The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour, Toronto 2016.

The Date and Time: Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 1PM to 5PM

The Event: The Great New Zealand Wine Tiki Tour, Toronto 2016.

The Venue: ROM

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available through the LCBO, Consignment or private order. Once again, the New Zealand catalogue was a model, with great notes on the industry, styles of wine, contact pages, names of wines and prices, where available, etc.

The Quote/Background: Canada is now #4 in receiving exported Kiwi Savvy. We learned this, as well as differing terroirs, in the seminar which featured 17 wines. Those wines have been folded into the notes below.

The Wines: I did not taste all wines.

 

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

-Te Mania Sauvignon Blanc Nelson 2015, $19.99 PO Small Winemakers

-Palliser Estate Sauvignon Blanc Martinborough 2015, $38.95  Family Wine Merchants

-Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013, $39.95 PO Connexion Oenophilia

-Te Pa Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $19.95  +450668 Vintages

-Pasquale Pinot Noir Waitaki Central Otago 2012, $49 Trilogy

-Wither Hills Pinot Noir Marlborough 2012, $34.95  Select

-te Pa Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $24.95 PO Family Wine Merchants

 

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

-Pegasus Bay Sauvignon Semillon Waipara Valley 2013,  $32   Woodman

-Te Mata Estate Cape Crest Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay 2014, $33.95  PO Lifford

-Rapaura Springs Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $21.95   Vinexx

-Ara Single Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Waihopai, $21.95 PO Charton Hobbs

-Villa Maria Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $29.95 P. Dandurand

-Stoneleigh Wild Valley Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Wild Ferment, $18.95 Corby

-Ara Single Estate Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $23.95 PO  Charton Hobbs

-Forrest Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $25.95 Abcon

-Pasquale Chardonnay Waitaki Central Otago 2012, $39 Trilogy

-Wither Hills Rarangi Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $24.95  Select

-Squealing Pig Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014, $24.95 +427211 Vintages

-Waipara Hills Pinot Noir Central Otago 2013, $23.95  Mondia Alliance

-Nobilo Icon Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $24.75 +66803 Vintages

-Nobilo Icon Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $24.95 +912337 Vintages Sept 3/16

-Sacred Hill Orange Label Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014, $21.95  Family Wine Merchants

-Spy Valley Pinot Noir Marlborough 2013, $24.95 +734681 Vintages

-Spy Valley ENVOY Johnson Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014,$29.95 +429308 VCat

-te Pa Oke Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, $24.95 PO Family Wine Merchants

-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah Hawke's Bay 2014, $29.95 PO P Dandurand

 

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

-Villa Maria Private Bin Lightly Sparkling Sauvignon Blanc 2015, $17.95 +429969 GL

-Forrest The Doctors' Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 [Low Al] Abcon

-Whitehaven Greg Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Awatere, $24.95  E & J Gallo

-Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 Awatere, $24.95  Trialto

-Tiki Estate Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015 Upper Wairau, $16.95 PO Churchill Cellars

-Saint Clair Wairu Reserve Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015, PO PMA Canada

-Ngatarawa Stables Reserve Syrah Hawke's Bay 2015, $22.95 PO EPIC Wines

 

The Food: from the ubiquitous Daniel et Daniel – charcuterie plates with smoked duck breast; international cheeses; breads; veggies; sandwich quarters [tea?], pate and terrines.

The Downside: there seemed to be a lighter attendance than in previous years.

The Upside: a good seminar presentation.

The Contact Person: nzwine@ketchin.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Ontario's Southwest City Fare 2016

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 26, 2016  4PM to 6PM

The Event: Ontario's Southwest City Fare 2016

The Venue: 99 Sudbury

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: there was a passport to keep track of where you were. It was all organized by iyellow Wine Club.

The Quote/Background: over 40 wine, beer and culinary vendors were present, along with actual chefs, brewmasters and winemakers. So I made three pasts, starting with wine, then beer, and then food (I had lunch earlier in the day).

The Wines: I was most interested in wines, but I did not try them all. All wines are from Southwest Ontario, all are VQA.

