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Sunday, October 30, 2011

THE RESTAURANT/CELEBRITY COOKBOOK...

...is one of the hottest trends in cookbooks.
Actually, they've been around for many years, but never in such
proliferation. They are automatic sellers, since the book can be
flogged at the restaurant or TV show and since the chef ends up being a
celebrity somewhere, doing guest cooking or catering or even turning up
on the Food Network. Most of these books will certainly appeal to fans
of the chef and/or the restaurant and/or the media personality. Many of
the recipes in these books actually come off the menus of the
restaurants involved. Occasionally, there will be, in these books,
special notes or preps, or recipes for items no longer on the menu.
Stories or anecdotes will be related to the history of a dish. But
because most of these books are American, they use only US volume
measurements for the ingredients; sometimes there is a table of metric
equivalents, but more often there is not. I'll try to point this out.
The usual shtick is "favourite recipes made easy for everyday cooks".
There is also PR copy on "demystifying ethnic ingredients". PR bumpf
also includes much use of the magic phrase "mouth-watering recipes" as
if that is what it takes to sell such a book. I keep hearing from
readers, users, and other food writers that some restaurant recipes
(not necessarily from these books) don't seem to work, but how could
that be? They all claim to be kitchen tested for the home, and many
books identify the food researcher by name. Most books are loaded with
tips, techniques, and advice, as well as gregarious stories about life
in the restaurant world. Photos abound, usually of the chef bounding
about. The celebrity books, with well-known chefs or entertainers, seem
to have too much self-involvement and ego. And, of course, there are a
lot of food shots, verging on gastroporn. The endorsements are from
other celebrities in a magnificent case of logrolling. If resources are
cited, they are usually American mail order firms, with websites. Some
companies, though, will ship around the world, so don't ignore them
altogether. Here's a rundown on the latest crop of such books –
 

14. VEGAN FAMILY MEALS; real food for everyone (Andrews McMeel
Publishing, 2011; distr. Simon & Schuster, 258 pages, ISBN 978-1-4494-
0237-2, $25 US hard covers) is by Ann Gentry who owns Real Food Daily
in Los Angeles. She's written other vegan cookbooks, she's the
executive chef to Vegetarian Times magazine, and she has her own
cooking show on the Dish Network. Even so, the publisher thought it
best to have some log rolling from Deepak Chopra himself. Her current
book adds to the repertoire of vegan cookery by also making it more
accessible to regular people who are looking for a healthier lifestyle.
Healthwise, a vegan diet reduces mortality. Meatless diets promote
lower levels of cholesterol, lower blood pressure, reduced chances of
type 2 diabetes and renal disease and dementia. Here are about 100
preps for the whole family to enjoy, for breakfasts, snacks,
sandwiches, family-style simple meals, and the like. Preparations have
their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there are
tables of metric equivalents. Try some non-dairy milkshakes, potato-
salad with tarragon-mustard dressing, nishime-style root veggies, South
American meatless stew stuffed in a kabocha squash, baked kale chips
(crumbly), or edamame and spinach hummus with endive spears.
Quality/price rating: 88.
 

15. MY FATHER'S DAUGHTER; delicious easy recipes celebrating family and
togetherness (Grand Central Life & Style, 2011; distr. Hachette, 272
pages, ISBN 978-0-446-55731-3, $30 US hard covers) is by noted actress
Gwyneth Paltrow, daughter of writer-producer-director Bruce Paltrow,
who died in 2002. There's some log rolling by Mario Batali, who is also
a co-author with Gwyneth of "Spain, A Culinary Road Trip". She's also
host of a PBS series on Spain. The Spanish themes continue as Paltrow
was an exchange student, and there are many Spanish recipes in this
book among the 150 or so listed. The book is part memoir, so this tome
will also appeal to her fans, and doubly so for those who care to cook.
It is a tribute to her father who inspired in her a love of cooking.
The book is NOT to be dismissed as a celebrity fluff piece (who would
expect to find a recipe here for sriracha Thai hot sauce?). It is
actually quite good, with reliable family-style preps such as tuna and
ginger burgers, white bean soup, fish stew, spaghetti alla vongole,
broiled salmon with teriyaki, and others. Each recipe has some memory
piece, ingredients are listed in boldface, there's service numbers, and
preparation times. There are icons to represent a make-ahead, a quick
prep, a vegetarian dish, a one-pot meal, and a dress-up meal for
sophisticated diners. Preparations have their ingredients listed in
avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents.
The photos of plated dishes look pretty good. There are some notes on
vegan recipes and kid-friendly recipes. At the end, there's a list of
"reliable online resources". Quality/price rating: 89.
 

