Opimian Society – Offering C247

Chablis and Italy

Opimians has been ordering wine from the Lamblin family of Chablis for more than 40 years, and for good reason! Italy produces the most wine of any country in the world, and is similarly popular with Opimians. I have sampled earlier vintages of some of the wines on this offering over the years. Below are the ones I have enjoyed the most. Some current (or prospective) members might find my comments helpful in making their own selections – keeping in mind everyone has their own tastes and preferences! (Go to the end for more information about Opimian.)

Chablis – Lamblin Fils

#8985 Folies Parisiennes, Le Blanc VdP and #8986, Le Rouge VdP were simply Lamblin Blanc and Lamblin Rouge when I was first introduced to them. They have always had a large following in Opimian, but in recent years they are noticeably more interesting and tasty, while remaining a good value purchase for everyday sipping.

Sauvignon Blanc is an unusual variety for the Burgundy region, but the #8988 Saint-Bris Sauvignon is a wonderful expression of the varietal. Grand Cru white Burgundy is some of the best wine in the world, but quite dear! The ordinary regional whites can be, well, quite ordinary, but I have always found the #8989 Bourgogne Chardonnay, Fleurs de Printemps to be enjoyable.

The strength of Lamblin is in its Chablis labels. Ones I recognize from past enjoyable sipping are: #8992 Chablis, Élevé en Fût de Chêne, and the Vaillon and Fourchaumes vineyards in #8993, Chablis Premier Cru Mixed Case. Lamblin simply makes the best French fruit crèmes and #8994 Fruit Liqueurs Mixed Case is highly recommended.

Italy – Alimenta SRL

Alimenta is a new supplier, and I will have to give them a try. I like to have some Chianti available in my cellar – sometimes you are just in the mood for such a wine, and it always seems to be a good match with a tomato based dish. My eye is on #8995 Casina Toscana Rosso – not exactly a Chianti, but I pay attention when our Master of Wine says it is a great wine for the price.

Italy – Avenue SRL

I am a big fan of Alto Adige wines from Werner Walch who makes wine in that region and sources wines for Opimian from all of Italy. I regulary buy #9001 Alto Adige Pinot Grigio and #9002 Alto Adige Sauvignon. #9003 The Prendo Pinot Noir is more fulsome than the sometimes thin pinot neros you find elsewhere. I quite fell in love with the Montepulciano grape during a visit to Marche, and always want to have some in the cellar. The #9029 Corsi Montepulciano d’Abruzzo last year was a good example. I have also tasted the #9019 Seraphicum Chianti Classico at Opimian events and enjoyed it.

Italy – The Wine People

These are new suppliers to me, so I haven’t tried their wines yet. On the other hand, I have always enjoyed wines from Sicily. Higher altitude vineyards and sea breezes make for juicy whites, while heat and sun provide for robust reds. Mount Etna is its own terroir (although not offered here). All these wines look like good value, with perhaps #9041 Grillo, Chardonnay and #9045 Nero d’Avola being the most interesting to me.

The Opimian Society is “Canada’s wine club” and offers some 500 wines to 15,000 members across the country each year. All wines are selected by Master of Wine, Jane Masters, and sourced from suppliers from all the major wine regions of the world. Wines are ordered and delivered to members via the liquor boards or equivalent in each provincial and territorial jurisdiction (except Nunavut). Disclosure: I am member of the board of directors of the Opimian Society and former area representative.