Cru Select

From the full-bodied and robust, to the soft and refined, Cru Select™ wines are a delightful dinner companion and a real treasure for wine enthusiasts looking to complete their personal cellar.

Our 12-litre Cru Select Specialty wine kits contain and produce 12 litres of product and are made to the same exacting standards of all of our wine kits. No addition of water is required, allowing for a simplified winemaking process. You will find that these rich and complex specialty wine kits will allow you to create some truly unique and distinctive wines.

Our 16-litre Cru Select wine kits make 23 litres and are made to exacting standards – with pure varietal grape juice in addition to European and Australian grape concentrates (no sugar is added or required)! Many of our wine kits include toasted oak chips to impart rich, succulent shades of oak and smokey vanilla. The result is superb wine you will be delighted to share with friends and family. We offer a diverse collection of white and red premium varieties from around the world – from the noble Chardonnay to the alluring Amarone – you’ll discover all Cru Select wines have just the right body, flavour, clarity and bouquet to satisfy even the most discerning palate.

Six weeks takes you from the box to bottling where you’ll find Cru Select wonderfully delectable. We do, however, recommend your patience, because the gift of time will reward you with a wine of elegance, finesse and character. With Cru Select, the best is yet to come.

Watch for the launch of our Cru Select RQ program every fall. This program showcases four exciting wines sourced from some of the most premium wine growing regions around the globe. From January to April, one of these innovative wines is launched each month on a limited release basis. Preorder your favourites so you don’t miss out!

Red Wine Kits

Bush Vine Grenache is harvested from vines that have earned their place in history by being old enough to be able to achieve complex profiles from the terroir from years of sustained growth. Flam buoyantly aggressive, this full-bodied wine is based on a strong structure of powerful fruit, heavy toasted oak and loads of earthy/spicy needs. Deep garnet in colour, this wine is fermented on toasted Hungarian oak staves and Winery Grape Skins to bring out the rich flavours of prunes, fine black pepper and chewy tannins. The finish is abound with smoky undertones and is expressively persistent.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 4 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

Australian Cabernets are typically softer and fruitier. This wine shows complex varietal fruit flavours including cherry and blackberry. 2006 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

A classic New World blend made popular by the recent trend of success of Australia’s leading wineries. A well-balanced aroma of leather and black pepper gives way to intense jammy flavours of blackberries. The length of spicy flavour from the Cabernet, sweet berry fruit of the Shiraz and softening effects of the Merlot results in a tightly structured, well-balanced wine. Ruby red in colour, this hearty wine has an elegant and long finish. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 5 Body: 5 Sweetness: 0

The wine is deep and dark in colour with a rich bouquet of fruit and a hint of cassis. It ages gracefully into a velvety wine of pure elegance. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 2 Body: 4/5 Sweetness: 0

Co-fermentation of Shiraz with Viognier is a traditional winemaking technique. The addition of Viognier gives a perfumed dimension and embraces the aggressive and complex characteristics of the Shiraz.

The resulting blend is a full-bodied, deep garnet red wine with a complex nose of violets, spices and rich American oak. Integrated flavours of berries, chocolates and spices are framed by tight knit, chewy tannins, creating a long and dramatic palate. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 4 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

History meets the New World in this well-structured hearty red wine. Benefiting from deep roots that pick up flavours unobtainable by its younger counterparts, this complex wine shows off a deep ruby red colour with subtle vanilla flavours. Luscious black cherry, tobacco and leather aromas burst into textured flavours of cherry and raspberry followed by spicy black pepper. Blessed with a bold tannin structure, this wine has a very well defined, long balanced finish. 2006 & 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

Recognized as a premier grape growing region, California is known for intensely flavourful Pinot Noirs. Medium to full-bodied, this wine presents a bouquet of rich tobacco, ripe blackberries and spices. The palate is treated to a heady experience of dark cherries, a hint of oak and velvety tannins. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 3 Sweetness: 0

