TRADE TASTING: Launch of Southbrook Vineyard's Poetica wines, Nov. 19, 2008

The Time and Date: Wednesday November 19, 2008  3 PM – 4:30 PM
The Event: the press launch of Southbrook Vineyards' POETICA series of
fine wines.
The Venue: The Richmond
The Target Audience: wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: Winemaker Anne Sperling spoke to the wines,
although both Bill and Marilyn Redelmeier did also.
The Quote: "The wines' labels display the art of words with lines of
poetry by 11 of Canada's celebrated poets from all time periods.
Bottles will be limited editions and numbered." Instead of critters or
fantasy names, Southbrook opted for support for Canadian poetry. Each
label has the lines of poetry in a graphic re-design on the label.
Poets included Gwendolyn MacEwan, Wendy Morton, bpNichol, Charles G.D.
Roberts, P.K. Page, Christopher Dewdney, and Lesley Choyce. There will
be new poets each year, one for each new vintage and varietal.
The Wines: most of these wines were in the former Triomphus series, the
high end wines of Southbrook. Wines are available at the winery, but
are in limited supply.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Poetica Cabernet Merlot "P.K. Page" 1998, magnum, $168
-Poetica Cabernet Merlot "Gwendolyn MacEwan" 2002, $72 750 mL
-Poetica Chardonnay "Sarah Slean" 2005, $53 (also in magnum at $106)
-Poetica Chardonnay "Martin Tielli" 2004, $56
-Poetica Chardonnay "bpNichol" 2003, $59 – my fave
-Poetica Chardonnay "Steve Venright" 2000, $136 magnum – also a fave
-Poetica Chardonnay "Charles G.D. Roberts" 1998, $148 magnum

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Poetica Cabernet Merlot "Wendy Morton" 2006, $60
-Poetica Chardonnay "Lesley Choyce" 2006, $50

 

The Food: an artisanal cheese platter from PQ and Ontario for each of
us, with pear and apple and breads.
The Downside: I had to run by 4 PM. Some writers were late, which
postponed the tasting. As it was, I left at 4:12. I felt I did not have
enough time to do justice to the reds.
The Upside: a great occasion to listen to a poetry reading.
The Contact Person: jburkhard@sympatico.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE LUNCH: Launch of cookbook "West", Nov 13, 2008

The Time and Date: Thursday, November 13, 2008  12:30 to 3 PM
The Event: the cookbook launch of "West", by Warren Geraghty, published
by Douglas and McIntyre in Vancouver.
The Venue: The Fifth.
The Target Audience: wine and food writers of the GTA.
The Availability/Catalogue: There were introductions by James Chatto
(Toronto Life) and Jamie Maw (Vancouver Magazine). Did you know that
there are 82 species of seafood off BC coastline? At the end, the chef
came out and described the food.
The Quote: "Everything at lunch can be prepared from the book at home".
West is one of several restaurants run by Toptable (www.toptable.ca)
The Food and Wines: we also had 10,000 BC water from the west coast.
All the food and wine came from British Columbia. Here was the menu –

 

* Canapes – BC mushroom arancini [top notch]
            Vancouver Island octopus with Pemberton beets (yellow)
            Ballotine of foie gras and Salt Spring Island goat cheese
            Galantine of Thiessen Farm quail and jasmine poached
raisins [top notch again] …and accompanied by Sumac Ridge Steller's Jay
2004 Okanagan Valley (MC Brut, biscuity, 91+, $26)

 

* Tian of Dungeness crab and saffron cous cous, smoked tomato gazpacho
-- accompanied by Blackwood Lane Riesling 2007 Okanagan Valley (85-87,
$35)

 

* Seared Qualicum Bay scallops with butternut squash – accompanied by
Sandhill Small Lots Osprey Ridge Vineyard Viognier 2007 Okanagan Valley
(88-90, $23)

 

* Supreme of sockeye salmon with sesame scented white cabbage, smoked
salmon gnocchi, raisin puree – accompanied by Quails' Gate Family
Reserve Pinot Noir 2006 Okanagan Valley (88-90, $35) [needed time to
open, best with gnocchi]

 

* Loin of dry aged [48 days] Pemberton Meadows beef, oxtail and foie
gras cromesquis [egg shaped rolls], confit Portobello and roasted red
onion – accompanied by Mission Hill Oculus 2005 Okanagan Valley (88-90,
deeply extractive and overpowered the dish)

 

