Even though I know the booze business is a trend-driven machine, I’m still surprised at how many “next big thing” wine brands just come and go.
You’d think that after taking the world by storm a few more (Australia’s [yellow tail] excluded) would establish themselves in the hearts and mouths of consumers.
That’s what makes the arrival of Familia Zuccardi’s Fuzion wines so exciting. Already a hit from Central Canada westward; the pair of Argentine cheapies arrive in the Maritimes this week, completing the race for national domination in less than a year. (A very good sign that they’re going to be around for awhile).
While I wouldn’t write an essay about either; their soft, chug-a-lugable balance of fruit charmed the taste buds off me when I tried them with the winery’s head honcho José Alberto Zuccardi in the spring.
José told me that his aim is to keep the surprisingly dark berry fruit flavour of the 2008 Fuzion Shiraz Malbec ($7.45 – $9.99) and the plush, citrusy complexity of the 2008 Fuzion Chenin Torrontes ($7.45 – $9.99) consistent vintage to vintage (another great longevity strategy) which makes both wines worthy of being added to your roster of every day drinkers.
Prices reflect the range across the country. Products may not be available in every province.
– Peter Rockwell is the everyman’s wine writer, working in the liquor industry for more than 25 years and travelling the globe looking for something to fill his glass and put into words.