 

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

-North 42 Degrees Cabernet Franc 2013 $20.95

-Muscadere Merlot 2014  $20

 

 

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

-North 42 Degrees Riesling 2012 $17.95

-North 42 Degrees Gewurztraminer 2013 $19.95

-North 42 Degrees Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 $20.95

-Oxley Wowza 2014 [white] $16.95

-Oxley Rose 2013 $15.95

-Oxley Cabernet Merlot 2013 $18.95

-Muscadere Cabernet Sauvignon 2012  $30

-Cooper's Hawk Chardonnay Unoaked 2013  $14.95

-Cooper's Hawk Cabernet Merlot 2013 Reserve  $18.95

-Cooper's Hawk Touche Gewurtztraminer/Riesling [2014]  $18.95

-Colio Lily Sparkling   $16.95

-Sprucewood Shores Riesling 2015   $13.95

-Sprucewood Shores Lady in Red Cabernet Merlot 2013   $14.95

 

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

-North 42 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2012 $17.95

-North 42 Degrees Pinot Noir 2013 $19.95

-Quai du Vin Amore Muscat Petillants 2015  $14

-Oxley Cabernet Franc 2013 $18.95

-Muscadere Riesling 2014  $16

 

 

BEERS: There were so many to sample, and just about everybody could not believe that I only wanted half an ounce to tasting (no swallowing). There is a Ontario's Southwest Ale Trail map, compiled by Blue Elephant Craft Brew House (with beer on site such as North Shore lager). I sampled, and enjoyed among others, Dead Elephant ale (Railway City Brewing), Dubbel and Belgian Blond (New Limburg), Troll Toll (Refined Fool), 1815 Gluten-Free ale (Strathroy Brewing), Dakota Peach [potato] ale (Ramblin' Road).

 

There were also hard apple ciders: Bonnie Heath Estate produced a good regular and an apple-cherry cider.

 

The Food: such a huge variety – Teresa and Tony's Original Kettlecorn (made from a "mushroom" variety of popping corn, with smooth rounded globes and low husks); Philippe Lehner's Habitual chocolate (wafer chocolate 56%); Pauline Bucek's Sixthirtynine (maple glazed goat meatballs) in Woodstock for casual fine dining; Elmhurst Inn's BBQ pulled Berkshire pork; Mountainoak Cheese's Gouda, flavoured with wild nettle, or smoked, or with black truffle; Debb's cuisine (Bourbon Street Caesar, chicken breast with fried goat cheese) on Queen in Dunnville; the Windsoreats Traveller Mobile Bar; marshmallows from the Arts and Cookery Bank; Cindy Walker's Chocolatea bacon chocolate, lavendar drops, and vanilla bean chocolates; Smackwater Jack's Taphouse and the pig rinds with bacon cream; the smoked duck on cinnamon with Stilton at Pickles Please; and queso fresco at Local Dairy.

The Downside: it got crowded really fast

The Upside: a chance to takes Ontario Southwest, which appears all too infrequently in Toronto.

The Contact Person: info@iyellowwineclub.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW WINE BEVERAGES TASTED THIS MONTH –

1.Maison Saint Aix AIX Rose 2015 Coteaux d'Aix en Provence, +451906, $21.95 Vintages: Made from the promising grapes of grenache, cinsault, syrah and counoise. Expect fresh orchard fruit tones with a soft finish, best as a sipper or with salads and simple pan- fried or grilled fish. Great colour. 13% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Chateau des Charmes Gamay Noir 2014 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, $13.95, +57349 LCBO: medium-bodied, suggestive of Beaujolais (same grape variety). Easy drinking of (sour) cherry-berry flavours with occasional nuances of spices. No oaking. Best for patios, parties, BBQ. Ready now, but with some tannic structure to carry through a whole meal. 12.7% ABV, cork closure. A very popular wine (about 2500 cases made). Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

3.Chateau des Charmes Pinot Noir Old Vines 2011 VQA NOTL, +256834, $18.95: A re-order from Vintages (112 cases)– quite a powerful wine (the 2007 was a Cuvee winner), lots of forest floor (mushrooms, earth) to complement the red fruit. Could still use some time. 13% ABV. Considering its age, extremely good value. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

