Black Sheep Products Currently Available in Alberta
~ click on producer icon to view producer website ~
Argentina
Tupungato, Mendoza, Argentina ~ New!!
This projecty was born from a great friendship between Gonzalo Tamagnini and Martin Sesto who met several years ago working together for other projects. Both agreed on ideals, styles and tastes so they decided to communicate and spread this passion they have for viticulture with their own wines. In this process they have found many challenges, awakening a permanent desire for improvements, innovations and experimentation with new techniques to the point of becoming two “Desquiciado” (Maniacs) in wine.
40% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Franc, 25% Syrah, 5% Petit Verdot. Aged 14 months in 2nd and 3rd use French oak barrels.
91 points ~ James Suckling “Violets and rose-like flowers, abound here with abundant spiced blackberries and cassis. the palate has such attractive, fresh raspberries and red plums, holding fresh and even. Fine, dusty tannins to close. Drink or hold.”
91 points ~ Tim Atkin MW
90% Malbec with 10% Syrah. Aged 20 months in 2nd use French oak barrels.
92 points ~ James Suckling “Aromas of brambleberries, blueberries, sweet tobacco and balsamic. It’s medium-bodied with fine grained tannins. Fresh and fruity with flavourful, spiced finish.”
91 points ~ Wine Advocate “The ripe and fruit-driven 2018 Malbec had floral aromas and an expressive nose, mixing violets and red berries with a spicy twist from eight months that half of the wine matured in oak barrels. This is co-fermented with 8% Pinot Noir and 7% Cabernet Franc with indigenous yeasts. The palate is medium-bodied with very fine tannins, focused, pure flavors and a long finish. 36 000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2018” Luis Gutiérrez
92 points ~ Tim Atkin MW
90% Cabernet Franc, 10% Petit Verdot. Aged 22 months in 2nd use French oak barrels.
91 points ~ Wine Advocate “The same as the rest of 2018s, I found very good balance and a very expressive nose in the 2018 Cabernet Franc, and the wine has great varietal expression; it’s clean, pure and fresh, while it’s easy to drink, has moderate alcohol and very good freshness. The grapes were fermented together with some 5% each Petit Verdot and Malbec. Delicious. 36 000 bottles were filled in December 2018.” Luis Gutiērrez
91 points ~ James Suckling “Aromas of ripe plums, strawberries, currants and mocha. It’s medium-bodied with soft, rounded tannins and fresh acidity. Smoth, juicy finish.”
93 points ~ Tim Atkin MW
New Zealand
Marlborough, New Zealand ~ certified sustainable
Peter and Jane Clark began to plant this 13 hectare estate vineyard in the Upper Awatere Valley back in 1993 after retiring from an honourable career in the military. Moving forward, their son and daughter have taken this family business to the next level. Simon Clark has grown to be a very talented and well travelled Winemaker and Vineyard Manager. Sarah Clark takes care of sales and the business side of the Estate: very much the profile of a successful family buisness. Their wines are beautiful and expressly display a strong sense of place!
“Delightfully aromatic with lifted notes of cool climate stone fruits, blackcurrant bud and gooseberries filling the glass. There is an abundance of fruit weight on the palate which is structured and well balanced with refreshing mineral acidity.”
Italy
Veneto, Italy ~ certified organic ~ vegan friendly
Located to the east of Lake Garda in Sommacampagna (Verona), Gorgo was born in 1973 and has grown to 50ha of organically farmed vineyards. This Father/Daughter team create an elegant range of unique wines which speak of their terroir.
“…a wine should be judged for its particular features, but most importantly as a whole, as the expression of a well-defined territory. Wine is synonymous with its land, its history, its climate but also with the inhabitants and the culture of the countryside…”
“The wine is clean, crisp while preserving the delicate citric fruits and green apple flavours. Our Pinot Grigio is dry, refreshing, lively and easy to drink.”
A blend of Garganega, Bianca Fernanda, Trebbiano Toscano, Trebbianello and Incrocio Manzoni
“This white wine is obtained from a complex blend of grapes from different vines, each conferring its distinguishing features: Trebbiano Toscano imports vigor and the wine’s full body; Cortese gives the dry, harmonious and fresh taste: Garganega together with Tocai Friulano and other grapes add pleasant and aromatic scents. Complying with the technical guidelines, the wine estate has obtained a fresh, vivid, well-bodied wine.”
A blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara.
“This superior quality young wine has bright and deducing colour and a delicate bouquet; it is ideal for light lunches as is typical of the modern lifestyles but with a low alcohol content and the content of red wine substances that make it highly digestible.”
A blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara
“This contemporary wine is the result of the land related features, i.e. soil, climate, tradition, combined with the needs of present-day living; and easy all-meal wines amazingly pleasant and rewarding, well digestible, fresh, harmonious and balanced.
A great wine obtained from a careful single-variety vinification of the most important and famous grape of Verona Area: the Corvina Veronese. This intense, elegant, full-bodied wine proves how great is the value of respect for the link with the territory of origin.
Aged for 12 months, part in stainless steel tanks, part in barriques with further aging in bottle.
“Intense ruby red colour. On the nose, fresh, fruity notes of red fruits, in particular cherries and plums, with the aromas of spices and herbs. Smooth, pleasant and well balance on the palate.”
100% Chardonnay – unoaked
“This noble vine interprets our land with grace and harmony and an associated bouquet of fruit and flowers that is fully preserved and enhanced by the vinification and ageing without the use of wood. This Chardonnay is an extremely versatile wine, with marked freshness but a rich, complex and persistent structure.”
Tullum DOP, Abruzzo, Italy ~ organic ~ New!!
Antonio Radica was raised in the vineyards and learned the land from working alongside his father Rocco who purchased his first vineyard in the 1950’s after selling his prized bull.
In 2009 Antonio and his two sons, Rocco Jr. and Giacomo established their family winery in Italy’s smallest DOCG, Tullum. Their intention is to work in absolute harmony with the land and grow beautiful, organic wines that express the unique terroir of this tiny piece of land sandwiched between the Adriatic Sea and Majella Massif.
Winemaker’s notes: “Our Pecorino grapes grow in Ortona at 100m from sea level, facing South-East on clay-alkaline soil. Grapes where hand-picked in the second half of September. After the destemming, the grapes are pressed and the must is soon brought to 12 °C temperature to avoid uncontrolled fermentation. Fermentation is made under controlled temperatures in small steel tanks for about one month, using a unique ferment which gives to our wine its own personality. Wine is aged in small steel tanks for about 3 months at controlled temperature and in the absence of oxygen to avoid oxidation and at the end a short period in bottle.”
Tasting notes: “Straw-yellow color with some green highlights. Fruity aroma with citrus and exotic nuances blend in delicate notes of flowers. Well-bodied wine with good structure, slightly mineral finish.”
Winemaker’s notes: “Grapes where handpicked in first half of October. As soon as harvested, the grapes are destemmed and pressed, the must is conveyed directly into small steel tanks at controlled temperature, where fermentation occurs for about two weeks. Ageing: about 15 months in steel tanks.”
Tasting Notes: “Red fruit with spicy notes of chocolate and vanilla. Well-bodied, supple, balanced and persistent taste.”
Tullum DOCG is one of the smallest DOCG areas in Italy. It covers an very limited area – roughly26 hectares in the Municipality of Tollo in the province of Chieti – and is characterized by very strict production parameters. Being situated between the Adriatic Sea and Apennines, the uniqueness of this appellation is in the mix of mild sea climate and fluctuations of the temperatures that are typical of the mountains.
Winemaker’s notes: “Hand-picked harvesting in the second week of October. The vinification start with the maceration of skins in small steel tanks at controlled temperature for one month. The wine ages for 24 months in wooden tonneaux and minimum 6 months in bottle.”
Tasting notes: “Red ruby color. The aroma is intense, supple with hints of caramel and cherry. Full bodied wine, fresh, balanced and persistent.”
Portugal
Various Regions, Portugal ~ New!!
With a goal to create and promote wines from the top wine-making regions in Portugal, Gota (meaning drop) marries rich tradition with modern thinking to producer fresh, flavoursome wines from its vast array of distinctive, characterful grape varieties.
“We are collectors, we search the country looking for treasures – the vineyards, the wines and the people – and choose the ones that we believe express the unique personality of each region; the pure soul of the place.”
