Dinner with Sylvia Corti, Head Winemaker for Argento Wines, at One, Oct 16, 2012

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 16, 2012  6PM to 10PM

The Event: Dinner with Silvia Corti, Argento Wines Head Winemaker.

The Venue: One restaurant, Hazelton Hotel

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines tasted are at the LCBO, the Bonarda arriving in November. The agent is Profile Wine Group

The Quote/Background: Silvia Corti has been at Argento for eight years but has been making wine for 17 vintages. There was a short ("Cerca del Cielo") documentary about a day in her life in the Mendoza. At the dinner, she spoke about the wines at the LCBO. The company, though, makes four tiers of wines, with AG47 as entry level, Argento, Argento Seleccion, and Argento Reserva.

The Dinner: A knockout --

 

We all tried the Argento Pinot Grigio 2012 (+620492, $9.95) with its peaches and minerals, and some apps: lamb and grilled vegetable empanadas, beets and squash, eggplant puree, parsley and pickled shallots, salmon ceviche, orange and lime consommé, apple and avocado chutney crisp fingerling. At a private room, we had the meal: seared scallop, sweet potato raviolini, cured cherry tomato, double smoked bacon foam (Argento Chardonnay 2012, +591701, $9.95) with its apple fruit and finishing acidity.  Next was locro stew (house made chorizo, corn, butternut squash, white beans, roasted peppers) with Argento Bonarda 2011 ($9.95, arriving in November to the LBO GL) and its Italianate black cherry palate and soft finish. Then came beef two ways: roasted strip loin with chimichurri and pico de gallo, and braised short rib with black pepper and thyme frites, pecorino desardo, with Argento Malbec 2012 (+591693, $9.95) and its black fruit component augmented by mocha tones. We were supposed to conclude with Argentine cheeses, but none are exported to Canada so we had a selection from the Cheese Boutique. The wine: Argento Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2010 (dense with vanillins and red fruit, some age showing, +164764, $12.95.

The Downside: I would have liked to have tried the Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 (+589523, $9.95) to see it matched against the Reserva and find differences.

The Upside: a chance to talk to the winemaker.

The Contact Person: trina@hendrypr.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 88.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

B&W's Australian wines at Sassafraz, Oct 16, 2012

The Date and Time: Tuesday October 16, 2012 1PM to 8PM

The Event: Australia Wine Trade Event from B & W Wines.

The Venue: Sassafraz Restaurant

The Target Audience: wine trade and B & W clients

The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available through the usual distribution channels, from General List to private orders.

The Quote/Background: Many producers came with export directors or winemakers.

The Wines: I did not try all the wines. Wines on consignment wines listed here have no order number.

 

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

-Two Hands Wines 2010 Angels Share Shiraz, $28.95

-First Drop 2009 2% Barossa Shiraz, $39.00, Vintages Feb/13

-Langmeil 2009 Orphan Bank Shiraz, $59.95 PO

-Mollydooker 2010 Carnival of Love Shiraz, $100.00 Classics +242743

-Penley Estate 2009 Phoenix Cabernet Sauvignon, $23.95

-Two Hands Wines 2008 Ares Shiraz, $168.00 PO

-Yalumba 2006 Octavius, $110 +449017

-First Drop 2009 JR Gantos McLaren Vale Cabernet Sauvignon-Touriga Nacional, $36.95

-Henschke 2009 Keyneton Euphonium, $49.95

-Mollydooker 2009 Blue Eyed Boy Shiraz, $49.95

-Rockford Estate 2006 Basket Press Shiraz, $74.95 PO

-Yangarra Estate 2007 McLaren Vale Cadenzia GSM, $36.95 PO

-Jansz NV Premium Cuvee Brut Sparkling, $24.95

-Mollydooker 2010 Gigglepot Cabernet, $64.95

-Paxton 2009 Paxton Jones Block Shiraz, $32.95, +149914

 

