My next House Wine review

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 5:45 pm
CBC Radio One Calgary – 99.1 FM / 1010 AM
The Homestretch with Chris Dela Torre

Featured Wine – Alvear Fino (CSPC 112771)

From the sun drenched south of Spain comes a wine that tends to surprise people on the first sip - Alvear Fino.

Made by Bodegas Alvear in the historic region of Montilla-Moriles, this pale, bone-dry white is savoury, tangy and gently nutty, with a salty, mouthwatering finish. It’s the kind of wine that can stop people in their tracks because it doesn’t taste quite like anything else.

For me, this is one of the world’s great aperitif wines. It doesn’t coat the palate. It wakes it up. Earlier in my wine life, I was more drawn to fruit-forward styles, but over time I’ve come to love the salty, savoury complexity of a fino like this.

I’ll be talking about this distinctive Andalusian classic on my monthly House Wine column. I’ll also be sharing a simple regional cocktail called the Rebujito. It’s a bright, refreshing mix that feels made for spring.

With Mother’s Day this weekend, I can’t think of a more cheerful little toast to Mom.

The Rebujito

Fill a highball or wine glass with ice.
Pour in 2 oz Alvear Fino.
Add 4 oz 7 Up or Sprite.
Add 2 sprigs of fresh mint.
Stir gently and garnish with a slice of lime or lemon

Pick up a bottle in Calgary at:

Silver Springs Liquor Store

Cork Fine Wine

Sundance Wine Market

Vine Arts 17 Avenue SW (all locations)

Vinestyles

Crowfoot Wines (Aspen Wines & Spirits location)

Willow Park Wines & Spirits

5 Vines (Wildwood location)