16. FEARLESS BAKER; scrumptious cakes, pies, cobblers, cookies and
quick breads that you can make to impress your friends and yourself
(Little, Brown and Co.,; distr. Hachette, 288 pages, ISBN 978-0-316-
07428-5, $29.99 US hard covers) is by Emily Luchetti (executive pastry
chef at Farallon and Waterbar in San Francisco, plus a 2004 Beard
Award) and Lisa Weiss (food author of several cookbooks). Log rolling
comes from Mireille Guiliano (French Women Don't Get Fat) and David
Lebovitz. There's a full range here, including bars, tarts, fruit,
sauces, and breakfast. The colourful illustrations are retro, and they
look terrific. The 175 preps all come with overall caveats: read the
prep first, measure everything, never improvise the first time, preheat
the oven, use a timer. Each prep comes with a chart between the two
authors; this replaces the general paragraph on tips and advice.
Equipment lists are noted in red; ingredient lists are noted in
boldface albeit in smaller typeface size. Preparations have their
ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there are tables of
metric equivalents.
Try almond-chocolate chip cookies, blondies, lemon angel food cake,
macaroon cake, dried cherry and apricot bread pudding, lemon Prosecco
sabayon with raspberry and blackberries, and apple turnovers. There is
also a sources list. Quality/price rating: 87.
 

17. LIVE RAW; raw food recipes for good health and timeless beauty
(Skyhorse Publishing, 2011; distr. T. Allen, 226 pages, ISBN 978=1-
61608-274-1, $16.95 US paper covers) is by Mimi Kirk, a television host
and writer. There are more than 120 recipes here, and the appeal is
wide. Nothing really strange. Her advice and tips include a
detoxification program for cleansing, what foods you need to eat every
day, and some beauty tips. There's material on maintaining memory and
mobility, the evils of eating animals, and how to stay young at all
ages. One major advantage of raw food is that no cooking required: an
excellent plan for hot summers or for those short on time. But still,
many foods need a dehydrator, sometimes for 10 hours or so at 105-110
degrees (pizza takes 19 hours). Preparations have their ingredients
listed in avoirdupois measurements, but there is no table of metric
equivalents. Typical recipes are given for smoothies and juices,
breakfast breads and crackers, soups, salads or course, wraps and
rolls, veggie side dishes, mains, and sweets. Quality/price rating: 86.
 

18. THE EAT LOCAL COOKBOOK; seasonal recipes from a Maine farm (Down
East Books, 2011; distr. Nimbus, 173 pages, ISBN 978-0-89272-923-4,
$19.95 US paper covers) is by Lisa Turner, a Community-Supported
Agriculture (CSA) farmer in Maine (Laughing Stock Farm, Freeport ME).
She's collected about 125 recipes from state chefs, farmers, and home
cooks, fleshed out with a few of her own. Her CSA helps stock many
Maine restaurants, and she also has about 80 families enrolled.
Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois measurements,
but there is no table of metric equivalents. There are no illustrations
or photos, but then that keeps the price down. There are two recipe
indexes, one by course, and another alphabetically-arranged. The preps
are arranged by season and sourced as to provenance. Quality/Price
Rating: 87.
 

