Concha y Toro wine tasting, Sept 24/12, with Marcelo Papa

The Date and Time: Monday, September 24, 2012  10:30AM to 4 PM
The Event: A presentation and structured tasting with Concha y Toro
winemaker Marcelo Papa (Select Wine Merchants)
The Venue: Fairmont Royal York Hotel
The Target Audience: wine writers
The Availability/Catalogue: not every wine is available in Ontario,
yet, and not every vintage.
The Quote/Background: Papa is responsible for the Marques de Casa
Concha line, a premium single-vineyard varietal line from Chile. Two
wines new to Ontario (Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir) were also
commented on, and there was a comparison between vintages of their
award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon (2001, 2009, and 2010).
The Wines: We tasted two lines: the Casillero del Diablo Reserva series
(on our own) and the Marques de Casa Concha (which Marcelo Papa
presented).

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 Puente Alto, Maipo N/A
-Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Puente Alto, Maipo,
$19.95 +337238
-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Puente Alto, Maipo, $79.95 +315176

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Casillero del Diablo Merlot 2011 Rapel Valley, $12.95 +427088
-Casillero del Diablo Shiraz 2011 Rapel Valley, $12.95 +568055
-Casillero del Diablo Carmenere 2011 Rapel Valley, $12.95 +94060
-Marques de Casa Concha Pinot Noir 2011 Limari, $19.95 +301424 Dec 8
-Marques de Casa Concha Merlot 2010 Peumo, Rapel, $19.95, +939827
-Marques de Casa Concha Carmenere 2010 Peumo, Rapel, $17 +620666
-Marques de Casa Concha Syrah 2009 Buin, Maipo, $19.95 +278416
-Marques de Casa Concha Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 Puente Alto, Maipo N/A
-Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Puente Alto, Maipo, $79.95 +315176
(November 24)

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Casillero del Diablo Sauvignon Blanc 2012 Casablanca/Limari/Rapel,
$9.95 +578641 twist top
-Casillero del Diablo Malbec 2011 Rapel Valley, $12.95
-Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 Central Valley, $12.95
+278416
-Marques de Casa Concha Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Leyda/Coastal, $18.95 N/A
-Marques de Casa Concha Chardonnay 2011 Limari, $19.95 +342857

 

The Food: there was a terrific buffet lunch, traditional Italian with
tomato soup, Caesar salad, charcuterie, tortellini, chicken cacciatore,
fish and mushrooms, carrots and green beans, desserts, coffees.
The Downside: I arrived late.
The Upside: a good chance to talk with Marcelo Papa and his plans for
Concha y Toro.
The Contact Person: morellato@selectwines.ca
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
89.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Distilleria Bottega launches fundraising to support October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Ontario

Because 70% of Bottega's employees are female, women's causes are important. For years, the company has actively raised funds in the duty-free market and in Europe for research in the area of breast cancer.

 

So Bottega, officially launching Il Vino dei Poeti Rose at the LCBO (+277202, $12.45) this month, is donating a portion of that sparkler's October sales to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation.

 

The rose sparkler is made from Pinot Nero and Raboso hand-picked grapes. The soft pressing gives it a rose colour and preserves the aromas. Expect apple tones, raspberries and strawberries in its frothy character. It's a party wine, especially at this price point. Serve as an aperitif, with hors d'oeuvre, or with a first festive course.

 

More details on the launch and cancer campaign can be had from spuritt@hotmail.com

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Taste Ontario VQA wines, Sept 28/12

 The Date and Time: Friday, September 28, 2012   11AM to 4 PM
The Event: Taste Ontario from LCBO Vintages and winecountryontario.ca,
media and trade portion.
The Venue: Ritz-Carlton Hotel
The Target Audience: media and trade
The Availability/Catalogue: some wines are at the LCBO, the rest are at
the winery, but all should be available since they are current
vintages. The catalogue was nicely arranged by sub-region within
Ontario, beginning with Lake Erie North Shore, Niagara Escarpment,
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Pelee Island, Prince Edward County, "Emerging
Regions" and one "Virtual" winery.
The Quote/Background: Attendance was steady all afternoon and trades
people really seemed engrossed with talking to winemakers and reps. Is
there now a buzz about Ontario wines?
The Wines: As always, I try to taste and rate comparable wines. There
were 185 or so wines in all. Prices are consumer retail; licensee will
be less.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-13th Street Winery Premier Cuvee Brut 2008 142679 $34.95
-13th Street Winery 13 Series Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $18.95
-Angels Gate Winery Pinot Noir 2008 $14.75  ** VALUE **
-Angels Gate Winery Merlot 2010 107722 $13.95  ** VALUE **
-Bachelder Bachelder Niagara Chardonnay 271841 $29.95
-Bachelder Bachelder Saunders Vineyard Chardonnay $44.95
-Bachelder Bachelder Wismer Vineyard Chardonnay $44.95
-Cattail Creek Estate Winery Creek Riesling 2009 $14.95
-Charles Baker Wines Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard 2010 $35.00
-Closson Chase South Clos Chardonnay 2010 $39.75
-Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay $29.95
-Henry of Pelham Family Estate Cuvee Catharine Blanc de Blanc $49.75
-Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery Estate Chardonnay 2010 308577 
-Huff Estates Winery Cuvee Peter F. Huff Sparkling 2008 198754 $39.75
-Inniskillin Wines Montague Chardonnay 2011 623744 $29.75
-Lailey Vineyard Syrah 2010 750mL $27.00
-Le Clos Jordanne Claystone Terrace Chardonnay 2009 56929 $39.80
-Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 33902
$44.80
-Malivoire Wine Company M2 Small Lot Chardonnay 2010 $19.95
-Rosehall Run Chardonnay JCR Rosehall Vineyard 2010 $33.80
-Rosewood Estates Winery Sussreserve Riesling 2010 $15.00
-Southbrook Vineyards Whimsy Cabernet Franc "101" 2010 $34.75