Grape varietals: Castelão, Trincadeira Preta, Agagonez and “others” with no oak influence.
Tasting notes: “Elegant red fruit aromas with delicate spicy notes, very good structure with fine tannins, red fruit and chocolate notes on the palate, very good freshness. Best companion to grilled meats, hunting birds’ dishes, meat stews.”
Wine description: “Bairro is situated between the Tagus Valley and the foothills of the Porto de Mós, Candeeiros and Montejunto massifs. On gently undulating terrain made from clay and limestone soils and influenced by temperate southern Mediterranean lay the red wines vineyards of MESA. Mesa means table and the terroir produce perfect wine for every day drinking.”
Grape varietals: 30% Castelão, 30% Trincadeira, 30% Aragones, 10% Others with no oak influence.
Tasting notes: “Very round and sensual texture. Concentrated but fine wine with aromas of black fruits, balsamic, pine needles, black pepper and hint of anise. Fresh fruit palate marries well with soft tannins and balances acidity. Ideal for red meats and rich duck dishes. Best when served slightly chilled to 18 degrees Celsius.”
Wine description: “The grapes of Circus Number come from the region with unimaginable prestige, having been recognized as one of the most colourful and admired sub-regions of the Alentejo, Redondo is home to many of the region’s most coveted wines. To combat extreme high temperatures during summer we use grapes from higher parts refreshed by mountain winds. We also harvest earlier and as a result we make light yet powerful and energetic wines.”
Grape varietals: 80% Jaen, 10% Tinta Roriz, 5% Alfrocheiro Preto, 5% Touriga National. Aged 6 months in old 225 litre French and Portugese oak barrels.
Tasting Notes: “Elegance on a grand scale. Lightly oaked and perfectly balanced, with a silky texture and crisp edge. The nose is cram-packed with mulberries, blackberries and anise. On the palate, black cherry and raspberry fruit tones with creamy and chocolate oak flavours. Delicious with poultry and pork dishes.”
Wine Description: “Dão region is one of the oldest and one of the most complex regions of Portugal. The only one with snow during the winter. On the hills of the highest Portuguese mountain Serra de Estrela our vines fight with frost or with baking sun. As personality difference, elegance, freshness and softness. Indigenous grapes give aromas and flavours that captivate and seduce and become unmistakable and unforgettable.”
Spain
Méntrida D.O., Spain ~ organic
This project began in 2004 after searching for the best vineyards in the mountains of Toledo and Sierra de Gredos by two oenologist friends, Alfonso Chacón and Belarmino Fernández. These wines are sustainably produced from old vineyards planted in the 1950’s and 60’s with a minimalist intervention approach and ongoing experimentation; they are unique and absolutely beautiful!
“I sampled a very fine collection of wines from Canopy. All the bottles kept the freshness in a warm and ripe vintage like 2015. The vineyards are organically farmed, and everything is fermented with indigenous yeasts; they use neutral barrels (and larger sizes) that do not mark the wines at all. They have reached a very good level, and the wines are transparent with the character of the vintage, the soils and the place. They have come a long way from the early days. Bravo guys!”
89 points ~ Wine Advocate “The white 2020 Ganadero Blanco is Macabeo with some 10% Garnacha Blanca from a low-yielding year of good quality. At the time I tasted this, they were harvesting the grapes and said they believe 2021 will be even better quality than 2020 and with better yields. Having said that, 2020 was a very good year and follows the path of the very good even vintages, 2014, 2016 and 2018, which produced fresh wines with good acidity. It’s a young and fresh white with balsamic aromas and notes of waxy apples. It’s tasty, balanced and easy to drink with a bitter twist in the finish. 5000 bottles produced. It was bottles unoaked in March 2021 after some time with lees in tank.” Drink Date 2022 – 2024 Luis Gutierrez
Sourced from a 3.5 ha vineyard of 55 year old vines growing organically in granitic soil. Aging for 3 months in French oak with a further 5 months in the bottle.
Rioja Alavesa D.O.C.a, Spain ~ organic ~ New!!
Blending a touch of the new world with the old gives us a “bold new approach to Tempranillo”. With a minimalist intervention approach and a strong focus on sustainability, Bodega 202 is dedicated to crafting small batch wines from high altitude, old mountain plots in the heart of Rioja Alavesa.