* Saffron spiced pumpkin panna cotta with ginger cake and orange
saffron syrup – with Gehringer Brothers Riesling Ice wine 2007 Okanagan
Valley, 88-90, good food match here)

 

The Downside: I wanted to taste the wines against the variety of food,
but the wait staff wanted to clear my places. Also, I felt that the
chef – or someone -- could have come out and describe the dishes as we
ate them.
The Upside: a chance at Vancouver cuisine, plus a signed copy of the
book. See my book review in the December edition of "Food and Wine
Books In Review"
The Contact Person: shelley@toptable.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Le Sommelier Portfolio, Nov. 12, 2008

The Time and Date: Wednesday, November 12, 2008  2 PM to 4 PM
The Event: Portfolio tasting of Le Sommelier, trade portion. The client
tasting came in the evening.
The Venue: Niagara Street Cafe
The Target Audience: wine trade, wine press
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is here, either by consignment
or by Vintages. 21 wines were offered.
The Quote: "Most of the wines are listed as sustainable."
The Wines:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Duca di Casalanza "Duchea" Pinot Grigio 2005 Veneto, $24.94
consignment
-Nichols Edna Ranch Pinot Noir 2001, $49.88
-DogRidge Cadenzia Grenache 2005 McLaren Vale, $29.93
-Senorio de P. Pecina Tinto Reserva 1999 Rioja, $31.45
-Ardent Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 McLaren Vale, $25.51
-Fanti San Filippo Brunello di Montalcino 2005 Tuscany, $22.95.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-J.M. Sohler Grand Cru Winzenberg Pinot Gris 2006 Alsace, $28.94
-DogRidge The Pup Chardonnay 2006 McLaren Vale, $20.95
-Nichols Meritage Vinas del Sol 2000 San Luis Obispo, $49.80
-DogRidge The Pup Shiraz 2005 McLaren Vale, $19.90
-DogRidge MVP Shiraz 2004 McLaren Vale, $79.80

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Nigl Gruner Veltliner Gartling 2007 Austria, $20.95 retail
-Quinta de Sanjoanne Vinho Verde 2007 Portugal, $14.92
-Ciu Ciu Oris Falerio 2007 Marche Italy, $13.92 organic
-Nichols Edna Ranch Pinot Noir Clone 777 2001, $49.88
-Antiquarian Cabernet Sauvignon 2001 McLaren Vale, $49.80

 

The Food: appetizers such as artisanal cheeses, terrines, candied
walnuts.
The Downside: we arrived later than we should have.
The Upside: the quality of the wines.
The Contact Person: bernard@lesommelier.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 92.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Vineland Estate Portfolio, Nov 10, 2008

The Time and Date: Monday, November 10, 2008   2 PM to 6 PM
The Event: Vineland Estate Winery portfolio tasting, in association
with Halpern Enterprises.
The Venue: Capitol Event Theatre.
The Target Audience: wine media, private customers and clients.
The Availability/Catalogue: current selections and some Library
offerings were featured.
The Quote: "The Library wines are fabulous – the one drawback for the
current red wines is that you must lay them down".
The Wines: all prices are for licensees --

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chardonnay Reserve 2002, $48.97
-Riesling Semi-Dry 1993, $36.73
-Merlot 2002, $36.73
-Cabernet Sauvignon 2002, $36.73
-Cabernet Franc 2007, $10.41 – outstanding
-Cabernet Merlot 2006, $12.24
-Brut Reserve 2007, $22.85
-Riesling St. Urban 2007, $16.32
-Sauvignon Blanc Neufeld Vineyard 2006, $16.32
-Cabernet Franc Reserve 2005, $32.65

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Chenin 2002, $20.41
-Gewurztraminer 1998, $20.41
-Riesling Semi-Dry 1995, $32.65
-Elevation Chardonnay 2007, $20.41
-Elevation Riesling 2007, $20.41
-Sauvignon Blanc Smith Vineyard 2006, $16.32
-Sauvignon Blanc Wismer Vineyard 2006, $16.32
-Syrah Reserve 2006, $32.65

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Gewurztraminer 1995, $20.41
-Riesling Semi-Dry 1998, $26.12
-Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2000, $61.22
-Pinot Noir Reserve 2002, $53.05
-Elevation Sauvignon Blanc 2007, $20.41
-Dry Riesling 2007, $11.22
-Semi-Dry Riesling, 2007, $11.22
-Chardonnay 2007, $10.33
-Pinot Blanc 1=2006, $12.04
-Chenin Blanc 2006, $12.04
-Gamay Noir 2006, $12.20
-Merlot 2006, $12.24
-Elevation Cabernet 2007, $20.41
-Cabernet Merlot Reserve 2005, $39.99
-Pinot Meunier Rose 2006, $10.57

