Aligra Wine and Spirits > About Us > Staff Picks Detail

Spacer

 

Staff Picks

Back

DeWayne's Picks


NIKKA COFFEY MALT WHISKY  JAPAN

Tasting Notes: Coffey still---Refers to the column still design patented by Aeneas Coffey in 1830. A more efficient alternative to the pot still, it is capable of continuous distillation by reheating the liquid, rather than requiring distillation in batches, and can produce higher ABV spirits than pot stills. The device consists of two columns which contain a number of compartments separated by heated plates. The plates are perforated with small holes to permit the upward passage of steam and spirit vapor, which is condensed to become spirits. Nose: Bourbon-like vanilla and corn notes with a herbal hint of chamomile. Palate: Sweet, fruity flavours of melon, grapefruit and thick syrup, balanced by crunchy biscuits and fresh vanilla. Finish: The corn notes, sweet and vibrant, last on the finish. Overall: Fans of grain whisky should be pretty happy with this, as well as bourbon lovers. 45% ABV

Price: $96.99

 

DeWayne's Picks


Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2020  Italy

Tasting Notes: This is a wine that must be tried with each new vintage. Every year the expression of these 3 grapes are adjusted to optimize for what would be the best bottling for that year. The Merlot (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (30%), and Sangiovese (20%) grapes were fermented separately in small steel tanks to maintain their varietal characteristics intact. The alcoholic fermentation was followed by malolactic fermentation, again in steel tanks. The wine was then aged for 10 months, partly in barrique used for Ornellaia and partly in cement tanks, to obtain the perfect balance between tannic structure and an expression of fresh fruit.

Price: $33.45

 

DeWayne's Picks


LOUIS VALLON BLANC DE NOIRS Crémant Blanc Brut  France

Tasting Notes: Louis Vallon Crémant de Bordeaux , as required by the appellation, meets strict specifications. The harvest is exclusively manual, and the grapes are conveyed in openwork paloxes. The production method is traditional, following the Champagne method: pressing, first fermentation, taking of foam in the bottle for the second fermentation, aging, riddling, disgorging and drawing. Louis Vallon is aged for at least 12 months on slats so that its aromatic and gustatory qualities develop. Louis Vallon Blanc de Noirs charms us with its intense nose of white peach and almond. Its delicate effervescence reveals aromas of summer fruits and brioche notes that makes it perfect for any celebration. To be enjoyed all summer long !! Grape varieties: Merlot, Cabernet franc.

Price: $25.99

 

DeWayne's Picks


CALLAWAY CELLAR SELECTION CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2020  UNITED STATES

Tasting Notes: Callaway Cellars was founded in 1969 by the late Ely Callaway of Callaway Golf fame. Using an uncommon blend of entrepreneurial savvy and Southern charm, Mr. Callaway rose to the top of the textile industry and the wine industry during the first 60 years of his life. But it was Callaway Golf, which he founded in 1982, that made him important to the millions of golfers worldwide who bought and used his products with devotion. In 1968 Mr. Callaway founded Callaway Vineyard and Winery in Temecula, Calif., which earned a reputation for producing fine white wines. In 1976, Callaway's wines were chosen for Queen Elizabeth's bicentennial luncheon at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in Manhattan. The queen had two glasses, causing a major stir in wine circles. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel was aged 90% in American oak and 10% in French oak for seven months. The resulting wine is lithe, with dark fruit wrapped in notable oak, cloves, cedar and smoke. A wine for grilled beef ribs or steak. A hint of licorice compliments the rich aromas of blackberry and boysenberry. The jammy fruit forward flavors are also apparent on the palate and are balanced nicely with spice, a silky mouth feel and smooth tannin structure. Alcohol/Vol 13% Sugar Content 3 g/L Drink between: 2023 – 2027

Price: $$21.99

 

