WHAT'S NEW
by Debbie Minke

SPIRITS
Giffard presents its new Pink Grapefruit Liqueur, a wonderful addition to their all natural fruit liqueur lineup. Refreshing and tangy, this fruit maceration is fantastic on its own, great for cocktails and mixed drinks, or adding into your champagne, mojitos, martinis or sodas. $24.99
The Khortytsa Classic, a Ukranian vodka borne of an ancient recipe, won a gold medal in the World Spirits Competition this year. $21.75 The Khortytsa Pepper Honey Hot is derived from a delicate blend of hot red pepper and a mild, fragrant Crimean honey, brought together for the real connoisseur. $23.75

Absolut Pears is the first pear-flavoured vodka to launch globally. Boasting a fresh and clear aroma of mellow pears with a slight touch of almonds, it’s fruity, smooth and full-bodied with a long and slightly dry aftertaste. $24.25

BEER
Antares Beer Co. in Mar del Plata, Argentina introduces its light and smooth brews to BC. Antares Kolsch ($4.95) offers an intense golden taste and fresh aroma, while their Scotch Ale ($4.95) is a ruby-coloured, deep tasting brew. Other varieties include Barley Wine ($3.95), Imperial Stout ($3.95), and Porter ($4.95).

An old Bavarian wheat beer, Erdinger Weissbier boasts sweet banana and citrus aromas on a smooth, medium-bodied finish, for a clean, easy beer. $2.99

WINE

For something entirely different, try the Great Wall red and white wines from Changli, China. As the most famous vineyard in China, it enjoys ideal growing conditions with steeply sloped hills and four distinct seasons. Great Wall has been chosen as the exclusive wine supplier for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon has soft tannins with juicy black cassis fruit bouquet. Retail $16.25 The 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon is a dry, easy to drink red with light body. Retail $12.26 The 2003 Pinot Chardonnay is mellow and elegant, with fragrant flower notes. Retail $12.26

Hailing from Stellenbosch, South Africa, Leopard Frog Vineyards presents its Frisky Zebras Sensuous Sauvignon Blanc and Seductive Shiraz in 1 litre tetra packs. The Sauvignon Blanc has floral, grassy, and honeyed tropical fruit aromatics and a moderate intensity. It delivers a floral, citrus flavour with a slightly bitter lime rind finish. The Shiraz is a medium-bodied red that mixes blueberries, leather, and smoky cigar flavoured fruit with a soft and spicy finish. Both are $15.95.

Tormaresca’s new, innovative Fichimori is inspired by the enchanting region of Puglia, Italy, where red wine was traditionally chilled. The Negroamaro grapes are selected in the vineyards and fermented specifically to obtain this particularly fragrant wine, rich is soft tannins, which expresses itself perfectly when served at white wine temperatures. Fichimori blends perfectly with fish dishes (including raw fish), grilled meats, spicy dishes and strong traditional recipes. $20.99

Australia’s 5-generation family winery Angove’s presents its 2004 Red Belly Black Shiraz to BC. Inky black with purple and garnet hues, this wine follows its lovely colour with aromas of rich plum, red currant and licorice together with spicy vanilla oak. This wine is ideal with your favourite red meat or hearty pasta dishes. $17.00 Look for the Red Belly Chardonnay 2006 for a medium-bodied wine, which is light straw in colour with aromas of green melon and citrus complexed by a nutty oak background. $17.99

Named after a ghostly steed said to reside upon Pooles Rock vineyard, Cockfighter’s Ghost is one of Australia’s finest varietal wine labels. The Hunter Valley Verdelho has lifted aromas of musk as well as tropical and citrus fruits. Aromatic fruit characters of green melon, lychee and peach flow onto the palate and combine with fresh natural acidity to give a crisp and dry finish. $20.95 The McLaren Vale Shiraz offers white pepper and black plum aromas. The palate is full with sweet fruit flavours of stewed rhubarb and ripe plums, which combine with fine tannins to provide good depth of flavour and length. $25.95

Bajoz Crianza is an intense and clean Spanish red with modern flavours. Boasting notes of vanilla, toast, mature berry fruits, and licorice, this well-structured and complex wine is big and bold. $19.99
Also from Spain, Tempranillo Nazares 2006 is a medium bodied red with notes of ripe red fruit, blackberry, and hints of licorice. An excellent accompaniment to grilled meats, vegetables and tapas, at only $9.99 it offers great value.
France’s Chat-en-Oeuf 2005 is made from selected parcels of old vine grenache and syrah. Packed with rich, juicy and ripe berry fruit flavours, a touch of soft tannin and a subtle twist of spice and herbs, this wine is well worth trying out. $13.99

The Michel Torino Collection of wines express a marked fruit style, showing a pure varietal character with traces of the unique terroir of Argentina. Check out their Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Malbec 2006 and Torrontes. $11.95
Znovin Znojmo’s 2003 Riesling from the Czech Republic will appeal to those who love quality, dry white wines. On the nose you will find a pleasant flowery aroma, accompanied by a balanced finish. Try it with veal or seafood dishes. $12.12

The Selback-Oster Riesling Habltrocken 2005 is a crisp, dry Mosel riesling that displays notes of ripe apples and herbs. This versatile riesling comes in a 1 litre screwcap bottle that makes it an attractive by-the-glass pour. $24.49