19. JENI'S SPLENDID ICE CREAMS AT HOME (Artisan, 2011; distr. T. Allen,
218 pages, ISBN 978-1-57965-436-8, $23.95 US hard covers) is by Jeni
Britton Bauer, who owns Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams with eight stores in
Ohio and nation-wide shipping to other restaurants and stores. There
are about 100 recipes here, all arranged by season beginning with
Spring. Her primer has the basics on equipment, ingredients, and how
her ice cream shop began. There are lists of sources for spices and
extracts. Preparations have their ingredients listed in avoirdupois
measurements, but there is no table of metric equivalents. It's a
colourful book, with different inks for the recipes, but the sans serif
font (a lot like Century Gothic) is very thin and the listing of
ingredients is in small typeface: all of which is hard to read for
these older eyes (and I just had them checked, so I am OK). Lots of
illustrations, so this must be a book to be more read than used. Her
fans and patrons will enjoy it. Try farmers' market sundae, olive oil
ice cream, riesling poached pear sorbet, salty caramel (which
apparently sells over 200 gallons a week) or coriander ice cream.
Quality/price rating: 81.
 
 
 

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 29, 2011

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 29, 2011
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to
thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers
and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 re-tasting from another bottle.
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.Stoney Ridge Kasper Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009 Niagara: with only
11.6% ABV, this is a sensible MVC savvy with good value attached. Full
of orchard fruit, citric tones, and that tart finish for food. +513705,
$16.95, QPR: 90.
2.Tawse Sketches of Niagara Riesling 2010 Niagara: 10% ABV and the off-
dry mode makes this Germanic in style, lot of precise fruit, citrus and
minerals. Hand harvested. +89029, $17.95, QPR: 89.
3.Trius Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2009 Niagara: overwhelming sense of
oak from the BF and BA, best with food. One for the woodies. +251470,
$18.95, QPR: 89.
4.Emiliana Natura Chardonnay 2011 Casablanca Valley: unoaked but very
good balance of fruit and acid, concentrated body and flavours, 14%
ABV. Organic. +61895, $15.95, QPR: 89.
5.Sol de Andes Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2009 Casablanca: wow,
unbeatable at this price, excellent, exceptionally long finish. Nicely
wooded. Buy it all!! +254326, $16.95, QPR: 93.
6.Mas des Bressades Cuvee Tradition Blanc 2010 Costieres de Nimes:
concentrated, deep fruit, lovely floral and spicy finish, 13.5% ABV.
Also has a dollop of Viognier and Marsanne as well. +701094, $14.95,
QPR: 90.
7.Inama Vin Soave Classico 2009: more concentrated fruit and citrus
flavours, delicious, 12% ABV. +949768, $17.95, QPR: 89.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1.13th Street Red Palette 2010 Niagara: good red blend, with fruity
depth and a nice finish. +249458, $14.95, QPR: 89.
2.Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 54 Syrah 2008 Los Brujos Maule: very
good Rhone taste-alike, 14.5% ABV, exceptional quality that is both
delicious and affordable. +227496, $16.95, QPR: 90.
3.Haras de Pirque Character Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2007 Maipo:
deep, dark and delicious, great MVC for a near-bordeaux, 15% ABV.
+54502, $18.95, QPR: 89.
4.Domaine Rene Couly Chinon 2009: very cabby franky, 13% ABV, Gold
Medalist. +7286, $17.95, QPR: 89.
5.Lento Lamezia Riserva 2006 Calabria: much like a Bordeaux but using
local grapes magliocco, Greco nero, and nerello. Cedar and chocolate.
+972208, $19.95, QPR: 89.
6.Angelini Negroamaro Del Salento 2007 IGT Puglia: nicely aged, sharp
flavours on the finish good for food. Spices and dark fruit dominate.
14.5% ABV. +233874, $15.95, QPR: 89.
7.Salchetto Rosso di Montepulciano 2008: unoaked, fruity, ready sooner
than later in "new" style Rosso. 13.5% ABV. +165357, $17.95, QPR: 89.
8.Sabor Real Vinas Centenarias Tempranillo 2007 Toro: from older vines,
affordable, but tight, don't drink yet, needs time to become a great
wine. 14.5% ABV. +244772, $15, 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.Hoopenburg Integer Chardonnay 2007 WO Stellenbosch, +174672, $21.95
retail.
2.Jean-Luc & Paul Aegerter Meursault 2009 Reserve Personelle, +244418,
$49.95.
3.Jean-Max Roger Cuvee G. C. Sancerre 2010, +189126, $25.95.
4.Zenato Sergio Zenato Lugana 2008, +928218, $26.95.
5.Chateau Vieux Sarpe 2006 St.Emilion Grand Cru, +943662, $34.95.
6.Castello di Querceto Chianti Classico 2008, +680496, $21.95.
7.Ornellaia Le Volte 2009 IGT Toscana, +964221, $29.95
8.Tommasi Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2007, +356220, $349.95.
9.Miguel Torres Mas Borras Pinot Noir 2008 Penedes, +673483, $29.95.
10.Rioja Bordon Gran Reserva 2001 Rioja, +114454, $23.95.
 
