RQs (Restricted Quantities) Wines available in December!

$210 Per Wine OR
a Very Special Offer of $700 if you order all four RQs (which is a savings of $140)!!!


 

RQ Chenin Sauvignon BlancSouth Africa – Chenin Blanc Sauvignon Blanc
Available: December 2014

Region & Style
South Africa is the largest grower and producer of Chenin Blanc, locally known as Steen, the nation’s most planted wine grape. It arrived in South Africa in the mid-17th Century and was immediately popular for its productivity and its ability to maintain high acidity, even in hot conditions. The vast majority of South Africa’s vineyards are cultivated in coastal areas, including the popular Stellenbosch and Paarl regions. South Africa has some vineyards with cooler microclimates, especially around the southern coast and in higher altitudes, but in most of its wine regions the climate is warm and dry.

Stylistically the wines of South Africa lean towards New World trends with a streak of South African spirit. Chenin Blanc may be crafted to any level of sweetness, ranging from bone-dry, crisp and sparkling, through to sweet dessert wines. This range is a result of the many winemaking techniques and styles employed in Chenin production.

Tasting Notes
Light straw-coloured, with pleasing aromas of apple, cantaloupe, spice, and subtle vanilla aromas that lift effortlessly from the glass. Medium-bodied, the palate is dry with a rich mouth-feel and a lingering mineral and tropical fruit finish.


RQ Chile Cabernet MerlotChile – Cabernet Merlot
Available: December 2014

Region & Style
Chile has maintained a thriving wine industry for centuries. In the mid 1980’s, in conjunction with a shift towards French grape varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay, Chilean wines burst onto the world scene. Geographically Chile is long and narrow running from north to south. The wine region is formed from a series of districts near Santiago. Vineyards are well protected from the elements because the mountain range along Chile’s Pacific coast blocks the ocean dampness from most vineyards, and the ocean’s general tempering creates a relatively warm climate.
Chilean wines generally lack the fruitiness or boldness of California and Australian wines, yet they’re not quite as subtle and understated as European style wines. Cabernet Merlot wines from Chile tend to range in styles from simple and fruity, great for informal occasions, to big and bold with plenty of wow factor.

Tasting Notes
The full-bodied and smooth red wine opens with a well-defined bouquet of dried prunes, blackberry and raspberry. Characteristics of black fruit, herbaceous notes and slight hints of chocolate make this an easy drinking wine that offers well-rounded tannins and a velvety finish.


RQ Spain Vino BlancoSpain – Vino Blanco
Available: April 2015

Region & Style
Spanish winemaking is steeped in tradition with numerous distinct wine-producing regions. Spanish whites are increasingly popular due to their fresh, fruity style and food-friendly profiles. Made from exciting varieties not often seen outside of Spain, these wines are on trend for people looking for exciting new wine varietals. In Spain, winemakers often use the Spanish word elaborar (to elaborate) rather than fabricar (to produce/make) when describing the Spanish winemaking philosophy because they believe the winemaker acts as more of a nurturer of the grapes and wine than as a winemaker.

Both geography and climate play a fundamental role in defining Spain’s wine styles. The vineyards depend on the numerous rivers that wind their way through Spain’s mountain peaks and plateaus. Because the geology and topography vary throughout the country, so do the wine styles. The cool, moist vineyards of the far-north and north-west create light, crisp, refreshing white wines.

Tasting Notes
This light-bodied crisp wine opens with delicate floral and lemon notes on the nose. Bursting with white peach and citrus on the palate, the Vino Blanco has a crisp and refreshing finish that is typical of a well-balanced Spanish white wine.


RQ Italy AglianicoItaly – Aglianico
Available: April 2015

Region & Style
Italy has a rich vinicultural heritage dating back for thousands of years. Regional wine styles are heavily influenced by the local cuisine, leading to a range of varieties, winemaking techniques, and profiles that despite their diversity, share a common theme: they pair famously with food. Italy possesses an ideal combination of geography and climate, with its lengthy coastline and gently sloping foothills, an abundance of Mediterranean sunshine, and the moderating effect of cool, mountain air currents and sea breezes.

Aglianico is a function of its winemaking style. If fashioned in the more traditional style, the wine can be big and bold with black fruits, heavier tannins and sharper acidity, similar in style to the traditional “old world” Barolos.

Tasting Notes
Firm and intense, this dry red opens with savoury of tobacco, smoke, and rich dark fruit. Slightly earthy on the palate, notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and vanilla emerge over time. An easy-to-drink wine has subtle and soft oak characters.