The Event: Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri en primeur Toronto June 8, 2018

The Date and Time: Friday June 8 2018  11AM to 10PM

The Event: Gambero Rosso Tre Bicchieri en primeur Toronto

The Venue: Liberty Grand

The Target Audience: wine trade, media, the public in the evening

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are available or will be available through the agents or the LCBO

The Quote/Background: This is part of the world tour that features wines of the highest standing (three glasses) plus the new bottling of "potential" winners. More than 20% of the wines awarded this year in Italy are labeled as "green", which includes organic and biodynamic wines as well.

The Wines: I was physically unable to taste all wines, but I did try to get around to most agents. I could not make the seminars as I was at the LCBO tasting lab.

 

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

-Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Cl. Campolongo di Torbe 2011 Authentic

-Masi Amarone Valpolicella Cl. Vaio Amaron Sergeo Aligheri 2011 Authentic

-Trento Brut Conte Federico Riserva 2012 Bossi Fedrigotti $85 magnum Authentic

-Varvaglione Primitivo di Manduria Papale Oro 2015 Puglia  est$20  Caliber

-Villa Raiano Fiano di Avellino Alimata 2015 Campania $34.95 Connexion Oenophilia

-Fellini Primitivo di Manduria Sinfarosa Zinfandel 2015 Puglia  Eurovintage

-Pasqua Cecilia Peretta Amarone della Valpolicella Famiglia Pasqua 2013   Hobbs & Co

-Bis Cantina Tollo Montepulciano d'Abruzzo Mo Riserva 2013 Abruzzo $40  J.Cipelli

-Torrevento Castel del Monte Rosso V. Pedale Riserva 2014 Puglia  Majestic

-Tenuta Sant'Antonio Amarone della Valpolicella Campo dei Gigli 2013 $79.95 Mark Antony

-Umani Ronchi Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Classico Sup. V.V. 2015 $33 PO Noble Estates

-Cavit Trento Brut Altemasi Graal Riserva 2010 Trentino $60 Noble Estates

-Petra Rosso 2014 Tuscany Noble Estates

-Velenosi Rosso Piceno Sup. Roggio del Filare 2014 Marche $40 Consign Profile

-Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Riserva di Fizzano 2014 $37.95  Profile

-Ottella Lugana Molceo Riserva 2015 Veneto   United Stars

-Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013 $95  Woodman

-Poggio al Tesoro Bolgheri Sup. Sondraia 2014 Tuscany  $60    P. Dandurand

 

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

-Fiamberti OP Riesling Ida 2017 Lombardy $24 Cottonwood

-Cantine del Notaio Aglianico del Vulture Il Repertorio 2015 Basilicata $35  Dionysus

-Cantina Sociale di Carpi e Sorbara Lambrusco di Sorbara Secco Omaggio a Gino Friedmann Emilia Romagna $17.95 Dionysus

-Fattoria Carpineta Fontalpino Chianti Classico Montaperto 2015 $69.95 Grape Brands

-Medici Ermete & Figli Reggiano Lambrusco Concerto 2016 Emilia Romagna Profile

-La Guardiense Falanghina del Sannio Janare Senete 2016 Campania $18.95 Vine Agency

-Bisci Verdicchio di Matelica Vign. Fogliano 2015 Marche  The Vine Agency

 

The Food: cheeses (Parmigiano Reggiano, creamy and regular Gorgonzola, etc.), breads, focaccia, prosciutto on bread sticks, salads, marinated veggies, orecchiette pasta with veggies and sausage, stew and polenta, tiramisu, cannoli, espresso, etc.

The Downside: I had to taste about 150 wines at the LCBO lab for the wine media before this show, and hence I could not attend the two seminars on Prosecco and Barbera.

The Upside: a great opportunity to taste some stunning wines.

The Contact Person: gamberorossocanada@sogood.it

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com
AND http://gothicepicures.blogspot.com
AND https://twitter.com/gothicepicures

Dean Tudor, Ryerson University Journalism Professor Emeritus
Treasurer, Wine Writers' Circle of Canada http://winewriterscircle.ca
Look it up and you'll remember it; screw it up and you'll never forget it.

SOME TOP NEW HOST/HOSTESS GIFT BOOKS TO ENJOY OVER THE SUMMER !!!

 

All of these books are recommended values for their intended purposes...Prices are in Canadian dollars...

