Tenuta I Collazzi Wine Tasting at Eau Claire Athletic Club

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It doesn’t take much to convince me to attend a wine tasting. So when food-and-beverage manager Robert Jewell emailed members about a new wine club at the Eau Claire Athletic Club, I clicked yes. For this post, let’s listen to Via con me.

For our first official tasting ($25), Luigi Perri and Bernard Pearson, co-owners of First Choice Cellars, introduced us to the wines of Tenuta I Collazzi, a historic Tuscan estate near Florence, owned by the Marchi family since 1933. At the heart of the property stands Villa I Collazzi, a Renaissance villa said to have hosted notable guests over the years, including King Charles III and Diana, Princess of Wales.

Art lovers may recognize another connection. The villa’s design is attributed to Michelangelo Buonarroti, the Renaissance master behind David and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. The estate produces a range of Tuscan wines under the Collazzi label, which was the focus of the evening’s tasting.

Wine 1: Otto Muri (2023) IGT Toscana

The first wine we tried was Otto Muri (2023) IGT Toscana. Luigi described “pineapple, minerality, and soft acidity,” stating it was a “very pleasant, crisp and clean white wine.” Members can purchase this wine through Robert for $28.

‘Toscana’ means the wine was produced in Tuscany. IGT stands for Indicazione Geografica Tipica, a classification that identifies where a wine comes from and offers winemakers more flexibility than some of Italy’s stricter wine rules, including Tuscany’s. Many of Tuscany’s famous Super Tuscans are wines that broke with tradition and are labelled IGT because they blend Sangiovese with grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Wine 2: Bastioni (2022) Chianti Classico D.O.C.G.

The second wine we tried was the Bastioni (2022) Chianti Classico D.O.C.G. The Bastioni was fuller in flavour, due to the addition of Merlot. Luigi detected plum, blackberry, and vanilla, with some soft acidity. Chew Steel tasted sour cherries. This wine retails for around $30. The wine is available to members through Robert for $27.

D.O.C.G. stands for Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, which is Italy’s highest traditional wine designation. It indicates that a wine comes from a specific region and has met strict regulations governing production, origin, and quality before being released for sale.

Wine 3: Liberta (2022)

I enjoyed the third wine, the Liberta (2022), which Luigi called a baby Super Tuscan. The wine is aged in brand-new oak barrels. He described dark, intense berry notes, vanilla, soft tannins and acidity. This wine was Chew Steel’s favourite of the evening. Of the first three wines, this is the one I’d pick.

Luigi explained that acidity in wine is good when eating because it makes you salivate, which opens your taste buds so you taste more. I found Liberta smooth and easy to sip. No surprise, this wine is a hot seller by the glass at restaurants. Expect to pay between $30 and $37 retail. Robert is offering Liberta to members for $27. Bernard noted that in the United States, the retail cost is $50 US. For the ballers out there, you can buy this baby in a double magnum, which is a three-litre bottle ($250), for your next dinner party, through Robert.

Wine 4: Super Tuscan, Collazzi Toscana (2021)

Ding, ding, ding! The last wine was my favourite, the Super Tuscan, Collazzi Toscana (2021). Collazzi Toscana is made entirely from Bordeaux grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Petit Verdot. There is no Sangiovese. Silky and beautifully balanced, this is the wine I’d buy by the case.

Luigi described this wine as having a massive body and a little bitterness, like biting into a grape seed. Bernard mentioned that most of the Collazzi Toscana ends up in Switzerland due to the demand for the wine. Expect to pay $80 or more per bottle. Through the wine club, members can purchase Collazzi Toscana for $60.

For anyone looking to stock their cellar, Luigi and Bernie have extended a special offer to members. Purchase five cases of Bastioni, Liberta, or Collazzi through Robert, and they’ll include a complimentary 3L bottle of Liberta, which is the equivalent of four standard bottles of wine.

I certainly don’t need five cases myself, but I’d happily go in on a group order with a few friends. Then we’d have the perfect excuse to crack open a double magnum and celebrate.

