New Wines of Greece Trade show, May 13/13, notes --

The Date and Time: Monday, May 13, 2013  11AM to 2 PM

The Event: New Wines of Greece trade show

The Venue: Skin + Bones Wine Bar

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available through the agents or at the LCBO in the case of listings.

The Quote/Background: It was a self-pour function, with wines laid out in seven tables, about 6 – 7 apiece, mostly based by grape varieties. There was a meal with three other wines per course, we had had earlier at the self-pour tables, plus three sweet wines and s sparkler at the beginning.

The Wines: agents are listed in parentheses; prices were normally not given.

 

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

-Sigalas Santorini Barrel 2011 (Kolonaki)

-Biblia Chora Ovilos White 2011 (Kolonaki)

-Nico Lazaridi Chateau White 2011 (Vergina)

-Antonopoulos Private Collection red 2006 Mavro/Merlot (Kolonaki)

-Papaioannou Estate Nemea Agiorgitiko 2007 (Kolonaki)

-Monemvassia 300 Red 2005 (Celebrity)

-Alpha Estate Red 2008 Syrah/Xinomavro (Eurovintage)

 

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

-Monemvassia Kydonitsa 2011 (Celebrity)

-Boutari Moschofilero 2011 (Kolonaki)

-Gerovassiliou Malagousia 2012 (Kolonaki)

-Sigalas Santorini 2012 (Kolonaki)

-Gaia Wines Wild Ferment Assyrtiko 2012 (Small Winemakers)

-Gerovassiliou Estate White Malagousia 2012 (Kolonaki)

-Costa Lazaridi Amythystos White Sauvignon Blanc 2012 (Dionysus)

-Hatzimichalis Chardonnay 2011 (Dionysus)

-Tsantali Rapsami Red 2010 (Churchill)

-Gaia Wines Agiorgitiko 2011 (Small Winemakers)

-Tselepos Driopi Reserve 2008 (Kolonaki)

-Kir Yianni Ramnista 2009 (Kolonaki)

-Kir Yianni Akakies 2009 (Kolonaki)

 

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

-Tsantali Makedonikos White 2011 (Churchill)

-Skouras Cuvee Prestige White 2012 (Kolonaki)

-Mediterra Xerolithia 2012 (Kolonaki)

-Spiropoulos Mantinia 2011 (Rubaiyat)

-Tselepos Mantinia 2012 (Kolonaki)

-GWC Apelia White 2012 (Dionysus)

-Boutari Malagouzia Matsa 2011 (Kolonaki)

-Santo Wines Assyrtiko Santorini 2011 (Churchill)

-Argyros Estate White 2011 (Kolonaki)

-Papaioannou Chardonnay 2011 (Kolonaki)

-Nico Lazaridi Chateau Rose 2012 (Vergina) $15.95

-Mediterra Mirambelo 2010 (Kolonaki)

-Nico Lazaridi Chateau Red 2009 (Vergina) $15.95

-Hatzimichalis Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Dionysus)

-Katogi-Strofilia Averoff Red 2008 (Vergina)

-Skouras St. George Nemea 2010 (Kolonaki)

-GWC Apelia Agiorgitiko 2010 (Dionysus)

-Thymiopoulos Young Vines Naoussa 2011 (Victory)

-Thymiopoulos Uranos Naoussa 2010 (Victory)

-Karydas Naoussa 2008 (Kolonaki)

-Katogi-Strofilia Naoussa 2007 (Vergina)

 

The Food: platters of hot appetizers, including steak tartare and mushrooms and off-dry rice balls. Plus lunch with three wines per course. First course was BC side shrimp salad with a spicy relish, followed by grilled trout with a white bean ragout, and then a flat iron steak with carrots and potatoes. Dessert (which I missed) was a sticky toffee pudding.

The Downside: I had to leave for another wine tasting (see below), so I skipped dessert and the three dessert wines (Vinsanto, Muscat)

The Upside: I loved the self-pour idea; it got away from agent/principal  pressures.

The Contact Person: gathanas@allaboutgreekwine.com

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Castello Banfi tasting and lunch, May 8/13

The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 8,

The Event: A lunch and tasting of Castello Banfi Vintners with Cristina Mariani-May, the co-CEO of the company, and Enrico Viglierchio, winemaker for over 15 years at Banfi.

The Venue: Sotto Sotto, Avenue Road

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue:

The Quote/Background: Enrico, at great length, talked to us about the terroirs of the four single vineyard barrel samples we tried. It was a thorough presentation of soils and elevations.

The Wines:

 

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

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2011 Sorrena Single Vineyard, barrel sample

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2011 Podernuova Single Vineyard, barrel sample

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2001

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1998 Poggio Alle Mura

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2007 Poggio Alle Mura Riserva

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 1995 Poggio All'Oro – my fave

 

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

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2011 Poggio d'Orcia Single Vineyard, barrel sample

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2011 Casanova Single Vineyard, barrel sample

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2007, $59.95

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2007 Poggio Alle Mura

-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2007 Poggio All'Oro

 

The Food: lunch was from the menu. We started with grilled seafood platters with Fontanelle 2011 Chardonnay, 14.5% ABV ($29.95), a charcuterie platter, cured salmon, grilled veggies, and a main. I had a filet mignon. The wines just melded into the food flavours.

