WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 8, 2013

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR JUNE 8, 2013
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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

 

Boekenhoutskloof Porcupine Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 WO Coastal
Region: twist top, over the top, ripe, full, 14.5% ABV. You'll have fun
with this powerhouse. +146894, $16.95, QPR: 90.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE AND ROSE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Coyote's Run Red Paw Vineyard Chardonnay 2011 VQA Four Mile Creek:
nice developing flavours, almost in balance, give it six more months.
Terrific smoke here. +336115, $19.95, QPR: 89.
2. Fielding Gewurztraminer 2010 VQA Niagara Peninsula: very close to
Alsatian in style, nice long length, summer sipper. 12.5% ABV. +146753,
$15.95, QPR: 89.
3. Susana Balbo Crios Torrontes 2012 Mendoza: some slight spritz,
lovely floral tones, summer engagement. Patio or deck. +1834, $13.95,
QPR: 89.
4. Louis Hauller Gewurztraminer 2011 Alsace: nicely laid out MVC tones
of lychee, honeyed spices, some citrus on the finish. Sip or first
course. 12.5% ABV. +141754, $19.95, QPR: 89.
5. Chateau Moulin de Vignolle 2011 Bordeaux Blanc: balance of zest,
lemons and honey. 13% ABV. Gold Medalist. +321364, $15.95, QPR: 89.
6. Donatien Bahuaud Les Grands Mortiers Vouvray 2012: off-dry chenin
blanc, great as sipper or first course white. 11% ABV. Refreshing stone
tones, including minerals and stone fruit. +140889, $15.95, QPR: 89.
7. Giuseppe Campagnola Le Bine Monte Foscarino Soave Classico 2011:
good balance of a variety of fruit, plus some depth and body not
usually seen in soaves at this price level. 13% ABV. +134551, $13.95,
QPR: 89.
8. Gassier Sables D'Azur Rose 2012 Cotes de Provence: pale colour,
affordable garrigue, sip or first course, but drink soonish. +33621,
$13.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Urraca Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 Mendoza: a good tasting cabby, 14.8%
ABV, about a year in new oak. Typical black fruit tones, has aged well.
+271080, $19.95, QPR: 89.
2. J. Bouchon Las Mercedes Reserva Especial Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Maule: with 13.5% ABV, the wine has some substance beyond the usual MVC
Chilean cabby. Chocolate, coffee, dusty, pepper. Priced to sell!
+208348, $15.95, QPR: 89.
3. Sileni The Triangle Merlot 2010 Hawkes Bay: at 14% ABV, this
charming merlot is ready to go. Twist top. Spicy plums, good
concentration for the patio/deck. +586081, $16.95, QPR: 89.
4. Monte del Fra Lena di Mezzo Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore
2009 Veneto: LCBO Ripasso of the Month. +165662, $17.95, QPR: 89.
5. Cru du Paradis Tradition Madiran 2009: excellent plums, 13% ABV, for
the BBQ food. +324871, $15.95, QPR: 89.
6. Estate Papaioannou Single Vineyard Agiorgitiko 2007 Nemea: another
wine bargain from Greece, red fruit with oak dustiness and vanilla.
Nicely aged. +47977, $19.95, QPR: 89.
7. Leone de Castris Riserva Salice Salentino 2009: a top rated Puglian
wine from Negroamaro and Malvasia near grapes, 13% ABV, at a bargain
price. Try it with "older" food such as aged cheeses or the stinkies or
the blues. +597534, $18.95, QPR: 89.
8. Villa Mora Montfalco Rosso 2006 Umbria: deep, dark, well-aged mainly
sangiovese and sagrantino (almost a field blend). 14.5% ABV. +331785,
$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. Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G.C. Sancerre 2011, +189126, $24.95 retail.
2. Laurent Miquel Bardou Saint Chinian 2007, +328583, $24.95.
3. Paitin Sori Paitin Barbaresco 2008, +106591, $32.95.
4. Marchesi de Frescobaldi Vigneto Montesodi Riserva Chianti Rufina
2009, +304501, $49.95.
5. Casado Morales Seleccion Privada 2005 Rioja, +323857, $28.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Tasting of Grower Champagnes, May 10/13

The Date and Time: Friday, May 10, 2013   10:30 AM – 1:30 PM

The Event: monthly tasting of the WWCC, this time -- Growers' Champagnes repped by Groupe Soleil (Stephen Cohen).