DeWayne's Picks


2020 False Bay Old School Syrah  South Africa

Tasting Notes: Every once in a while I come across a wine that is truly a hidden gem. A tasty, inexpensive fruit forward Syrah from South Africa. Named after Cape Town’s False Bay, it’s this large sweeping bay that’s in full view from the famous Waterkloof estate where the wine is made. The grapes for the Old School Syrah are sourced mainly from two sustainably farmed separate vineyards in Stellenbosch in relatively cool spots. The hand harvested Syrah is fermented spontaneously ‘old-school’ with wild yeast (partially whole-bunch) and raised in large wooden casks (or foudre). A fine, spicy style...definitely more Syrah than Shiraz. A great value South African Syrah which pays homage to the savoury and wild Syrahs of the Rhône Valley. 100% Syrah, Full bodied. On the nose: Blackberry, brambleberry, Black currant. The palate: Blackberry, pepper, plum and vanilla. Will pair well with Red meats and spicy dishes. All of their wines are Vegan friendly.

Price: $18.99

 

DeWayne's Picks


DOMAINE HOUCHART  France

Tasting Notes: As Spring begins to bloom, I find we spend more and more time around the yard, in the garden and on the deck. A nicely chilled bottle of Domaine Houchart Rosé can be the perfect end to a day of gardening or, the beginning of a bbq and deck time. Back Story: This domaine was bought in 1890 by Aurélien Houchart, and the family estate has been farmed since Roman times. Aurélien Houchart created one of the largest estates in Provence. The Domaine was later divided amongst his five children and Geneviève Quiot inherited 50 hectares of vines from her grandfather. She runs the Domaine today. Located about 25km east of Aix-En-Provence, the vines are old, between 30 and 50 years, and the grape varieties grown are typical to Provence; With 50 hectares under vine, there is a variety of soil types; sandy, chalky, clay and silt which ensures that the vines have proper drainage and produce and grapes that can develop a variety of interesting characteristics. Tasting notes: Houchart Rosé has strawberry and citrus aromas that carry onto the palate and develop into strong, yet delicate flavours of summer berry and orchard fruits. This vegan friendly wine of Provence, France is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and is salmon pink in colour. A wine truly to be enjoyed all year long! And, this Rosé pairs amazingly with seafood, chicken dishes, zesty salads, or as an aperitif.

Price: $22.99

 

DeWayne's Picks


Segura Viudas Heredad Reserva Brut Cava  Spain

Tasting Notes: This Spanish sparkling gem is a great way to bring in Springtime, Easter, the Toronto Blue Jays 2023 season, and the NHL Playoffs! There is terrific value in this well-made, toasty and refreshing bubbly from Spain that's a third of the price of Champagne. Segura is one of the most respected producers of Cava, the Spanish name for sparkling wine. Terrific earthy aromas mingle with toasted almond and some green apple. Macabeo is the dominant variety in Reserva Heredad and provides acidity and freshness. It also makes it easier for the wine to age well during the more than 24 months that it will rest in contact with the lees. The Reserva Heredad coupage is made with 9 different wines, each of them vinified in separate tanks. The magic of the blend consists in ensuring that each wine contributes its characteristic touch to the whole. First and second fermentation carried out with their own selected yeasts. These yeasts provide structure, softness on the palate, more complex aromas (honey, nuts, flowers) and an elegant and persistent bubble. Grape varieties; Macabeo 67 %, Parellada 33 % ABV: 12%

Price: $A great value at $36.99

 

Back

Join our Newsletter

Be the first to know!

Subscribe to the ‘Sips & Tips’ newsletter! Subscribe here to receive our newsletter with Updates, Events & Special Offers.

We want to hear

We Want to Hear From You!

Easy Parking

 
ParkingDedicated parking for Aligra customers, right by Entrance #58 (below Simon's)

Store Hours

WEM is open, safety protocols are in place and as we are just inside Entrance 58, you don’t have to navigate the whole mall to visit our store.

Monday - Saturday: 10am – 9pm

Sundays & Stat Holidays : 11am - 6pm 

Closed: Christmas Day

Home Delivery or Curbside Pick up available   780 483-1083

Directions


 1423 West Edmonton Mall
 Edmonton, AB T5T-4M2

Terms Of Use | Privacy Statement | Copyright 2023 © Aligra Wine and Spirits
Login | | Website by WebmontonMedia