 

--EATING LOCAL IN THE FRASER VALLEY (Appetite by Random House, 2018, 264 pages, $24.95 paperbound) is a food guide by Angie Quayle, owner of a gourmet food store, Well Seasoned. She's got  over 70 recipes from farmers, producers and chefs who work in the valley.  These are stories and anecdotes from the region, along with maps and itineraries for day trips. There are mini-profiles of the major players, and as such, forms a perfect gift for anybody having an interest in British Columbia food and wine. 

 

 

 

--THE STORY OF FOOD (DK Publishing, 2018, 360 pages, $45 hardbound) is a heavily illustrated history of everything we eat. The audience level is anyone over the age of 10 who is interested in great food. As with agricultural history, it begins with nuts and seeds, moving through veggies and fruits, meat, fish and shellfish, grains and pulses, dairy and eggs, sugars and syrups, oils and condiments, then herbs and spices. There are overall sections dealing with the nature of food followed by the type chapters. So for nuts and seeds, there are sections on nutcrackers, hoarding, almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, pecans, cashews, pistachios, sesame seeds, coffee, etc. Very entertaining for a mid-day read.

 

 

--THE LATIN TABLE (Skyhorse Publishing, 2018, 168 pages, ISBN 978-1-5107-2866-0  $38.99 hardbound) is by Isabel Cruz, chef-owner of three US west coast restaurants plus a farm near Portland. Her debut cookbook (Isabel's Cantina) was a bestseller. Here she delves into "Latin fusion cuisine" which celebrates the chili, but with innovative and healthy twists on traditional foods.  She's got "three piggie tacos" (carnitas, bacon, chicharron), blackened salmon with pineapple jicama salas, and rack of lamb with cumin, cinnamon and cardamon rub. Drinks are covered too. Preps come from California, Mexico, Puerto Rico, znd down into South America. She's got memoirs and family archives and recipes plus a "Latin pantry" -- ending with a sources list.

 

 

 

 

--A TABLE IN VENICE (Appetite by Random House, 2018, 268 pages, $40 hardbound) is by Skye McAlpine, who blogs about living and cooking in Venice (www.frommydiningtable.com). These are her recipes and photos; she's lived there since she was six. About 100 recipes are here, including bigoli with creamy walnut sauce, grilled radicchio with pomegranate, and scallops with pistachio gratin. The photography embraces the gastroporn of markets, plated dishes, and Venice.  As the back cover says,  these are the "markets, meals and afternoon spritzes from the floating city".  A good job, made even better by including both metric and avoirdupois measurements in the listing of ingredients.

 

 

--TASTING PARIS (Clarkson Potter, 2018, 256 pages, $40 hardbound) is by Clotilde Dusoulier,  who has written four other cookbooks and runs the blog chocolateandzucchini.com. Here she give us 100 recipes to eat like a local. It's all arranged by time of day, beginning with morning, noon, afternoon, early evening, through to late night.  It is also a stroll through Paris with a tour of Parisian cuisine and what local people do during the day, a day in which food forms the centrepiece. Recipes have variations, and there are mini-profiles of food artisans, such as La Maison Poilane (bread) and La Maison Berthillon (ice cream). Markets are also covered, as well as her favourite shopping streets. Truly a delightful too for the lover of all things Parisian.

 

 

--CUBAN FLAVOR (Skyhorse Publishing, 2018, 228 pages, $46.99 hardbound) is by Liza Gershman, food-lifestyle-travel photographer. As was noted, it is a well-researched combination of a cookbook, scrapbook, travel guide and "love letter" to Cuba. 78 recipes have been gathered, from apps through mains to desserts and drinks. She's got some general information on travelling and what to take plus a suggested eight-day itinerary. Major food topics (all with great photography) include (to give them their Spanish names) carne, pollo, pescado y marisco, huevos, vegtariano, dulce and bibidas. And yes, there is the usual "Moors and Christians" as well as so many others. A good souvenir gift book.

 

 

--TUSCANY (Grant Hardie, 2017, 2018,  272 pages, $ hardbound) is by Katie & Giancarlo Caldesi who have been working their way through Italian food and travel: with preps from separately published books dealing with the Amalfi Coast, Venice, Rome, and Sicily. Now it is Tuscany's turn, one of the most food-obsessed regions in Italy. So it's a culinary journey beginning with breakfast, and following through with lunch, dinner and the weekend feast. It is a diverse landscape of simple meals and fab feasts from Tuscany, and the Caldesis do it well. Excellent photos blend plating, techniques and travel illustrations together.