 
Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com

Monday, October 24, 2011

Oct 4/11: Vigne & Vini (Puglia) Winemaker Dinner with Maria Teresa Basile

The Date and Time: Tuesday, October 4, 2011  7 Pm to 10 PM

The Event: Winemaker dinner with Maria Teresa Basile of Vigne & Vini, in Toronto for the Le Donne del Vino Italian wine show.

The Venue: Posticino Ristorante, The Queensway

The Target Audience: wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: the wines are available through the agent, Caliber Wines sandy@caliberwines.com. Most were different from the Le Donne del Vino show.

The Quote/Background: it was a traditional Italian repast with traditionally made wines, a delightful combination (see below)

The Wines:

 

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

-Papale Linea Oro Primitivo di Maduria 2008, $28.85

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Primadonna Chardonnay di Puglia IGT 2010, $16.75

-Schiaccianoci Negroamaro/Malvasia Salento Riserva IGP 2003, $21.65

-Chicca Dolce Naturel Primitivo di Maduria 2007, $29.55 full-bottle

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Primo Spumante Brut Falanghina 2010, $18.80

 

The Food: we began with tomato bruschetta and olives with the celebratory spumante, a light combination. The antipasto continued with tomato and mozzarella salad with figs and prosciutto, accompanied by the Primadonna Chardonnay which had been barrel fermented until February of the following year. Just a kiss of oak was enough. And it carried through with the shrimp in lemon sauce. The Schiaccianoci was a match for the pungent tomato spaghetti pasta course, with plenty of room to contemplate the wine and its fruity oak. The main was a veal chop with veggies, matched with the Primitivo. Both wines (I had saved my first red) were well-knit with the chop. I had saved all my wines and used them for the cheese and fruit platter which stood in stead of the dessert. The Chicca, being sweet, also went well with the cheese.

The Downside: we started late, and it got very warm in our closed quarters.

The Upside: a chance to talk to Maria Teresa about her wines.

The Contact Person: susan@caliberwines.com

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

Friday, October 21, 2011

FOOD BOOK OF THE MONTH!

PIG (Reaktion Books, 2011; distr. Univ. of Chicago Press, 224 pages,
ISBN 978-1-86189-805-0, $19.95 US paper covers) is by Brett Mizelle, an
academic in California. His book is one of the amazing "Animal" series
published by Reaktion in the UK. Most of the series deal with animals
we do not eat, such as Cat, Dog, Giraffe, Parrot and Whale.
Domesticated animals have included Cow and Duck, plus farmed animals
such as Salmon and Moose. This is the popular culture story of the Pig:
dealing with historical and literary items such as Three Little Pigs or
Miss Piggy, food rules. Relationship with humans are also covered,
breeds, wild boars, and the like. There is separate chapter on meat,
including SPAM. And it has been richly illustrated with both colour and
black and white historical photos and drawings, older advertisements,
and just plain whimsy. There is even detail on the use of pigs as
subjects in medical research. At the end, Mizelle has an illustrated
timeline of the pig, endnotes, select bibliography, a listing of
associations and periodicals, websites, and an index. This is
compelling reading.
Audience and level of use: those interested in food lore and history.
Some interesting or unusual recipes/facts: "In preparations for the
2007-8 Year of the Pig in China, images of pigs were banned from
appearing on state-run Chinese television 'to avoid conflicts with
ethnic minorities'".
Quality/Price Rating: 90.
 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Sept 30/11: Monthly APVSA tasting at Delta Chelsea Inn, Toronto

The Time and Date: Friday, September 30, 2011 10AM to 6 PM

The Event: the monthly APVSA tasting (Association pour la promotion des

vins et spiritueux en Amerique du Nord).

