Firefly Fine Wines And Ales

Welcome to Firefly's Advisor Blog.

Check out our Advisor picks and whatever else we think you may find interesting. Suggestions welcome.....

July 30, 2011 |

Sandy’s Pick: Barrandica Vineyards' 2007 Cab Sauv/Merlot/Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina

Dare to impress at your next BBQ with this stunner from Argentina. If steaks are on the menu, you can’t miss with this spicy, peppery, smoky, leathery wine bursting with black cherry and cassis fruit. Sauté some mushrooms in butter, crack plenty of black pepper on the beef and you’ll be in heaven. The tannins are smooth enough that you could enjoy this one on its own while you stand on the patio flipping the steaks on the grill.

Jul 30, 2011 at 12:00 PM

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July 23, 2011 |

Sheila’s Pick: Wente's 2008 Chardonnay - Monterey, California

Wente Vineyards, established in 1883, was the original producer of California Chardonnay. If it tasted this amazing when it was first produced, it is no wonder they continued to make such fine juice. This rich, fairly full-bodied and smooth-drinking wine bursts of tropical fruit flavours, ripe apples, butterscotch, vanilla and more with every sip. It’s a golden reward waiting for the right occasion – time to create one! It would pair well with creamy mushroom risotto, crab legs with butter, or aged Gouda.

Jul 23, 2011 at 2:49 PM

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July 16, 2011 |

Mike’s Pick: Portada's 2006 Vinho Regional - Lisboa, Portugal

BBQ season was made for wines like this. It’s medium-bodied with great berry-fruit flavours in addition to a rustic, earthy edge and a touch of spice. It’s got enough tannin to compliment any protein and enough acidity to wash down any fat. Lamb burgers would be a killer pairing. Get that grill fired up and pop open the Portada!

Jul 16, 2011 at 3:15 PM

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July 9, 2011 |

Sandy’s Pick: Orofino's 2010 Riesling - Similkameen Valley, BC

This refreshing wine is waiting to refresh your summer palate. Peaches, apricots, green apple, pink grapefruit, lime and a hint of white flowers will greet and entice your palate. It’s got a perfect balance of sweet fruit flavours and mouth-watering acidity that shows when Riesling is expressed at its best. Try it with light summer fare: salads, fish, local spot prawns. Try mixing some grapefruit or citrus dressing into your recipe to bring out those notes in the wine.

Jul 9, 2011 at 3:21 PM

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July 3, 2011 |

Sheila’s Pick: Fatica Contadina's 2004 Aglianico Taurasi DOCG - Italy

If you’re looking for a dark, mysterious, late-night Italian affair, look no further: this is it. Taurasi is rich, powerful, and complex, with fantastic longevity. Flavours of Bing cherries, ripe black plums, leather, earth, spice and something dark … is it tar? Pepper? Licorice? Or the taste of sheer intrigue? Think about that while you sip this wine long after the sun goes down and nibble hard, aged cheese such as Piave. You’re guaranteed to go to bed satisfied.