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Trius Red 2010 303800 $22.95
-Trius Sauvignon Blanc 2011 221804 $13.95
-Angels Gate Winery Archangel Chardonnay Sparkling 2010 227009 $19.75
-Cave Spring Cellars Chardonnay CSV 2008 529941 $29.75
-Cave Spring Cellars Cabernet Franc Estate2007 72751 $24.75
-Charles Baker Wines Charles Baker Riesling Ivan Vineyard 2011 $35.00
-Charles Baker Wines Charles Baker Riesling Picone Vineyard 2009 241182
$35.00
-Chateau des Charmes Wines Chardonnay Musqué, Estate Bottled, 2010
322016 $16.75
-Chateau des Charmes Wines Cabernet Franc 2010, St. David's Bench
Vineyard 453415 $25.75
-Colchester Ridge Estate Winery Merlot 2008 315409 $19.80
-Colchester Ridge Estate Winery Meritage 2007 $19.95
-Colio Estate Wines CEV Sparkling Lily N/V $15
-Coyote's Run Estate Winery Pinot Noir 2010 53090 $19.95
-Coyote's Run Estate Winery Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir 2010 79228
$24.95
-Fielding Estate Winery Pinot Gris Estate Bottled 2011 251108 $21.95
-Fielding Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2010 36194 $21.95
-Flat Rock Cellars Chardonnay 2009 286278 $16.95
-Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery Estate Riesling 2010 183491 
-Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery Estate Pinot Noir 2009 277292 
-Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery Terroir Caché 2008 505610 
-Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Delaine Fume Blanc 2011 $24.75
-Kacaba Vineyards and Winery Pinot Noir 2009 $22.95
-Lailey Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 $20.00
-Le Clos Jordanne Village Reserve Pinot Noir 2010 33894 $29.80
-Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Noir 2009 $29.95
-Mike Weir Wine Sauvignon Blanc 2010 686972 $14.75
-Mike Weir Wine Riesling 2010 229286 $14.75
-Mike Weir Wine Meritage 2010 $24.75
-Norman Hardie Winery Niagara Chardonnay Unfiltered 2010 184432 $35
-Pelee Island Winery Vinedresser Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 530576  LCBO
$19.95
-Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Reserve Viognier 2011 $16.95
-Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Inox Chardonnay 2010 "Beal Vineyard"
Reserve $18.95
-Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Vintner's Private Reserve Merlot 2010
$24.95
-Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery Reserve Meritage 2010 $22.95
-Pondview Estate Winery Bella Terra Chardonnay 2010 $24.00
-Rosehall Run Pinot Noir JCR Rosehall Vineyard 2010 $38.80
-Rosewood Estates Winery Pinot Noir 2010 $20.00
-Rosewood Estates Winery Semillon 2010 $18.00
-Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Cabernet Franc 2010 621605  $21.75
-Southbrook Vineyards Whimsy Syrah "Tall, Dark & Spicy" 2010 621605
$34.75
-Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Sauvignon Blanc 2010 $15.95
-Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Cabernet Merlot 2009 $14.99
-Stratus Vineyards Stratus Red 2008 131037 $44.00
-Union Union Squared 2010 292359 $17.95
-Union Union White 2010 197145 $13.95

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-2027 Cellars Queenston Road Vineyard' Pinot Noir 2010 $35.00
-2027 Cellars Falls Vineyard' Riesling 2011 $18.95
-Angels Gate Winery Riesling Kew Vineyard 2008 $14
-Cattail Creek Estate Winery Estate Gewurztraminer 2009 $15.95
-Cave Spring Cellars Pinot Noir Dolomite 2010 $21.75
-Colchester Ridge Estate Winery Cabernet Franc 2008 $22
-Colio Estate Wines CEV Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $15
-Colio Estate Wines CEV Chardonnay 2011 $15.95  
-Colio Estate Wines CEV Small Lot Syrah 2010 $19
-Coyote's Run Estate Winery Five Mile White 2011 195669 $14.95
-Coyote's Run Estate Winery Red Paw Vineyard Pinot Gris 2010 116582
$17.95
-Fielding Estate Winery Riesling 2011 Estate Bottled 251439 $18.95
-Fielding Estate Winery Cabernet Syrah 2010  $24.95
-Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Grand Reserve Shiraz 2010 $19.75
-Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Reserve Sauvignon Blanc 2011 618413
$13.75
-Kacaba Vineyards and Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 $24.95
-Kacaba Vineyards and Winery Syrah Reserve 2010 $69.95
-Kacaba Vineyards and Winery Cabernet Franc Reserve 2010 $44.95
-Palatine Hills Estate 1812 Chardonnay 2010 LCBO 260430 $12.00
-Palatine Hills Estate 1812 Merlot Cabernet LCBO 260448 $13.00
-Lakeview Cellars Lakeview Cellars Sauvignon Blanc Reserve 2011 226027
$16.95
-Lakeview Cellars Lakeview Cellars Riesling Reserve 2011 294074 $16.95
-Malivoire Wine Company Pinot Gris 2011 $19.95
-Palatine Hills Estate Cabernet Merlot 2010 $13.75
-Palatine Hills Estate Quattro 2010 305383 $14.95
-Pelee Island Winery Vinedresser White 2011 $17.95
-Pelee Island Winery Vinedresser Red 2010 299198  LCBO $19.95
-Pillitteri Estates Winery Bad Company Red 2011 $10
-Pillitteri Estates Winery Bad Company White 2011 $10
-Pillitteri Estates Winery Cabernet Franc 2010 $18.00
-Pillitteri Estates Winery Pinot Grigio 2011 146787 $15.00
-Ravine Vineyards Sand & Gravel Sauvignon Blanc 2009
-Reif Estate Winery Chenin Blanc 2011 $18.95
-Reif Estate Winery Chardonnay Reserve 2010 $21.95
-Rosewood Estates Winery Merlot 2010 $22.00
-Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay 2010 621605 $21.75
-Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Pinot Grigio 2010 $15 
-Stoney Ridge Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

 

The Food: for the media, there was a light sandwich buffet with pesto
pasta salad, potato salad, roast beef ciabattas, salmon croissants,
cheeses, desserts, and more. For the trade show there were nuts and
fruits plus breads.
The Downside: I did not have enough time to taste all the wines I
wanted to taste, despite being there from 11 AM onwards.
The Upside: there was a media room, well lit, with chairs and tables
and water.
The Contact Person: Magdalena Kaiser-Smit Magdalena@winesofontario.org
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
91.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Stem Annual Family of Wines Gala, Oct 1/12 -- report

 The Date and Time: Monday, October 1, 2012  3Pm to 8PM

The Event: 7^th Annual Family of Wines Gala Tasting of the STEM Wine Group

The Venue: Shangri-La Hotel

The Target Audience: wine media, wine trade, private clients.