The Venue: LCBO Summerhill

The Target Audience: members of the WWCC

The Availability/Catalogue: all champagnes are available from the agent.

The Quote/Background: Apart from some notes on the individual growers, Stephen told us that all growers' champagnes seem to evolve in the glass. He repps 15 companies. Some use all seven heirloom approved grape varieties in the blend, others also do a field blend. Some are organic.

The Wines:

 

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

-Laherte Freres Brut Nature, $55 [10% chardonnay, 50% reserve wines]

-Champagne Marie Courtin Resonance Blanc de Noir NV Cote de Bar, $65 [100% pinot noir, organic, non-dosage]

-Champagne Pascal Agrapart Terroir Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut NV Avize, $65 [100% C, half 2008 and half 2009] – mostly organic

 

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

-Champagne Jacquesson Cuvee 736 Extra Brut NV Epernay - 2008 fruit plus 34% reserve wines, $65 [53% C/29% PN, 18% PM]

-Champagne Andre Cluet 2002 Bouzy, $69 [100% PN]

 

The Upside: Joel Thompson brought along his Zalto wine glasses – he says the white wine glass works especially well with champagne.

The Contact Person: Stephen Cohen <gsoleil@rogers.com>

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Tasting of Valdicava Brunellos with V. Abbruzzese....

The Date and Time: Tuesday, May 7, 2013  10:30 AM to 1:30 PM

The Event: A tasting of Valdicava Brunellos, with owner-winemaker Vincenzo Abbruzzese. Represented by The Stem Wine Group.

The Venue: Tutti Matti

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: one wine is at classics, two are library wines, the rest are by six-pack consignment.

The Quote/Background: The winery's estates have only sangiovese grapes grown and used in the production of Montalcino (Rosso and Brunello) – 90,000 bottles a year, about half of its potential. The wines are finely tuned and balanced, almost old style, although hotter years will produce a faster maturing wine. Vincenzo also gave us a short history of Brunello post-1967, including Rosso's development in 1982.

The Wines:

 

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

-Valdicava Brunello 1998 Madonna del Piano Riserva [library], sublime, well-aged.

-Valdicava Brunello 2001 Madonna del Piano Riserva [library], fruit and flavour worthy of Parker's 100 score.

-Valdicava Brunello 2006 Madonna del Piano Riserva, $179 fruit and flavour worthy of Parker's 100 score.

-Valdicava 2007 Brunello di Montalcino, $115.99

-Valdicava 2005 Brunello di Montalcino, $99.99 Fall Consign

 

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

-Valdicava Brunello 2005 Madonna del Piano Riserva, $149

-Valdicava Rosso di Montalcino 2010, $36.99

-Valdicava 2006 Brunello di Montalcino, Classics +309351, $125

 

The Food: bruschetta, hand-cut pasta with meat sauce, short ribs.

The Downside: I had to leave soon after the pasta was served.

The Upside: a chance to re-connect with Vincenzo (who was last here in 2006),

The Contact Person: Robert@stemwinegroup.com

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

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

2011 Marchand-Tawse Grand Vins de Bourgogne tasted...

The Date and Time: Monday, May 6, 2013    3:30 PM to 7:30 PM

The Event: A tasting of 2011 Marchand-Tawse Grand Vins de Bourgogne, with Murray Tawse and Pascal Marchand.

The Venue: Modus Restaurant, King St West

The Target Audience: wine media, clients.

The Availability/Catalogue: the company is in its third year of operation, and produces more than 50 wines, including 12 from biodynamically–farmed estate vineyards.

The Quote/Background: Pascal Marchand has had over 25 years of winemaking experience at Burgundy domains (Comte Armand, Jean Fery) and as consultant in Chile, California, Australia and Canada.

The Wines: Prices are RETAIL.

