Mangustino

Mike's Tip

Mike's Tip

Mike's Tip

Mike's Tip

Mike's Tip

Mike's Tip

Mike's Tip

Mike's Tip

Taken from an area of the Saumur region known as the "gold mine", this Cabernet Franc delivers the best of the variety from the Loire valley. Big red fruit but in a much more delicate presentation. Best served with chicken or pork tenderloin. This is a delicate red with a bit of pepper and spice. Loved it!

Mike's Tip

Yes, it is just like Thor's hammer. A huge (from the bottle, the mouth and the alcohol content), brash, blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo (Zinfandel). There is nothing subtle about this one. Open at your own risk ;-)

Mike's Tip

I found the wine as playful as the label. This "Mocking Bird" is a natural wine full of cherries and strong red fruits. The finish is short and dry having no bitter end.

Mike's Tip

A balanced and fresh dose of acidity on what is a classic mineral filled French Chardonnay. Much closer to the Chablis style than California, so rather pair with a baked chicken than salmon.

Mike's Tip

A 50/50 mix of Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan makes this gold medal winner a good fit for BBQ or dishes with heavy (pepper) sauces. Pair with strong foods and you will have a perfect match.

Mike's Tip

I really wanted to have a Gamay this month without the "Nouveu" label. It is also a nice way to show how "serious" Gamay can be. Light, smooth and bone dry, this is an excellent wine for white meat or a plate of salami and cheese.

Mike's Tip

An interesting blend of Gamay and Syrah makes this a medium bodied with a head of spice. Will do great with chicken or tapas and will keep your palate fresh. Think of it as a pic-nic or lunch take along.

Mike's Tip

You can get so many different types Chardonnay it is amazing. This one from the Loire region of gives a more crisp flavor and leaves the tropical fruits behind. I Loved it and the sense the humour the winemaker adds to the label. Perfect for salmon or that lazy Tuesday when you just want KFC.

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Vanilla, tobacco and cloves on the nose, plums and black currant in the mouth. Aged for 6 month in oak barrels, this wine will only appreciate in the next 2-5 years.

Mike's Tip

Kind of like a red fruit multi-vitamin from the area of Carcassonne. Another red this month on a cherry base, this is an easy to drink wine perfect for a Thursday night take out pizza or stay at home pasta dish. We had ours with a "Pepka" on the grill and it was just great.

Mike's Tip

I suggest pairing this wine with red meat or a pasta disk with a heavy ragu sauce. Lots of red fruit flavour but also some sour cherry elements. I truly suggest not to over think this one, and drink it immediately ;-)

Mike's Tip

A dark cherry and black jammy fruit on a lightly peppery base. A good dose of tannin added making this a match for red meat or grilled pork with a bit of fat on the edge. A bit of gristle and a tannic red is a match made in heaven.

Mike's Tip

Dry and a lighter, finer cherry filled flavour. This wine is not an overpowering wine you need to pair carefully, but rather a wine that can do chicken or a pizza just fine. Perfect for that accompanying glass at dinner.

Mike's Tip

Refreshing and clean, despite a devilishly complicated mix of grapes 50% Colombard, 20% Ugni Blanc, 20% Gros Manseng, and 10% Sauvignon blanc. (Yes, enough to fill an encyclopaedia). Great structure and elegance.

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The wine maker is very specific about the food to be "A Table" with this wine - Fish. Salmon of sole will be a perfect match to this full, long finish Viognier (If you are accidently out of anchovies).

Mike's Tip

Well, this was a bit of surprise entry. A mix of Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon brings a bit of country flavour to the table.

Mike's Tip

Delicate and fragrant was the winemakers intent with this lite, medium alcohol wine. A blend our varieties from the south of France, this is a wine made for lunch and the weekend when you want something with food, but don't want it to be the end of your day.

Mike's Tip

A bit spicy and medium bodied, this is a great everyday red that gives good flavour while not over powering your dinner or plans. Perfect for a glass over dinner when nothing fancy is needed, and will be even better when you back to kill off the bottle the next day.

Mike's Tip

A true Provence red mixing Grenache, Syrah, Cabernet sauvignon, and Mourvèdre. Deep musty tones of dark red fruits. A lovely treat before boarding your yacht in Nice ;-)

Mike's Tip

Light, citrus flavour with hits of peaches, apples and pears that aren't yet quite ripe. This is a wine that is blossoming in your mouth. Pair with salads and fish for a lovely early dinner.