 

 

--TOKYO NEW WAVE (Ten Speed Press, 2018, 296 pages, $54 hardbound) is by writer Andrea Fazzari, a Tokyo-based international food stylist, restaurant consultant, and photographer. Here she has gathered notes and recipes (plus, of course, her photos) from 31 chefs that are defining Japan's next generation – 30 men and 1 woman. Profiles illuminate their techniques and philosophies, and how they feel about their country's food. If you cannot get to Tokyo (or would like a visual remembrance), this is the next best thing. Each chef is given a separate chapter, and at the back there is a listing with advice about websites and Japanese fluency. Interviews are summaries, with Qs and As. Delicious, and well-worth looking at.

 

 

--BETWEEN HARLEM AND HEAVEN (Flatiron Books, 2018, 272 pages, $48.99 hardbound) is by  J.J. Johnson and Alexander Smalls. "JJ" is a James Beard nominee working in NYC kitchens and in Ghana (Villa Monticello). Smalls is an award winning chef-owner in NYC, and together they have operated The Cecil, which is now part of Minton's. Veronica Chambers is the focusing coauthor (she's done other books with Ripert and Samuelsson). This is Afro-Asian-American fusion cooking for big nights, weekends, and every day. The openers are collections of memoirs by the authors, with a careful explanation of Harlem and where they had their roots. This is followed by chapters dealing with salads, meat and poultry, fish, vegetarian, rice and sides, desserts, and more profile material about Bengali Harlem, sauces, Minton's Playhouse, and the Afro-Asian flavour profile. The range includes BBQ brisket egg roll, king mushrooms with harissa vinaigrette and roasted carrots, roti with black-eyed pea hummus and eggplant/carrot puree, charred okra, collard green salsa verde, gullah shrimp mini burgers, and green apple curry.

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Canadian Cheese Industry Conference at the Third Canadian Cheese Awards (held biennially) -- June 6 2018

The Date and Time: Wednesday June 6 2018 1PM to 8PM

The Event: Canadian Cheese Industry Conference at the Third Canadian Cheese Awards (held biennially).

The Venue: St Lawrence Market, Temporary North Hall

The Target Audience: cheese producers, some media

The Quote/Background: There were a number of seminars on offer, such as taking advantage of the opportunity of CETA, NAFTA and TPP; innovations to think outside of the box (Dr. Art Hill, Chair of Guelph's Dept of Food Science and expert in cheese technology); innovation from an American perspective; and panel discussions on expectations from the cheese supply chain. This was followed by the Canadian Cheese Awards Ceremony – see www.cheeseawards.ca for a list of the winners in 19 main categories, nine special categories, five regional divisions, plus the Cheese of the Year. There were 378 entries in all, with the big winners coming from PQ, ONT, PEI, and NS. This is the only pan-Canadian cheese competition open to all milks used in cheese-making – cow, goat, sheep, water buffalo – as pure natural cheese. It was all co-ordinated by founder Georgs Kolesnikovs with Gurth Pretty (Loblaw) and other hosts. There was a jury of 12 who tasted in February all cheeses blind within their categories (directed by Dr. Art Hill).

 

From six to eight PM there was the tasting gala for sampling cheeses, and it included charcuterie, baked goods, wine, beer and cider. The cheese awards are supported by Loblaw Companies with the Dairy Farmers of Canada as Principal Partner, Cow Milk Cheese. Overall, there were two major major cheese winners: the Best Cow Cheese winner was awarded $5000 (this was Cows Creamery 3 Year Old Cheddar from PEI, which  also won the Best Atlantic Canada Cheese), and the Canadian Cheese of the Year also got $5000 (this was Louis d'Or from Fromagerie du Presbytere in Sainte-Elizabeth-de-Warwick PQ).

