Featured Archives - Island Brew Byou

Bobal Cabernet Sauvignon
LE23
Ready in 6-8 weeks

AVAILABLE DECEMBER 2023

Bobal Cabernet Sauvignon
This Spanish red combines Bobal and Cabernet Sauvignon to deliver a medium-bodied wine with a fruity palate and silky tannin. Aromas of black fruit, mild spice, and subtle toasty oak. The first sip shows bright flavours of plum, cassis, and cherry joined by notes of licorice, cocoa, oak, and earthy nuances. Fresh acidity, soft tannin, and a light spicy sensation complete this polished blend.

Valencia, Spain
Bobal is indigenous to Spain, where it is the 2nd most planted red wine grape. Its thick skin and drought resistance make it well suited to the subtropical Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers. It is mostly found in Valencia on Spain’s sunny east coast. The region is cooled slightly by sea breezes, and grapes are often grown in altitudes up to 1100 meters above sea level. Bordeaux varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon also perform well here and are often blended with indigenous Spanish grapes.

Signature Pairing: Best Skillet Steak
Also a great match for: Valencian paella, chorizo and Manchego flatbread, stew

Alcohol: 13.5%*
^{*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.}

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Grenache Carignan – with grape skins
LE21
Ready in 6-8 Weeks

RELEASE DATE: APRIL 2022

Grenache Carignan – Garnacha Cariñena in Spanish – is at once intense and harmonious. Deep ruby red with alluring aromas of blackberry, spice, and leather nuances. A provocative palate of black fruit, cherry, red berry and plum with well-integrated oak and accents of licorice and spice. Rich velvety tannins, moderate acidity, and a long savoury finish.

MANCHUELA, SPAIN

The climate in Manchuela is ideal for reds; the inland region has a continental climate with high daytime temperatures and long hours of sunshine but is still close enough to the coast to experience cool nights thanks to Mediterranean winds. This temperature swing creates favourable conditions for red grapes to slowly ripen, perfectly developing tannin, colour, and varietal character. The resulting wines show excellent flavour, colour, and mouthfeel.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Southwest Strip Loin with Skillet Succotash

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Grilled lamb, sausages, hearty winter stews

Alcohol:14%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

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Macabeo Sauvignon Blanc
LE21
Ready in 6-8 Weeks

RELEASE DATE: JANUARY 2022

Macabeo and Sauvignon Blanc are perfect partners in this bright and balanced blend. Together they show aromas of citrus and tropical fruit, with soft white blossom. The palate is lush and layered with pronounced flavours of green apple, pear, grapefruit and tropical fruit, with light notes of honeysuckle and grass. Fresh and flavourful with lively acidity, elegant complexity, and medium persistence.

MANCHUELA, SPAIN

Manchuela is framed by the Júcar and Cabriel rivers, whose sediments make up the limestone-based clay soils. Two large reservoirs to the north provide irrigation during the very dry growing season. Vineyards here are 600-1000m above sea level; the altitude has a cooling effect and combines with fresh Mediterranean winds to moderate the hot summer days. This helps slow ripening, resulting in white grapes that produce fresh, fruity wines with good acidity.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Baked Feta With Tomatoes, Capers & Olives

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Rice dishes, seafood, vegetable tempura

Alcohol:13%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

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Marselan
LE21
Ready in 6-8 Weeks

RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 2022

A cross between Cabernet Sauvignon and Grenache, this relatively young French varietal displays the best characteristics of both parents. Marselan is deeply coloured with a powerful nose of jammy red and black fruits and spice. The palate delivers rich ripe fruit flavours of blackberry, plum and black currant with spicy notes, balanced acidity, and well-rounded tannins. Supple, smooth, and seductive.

LANGUEDOC, FRANCE

This is the true home of Marselan; it was developed here in 1961 and takes its name from Marseillan, a coastal village near where it was first bred and planted. Soils vary across the large region with limestone and clay the most common. The Mediterranean climate, with hot sunny days tempered by cool sea breezes at night, makes the Languedoc a perfect place for growing grapes.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Grilled Lam & Fig Skewers

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Charcuterie, grilled meat (bbq, burgers, pork chops), fresh lasagna with pesto, lamb navarin, dark chocolate desserts

Alcohol:13%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

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Nebbiolo
LE23
Ready in 6-8 weeks

AVAILABLE: FEBRUARY 2024

Nebbiolo
The regal Italian red you know and love with a bit of laid-back California charm. Nebbiolo maintains its strong tannin on North American soil but reins in some boldness, showing more voluptuous fruit and floral undertones. Aromas hint at rose and violet with notes of earth and spice. Cherry and raspberry flavours are forefront, while licorice, plum and chalky earth notes add depth. A gratifying wine with strong structure and balance thanks to Nebbiolo’s characteristic high tannin and acidity.

Lodi, California
Nebbiolo does well in Lodi, situated in the middle of California’s Central Valley. The Mediterranean climate is tempered in part by cool breezes blowing inland from the San Francisco Bay area, which promotes the grape’s natural acidity. Two mountain-fed rivers run through the region bringing rich granite-based minerals to the soil, lending complex flavours. These mineral rich sandy soils in conjunction with the dry growing season encourage more concentrated flavours.

