REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICCHIERI trade tasting, June 2023...

REPORT ON THE GAMBERO ROSSO ANNUAL TRE BICCHIERI trade tasting, June 8, 2023...

The Date and Time: Thursday June 8, 2023  11:30A - 5P
The Event: Gambero Rosso Annual Tre Bicchieri Walk Around Tasting
The Venue: Liberty Grand Entertainment Complex
The Target Audience: wine trade and wine media
The Availability/Catalogue: once again, the catalogue was up in the cloud and had to be downloaded.
The Quote/Background: There was a masterclass from the Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Abruzzo on Cerasuolo Rose, based on Montepulciano d'Abruzzo grapes. We tasted six wines, and the results are noted below. All the wines were under cork, and ranged in price in Italy as 8 – 15 Euros each retail. And they were all small lot bottlings. In the grand hall, 48 wineries in all participated this year in Toronto.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, going after the sparkling, the whites, and the roses plus some reds.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Brut Golf 1927 NV
-Barone Pizzini Franciacortia Xtra Brut Rose 2018
-Zenato Lugana San Benedetto 2022
-Terzini Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, hot finish at 14%ABV
-Buccicatino Fatt Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOP 2022, 13%ABV
-Velenosi Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Prope 2022, 13.5%ABV  [my fave, savoury gamey tones]
-Tenuta Secolo IX Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 13.5%ABV
-Planeta Chardonnay 2021 Sicily (Vintages July 8)  $54.95
-Terzini Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Cusumano Noa 2019 Sicily $31.95
-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2019 $104
-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera Riserva 2017
-Lamole di Lamoe Chianti Gran Selezione Vigna Grospoli 2019
-Castello Vichimaggio FSM Vigna Piggarso 2018 $69.85
-Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso Vigna Pedale Riserva 2016 Puglia
-Famiglia Cecchi Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Villa Rosa 2018
-Tenute del Cerro Vino Nobile di Montepulciano 2019 Tuscany
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Particella 181 2021 Prosecco
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut NV Prosecco
-Monviert FCO Ribolla Gialla Riserva 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia
-Cantina Tollo Peco IGP Pecorino Terre di Chieti 2022
-Infinitum Primativo Rosada $15.95
-Panizzi Vernacia de San Gimignano DOCG 2017


***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Sorelle Bronca Valdobbiadene Rive di Rua Brut Rose 2022
-Jasci & Marchesani Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC 2022, 12.5%ABV
-Jasci & Marchesani Pecorino IGT 2022 Abruzzo
-Famiglia de Cerchio Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC Passo Sacro 2022, 13%ABV
-Ferrari Brut
-Dievole Chianti Gran Selezione 2018
-San Marzano Edda $27.95
-Fortemasso Barolo Castelletto Riserva 2016
-Castello di Meleto Chianti Classico Gran Selezione V. Poggiarso 2018 $55
-Planeta Maroccoli 2018 Sicily $ 49.95 (Vintages Oct 7)
-Tornatore Etna Bianco 2021 Sicily $37.50 (Noble Estates)
-Tornatore Etna Rosso 2021 Sicily $33 (Noble Estates)
-Italo Cescon Pinot Grigio 2022
-Tenuta Borgo Conventi Collio Bianco Luna di Ponca 2019 Friuli Venezia Giulia


The Food: servers came around with platters of diverse appetizers, including lamb and veggies, beef, meatballs, bruschetta, mushroom pizza, arancini.
The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for the AUGUST 19, 2023 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 19, 2023 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for good wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication.

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).