Mike's Tip

Valpolicella is dominated by the regions most prominent red grape, Corvina. Low in tannin and high in acidity, this is a wine best served with pork, or salami and cheese. Fine and delicate with a sharp end that will cut through fatty food.

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Grown at an altitude between 1600 and 2000 meters, this is one of the highest wine regions in the world. A creamy Malbec with lots of plums and dark fruit. Serve with hearty food.

Mike's Tip

Barbera is the engine room of all the red wines from the acclaimed region of Piedmont in Italy. Look for a deep ruby colour, strong tannin and acidity. This wine works great with red meats.

Mike's Tip

This is a value wine we stumbled across last year. More remarkable than the label is the area of Aconcagua where it is made. Between the mountains and the sea, this is a premium area for red wines in Chile. Trust me on this one!

Mike's Tip

This Malbec is a true Bordeaux ambassador. More sun and warmth in character, bringing out the fruits and vanilla that this grape does so well. This is a relaxing wine ideal for a long dinner with your friends.

Mike's Tip

In 2012, Wine Enthusiast named the Domaine de Cause the 2nd best winery in the world. Located in the Cahors, this blend of Malbec and Merlot is exceptionally fruity, with solid tannin to bring that edge you want to a steak or roast.

Mike's Tip

A medium bodied red with deep purple hues and lovely balance of earth, black fruit and acidity. Montepulciano is a perfect food wine, best with meats and bread. A salami pizza and this wine = heaven!

Mike's Tip

Our first Malbec, and this one from the Touraine region of northern France. Grown in the region of the Loire (valley), this Malbec has a higher acidity and more spice. Still quite fruity but quite bold in the mouth. Great for stews or goulash.

Mike's Tip

Fantastically fresh, from a place that you least expect it. This is one of those middle of nowhere wines that makes up for it's "lack of address" with great quality and value. Elegant and fresh, serve with salads or fish.

Mike's Tip

The Gaillac region may be known to some, but the indigenous grape Mauzac will be known to few. This wine hails from the best location and oldest vines of the region. Heavy in the mouth and aged in oak for 1 year, this is a full bodied wine ready for a dinner of duck, or a roast.

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Hands down, this winemaker is my favourite discovery in the Rhone region of the past 10 years. Non-traditional is an understatement in his marketing, but the quality of the wines speak for themselves. This fruity Syrah is another trophy to accompany salami and cheese.

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A clean and elegant wine reflecting the variety that Burgundy brings to chardonnay. Look for a crisp apple flavor with just a hint of oak. Lighter and crisper than what you will find in other regions. Pair with pasta in white sauce, or a roasted chicken.

Mike's Tip

Moderately heavy like all good California Chardonnays, but not overpowered by oak giving it a cleaner, sharper taste. This is a wine produced in Northern California intended solely for restaurants, so enjoy why these limited supplies last.

Mike's Tip

Been a long while since we have done a Sauvignon Gris coming from anywhere else but Italy. This one comes from much farther North, the Loire valley. Less sun, means a lower sugar content at harvest giving it a fresher, more acidity taste.

Mike's Tip

Not far from Toulouse you will find a summer pic-nic party, and this wine will be everywhere. The Balaran family has been making wines for 90 years, and this simple wine, light and fruity will convince anyone that you need not spend a lot of money for something fresh and fun.

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Dry and a little tart, you not be worried that this is a desert wine. Like all Muscadet, the nose is unmistakable but with a citrus and green apple tone that some may find quite overpowering. Best to pair with salmon or other strong fish.

Mike's Tip

Read before opening! because this wine will surprise you. Very much a Burgundy style red, Light in colour and juicy in flavor. This is a red wine for check and rice dishes at lunch, not a heavy dinner.

Mike's Tip

Deep purple, hearty red ready for a long (meaty) dinner. Mencia has similar characteristics to Cabernet Franc, so look for a bit fruity end with a short, dry finish.

Mike's Tip

Something new for your cellar - Bobal. Black fruits and medium tannins coming from this young but impressive wine. Nothing fancy, but perfect for a Wednesday night take away from Burrito Loco.

Mike's Tip

Their bull is "Modern, elegant, and a master of his own destiny". At least that is how the winemaker describes him. Aged for 3 months in oak barrels, this wine is meant to be drank young while still fresh and vibrant. Perfect for burgers or a salami sandwich!

Mike's Tip

Straw yellow in colour but brilliant in the mouth. High intensity citrus flavours matched with a very well balanced acidity that will not overpower your pallet. Great for grilled white fish, chicken and pasta. Or open it up with some deep fried calamari - mmmmmmm.