The Food: We were offered samples of all of the cheese winners in their respective categories. My overall fave was the Best Raw-Milk Cheese, Louis d'Or vieilli 2 ans from PQ – similar to the Cheese of the Year Louis d'Or but a year older in aging. Other samples of food and wine included Ottawa's Big Rig Brewery radlers and pilsener, some Woolrich goat triple crème brie, Janice Beaton's jams and jellies (which are specifically designed to accompany cheeses), Game Changer White and Red wine from Vineland Estates (88 points, $15 LCBO) with pinot blanc and riesling in the white and both cabernets and merlot in the red, assorted breads and biscuits, Brickworks Cider Batch 1904 and its Queen Street 501 (both some of my fave ciders), Ottawa's Seed to Sausage amazing charcuterie (www.seedtosausage.ca) and Sweet Nature Bakery offering grilled raclette cheese sandwiches.

The Downside: I had to miss the seminars as I was at a matinee play that day. The next day I was at the Ontario Wine Awards in Niagara, so I missed everything that day, which included an industry showcase and the big Artisan Cheese Night Market.

The Upside: I managed to re-connect with some friends in the cheese business.

The Contact Person: heather@cheeselover.ca; georgs@cheeselover.ca

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Wines of South Africa spring release tasting of wines from the Western Cape.

The Date and Time:  Wednesday May 30, 2018  11:30AM to 2PM

The Event: Wines of South Africa spring release tasting of wines from the Western Cape.

The Venue: National Club

The Target Audience: wine writers

The Availability/Catalogue: most wines are landed, some are private orders.

The Quote/Background: Seven Western Cape producers were part of the luncheon. Each gave details about their wines in general and the wine being tasted in particular. Wineries included De Wetshof Estate, DGB, Ken Forrester Wines, MAN Family Wines, Mulderbosch, Rustenberg, and Spier.

The Wines: There were three flights: Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc/Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon – 14 wines in all.

 

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

-Mulderbosch 1000 Mile Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $29 private order Abcon

-Ken Forrester Old Vine Chenin Blanc 2016 Vintages $17.95

-Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc 2007 N/A  – my FAVE of the tasting

-DGB Bernard Series Chenin Blanc 2016 Vintages $29.95

-De Wetshof Limestone Hill Chardonnay 2017 $19.95 private order Glencairn

-De Wetshof LESCA Chardonnay 2015 $24.95 private order Glencairn

-Rustenberg Five Soldiers Chardonnay 2015 $49 Classics June

-Mulderbosch Fable Syrah 2014 $44 private order Abcon

 

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

-MAN Family Wines Tormentoso Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Vintages $17

-Rustenberg John X Merriman 2014 Vintages $24.95

-Spier Creative Block 3 2015 $29.95 Sylvestre

 

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

-Spier Signature Chardonnay 2017 $12.30 Sylvestre

-DGB Boschendal 1685 Chardonnay 2016 LCBO $15.55

-MAN Family Wines Skaapveld Shiraz 2016 Vintages July $14.95

 

 

The Food: breads, salads, chicken breasts, and custards.

The Downside: I had to leave early, to attend a play.

The Upside: a chance to taste some South African wines new to the Ontario market. Plus we were all given a copy of the 2018 Platter Wine Guide.

The Contact Person: keenan@propellerpr.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 23, 2018

 

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 23, 2018

 

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "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 http://www.deantudor.com since 1994.

These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at  http://www.deantudor.com

 

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND --

+542746 Sanchez Romate Fino Perdido Xeres 8 year old $16.95,  MVC/QPR: 94+

 

20 under $20

=========

W+256552    CAVE SPRING ESTATE CHARDONNAY    Cave Spring Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Escarpment        2016    $18.95    13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 90+

W+89011    FEATHERSTONE SAUVIGNON BLANC    VQA Niagara Peninsula 2017 $17.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+510339    ARBOLEDA SINGLE VINEYARD SAUVIGNON BLANC    DO Aconcagua Costa        2016    $18.95     MVC/QPR: 89

W+126797    PORCUPINE RIDGE SAUVIGNON BLANC    WO Western Cape        2017    $15.95    12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+747600    PIERRE SPARR RÉSERVE GEWURZTRAMINER    AC Alsace        2016    $18.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+557199    ROSTRE DE BÉLEMNITE BEAUJOLAIS BLANC    AP Beaujolais        2014    $19.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+466052    MOSELLAND GOLDSCHILD SINGLE VINEYARD RIESLING KABINETT    Prädikatswein        2016    $16.95     9% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88+

W+542811    MONTEMISIO OFFIDA PECORINO    DOCG    Cantine di Castignano    2016    $17.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+478271    SISTER'S RUN OLD TESTAMENT CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Coonawarra, South Australia        2016    $16.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88+

