Wine Kitz Orleans is pleased to offer the 2016 Passport Series™, a selective collection focusing solely on exclusive and unique, high quality limited release wines.
Our Passport Series™ celebrates ultra premium wines from some of the most prominent and respected wine growing regions, and each year features a unique and exciting new selection of world class offerings.
Available for just a short time each year, and by reservation only, the exclusive Passport Series™ strives to take our customers on a new and exhilarating journey every year, making this collection a highly sought after one-of-a-kind wine experience.
Available by pre-order only
Reservation Deadline: November 20, 2015
CABERNET FRANC / CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Murray Darling & Riverland, Australia
The Wine
Still somewhat of a rarity in Australia, Cab Franc has surged in plantings in recent years, becoming increasingly popular and desired for blends and varietal wines. This vibrant blend combines Cabernet Franc with Cabernet Sauvignon for a rich, fruity wine redolent with cherry, red berry, cassis, spice, and vanilla aromas. The palate is generous with black and red berry flavours, notes of herbs and spice, and firm tannins.
The Region
This Australian blend pairs Cab Franc from Murray Darling with Cab Sauv from the Riverland Region. The Murray Darling region experiences warm to hot days, noticeably cooler nights, and receives plenty of sunshine for the grapes to soak up, allowing them to ripen fully each year. The Murray and Darling Rivers, for which the region is named, provide much needed irrigation. The neighbouring Riverland region shares the hot & dry climate, long hours of sunshine, and also benefits from the Murray River, the lifeblood of the area’s vineyards.
The Food
Experiment with game meats, various lamb dishes, or black pepper crusted seared tuna steaks. Prime rib, pot roast with root vegetables, or Manchego cheese with rosemary also pair well.
18L Ultra Premium Wine Kit
Release Date: December 2015
SAUVIGNON BLANC / MUSCAT
Lodi, California
The Wine
Juicy and fresh, this deliciously aromatic blend is the perfect unity of these popular varietals. Sauvignon Blanc offers citrus and fresh herb elements, while Muscat brings in stone fruit and floral notes. Bright fruit aromas lead into refreshing citrus, peach, and melon flavours with a hint of tropical sweetness and a light, crisp finish.
The Region
Located directly east of San Francisco Bay, Lodi is graced with a Mediterranean climate marked by warm days, low humidity, and cool nights. Cool delta breezes help moderate the heat, creating a perfect climate for growing flavourful, fruit-forward grapes. The region receives little rainfall during the growing season, allowing growers more control of crop development through irrigation. Rivers originating in the Sierra Nevada mountains flow through Lodi, depositing mineral rich soils which contribute complex flavours to area wines.
The Food
Think simple meals and fresh flavours when pairing this off-dry California white. Chicken quesadillas, turkey burgers, lightly spiced shrimp skewers, salmon with dill, fresh herb and lemon pasta, and fresh tomato bruschetta would pair perfectly.
18L Ultra Premium Wine Kit
Release Date: January 2016
MONTEPULCIANO
Umbria, Italy
The Wine
Medium-bodied and deep garnet in colour with gentle aromas of ripe dark fruit, warm oak, and a touch of earth and spice. This fruit-forward red boasts mouth-filling black cherry and dark plum flavours and gentle savoury spice which lingers on the smooth finish.
The Region
Affectionately known as “Italy’s green heart”, Umbria is a lush agricultural area nestled in the centre of the country, and is the Italian Peninsula’s only land locked region. The Appenine Mountains run through Umbria providing rolling hills which allow for premium sun exposure, and the majority of the region’s vineyards are on terraces cut into the hillsides. Umbria’s climate is similar to its famous neighbour Tuscany: cold, rainy winters and dry summers with abundant sunshine. The Tiber River flows down from the mountains creating fertile soils and adding a cooling balance to the typically dry weather, making this an ideal location for grape growing.
The Food
Enjoy with Italian favourites such as eggplant lasagna, ragu Bolognese, or rigatoni with sausage, tomato sauce, arugula and Parmesan. Or pair with a barley, mushroom and onion stew, or an eggplant sandwich with mozzarella, prosciutto & basil.
16L Ultra Premium Wine Kit with 2L Grape Skins
Release Date: January 2016
PINOT NOIR / MERLOT / SYRAH
Chile & Argentina
The Wine
This South American blend of Pinot Noir, Merlot & Syrah features vibrant red fruit notes with a touch of oak and spice. Deep ruby in colour, this medium-bodied red has soft, dry tannins, with flavours of plum, cherry, and red berries. Gentle notes of spice, smoky oak, and red berry linger on the finish.
The Region
This blend comes from three great South American regions. The Pinot Noir is from Colchuagua Valley in Chile, which enjoys a superb climate, the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean, and steep slopes of well-drained soil. The Merlot comes from one of Chile’s most southern wine regions, Maule Valley, which enjoys intense sunlight, warm days, and much cooler nights than its northern neighbours; this extends the growing season and helps balance ripeness and acidity in the grapes. The Syrah comes from the other side of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, where desert landscapes and high altitudes create aromatic, intensely flavoured reds.
The Food
Serve with roasted or grilled meats such as steak, veal chops, beef tenderloin or brisket. Meat-based pizza, shepherd’s pie, meatloaf, or a Portobello club sandwich are also great matches. Try with cheeses like Asiago, Le Chèvre Noir, and Manchego.
18L Ultra Premium Wine Kit
Release Date: February 2016
THREE COUNTRY CAB
California, South Africa, Spain
The Wine
Big, bold, and beautiful – a stunning blend of Cabernet Sauvignons from three powerhouse producers. Look for a bouquet of ripe black fruits, with notes of cocoa, vanilla, and oak. This deep red, full-bodied Cab is firm, dry, and brimming with flavours of blackcurrant, blackberry, blue plum, vanilla, and spice. Notes of black tea, spice, and oak linger on the finish.
The Region
California’s Sonoma County enjoys a long growing season with sunny, warm, dry days and cool evenings – the ideal combination for grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Swartland, just north of Cape Town, South Africa, is hot and dry, leading to lower yields and smaller, more concentrated fruit. Spain is hot and arid, but its elevation creates a workable balance, with temperatures dropping significantly at night. Many growers have adapted to the dry weather by spacing vines further apart to reduce competition for resources, leading to lower yields with higher quality fruit, and more concentrated, intense flavours.
The Food
Pair this big, bold red with hearty, flavourful dishes such as beef and mushroom kabobs, rack of lamb, prime rib roast with root vegetables, or beef tenderloin wrapped in bacon. Also an excellent companion for 2 to 4-year old Canadian cheddar or 70% dark chocolate.
16L Ultra Premium Wine Kit with 2L Grape Skins
Release Date: March 2016