 

4.La Crema Chardonnay Monterey 2014, +158683 Vintages, $26.95: this is a Vintages re-order of the Monterey appellation Chardonnay from La Crema, but for the later 2014 harvest. Last June the release in Ontario was at the same price, when the CAD was better. So it becomes more of a bargain now. It is pretty much a cool climate chardonnay and fills a niche in the California Chardonnay landscape. It's angularity stresses brightness in the orchard fruit, with a nice lemony finish. Most of it was aged for 5 months in primarily French oak (15% new), the balance in stainless; the 13.5% ABV is down a bit from the 2013. Nuances of light oaking show with a reduced vanilla feel but still with a full body. Good price. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

5.Henry of Pelham Old Vines Baco Noir 2014 VQA Ontario, +459966, $19.95 LCBO General List: low yielding grapes come from 1984 and later plantings in Short Hills Bench area. As with their previous baco noirs, HOP has maintained both the rich jammy black currant spicy character and the low price – under $20. Both new and older (one/two year old) US barrels are used for 14 months aging. It is still needs another year or so for proper aging, but with decanting it can be enjoyed now. 13.5% ABV. One of the top bacos at the LCBO. Works best with pronounced meats such as pork, lamb, farmed or wild game – all either braised or grilled. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Dry Furmint 2014 Hungary, +445718 Vintages, $16.95: a solid Hungarian wine, the basis for Tokaij, but here done up in a dry style. The apricot tones still shine through, although muted without the sugar. A good wine for summer quaffing, very pleasant and thoroughly enjoyable. Try with a fish salad. 12% ABV, cork finish. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! Nanban (Clarkson Potter)

NANBAN; Japanese soul food (Clarkson Potter, 2015, 256 pages, ISBN 978-0-553-45985-2, $35 USD hardbound) is by Tim Anderson, now proprietor of the Nanban pop-up restaurants. This is stick-to-the-ribs comfort food that is packed with flavour. He has 110 preps, all Japanized European dishes (Nanban means "southern barbarian" the initial name for Europeans in Japan who arrived from the East Indies). This applies to dishes like fried chicken and escabeche. The recipes are divided into seven sections: fundamentals, small dishes, large dishes, grilled, ramen, desserts, and drinks. Most of the recipes are for two or four people. Each prep has English titles and Japanese pictographs, and there are stories behind each one. Preparations have their ingredients listed in mainly metric and avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of equivalents.

Audience and level of use: loves of Japanese food looking for more than sushi.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: kurume-style ramen; tea-pickled eggs; kushiyaki; tempura; mentaiko pasta; karashi renkon; whippy-san; hiyashi chuka.

The downside to this book: strange flexi-binding but it should hold OK. I always photocopy recipes first anyway, to reduce stress on the book.

The upside to this book: good looking photographs.

Quality/Price Rating: 89.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MAY 28, 2016.

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for MAY 28, 2016.

=======================================================

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My Internet compendium "Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net", a guide to thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers and spirits, has been at www.deantudor.com since 1994.

 

So many people have asked me for wine recommendations, with numbers only. The readers' most common response is that while they like what I say, they only relate to the score. The score is a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, where e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone and not like a Northern Rhone) and Quality/Price Ratio. Let's take it for granted that, e.g., a Riesling tastes like a Riesling, and the wine has some value in the marketplace either above or below its selling price. This way too I can also cover more wines.

 

This restructured wine newsletter for the Ontario market, with wines available through the LCBO and Vintages on a bi-weekly basis, can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at www.deantudor.com

 

20 under $20

=========

W-Pieropan Soave Classico 2014, +946848, $17.95, 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR:  88.