The Availability/Catalogue: everything is here or will be via consignment and private orders. The catalogue was a model of efficiency, with a quick section on how to use the guide. All prices were given, as well as the terms. The wines were listed by region and producer, in table order. Helpful cards were placed at each table, with more details about each wine. This really saved me a lot of time, and I am sure the patrons appreciated it.

The Quote/Background: Partners Robert Tome and Tony Macchione have assembled a good portfolio of wines, specializing in sought after wines from Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, and other regions of Italy. There are also a select few wines from other European countries plus the New World. Twenty-three owners or export directors came from abroad for this event. Stem will be launching its new website this Fall: stemwinegroup.com

The Wines: I did not try all the wines, there were over 135 of them.

Prices are retail, but due to a strong Canadian currency, they are also lower than last year, in general.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

-Boroli Barolo 2004 Cerequio, $87.99.

-Gaja Sito Moresco 2010, $53.99

-Zyme Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2004, $135.99

-Villabella Passito del Fiordilej 2008, $24.99 (375 mL)

-Tenuta Il Palagio Sister Moon IGT 2009 Tuscany, $54.99

-Villa a Sesta Chianti Classico Riserva Sorleone 2008, $48.99

-La Fattoria de Magliano Poggio Bestiale IGT 2008, $45.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2005,

$134.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Madonna del Piano 2006,

$169.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2007, $139.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2005, $104.99

-Arnaldo Caprai Montefalco Rosso 2009 Umbria, $19.99

-Masciarelli Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2005 Villa Gemma, $74.99

-Feudi di San Gregorio Serpico Aglianico 2007, $79.99

-Andeluna Chardonnay Reserve 2009 Mendoza, $23

-Bod. Darien Seleccion Rioja 2003, $34.99

-Henri Abele Brut Champagne Traditionnel NV, $49.99

-Henri Abele Rose Champagne Traditionnel NV, $54.99

-Rockbare Shiraz McLaren Vale 2010, $22.99

-Merry Edwards Pinot Noir 2009 Klopp Ranch Russian River, $89.99

-Merry Edwards Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $47.99

-Husic Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2005, $89

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

-Gaja Barbaresco 2008, $218.95

-Gaja Ca'Marcanda Bolgheri Tuscany 2009 Promis IGT, $45.99

-Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2007, $62.95

-Villabella Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Fracastoro 2004, $52.99

-Zyme Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso 2008, $36.99

-Zyme Kairos 2005, $78.99 (15 different varieties!)

-Tenuta Il Palagio Casino delle Vie IGT 2009 Tuscany, $36.99

-Villa a Sesta Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, $29.99

-Tenuta Monteti IGT Tuscany 2007, $39.99

-La Fattoria de Magliano Perenzo Syrah IGT 2009, $51.99

-La Fattoria de Magliano Sinarra IGT 2010, $21.99

-La Fattoria de Magliano Heba Morellino di Scansano 2009, $21.99

-Siro Pacenti Brunello di Montalcino 2007, $89.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2004, $119.99

-Valdicava Brunello di Montalcino 2006, $104.99

-Arnaldo Caprai Sagrantino di Montefalco 2007 Collepiano Umbria,

$51.99

-Masciarelli Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo 2008, $29.99

-Masciarelli Marina Cvetic Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007, $28.99

-Feudi di San Gregorio Taurasi 2006, $39.99

-Argiolas Is Solinas Cannonau 2009 Sardegna, $24.95

-Argiolas Costamolino Vermentino 2011 Sardegna, $16.99

-Andeluna Cellars Grand Reserve Pasionado 2005 Mendoza, $44.99

-Chateau du Val d'Or St. Emilion Grand Cru 2009, $29.99

-Jean Gauteau L'Autre de Sociando-Mallet 2009 Haut-Medoc, $37.99.

-Dom. Chotard Sancerre 2011, $21.99

-Merry Edwards Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2009, $64.95

-Hart & McGarry Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2008, $23.99

-Husic Vineyards Palm Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2008, $67.00

-Boroli Barolo 2006, $49.99

-Boroli Langhe Anna Rosso, $15.99

-Ca' del Baio Langhe Nebbiolo Bric del Baio 2010, $21.99

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

-Ca' del Baio Barbaresco Pianrosa 2008, $32.99

-Vinicola Tombacco Terre Nuove Piantaferro Syrah Sicily IGT, $11.99

-Delibori Vignetti Cantine Amarone della Valpolicella 2009, $32.99

-Tombacco Ca'Del Doge Piantaferro Primitivo IGT 2010 Puglia, $11.99

-Zyme Cabernet 60/20/20 IGT 2007 Veneto, $49.00

-Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Alianico 2009 IGT Campania, $19.99

-Tenuta Monteti Caburnio IGT 2009 Tuscany, $20.99

-David Franz Lehmann Barossa Benjamin's Promise Shiraz 2006, $59.99

-David Franz Lehmann Barossa Georgie's Walk Cabernet Sauvignon 2006,

$59.99

-Michael Sullberg Merlot 2010 Central Coast, $16.99

 

The Food: platters came from the kitchen, with all foods in Asiatic style (pork belly squares, chicken, green chiles, white pizza, crab cakes, and more)

The Downside: it was my second big tasting of the day (and I had already passed on a third tasting).

The Upside: a chance to taste a Brunello vertical and the Gaja wines (remarkably, these separated tables were staffed by a husband and wife team!), and the progressive jazz.

