STRAIGHT FROM THE
GRAPE VINE

    

    


SEPTEMBER

LE21

We won't make you wait. The first item below is a sneak preview of the LE21 Limited Editions. More details will follow over the next few days. We are excited!


CHRISTMAS FRUIT WINE

Welcome Chocolate Cherry. Black cherry, smooth dark chocolate and sensuous vanilla. Luxurious and 6% alcohol.


CHRISTMAS REDS

Dolcetto is SOLD out, but the fabulous Montepulciano is back! 4-, 6- and 8-week options.


CHRISTMAS WHITES

Riesling-Pinot Grigio (4-week), Mosel (6-week) and Fumé (8-week)


PORT

Order now your Chocolate Raspberry and Mocha Chocolate NOW!!!


HARD SELTZER

We are now offering DOUBLE HARD SELTZER for those looking for a flavour-packed experience.


IN-HOUSE CIDER

After much thought, and some new shelving, we have decided to offer in-house cider making. Sprinkle the yeast and bottle. More details below.


LE20 and friends

Gone: DOUBLE NOIR, TORRENTES, NERELLO and BARBARA

Limited: SYNERGY and GRENACHE-TANNAT-SHIRAZ.

Small quantities: NEW ZEALAND MERLOT and THREE POSTS (Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc)


SALES

Of course we have September sales.


BREWING

More new in brewing. New kits!






    

    


LE21 FIRST NEWS!


We always wonder if Winexpert will rest on their laurels. Not a chance. The LE21s are better than ever, with emerging regions, fascinating grape combinations and twists on classics. There are themes that run through these wines. Sun and heat are required to produce ripe grapes with high levels of fermentable sugars. Cool nights increase the complexity of the grapes and produce wines with layered structures. Modest yields and soils that force the vines to seek nutrients and water also add to the depth of the final wine. The LE21s are drawn locations that share these characteristics. The wines are very different, but the locations are ideal.


We would like to have them all today. Last order date is early: 31 October. More details will follow in a few days, but this is our sneak peak.


DECEMBER

Pinot Noir - Shiraz, Murray Darling Australia

Murray Darling, named after the two rivers that dissect the region, is one of the most recognised wine growing regions in the world. Its dry continental climate has hot days and cool nights, along with sandy loam soils that require irrigation. The established vines work hard in these conditions to give moderate yields of healthy, rich and well-rounded grapes.

LE20's Double Noir also featured Pinot Noir, but the pairing and location give a very different wine this year. Pinot Noir - Shiraz is an unusual combination, but the result is hugely successful. Pinot Noir is a unique red. It's sour cherry, raspberry and strawberry fruit are unusual, but is the earthy and ethereal quality, and silky tannins that set Pinot Noir apart. Murray Darling grows Shiraz at its best. Thick skinned grapes display soft tannins, whilst the classic flavours of berries, pepper and baking spice are all present, along with hints of blueberry and liquorice. Our sommelier describes this wine as satisfying, interesting and delicate with depth and resonance. There are black and red fruits, silky tannins, those ethereal tannins and forest floor notes of truffle and mushroom with perfect acidity. The finish is long and rich with coffee and vanilla. 
 

  

 


JANUARY

Macabeo - Sauvignon Blanc, Manchuela Spain

The region is well-known in Spain and receiving increasing international attention. Vineyards are located at altitude and on dry limestone in southeastern Spain. Days are hot, but altitude and proximity to the Mediterranean and its Levante wind bring cooler nights. Perfect conditions to produce fully ripe grapes with complex flavours.

Macabeo offers citrus, tropical fruits and pear, with hints of grapefruit. Wines are lush and layered. Sauvignon Blanc from this region balances apple, honeysuckle and white tropical fruit with grassy notes. The varietals come together to give a wine with a nose that is floral and full of citrus, green apple and tropical fruit. On the palate it is full of structure, acidity and fresh fruit. Lush, delicious and, well, lush.


  

 


FEBRUARY

Marselen, Languedoc France

Marse-what? It is a fair question. Marselen is Cabernet Sauvignon-Grenache cross developed in the early 1960s. This isn't a blend, it is distinct varietal that draws on the best characteristics of its parents and adds its own unique twists. Marselen is disease-resistant with firm tannins, precise acidity and excellent flavour and aroma. It failed to attract attention in the years of high production and low quality because of its small grape size. In an age where quality matters, it is recieving more and more attention. It doesn't enjoy its own shelf in the LCBO, but it will soon enough.