The Downside: nothing, really.

The Upside: it was pretty impressive having Brunello tastings almost back-to-back like this.

The Contact Person: pdelpeschio@awsm.ca

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

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Niagara tastings (Marynissen, Ravine, Riverview Cellars) May 10/13

The Date and Time: Friday, May 10, 2013  3PM to 6Pm

The Event: Niagara winery visits before Ontario Wine Awards

The Venue: Ravine Vineyard, Marynissen, and Riverview Cellars.

The Target Audience: Konrad Ejbich and myself

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are available at the wineries.

The Quote/Background: we tasted in the tasting rooms.

The Wines:

 

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

-Marynissen Chardonnay 2009, $12.80

-Ravine Reserve Chardonnay Unfiltered 2009, $40

-Ravine Estate Chardonnay Barrel Select 2009, $40

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Riesling 2011, $17.95

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Red Coat 2011 [CF/CS/Merlot], $17.95

-Ravine Estate Meritage 2011, $24

-Riverview Cellars Syrah 2010, $29.95

-Riverview Cellars Salvatore's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $39.95

 

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

-Marynissen Summer Solstice 2011, $14.80 [90% Gewurz/10% Riesling]

-Marynissen Sauvignon Blanc 2010, $15.80

-Marynissen Cabernet Franc/Malbec 2009, $17.80

-Marynissen Cabernet Merlot Unfiltered 2009, $14.80

-Marynissen Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, $18.80

-Marynissen Syrah 2008, $9.80

-Ravine Estate Cabernet Sauvignon St. David's Bench 2008, $55

-Ravine Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon St. David's Bench 2008, $55

-Ravine Reserve merlot 2008, $55

-Ravine Reserve Cabernet Franc Picone Vineyard 2011, $40

-Ravine Reserve Red 2008 [40Merlot/43CabSauv/17CabFr], $55

-Ravine Stadtlander Reserve Red 2009, $55 [75CabSauv/25Merlot]

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Sauvignon Blanc 2009, $17.95

-Ravine Estate Chardonnay 2010, $24

-Ravine Estate Riesling 2011, $28

-Ravine Estate Merlot 2010, $34

-Ravine Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, $39

-Ravine Estate Cabernet Franc 2011, $32

-Ravine Cabernet Rose 2011, $22

-Riverview Cellars Angelina's Reserve Chardonnay 2011, $19.95 [wild ferment]

-Riverview Cellars Salvatore's Reserve Malbec 2011, $29.95

 

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

-Marynissen Road Block Chardonnay 2010, $14.80

-Marynissen Bottom's Up 2009, $17.80

-Marynissen 5 Red Boots 2008, $12.80

-Marynissen Solstice 2010, $14.80

-Ravine Sand & Gravel York Road White 2011 [Chard/SB/Riesling], $16.95

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Cabernet Franc 2011, $18.95

-Ravine Sand & Gravel Chardonnay 2011, $17.95

-Ravine Gewurztraminer 2012, $22

-Ravine Chardonnay Musque St. David's Bench 2011, $14 [375mL]

-Ravine Cabernet Rose 2010, $17

-Riverview Cellars Riesling 2011, $16.95

-Riverview Cellars Gewurztraminer 2011, $18.95

-Riverview Cellars "Rosso" Cabernet Merlot 2011, $16.95

-Riverview Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, $16.95

-Riverview Cellars Merlot 2011, $19.95

-Riverview Cellars Pinot Noir 2011, $19.95

 

The Contact Person: info@marynissen.com; Jennifer@ravinevineyard.com; winery@riverviewcellars.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 93

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

Major Ribera del Duero tasting in Toronto

 The Date and Time: Wed May 15, 2013  4:30 PM to 7 PM

The Event: ASEBOR wine tasting in Toronto (Montreal on May 13) – Asociacion de bogegueros de la Ribera del Duero.

The Venue: Westin Hotel

The Target Audience: wine media, agents and sommeliers

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was full and relatively complete, with some duplications and omissions. There were, as usual, some wines missing and others added. Prices were vague. Some principals were looking for agents.

The Quote/Background: there was to be a PowerPoint presentation of the Ribera at 4:30, but few people turned up, and so it was cancelled. More details are available at www.asebor.com

The Wines: I did not try all the wines, just the reds (Tempranillo).