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Re: WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 13, 2012

Here's that wine newsletter I was mentioning my neighbour puts out. Note the release date as it is sent prior to release of the wine to shelves. Feel free to get on the list.Cheers, Mary

On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, Dean Tudor, Wine Writer wrote:

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 13, 2012
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at
http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news
items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at
www.deantudor.com since 1994. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal
Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices
are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does
NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product
consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20

 

Domaine Capmartin Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2009: a very nicely aged,
compact wine, 13.5% ABV. Lots of well-defined oak and smoke, best with
food. Lasting finish makes it. +290106, $15.95, QPR: 90.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20

 

Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc 2011 Cotes du
Rhone, +48892, $33.95.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara: winner of an LG
Award for 2012, this wine shows good fruit and freshness, best as a
first course wine or as a sipper. Twist top. +89029, $17.95, QPR: 89.
2. Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Leyda Chile:
intense fruit-driven savvy, with many zesty herby overtones of leaves.
+663062, $16.95, QPR: 90.
3. Domaine Viticole de la Ville de Colmar Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace:
intense fruit, ripe, off-dry, concentrated PG flavours from Alsace for
MVC. Gold Medalist. 13.5% ABV. +295634, $17.95, QPR: 89.
4. Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: another
intense, off-dry Alsatian wine, another gold medalist, 13% ABV. Great
Gewurztraminer quality and taste. +928390, $18.95, QPR: 90.
5. Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2011 Coteaux de Languedoc Sud de France:
good exciting lively citrus finish, best with food. Orchard fruit
tones. +350124, $12.95, QPR: 89.
6. Terredora Falanghina 2010 IGT Campania: a pretty wine from an
indigenous grape variety, useful for sipping or food, 13.5%. Lots of
body here. +642074, $14.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 North Coast: a juicy California
cabernet, restaurant wine, MVC all the way, 13.5% ABV. What's not to
like? +181685, $19.95, PR: 89.
2. Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Petit Verdot 2010 Lontue Valley
Chile: a party wine or a dinner wine, 14% ABV, with some jamminess and
both red and black berries. Nicely balanced. +296608, $14.95, QPR: 89.
3. Chateau Bonnin Pichon 2008 Lussac St-Emilion: nicely aged Bordeaux,
13.5%, Gold Medalist – and affordable. +280008, $16.95, QPR: 89.
4. Mondo Castelforte Vinea Corvina 2009 IGT Veronese: berry-cherry,
feel-good food wine, nicely aged, 13.5% ABV. Value. +230649, $12.95,
QPR: 89.
5. Palacio de Sada Crianza 2008 Navarra: explosive garnacha tones of
plummy fruit, aged well already. +246736, $13.95, QPR: 89.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. Hidden Bench Felseck Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench,
+276261, $38 retail.
2. Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 Mornington Peninsula
Victoria, +138628, $39.95.
3. Prinz von Hessen Johannisberger Klaus Riesling Spatlese 2001,
+295659, $21.95.
4. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma County,
+943472, $85.95.
5. Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +283077, $29.95.
6. Bouchard Pere & Fils Cote de Beaune-Villages 2010, +714998, $24.95.
7. E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006, +727503, $51.95.
8. Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +288530, $24.95.
9. Masi Grandarella 2008 IGT Rosso delle Venezie Appaxximento, +606921,
$24.95.
10. Lan Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +928622, $27.95.
11. A. Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2008 Ribera del Duero, +323345,
$39.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Some new wines tasted this month

1. Puklus Tokaji Szamorodni 2006, +179374 Vintages, $18.95 for 500 mL:
a second-tier Tokay wines, usually medium-sweet and done naturally with
no added puttonyos. Botrytised grapes would vary from vintage to
vintage and from producer to producer. The last Puklus we had was 2002
vintage; this current version (2006) seems to offer more bitterish
apricot flavours and oxidative notes. A good dessert wine, certainly
affordable, and perhaps best with egg dishes such as custards. 13.5%
ABV.

 

2. Chateau des Charmes Cabernet Merlot 2009 NOTL VQA, +454991 LCBO,
$12.95: Equuleus was not made in 2009 since the grapes did not achieve
the brix level needed (they were off by only 0.4). So this CM (made
with cabernets franc and sauvignon plus merlot) is actually
declassified Equuleus. Here are 2079 voluptuous cases of most of
Chateau des Charmes' single vineyard red wine grapes (Paul Bosc and St.
David's). Expect terrific red fruit, cedar, and Bordeaux-like cassis
after 9 months in French oak. 12.5% ABV.

 

3. Chateau des Charmes Rose Sparkling MC 2009 NOTL VQA, +78055, $28.95:
a mix of pinot noir and chardonnay, pretty colour, reminiscent of
strawberry blush, three years lees contact and fermented in the bottle.
Full, rich, ripe yeasty biscuit complexity. Citric finish, best with
food or apps. 13% ABV.

 

4. Colio Girls' Night Out Chardonnay 2011 VQA Ontario, $12.95 +89821
LCBO: basic stainless steel chardonnay with muted tones of apples and
tropical fruit, probably best as a sipper or first course wine. Light
and crisp style. The package has been redesigned, with a larger dress.
Not a critter wine. 12% ABV.

 

5. Colio Girls' Night Out Riesling 2011 VQA Ontario, $12.95 +134197
LCBO: lighter and more aromatic, some fruit-forward juicy style, best
as sipper. The package has been redesigned, with a larger dress. Not a
critter wine. 11.5% ABV.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 13, 2012

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 13, 2012
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at
http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My Internet compendium
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net" is a guide to thousands of news
items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, at
www.deantudor.com since 1994. My tastings are based on MVC (Modal
Varietal Character); ratings are QPR (Quality-to-Price Ratio). Prices
are LCBO retail. Only my top rated wines are here. NOTE: The LCBO does
NOT put out all of the wines of the release for wine writers or product
consultants. Corked wines are not normally available for a re-tasting.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20

 

Domaine Capmartin Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2009: a very nicely aged,
compact wine, 13.5% ABV. Lots of well-defined oak and smoke, best with
food. Lasting finish makes it. +290106, $15.95, QPR: 90.

