delightful grapes which are used to make Agali, a young white wine with a soft taste and fruity aroma that is the perfect complement to fresh seafood and cheeses. Note: do not chill lower than 9 degrees Celsius.<\/p>\n