 

The Food: samples were prepared by Vineland's Executive Chef Jan-Willem
Stulp, to be paired with the wines. He had created squash bisque
shooters with ample essence, fresh wild salmon cakes with remoulade,
seared gnocchi with mushroom confit, pan-roasted Ontario lamb
rondelles.
The Downside: it was lightly attended.
The Upside: terrific food.
The Contact Person: deron@halpernwine.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 82.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Argentine Wines, Nov 6, 2008

 The Time and Date: Thursday, November 6, 2008   1:30 PM to 6 PM
The Event: trade tasting of Argentine wines, sponsored by the Consulate
General of Argentina.
The Venue: Design Exchange
The Target Audience: wine trade, although it seemed to be lightly
attended. There was a consumer show in the evening.
The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was explicit about suppliers
and agents, names of wines, varietals, regions and vintages, but fell
down on the prices. Many were out of whack with reality. Many prices
did not exist at all. I had to ask each agent for prices.
The Quote: "There are 950 wineries in the Argentine, with 685 in the
Mendoza. Canada has the third highest exported figures, after the UK
and the US. Sales to Canada last year were up 49.2%. Malbec represents
33% of sales, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
The Wines: 174 wines were offered, but I did not taste them all.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Bodega Del Fin Del Mondo Pinot Noir Reserva 2007 Patagonia - $19.95
Calibrium
-Luigi Bosca Gala 2 2006 Mendoza [Bordeaux-style blend] – Pacific Wines
and Spirits
-Familia Schroeder Pinot Noir Malbec 2004 Patagonia - $39 Connexion
Oenophilia
-Catena Zapata Chardonnay 2006 Mendoza - Calibrium
-Pascual Toso Pedregal Single Vineyard 2006 - $39 - Eurovintage
-Las Moras Reserve Chardonnay 2007 San Juan - $11.99 – Diamond Estates
-Trivento Golden Reserve Syrah 2006 Mendoza - $24.95 – Select Wines
-Trivento Golden Reserve Chardonnay 2007 Mendoza - $23.95 – Select
Wines

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dante Robino Sua Sparkling Blackberry 2007 Mendoza - $12.95
Eurovintage
-Pascual Toso Malbec Reserva 2007 Mendoza - $19.95 – Eurovintage
-Chakana Reserve Malbec 2006 - $17.95 – Connexion Oenophilia
-Saurus Patagonia Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $16.95 – Connexion
Oenophilia
-Saurus Patagonia Select Malbec 2006 - $16.95 – Connexion Oenophilia
-Graffigna Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 - $18.95 - Corby
-Las Moras Mora Negra Malbec-Bonarda 2006 San Juan - $35 – Diamond
Esttaes
-Trapiche Finca Las Palmas Malbec 1006 Mendoza - $19.95 – Philippe
Dandurand
-Trivento Coleccion Fincas No. 1 Malbec 2006 Mendoza - $24.95 – Select
Wines
-Lagarde Malbec DOC 2006 Mendoza - $20.81 – The Case for Wine

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Dante Robino Sparkling Extra Brut 2007 Mendoza - Eurovintage
-Luigi Bosca Finca La Linda Extra Brut 2007 Mendoza – Pacific Wines and
Spirits
-Las Moras Gran Shiraz 2005 San Juan - $27.99 – Diamond Estates
-Cristobal 1494 Torrontes 2008 Mendoza - $15 - Ruby
-Fam. Zuccardi Fuzion Alta Malbec-Tempranillo 2008 - $10.95 - Dionysus
-Fam. Zuccardi Q Tempranillo 2006 Mendoza - $18.95 – Vintages March
2009
-Rutini Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Mendoza - $19 – Profile Wine Group
-Dominio Del Plata Crios de Susana Balbo Torrontes 2008 - $13.95 –
Profile Wine Group
-Lagarde Altas Cumbres Sparkling 2007 Mendoza - $12.65 – The Case for
Wine
-Lagarde Chardonnay 2007 Mendoza - $16.04 – The Case for Wine

 