The Venue: Delta Chelsea Inn

The Target Audience: wine agents.

The Availability/Catalogue: no wines are currently available in

Ontario. The group is here to get some agents to agree to rep

the principal. Some of the wines are available in Quebec and Alberta.

Most of the wines were French, and there is sales staff available to

comment on the prices and production. This road show also visits such

places as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Calgary,

Vancouver, Miami, Washington DC, and Montreal. Occasionally, the show

will have wines from Italy, Uruguay, Spain and Australia. Sometimes

spirits and VDN are also available.

The Wines: The problem I had with the wines, and one that must be

acknowledged, is that (by and large) they were about the same as wines

that we already have here in Ontario. There really did not seem to be

any price advantages, either. But these 40 or so wines could be made

available through Vintages or Consignment. In the past, quite a few

have been picked up for sale in Ontario. They were mostly the good

value or unique wines. Here were my faves, regardless of price which must be requested due to competitive pricing. I did not try every wine.

 

The Wines:

 

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

-Serge Dagueneau Pouilly Fume Clos des Chaudoun 2009

-Dom. Verret Bourgogne Cotes d'Auxerre 2009

-Ch. Meric 2009 Medoc (5.8 euros FOB)

-Ch. Clos de Sarpe 2004 St. Emilion Grand Cru

-Ch. Clos de Sarpe 1996 St. Emilion Grand Cru

-H. Serguier Ls Grandes Grenuchieres 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape

 

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

-Champagne Breton Fils Brut NV

-Dom. Michaud Eclat de Silex Sauvignon Blanc Vieilles Vignes 2010

-Dom. Crotereau Quincy 2010

-Serge Dagueneau Pouilly Fume Tradition 2010

-Dom. Verret Chablis 1er cru Beauroy 2008

-A. Rousseau Rose Cabernet d'Anjou 2010

-Ch. Haut-Fonruzade 2008 St Emilion Grand Cru

-Ch. Maison Noble 2002 Bordeaux

-Ch. Haut Bourcier 2009 Cotes de Blaye

-Dom. Des Amadieu Cuvee Vieilles Vignes Cairanne 2009

-Romain Duvernay Hermitage 2009

 

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

-Dom. Michaud Cremant de Loire Brut NV

-Dom. Michaud Sauvignon 2010 Val de Loire Touraine

-Pat Denis Dom. De la Renaudie Sauvignon 2010

-Sophie Chardon Terres de l'Aumonier Sauvignon Blanc 2010

-Serge Dagueneau Pouilly Sur Loire 2010

-P.Jacolin Menetou-Salon 2010 Le Prieure de Saint Ceols

-Ch. Maison Noble 2008 Bordeaux

-Ch. Maison Noble 2007 Bordeaux

-Dom. Des Amadieu Cuvee des Garrigues Cairanne 2009

-Romain Duvernay Chateauneuf du Pape 2009

-Ch. Simian Chateauneuf du Pape 2009

-Ch. Laur 2008 Cahors Vieilles Vignes

-Ch. Laur Horus 2008 Cahors (all Malbec)

-Ch. Julian 2009 Bordeaux

-Ch. Julian 2010 Bordeaux

-Clos Jacquemeau 2008 St. Emilion Grand Cru

-Ch. Simian Cotes de Rhone 2009

-Ch. Simian Jocundaz 2009 Massif D'Uchaux

-Romain Duvernay Vacqueyras 2009

-Dom. De Verquiere Vacqueyras 2009

 

Food: basic water, but also, this time, pizza!!

The Contact Person: Pascal p.fernand@apvsa.ca

The Marketing Effectiveness/Execution of the Event(numerical grade):

84.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Oct 3/11: Le Donne del Vino in Toronto

1. The Date and Time: Monday, Oct 3, 2011  1 PM – 4PM

The Event: Le Donne del Vino/Women in Wine Trade Tasting

The Venue: Arcadian Court

The Target Audience: trade, importers, wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: the catalogue was kin table order, with full information. Most wines were available for future deliveries in the Spring of 2012.

The Quote/Background: There were 23 wineries with a variety of women present – some were winemakers, others owners, or export directors/managers. Six wineries were looking for agents. Still, I did not get a sense of the importance of Italian women in wine, except that there are many.