W-Puklus Pinceszet Tokaji Dry Furmint 2014 Hungary, 12% ABV, +445718, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Provolo Camptorbian Ripass Valpolicella Superiore 2011,  14% A, +974402, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Fielding Red Conception 2013 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 13% A,  +189183, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Finca El Origen Estate Reserva Torrontes 2015 Salta, 14.3% A, +262089, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Montgras Antu Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 Maipo, 14.5%ABV, +444703, $17.95, +MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Rustenberg Chardonnay 2014 WO Stellenbosch, 14%ABV, +598631, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

W-Domaine de Rocherin Vieille Vignes Bourgogne Chardonnay 2014, 12.5% ABV, +445254, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90

W-Charles Bove Vouvray 2014, 11.5% ABV, +448563, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 91.

R-Chateau du Donjon Grande Tradition Minervois 2012, 14% ABV, +275578, $15.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Santa Duc Les Vieilles Vignes Cotes du Rhone 2009, 14% ABV, +101543, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 92.

W-Muga Barrel Fermented White Rioja 2015,  13.5% ABV, +958736, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Borsao Tres Picos Garnacha 2014 Campo de Borja, 15% ABV, +273748, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Baron de Magana 2010 Navarra, 14.5% ABV, +280552, $19.95,  MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Masserie Pisari Primitivo 2013 IGT Salento Rosso, 14% ABV, +270306, $13.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Cant. Tollo Aldiano Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Riserva 2011, 14% , +51706, $19.95, MVC/QPR: 88

W-Fratelli Povero Terre del Conte Roero Arneis 2014, 13% ABV, +436915, $16.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Chateau Peyros Vieilles Vignes Madiran 2010, 14% ABV, +234997, $18.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Benmarco Malbec 2013 Uco Mendoza, 14% ABV, +657601, $17.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Familia Garces Silva Boya Pinot Noir 2013 Leyda,  13% ABV,  +444711, $14.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

 

20 over $20

========

Sparkling – Jackson-Triggs Entourage Grand Reserve Brut 2011 MT VQA Niagara Peninsula, 12% ABV, +234161, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Allegrini Palazzo della Torre 2012 IGT Veronese, 13.5%ABV, +672931, $24.95,  MVC/QPR: 91.

R-Cantine di Ora Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2013, 14.5% ABV, +451666, $22.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-Grgich Hills Estate Chardonnay 2013 Napa, 14.1% ABV, +346304, $67.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Tawse Growers Blend Pinot Noir 2011 VQA Niagara Peninsula, 13% ABV, +130989, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

W-La Crema Chardonnay 2014 Russian River  Sonoma, 13.5% A,  $39.95, +67231, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay 2013 Columbia Valley, 13.5%A,+232439, $20.95, MVC/QPR:88

W-Kim Crawford Wild Grace Small Parcels Chardonnay 2013, 13% ,+378604, $24.95,  MVC/QPR:92

R-Domaine Mathieu Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2012, 15% ABV, +971564, $41.95,  MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2010, 14% ABV, +378257, $54.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Ruffino Ducale Oro Riserva Gran Selezione Chianti Classico 2010, 14.5% ABV, +353201, $47.95, MVC/QPR: 90

R-La Tercera Reserva 2010 Rioja, 13.5% ABV, +432443, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Lopez de Haro Gran Reserva 2008 Rioja, 14% ABV< +431973, $27.95, MVC/QPR: 91.

R-Tobia Seleccion Crianza 2010 Rioja, 14% ABV, +364828, $21.95, MVC/QPR: 89.

R-Carpineto Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Riserva 2010, 13.5% A,  +368910, $29.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

W-Pascal Bouchard Les Champs Blancs Chablis 2014, 12.5% ABV, +445338, $26.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Vasse Felix Filius Cabernet/Merlot 2013 Margaret River, 14.5% A, +446682, $24.95, MVC/QPR: 88

R-John Glaetzer John's Blend No. 38 Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Langhorne Creek, 14.5% ABV, +927640, $39.95, MVC/QPR: 88.

R-Ridge Vineyards Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Monte Bello  Santa Cruz, 13.5% ABV, +89284, $74.95, MVC/QPR: 90.