The Food: waitstaff offered empanadas and other two-bite goodies.
The Downside: the seminar was way too general, as if we did not know
anything about Argentine wines.
The Upside: there was an informative seminar about Argentine wines,
although it went on past the time limit because it had to cover so much
ground. We tasted four Malbecs. Best was Reserva del Fin del Mundo,
which had showed aging.
The Contact Person: info@winespeak.ca
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 86.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: Maxxium Portfolio, Nov 4, 2008

The Time and Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2008  4 PM to 9 PM
The Event: The President's Tasting: Maxxium Canada
The Venue: McLean House, Vaughan Estates
The Target Audience: wine trade, clients, press
The Availability/Catalogue: everything is available or will be. The
catalogue, as in the past, was spread over a series of rooms, beginning
with the patio sparklers, the whites and reds of the conservatory, the
robust reds of the mahogany room, leading to ports back on the patio
and serious drinks in the library. The coach house had the party
drinks. Suppliers were Beam Global, Donnafugata, Henkell, Kobrand,
Louis Latour, Masi, Oyster Bay, Poderi Colla, Quinta da Aveleda, and
the Edrington Group.
The Quote: "This seminar is going on too long". [allow more time next
year]
The Wines: there were 96 wines, plus fortifieds and rare spirits and
mixed drinks. I only tasted wine, but not all 96.

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Masi Amarone Riserva di Costasera 2003, $59.95 private order
-Poderi Colla Barolo Brolo Bussia 2004, $57.95, Vintages  +596890
-J&F Lurton Chacayes Mendoza 2004 - $77.95, Vintages pending
-J&F Lurton Rueda Cuesta de Oro 2006 Rueda Spain - $26.95, private
order
-KWV Paarl Mentors Chenin Blanc 2006 - $24.95, private order
-Louis Latour Corton Charlemagne 2005 - $179.95, Vintages Classics May
26, 2009 (2006)
-Sileni Estate The Lodge Chardonnay 2007 New Zealand - $16.95, private
order
-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis 1er Cru Mont de Milieu 2005 – $35.95 Vintages
Classics Jan 7 2009
-Simonnet-Febvre Cremont de Bourgogne Rose NV - $19.95 private order
-Vina Sena Arboleda Carmenere 2007 - $16.95 private order
-A. Lurton Divinus de Chateau Bonnet Blanc 2007 - $34.95 private order
-A. Lurton Divinus de Chateau Bonnet Rouge 2003 - $34.95 private order

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Donnafugata Mille e una Notte 2005, $75.95 private order
-Poderi Colla Nebbiolo d'Alba 2006, $25.95 private order
-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, $24.95, Vintages July 4,
2009
-Oyster Bay Chardonnay 2007, $18.95 Vintages Essential +326728
-J&F Lurton El Albar Excelencia 2005 Toro Spain - $51.95, Vintages Jan
7, 2009 +108720
-KWV Paarl Perold Shiraz 2003 - $89.95, Vintages Feb 4, 2009 +993261
-Louis Latour Corton Grancey 2005 - $100, Vintages Classics (2003)
-Vina Sena Arboleda Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 - $19.95 Vintages +606764
-Vina Sena 2006 - $79 Vintages Classics May 26, 2009
-Groom Barossa Valley Shiraz 2006 - $37.95 Vintages +74237

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Adam Henkell Chardonnay 2005, $26.95 Private order
-Donnafugata Tancredi 2005, $32.95 consignment
-Poderi Colla Barbaresco Roncoglie 2005, $48.95 Vintages +715763 (2004)
-Cono Sur 20 Barrels Pinot Noir 2007, $27.95 Vintages June 2, 2009
-J&F Lurton Gran Lurton Corte Friulano 2006 Argentina - $19.95,
Vintages +66829
-J&F Lurton Gran Lurton Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Argentina - $20.95,
Vintages +980334
-Louis Latour Mersault Chateau de Blagny 2005 - $72.45, Vintages
Classics
-Simonnet-Febvre Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2006 – $69.70 private order
-Tyrrell's Vat 8 Shiraz Hunter Valley 2006 - $49.95 private order
-Chateau La Louviere Rouge 2006 Pessac-Leognan - $41.95 private order

 

The Food: one of the best annual spreads: oysters, artisanal cheeses,
charcuterie, salmon, steak, roast beef and pork, fish, glorious
desserts, and the like.
The Downside: we all lamented the lack of Alsace and Champagne, but
c'est la vie.
The Upside: seminars were useful. I attended the Italian wines of
Piedmonte and Sicily, and had some interesting samples.
The Contact Person: presidentstasting@maxxium.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 90.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