MAJOR THEME:  SMART SUMMER BUYS (the August version of the first January release)

Wines Under $20
===============
Rose+172643  Tawse Sketches of Niagara Rose 2022 VQA Niagara $18.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+519025  Featherstone Phoenix 2022 VQA Niagara $18.95  MVC/QPR: 90.
W+370098  Paul Mas Single Vineyard Reserve Viognier 2021 Languedoc $16.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+499509  Famille Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2022 $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+10020  HaHa Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021 New  Zealand $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+958736  Muga Barrel Fermented White 2021 Rioja $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
W+31664  Tilia Chardonnay 2022 Argentina $15.95 MVC/QPR: 88.
R+403345  Tapiz Alta San Pablo Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Argentina $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+11851  Creekside Red Tractor Cabernet/Merlot 2020 VQA Niagara $17.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+648477  Cave du Chateau de Chenas Coeur de Granit Moulin-a-Vent 2020 $19.95 MVC/QPR: 89.

Wines Over $20
==============
Fizz+401018  Laboure-Gontard Brut Cremant de Bourgogne NV $21.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
W+523845  Charles Baker B-Side Riesling 2020 VQA Niagara $24.95  MVC/QPR: 91.
W+33226  Santo Wines 1911 Santorini Nykteri 2021 Greece $39.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+544312 Foris Pinot Gris 2021 Oregon $22.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
W+29829  Terres Secretes Les Sentinelles Macon-Villages 2020 $21.95   MVC/QPR: 89.
W+667212  Nederburg The Anchorman Chenin Blanc 2021 South Africa $24.95 MVC/QPR: 89.
R+261784  Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria 2019 Puglia $25.95 MVC/QPR: 91.
R+28837  Clarence Dillon Clarendelle Red 2016 Bordeaux $23.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
R+239277  Montecillo Gran Reserva 2011 Rioja $29.95 MVC/QPR: 90.
R+566844  Famille Perrin Les Cornudes Vinsobres 2020 Rhone $21.95 MVC/QPR: 89.


LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these  are good value...on sale  through Sunday September 10...
 
Rose+325076    Whispering Angel Rose (Caves D'Esclans) Provence save $2.00, now $27.95
Fizz+991562    Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Reserve (Bailly Lapierre) save $3.50, $21.45
W+324228    Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NZ save $3.00, now $19.95
W+326090    Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawke's Bay NZ save $3.00, now $18.95
W+367698    Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay South Africa, save $2.00, now $16.95  [A FAVE]
W+958975    Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, save $3.00, now $26.95 [A BEST FAVE]
W+43281    Flat Rock Cellars Estate Riesling VQA, save $3.00, now $16.95
R+50203    Beronia Reserva (Gonzales Byass) Rioja save $3.00, now $19.95.
R+145920    Tenuta Frescobaldi Di Castiglioni Toscana save $3.00, now $21.95.
R+425488    Cannonau Riserva Sardinia (Sella& Mosca)  save $2.50, now $17.45
R+337238    Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, save $3.00, now $21.95
R+595280    Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa $18.95,  save $3.00, now $15.95
Splurge+314575 Sterling Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, $46.95
Splurge+996405 Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, now $66.95


** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past While ---

REPORT ON THE CRU WINE MERCHANTS PORTFOLIO TASTING 2023
The Venue: Constantine Toronto
The Target Audience: sommeliers, wine media, wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: a good looking catalogue laid out by country and then producer, with details on pricing for licensees.
The Quote/Background: there were 64 wine producers showing anywhere from one wine to a dozen wines each.
The Wines: I could not taste every wine, most notably many of the reds. Prices are licensee net in most cases.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Versado Reserva Malbec 2010 Mendoza (+316984 Vintages, $78 retail)
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $25.49
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Picone Vineyard 2013 VQA Vinemount Ridge, $39.03
-Charles Baker Wines Riesling Blanc de Blanc Cuvee du Boulanger 2020 VQA Niagara Peninsula, $31.67 [my fave fizz of the day]
-Stratus White 2021 VQA NOTL $25.49
-Stratus Skin Contact Viognier 2021 VQA NOTL $27.88
-Stratus Red 2017 VQA NOTL $39.03
-Wiston Estate Sparkling Rose Brut NV Sussex $69.95
-Champagne Monmarthe Secret de Famille Brut NV $49.95
-Jeaunaux-Robin Fil de Brume Brut NV $69.95
-Domaine Albert Mann Gewurztraminer 2020 Alsace $38.95
-Domaine Albert Mann Cremant Extra Brut 2018  $47.95
-Domaine Oudin Vaugirault 1er cru Chablis 2021 $59.95
-Domaine Francois Gay et Fils Beaune 1er cru Les Teurons Blanc 2018 $89.95
-Barth Charta Riesling 2019 Rheingau $30.95
-Sorelle Bronca Difetto Perfetto Sur Lie Prosecco 2021 Conegliano Valdobbiadene $28.95
-Agricola Molino Moscato d'Asti Mistral 2022 Trersio $24.95
-Vina Costeira Lua Jazz Brut Treixadura Sparkling NV Rias Baixas [not yet priced]
-Raventos Blanc de Blanc Brut 2020 $27 Penedes
-Can Sumoi Ancestral Sparkling 2018 $31.95 Penedes
-Bethel Heights Estate Chardonnay 2019 Oregon $54.95
-Kongsgaard Chardonnay 2019 Napa $230
-San Felo Tuscany Le Stoppie Vermentino [not yet priced]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Versado Malbec 2018 Mendoza (+317008 Vintages, $21.25 retail)
-Stratus Chardonnay 2020 VQA NOTL $39.03
-Stratus Field Blend Ancestral 2022 $27.88
-Jeaunaux-Robin Le Dessous de la Cabane Rose NV $74.95
-Domaine Oudin Chablis 2021 $37.95
-Domaine Oudin Les Serres Chablis 2021 $47.95
-Sorelle Bronca Modi Brut Prosecco NV $21.95
-Vini Bossanova Pet Nat Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021 $41.95
-Rippon Sauvignon Blanc Lake Wanaka 2021 $39.95
-Kleinood Tamboerskloof Viognier Stellenbosch 2022 $33.95
-Favia-Erickson Carbone Chardonnay 2020 Combsville $79.95
-Hudson Chardonnay 2021 Napa $124.95
-Precision Wine Co. Introvert White 2020 California AVA $21.95
-Brokenwood Hunter Valley Australia Semillon 2022 [not yet priced]

The Food: from Constantine's menu – a variety of flatbreads, including a pomodoro pizza and a mushroom pizza, along with bites of cheese and pate mousse on breads. The charcuterie platter included more cheese, pate, sausages, and salami as well as sundried tomatoes.
The Downside: many wines were physically collated together but split apart by the catalogue listing; this meant a lot of to-ing and fro-ing through the booklet.
The Upside: a great opportunity to taste great wines.
The Contact Person: kasiakoziara@cruwinemerchants.com; Charles Baker<charlesbaker@stratuswines.com>
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

RECOMMENDED LIMITED TIME OFFERS (LTO) AT THE LCBO, AUG 14 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 10

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these  are good value...on sale  through Sunday September 10
 
Rose+325076    Whispering Angel Rose (Caves D'Esclans) Provence save $2.00, now $27.95
Fizz+991562    Cremant De Bourgogne Brut Reserve (Bailly Lapierre) save $3.50, $21.45
W+324228    Stoneleigh Latitude Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc NZ save $3.00, now $19.95
W+326090    Oyster Bay Pinot Grigio Hawke's Bay NZ save $3.00, now $18.95
W+367698    Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay South Africa, save $2.00, now $16.95  [A FAVE]
W+958975    Mer Soleil Reserve Chardonnay Monterey, save $3.00, now $26.95 [A BEST FAVE]
W+43281    Flat Rock Cellars Estate Riesling VQA, save $3.00, now $16.95
R+50203    Beronia Reserva (Gonzales Byass) Rioja save $3.00, now $19.95.
R+145920    Tenuta Frescobaldi Di Castiglioni Toscana save $3.00, now $21.95.
R+425488    Cannonau Riserva Sardinia (Sella& Mosca)  save $2.50, now $17.45
R+337238    Marques De Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon Chile, save $3.00, now $21.95
R+595280    Porcupine Ridge Syrah South Africa  save $3.00, now $15.95
Splurge+314575   Sterling Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, $46.95
Splurge+996405   Stags' Leap Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, save $5.00, now $66.95

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Virus-free.www.avg.com

NEWLY PUBLISHED COOKBOOKS IN REVIEW, AUGUST 13, 2023....