Signature Food Pairing: Prosciutto & Olive Pizza
Also a great match for: braised short ribs, caponata, spiced lamb tagine, white truffle fettucine fettucine

Alcohol: 14%*
^{*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions}

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Pinot Noir Shiraz
LE21
Ready in 6-8 Weeks

RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 2021

Pinot Noir and Shiraz may seem like an odd couple, but this uniquely Australian blend has a noble history and is currently making a major resurgence. Mixed berry, floral and soft spice aromas open to a vibrant palate of sour cherry and red fruit flavours with undertones of dark plum, blueberry, light licorice and spice. Silky tannins and bright acidity complete this juicy and energetic blend.

MURRAY DARLING, AUSTRALIA

Murray Darling is named for two of Australia’s longest rivers, which run through the vast region and provide vital irrigation. The region is hot and dry, with long sunny days balanced by cool nights. The loamy and sandy soils are unique to the Murray River system and nourish strong vines. Together the heat, rivers and soils produce grapes which create soft and flavourful wines.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Pork Tenderloin with Forest Mushroom Sauce

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Herb crusted salmon, sausages, duck dishes, roasted root vegetables, or pan-fried tofu

Alcohol:13.5%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

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Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
LE23
Ready in 6-8 weeks

AVAILABLE: MARCH 2024

Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
This White Bordeaux style wine is a classic French blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc. Citrus and grassy aromas lead to a gorgeous palate with refreshing grapefruit and lemon/lime flavours. Gooseberry, passionfruit, and green apple notes come through, hinting at honeysuckle and lemon peel. Serve lightly chilled to emphasize the vibrant acidity and prominent citrus flavours of this crisp dry white.

Provence, France
Provence lies on the southeast tip of France and vineyards in this small coastal region are all within 60kms of the Mediterranean Sea. Summers are warm with abundant sunshine. Coastal breezes help moderate the temperature and the strong mistral wind keeps skies clear and grapes dry, protecting against disease. Soils vary across the region with white wine grapes generally planted in areas with rich limestone and shale deposits.

Signature Food Pairing: Shrimp Curry
Also a great match for: sushi, asparagus risotto, crab cakes

Alcohol: 13%*
^{*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions}

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Tempranillo Shiraz – With Grape Skins
LE23
Ready in 6-8 weeks

AVAILABLE: APRIL 2024

Tempranillo Shiraz – With Grape Skins
Tempranillo and Shiraz are exceptional blending partners creating a poignant blend abound with rich fruit and spice. Aromas of red berry, chocolate, and peppery spice set the tone for a palate packed with flavours of black cherry, raspberry, blueberry, and plum. Ripe tannin and rich spice lend to the lush mouthfeel, while layered notes of milk chocolate play off savoury elements of tobacco and licorice. A blockbuster example of how these two flavourful grapes amplify each other.

Riverland, Australia
Australia has long been a powerhouse of Shiraz, but it’s only recently that Tempranillo plantings have surged in the country. In the Riverland, the warm Mediterranean climate and long sunny days bring out more of Tempranillo’s generous black fruit flavours and spice character. The Murray Darling River winds through the region providing relief from the hot South Australian sun, vital access to water for irrigation, and contributes to the region’s fertile soils.

Signature Food Pairing: Smoky Chorizo & Chicken Chili
Also a great match for: smoked meat sandwiches, tourtière, carne asada fajitas

Alcohol: 14%*
^{*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions}

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Trebbiano Riesling
LE21
Ready in 6-8 Weeks

RELEASE DATE: MARCH 2022

Lemon peel, melon, and green apple on the nose with a light chamomile undertone. The palate offers orchard fruit flavours of yellow apple and white peach fused with melon, citrus, and fresh minerality. This inviting blend showcases the high natural acidity of both Trebbiano and Riesling; it’s fun, fresh, and fruity with a touch of sweetness and a lot of pizzazz.

PUGLIA & VENETO, ITALY

North and South come together in this fresh blend. The Trebbiano comes from Puglia in the south, the heel of Italy’s boot. The dry heat, balanced by cooling breezes from the surrounding seas, along with the region’s fertile soils create the perfect conditions for growing mature and fruity grapes. In the north, the long summers of picturesque Veneto bring Riesling to full ripeness and the cool nights help the varietal retain freshness and its natural high acidity.

SIGNATURE FOOD PAIRING: Lemon & Rosemary Butter Braised Shrimp

ADDITIONAL FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS: Pasta, shellfish, mature hard cheeses, risotto, or enjoy as an aperitif

Alcohol:12.5%*
*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.

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Winemaker’s Blend
LE23
Ready in 6 - 8 Weeks

AVAILABLE JANUARY 2024

Winemaker’s Blend
The varietals in our Winemaker’s Blend play off each other to create a crisp off-dry wine with a tapestry of vibrant fruit flavours. Pinot Grigio leads with lush peach and apple flavours. Riesling adds aromatics, a shot of sweetness, and amplifies fresh acidity. Vermentino plays up the citrus character, while Verduzzo brings tropical notes to the background. A touch of Trebbiano rounds out the orchard fruit flavours and adds a fresh mineral accent.

Italy
This cunning blend pulls choice varietals from the four corners of Italy, showcasing the best the country has to offer: Sicily in the southwest, where climate and geography make near perfect growing conditions; Tuscany on the northwest coast, one of the world’s most famous wine regions; Veneto on the northeast coast where hot summers are tempered by the Adriatic Sea, and finally Puglia on the southeast coast, where the surrounding seas provide balance to the dry heat helping grow mature and fruity grapes.

Signature Food Pairing: Pancetta Egg Pasta
Also a great match for: rich & creamy mac n cheese, maple glazed ham, spiced nuts

Alcohol: 12%*
^{*Alcohol level based on following Winexpert winemaking instructions.}

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