DECEMBER Restaurant Ready or BYOW Values at the LCBO

December --

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these wines at a $10 markup over
retail; the wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy at
the LCBO and bring to those restaurants with corkage programs.
1.Malivoire Gewurztraminer 2006 Beamsville Bench, +542522, $26.
2.Berenger Private Reserve Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +26682, $49.95.
3.Berenger Sbragia Limited Release Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +79178,
$54.95.
4.Newton Unfiltered Chardonnay 2006 Napa, +1537, $59.95.
5.Domaine Louis Moreau Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos 2006, +655464, $69.95
6.Domaine Bouchard Pere et Fils Beaune du Chateau 2006, +88716, $44.95.
7.Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Stags Leap District Napa, +14217,
$56.95
8.Schafer One Point Five Cabernet Sauvignon 2005 Stags Leap District
Napa, +45476, $77.95.
9.Silverado Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa, +111880, $50.95.
10.Conchya y Toro Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, +315176, $61.95.
11.Taltarni Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Pyrenees Victoria, +940692, $24.95.
12.Louis Jadot Chateau des Jacques Moulin a Vent 2005, +700187, $33.95.
13.Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra 2004, +734293, $62.95.
14.Collazzi 2005 Toscana, +656538, $46.95.
15.Monte Zovo Amarone Della Valpolicella Riserva 2003, +651554, $53.95.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

Food and wine books for the holiday gift period -- part 4

HUMOUR & NOVELS
==========================

 

What's a holiday without humour or a novel to curl up with? We seem to
have another bumper crop this year…

 

DO TRAVEL WRITERS GO TO HELL? (Three Rivers Press, 2008, 272 pages,
$13.95 paper covers) is by Thomas Kohnstamm. There are 12 great
chapters here detailing high adventures, questionable ethics, and
professional hedonism amongst travel and wine writers. He exposes the
sins, the pitfalls, and the excesses of the travel-writing industry,
sharing his own trips through Brazil with sex and pills. He was hired
in 2004 to contribute to the "Lonely Planet Brazil" guidebook. He soon
learned that reality was different from his expectations. An exciting,
humourous book.

 

 

 

GOURMET SMARTS: feed your mind (Smartsco, 2008, $16.95) is a set of
cards, actually 60 questions and answers cards. Together they form a
gourmet tips guide, complete with dos and don'ts. There is even a score
pad. This fun game has been pulled together by Manny Howard, food
writer for New York Times, Food & Wine, and others). There are three
topics: lingo, cuisines, and ingredients. It can be addictive, and if
you are as smart as I am, you'll clean up against your friends…

 

THE WINE SNOB'S DICTIONARY; an essential lexicon of oenological
knowledge (Broadway Books, 2008, 111 pages, $12.95 paper covers) is a
follow-up to last year's remarkable "The Food Snob's Dictionary". David
Kamp is back, assisted by David Lynch, once a wine director at Babbo's
Ristorante in NYC. While much of this is funny, they have no idea what
"claret" is, nor what "cigar box" is. They also miss the boat on
spoofing barrels and treatments. There are no entries for types
(French, US) or aging (barrel fermentation, barrel aging). In fact,
there is a whole range to satirize here. The true wine snob goes on ad
nauseum about barrel character. Most of the parodies are on American
wines, French wines, supertuscans, and labels. Still, a good effort
that could have been better.

 

THE QUILTER'S KITCHEN; an "Elm Creek Quilts" novel with recipes (Simon
and Schuster, 2008, 214 pages, $19.95 hard cover) is by Jennifer
Chiaverini. The story is about quilters eager to preserve their
culinary heritage. Chef Anna, one of the newest members of the circle
of quilters, is to write the official cookbook. It is an elaboration of
previously established fictional characters. There is even a metric
equivalents page for the avoirdupois ingredients. The 100 basic recipes
were created by Sally Sampson, and there is even a recipe index.

 

TURNING TABLES (Dial Press, 2008, 352 pages, $24 hard covers) is by
sisters Rose and Heather MacDowell. They are former waiters, so of
course much of the book is based on their own experiences. It is a tell
all story disguised as a novel, part of the "chick lit" genre. A
corporate worker has lost her job, and must survive. She waits tables.
Of course, there is a notorious celebrity chef, the restaurant owner's
wife, difficult diners, undercover food critics – life is hell. Can she
escape? Of course, but read it first.