Sleek and focussed with layers of juicy fruit and earthy flavours, this full-bodied wine sets the stage for a dramatic experience. Seductively deep red in colour, aromas of crushed blackberries and vanilla follow through to a densely packed palate richly blessed with streaks of chocolate interwoven with abundant oak tones. Fermented on Heavy toasted Hungarian oak shavings, the finish is dramatic and long.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 4 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

Full and flavourul, this wine is supported by intense blackberry, black cherry and plum aromas. Toasted french oak further accentruates the fruit filled aroma. 2006 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 5 Sweetness: 0

L’Collage is a collection of the finest red varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet franc. Dark, intense, and brilliant ruby red in colour, this blend shows a nose rich in cassis and spice. On the palate the spice is enhanced by flavours of vanilla. 2006 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

This Merlot is a full-bodied red wine with impressive aromas of farm fresh strawberries, violets and vanilla framed with soft silky tannins. On the palate, it presents powerful notes of ripe raspberries, cradled by notes of cherries and dark fruit to complete the graceful tasting experience. 2006 & 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 3/4 Sweetness: 0

Unique to the Valpolicella region of Italy, our Amarone is packed with rich raspberry, blackberry and cassis flavours. Deep, dark and inviting, the finish is long, lingering and full of ripe tannins.2006 & 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 5 Body: 5 Sweetness: 0

Deep red in colour and aggressive in structure, this full bodied dry wine has many fans. Intense flavours of violets, cherries and cocoa are set firmly against a backdrop of silky, yet firm tannins. Undertones of toasted oak dominate the long finish along with dark fruit and firm acidity. This traditional bold wine compliments fettuccine Bolognese, roast pork with garlic and rosemary, brie and camembert.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 2 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

Big hearted and assertive, this deep ruby red wine is blessed with expressive aromas of tobacco, ripe plums and black cherries. The palate offers explosive notes of blackberries, prunes and vanilla. A wine sure to mature brilliantly. 2006 & 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 4 Body: 5 Sweetness: 0

Richer and fuller than traditional Italian Chianti, this robust red wine will be a proud addition to any winemaker’s cellar. Chianti is made with a base of the Sangiovese grape, which is best grown in a hot, dry climate such as Tuscany. The result is a dry, fruity red with medium to full body. This is a complex wine with spicy black and red cherry aroma and notes of chocolate. A fine young wine but time lends grace and subtlety to this masterpiece.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 4 Body: 3 Sweetness: 0

The first wine to feature Genuwine Winery Grape Skins. Italian winemakers have been using dried grapes to enhance their wine for centuries. The Valpolicella varietal is one of the most famous wines enhanced with fermentation on dried skins. You will discover that fermentation with the proprietary Genuwine Winery Grape Skins brings out the wine`s firm tannins, supported by dark fruit tones any smokey undertones. The result is an Italian classic with all the makings of a powerful full bodied red wine. The aroma in the glass is reminiscent of farm fresh cherries backed by streaks of dark chocolate and toasted oak, which ages well into a wine of award winning potential. Compliments rich foods such as char grilled pepper steak, well aged cheeses and slow braised baby back ribs. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 4 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

It is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault resulting in a classic hightoned, perfumed nose, hinting at ripe strawberries, oak and spices. This wine is blended with the rich and lively Cabernet to produce a full-bodied wine with velvety texture, refreshing berry fruit and complexity and depth of flavour. 2006 & 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 2 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

Full bodied, it has a deep, dark colour and breathes intense notes of ripe plums, cassis and toasted oak on the nose. Backed by mouth filling tannins, fruity flavours of black cherries and plums complement this richly oaked wine, leading to an impressive finish of distinction 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 4 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

Old Vine Tempranillo pushed to the edge, La Rioja Nueva is an innovative style deeply rooted in old vines and ancient soils. Rich and simple fruit flavours deepen to reveal layers of cherry, blackberry and vanilla. The experience ends with flavours of mint and licorice. The nose carries aroma of sweet vanilla. The result is a vibrant wine that requires little aging, yet combines the enthusiasm of youth with the grace and generosity of age. 2006 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 3 Sweetness: 0