“One of the most outstanding success stories in Rioja of the last decade.”
93 points ~ Wine Spectator “Black currant, black cherry, iron, cedar and vanilla aromas and flavors are at the heart of this solidly structured red, with violet and cassis notes emerging as this plays out on the long finish. At once silky and dense. Best from 2023 through 2033. 1000 cases made.”
95 points ~ Tim Atkin, MW
92 points ~ Wine Spectator “A beauty, this Rioja displays fine purity and brightness, with black cherry and blackberry fruit flavors shaded by floral and spice accents. Silky yet well structured, this is balanced and glides to a lingering aftertaste. Drink now through 2028. 500 cases made.”
Utiel-Requena D.O., Spain ~ certified organic
The winery of Pago de Tharsys can be found nestled in the centre of a 12 hectare, organically farmed vineyard in the village of Requena just inland from Valencia on the east coast of Spain. Widely recognized as one of the very top producers of Cava, owner Vincent Garcia is considered by many as “the Godfather of Valencian Cava”.
These traditional method sparkling wines are beautiful, well crafted and offer outstanding value!
80% Macabeo with 20% Parellada, aged for 14 months on the lees.
“Nice yellow with golden seam. Clear floral notes and nice grammineous aromas. Fresh and with fine bubbles. Fruity and savoury character. Well-balanced acidity. Secondary aromas of banana and citrus fruits. Enjoyable and dry finish.”
100% Garnacha aged for 14 months on the lees.
“Soft strawberry colour with fine persistent bubbles. It shows a bouquet of red summer fruit such as strawberries and raspberries that combine with hints of bread and pastry. Soft and creamy in the mouth with excellent balanced acidity. Leaves a refreshed pallet. The perfect partner with all appetizers, white meats and even sweet desserts.”
Utiel-Requena D.O., Spain ~ certified organic ~ vegan certified
Bodegas Vegalfaro tends to 60 hectares of vines growing on three separate properties including the Pago of Los Balagueses; currently one of only 17 Vino de Pago in all of Spain – the top of Spain’s wine classification system. Los Balaguesese lies on the hill directly above the ruins of a 2500 year old winemaking facility giving indication of how long they have cultivated vines on this property. Owner/winemaker, Rodolfo Valiente continues to experiment with the combination of ancient techniques and modern science to create wines with vibrant finesse and deep personality.
Rodolfo Valiente, the soul of Bodegas Vegalfaro, has been chosen as the Best Winemaker of the year 2017 by the Valencian Association of Winemakers!
DO Pago de Los Balagueses ~ “This is a privileged place for growing grapes. Surrounded by a pine forest, Holm oaks and aromatic plants, located in the Natural Park las Hoces. The soil of calcareous-sandy nature and cool summer nights of this Pago favor the high quality of our wines. Syrah and Garnacha Tintorera are the predominant varieties here, in addition to a small plot of land with Merlot and Chardonnay.
Here the Iberians were already cultivating vines and making wine nearly 3000 years ago. The amphorae that contained the wines were sailed over the Mediterranean in ships by the Phoenician traders.”
A blend of 80 % Chardonnay with 20% Sauvignon Blanc grown on Clay and Limestone. ~ Vegan friendly.
Cold pre-maceraction designed to ferment only the flower must at low temperatures, and matured only the Chardonnay in French oak casks, cane-stirring the fine lees.
Sourced from 7ha of 20 year old vines growing on chalky clay. Fermented and aged in stainless steel. ~ 10 000 produced
“Good intensity and expressive with notes of tropical fruit and flowers. The palate is creamy, good acidity and finish.”
A blend of 65% Tempranillo and 35% Garnacha Tintorera ~ Vegan friendly.
“Color: Dark red cherry color with purple tones along the rim
Bouquet: Good intensity on the nose, emphasizing red fruits, wild herbs and subtle toasty nuances.
Palate: A fresh, fruit-driven entry expands in the mounth with notes of plum, cherry and blackberry. The wine’s fine, well-integrated tannins build to balanced and satisfying finish of moderate length.”
Utiel-Requena D.O., Spain ~ Biodynamic ~ New!!