Upcoming event: 1996 First Growth Bordeaux

I learned a lot during the tasting. The most practical takeaway was Luigi’s advice to open the wines about 45 minutes before serving to allow them to breathe and fully express themselves. The most expensive lesson is that Eau Claire Athletic Club is co-hosting a tasting of 1996 First Growth Bordeaux.

For those of us who are new to the wine world, ‘First Growth’ doesn’t refer to how grapes grow. The term comes from the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, which ranks Bordeaux’s top estates into different tiers. First Growth is the highest rank, reserved for a handful of wineries that have maintained their prestige for more than 170 years.

1996 First Growth Bordeaux Tasting

The lineup includes all five First Growth estates: Château Haut-Brion ($1,300), Château Lafite Rothschild ($2,000), Château Latour ($1,600), Château Margaux ($1,700), and Château Mouton Rothschild ($1,500). These wines are being offered at prices well below what you would typically pay on today’s market, assuming you can find them.

Luigi and Bernard explained that opportunities like this are uncommon. Beyond their rarity, these wines are among the most celebrated bottles in the world from one of Bordeaux’s great vintages. Few people ever get the opportunity to taste all five First Growths side by side, let alone from the same celebrated vintage.

Contact

The event is open to both members and guests. If you’re interested in attending or learning more, feel free to reach out through my blog, and I’d be happy to point you in the right direction.

For a regularly updated list of tastings and special events, visit my Calgary Wine Tastings & Events Guide.

Wine tasting

Vine Styles Calgary Saturday Wine Tastings

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Vine Styles in Kensington offers free tastings every Saturday, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Divine Offering and I dropped by as Mark from Juice Imports was sampling three newish wines. For this post, let’s listen to Oh! Darling.

There was quite a line to taste these wines, proof that Vine Styles is full of “grape” neighbours from the hood. Throughout the afternoon, groups of friends, of all ages, dropped in.

Mark was showcasing Dormilona 2024 Blanco ($37.95), Francesco Cirelli 2024 Trebbiano d’Abruzzo ($35.95), and Clos Cibonne 2024 Tentations Rosé ($38.95).

I’m familiar with Dormilona wines, a woman-led winery in Margaret River, Western Australia. Mark described this wine as creamy, crisp, and fresh. I liked the vibrancy of this white wine and picked up a bottle. It’s hard to find a wine that pairs well with salads, and apparently, this one pairs nicely with any vegetables and mint.

The flavour of Francesco Cirelli was unique to me. Mark mentioned this Italian white was an easy-drinking, savoury wine that paired well with seafood, such as ceviche. Divine Offering picked up a bottle because it stood out from the wines she had been stocking. She tasted peach or apricot, and thought it would be a good, cold summer wine. I remembered that I was already sharing a case of white wine from Domaine Richaud with Lululemon and Divine Offering, so I bowed out.

The third wine, Clos Cibonne 2024 Tentations Rosé, was described as a classic Provence rosé. Unsure of what that meant, I looked up an AI definition and got “A classic Provence rosé is pale and elegant, with crisp notes of citrus, red berries, and herbs, finishing clean and refreshingly dry.” The Tentations rosé was lovely, but with a case of Domaine Richaud rosé already at home, I decided to pass this time.

We tried the other three tastings from another wine merchant. Divine Offering bought a bottle of the Terenzuola Vermentino Vero ($38.95, discount $35.06). She found this wine smooth and thought it would pair well with a variety of snacks. She doesn’t usually drink a lot of red wine, so she must have liked this one.

I bought a bottle of the Fontana Vecchia Piedirosso ($31.95, discount $28.76). Described as bold and full-bodied, I took to the fragrance and the juicy flavour. I was told this wine pairs well with any protein, pasta and pizza.

If you haven’t been to Vine Styles, check it out. On a Saturday afternoon, it’s a lively spot to discover something new. Even better, time your visit so you can leave with the perfect bottle for dinner.

Wine tasting

Calgary Wine Tasting: Juice Import x Unfiltered Wine Bar

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Lululemon and I dropped by to visit Mark Couillard from Juice Imports, as he was featuring a tasting at Unfiltered Wine Bar in Calgary’s Sunalta community. Let’s listen to ‘Milkshake’ for this post.

