Here's Your Mother's Day Reminder

Yes, Mother's Day is this Sunday, and we like to be helpful with little reminders like this. Joe Canal's is the place to shop, whether you're buying a gift, or wine to enjoy with mom for Sunday brunch or dinner. To start your shopping process, below are a few staff recommendations.

Capriccio Prosecco. Do you prefer a Mimosa or Bellini for Sunday brunch with mom? We vote for both. Either way, you need a sparkling wine that can stand on its own, but is priced right. Wine Manager Kevin Saunders suggests the Capriccio Prosecco, saying, "it has a vibrant bouquet of apples, white peach and exotic fruits. The finish has hints of melon and gingerbread." Only $10.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Aubry Brut Champagne. Maybe you'll have dinner with mom, or maybe you're looking for a nice gift. Aubry Champagne checks both of those boxes for you. This is a favorite of Senior Wine Manager Brandon Bartfalvi. "It's a rich, full-bodied effort, revealing flavors of citrus, peach and apple with strong mineral undertones. Lively, firm and absolutely delicious!!"

Aubry Brut earned 92 points from Wine Advocate: "With increased acreage and experience, the unorthodoxy of “unknown” cepages has now trickled down to the level of Aubry’s 'basic' NV Brut Disg. 4/2013. This contains just one-quarter each Chardonnay and Pinot; 45% Meunier; and a mixture of Arbanne, Petit Meslier and Fromenteau (a.k.a. Pinot Gris). Nearly half of it is reserve wine, and more than half of that from a solera going back to 1998. If that sounds like a recipe for delivering complexity, you’re right and won’t be disappointed! Bittersweet perfume suggestive of gentian and iris mingles with intimations of fresh lime and sea breeze that in turn manifest themselves on a seductively silken palate in both juicy, vivacious exuberance and mouthwatering saliva-inducement. A scallop-like sweetly saline and mineral amalgam takes hold in a vibrant finish that leaves me caught between the urge to linger and Wine Spectator. At $35.99 in the Bottle Club®, it's also one of our lowest-priced Champagnes.

the urge to take the next sip. This exceptional value by appellation standards is almost sure to prove worth following for several years, even if, sadly, few wine enthusiasts are likely to put that prediction to the test." And Aubry scored 90 points from Wine Spectator.

Domaine Castillon Costieres de Nimes Rose 2015. Springtime is rose season, and this one is definitely mom-approved. This is a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvedre, showing a classic saltiness and high quality raspberry, strawberry, spice and rising bread nuances. Medium-bodied, balanced, delicious and fresh, it leans a little bit towards the richer end of the spectrum, but stays lively and is highly drinkable. Drink now. Only $9.96 in the Bottle Club®.

Acre Twenty One Chardonnay. You're probably going to need a white wine, whether it's brunch or dinner. This is another of Kevin's favorites. His description: "Soft aromas of apple, apricot and wild white flowers. Lovely, light flavors of peach, yellow pear and nectarine, with a touch of sweet oak. This is a medium bodied chardonnay, to be enjoyed with chicken and white fish dishes such as cod and sea bass." Only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

Moonbeam Sweet Riesling. Your blogger will have one of these on our table on Sunday. It's refreshingly sweet with stone fruit aromas and layers of honeyed peach, ripe tangerine and hints of jasmine. The wine's natural acidity adds balance and structure with a refreshing finish. This versatile food wine pairs well with spicy dishes, Asian cuisine, strong cheeses or desserts. Also only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

Twelve Barrel Ranch Pinot Noir. A really versatile wine, this will pair well with salmon or duck. This California Pinot is fresh and fruity, with a warming bouquet of red berries, cherry cola, cloves and dark chocolate. The medium-bodied palate is smooth and balanced with fine acidity and soft tannins. Pinot Noir often appeals to both red and white wine drinkers, which makes it the perfect suggestion for special occasions. Like Mother's Day. Only $9.97 in the Bottle Club®.

Eaglewood Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. We know that many of you will be grilling on Sunday, and that usually means steak or lamb are on the menu. Whether it's for mom or yourself, this outstanding Rutherford district

Cabernet should be on your table.

It's full-bodied, elegant and vibrant with a fragrant bouquet of ripe dark plums, violets, cigar box and black pepper. The lush palate boasts black cherries and spice with structured tannins and a memorable finish. Aged for 18 months in new French and American oak. Brandon recommends decanting for an hour, so plan ahead with this. $29.97 in the Bottle Club®.

We know that many of you will be celebrating with craft beer on Sunday. Check back here tomorrow to see what's new in out craft beer department.