Bruno Murciano and his brother Jose Luis grew up in their family’s restaurant and developed a love for wine. Bruno went on to develop a reputation as an internationally decorated Sommelier and Jose Luiis went on to study the art of wine-making, viticulture and Civil Engineering.
After studying Bobal (a varietal indigenous to the Valencia area) for 10 years and searching for high altitude, ancient vines they have launched a very interesting and diverse demonstration of what Bobal can be.
100% Bobal, 85 year old vines growing in Limestone and Sand.
Harvest is done by hand in small 10kg crates between mid-September & early October followed by 2 days of cold soak maceration at 2 degrees Celsius. Grapes are destemmed and crushed to follow 15 days of skin contact maceration then fermentation takes place with indigenous yeast in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. 50% of the wines aged in 500 litre, 3rd use French oak barrels for fermentation and 9 months of aging. 50% aged in stainless steel.
“Appealing nose with an intense flavour of crunchy red fruits like cherries and blueberries completed with a hint of black licorice and violets. Dry & light fresh palate with crunchy red fruits and a silky tannin texture with refreshing balanced acidity. Soft and easy drinking.”
100% Bobal, 85 year old vines grown in Limestone and Clay, aged for 6 months in 500 litre, 3rd use French oak barrels.
Old bush vines grown in steep slopes at high altitude in the heart of Cabriel River Natural Park with an average of 1000m above sea level.
Harvest is done by hand in small 10kg crates between mid-September & early October followed by 2 days of cold soak maceration at 2 degrees Celsius. Grapes are destemmed and crushed to follow 3 days of skin contact maceration then fermentation takes place with indigenous yeast in temperature control stainless steel tanks.
“Appealing nose with an intense flavour of crunchy red fruits like cherries & blueberries completed with a hint of black licorice & violets. Dry & light fresh palate with crunchy red fruits and silky tannins texture with refreshing acidity. Soft and very easy drinking wine.
100% Bobal, 100 year old vines from “Las Brunas” Single Vineyard
Harvest is done by hand in small 10kg crates between mid-September & early October followed by 2 days of cold soak maceration at 2 degrees Celsius. Grapes are destemmed and crushed to follow 30 days of skin contact maceration then fermentation takes place with indigenous yeast in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.
12 months aging in 500L 3rd year French oak barrels. Slightly filtered and not clarified.
91 points ~ Wine Advocate “The floral and perfumed Bobal 2020 El Sueño de Bruno was produced with grapes from ancient vines on limestone soils that are worked organically with some biodynamic practices, from the upper terrace of the Las Brunas vineyard at 900 to 950 meters in altitude. It’s ripe and expressive with 14.5% alcohol and very good acidity, combining power and freshness. It fermented with 50% full clusters in barrel with indigenous yeasts and matured in used 500-litre oak barrels for 18 months. 3000 bottles were filled in March 2022.”
Jumilla, Spain ~ certified organic ~ vegan certified
The magic of this new project comes from the hand of Maria Jover, a 28 year old winemaker that has transferred her modern view in wine making to our wines. The organic Monastrell grapes come from very old vines (20-40 years old) maintained from the old system or “Terraje”.
Since the beginning of its creation, the driving force of this winery is to be able to maintain the old system of the “Terraje” that consist of renting the vineyard to the farmers; they take care of the good quality of the vines and give back 7% of the production to the land owner. Almost all 80-90 year old vines in Jumilla are maintained this way but unfortunately, nowadays the owners of the land want to change the system to a more productive irrigated vineyard. The goal of the cellar is to maintain the old vines of the “Terraje” system by paying the higher price for this fruit and therefore maintaining the higher quality of those old vines.”
100% Monastrell from 20 year old vines, hand harvested and fermented in Concrete tanks for one week
Young and lively, ruby red in colour with tons of juicy raspberry, blackberry and blueberry. A pleasing medium body and nicely balanced tannins with a lovely touch of spice. So much character in a value package make this wine an incredible winner!
100% Monastrell from 40 year old vines, hand harvested and aged in German, French and Slovanian oak for 10 months followed by a further 4 months in bottle.
U.S.A.
Lake County, California, USA
For the past 30 years, award winning winemaker Michael Wood has been creating wines for various prestigious Lake County wineries. In 2004, starting with one 3 barrel lot, Michael and Adawn Wood’s own boutique creation, Shed Horn, was born. Today Shed Horn has grown to a modest annual production of just over 4000 cases of beautifully crafted wines.