 

HIGH TEA (Pocket Books, 2008, 259 pages, $14 US paper covers) is a
first novel by Sandra Harper, who has written a cooking column. She
also wrote a play, "Maggie's Tearoom" which enjoyed a run in Los
Angeles. So it becomes a spinoff from the play. The characters are warm
and informative: a chef, a British expat owner, the waitstaff, and a
restaurant critic from the UK. It's a little like herding cats, but
great fun. Recipes are included at the back (unindexed) and there are
many tea menus.

 

 

: DIET
===============
 
Okay, this is the hard part since we must pay for our sins of
overeating during the December period. It is January 1, and the start
of a New Year (2009) means new resolutions to keep or break. If you are
really comfortable with your friends, you could give them health books
for the holiday. At least, you might be able to use them yourself!

 

DIABETES & HEART HEALTHY MEALS FOR TWO; over 150 tasty recipes with
half the work (American Diabetes Association, 2008, 226 pages, $18.95
paper covers) is also issued by the American Heart Association. But
never let the word "diabetes" put you off. We should be living this
diet anyway, even if we are totally healthy. Heart healthy recipes are
best of all for diabetics (as studies show). This is a follow-up to the
successful 2006 book, "Diabetes & Heart Healthy Cookbook". But this
time, it is 150 recipes for two servings. Leftovers are kept to a
minimum.

 

THE GLYCEMIC-LOAD DIET COOKBOOK; 150 recipes to help you lose weight
and reverse insulin resistance (McGraw-Hill, 2008, 288 pages, $16.95
paper covers) is a follow-up to the 2006 "Glycemic-Load Diet". Rob
Thompson, MD is back, with new preps co-created with cookbook author
Dana Carpender. Here's a good opportunity to lose weight, cut cravings,
speed up metabolism, and manage insulin resistance. The book has many
tables of GI foods.

 

 

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

MEDIA LUNCH: Niagara VQA 13th Winery Wine Launch at Vertical, December 15, 2008

The Time and Date:   Monday, December 15, 2008  Noon to 3 PM
The Event: a lunch-launch of new 13th Winery releases, with Doug Whitty
(President), Herb Jacobson (Winemaker), and Peter Bodnar Rod
(Marketing).
The Venue: Vertical, 1st Canadian Place
The Target Audience: wine writers, nine in attendance.
The Availability: all the wines we tried were newly released, and are
available at or through the winery www.13thstreetwinery.com
The Background: Founded in 1998, the winery celebrated its tenth
anniversary this year by being sold. The original four partners
included Herb Jacobson, the continuing winemaker, who is still with the
winery. On Sept 1, the Mann and Whitty families of Niagara purchased
the firm, with a commitment to continue the handcrafted wines.
Currently, there is capacity for 4500 cases. Eventually, with a new
facility, there will be a max of 10,000 cases. They have eight
scattered vineyards, totaling 60 acres, with handshake contracts for
more grapes as needed. For example, they buy in all their syrah.
The Wine and Food: Peter and Herb led the tasting. We started with a
sparkler, and then moved to two rieslings, two chardonnays and then a
Meritage. There were also other wines to sample, nearly their entire
portfolio. Here are some notes:

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-13th Winery Premier Cuvee 2004 $28: MC, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, no
MF, first-rate sparkler with the biscuity complexity, with smoked
Ontario trout atop king oyster mushroom salad, a sunschoke chip and a
brioche slice.
-13th Winery Funk's Vineyard Riesling 2007 $24: Alsatian mode, minerals,
best with food, with fresh goat cheese (lacked tang), frisee, hazelnut
salad.
-13th Winery Sandstone Old Vines Chardonnay 2006 $28: cork finish,
barrel selection, full bodied, 13.2% ABV yet hot finish, lovely length.
Tried with warm calamari salad and arugula. First rate match.
-13th Winery Syrah Wismer Vineyard 2006 $24: Rhone all the way, but
needs cellar time.