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

-Pirramimma Wines 2008 Old Bush Vine Grenache, $24.95 +108068

-Twelftree Wines 2010 Blewitt Springs Single Vineyard Shiraz, $69.95

-First Drop 2010 Half and Half Shiraz Monastrell, $19.95 +285452

-Mollydooker 2009 The Velvet Glove, $211 +242784 Classics

-Two Hands Wines 2010 Lily's Garden Shiraz, $62.95 +683086

-Twelftree Wines 2011 Greenock Single Vineyard Grenache/Mataro, $46.95

-Yangarra Estate 2009 McLaren Vale Shiraz, $34.95 PO

-Yangarra Estate 2006 High Sands McLaren Vale Grenache, $64.95 PO

-Pirramimma Wines 2010 Petit Verdot, $26.95 +986752

-Pirramimma Wines 2010 White Label Shiraz Viognier, $25.95 PO

-First Drop 2011 Bella Coppia Adelaide Hills Arneis $26.95, PO

-Twelftree Wines 2011 Rose Single Vineyard Grenache, $26.95

-Paxton 2010 Quandong Farm Shiraz, $34.95

 

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

-Langmeil 2009 Valley Floor Shiraz, $24.95

-Mollydooker 2010 Two Left Feet Shiraz, Cab, Merlot, $29.95

-Penley Estate 2008 Hyland Shiraz, $21.95

-Two Hands Wines 2011 Brave Faces Shiraz Grenache, $29.95 +660035

-Lucky Country 2011 Shiraz, $16.80, +145276

-Mollydooker 2011 The Violinist Verdelho, $29.95

-Oxford Landing 2011 Merlot, $14.95

-Pirramimma Wines 2010 White Label Tannat, $25.95

-Two Hands Wines 2011 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon, $29.95

 

The Food: there was a charcuterie platter and a cheese platter plus breads, biscuits, nuts, and dried fruit.

The Downside: it was on the same day as two other tastings at One.

The Upside: a chance to taste a variety of Oz wines that were NOT chardonnay.

The Contact Person: bw3@bwwines.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 90.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Angelo Gaja Wine Seminar, Oct 15/12, at Vertical Restaurant

The Date and Time: Monday, October 15, 2012  10:30 AM to 12:30 PM

The Event: A Gaja wine tasting seminar with Angelo Gaja.

The Venue: Vertical Restaurant.

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: All wines are available as specified below.

The Quote/Background: Gaja spoke about his philosophy of wine and winemaking, reviewing the contributions of Mondavi and Parker. He covered the rise of cabernet sauvignon, the rise of alcohol content, climate change in Europe, and natural artisanal wines. He makes wine to go with Italian cuisine, to make wines that are more elegant than opulent. He explained his simple clean black and white label and his family's involvement in the management of the firm.

The Wines: we tasted six wines, one by consignment, the rest at Vintages. The Stem Wine Group has access to the Gaja back catalogue, ranging from a Costa Russi 1990 ($2,600 a bottle) through a Collection series. Vintages has a list of 33 wines it will be ordering from Gaja; this pre-order closes November 12 (check www.stemwinegrou.com).

 

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

-Gaja Sito Moresco Langhe Piedmont 2010, $54.95 Vintages

-Gaja Barbaresco Piedmont 2008, $159.95 Vintages Offer to Nov 12/12

-Gaja Sperss Langhe Nebbiolo Piedmont 2005, about $300. This vintage not available, but 2004 ($338.95), 2007 ($265.95), and 2008 ($249.95) are through Vintages offer to Nov 12/12.

 

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

-Gaja Ca' Marcanda Magari Tuscany IGT, $65.95 Vintages Online Nov 19.

-Gaja Pieve S. Restituta Sugarille Brunello di Montalcino Tuscany, $159.95 through Vintages offer to Nov 12/12.

-Gaja Dagromis Barolo Piedmont 2007, $79.95 consignment through www.stemwinegroup.com

 

The Food: charcuterie platter, cheese platter, breads.