R-Bachelder La Petite Charmotte Nuits Saint Georges 2013, 13% A, +357228, $58.95,MVC/QPR: 89.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Lunch with Jean-Edouard de Rochebouet, Director General of Atamisque in Uco Mendoza Argentina

The Date and Time: Tuesday, May 10, 2016 Noon - 2PM

The Event: Lunch with Jean-Edouard de Rochebouet, Director General of Atamisque in Uco Mendoza Argentina

The Venue: Le Select Bistro

The Availability/Catalogue: Two reds were listed last year at Vintages, two more will be coming this fall. These latter two were the reds I tasted today. Previously, I had rated the earlier two as: 

-BODEGA ATAMISQUE SERBAL ASSEMBLAGE 2012 Tupungato  +415331 $19.95 (100 cases) 14.5%ABV Varietal: Cabernet Franc Blend Gothic Epicures Rating: 3.5 stars

-ATAMISQUE MALBEC 2011 Old Vines (90 yr old) La Consulta (252 cases) +415208 $29.95

14.5% ABV Varietal: Malbec Gothic Epicures Rating: 4 stars

The Quote/Background: JE described the terroir and the winemaking processes. 80% of the production is for export, mainly to US and Canada. Atamisque makes 18 different wines with different clones at different selling prices. In 2016 they will make about half a million bottles, just under 42,000 cases. They have a capacity for one million bottles. This has been the fastest selling wine for the agent in Ontario. MCO says they have had four orders in a year. Atamisque is also known for selling grapes to Catena.

The Wines: Both wines had labels picturing local trees.

 

-Bodega Atamisque Serbal Malbec 2014 Tupungato, Uco Mendoza, $16.95 +444737 Sept 17 Vintages: earthy, forest floor, black fruit nose with a spicy finish for aromatics. Deep pluminess as a well-modulated and dense Malbec, good structure and brightness on the palate. No wood. Six months bottle aging. 14% ABV. 594 cases ordered. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

-Bodega Atamisque Catalpa Malbec 2013 Tupungato, Uco Mendoza, $19.95 +194126 Oct 1 Vintages Arrive in Style – High-Scoring/High-volume New World Wines: deep black fruit nose with mocha, vanillin oak expressions, more cherry-berry intensity on the palate. Some would say a good mouth-feel.14.8% ABV. One year French oak, 50% second use. 1500 (!) cases ordered. Could also taste better a year from now. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

The Food: off the menu. I had duck leg confit. And of course it was a good fit.

The Contact Person: jer@atamisque.com; mco@mcowines.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Porto and Douro Wine Tasting - IVDP

The Date and Time: Monday May 2, 2016, 4PM to 8 PM

The Event: Porto and Douro Wine Tasting - IVDP

The Venue: Hyatt Regency King Street

The Target Audience: wine trade and consumers.

The Availability/Catalogue: Wines were largely available as future arrivals in the LCBO system or by consignment. There were fewer wines than last year from fewer producers. Five agents manned the tables. We had blank pages for a catalogue.

The Quote/Background: There was a seminar ahead of the show but I was unable to attend.

The Wines: There was no over all listing and notes were handscribed over the noise. My apologies for lack of information and errors.

 

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

-Grahams 20 Year Old Port  Mark Anthony

-Crasto Superior Douro Red 2013, $32 FWP

-Crasto Reserva 20122, $41  FWP

-Murcas Reserva Red Douro 2011, $42   Eurovintage

-Taylor's 40 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-Taylor's 30 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-Taylor's 20 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-C. da Silva Douro Colheita Porto 1995  Case for Wine, $35 PO

-DFJ Vinhos Vega 2013 Red Douro, $15 – 17   FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Escada 2007 Red Douro, $40 – 42  FWP

 

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

-Warre Otima 10 Year Old Tawny Port, +566174, 500 ml, $21.95

-C. da Silva Douro Red 2012, +452714, ~$13.95 Vintages Sept/16

-Quinta do Convento Douro 2013, Eurovintage

-Senhora do Convento Tawny 10 year old Port, Eurovintage

-Crasto Red 2014, $20.25  FWP

-Esporao Assobio 2015 White Douro, $15 – 17 Eurovintage

-Esporao Assobio 2014 Red Douro, $15 – 17  Eurovintage

-Taylor's 10 Year Old Port   Sylvestre

-J Rosas Quinta da Touriga Puro Red 2013 $17-18   FWP

-DFJ Vinhos Patamar Reserva 2013 Red Douro, $23 – 24  FWP

 