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-13th Winery June's Vineyard Riesling 2007 $17: rich, ripe body,
aromatic and off-dry, with scallop and chorizo.
-13th Winery Sandstone Estate Chardonnay 2006 $18: full, firm but juicy,
twist top, with pan seared Branzino filet.
-13th Winery Meritage 2006 $24: tight, dusty nose, medium finish. Euro-
style. Tried with roasted Ontario lamb atop a multiple bean ragout.
-13th Winery Gamay Sandstone Old Vines 2006 $25: juicy, young and fresh,
cherries and wood, depth and body. Tried with the lamb.
-13th Winery Chardonnay Musque 2007 $18: great aromas and finish,
succulent, tried with biscotti.
-13th Winery Et Ceteras Red 2006 $19: 46%syrah, 10%sangiovese, merlot
and cabernet sauvignon also in the blend. Off-dry complexity, very Euro
in style.
The Contact Person: peter@13thstreetwinery.com
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 94.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

NOVEMBER 2008: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE" from Vintages

Nov 7, 2008 --

 

VALUE: "RESTAURANT READY" or "BRING YOUR OWN WINE BOTTLE"
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Restaurants should consider offering these wines at a $10 markup; the
wines are ready to enjoy right now. Consumers could buy at the LCBO and
bring to those restaurants with corkage programs.
1. Chalone Vineyard Chardonnay 2005, +80226, $36.95.
2. Chateau de Rochemorin Blanc 2006 Pessac-Leognan, +91371, $29.95.
3. Alain Gras Saint-Romain Blanc 2006, +91074, $36.95.
4. Antonin Rodet Puligny-Montrachet 2006, +84541, $53.95.
5. Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc 2007 Cotes du Rhone, +48892, $33.95.
6. Arrowood Le Beau Melange Syrah 2002 Sonoma, +64550, $29.95.
7. Duckhorn Decoy 2006 Napa, +41343, $36.95.
8. Waterstone Cabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa, +4366, $30.95.
9. Torbreck The Steading GMS 2005 Barossa, +723890, $48.95.
10. Rustenberg John X Merriman 2005 Simonsberg, +707323, $27.95.
11. Chateau Franc-Maillet 2000 Pomerol, $72322, $51.95.
12. Chateau La Papeterie 2000 Montagne St. Emilion, +87759, $29.95.
13. Antonin Rodet Gevrey-Chambnertin 2005, +84558, $42.95.
14. Coudoulet de Beaucastel Rouge 2006 Cotes de Rhone, +48884, $30.95.
15. Domaine Chante Cigale Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2005, +43026, $41.95.
16. Terre da Vino Barolo Essenze 2003, +92460, $44.95.

 

Nov 22, 2008 --

 

 

1. Stratus White 2006 Niagara, +660704, $44.
2. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2007 Marlborough, +304469, $33.95
3. Bouchard Pere & Fils Meursault Les Clous 2006, +66132, $52.95
4. Domaine de la Mandeliere Chablis 1er Cru Mont-de-Milieu 2006,
+87403, $33.95.
5. Clos Pegase Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, +268235, $50.95.
6. Altair Red 2004 Cachapoal Valley Chile, +38430, $64.95.
7. Duvergey-Taboureau Nuits-Saint-Georges 2005, +84442, $41.95.
8. Gennatoio Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, +704205, $31.95.
9. Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico Riserva 2003, +512384, $35.95.
10. Hermanos Pecina Senorio De P. Pecina Gran Reserva 1998, +82164,
$55.95.

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

 

TRADE TASTING: ICE Italian wines Nov 3, 2008

 The Time and Date: Monday, November 3, 2008   10 AM to 6 PM
The Event: A tasting of wines from Italy, 13th edition, organized by
ICE.
The Venue: Roy Thomson Hall
The Target Audience: wine trade
The Availability/Catalogue: most of the wines are available in Ontario
via the LCBO or consignment or private orders. Some wineries were
seeking agents. The Catalogue was the usual monster size, making it
uncomfortable to carry about: a book detailing all the wines, their
terms of availability, their grape compositions, and so forth.
Everything but the price. As in previous years, I had to ask the agent
for the prices. And as in previous years, many did not seem to know –
which I find incredible at a function where the object is to sell
wines! There was a seminar at 10 AM, but it started 30 minutes late,
and this was followed by a luncheon which also started late.
The Quote: "Too many wines  -- I don't even have the time to taste the
ones I really want to taste!"
The Wines: I did not try all the wines – who could? What follows is an
eclectic selection based on my own perambulations and others'
suggestions. There were about 110 wineries, most with five wines each
(some more, some less).