Mike's Tip

Honey, lemon and minerals are the characteristics of this Spanish wine from Valencia. Look for hints of earth and nuts hidden among the citrus flavours.

Mike's Tip

A very old family vineyard located between Saint-Emilion and Bordeaux. Light and crisp, this wine has firm acidity, yet not overpowering. Subtle apple flavor and a good sipping wine.

Mike's Tip

Honestly, how many of you have tried a French vermentino ? Well, here is your chance. Very aromatic and a lovely finish. And excellent wine for pasta with shrimp or clams and any white fish.

Mike's Tip

If a golden melon existed, it would look like what this wine tastes like. A very light citrus tine, the melon and peat flavours come out strong with a touch of vanilla. Medium body, and ideal for white cheese.

Mike's Tip

Everybody has their favorite in this region. Be it the big name of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or the lesser known bothers Gigondas and Vacqueras, all are known for their powerful red blends. Known for their full bodied character, this wine does best with grilled meat and friends. Enjoy it outside.

Mike's Tip

If you are a cycling fan, you will know the 1,900 m of mount Ventoux as one of the toughest climbs in the Tour de France. The area just south of the Cotes du Rhone is less well known so offers more value for the price. Medium to full bodied and as usual a touch of spice over a mouth of red fruit. And warning, you will never see the 15% coming ;-)

Mike's Tip

Some places that you visit stick with you forever. Rochegude, (where this wine is made) is one of them. Dominated by the medieval castle Suze la Rousse this is a typical village in the Rhone valley producing full bodies red wines with strong red fruits. Syrah and Grenache - get the grill ready !

Mike's Tip

When it comes to Austrian reds, Zweigelt is arguably the most popular and specific to the region. Sour cherries, a touch of pepper and a bit of tannin, this is a light red that will go best with chicken or pork.

Mike's Tip

The winemaker describes this well, "Classic stone fruit aroma and spicy herbs". Riesling combines high acidity and sugar to create a full bodied balance that with a long finish. Full power pleasure.

Mike's Tip

From one of the best locations in the entire Kamptal region. This Gruner Veltliner is very refined and balanced with a lovely taste of baked apples on the pallet. More complex flavor and just a touch of pepper in the finish.

Mike's Tip

A classic Veltliner with all the hallmark characteristics. A balanced wine with pear, lime and pepper. Fresh and tart, this wine has plenty of character and will do will with any fish or even noodle dish.

Mike's Tip

Veltlin has been the "in" white wine these past years. Pale color, but full of fruit and what some call a "green" flavor of nettles or grass. This young wine introduces you to these flavors including a touch of pepper. Medium body and will go well with summer foods.

Mike's Tip

Syrah and Grenache are two varieties you will find across the south of France, dry and spicy, it is best drank with meats and stews. This is not a wine that lingers in your mouth after your swallow. Short and a bit tannic. Pair with a steak.

Mike's Tip

What do you drink when touring the Chateau of the Loire Valley? A Sauvignon Blanc of course, and this is your wine. With it's colder climate, Sauvignon becomes more crisp. As it is a bit sharp, it does really well with fatty fish like salmon or tuna.

Mike's Tip

This is one your mouth will not forget soon. Full of acidity but with a dry finish. Look for the grapes among the slate ! This is the wine of the Rhine, and the wine of royalty - enjoy.

Mike's Tip

Red current and raspberry. This blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon has a bit more tannin in the mouth and at 13% makes for a more refreshing drink.

Mike's Tip

One of my favorite grape varieties. Bourgueil gets its strong red fruit aromas and smoky nose from the chalky terroir, called “Tuffeaux”. This is a light to medium bodied red with soft tannins and a fine finish. Perfect wine to serve with a "Pepka" or other baked cheese.

Mike's Tip

This Bordeaux "Superieur" made from Merlot makes for a very fruity red perfect for a steak of pork chop. Although the gold medal achievements are fairly rare, it is a consistent podium finisher with a collection of top 3 finishes from across the world. Classic presentation for a true star.

Mike's Tip

A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, this ruby red has a bit of spice and a long tail making it great for heavy / saucy dishes. And if you like it, this is a great value wine to put under the house for a few years. It will only get better!

Mike's Tip

For a "simple" Bordeaux, this wine has collected more than a few medals. Be it from Hachette, Wine Enthusiast, or Decanter, they produce a consistent high quality blend.

Mike's Tip

Honestly, one of my favorite winemakers in the world. A Frenchman with a winery in Chile, a barrel business in France and a finger in very continent across world. Years of experience and a passion you can't miss. The story of him is also that of his wine - enjoy!