1.HEARTY CAST-IRON AND SKILLET COOKING; 101 easy-to-make, feel-good recipes (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2023, 152 pages, ISBN 978-1-4971-0386-3 $22.99 CDN softbound) is by Anne Schaeffer, who has also written cookbooks on campfire meals, Dutch ovens, crock pots, tailgating, Amish baking, and many other topics. All of the preps here can be cooked on the stove, in the oven, and/or grilled over a fire – using the Dutch oven, the skillet or cast-iron pan. Once heated, these pots maintain even cooking temps. And the cookware lasts forever, even through to the next generation plus one. They are all highly recommended for campfires, grills, and other open flame sources. Typical preps here include breakfast (bacon and potato pancakes, frittatas), lunch (tuna noodle casserole, one pot shells and meatballs), dinner (fajita enchiladas, chicken marsala), and desserts (peachy raspberry pie, cherry-cream roll-ups). I like that the type face is large so that it is easy enough for seniors to read. Also, the idea of one pot or pan appeals to the male chef for its tidiness; consequently, the book has advantages for the guys. Ingredients are only listed in Imperial measurements, and there is no table of metric equivalents. Recipe directions include instructions for all three heat sources. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.



2.COOKING WITH BEER AND BOURBON (Fox Chapel Publishing, 2023, 136 pages, ISBN 978-1-4971-0389-4 $20.99 CDN softbound) is by Hunter Reed. It's loaded with 124 preps that include beer or bourbon (or both) as a major ingredient. He gives us 10 different beer types and 3 different bourbon types, plus he notes non-alcoholic, gluten-free, and vegan options. The book is arranged by course or plate (moving from sides, snacks, sauces, soups, to chilies, BBQ, sweets), but also within each section there is an arrangement of light to heavy flavours from the beer and bourbon. Thus he starts with beer battered fried mozzarella sticks as appetizers and move through the book to no-churn toffee and stout ice cream and bourbon choco-sicles. It's also a guy book in that most of the food (Irish beef stew, beer party meatballs, jalapeno cheddar beer bread) is what guys eat and drink with beer and bourbon. A readable typeface is very useful, although the print of the index is very tiny. Ingredients are only listed in Imperial measurements, and there is no table of metric equivalents. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.




3.THE GROUNDS CAFE; seasonal dishes from Murray's Century Farm (Boulder Books, 2023, 165 pages, ISBN 978-1-989417-60-7 $34.95 hardbound) is by Nick Van Mele, who also did the recipes, with contributions from the Murray family. The book goes into the importance of community, co-operation, and the interdependence they all share in producing good food. The Murrays arrived in Newfoundland in 1820 and the Century Farm began in 1860. In 2017 Murray's opened The Grounds Cafe, a farm-to-fork restaurant. This book is a collection of recipes from that restaurant. Readers will enjoy reading about the growth of the farmers, foragers, foodies, family and friends over the years up through to the modern times. Lots of memoir material and photos. It's arranged by season, beginning with spring. Each has a section of about a dozen recipes. Spring includes "spring harvest salad", oyster mushroom and chive tartlet, buckwheat noodle bowl, handmade pasta with nettle pesto and cured radish. Summer brings tomato tart with basil pesto and mozzarella, charred zucchini and fennel soup, and a summer salad. The chill of fall produces tomato jam, squash risotto, apple butter, and a warm fall harvest salad with roasted pumpkin. Winter invites beet frites with garlic aioli, Cuban-style calzone, BBQ parsnip, and curried potato and root-veggie samosa with onion chutney. Delicious all round. With a shakshuka prep and veggie posters from Murray Meadows Farm this book really details the rural life in Newfoundland. Ingredients are only listed in Imperial measurements, and there is no table of metric equivalents. But, for a change, the index entries are large enough to read. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.