 

======>>>> ** BEST WINE OF THE RELEASE *OVER* $20

 

Chateau de Beaucastel Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc 2011 Cotes du
Rhone, +48892, $33.95.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 VQA Niagara: winner of an LG
Award for 2012, this wine shows good fruit and freshness, best as a
first course wine or as a sipper. Twist top. +89029, $17.95, QPR: 89.
2. Luis Felipe Edwards Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Leyda Chile:
intense fruit-driven savvy, with many zesty herby overtones of leaves.
+663062, $16.95, QPR: 90.
3. Domaine Viticole de la Ville de Colmar Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace:
intense fruit, ripe, off-dry, concentrated PG flavours from Alsace for
MVC. Gold Medalist. 13.5% ABV. +295634, $17.95, QPR: 89.
4. Willy Gisselbrecht Tradition Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: another
intense, off-dry Alsatian wine, another gold medalist, 13% ABV. Great
Gewurztraminer quality and taste. +928390, $18.95, QPR: 90.
5. Beauvignac Picpoul de Pinet 2011 Coteaux de Languedoc Sud de France:
good exciting lively citrus finish, best with food. Orchard fruit
tones. +350124, $12.95, QPR: 89.
6. Terredora Falanghina 2010 IGT Campania: a pretty wine from an
indigenous grape variety, useful for sipping or food, 13.5%. Lots of
body here. +642074, $14.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Clos du Bois Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 North Coast: a juicy California
cabernet, restaurant wine, MVC all the way, 13.5% ABV. What's not to
like? +181685, $19.95, PR: 89.
2. Korta Barrel Selection Reserve Petit Verdot 2010 Lontue Valley
Chile: a party wine or a dinner wine, 14% ABV, with some jamminess and
both red and black berries. Nicely balanced. +296608, $14.95, QPR: 89.
3. Chateau Bonnin Pichon 2008 Lussac St-Emilion: nicely aged Bordeaux,
13.5%, Gold Medalist – and affordable. +280008, $16.95, QPR: 89.
4. Mondo Castelforte Vinea Corvina 2009 IGT Veronese: berry-cherry,
feel-good food wine, nicely aged, 13.5% ABV. Value. +230649, $12.95,
QPR: 89.
5. Palacio de Sada Crianza 2008 Navarra: explosive garnacha tones of
plummy fruit, aged well already. +246736, $13.95, QPR: 89.

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" over $20
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these FINE VALUE wines at a $10
markup over retail; the wines are READY to enjoy right NOW. Consumers
should buy these wines to bring to restaurants with corkage programs.

 

1. Hidden Bench Felseck Vineyard Chardonnay 2009 VQA Beamsville Bench,
+276261, $38 retail.
2. Yabby Lake Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2010 Mornington Peninsula
Victoria, +138628, $39.95.
3. Prinz von Hessen Johannisberger Klaus Riesling Spatlese 2001,
+295659, $21.95.
4. Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Sonoma County,
+943472, $85.95.
5. Fraser Gallop Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +283077, $29.95.
6. Bouchard Pere & Fils Cote de Beaune-Villages 2010, +714998, $24.95.
7. E. Guigal Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2006, +727503, $51.95.
8. Mazzei Ser Lapo Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +288530, $24.95.
9. Masi Grandarella 2008 IGT Rosso delle Venezie Appaxximento, +606921,
$24.95.
10. Lan Gran Reserva 2004 Rioja, +928622, $27.95.
11. A. Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Reserva 2008 Ribera del Duero, +323345,
$39.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Castelli Banfi and Vigne Regali tasting, Sept 19/12

 The Date and Time: Wednesday, September 19, 2012   2:30PM to 4:30 PM
The Event:  formal sit-down structured tasting of Vigne Regali and
Castello Banfi's fine wines. (Authentic Wines and Spirits)
The Venue: Biagio's
The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers
The Availability/Catalogue: most wines were available, many are coming
in or just departed from the Ontario market. See below under the name
of the wine.
The Quote/Background: The tasting was led by Enrico Viglierchio,
General Manager for Banfi. James Mariani, co-CEO of Banfi, based in New
York, also attended and commented from time to time. There was much
discussion about the 2007 vintage and its radical differences. The new
Horizon program kicked in with this vintage: micro-oxygenation, low
thermal conductivity, temperature control, efficient racking, and more.
The 2007 harvest was overripe and managed to converge with the
beginning of the Horizon program. The old style changes to a riper,
fruity wine with oaky accents and nuances.
The Wines:

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Castello Banfi Cum Laude 2009 Toscana IGT, $ 28.95 est.
-Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2007, +378257, $59.95 Vintages
-Castello Banfi Poggio Alle Mura Brunello di Montalcino 2007, $69.95
-Castello Banfi Excelsius 2009 IGT Toscana, $74.95 est.

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Vigne Regali Cuvee Aurora Rose Alta Langa 2008, $24.95 but N/A. Pinot
Noir
-Vigne Regali La Lus Albarossa Monferrato Rosso 2008 Piedmont, Vintages
Nov 10/12, $23.95 +291575 [rare indigenous grape "albarossa"]
-Castello Banfi Rosso di Montalcino 2010, $22.95
-Castello Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2006, $59.95.
-Castello Banfi Poggio All'Oro 2006, $144 est.

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Banfi Centine 2010 Toscana IGT, $15.95 +947440 Vintages

 

The Food: platters of grilled veggies, cheeses, charcuterie, roast
beef, and breads.
The Downside: because of other commitments, some people turned up past
2:30 while others had to leave early.
The Upside: a great opportunity to talk to Banfi about their future
plans.
The Contact Person: pdelpeschio@awsm.ca  or Javier.rodriguez@banfi.it
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
89.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Ontario Wine Society: People's Choice Pinot Noir tasting, Sept 18/12