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

-Senhora do Convento Red Douro 2012, Eurovintage

-Crasto White Douro 2014, $16.10 FWP

 

The Food: good bread and water, with www.davidhchow.com providing great artisanal chocolates, some designed just for this event. There was "Figo" (fig + port jam, vincotto ganache), "Avela" (milk chocolate and hazelnut praline), "Tablet" (dark chocolate, sundried cherries, dried raspberries; another version had black figs and pistachios), "Miele" (Ontario buckwheat honey, salted walnut, dark chocolate ganache), and my fave: "Tonka" (salted butter,caramel, and pecan). Wonderful craftsmanship, often better than the wines!

The Downside: it got crowded really fast, and there were few wines to try.

The Upside: great tawnies.

The Contact Person: madison@wolffpublicrelations.com

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 82.

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! Southern Spirits (Ten Speed Press)

 

SOUTHERN SPIRITS (Ten Speed Press, 2016, 316 pages, ISBN 978-1-60774-867-0, $24.99 USD hardbound) is by Robert F. Moss, a food and drink writer in Charleston, South Carolina. He has written free-lance articles plus books on southern BBQ and dining. Here, he expands on four hundr3d years of drinking in the American south, with archival black and white illustrations and with recipes. While most people will relate to moonshine and mint juleps, southerners also drank lagers, applejack, and peach brandy/bourbon  (precursor to Southern Comfort) and imported beverages such as Madeira, cognac, and rye.

He does a great job in dispelling the "bourbon" myth as being the only drink. The research is fascinating and impeccable. There is a bibliography and an index, with all the 25 drink recipes collated together under the entry "Recipes" as well as alphabetically within the main index itself. These preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents.

Audience and level of use: culinary historians; Southern US history buffs; drinkers.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: apple cider sidecar; black walnut orgeat; coca-cola simple syrup; creole contentment; moonshine margarita; ramos gin fizz; rum punch.

The downside to this book: I would have liked more recipes.

The upside to this book: he's a culinary historian, so it is a well-researched package.

Quality/Price Rating: 92.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

* FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH! *

NOURISH; whole food recipes featuring seeds, nuts & beans (Whitecap, 2015, 224 pages, ISBN 978-1-77050-243-7, $29.95 CDN paper covers) is by Nettie Cronish (cookbook author, veggie chef) and Cara Rosenbloom, RD. And ounce for ounce, you really cannot beat any combo of seeds, nuts and beans for nutritional value. The health benefits flow from fibre, protein, and oils contained within these embryotic eggs of the veggie world. Coupled with meats/dairy/seafood, they can provide anything that men desire in the way of food. My regular breakfast is a combo of seeds (hemp, chia, sesame, ground flax, sunflower, pumpkin) and nuts (peanuts, almonds) with an ever changing sauce or liquid. Often, I have a lunch or dinner of "fagioli e minestri" (Italian for beans and greens). At dinner I add Italian sausage, maybe some pasta. Hey, that's my ideal food day! So I am already converted. After the primer describing these ingredients, the arrangement is by course, apps through desserts. The 101 preparations have their ingredients listed in both metric and avoirdupois measurements.

Audience and level of use: those looking for more nutrition and flavours in their lives.

Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: chicken, greens and beans stew; strawberry kale salad with garam masala-spiced seeds; almond fennel celery slaw; watermelon salad with chickpeas and feta; fruit crisp with pumpkin seed crumble; scrambled eggs with black beans and salsa.

The downside to this book: nothing really, very comprehensive, maybe it could use a few more preps.

The upside to this book: there is a bibliography and a nutritional analysis.

Quality/Price Rating: 90.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

RE: The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen, April 2016

Thanks Dean!

