Colio is one of the sleeping giants in local wine. Founded almost 30 years ago by Italian “˜bricklayer’ families, this Lake Erie winery is known mainly for budget priced wines, and the occasional very good red, labeled as CEV. Under the guidance of new winemaker Lawrence Bueler (ex Peller), Colio is offering ~ new tiers of wines that reflect their excellent, mature Lake Erie North Shore vineyards. The Bricklayer brand celebrates the former occupations of the winery partners, and I’ll keep you posted on the outstanding “˜Bricklayer’s Reward’ wines as they appear later in the year. For now I suggest your explore the following.
The Chard/PG is a straight shooter ““ right in the middle as far as richness and flavor. You could call it a toned-down Chard, or a toned-up PG. As the ad used to say “˜you could take it anywhere’. Especially to a supper table of pork or chicken, or cream sauced pasta.
COLIO 13 Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio “˜Bricklayer’s Predicament’, VQA Lake Erie North Shore 371567 $13.95
The Sauvignon is atypical, low-flavoured, devoid of this grapes usual characteristics ““ but is a super pleasant, classy-feeling, medium-bodied drink. Dinner party guests will be impressed.
COLIO 13 Sauvignon Blanc “˜Big Pond’ Bricklayer’s Reward, VQA Lake Erie North Shore 391466 Vintages $15.95
The red is on the easy-drinking side. Almost rich “˜n lush it could cover lots of bases from beefy BBQ to family gatherings.
COLIO 13 Cabernet/Merlot “˜Bricklayer’s Predicament’, VQA Lake Erie North Shore 371575 $13.95
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