 

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

-Marchand-Tawse Avalon Blanc 2011, $33 [blend from 3 chardonnay vineyards] – my fave

-Marchand-Tawse Clos de Vougeot Grand Cru 2011, $195

-Tawse Chardonnay Quarry Road Estate 2010 VQA, $57.95

 

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

-Marchand-Tawse Meursault 2011, $59

-Marchand-Tawse Puligny-Montrachet 1er Cru Champ Gain 2011, $80

-Marchand-Tawse Beaune 1er cru Tuvilains 2011, $56

-Marchand-Tawse Volnay 1er cru 2011, $65

-Marchand-Tawse Corton Rouge Grand Cru 2011, $110

-Tawse Chardonnay Robyn's Block Estate 2010 VQA, $45.95

-Tawse Pinot Noir Lauritzen Vineyard 2010 VQA, $44.95

 

The Food: charcuterie, cheeses, veggies and dip, fruit, breads, artichoke hearts.

The Downside: it as a cold and windy afternoon, and the room quickly filled up.

The Upside: a chance to compare some wines, especially the Canadian Tawse and the Burgundy Marchand-Tawse.

The Contact Person: d.lafleur@tawsewinery.ca

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

New Zealand Wine Fair, Toronto, May 2013...

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 9, 2013  1:30 – 5:30 PM

The Event: Work of our Hands – New Zealand Wine Fair, Toronto 2013

The Venue: Toronto Reference Library

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: as always, the catalogue is a model, with full details about the winery, Ontario agent, wines on show, vintages, prices, distribution channel. Occasionally, there are incorrect numbers on vintages or prices, or certain wines did not arrive and may – or may not – have been replaced.

The Quote/Background: once again, we had an excellent self-directed tasting seminar, this time back to sauvignon blanc, with the 16 wines arranged by region (they were mostly Marlborough) at different price points. These have been folded into the notes below. The seminar booklet contained a wealth of material and technical notes for every wine.

The Wines: I did not taste every wine, although I tried to taste all the non-savvies and non-pinots.

 

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

-Coal Pit Sauvignon Blanc Central Otago 2011, n/a

-Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc Southern Valleys Marlborough 2010, $18.95 Kylix

-Yealands Estate Sauvignon Blanc Awatere Valley Marlborough 2012, $21.95 +277731

-Auntsfield South Oaks Barrel Fermented Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $39  DB Wine & Spirits

-Saint Clair Pioneer Block 10 Twin Hills Chardonnay Marlborough 2010, $25.95 +317651

-Quartz Reef Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010, $42.95 +599324

-Quartz Reef MT Sparkling Rose Central Otago NV (all Pinot Noir) $40 Amethyst

-Cuvee No 1 Sparkling Marlborough NV, $32.95 +56358

-Matua Estate Paretai Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $24.95 +144634

-The Kings Wrath Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011, $29.95  Glencairn Wine

-Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer Marlborough 2010, $19.95  +60129

-Giesen The August Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $39.95

-Elephant Hill Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2011, $24.95  +141978

-Churton Pinot Noir Marlborough 2009, $36.95 +237164

 

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

-Man O'War Gravestone Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon Waiheke Island 2012, n/a

-Giesen The Brothers Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $19.95 Michael Andrews

-Akarua Brut Sparkling Central Otago NV, $27.95  Vonterra

-Waimea Viognier Nelson 2010, $19.95 +325969

-Waimea Pinot Noir Nelson 2009, $24.85  Churchill Cellars

-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010, $32.95 +285361

-Trinity Hill Chardonnay Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay 2011, $29.95  Cult Classic

-Trinity Hill "The Gimblett" Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay 2010, $29.95  Cult Classic

-Tiki Koro Pinot Noir Central Otago 2011, $34.95  Churchill Cellars

-te Pa Pinot Noir Marlborough 2011, $38.95  Family Wine Merchants

-Sileni Estate Selection "The Straits" Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $22.95  Kirkwood

-Seresin Leah Pinot Noir Marlborough 2009, $39.95 Sept 28/13 Vintages

-Quartz Reef MT Sparkling Brut Central Otago NV $35 Amethyst

-Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Rose NV, $21.95 +280172

-Matua Pinot Noir Central Otago 2011, $29.95  Treasury Wine Estates

-Hunter's MiruMiru Sparkling NV Marlborough, $27.95 Rogers

-Elephant Hill Pinot Noir Central Otago 2011, $29.95  +309583

-Kim Crawford SP Rise & Shine Pinot Noir Central Otago 2007, $29.95 +35337

-Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $24.05 +912337

-Churton Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2011, $23.95 +159244