Mike's Tip

This unusual cuvee is made from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, with a brilliant light yellow color. In the nose we have peach, pineapple and a slightly spicy touch. Refreshing and fruity with a touch of acidity. Serve with pasta.

Mike's Tip

French Chardonnay's are different. Less banana and butter and more peach and white fruit making it fresher. This comes from its terroir in the Loire with much milder temperatures. Serve with salmon and you will not be disappointed.

Mike's Tip

White pears and grapefruit, wrapped up in a vanilla robe. Sound complicated ? It's not. This is a fresh wine with hints of these fruits making all the more interesting. Serve cold and with food.

Mike's Tip

As the name suggests, the 45 year old vines producing this wine are no new comers. Mature and tempered, this wine blends four varieties into a slightly tannic, but well balanced drink. Pair with soft cheese, salami or pasta.

Mike's Tip

WOW - the best "Merlot" I have had for ages. It is really 80% aged Merlot and 20% Grenache that was put together by what is my favorite Rhone Valley wine maker at the moment. Like all his wines, this is a natural unfiltered affair, so let it breath and be careful with getting the last bits out of the bottle. My drink of choice these days ...

Mike's Tip

An absolute pleasure of a lightly oaked chardonnay from the Rhone Valley. Soft yet full of flavor, you get lots of banana and butter from this superior winery. You will love it!

Mike's Tip

Sauvignon Blanc is the dominant white variety from the Loire valley. Not as grassy as Sauvignon from other parts of the world, but fresh and clean with a lovely mineral and citrus flavor. Always great with a light meal when you want flavor, but not something heavy.

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A ruby red Merlot from a dry and warm part of the country. What this wine lacks in depth, it makes up for in a smooth presentation. Light and clear, this is a perfect lunch wine when you want only a glass. Serve with a sandwich and fries.

Mike's Tip

A deep, dark blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, and Marselan that will deliver a punch that you never saw coming. Flavor this smooth we normally find only in wines at a 40% premium. Lovely for sipping or with red meat. A real treat.

Mike's Tip

This wine is a mix of Tempranillo and Grenacha, making it a fruit, cherry filled treat. A super benefit of this full bodied bio bomb is there are no sulphates added. You got it, drink with no regret.

Mike's Tip

For starters, this is a bio dynamic wine from start to finish. Second this is a grape you have never tried before. So get ready for a ride of dried fruits and nuts in a full bodied yeasty flavor. A buttery wine with a long finish. Perfect for fish.

Mike's Tip

For starters, this is a bio dynamic wine from start to finish. Second this is a grape you have never tried before. So get ready for a ride of dried fruits and nuts in a full bodied yeasty flavor. A buttery wine with a long finish. Perfect for fish.

Mike's Tip

Our first entry in the "natural" wine category this month. Look for a light but oily finish with a big helping of minerals. Kind of like what you would get from the run off of smashing exotic fruits on a cliff.

Mike's Tip

Since we did Primitivo last month, we needed a full bodied red that even your mother in law will like. Malbec is known for its' round mouth, and fruity blueberry tones and chocolate finish. Not a desert, but a bottle you will definitely finish.

Mike's Tip

Albeit a French wine, this white will appeal to lovers of Czech wine. Exceptionally high in acidity, this one is best paired with cold sea food. Not a wine for the sofa, but something fresh with a little bite to keep your mouth fresh and awake!

Mike's Tip

Stay with me here - this wine is exciting! From the first sip the touch of Cabernet Franc pounds you with fruit, then the Merlot comes and gives you some lovely tannin. For those who prefer something other than Cabernet Sauvignon in their Bordeaux, this will will not dissapoint (just look at the score!)

Mike's Tip

This is a suprisingly light blend of Syrah and Grenache that will do will with pork or even fish. You get a little spice of the Syrah at the end, but nothing overpowering. An everyday red for any occasion.

Mike's Tip

No surprise that this was a 90 Parker point wine - an absolute delight from the Rhone. I am not a huge Grenache fan myself, and I would have never picked this wine as this variety. Smooth, fruity and a bit sweet, this is a red meat wine that will take you to Provence with the first sip.

Mike's Tip

The rose color of this wine is beautiful to start with, and the mix of 3 grapes give it a balanced fruit taste. Best served very cold on a hot summer evening with friends. It will dissapear the minute you open it.

Mike's Tip

If this Pinot did not come in a bottle, you would swear that there is nothing wet about its' content. Aged for 12 months in large barrels, bone dry yet very aromatic. Lovely from the start and pair with light foods.