When we arrived, there was a line-up to get in. I’m unsure if it’s usually this busy or if it was Mark’s featured wines that were ‘bringing in all the oenophiles into the yard’. In any case, I’m thankful Lululemon made a reservation.

We chose Mark’s flight ($31), which featured three wines: Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher, Clos Cibonne Tentations Rose, and Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso.

The first wine we tried was Laurent Saillard Loie & Cher ($81/bottle). Lululemon noticed immediately that her wine was cloudy, and mine was clear. Mark explained that Lululemon’s glass was from the last pour, while mine came from the first pour of the bottle. He described the wine as having a slightly brassy character, similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, with a tart, fresh, and fun profile. I recalled buying another bottle from Laurent Saillard, Lucky You, last year.

The second wine, Clos Cibonne Tenttions Rose ($77/bottle), was some damn easy sipping. Mark informed us that the winery is located in a very hot climate, which is cooled off by the sea breeze. He described floral notes of melon, peach, and strawberry. I could taste strawberries.

The last wine we tried, Cantina Marilina Currivu Rosso ($72/bottle), hails from Sicily. The red wine had a distinct fragrance. Cantina Marilina is a women-led organic farm, located in the province of Siracusa. He described the wine as bold, plummy, fruity, with herbaceous notes. I could taste cherry. I recognized this label as Lululemon, Divine Offering and I both shared a case of Cantina Marilina’s Fedelie Rosato.

After our fun tasting, Lululemon took me to Una’s takeaway store for a pizza slice and fried dough balls. I ate more there than I have in a month! If you’re after a quick bite, a slice is the perfect nightcap.

Wine tasting

Calgary Wine Tasting: Minerality? Erik Mercier from Juice Imports

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A recent health development has kept me mostly at home over the past few weeks. However, I’ve been punctuating my sad little existence with the occasional jaunt. For example, I prebooked a Vine Arts wine tasting ($50) with Erik Mercier from Juice Imports before I was diagnosed, and I figured going wouldn’t literally kill me, so I went. Let’s listen to ‘Edelweiss’ for this post.

Having attended Juice Import’s tasting for years, I realized early on that the two business partners, Erik and Mark, have a passion so deep for their work that they are willing to host these lovely tastings essentially for free. The only things in life that are free are air and pain. So, not to be dramatic, but I’ll always gladly take in a Juice Import’s tasting. The fee for the tasting goes towards using the space, which Vine Art kindly allows them to use for a minimal cost.

My friend Divine Offering came this time, along with Lululemon. I wanted Divine Offering to meet Erik and Lululemon, as we are all taking a wine tour with Erik and Mark in 2026. We sat in the front of the tasting room, where we soaked in the sun-filled room and the shining variety of white wines, varying in minerality.

Our welcome bubbles were Meinklang Epic ($29, discount $26). I found this wine refreshing with lovely tiny bubbles. I bought a bottle.

I hadn’t eaten much that day, and oh boy, was that cheese platter delicious. Peasant Cheese always does it right. The brie was soft and gooey, even better when paired with various crackers and dried apricots. The hard cheese was buttery yet creamy. And those big, fat, sweet red cherries tasted like it was just been plucked from a tree in the Okanogan.

The first wine was Testalong Cortez Chenin Blanc ($57). Testalong is one of the top three wineries in South Africa. Grown on decomposed granite with quartz and silica, Erik observed the stony characteristics. I find it challenging to describe minerality because I haven’t had much experience tasting things like stone or flint. Erik explained that flavours in wine that aren’t fruity, floral, or spicy are often considered mineral notes.

We compared Testalong Cortez with Escala Humana Chenin Blanc ($37.50), a wine from Argentina. Erik described this wine as fruity, with floral notes and citrus aromas. Lululemon liked this wine a lot. Divine Offering mentioned it complemented the fruit on her plate. Both purchased a bottle.

The Maloof Thistle Pinot Gris ($40, discount $36) was just right for me. Erik could taste both spices, such as cinnamon and cardamom, as well as the iced tea and lemon. The grapes grow on ‘Jory soil’, found in Oregon. The soil is volcanic, which is considered ideal for growing Pinot Noir grapes. I picked up a bottle for my in-laws, Turned and Dave.