 

**** Four Stars (91+ in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Banfi Toscana IGT Centine 2006  -- $17.95 Charton Hobbs
-Fatt. Dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino 2003 -- $49.95 Noble Estates
-Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Biondi Santi Tenuta Greppo --
$150  Symposium Imports
-Castello di Neve Barbaresco Riserva Santo Stefano 2003 - $59 Brunello
Imports
-Feudi di San Marzano Primitivo di Manduria Sessantanni 2005 - $35
Barrique Wine Imports
-Marchesi Antinori Bolgheri Il Bruciato 2006 - $27.95 Halpern
-Santa Barbara Salento IGT Barbaglio 2002 Puglia - $16.95 Vergina
-Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Villa Calcinaia Riserva 2005 - $33
Frati Estates

 

***1/2 Three and a Half Stars (88 – 90 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Banfi Sant'Antimo Excelsus 2004 -- Charton Hobbs
-Fatt. Dei Barbi Brunello di Montalcino Vigna del Fiore 2003 -- $84.95
Noble Estates
-Biondi Santi Brunello di Montalcino 2003 Villa Poggio Salvi -- $60
Symposium Imports
-Fatt. Di Casalbosco Toscana IGT Orchidea 2006 – 15 Euros FOB
-Castello di Neve Barbaresco 2005 - $22.95  Vintages Jan 2009
-Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d'Alba 2004 - $38.95 Jan Vintages
Noble Estates
-Fontanafredda Barbaresco Coste Rubin 2005 - $48.90
-Marchesi Antinori Bolgheri Superiore Guado al Tasso 2005 - $89
Vintages
-Marchesi Fumanelli Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2004 - $64
Halpern
-Marchesi Fumanelli Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico Riserva
Octavius 2003 - $125 Halpern
-Tenuta S.Antonio Valpolicella Monti Garbi Ripasso 2005 - $21.95
Prevedello & Mathews
-Tenuta S.Antonio Valpolicella Amarone Campo dei Gigli 2004 - $21.95
Prevedello & Mathews
-Cant. Tudernum Sagrantino di Montefalco 2004 - $43 Connexion
Oenophilia
-Viticola Toscana Chianti Classico Riserva Vigna Casi Castello di
Meleto 2005 - $33 J. Hanna

 

*** Three Stars (85 – 87 in Quality/Price Rating terms):
-Batasiolo Barolo 2004 -- $31 Majestic Wine Cellars
-Marca Trevigiana Prosecco Extra Dry 2007 -- $18.95 Majestic Wine
Cellars
-Ca'dei Mandorli Piemonte Spumante Brut Rosato 2007 - $16.95 
B.Cojocaru
-Castello di Neve Barbaresco Santo Stefano 2005 - $45  Brunello Imports
-Castello di Verduna Barbaresco "Rabaja" 2003 - $52.50 30.50 Imports
-Marchesi Antinori Umbria IGT Ramito del Cervo Chardonnay 2007 - $27
Halpern
-Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Peppolo 2006 - $21.95 Halpern
-Marchesi Mazzei Toscana IGT Poggio alla Badiola 2006 - $15 Vintages
-Marchesi Mazzei Sicilia IGT Zisola 2007 Nero d'avola - $21.95 Vintages
-Nino Franco Valdobbiadene Spumante Prosecco Rive di San Floriano Brut
2007 - $30 Rogers & Co
-Roncolato Antonio Amarone Valpolicella 2005 - $43.85 Vintages
-Ruffino Toscana IGT Il Ducale 2005 - $19.80 +27797
-San Felice Chianti Classico San Felice 2006 - $21 J Hanna
-San Felice Toscana Vigorello 2003 - $60 J Hanna
-Cant. Tudernum Umbria IGT Rojano 2005 - $25.95 Connexion Oenophilia
-Villa Calcinaia Chianti Classico Villa Calcinaia Casara 2004 - $37.95
Frati Estates
-Viticola Toscana Chianti Classico Riserva Pieve di Spaltenna 2004 -
$25 J. Hanna

 

The Food: buffet style, roast beef, salmon, pasta, cheeses, canolli.
The Downside: it was a huge show, with a lot of people, which made it
hard to get through to the wines I wanted. Also, the seminar started 30
minutes late; I used the time to peruse the catalogue.
The Upside: the seminar was on the Sagrantino di Montefalco grape which
was resurrected from oblivion (less than 5 hectares) thirty years ago.
Profile of blueberry, blackberry, and anise tones. Priced at 9 to 18
Euros FOB. There were six wines in the seminar, and another six in the
wider tasting.
The Contact Person: benedetta.marassi.toronto@ice.it
The Marketing Effectiveness (numerical grade): 84.

 

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com