PEI Liquor - Celebrate Summer 2021

Looking for some pairing suggestions? Czech these out!

Czeching Out Some “New” Old World Wines

Today, thirty years later, Czech winemakers are returning to the global stage by producing high quality, well priced, low intervention wines, many of which follow current trends. Island Sommelier Lesley Quinn, owner of Stellar Somm Wine Experts, is a huge fan and has poured these wines at numerous events over the last year. Says Quinn, “just when you think you’ve tried wine from all the best places, something new and exciting like the wines from the Czech Republic falls into your glass! I especially love that the wines are earth friendly, and was delighted to see how well the wines pair with our maritime cuisine.” There are numerous Organic and BIO Czech wines available now as well as natural wines including “orange wines”. Unique grape varieties such as Welschriesling, Palava, André and Cabernet Moravia provide Islanders with some different to try. And then there is Czech “Straw” wine, known as “Slamové”. This delicate dessert wine is less sweet and syrupy than its ice wine cousin and is coveted for its ability to be enjoyed on its own or with multiple food pairings, not just dessert.

When you think of the Czech Republic, what initially comes to mind? Beer. Hockey. Prague. Time to add “wine” to that list. Yes, wine. The truth is, the Czechs not only make wine, they make very good wine. Thanks to Island-based Bines and Vines Czech Imports, Islanders can now enjoy them at PEI Liquor locations. The Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, has been producing wine for almost two thousand years. Early plantings by the Romans were white varieties followed by Pinot Noir which arrived in the 13th century thanks to French monks who made the Czech lands their new home. Wine making and wine trade thrived throughout the Austro-Hungarian Empire, but alas, two World Wars, a Great Depression and 50 years of Communist rule took a heavy toll on the industry. But this story has a happy ending. The Czech Wine industry began anew in 1991 after the fall of the Iron Curtain. Czech winemakers restituted their vineyards which had been seized by the state. They replanted, making sure the right grape varieties went into the right terroir. They researched and adopted organic and BIO farming and winemaking methods. They invested in new machinery while respecting traditional and ancient winemaking methods including producing natural wines.

Marcincak Ryzlink Vlassky VOC Bio

Valka Cabernet Moravia Bio

Ludwig Blue Mountain Andre Rose Late Harvest

750mL, 04514W 29.99 $

750mL, 04516W 25.49 $

750mL, 04512W 23.49 $

PAIR WITH:

PAIR WITH:

PAIR WITH:

SEAFOOD

SALADS

BBQ

ROAST CHICKEN

SPICY CURED MEATS (CHORIZO)

RIBS

Cheers…or as the Czechs say, Na Zdravi!

PIZZA

VEGGIE SAMOSA

CELEBRATE SUMMER 202 1

22

Limited time offers from June 23 - July 27

Prices subject to change | Products not available at all locations | While supplies last

23

CELEBRATE SUMMER 2021