Many grape varieties thrive in the Languedoc. Its location in the south of France brings warm days to ripen grape. Cool Mediterranean breezes produce more complex flavours. The limestone, lava rock and clay force the vines to work hard. Paradoxically, these are the conditions for excellent wine. Marselen offers a powerful nose of black fruit, spice and jammy red fruits. Its flavours are those of blackberry, plum, blackcurrant and spice. There are firm, but not aggressive tannins, and balanced acidity. This is a precise and beautifully structured wine. It has body, richness and complexity. It is subtle and smooth.

  

 


March

Trebbiano - Riesling, Puglia & Veneto Italy

Trebbiano is widely grown in Italy and France and is a staple of Cognac and Armagnac. Under the hot dry growing conditions of Puglia in Italy's heel it produces excellent grapes that benefit from cool sea breezes at night. Riesling is associated with Germany, Austria and the Alsace region of France, and has, of course, adapted to the new world. However, it also grown in Veneto, Italy. Although its name is associated with Venice, it has a mountainous northern region with peaks up to 10,000 feet. It is in this region, which enjoys summer sun, cool nights and a long growing season that Riesling thrives and surpasses its Germany equivalents.

Ripe Trebbiano is packed with lemon peel, melon and green apple with a floral undertone and a suggestion of chamomile. It is fresh, crisp, clean and delicious. Veneto Riesling enjoys the best of both worlds. It develops the natural sweetness and phenolic complexity of ripe Riesling, but maintains its bracing acidity. What does Trebbiano-Riesling offer? Its aroma displays apple, stone fruit and melon. In the mouth it is soft, yet fresh and clean with the flavours of both grapes being apparent. Normally, acidity predominates in chilled wines, whilst fruit and sweetness grows as the wine warms. Trebbiano-Riesling keeps is fruit freshness when ice cold, but still displays its acidity. Delicious.



  

 


APRIL

Grenache - Carignan, Manchuela Spain

Grenache - Carignan is widely grown in the Languedoc where is produces modest wines. In small areas of the Rhone Grenache - Carignan reaches its best, and affords high prices, as Chateauneuf-du-Pape. These few locations contain 'puddingstones' that release nighttime high. The grapes, and more so Carignan, require heat. Step forward Manchuela. The days are a little warmer in southern Spain. Nights are cooled by the Mediterranean and Manchuela’s elevation above sea level. This region allows Grenache and Carignan to express all their natural characteristics. Chateauneuf-du-Pape eat your heart out.

Grenache and Carignan are not new to Manchuela; vines more than 100 years old are not unknown. Established vines produce a wine that is rich, full and generous. It is purple, almost black, in colour, with rich tannins and moderate acidity. Carignan brings flavours of black and red fruit along with liquorice and spice. Grenache also provides fruit and spice with sweet tannins. The resulting wine is complex. Spice, liquorice, toasty vanilla, leather, red and black fruits and blueberry are all present in the nose. On the palate it is a soft and full, with mouth coating tannins. Spice leaps forward, but all the characteristics of Grenache and Carignan are expressed in this deep, brooding wine.

  

 


CHRISTMAS FRUIT WINE


ISLAND MIST - LIMITED RELEASE

CHOCOLATE CHERRY FRUIT WINE

Made in 4 weeks 
Price: $129.99 in store/$66.99 at home 

If the words 'chocolate' and 'cherry' don't immediately get your attention, move along there is nothing to see here. For the rest of us, welcome to cold winter nights and the warm welcome of black cherries, decadent chocolate and tantalising vanilla. All in a glass. Rich fruit aromas, cocoa and a velvety chocolate finish. Fuzzy slippers and warm blanket in a glass. Bring on winter.


Alcohol: 6% 
Body: Light
Oak: None
Sweetness: Sweet

  

 


CHRISTMAS REDS


PRIVATE RESERVE - LIMITED RELEASE

AUSTRALIAN ODYSSEY SHIRAZ

Made in 8 weeks 
Price: $219.49 in store/$168.49 at home 

'It's just a Shiraz'. Well, actually it is not. This Private Reserve uses Riverlands and Barossa grapes with some complicated oaking and grape skins to produce a phenomenal big wine.

Riverland Shiraz is pre-oaked with French oak for a subtle infusion of vanilla, maple, and sweet spice. Barossa Shiraz is blended in to increase ripe black fruit, dark chocolate, and licorice flavours. American and French oak during fermentation refine the notes of spice and vanilla and lend silky tannin. Last, but not least, Hungarian Acacia enhances texture and body. Three different types of wood and expert blending accentuate the varietal’s ripe dark fruit flavours, enriching the wine, not overpowering it. Tell us that's 'just Shiraz'.