4.BIBIMBAP & other Asian-inspired rice & noodle bowl recipes (Ryland, Peters & Small, 2023, 160 pages, ISBN 978-1-78879-555-5 $25 USD hardbound)
is largely by Louise Pickford, a food writer-stylist currently based in France with 15 or so cookbooks to her credit. Five other Ryland food authors' recipes are from Atsuko Ikeda, Jackie Kearney, Kathy Kordalis, Jenny Linford, and Uyen Luu. The book attempts to lay out plans for ease of preparation of rice and noodles: one-pot dishes in soups, salads, and stir-fries based on dishes from Korea, Cambodia, Burma, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia. Korea's Bibimbap is the iconic dish (fried egg on top of rice, seasoned veggies, kimchi, and gochujang sauce). Indeed, "bibim" means mixing and "bap" means cooked rice. The dish is often used as a base for many one bowl rice/noodle dishes. Pickford arranges her book by need: the first section is "easy does it", followed by "fresh & cool", "soul satisfying", "warming spice", and "umami rich". As a tested Supertaster, I headed for that last chapter first. She's got BBQ pork noodle bowls with dipping sauce, wild garlic miso pork stir fry, mushroom udon, an ultimate banh mi rice bowl [I didn't miss the baguette at all], and duck red curry over rice – among others. This is a great looking book with all the RP&S food photos in place. Ingredients are mainly listed in Imperial measurements with some metric volumes, but there is no table of metric equivalents. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures Writing.

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

REPORT ON THE WINES OF PORTUGAL trade show, June 2023...

REPORT ON THE WINES OF PORTUGAL trade show, June  2023...
The Date and Time: Thursday June 1, 2023, 1PM to 5PM
The Event: Wines of Portugal: food & wine experience in Toronto
The Venue: ROM
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: it was a full book of some 60 pages, containing 32 wineries and over 300 wines. There was a description of the ten most widely used grape varieties (out of 250 grape varieties in total) plus some indices. The table numbers ran in accord with the page numbers of the producers in the book. Each entry had full contact deets of addresses, phone numbers, agents, local names, and the like (plus a small map indicating regions). Each wine was listed by name, with year, region, and grapes. Prices were not available.
The Quote/Background: the book was excellent, except for the lack of prices.
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines, missing most of the reds. Agents are listed in parentheses.

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Vicente Faria Vinhos Animus 2022 Vinho Verde
-Soito Encruzado Reserva 2021
-Niepoort Redoma Reserva Branco 2021 Douro $61 (Le Sommelier)
-Azores Wine Co. Arinto dos Acores 2018 and 2021 $60 (Le Sommelier)
-Sao Luiz Winemakers Collection Folgazao & Rabigato Branco 2018 Douro (Wineworld)
-Sogevinus Veedha 2020 Red Douro +31197  LCBO $15.95 (Amethyst)
-FitaPreta Palpite Branco Reserva 2021 $44 VR Alentejano (Le Sommelier)
-Macanita Vinhos Tinto Reserva 2020 $45 Douro  (Le Sommelier)
-Quinta do Mondego Branco 2019
-Quinta do Mondego Munda Encruzado Branco 2020
-J.Portugal Ramos Family Duorum Colheita Branco 2021 (Sylvestre)
-Cartuxa EA Bio 2021 (FWP Trading)
-Casa Relvas Herdade Sao Miguel Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2022
-Casa Relvas DOC Vidigueira Branco 2022
-Boas Quintas Opta Dao Encurzado 2022
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Arinto Branco Reserva 2021
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Colheita Seleccionada Branco 2021
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noir Cuvee Brut 2014 [my fave]