 The Date and Time: Tuesday, September 18, 2012  6 PM to 9Pm
The Event: People's Choice Pinot Noir, from the Ontario Wine Society.
The Venue: University of Toronto Faculty Club
The Target Audience: members and guests of the OWS
The Availability/Catalogue: none of the wines are currently available.
The Quote/Background: this was a special tasting of eight wines
cellared by the OWS. There were four 2007 Pinot Noirs from Ontario and
four 2006 Burgundies. Experts felt that a comparison between the two
years in two different countries would be "comparable". It was a blind
tasting, but you had to be physically blind (and physically lacking a
sense of smell) in order to screw this up. At least three of the wines
were very pale, so take a short: Burgundy. The nose confirmed these
three wines. That just left a fourth wine, and the nose confirmed that
one. The other four wines were all Ontario (but I would have liked just
one region, not wines from three regions). But now the fun started:
which Burgundy (from four listed) and which Ontario (from four listed).
Unfortunately, there were some fun and games with the first four wines
which subsequently made it easy to identify the last four. Personally,
I would have preferred a straight shot at all eight wines in
identifying them. But it was not my call, and anyway, I am a
traditionalist when it comes to tasting wines. Sheila Flaherty,
formerly at Mercatto but now with Pearl Morissette Estate winery in
Jordan, did an admirable job in filling in for the guest speaker, and
bore the brunt of the work.
The Wines: We began the evening with a pinot noir wine tasting at the
reception. Three Ontario wineries were pouring. Between the Lines Pinot
Noir 2011 ($14.95, fleshy and North American appeal, 12.5% ABV) and
Karlo Estates Pinot Noir 2009 ($29, some volatile acidity, 12% ABV)
were joined by Union which specializes in blends (Union Noir 2010, 55%
PN and 45% Gamay Noir, 13% ABV, $15.95, good balance and drinkable
already; Union 2009, 12% ABV, PN, Merlot, both Cabs, Gamay Noir,
$13.95, still in holding pattern; Union 2007, N/A, 12.5%, same blend as
2009, yummy with aging).

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Pelee Island Pinot Noir Reserve 2007, $14.96
-Domaine Joseph Voillot Volnay Les Fremiets 2006, $69

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):
-Duvergey-Faboureau Pommard 2006, $32.60
-Domaine Besancenot Beaune Clos du Roi 1er cru 2006, $30.40
-Niagara College Teaching Winery Dean's List Pinot Noir 2007, $33.12
(best wine "people's choice" that night)
-Rosehall Run Pinot Noir Rosehall Run Vineyard 2007, $37.94

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Domaine Pierre Gelin Fixin 2006, $31.95
-Tawse Cherry Avenue Pinot Noir 2007, $53.98

 

The Food: an appetizer platter of cheese, beef, pate, and BBQ salmon
for each person.
The Downside: it was a slightly smaller crowd than usual because the
event was pricier, to cover the cost of the more expensive wines.
The Upside: a great opportunity to compare regions and to taste each
vintage for each country on its own.
The Contact Person: Ken Burford yvonnken@pathcom.com
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Ciderie St-Nicolas tasting (Sept 9, 2012)

 The Date and Time: Sunday, September 9, 2012  4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
The Event: a food and cider/wine tasting with Exquisitaste, Ontario
agents for Ciderie St-Nicolas.
The Venue: Gothic Avenue
The Target Audience: Gothic Epicures
The Availability/Catalogue: all products are available through the
agent, both food and beverage. Check the website, www.exquisitaste.com
The Quote/Background:
The Wines: All ciders are in 750 mL bottles with sparkling corks and
hoods. All "glace" wines are 375 mL.

 

**** BEST -- Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):

 

* Ciderie St-Nicolas Brut Crackling Strong Cider PQ, +277442, Vintages,
$16.25: This "brut" of a cider can put hair on your chest, coming in at
8.5% ABV. It has been a gold medal winner in the past. This strong
cider is useful as an aperitif or as a first course wine. Certainly, it
is dry enough to take on many grape sparkling wines. A good choice in
the cider sweepstakes.

 

* Cremant St-Nicolas Cremant Light Cider PQ, +61671, LCBO, $10.95: The
juice is from McIntosh and Cortland apples, and fermentation had been
halted at 2.8% ABV. Thus, there is natural residual sugar, with a kick
just half that of regular cider. Orchard fruit dominates the aromas,
with both pear and apple tones (probably from some slight exposure to
the air). Very refreshing for all occasions, it is especially useful
for those who do not drink much but wish to be included in celebratory
events. Absolutely perfect for brunches or lunches.

 

* Cidre de Glace St-Nicolas/St-Nicolas Ice Cider, $26.60 SAQ:  9% ABV,
from naturally frozen fresh apples.  Gold Medal, Beverage Testing
Institute 2010. Yummy concentrated tones of apples, thick and unctuous.
Can be enjoyed as an aperitif, or (like Sauternes) with foie gras,
blue-veined cheeses, and fruit desserts. Or try it by itself at the end
of a meal like Port.

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price
Rating terms):

 

* Ciderie St-Nicolas Pom'Or Tradition Sparkling Cider PQ, +179473,
Vintages, $13.45: 7% ABV. Off-dry, fresh apples on the nose but also
some nuances of baked caramel tones and some pie spices. Some light
honey touches, long crisp finish, actually best with food (pork dishes,
cheeses, light semi-sweet desserts). 4 months cool fermentation. Made
from a combination of older heirloom and newer apple varieties in one
of the oldest apple orchards in PQ.

 

* Ciderie St-Nicolas Rose Cider PQ, +275362, Vintages, $19.95: 7% ABV.
It is a gold medal winner. The apples are crushed cold pressed with
raspberries and strawberries for added complexity and, of course,
colour. A terrific social drink or with dessert, even brunch.

 

* Glace du Verger St-Nicolas/St-Nicolas Iced Orchard, $20 SAQ: 7% ABV, 
from frozen fresh apples. Silver Medal, BTI 2009. Much like the Cidre
de Glace above, but less alcohol and less concentration. It also costs
less. Enjoy as an aperitif, with foie gras, strong cheeses, or at
the end of a meal like Port. Currently a P.O. from Exquisitaste.

 

* Ciderie St-Nicolas L'Esprit des Vergers St. Nicolas NV 750 mL: good
solid apple wine, very fresh and juicy (the Lot number had 2011 in it),
off-dry or off-sweet depending on your palate. 11% ABV. $11.50 at SAQ
but available as a P.O. from Exquisitaste.