Alcohol: 14% 
Body: Full 
Oak: Heavy
Sweetness: Dry

  

 

RESERVE - LIMITED RELEASE
ITALIAN DOLCETTO - SOLD OUT

 

 


RESERVE

ITALIAN MONTEPULCIANO

Made in 6 weeks 
Price: $181.99 in store/$127.49 at home 

Italy at its best. This late ripening grape is at its best in central and southern Italy. Noted from its fresh acidity, robust alcohol levels and deep colour, the grape is indigenous to Italy. This a rich wine, full of boysenberry, plum and cherry. Its acidity allows it to pair with a wide range of strong food flavours. Perfect for Christmas.

Alcohol: 13% 
Body: Medium-Full
Oak: Medium
Sweetness: Dry

  

 


CLASSIC - LIMITED RELEASE

ITALIAN TERRENO

Made in 4 weeks
Price: $149.99 in store/$93.49 at home

We have been playing with alternative names for this wine from Tuscany. Super Tuscanette was our best. Super Tuscan is a modern take in Chianti that has been adopted by many vineyards and features in our PRIVATE RESERVE wines. Terreno uses the same blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese to give a wine that soft on the palate with rounded tannins. There is a nose of cherry and cassis that lads to flavours of blackberry and plum. A gentle finish features hints of spice. We are really excited by this wine. Join us in the fun and give it time to age before Christmas.

Alcohol: 12.5%
Body: Medium
Oak: Medium
Sweetness: Dry

  

 


CHRISTMAS WHITES


PRIVATE RESERVE

NEW ZEALAND FUMÉ

Made in 8 weeks 
Price: $229.49 in store

Fumé refers to oaked Sauvignon Blanc and was a very popular Limited Edition two years ago. We missed and so did several customers, so we experimented with lightly oaking our New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. The result was a hit. We start with the quintessential New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc; grassy with grapefruit and crisp acidity. Oak adds more body and complex creamy vanilla notes. Perfect to stand up to the rich foods that you plan to enjoy.  

Alcohol: 13.5% 
Body: Full 
Oak: Medium
Sweetness: Dry

  

 


RESERVE

GERMAN MOSEL GEWURTZ

Made in 6 weeks 
Price: $188.99 in store

This a wine with the character to enjoy with food. Gewürztraminer offers floral aromas with notes of orange blossom. These lead to flavours of peach and other stone fruits, as well as classic lychee sweetness. Elderflowers add indefinable floral notes to both nose and body that are reminiscent of a great Piesporter. A rich off-dry wine that is suited to the Christmas season.

Alcohol: 12.5% 
Body: Medium
Oak: None
Sweetness: Off-Dry

  

 


CLASSIC

RIESLING - PINOT GRIGIO

Made in 4 weeks 
Price: $142.49 in store

We would never have considered a blend of these varietals, but the LE20 Synergy proved to be an inspiration. Surprisingly, Riesling and Pinot Grigio offer similar tasting notes, both displaying apple and citrus lime. However, Riesling brings sweetness and floral notes, while Pinot Grigio offers lime and dry acidity. The final result is best described as surprisingly good; only just off-dry with subtle flavours. Another great wine for Christmas entertaining.

Alcohol: 12.5% 
Body: Light
Oak: None
Sweetness: Off-Dry

  

 


LIMITED RELEASE PORTS


APRÈS - PORT

CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY  
AND
CHOCOLATE MOCHA

Made in 6 weeks 
Price: $169.49/$107.99 
Limited Release: Order Now!!!

Chocolate Raspberry has already established itself as a winner. This Port was so popular last year that it's back again. Rich port backed by raspberry tartness and smooth chocolate.

We are expecting similar quality from Chocolate Mocha. Replace tart raspberry with smoky coffee and you have another fantastic port. It comes down to choice.

Remember: you are allowed to fortify your port with brandy, or the spirit of your choice, at bottling.


Alcohol: 17% 
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Sweetness: Sweet

  

 


HARD SELTZER AND DOUBLE HARD SELTZER

Mobirise


MANGROVE JACK'S

HARD SELTZER

Made in 4 weeks
Price: $104.49 in store/$39.99 at home 

Three authentic flavours that are crisp, refreshing and low in alcohol. Low in calories or perfect in wine spritzers or gin and tonic. Add fresh fruit and/or ice, and even try cocktails; Tropical Spritz, Mojito Twist or Sparkling Sangria.

Lemon and Lime Splash
Pineapple Sunset
Raspberry Breeze

To make in store you will need to sprinkle and bottle in the same way as wine. Wine bottles are not suitable, but we can supply 500-mL plastic bottles or flip-tops are 500-mL, 750-mL or 1-litre.