 

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

-Asenjo & Manso Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2006

-Arroyo Crianza 2010

-Bod. Pascual Diodoro Autor 2005

-Pinord Vaquos Crianza 2007

-Matarromera Reserva 2006

-Valduero Reserva 2007

-Valduero Reserva Premium 6 Anos 2005

-Valduero Gran Reserva 2001

-Martin Berdugo Crianza 2010 $23.95 Amethyst

-Martin Berdugo MB 2008 $43.95 Amethyst

-Valdevinas Mirat Reserva 2004

-Garcia de Aranda PG Pedro Garcia 2009  17E FOB

-Garcia de Aranda Erades de Baldios Tinto Roble 2011   7E FOB

 

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

-Asenjo & Manso Ribera del Duero Silvanus 2009

-Asenjo & Manso Ribera del Duero Ceres Tempranillo 2009

-Arroyo Roble 2011

-Arroyo Reserva 2008

-Bod. Pascual Heredad de Penalosa 2011

-Bod. Pascual Buro de Penalosa 2009

-Bod. Pascual Buro Seleccion 2010

-Bod. Reyes Teofilo 2009

-Lagar de Isilla Joven 2012

-Lagar de Isilla Crianza 2009

-Pinord Vaquos Roble 2011

-Matarromera Crianza 2009

-Matarromera Emina Pasion 2011

-Valduero Crianza 2009

-Valduero Una Cepa 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes Crianza 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes El Nogal 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes El Picon 2009

-Pago de Los Capellanes Reserva 2009

-Martin Berdugo Joven 2011, $15.95 Amethyst

-Martin Berdugo Barrica 2011, $19.95  Amethyst

-Comenge Don Miguel 2009

-Valdevinas Tinar de Mirat Crianza 2004

-Garcia de Aranda Senorio de los Baldios Tinto Roble 2011   3.50E FOB

-Garcia de Aranda Senorio de los Baldios Tinto Crianza 2009   5.50E FOB

-Vitulia Roble 2010

-Vitulia Crianza 2009

-Vega Clara Mario VC 2010 (25% CabSauv)

-Vega Claro 10 Almendros 2012

 

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

-Arroyo Joven 2012

-Bod. Reyes Tamiz 2011

-Lagar de Isilla Roble 2011

-Pinord Vaquos Cosecha 2011

-Matarromera Melior 2011

-Comenge Tempranillo 2008

-Comenge Biberius

-Valdevinas Torrelanga Crianza 2006

 

The Food: platters of cheese, breads, meats – but late, after many had left.

The Downside: the show did not seem to be well publicized. There were just a smattering of wine writers and some sommeliers/buyers.

The Upside: rare wine tasting in Toronto from a prominent area. Actually, any wine tasting in Toronto from Spain is rare.

The Contact Person: Rafael ralfaro@ibfintercambi.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade):84

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com

 

Beaulolais Luncheon at Acadia BBQ, with Anthony Collet, May 15/13

 The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 15, 2013   11:45AM to 2 PM

The Event: Luncheon with Anthony Collet of Inter Beaujolais for a discussion on new trends in Beaujolais and the BBQ appeal

The Venue: Acadia Restaurant

The Target Audience: lifestyle media

The Availability/Catalogue: there were 12 wines, but three were only available in Quebec.

The Quote/Background: M. Collet began with a summary of recent Beaujolais vintages and activities. Anthony spoke on pairing Beaujolais wines with BBQ and spicings from India, Korea, New Orleans, and Portugal. We had about three wines per course in an ABC comparison (see below). It was a perfect warm day to be outdoors.

The Wines:

 

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

-Domaine Joseph Burrier Saint-Amour Cote de Besset 2009, SAQ $25.85

-Villa Ponciago Fleurie La Reserve 2011, +299917, $21.95

-Domaine du Vissoux Moulin a Vent Les Trois Roches 2010, SAQ $24.75

-Domaine Piron-Lameloise Chenas Quartz 2009, +240481, $22.50

 

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

-Chateau des Jacques Beaujolais Blanc Grand Clos de Loyse 2010, SAQ, $19.75

-Jacques Depagneux Morgon Cote du Py 2011, +299925, $18.95

-Chateau de Pierreux Brouilly 2011, +5496 $18.95

-Domiane Manoir du Carra Julienas 2010, +290981 $19.95

 

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

-Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Fun 2009, +228155, $10.95

-Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages Combe aux Jacques 2011, +365924, $17.95

-Bouchard Aine & Fils Beaujolais Superieur 2011, +9431, $11.95

-Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages 2010, +122077, $12.95

 

The Food: The international style luncheon was created by Chef Patrick Kriss. We began with two creole shrimps with grits and savoury cornbread, followed by piri piri chicken thigh and yogurt with warm potato salad. Saint-Amour won. The grilled eggplant with curry was matched by the Fleurie. The Korean short rib (an almost perfect 2 inch x 2 inch x 2 inch cube) accompanied by crispy rice met its matches with the Moulin a Vent and the Chenas. The dark chocolate ganache dessert was interesting, and the better Beaujolais were useful. The Fun could have worked well since it was off-dry. I would have just preferred some cheese and bread.

The Downside: I was looking for some bargains, but if you look at my choices, you will see that it all plays out in price order. You get what you pay for…

The Upside: a great chance to test some BBQ against Beaujolais wine.

The Contact Person: renee@thesirengroup.com

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

 

Chimo!  www.deantudor.com