The Wines: I did not try all wines. Prices are retail.

 

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

-Bosco Nestore Pan Chardonnay 2008 IGT Abruzzo, $20 (Mavirosa)

-Donna Chiara Irpinia Aglianico 2008 Campania, $19 (Case for Wine)

-Donna Chiara Taurasi 2007 Campania, $35

-La Gironda Chiesavecchia 2008 Piedmont, $28 (Case for Wine)

-Marenco Scrapona Moscato d'Asti 2010, $16 (Cipelli)

 

***1/2 BETTER -- Three and a Half Stars (8890 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, $89 (Dionysus)

-Distilleria Bottega Vino dei Poeti Prosecco Superiore, $16.95 +235044 Vintages

-Distilleria Bottega Casa Bottega Ripasso Valpolicella Superiore 2008, $22 (Noble Estates)

-Donna Olga Brunello di Montalcino 2004, $39 (Frontier)

-Donna Olga Brunello di Montalcino 2006, $47

-Donna Olga Collezione Arte Brunello di Montalcino 2004, 67

-Grotta del Sole Aglianico 2009 Campania, $16 (Cipelli)

-Grotta del Sole Gragnano Della Penisola Sorrentina 2010, $16

-La Gironda Brachetto d'Acqui Piedmont, $18

-Lungarotti Torre di Giano 2010 Umbia, $15 (Profile)

-Lungarotti Monticchio Riserva Rubesco 2005, $45

-Frescobaldi Catelgiocondo Brunello di Montalcino 2006, $49.95 +650432 Vintages

-Frescobaldi Terre More 2009, $19.95 +239889, Vintages

-Marenco Pineto Brachetto D'acqui 2010, $15 (Cipelli)

-Martellozzo Selezione Milo 2009 Fruili, $22 (Diamond)

-Martellozzo Terre Magre Malvasia Friuli, $16

-Massimago 1883 Amarone della Valpolicella 2007, $62 (United Stars)

-Planeta Noto Passito 2009 Sicily, $40 half-litre (Halpern)

-Planeta Cometa 2009 Sicily, $38

-Planeta Santa Cecilia 2007 Sicily, $39

-Vigne & Vini Primadonna Chardonnay 2010 Puglia, $17 (Caliber)

-Vigne & Vini Primitivo Papale 2008 Puglia, $18.45

-Vigne & Vini Schiaccianoci Negroamaro 2008 Puglia, $16

-Zenato Riserva Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2005, $79 +132316 Classics Fall 2011

-Zenato Sansonina Merlot 2006 IGT Veneto, $54 +236448 Classics Fall 2011

 

*** GOOD -- Three Stars (8587 in Quality/Price Rating terms):

-Allegrini La Grola 2008 IGT Veneto, $35

-Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2007 IGT Veneto, $25 Vintages Feb 2012

-Bosco Nestore 110 Riserva Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2006, $29

-Bosco Nestore R Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2007, $15

-Distilleria Bottega Il Vino Degli Dei Amarone Della Valpolicella 2008, $47

-Donna Chiara Greco di Tufo 2010 Campania, $17

-Grotta del Sole Greco di Tufo 2010 Campania

-La Gironda Le Nicchie Barbera D'asti Superiore Nizza 2007, $28

-Lungarotti Rubesco 2007, $17.95 +247817 Vintages Nov 26

-Frescobaldi Tenuta di Castiglioni 2008 Tuscany, $22 (Vanrick)

-Marchesi di Barolo Le Selezione Gavi di Gavi 2009, $19.95 +155382 Vintages

-Marchesi di Barolo Crus Storici Sarmassa Barolo 2006, $59 Classics Fall 2011

-Marenco Red Sunrise Albarossa 2008 Piedmonmt, $25

-Martellozzo Selezione Tabbor 2009 Friuli, $22

-Massimago 1883 Valpolicella 2010, $20

-Massimago 1883 Valpolicella Superiore 2019, $27

-Zenato Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico 2006, $42 (half-litre) (Cipelli)

 

The Food: international cheeses (not all Italian), breads, crackers, jams and confits.