Alcohol: 4.0%
Makes 18-19 litres


MANGROVE JACK'S

DOUBLE HARD SELTZER

Made in 4 weeks 
Price: $104.49 in store

Enjoying your seltzer on its own? Looking for a little more flavour? Easy, let us make you Double Hard Seltzer. The same calories and alcohol, but more fruit flavour. We have sipped this on a warm summer afternoon. Cool, refreshing and low in alcohol.

Alcohol: 4.0% 
Makes 18-19 litres

  

 


IN-HOUSE CIDER


MANGROVE JACK'S CIDER

Made in 4 weeks
Price: $104.49 in store, $109.49 with cider enhancer
Alcohol: typically 5.0%
Makes 23 litres


We been asked many times to make cider, but space and equipment have been too limited. Having bought additional shelving and a second bottling machine it is now possible to say 'yes'.

The procedure is the same; sprinkle yeast and come in to bottle, but there are limitations.
   There is NO flexiblity in your bottling date. Cider goes off quickly.
   Plastic 500-mL beer bottles or flip-tops are essential.
   Flip-tops come in 500-mL, 750-mL and 1-litre. They are a worthwhile investment.
   Remember, ciders contain sediment and must be poured before drinking.

We are happy to make any Mangrove Jack's cider. Prices include the required dextrose or cider enhancer. Enhancer contains more complex sugars and adds to the final flavour.

We have hopped apple and pear ciders and these add another dimension. We will add any hops we have in stock and we're happy to suggest something complementary. 


SEPTEMBER SPECIALS


RESERVE

$10 off

Italian Amarone 
and 
Californian Sauvignon Blanc


RESERVE

ITALIAN AMARONE

$10 off

Made in 6 weeks
Price: $171.99 in store/$117.49 at home 

Corvina and Rondinella grapes are the same as those found in lighter Valpolicella wines. However, careful air drying in special chambers results in more concentrated sugars and more complex flavours. Drying also increases contact with the grapes' skins imparting rich and smooth tannins. Look for cherry, black fig and chocolate. Another wine that we personally enjoy.

Alcohol: 13.5%
Body: Full
Oak: Medium
Sweetness: Dry


RESERVE

CALIFORNIA SAUVIGNON BLANC

$10 off

Made in 6 weeks
Price: $168.99 in store/$113.99 at home 

Sauvignon Blancs differs greatly in character from green and grassy to those wines in which tropical fruits predominate. The RESERVE Sauvignon Blanc is a fruit-forward Sauvignon Blanc. Tropical fruits are balanced by acidity, gooseberry and lime. A delightful wine and one that is our 'cellar'.


Alcohol: 13%
Body: Light-Medium  
Oak: None
Sweetness: Dry


CLASSIC

$10 off

Australian Grenache Shiraz Mourvèdre
and
California Moscato


CLASSIC

AUSTRALIAN GRENACHE SHIRAZ MOURVÈDRE

$10 off

Made in 4 weeks 
Price: $125.49 in store/$73.99 at home 

We will skip the official description; this is an amazing 4-week wine. We were bowled over by the depth and quality. It is a bold and rich, full of blackberry with notes of spice and chocolate. Shiraz brings the bold, fruit-forward flavours, but Grenache and Mourvèdre contribute so much more. Grenache adds soft berries and rounded mouthfeel, whilst Mourvèdre is earthy and gamy, bringing deep colour and tannins. This truly is a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. CLASSIC GSM truly shows how far Winexpert wine kits have progressed. 

Alcohol: 13% 
Body: Medium-Full
Oak: Heavy 
Sweetness: Dry

  

 


CLASSIC

CALIFORNIA MOSCATO

$10 off

Made in 4 weeks 
Price: $122.49 in store/$67.49 at home 

Moscato is a chameleon; it finds a home in sparkling wines, whites, roses and dessert wine. It is the aromatic quality of the Muscat grape that gives each wine its perfumed character. Even still whites range from dry to very sweet. The CLASSIC California Moscato is unquestionably sweet, but there is much more to this wine. Green apple and pear add a well-rounded quality, whilst grape notes suggest rich, ripe fruits.

Alcohol: 11.5% 
Body: Light-Medium
Oak: None  
Sweetness: Medium-Sweet

  

 


What's New in Brewing?

ESSENCE

Orange Brandy Liqueur ---- $7.99
Irish Liqueur ---- $7.99


MUNTON'S BEER KITS (23 litres)

Premium Irish Stout ---- $24.99
Premium Barley Wine ---- $24.99
Premium Mexican Cerveza ---- $24.99
 
Connoisseurs Bock Bier ---- $24.99
Connoisseurs Yorkshire Bitter ---- $24.99 

  

 

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