-Churton Viognier Marlborough 2011, $36.95 +619857

-Churton The Abyss Pinot Noir Marlborough 2010, $92 +249342

-Astrolabe Province Pinot Gris Marlborough 2012, $22.95  Rogers

 

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

-Seifried Sauvignon Blanc Nelson 2012, $19 Terra Wines

-Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough 2012, $19.95 Family Wine Merchants

-Craggy Range Te Muna Road Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough 2011, $27.95 Lifford

-Te Mata Estate Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay 2012, Ponte Wines

-Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $18.95   Constellation

-Saint Clair Pioneer Block 1 Foundation Sauvignon Blanc Wairau Valley Marlborough 2012, $24.95  Wine World

-Invivo Belle Low Alcohol Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $19.99  Cult Classics

-Nautilus Estate Unoaked Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $24.99 B & W

-Yealands Crossroads Milestones Series Syrah Hawkes Bay 2011, $27.95 Amethyst

-Seresin Chardonnay Marlborough 2010, $24.95 +19190

-Sacred Hill Prospector Pinot Noir Central Otago 2010, $39 +295741

-Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $17.45 +293043

-Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2012, $21.95 Pernod

-Oyster Bay Sparkling Cuvee Brut NV, $21.95 +163634

-Akarua Rose Brut Sparkling Central Otago NV, $27.95  Vonterra

 

The Food: the media got meat sandwiches on baguettes, the trade show got fruit, veggies and dips and three cheeses from Dairy Farmers of Canada (La Belle-Mere and Tomme des Demoiselles from Quebec, and Mountainoak Farmstead Premium Dutch Aged Gouda from Ontario).

The Downside: I wished that there were more wines, eg, syrah, to try, but the marketing was mostly geared to Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs.

The Upside: great lighting, unlike just about every other venue we've had for the NZ show in the past (Alice Fazooli, Fermentations, DX)

The Contact Person: rketchin@ketchin.com

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Tasting of Loire Valley wines (Garnier and Ex-Cellars)

 The Date and Time: Monday, May 6, 3013  2:30 – 8PM

The Event: Tasting of fine wines from the Loire Valley, with exporter Christophe Garnier. Represented by Ex-Cellars.

The Venue: Old York Mills Road

The Target Audience: clients, wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: Christophe Garnier Selections has a wide range of Loire wines that are exported to the UK, the US and Canada. Ex-Cellars Wine Services is the Canadian representative. The wines are always available, and while we tasted only seven of them, there are more in the catalogue.

The Quote/Background: These were some of the latest releases, especially done for Loire aficionados.

The Wines: Prices are for licensees.

 

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

-Pierre Cherrier Domaine de la Rossignole Sancerre Blanc 2012, $25

-Domaine du Vikin Vourvray Tranquille Sec 2008, $25

-Pascal Pibaleau Touraine La Noblesse d'Aziaum 2007, $24 [barrel fermented] – my fave!

 

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

-Pierre-Luc Bouchard Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sur Lie 2011 Pont Caffino, $17

-Domaine Valery Renaudat Reuilly Blanc 2011, $25

-Yvon & Pascal Tabordet Pouilly Fume 2012, $26

 

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

-Pierre-Luc Bouchard Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sur Lie 2012 Perd son Pain, $17

 

The Food: artichoke hearts, breads, cold cuts, cheeses, veggies and dips, grapes and strawberries.

The Downside: it was a cold day, unlike the Loire at this time of year. I also wished that we had a few more wines to taste,

The Upside: a chance to re-connect with M. Garnier and view a lavish "party room".

The Contact Person: nuray@ex-cellars.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 89

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 25, 2013

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR MAY 25, 2013
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
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

 

Domaines Schlumberger Les Princes Abbes Pinot Gris 2010 Alsace:
excellent typicity, PG as it used to be in Alsace, with tropical fruit,
soft but long finish, nothing cloying. 13.5% ABV. +21253, $19.95, QPR:
91.

 

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

 

Santa Sofia Arleo Rosso 2003 IGT Rosso del Veronese, +320846, $25.95.