 

Liz Morellato Trade Marketing Manager
Ph: +1 416 367 5600 Ext.19 |  Toronto, ON

From: Dean Tudor [mailto:dtudor@pathcom.com]
Sent: May 17, 2016 6:51 PM
To: blog1 <dtudor2.epicures@blogger.com>
Subject: The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen, April 2016

 

The Date and Time: Wednesday April 27, 2016  2PM to 5 PM

The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen.

The Venue: Select Wines Office

The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers.

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are at Vintages or LCBO general listing; others are TBD or private order.

The Quote/Background: Ernst talked about his Washington State venture with Chateau Ste. Michelle, emphasizing the similarities of terrain and micro-climates. In Mosel, he insists on fully mature fruit that has been strictly selected and with minimal technology. Sustainability and organic principles are also followed.

The Wines: Of course, Germany is the largest producer of Riesling wines in the world.

 

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

-Dr. Loosen Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG (Great Growth) Dry 2014, TBD

-Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2015 Bernkastel, +160846, $22.95  8% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV, $40 – 50 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV $60 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2005, +62778, $108.25 375 mL bottle

 

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

-Dr. L Riesling Sparkling NV, +296095, $14.95

-Dr. L Riesling Dry 2015 Mosel, +423566, $13.95

-Dr. L Riesling 2014 Mosel, +599274, $13.95

-Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett Mosel Single Vineyard 2015 Bernkasteler, TBD $25 - 30 7.5% ABV

 

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

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2014 Pfalz, +291971, $12.95

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Riesling Dry 2014 Pfalz, +394023, $12.95

 

The Food: international cheeses from the Cheese Boutique, biscuits, breads.

The Downside: Ernst spoke a lot, I wished that I had a recorder.

The Upside: I personally really learned a lot, especially from the very attractive booklet we were given. All of the wines were carefully exp0lained and mapped; the pictures were vivid.

The Contact Person: morellato@selectwines.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen, April 2016

The Date and Time: Wednesday April 27, 2016  2PM to 5 PM

The Event: Dr. Loosen Masterclass Mosel Tasting of Riesling and Pfalz Pinot Noir, with Ernst Loosen.

The Venue: Select Wines Office

The Target Audience: wine writers and sommeliers.

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are at Vintages or LCBO general listing; others are TBD or private order.

The Quote/Background: Ernst talked about his Washington State venture with Chateau Ste. Michelle, emphasizing the similarities of terrain and micro-climates. In Mosel, he insists on fully mature fruit that has been strictly selected and with minimal technology. Sustainability and organic principles are also followed.

The Wines: Of course, Germany is the largest producer of Riesling wines in the world.

 

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

-Dr. Loosen Graacher Himmelreich Riesling GG (Great Growth) Dry 2014, TBD

-Dr. Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett Mosel 2015 Bernkastel, +160846, $22.95  8% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Kabinett Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV

-Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Spatlese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV, $40 – 50 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Erdener Pralat Riesling Auslese Goldkapsel Single Vineyard Old Vines 2014, TBD 7.5% ABV $60 TBD

-Dr. Loosen Urziger Wurzgarten Riesling Beerenauslese Single Vineyard Old Vines 2005, +62778, $108.25 375 mL bottle

 

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

-Dr. L Riesling Sparkling NV, +296095, $14.95

-Dr. L Riesling Dry 2015 Mosel, +423566, $13.95

-Dr. L Riesling 2014 Mosel, +599274, $13.95

-Dr. Loosen Riesling Kabinett Mosel Single Vineyard 2015 Bernkasteler, TBD $25 - 30 7.5% ABV

 

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

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Pinot Noir 2014 Pfalz, +291971, $12.95

-E Loosen Villa Wolf Riesling Dry 2014 Pfalz, +394023, $12.95

 

The Food: international cheeses from the Cheese Boutique, biscuits, breads.

The Downside: Ernst spoke a lot, I wished that I had a recorder.

The Upside: I personally really learned a lot, especially from the very attractive booklet we were given. All of the wines were carefully exp0lained and mapped; the pictures were vivid.

The Contact Person: morellato@selectwines.ca

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com