The Downside: nothing really

The Upside: a chance to speak with Angelo Gaja.

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 97.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

REPORT from "The Royal", Thursday, November 8/12

My wife (from rural Indiana) and I spent an absolutely marvelous day at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on November 8, 2012, courtesy of the Royal's Media Room....We skipped all the family activities (Petting Farm, Family Fun Zone) and headed directly for the Northern Ontario Pavilion. Here's where we annually drop the big bucks on such great foods as smoked fish from Purvis Fisheries, organic flours from Poschaven Farms (excellent buckwheat), different cheddar cheeses from Thornloe Cheese, sausages from Graywalk Buffalo, soaps and wool/fibres, and various snack foods and juices.

 

We walked over to the Royal Culinary Theatre and checked out the programme (spicy), visited the Royal Vineyard and Brew House, and noshed at the Royal Court Restaurant -- all on the way to the Ricoh Ring Coliseum for an afternoon with the horses.

 

You can divide the Royal into basically "horses" and "food". We had great seats for the equine display of junior amateur and international jumpers, including one with a prize of some $32,000, won by an American. This was followed by a hackney harness pony championshp, Belgian draft horses, and some more wagons and jumping. We then moseyed over to the Horse Palace where it all began, chatting up several participants (people, not horses) along the way and back. Brrrr, it was cold there, but I guess the horses love it.

 

On to the "food" - there was the butter sculpture winner (a pig), a Holstein show and subsequent sale, a sheep breeding judging, various milking exhibits, and sheep shearing. Of particularer interest were the new litters from two sows, one litter born Oct 28 (10 piglets) and one on Oct 29 (these moved too fast to count). They were feeding/eating all the time. Sad to say, the food nutrition Good Health section seemed to be under-attended: what does it take to give one a healthy sense of food?

 

We looked at the giant veggies, the grain award winners, the 4-H winners. We skipped the cows, rabbits, and poultry (couldn't find any chickens anywhere).

 

The Fair goes on through Sunday, well worth a visit, especially in the food-for-sale areas where many booths offer a discount as they clear out. We'll be back next year, and maybe we'll also take in Sunday.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com

 

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2012

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR NOVEMBER 10, 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 VALUE OF THE RELEASE *UNDER* $20

 

Montgras Quatro 2011 Colchagua Valley: a big wine for sipping or food,
terrific syrah component shines through, menthol, woody, fab price. 14%
ABV, cork finish. +50641, $14.95, QPR: 92.

 

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

 

Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier Lieu Dit Malakoff Shiraz 2010 Pyrenees
Victoria, +290874, 51.95.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Henry of Pelham Family Tree White 2010 VQA Niagara: excellent
aromatic blend of chardonnay, chard musque, Gewurz, viognier. No wonder
I picked it as Gold when I judged in the OWA 2012. 13% ABV, cork
finish. +251116, $17.95, QPR: 91.
2. Vieil Armand Medaille Gewurztraminer 2010 Alsace: Gold Medal
quality, rich, tantalizingly spicy, evolving with some incipient
marmalade tones, finishes off-dry. 13% ABV. +260158, $17.95, QPR: 91. 
3. Cave de la Vigne Blanche Macon-Villages 2010: it is possible to get
quality white burgundy, albeit with some sort of French lightness, at
this low price. Bargain wine. +284034, 15.95, QPR: 90.
4. Eradus Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Awatere Valley Marlborough: classic MVC
from nose to tail, 13.5% ABV. +225557, $17.95, QPR: 89.
5. Julian Schaal Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2011 WO Elgin: delicious
chardonnay tones (vanillin, peaches, tropical fruit), longer finish,
13% ABV. +295402, $19.95, QPR: 89.
6. Schloss Schonborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2010
Rheingau: young but good petrol feel already, 9% ABV, intense but crisp
finish. +70946, $18.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Henry of Pelham Family Tree Red 2010 VQA Niagara: another excellent
red blend, with shiraz-style dominating both in volume and in flavours.
13.5% ABV, cork finish. +247882, $18.95, QPR: 89.
2. La Posta Angel Paulucci Vineyard Malbec 2010 Mendoza: intense black
tones (fruit, mocha, colour) with power to spare. 13% ABV, twist top.
+075515, $15.95, QPR: 89.
3. Del Quorum Nacido del Quorum Seleccion 2007 DO Jumilla: good blend
of mainly monastrell plus three international grape varieties, 14% ABV.
+29346, $18.95, QPR: 89.
4. Chateau Roques Mauriac 2010 Bordeaux Superieur: consistent MVC
quality, ready soon, bargain price. +295782, 15.95, QPR: 90.
5. Talamonti Tre Saggi Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2008: a great party wine
in that North American appeal style, with fruit and chocolate. Sip and
play, no spaghetti and meatballs here (who wrote that at the LCBO???).
+204016, $15.95, 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. Alejandro Fernandez Tinto Pesquera Crianza 2009 DO Ribera del Duero,
+341461, $26.95 retail.
2. La Chablisienne Fourchaume Chablis 1er Cru 2010, +656835, $29.95.
3. Burrowing Owl Chardonnay 2009 VQA Okanagan, +208694, $35.95.
4. Jonata Todos Red 200 Santa Ynez Valley Santa Barbara, +218941,
$59.95.
5. Baron de Ley Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +642496, $29.95.
6. Boekenhoutskloof The Chocolate Block 2010 WO Western Cape, +129353,
39.95.
7. Tertulia Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 Horse Heaven Hills Washington
State, +292276, $33.95.
8. Vasse Felix Cabernet/Merlot 2010 Margaret River, +947879, $24.95.
9. Hartenberg Shiraz 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +906289, $34.95.
10. Domaine de Riaux Pouilly-Fume 2011, +200063, $21.95.
11. Markus Molitor Edition No. 3 Bernkasteler Badstube Riesling
Spatlese 2003 Mosel, +298000, $29.95.
12. Quinta dos Quatros Ventos Colheita 2008 Douro, +902742, $24.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Wines of Brasil trade tasting, Oct 10/12 at Park Hyatt

The Date and Time: Tuesday Oct 10, 2012    2PM to 6PM

The Event: Wines of Brasil trade tasting

The Venue: Park Hyatt Toronto Hotel

The Target Audience: media, sommeliers, trade

The Availability/Catalogue: not many of the wines are available right now, but most of the wineries present had agents who can private order or do consignment. You would need to check with the Commercial Promotion people such as Barbara Ruppell, barbara@winesofbrasil.com

The tasting booklet just listed the wineries, and none of the wines. I requested a list by email, but pricing was still haphazard. One of the wineries never came.

The Quote/Background: Chuck Byers and Sandi Kraft gave an informative presentation of "Wines of Brasil", but it was unfortunately lightly attended and its time overlapped with the tasting. The Brazilian wine heritage came from Italian immigrants in 1880, so it is still a young industry. They are currently exported to 31 countries, including Canada, but have still to find a growing market in Ontario.

The Wines: I was fortunate to try most of the wines. My faves were mostly whites and sparklers, plus merlot.

 

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

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Agnus Merlot 2010, $16.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Moscatel NV, $15.95

-Salton Desejo Merlot Tinto 2007, $30

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Dedicato Chardonnay 2012, $27

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Espumante Brut NV, $23.