 

TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. G. Marquis The Silver Line Chardonnay 2011 Single Vineyard Niagara
Stone Road VQA NOTL: lightly oaked six months, elegant orchard fruit,
slightly off-dry, creamy. +258681, $16.95, QPR: 89.
2. Domaine Le Comte Quincy 2011 Loire: great elegance, smooth, not at
all racy. Perfect as aperitif. +172528, $18.95, QPR: 89.
3. Henri Poiron Fief Giraud Muscadet Sevre & Maine Sue Lie 2011: light
and crisp, great with seafood or first course, 12% ABV. +327726,
$14.95, QPR: 89.
4. Miopasso Fiano 2011 IGT Sicilia: well-rounded, thickly concentrated,
aromatic, 14.5% ABV. Orchard fruit and minerals in the finish. +326793,
$14.95, QPR: 89.

 

TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Don Cristobal 1492 Oak Reserve Shiraz 2010 Mendoza: in new French
oak for one year, more in shiraz style as labeled. +236133, $13.95,
QPR: 89.
2. Wakefield Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Clare Valley South Australia: a
juicy big wine, lots of cherries and vanilla. +744235, $17.95, QPR: 89.
3. Chateau Belair-Coubet 2010 Cotes de Bourg: a typical Bordeaux, and
affordable. Ripeness and fruit on the front palate from merlot, spice
from cabernet sauvignon. 13.5% ABV. Gold medalist. +321414, $16.95,
QPR: 89.
4. Château La Grange de Bessan 2009 Medoc: another Gold Medalist, 13.5%
ABV. Delicious modern NA style, upfront juiciness of red and black
berries, mocha, vanilla, wood. +321331, $19.95, QPR: 90.
5. Pipoli Aglianico del Vulture 2010 Basilicata: slightly off-dry, made
in modern style (older vultures were heavy-styled). 13.5% ABV. +320507,
$14.95, QPR: 89.
6. Tedeschi Capitel San Rocco Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore 2011: the
LCBO Ripasso of the month, 14.5% ABV. +719294, $18.95, 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. Saint-Clair Pioneer Block 10 Chardonnay 2010 Marlborough NZ,
+317651, $25.95 retail.
2. Domaine Zind-Humbrecht Calcaire Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace, +320481,
$29.95
3. Dr. Hermann Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Auslese 2005, +324285,
$21.95.
4.Siglas Santorini Assyrtiko 2011 Greece, +74781, $21.95.
5. Domaine Bousquet Grande Reserve Malbec 2010 Mendoza, +303701,
$21.95.
6. Chateau Philippe-le-Hardi Hautes Cotes de Beaune 2010, +330852,
$22.95.
7. Piccini Vila al Cortile Brunello di Montalcino 2006, +164855,
$36.95.
8. Ruffino Ducale Oro Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +353201, $44.95.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

* DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

1. PAIRING FOOD & WINE FOR DUMMIES (John Wiley & Sons, 2013, 382 pages,
ISBN 978-1-118-39957-6, $22.99 US soft covers) is by John Szabo,
Canada's first Master Sommelier (2004). He is now a wine consultant to
restaurant and a free-lance wine writer (e.g. winealign.com). Here he
has done an excellent job of dialing down the process of food and wine
pairing, and that is a good thing since many people still to seem to
follow the older rigid rules. Knowing the best wines to pair with food
(and vice versa) is the height of the modern art of social food graces.
Of course, there are many apps for this matching: just key in your wine
or your food and back come some choices. But Szabo tries to explain the
rationales, and hopefully reduce your dependence on Internet resources.
When dining out, you can only go to the bathroom or lobby just so many
times when you want to check your apps/email/texts/tweets. He proposes
strategies for food low and high (burgers, bbq, Asiatic, fusion, haute
cuisines). Along the way he delves into using your own senses and
tastes to develop likes and dislikes with your mouthfeel. Styles of
wine and food are discussed, restaurant sommelier advice is consumed,
and finding a restaurant that knows what it is doing with wines – all
are important here. At the end, he goes into how to put on a wine and
food party, beyond the cheese and snacks, to figure out which kinds of
wine to served, how much wine, and with which foods.
Audience and level of use: beginners, those without a phone app.
Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: his top ten food-friendly
wines include unoaked chardonnay, riesling, sauvignon blanc, champagne,
pinot noir, gamay, and valpolicella.
The downside to this book: wine markups in restaurants are not
discussed.
The upside to this book: useful enough for both Canada and the US.
Quality/Price Rating: 92.

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com