The fourth wine was a real goodie, Gut Oggau Timotheus ($80). I love Gut wines, but I have what you call a beer budget, so I just sat and enjoyed experiencing the Juicy Fruit-like flavour. Erik mentioned the winery has a cult status in New York and Paris, and is served at Noma, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in Copenhagen. There’s actually a whole page dedicated to Gut wines.

The fourth wine we tasted was Le Grappin Macon Villages ($50). The smell was lovely. Erik noted that this was a white burgundy, an excellent value for such a bright and fresh wine. I had trouble describing what I could taste.

Erik mentioned that the winery farms its grapes with great intensity. Someone at the table asked what that meant, and he explained that when you grow fewer grapes, it gets more attention. He said to think of growing one ton of grapes versus ten tons on the same plot of land. When there are more grapes, they compete for nutrients, which can dilute their concentration of sugar and alcohol.

My favourite bottle just so happened to be Marnes Blanches Savignin Les Molates ($62, discounted to $55). Domaine Des Marnes Blanches is the first winery I fell in love with from Juice Import’s portfolio. The trick I learned at home, however, is to pair the wine with cheese. For some reason, it tastes so much better.

I smelled brown sugar. Erik mentioned this wine could be aged for 30 years. I couldn’t muffle my snicker in time. I’m not waiting three decades to drink a nice bottle of wine. Erik suggested pairing this wine with Comte cheese. He sniffed and sipped, tasting spicy, peppery, green tea and tropical fruit. Lululemon mentioned the Savignin les Molates reminded her of lasagna. Yes, I could see it. Divine Offering found it creamy, sweet, yet herbal and smooth. Lululemon, Divine Offering, and I bought a bottle.

I asked if wines with minerality are less approachable to novice wine drinkers because it’s harder to describe what they taste. Erik disagreed, saying a novice drinker can’t tell the difference, as it takes a lot of practice. People aren’t naturally good at tasting notes in wine. He says that, in comparison, semi-knowledgeable drinkers are worse than novice drinkers, as they get in their heads a little knowledge and become resistant to trying certain wines. For example, those who claim they dislike sweet wines, such as Riesling, are missing out, as many are delicious and highly regarded by both wine experts and novices.

Another guest asked about the best places to drink wine in Paris and New York. I tuned out because I didn’t find it relevant in my near future. I perked up when Erik mentioned that Class Clown in Calgary has an incredible natural wine selection at bargain prices, just a few dollars above retail price.

I mentioned the Ship and Anchor has an inexpensive wine list, with several bottles from Juice Imports. Erik confirmed, but noted that his business partner had drunk all of the Ship’s champagne because it was priced so cheaply. Erik recommended Missy This That for the best wine selection.

On August 14, Juice Imports and Salt and Brick are hosting an intimate dinner featuring a rare selection of Burgundy wines ($350). I was very tempted, but since I can’t eat much, I figured it would be wasted on me. However, if you are interested, you might still be able to get a ticket.

Want more wine tastings? I keep a running list of Calgary wine tastings and events.

Restaurants · Wine tasting

Gut Oggau with Juice Imports: Vine Arts in Calgary

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Last Sunday, my friend Lululemon took me to a Juice Imports tasting ($35) at Vine Arts. I was extra excited. The wines are from Gut Oggau, located in Austria, where Lululemon and I are visiting with Juice Imports in 2026 for a wine tour. Let’s listen to for this post “The Lonely Goatherd”.

Typically, it’s Erik who speaks at their tastings. However, this time around, his business partner, Mark Coulliard, led the class. I like the speed at which he speaks, which is fast enough that I don’t zone out and that he’s to the point. Mark is a skilled storyteller, weaving between his personal experiences at the winery while dropping juicy nuggets of information.