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Obra Prime 2022 Vinho Verde (Perigon beverage)
-Soito Espumante Blanc de Noirs 2019
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Blanc de Noirs Brut NV
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Blanc de Blancs Brut NV
-Adega de Cantanhede Marques de Marialva Baga Rose Brut NV
-Enoport Caves Velhas Romeira Chardonnay 2020 Lisboa
-Enoport Cabeca de Toiro Reserva 2022 Tejo
-Quinta do Casal Branco Falcoaria Colheita Tardia 2016 Tejo  [late harvest]
-Sao Luiz Branco 2022 Douro (Wineworld)
-Sao Luiz Reserva Branco 2021 Douro (Wineworld)
-Dialogo Branco Snow 2021 Douro, $19 (Le Sommelier)
-Dialogo Tinto 2021 Douro, $21 (Le Sommelier)
-NAT'Cool! Primata 2021 Douro $29 1 litre (Le Sommelier)
-Drink Me Nat'Cool Dao 2020 Red $23 l litre (Le Sommelier)
-Fresh from Amphora Nat Cool Branco 2022  (Azureau)
-Falua Reserva Branco 2020
-Churchills Estates Grafite Douro Branco 2021
-Casa Santos Lima Blend Portugal Branco 2022 Lisboa
-Boas Quintas Gandarada Encurzado Branco 2022
-Boas Quintas Fonte do Ouro Branco 2022

The Food: there was a paid event coming up in the evening starting at 6, so we were treated to some awesome food in the afternoon – Four chefs provided excellent samples, in addition to the charcuterie (nice to have smoked duck breast back again) and cheese platters.
-Chef Manuel Vilela (Chiado) gave us some fresh pan-seared cod and porcini, on a bed of lemon risotto;
-Chef Dave Junek (Salt) gave us a large wagyu slider with chimichurri aioli with a side  manchego-jambon croquette;
-Chef Martine Bauer (Restaurant Pompette) presented us with a chicken and duxelles vol- au-vent AND a salmon citrus gravlax.
-Chef Rafael Covarrubias (Hexagon in Oakville) gave us a scallop crudo with buttermilk, melon and tarragon and jalapeno, PLUS a salted cod empanada, preserved tomato, nduja, and preserved lemon.
The Downside: it got crowded really fast after the masterclass finished, further antagonized by low lighting from the ceiling.
The Upside: quality food matching quality wine samples.
The Contact Person: www.winesofportugal.com; marketing@viniportugal.pt;
Lumir JARDAK <ljardak@sopexa.com>
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 94

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism

Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES: under/over $20 for AUGUST 5, 2023 release.

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP WINES AT VINTAGES:  under/over $20 for AUGUST 5, 2023 release.

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at  https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor since 1994. These notes for good wines available through  LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca  or at https://pages.pathcom.com/~dtudor No winery can buy their way into – or out of – this publication.

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone would taste like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).

MAJOR THEME:  ONLINE at lcbo.com, AND FLAGSHIP STORE AVAILABILITY ONLY  [no printed magazine catalogue]    ~39 wines

Wines Under $20
=========
W+13000 Gerard Bertrand Terroir Picpoul de Pinet 2022 Languedoc, $19.95   MVC/QPR: 88.

Wines Over $20

R+272146  Kacaba Cabernet Franc 2019 VQA, $33.15, MVC/QPR: 90
W+48892  Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet Blanc 2021, $34.95, MVC/QPR: 90
R+31698  Xavier Vignon Gigondas 2019 Rhone, $44.95, MVC/QPR: 89
W+639641  Quail's Gate Stewart Family Reserve Chardonnay 2020 BCVQA, $48.95, MVC/QPR: 89
R+639658   Quail's Gate Stewart Family Reserve Pinot Noir 2020 BCVQA, $59.95, MVC/QPR: 89
W+33552  Hidden Bench Beton Sauvignon Blanc 2021, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 91
W+33163  Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2021 Greece, $67.95, MVC/QPR: 90
W+32073 Domaine Drouhin Oregon La Maisonnette Chardonnay 2020, $46.95, MVC/QPR: 90
W+16093  Cloudsley Twenty Mile Bench Chardonnay 2020 VQA, $34.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

LIMITED TIME OFFERS: Some Recommended Wines from the LCBO's Limited Time Offers selections...these  are good value...on sale  through  August 13...