Mike's Tip

This highly rated Riesling has a very dry, mineral flavor that is crisp and very short on the palate. Aged for 12 months in large barrels, look for nutmeg and a chalky flavor. Indeed, a bit "nuts".

Mike's Tip

This is a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon and Colombard (a grape variety that you may remember from other wines we have had from the south of France). A nice balance of floral and citrus tones. Not too much acidity and light enough for a weekend lunch date.

Mike's Tip

Although this blend is 60% Malbec, the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot make it less chocolate and more spice and tannin.. The spices have been tamed with 6 months of aging in French oak, but the tannin is still very pronounced. This means it is more a food wine than one for easy sipping. Pair it with beef or gulash. You will want something for the acidity to cut though.

Mike's Tip

Elegant and pleasant for any occasion. This is a “Go to” red for any occasion when you want to relax. Full bodied and very round, this is a wine perfect for steaks of a movie on the sofa. Trust me, you are going to want more of this.

Mike's Tip

What a great ambassador for a grape that we don’t get too many chances to try. If “Smokey” comes to mind, you are spot on. Get past the smoke, you will find a medium bodied red with a little spice and red fruits. Best served with white meat, port or chicken will do well, and do not let the nose put you off. A wine with a lot of character.

Mike's Tip

This light and fruity merlot will go best with white meats, fish or even a salad. Its has just a hint of pepper, but by no means is it overpowering or unpleasant. The fruits in this wine jump right out at you. Exactly what a young and playful wine should be. Definitely smooth enough for drinking on its own or.

Mike's Tip

Very, very impressive. For those who love a chardonnay full of vanilla, oak and butter, look no further. Villard have a long history of winemaking in France, and this has come through is this very sophisticated white. The tail on this cannon with for sure “Love you long time” ;-)

Mike's Tip

It is not often that you find a white wine with 14.5% alcohol, and when you do it better have the character to pull it off. This wine has that “something” that makes it work. Look for a mouthful of pears and mango and a slightly pronounced mineral flavor. And with many Chardonnay of this caliber long tail. A perfect wine for salmon.

Mike's Tip

Torrontes is a grape known for its floral tones and is typically very light in color and taste. Look for white fruits, like melon, peach and banana. I found a lot of that in the tail making this wine much fuller that similar ones that I have tasted. Try this food with some sushi or a tikala masala. It has enough flavor to hold its one with something a bit spicy.

Mike's Tip

This is an easy go to chardonnay for those who like that classic long finish without the overbearing flavor of oak. The winery makes a big point about picking these grapes only in the morning, which I take to mean that it lacks any other remarkable quality. Don’t get me wrong, this is a entry level white that holds its own in its price range, and a solid Vivino rating stands behind it.

Mike's Tip

Like all the wines of this region of the Rhone, be ready for a big robust flavor that will hold its own with any big chunk of red meat. The Grenache gives its its character, and the Syrah it’s elegance. Expect a bit of pepper in the tail, and make sure to let this wine breath before drinking. (this is the one you save for relaxing on the sofa ;-)

Mike's Tip

Black Currant. If you miss this it can only mean you just brushed your teeth ;-). Much deeper in color, and draped in black fruit (berries and cassis). This wine will do well with white meat and salami. Mest to stay clear of steak and gulash.

Mike's Tip

This is a very light red that may remind many of you of a Gamay. Very fruity and intended to drink slightly chilled. Will go best with salami or sausage, and a roasted chicken. This is definitely a wine to have with a meal or a snack outside. Not for a TV evening on the sofa.

Mike's Tip

I think it should be a crime to make a rose from Cabernet Frank as this grape makes such and exceptional red, but here we are. Very pale, and lots of black fruit and a touch of pepper. Pair with almost anything from pork to sushi.

Mike's Tip

Although a varietal Sauvignon, this wine is actually a cuvee of sauvignon from different parcels of the grower. Look for a nose full of grapefruit and cassis, and a full fresh acidic taste of green apple that will be a great pairing with tomato based soups, curries and all white fish.

Mike's Tip

Exceptionally subtle for a Muscadet. This grape can often have a very strong perfume, but this time we much softer tone and a nice nutty and mineral flavor. The alcohol content at just 11.5% also helps to make this super easy and enjoyable.

Mike's Tip

It is pretty rare that we have a Chennin Blanc in our box. This is a straw yellow delicate wine with a lemon flavor and a very long finish. From a steel tank, the taste is pure and fresh and will go great with a Vietnamese take away (really!)