Juice Imports doesn’t make any money off these tastings, and to add to the incredible value, he and Erik offered Gut Oggau wines at a much lower price point. The reason? Though these high-quality obscure Austrian wines are priced accordingly, many people in Canada, unfamiliar with Gut Oggau, may be reluctant to spend the money. While wine bars in New York and Tokyo are willing to pay for these high-in-demand wines, the locals here haven’t caught on. So they wanted us to taste them at a lower price point. The Guu collection ranges from $60 and up; even by Mark’s standards, the line-up we were trying was an indulgence.

The label on each bottle features a person, and I initially assumed that each name and image represented a family member. However, I soon discovered that they were part of a fictional family. I felt a sense of disappointment, as I had grown fond of the idea of a large, eclectic family who boozed it up together.

Mark met the owners, Stephanie and Eduard Tscheppe, in 2016 when Erik signed them. Now, not even a decade later, the wines are world-renowned. Throughout our tasting, Mark would reminisce about their subsequent visit to their 17th-century farmhouse, eating at their sister’s Michelin restaurant and picking out any bottle they fancied in the cellar. I nearly fainted from excitement when he recounted how wine was poured from 12-litre bottles.

The first wine we sampled was the Theodora (Gruner/Welshrizling), Gut’s version of white. A mellow yellow, Mark described the wine as light and fresh. I thought it was nice and lemony. I learned that their wine is made in Austrian wood, which is more neutral than oak.

My favourite wine was the Emmeran Gewurtztraminer (discount $61). Lululemon and I loved the floral fragrance. Mark mentioned he likes a good Gewurztraminer, especially when it’s so aromatic, juicy, and bright. To him, the Emmeran tastes like spring. We learned this wine is produced from forty-year-old vines with a low grape yield. Lululemon got a bottle. I wanted to buy this bottle, but it’s beyond my 2025 budget, even with the big discount.

The next wine was Cecilia (discount $75), an orange rose wine. Mark noted this was a new wine, at least for him. As he sipped, he described the wine as unique, explaining it was very different from all the others. Mark informed us that Cecilia is made with a blend of unknown red and white grapes. An easy-to-drink wine, he described the flavour as rosy oranges. I found this one subtle, light and interesting. If I weren’t such a small potato, I would substitute water with Cecilia.

The fourth tasting was Masquerade Rose (discount $35). The rose smelled like port, with a dessert-like sweetness that reminded me of cherries. Mark characterized this wine as bright, easy, and approachable. I bought a bottle for myself and one for Lululemon, who treated me to this tasting. When asked how long it takes to hold onto these wines, Mark recommended five years.

The fifth wine was a winner, though apparently, transporting a living product across the ocean turned Athanasius Blaufrankisch/Zweigelt (discount $40) into a frothy, spritzy red wine. I liked the juicy, light flavour and the bright red hue. I bought two bottles, and Lululemon bought one. Mark explained that most wineries remove the C02, but natural wines make them more alive and fresh.

The sixth wine was Joschuari Blaufrankisch. I found this wine punchier and heavier than the previous ones. We learned the Gut land consists of low-yielding plots of 30-40 plants, all scattered around different soil types, making various wines. Mark stated these are soulful wines made from super high-quality grapes. For example, they cut out grapes to concentrate on the remaining ones.

Mark treated us to a special bottle, Edmund, made from unpruned vines. Mark described this as bright and fresh with teeth. I loved this wine. I found it unusual but in a good way. When asked what temperature red wine should be drunk, Mark suggested 13 degrees or popping the bottle in the fridge half an hour before consuming it.

The conversation about the price of wine going up in Alberta came up. Mark predicted that customers at restaurants would either face higher prices or have fewer options, while other establishments might start offering cheaper, more standardized wines. He rationalized that most customers have a budget, and convincing them to spend more is becoming increasingly difficult. I couldn’t agree more. With the rising costs of everything, I’ve found myself cutting back and dining out less.

Regardless, this was the perfect way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon. Afterward, Lululemon took me to Cold Beer and Pizza, a casual little joint across the street. She plied me with fresh bread, dips and my beloved Ol’ Beautiful hard ice tea as we plotted our wine getaway in 2026. Thank you, Lululemon and Mark, for a glorious afternoon.

Want more wine tastings? I keep a running list of Calgary wine tastings and events.