 

The Food: We tried this food as accompaniments after the tasting of the
ciders – brie and walnuts with sauce, pistachios, almonds, banana
bread, water biscuits, gluten-free cheese biscuits. The agency,
Exquisitaste also brings in apple products from Vergers St-Nicolas,
such as Geneva Crabapple Butter (deliciously tart and sweet at the same
time), Five Fruits Jam (strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, cranberry,
and cherries: okay, but hard to distinguish amongst the individual
flavours), Apple and Pear Jelly (full of orchard fruit), Ice Cider
Jelly (great on top of baked brie with walnuts), and Apple Syrup for
ice cream or pancakes. The syrup is in a special collectible and
reusable decanter (at about 7 ounces, or 200 mL, this container is
great for secondary storage of leftover ice cider or grape icewine).
Usually they are in 200 mL jars at about six dollars or so. For
vinegars, there are Tarragon Cider Vinegar stuffed with tarragon leaves
(quite tangy), Blackcurrant Vinegar (about 30% blackcurrant plus
vinegar), and even Ice Cider Vinegar (all apple, including some iced
cider)—all at 375 mL. There is also an alcohol-free cider, called Apple
Must (Mout de Pomme) at 750 mL, which is carbonated apple and cranberry
juice ($8). You can find them all at The Cheese Boutique, All the Best,
Daniel et Daniel, or Evergreen Brick Works (Evergreen Garden Market).
And of course through www.exquisitaste.com or equisitaste@sympatico.ca.
The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):
90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Sept 2012: THE REISSUES, THE REPRINTS, AND THE NEWER EDITIONS...

...all reflect a boom in the cookbook publishing business. A paperback
reprint will lower the cost to the purchaser, and also give a publisher
a chance to correct egregious errors or add a postscript. Some will
reissue a book in paper covers with a new layout or photos. Others will
rearrange existing material to present it as more informative text
while keeping the focus tight. Here are some recent "re-editions"...

 

 

20. 150 BEST GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES (Robert Rose, 2012, 224 pages,
ISBN 978-0-7788-0412-3, $24.95 CAN paper covers) is by Alison Lewis, a
recipe developer who also created 400 Best Sandwich Recipes. Some of
her 150 preps here are taken from that book, but this is largely a new
and expanded cookbook. Grilled cheese sandwiches have been making a
comeback, especially in Canada with the support of the Dairy Farmers of
Canada. Two years ago, there was a competition at the CNE, which my
son-in-law (a chef) won. He's back this year to defend his crown, but
in the intervening years he's done promotional work throughout Canada.
The publisher says that grilled cheese was on 2012 trend lists (blogs,
TV, newspapers), and it does harken back to simpler, nostalgic times.
Lewis makes a valiant attempt to mention (p.14, not p13 as the index
says) gluten-free breads, but these are limited to general
substitutions and do not have a chew factor. The two preps she does
have which specifically mention using GF bread (one as a variation,
another as an alternative) seem to be no different from the other preps
– the book has a blanket statement about using GF bread as a general
substitute anyway. There is material on matching the right bread to the
chosen cheese. This is a thorough book catching all the major food
groups, and it is arranged by course or major ingredient (breakfast,
apps, meatless, beef, poultry, pork, seafood, desserts).
Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and
avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of equivalents.
Quality/price rating: 86.

21. CHATELAINE MODERN CLASSICS; 250 fast, fresh recipes from The
Chatelaine Kitchen (John Wiley & Sons, 2010, 2012, 391 pages, ISBN 978-
1-
118-21800-6, $24.95 CAD soft covers) has been compiled and edited by
Victoria Walsh, associate food editor of Chatelaine. It's a general,
basic book, with the recipes coming out of the pages of the magazine
over the years. This paperback edition came out in 2010 in a hard cover
priced at $39.95; now is a softback at a reduced price. It is hard to
believe that three Canadian log rollers (including Michael Smith and
Anna Olson) were needed for pre-publication blurbs since Chatelaine is
extremely well-known within Canada. Still, it is a useful book, meant
for those homes with larger pantries and larders, and with a shortage
of time. The classics here have some short cuts (e.g., easy eggs
benedict) and some variations. Each prep has timing, ingredients listed
in both metric and avoirdupois measurements (but there is no table of
equivalents), cook's notes and tips, and a nutritional analysis. All
courses are covered, as well as breakfast and brunch. There is a short
chapter on entertaining ideas, with sections such as drinks and menus
(1l of them, but nothing specific to Canada – even the Christmas Dinner
for 12 can be used for Canadian Thanksgiving). Try linguine with spicy
gremolata shrimp; spicy sausage with dilled orzo; mushroom-stuffed
sirloin steak rolls; Singapore noodles; Asian burgers; California
sushi-roll salad; or cedar-planked salmon. Quality/Price Rating: 85.

22. WINDOWS ON THE WORLD COMPLETE WINE COURSE (Sterling Epicure,
2011; distr. Canadian Manda Group, 324 pages, ISBN 978-1-4549-0018-4,
$19.95 US soft covers) is by Kevin Zraly, an award winning wine expert
and long-time sommelier of that late, lamented restaurant atop the
World Trade Center. This has been newly revised and expanded, with
pages of new material on how to taste wine. It has frequently been
revised since its first edition in 1985. Now it has been redesigned in
layout, and with more recommendations in his tour of the latest
vintages. Over 20,000 students have taken Zraly's courses and
workshops. And more than 3 million copies of this book have been sold.
This is the text that comes with the courses, and as such, it serves as
a suitable book for almost any introductory wine course.
It certainly does address the needs of students and beginners: the
style-format is "question and answer", on what wine is, tasting wine
(how to taste wine over sixty seconds), wine service at home and in
restaurants, storage and cellaring. He avoids the markup controversies
in restaurants; however, one can compare a number of different sections
and conclude that he favours 3 to 4 times the wholesale price. The bulk
of the arrangement is by "classes", with ones for white wine, red
wines, champagne, fortified, and wines from outside France and the
United States -- still in the Q & A format, augmented by a continuous
stream of sidebars and tidbits which extend the answers. Throughout,
too, there are full-colour reproductions of wine labels. The book
concludes with a glossary and a pronunciation key, as well as
bibliographic notes for further reference reading. New in this edition
is the use of smart tags, to direct you to class notes, videos, and
more than 1300 audio pronunciations of key words and wine terms.
Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

23. BEST OF BRIDGE SLOW COOKER COOKBOOK; 200 delicious recipes (Robert
Rose, 2012, 352 pages, ISBN 978-0-7788-0413-0, $29.95 CAN spiral
binding) is by Sally Vaughan-Johnston who has linked up with the Best
of Bridge ladies to update and modernize their original preps. This is
her third such book (others were Bravo! and Fan Fare!). Here she has
created some new recipes but has also adapted many of the preps to use
slow cookers using BOB recipes for baked pasta, quick breads, puddings,
fruit desserts, side dishes, roasted garlic – even Christmas Morning
Wife Saver (p.24). Just to keep the familiarity rolling, the recipes
have been retained in the BOB hand lettering style. Spiral binding and
the photo close-ups are very useful bonuses. Preparations have their
ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements, but
there is no table of equivalents. Also, everything has been approved
and re-tested by the BOB original ladies. Quality/price rating: 84.

24. BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS NEW COOKBOOK. GIFTS FROM THE KITCHEN, plus
Food Gift Chapter. 15th edition. (Wiley, 2010, 2012, 672 loose leaf
pages, ISBN 978-0-470-56080-8, $29.99 US ring binder) is from the
magazine of the same name. In fact, with each book US residents can get
a free subscription for one year (value: $6.13 US). Since the book is
widely discounted at box stores and Amazon, with the subscription the
book can be had at virtually next to nothing. The 14th edition was
published in 2007 and the 15th in 2010. But there is 2012 added value
here in the gift chapter (for a price increase of only four cents US).
It is important to remember: this is a classic that keeps getting
better, for the basic home cook. New to this edition of more than 1400
preps are 1000 recipes with 1000 photos (800 new) and 400 photos of
techniques. New features include a chapter on "Cook Once, Eat Twice",
creating two meals out of one, and an exploration of new flavours to
perk up basic foods. There is also new stuff on breakfast, brunch,
casseroles, sandwiches and pizzas, as well as convenience cooking. New
to this "special edition" is a 64-page chapter of food gifts, along
with 50 recipes paired with 30 or so packaging ideas for gifting all
year-round (along with step-by=step photos). Recipes have been laid out
in a more eye appealing fashion, and there is advice on how to
customize basic recipes. Preparations have their ingredients listed in
avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents.
Quality/price rating: 85.

25. COMPLETE CAKE MIX MAGIC; 300 easy desserts good as homemade (Robert
Rose, 2005, 2012, ISBN 978-0-7788-0422-2 $24.95 CAD soft covers) is by
Jill Snider, a Test Kitchen Manager for over a quarter of a decade, and
a food stylist/recipe developer. She has written other books on cake
mixes. Here, Duncan Hines is featured as the cake mix of choice, as the
back cover states, although I am sure that just about any cake mix can
be used. It was published in 2005, with a revision or rebirth in 2012.
The preps cover single- and multi-layer cakes, tube and bundt cakes,
angel food, cheesecakes, coffee cakes, loves, muffins, cookies, bars,
and squares plus "special-occasion" desserts. Plus there is primer
information on baking. You can have fun with this one, especially if
you enjoy sweets. It comes with about 40 preps for frostings and
glazes. Preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and
avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of equivalents.
Sinfully rich photos. Quality/price rating: 83.

26. PRIMAL CUTS; cooking with America's best butchers (Welcome Books;
distr. Random House of Canada, 2010, 2012, 288 pages, ISBN 978-1-59962-
115-9, $40 CAN hard covers) is by Marissa Guggiana, co-founder of The
Butcher's Guild, which supports artisanal butchers n North America. She
also writes a lot about meats. It was originally published in 2010, and
now has been updated. She covers about 52 butchers, with photos and
profiles for each, along with a record of their fave dishes (with
recipes), anecdotes, and techniques. Along the way there are separate
sections for sausage basics, making stock, hamburger basics, raising
your own chickens, primal cuts of meats, dry curing, how to cut a
steak, deboning a chicken, fave sauces, making bacon, and leftovers. As
well, there are discussions on how to find a farmer, sharing a cow,
factory vs. sustainable meats, and cooking methods. There's a directory
of names and addresses, websites, etc. for all of the chefs, and a page
of resources listings. Preparations have their ingredients listed in
avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents,
although there is a separate table of suggested cooking temperatures.
Quality/price rating: 89.

 

27. TOP 100 STEP-BY-STEP NAPKIN FOLDS (Robert Rose, 2012, 226 pages,
ISBN 978-0-7788-0423-9, $29.95 CAN spiral bound) is by Denise Vivaldo,
who has specialized in catering, recipe-development for a crowd, and
food-styling. Her two previous Rose books were The Entertaining
Encyclopedia and Perfect Table Settings. For her current book, the
material came from Perfect Table Settings (2010). There's an average of
10 or so photos for each of the napkin folds, 1000 pix in all. Napkin
folding may be an art, but now it is also a great technique for
elegance or whimsy, maybe even some retro fashion. There is a primer on
how to select the best napkins and fabrics, napkin rings, and the
differences between cocktail napkins, luncheon napkins, dinner napkins,
and paper napkins. So there are details on how to make a vase, a
sailboat, an airplane, a bow, even a stairway. My fave is the pointed
pocket because it is so practical. Napkin folding is also greatly
creative, and a book useful for parent and child to play together. If
you don't already have her earlier book, then you'll need this one.
Quality/price rating: 88.

 

28. 250 BEST BEANS, LENTILS & TOFU RECIPES (Robert Rose, 2012, 288
pages, ISBN 978-0-7788-0416-1, $24.95 CAN paper covers) has been edited
by Judith Finlayson. Much of it comes from an earlier book, The Beans,
Lentils & Tofu Gourmet (Robert Rose, 2000). It's a good selection with
plenty of vegetarian and vegan preps. The range is old and new, classic
and modern, old world and new world. There's a smattering of meat:
chicken, veal, pork, beef, plus fish. Contributions come from 22
cookbook authors; there's a list at the back, with provenance for the
recipes. Arrangement is by course, with chapters on wraps and rolls,
chilies, curry and dal. No desserts. Some colour photos. Typical dishes
include cider baked beans (vegan), refried nachos (vegetarian), beer-
braised chili, southwestern shepherd's pie, and cajun-style tofu with
tomatoes and okra (vegan). Preparations have their ingredients listed
in both metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of
metric equivalents. Quality/price rating: 88.

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