The Downside: the trade portion was lightly attended.

The Upside: because it was lightly attended, I was more able to move around and freely ask questions.

The Contact Person: Toronto@ice.it.

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 85

 
 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 15, 2011

WORLD WINE WATCH (LCBO VINTAGES TIP SHEET) FOR OCTOBER 15, 2011
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com.
Creator of Canada's award-winning wine satire site at http://fauxvoixvincuisine.blogspot.com. My
"Wines, Beers and Spirits of the Net Compendium" is a guide to
thousands of news items and RSS feeds, plus references to wines, beers
and spirits, at www.deantudor.com since 1995. 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 re-tasting from another bottle.
 
TOP VALUE WHITE WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Jackson-Triggs Okanagan Estate Sunrock Vineyard Chardonnay 2008 VQA:
has the usual suspects (vanilla, toast, caramel, undertones of peach),
a knockout wine with a lovely persistent aftertaste. +249516, $17.95,
QPR: 90.
2. Morande Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2010 Casablanca: juicy but balanced
fruit, good quaffer at this price (good with food too), 13.5% ABV.
+252346, $12.95, QPR: 90.
3. Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2008 New Zealand: elegant, value,
tastes like an expensive Burgundy. +247171, $18.95, QPR: 89.
4. Graham Beck Sauvignon Blanc 2010 WO Coastal Region: another value
wine, herby but bold finish. +948620, $13.95, QPR: 89.
5. Pierre Sparr Reserve Gewurztraminer 2009 Alsace: good price for a
terrific MVC wine, classic all the way. +747600, $17.95, QPR: 90.
6. Case Ibidini Insolia 2010 IGT Sicilia: good balance and
concentration, modest alcohol of 12%, thickly coast the palate, citric
finish for food. +211839, $19.95, QPR: 89.
7. Maculan Pinot Grigio 2010 IGT Veneto: another useful, slightly thick
winner, 12.5% ABV. +734921, $13.95, QPR: 89.
 
TOP VALUE RED WINES under $20 or so.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1. Korta Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 Lontue Valley: cabby MVC from
Chile, good finish, 14.5% ABV. +236034, $13.95, QPR: 89.
2. Montes Limited Selection Cabernet Sauvignon/Carmenere 2010 Apalta
Vineyard Colchagua Valley: absolutely delicious with 30% tamed
carmenere, 14.5% ABV. +16071, $14.95, QPR: 89.
3. SXS Step Two Shiraz 2008 South Australia: a crafty juicy blend with
Euro-style flavours, 13.9% ABV. +246645, $14.95, QPR: 90.
4. Cathedral Cellar Merlot 2008 WO Western Cape: an excellent value
wine – ripe, red, rosy fruit, some small herbs on the nose, best with
food. +522219, $14.95, QPR: 89.
5. Girolamo Vendemmia Tardiva Primitivo 2008 IGT Salento: late
harvested Primitivo produced in a rich, NA style of zinfandel. 15% ABV
and priced to go! +224667, $14.95, QPR: 91.
6. Scopetani Chianti Riserva 2007: fine value for an aged Chianti, done
up in typical style. +164814, $14.95, QPR: 89.
7. Vinea Corvina 2007 IGT Veronese: another Italian dye-no-mite priced
value wine! 13.5% ABV. Corvina is the most exciting of the three grape
varieties used in Valpolicella production.
 
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. Catena Alta Chardonnay  2009 Estate Lots Mendoza, +959973, $39.95
retail.
2. Andre & Edmond Figeat Les Chaumiennes Pouilly-Fume 2010, +196659,
$21.95.
3. Le Clos Jordanne Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009 VQA
Twenty Mile Bench, +33902, $45.
4. Peju Merlot 2006 Napa Valley, +147322, $44.95.
5. Durigutti Reserva Malbec 2006 Mendoza, +246082, $26.95.
6. Riglos Gran Corte 2007 Mendoza, +243501, $37.95.
7. Pirramimma Petit Verdot 2007 McLaren Vale, +986752, $26.95.
8. Tenuta di Nozzole La Forra Chianti Classico Riserva 2007, +177279,
$29.95.
9. Farina Le Pezze Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2007, +171587,
$32.95.