“Our wines capture the characteristics unique to the terrain found in the high elevations of Lake County.”
“Made in the “Old World” style, this Zinfandel is a fruit forward wine with aromas of black pepper and mocha. This wine exhibits flavours of ripe-red-raspberry, strawberry-tart, soft vanilla and creamy mocha. It is lighter-bodied and well balance leaving a lingering finsish of white pepper and spice on your palate. Try this Zinfandel with hearty stews, aged cheeses, elk burgers or pasta dishes.”
“Ripe and plush aromas of dark fruit, fig, blackberries and blueberries. Followed by vanilla, oak, and cedar complimenting velvety tannins. The palate is full and silky with flavours of blueberries, and cocoa.”
Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA
A stunning property situated at the South end of the Willamette Valley. With 40 acres of dry-farmed vines growing on every aspect of a giant mountaintop crater, this varied exposure leads to wines with beautiful balance and complexity. Iris Vineyards is an independent producer dedicated to growing top quality Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay.
“Iris is on a roll, with a lovely lineup of wines at budget prices.”
“Pomegranate, earthy spice and wild raspberry aromas are complemented by red plums and blueberry liqueur on the palate.”
Winemakers Notes: Each vineyard parcel was selected to compliment the overall blend of this wine. We harvested each vineyard separately, at peak maturity. A blend of Pinot Noir from Chalice Estate Vineyard, Hidden Rock Vineyard (24%), Barkin Dog Vineyard (23%), Robinson Vineyard (20%) and Ten Peaks Vineyard (12%) this wine showcases the quality and diversity of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir as it includes grapes from Chehalem Mountain, Eola Hills, McMinnville and Yamhill- Carlton AVAs. This is a versatile wine, which will pair well with a variety of foods. The fruit was gently destemmed, into stainless steel tanks and to 1.25 ton open top fermenters, to ferment as individual vineyard parcels. Once fermentation was complete, the tanks and fermenters were pressed separately and then barrel aged. After aging through July, the lots were blended together to build this complex, enticing wine.
Vintage Description: The 2020 vintage had slightly warmer than average growing conditions following a warmer than average 2019 and 2018. Budbreak occurred late in April which is typical for out vineyard. Bloom occurred with somewhat unfavorable weather in the last week of June which led to a much lower than average fruit set and small berry size. From there on the season was near average in terms of precipitation and temperature through August. The fall ripening period was marked by extreme wildfires among otherwise excellent weather conditions. In light of this challenge we made some necessary adjustments to our picking decisions and fermentation techniques to make the best of the grapes we were given.
“Pomegranate, earthy spice and wild raspberry aromas are complemented by red plums and blueberry liqueur on the palate.”
Winemakers Notes: Each vineyard parcel was selected to compliment the overall blend of this wine. We harvested each vineyard separately, at peak maturity. A blend of Pinot Noir from Chalice Estate Vineyard, Hidden Rock Vineyard (24%), Barkin Dog Vineyard (23%), Robinson Vineyard (20%) and Ten Peaks Vineyard (12%) this wine showcases the quality and diversity of Willamette Valley Pinot Noir as it includes grapes from Chehalem Mountain, Eola Hills, McMinnville and Yamhill- Carlton AVAs. This is a versatile wine, which will pair well with a variety of foods. The fruit was gently destemmed, into stainless steel tanks and to 1.25 ton open top fermenters, to ferment as individual vineyard parcels. Once fermentation was complete, the tanks and fermenters were pressed separately and then barrel aged. After aging through July, the lots were blended together to build this complex, enticing wine.
Vintage Description: The 2020 vintage had slightly warmer than average growing conditions following a warmer than average 2019 and 2018. Budbreak occurred late in April which is typical for out vineyard. Bloom occurred with somewhat unfavorable weather in the last week of June which led to a much lower than average fruit set and small berry size. From there on the season was near average in terms of precipitation and temperature through August. The fall ripening period was marked by extreme wildfires among otherwise excellent weather conditions. In light of this challenge we made some necessary adjustments to our picking decisions and fermentation techniques to make the best of the grapes we were given.