-Miolo Miolo Merlot Terroir 2009, $29.95

-Pizzato Verve Tinto Seco 2009

 

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

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Agnus Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $16.95

-Lidio Carraro Lidio Carraro Grande Vindima Quorum 2006, $35-40

-VIniBrasil Paralelo 8 Premium 2007, $24.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Brut Branco NV, $15.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Brut Rosé NV, $15.95 

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Reserva Assemblage 2008, $19.95

-Salton Talento Tinto 2007, $30

-Salton Espumante Gerações Domenico Salton NV Brut, $26    

-Salton Volpi Chardonnay 2011, $16.95

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Espumante Moscatel Branco NV, $21   

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Dedicato Tannat 2011, $27

-Miolo Quinta Seival Castas Portuguesas 2008, $22.95

-Miolo Brut Millesine 2009, $23.95

-Miolo Brut Rose 2010, $17.95

-Aurora Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $36

-Aurora Espumante Branco Brut NV, $15          

-Aurora Espumante Rose Moscatel NV, $15

-Cave Geisse Espumante Rose Terroir 2008, $53

-Pizzato Concentus Tinto 2007

-Pizzato Fausto Merlot 2010.

                       

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

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Dadivas Chardonnay 2011, $13

-Lidio Carraro SulBrasil Dadivas Pinot Noir 2011

-Lidio Carraro Lidio Carraro Elos Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $25

-Lidio Carraro Lidio Carraro Elos Tauriga Nacional/Tannat 2009, $25

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Viognier/Chenin Blanc 2011, $13.95

-VIniBrasil Rio Sol Assemblage Red 2011, $13.95

-Salton Volpi Cabernet Sauvignon 2010

-Salton Volpi Cabernet Franc 2012, $15.95

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Frisante Suave Moscato NV, $14.95.

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Virtus Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $18

-Basso Vinhos Monte Paschoal Virtus Merlot 2011, $18

-Miolo Family Tannat 2010, $17.50

-Miolo Family Chardonnay 2011, $17.50

-Miolo Collezione Viognier 2010, $24.50

-Miolo Family Pinot Noir 2010, $17.50

-Aurora Reserva Chardonnay 2011, $36

-Aurora Tinto Merlot 2012

-Cave Geisse Espumante Brut 2009, $41

-Pizzato Chardonnay 2012

-Pizzato Tannat 2007

-Pizzato Merlot Reserva 2009

 

The Food: cheese and charcuterie, beef, breads, fruit.

The Downside: it was lightly attended

The Upside: as it was a small show, there was a chance to talk to exporters and Ontario agents.

The Contact Person: mrouette@themconcept.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 86.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Varvalione Vigne & Vini Puglia wine tasting, Oct 9/12, Bata Shoe Museum

The Date and Time: Monday, October 9, 3:00 PM – 7 PM

The Event: Artisanal winery Varvalione Vigne & Vini (Puglia) tasting.

The Venue: Bata Show Museum.

The Target Audience: wine trade early, consumers later.

The Availability/Catalogue: One wine is on General List, the others are by consignment from the agent Caliber.

The Quote/Background: We had a seminar with Daniele Cirsone who spoke about the wines. The winery is available in 21 markets. They produce 700,000 bottles from their own grapes (they do not purchase any grapes), and have a capacity for 2 million bottles.

The Wines: Not tasted was the Papale Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2008, $14 private order.

 

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

-Vigne & Vini Zinfandel Primitivo del Salento IGP 2008, 14% ABV, +268102 GL, $13

 

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

-Vigne & Vini 12 E Mezzo Negroamaro Salento IGP 2010, 12.5% ABV, $12.50 consignment

-Vigne & Vini 12 E Mezzo Primitivo Salento IGP 2010, 12.5% ABV, $12.50 consignment

-Vigne & Vini Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Manduria DOP 2008, 14%, old vines, $27 consignment

 

The Food: excellent catering from Marigolds & Onions – lamb lollipops, duck wraps, charcuterie, cured salmon, grilled veggies, spring rolls, purses, cheeses and biscuits.

The Downside: I actually thought we'd be drinking wine out of a shoe, why else be at a shoe museum? We started a half-hour late…

The Upside: there was actually time to raise questions of the winemaker.

The Contact Person: dsanzone@rogers.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com