Rose+552562 Speck Bros. Three Hearts Rose VQA, $17.95, save $2
Fizz+256289 Benjamin Bridge Nova 7 Sparkling Nova Scotia, now $23.95, save $2
W+392597 Chloe Chardonnay Monterey California, now $16.95, save $3
W+350041 Paco & Lola Albarino Rias Baixas Spain, now $22.95, save $2
W+316570  Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough, now $18.95, save $3
R+408658 Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Cabernet Sauvignon Maipo Chile, now $20.95, save $3
[splurge]R+ 300012 Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, now $74.95, save $4

** Some New Wines I Tasted Over the Past While ---

The Event: Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Walkaround Tasting
The Venue: Aria Ristorante
The Target Audience: wine trade, agents, media, sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: The proprietors of the eight Vino Nobile di Montepulciano featured wineries were in attendance; two were looking for agents (Manvi, Podere Casanova).
The Quote/Background: This appellation of Tuscany is between Siena and Rome, just south of Chianti, and was famous for its light red wines based on sangiovese. The walkaround featured pressure-less pourings from Cantina Crociani (Cavinona Wine Agency), Carpineto (Univins and Spirits), Fattoria del Cerro (Cavinona Wine Agency), Fattoria Svetoni (Tre Amici), Il Molinaccio (United Stars), Manvi (looking for agent), Podere Casanova (looking for agent) and Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano (Tre Amici).
The Wines: I did not taste all the wines. I skipped a white wine and a vinsanto, and a few Rossos di Montepulciano....

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Crociani Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva Toscana
-Podere Casanova Vino Noble di Montepulciano Settecento
-Manvi Ojas Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2019
-Fattoria Svetoni Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2019 $25
-Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2017
-Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2016
-Fattoria del Cerro Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2019
-Fattoria del Cerro Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva 2017
-Il Molinaccio di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva La Poiana 2019 [organic] $86.95
-Carpineto Vino Noble di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2019
-Carpineto Appodiato di Montepulciano Poggio Sant'Enrico 2012 Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Podere Casanova Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG
-Podere Casanova Corte Vino Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
-Podere Casanova Irripetibile IGT Toscana
-Manvi Myra Rosso di Montepulciano DOC
-Manvi Arya Vino Noble di Montepulciano
-Crociani Vino Noble di Montepulciano
-Fattoria Svetoni Rosso Noble di Montepulciano 2021
-Fattoria Svetoni Vino Noble di Montepulciano 2020 $25
-Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Corbaio Rosso Toscana 2018
-Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Campaltino Toscana Rosso IGT
-Vecchia Cantina di Montepulciano Vino Rosso di Montepulciano 2021
-Fattoria del Cerro Antica Chilesi
-Il Molinaccio di Montepulciano Vino Noble di Montepulciano La Spinosa 2019 [organic] $63.95
-Carpineto Rosso di Montepulciano DOC 2020
-Carpineto Farnito Cabernet Sauvignon IGT 2020

The Food: Aria provided an enormous Italian buffet selection which included multiple cold cut platters of first rate salumi (nothing hot), caprese salad, pizza, roast potatoes, roast chicken, roast porchetta, asparagus risotto, gnocchi, a wheel of parmigiano reggiano, biscotti.
The Downside: nothing really – the weather co-operated for those of us who wanted to be outdoors.
The Upside: good listing of Vino Nobile wines, which I have not seen in the same room in Ontario for quite some time.
The Contact Person: b.marassi@ice.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 96

Dean Tudor,  Prof Emeritus T'karonto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) School of Journalism Treasurer of Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://www.deantudor.com
http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
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