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Cru Select Specialty Wine Kits

Steeped in tradition, Port is one of the most comforting drinks in the world. This classic wine is complex, structured with deep plum, raisin and chocolate flavours. 2005 & 2006 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 2 Body: 4 Sweetness: 5+

With forward berry character, serve with your favourite dessert, especially chocolate. 2005 & 2006 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 4 Sweetness: 5++

From the rich golden hue to the enchangting bouquet of burnt orance and caramel, this wine will produce a classic wine that pairs well wtih most foods.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 1 Body: 4 Sweetness: 5+

This rich wine is loaded with flavours of apricot, peaches and honey. Serve well chilled with your finest dessrts, or as the dessert itself! 2005 & 2006 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 4 Sweetness: 5++

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Cru Select White Wine Kits

Clean, crisp and rich in varietal character, fruit flavours abound. It’s golden-hued and slightly tart while flavours of vanilla, cloves and butterscotch tantalize the palate. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 3 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

This full-bodied white wine of remarkable intensity combines the refreshing citrus lift of Semillon with vibrant tropical fruit flavours of pineapple and grapefruit from the Sauvignon Blanc. Well structured and fruit focused, this straw colored wine offers a persistent finish. 2006 & 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 5 Sweetness: 0

A wine full of history, Viognier originated in France but is enjoying a growth in popularity in various wine regions worldwide. The prime appeal of this dry, full-bodied wine is its powerful, rich and complex aroma of ripe apricots and orange blossoms. Its fresh and heady aroma also has an abundance of tropical fruit flavours and is balanced by a soft and creamy mouthfeel. Viognier has a deep golden colour and is best consumed young. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

This wine delivers delicious aromas of roses, lychees and tropical fruits, as well as the infamous spicy notes characteristic of Gewurztraminer. Our proprietary Süss-Reserve Pack™, along with added elderflowers, brings out intense fruity characteristics and inviting spicy tones which complete the experience. Delicately bitter, this medium-bodied wine is elegantly light and refreshing on the palate. 2005 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 4 Sweetness: 1

Two famous German wines blended into one kit! The fresh, crisp Riesling combined with the exotic spiciness of Gewürztraminer makes a round and well-balanced wine. Riesling-Traminer is a dry, full wine with aromas of peach, apricot and nutmeg.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 4 Sweetness: 0

Exquisite balance of citrus fruit and acidity is the foundation for this ever popular Italian white wine. The bouquet reveals bright citrus and green apple aromas with honeydew tones. The balanced acidity gives it a great refreshing and crisp quality, with a touch of light spice. Medium to full bodied, it makes a great pre-dinner sipper or a refreshing wine on a hot afternoon. A perfect wine to enjoy with cedar plank grilled salmon, steamed mussels or chicken florentine.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 2 Sweetness: 0

Traditionally made from teh garganega and trebbiano grapes, this Italian white displays a crisp, flinty and persistently fruity nose. Delicately bitter, this medium-bodied wine is elegantly light and refreshing on the palate. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 2 Body: 2 Sweetness: 0

Crisp, light, with intense flavours of grapefruit peel and freshly cut grass and an accent of light oak on the finish. The wine presents soft hues, with a slight tinge of green. 2006 & 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 1 Body: 3 Sweetness: 0

This full-bodied unoaked wine showcases the brilliant balance between fresh fruity flavours and vibrant aciditity. Offering a stunning array of flavours that reflect citrus, peach and mineral notes, this refreshing wine is best served chilled to show off its lively potential.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 0 Body: 3 Sweetness: 0

Medium to full bodied in nature, this wine shows signature notes of citrus and floral freshness in its bouquet. This is followed by crisp, minerally notes powered by firm acidity and floral tones ending with a fruit forward finish. 2007 WineMaker International Award Winner.

Tasting Notes | Oak: 2 Body: 3 Sweetness: 0

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