R+278390    RUSTENBERG RM NICHOLSON    WO Stellenbosch        2016    $17.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+155804    CAVE DE ROQUEBRUN LA GRANGE DES COMBES SAINT-CHINIAN-ROQUEBRUN    AC        2016    $19.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+168716    M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES    AC        2016    $15.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+540914    SCARANTO GOVERNO ALL'USO    IGT Toscana        2016    $17.95

14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+168542    LA JOYA GRAN RESERVA VIOGNIER    DO Colchagua Valley    Bisquertt Family Vineyards    2017    $16.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+551549    HOPE ESTATE SÉMILLON    Hunter Valley, New South Wales        2016    $17.95 11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+326827    DOMAINE DE LA GRENAUDIÈRE SUR LIE MUSCADET SÈVRE ET MAINE    AC        2016    $15.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+80374    MURALHAS DE MONÇÃO VINHO VERDE    DOC    Adega Coop    2016    $15.95 12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+511519    CAMPO ARRIBA OLD VINES MONASTRELL/SYRAH/TINTORERA    DO Yecla    Señorío de Barahonda    2014    $17  14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+549782    TERRA GRANDE RESERVA    Vinho Regional Alentejano        2015    $12.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

 

20 over $20

=========

W+241182    CHARLES BAKER PICONE VINEYARD RIESLING    VQA Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Escarpment        2015    $36.95    11.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+560904    STRATUS WEATHER REPORT CHARDONNAY    VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake    Stratus Vineyards    2016    $27.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+556118    ERRÁZURIZ ACONCAGUA COSTA CHARDONNAY    Aconcagua Costa        2016    $21.95    MVC/QPR: 89

W_324228    STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2017    $21.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+461699    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE BACO NOIR    VQA Ontario        2016    $24.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89+

R+616433    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE CABERNET/MERLOT    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment        2012    $39.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+585737    BURROWING OWL MERLOT    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2014    $39.95 14.8% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+330241    STERLING MERLOT  Napa Valley        2014    $34.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+737    ECHEVERRÍA FAMILY RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Molina, DO Curicó Valley        2015    $21.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+404459    CHÂTEAU MARJOSSE    AC Bordeaux    Pierre Lurton    2015    $23.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+508002    MANOIR DE MERCEY CHÂTEAUBEAU MERCUREY    AC    Berger Rive    2015    $31.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+539379    ELVIO COGNO CASCINA NUOVA BAROLO    DOCG        2013    $49.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+716266    SAN FELICE IL GRIGIO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA    DOCG        2014    $28.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+393553    CUNE GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2011    $39.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+570267    FAUSTINO I GRAN RESERVA DOCa Rioja 2009    $34.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+414243    CULMINA HYPOTHESIS    Golden Mile Bench, BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2013    $47.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+568204    CULMINA DILEMMA CHARDONNAY    Margaret's Bench, BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2015    $47.95 14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+974899    LAURÈNE PINOT NOIR    Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley    Domaine Drouhin Oregon    2014    $79.95    14.1% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+446401    ROGER & DIDIER RAIMBAULT SANCERRE ROUGE    AC        2015    $31.95 13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

R+558700    FIVE GEESE GANDERS BLEND OLD VINE GRENACHE/SHIRAZ    McLaren Vale, South Australia        2013    $34.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

W+643361    HENRY OF PELHAM SPECK FAMILY RESERVE RIESLING    VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Escarpment        2016    $24.95    12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

 

Globe Bistro Tasting Menu for Sunday June 17 5:30 PM - 8:30...our 40th wedding anniversary dinner.

Another stunning series of dishes from Globe Bistro (Danforth and Broadview) --

To start – 12 Raspberry Point oysters PEI (happy hour half-price)

 

To follow – tasting menu @ $80 each for six courses.

 

Comp 1 – Amuse gueule of smoked haddock croquette with miso aioli

 

Course 1 – fresh peas, wild leek broth, burrata, wild mushrooms

 

Course 2 – light battered zucchini blossom stuffed with ricotta, green zucchini, lemon foam,

 

Course 3 – lobster in pasta pocket, thin asparagus, sorrel cream, salmon roll pasta, pickled turnip.

 

Comp  2 – entremet sorbet (blueberry)

 

Course 4 – whole goose foie gras, duck pate mousse, baby kale, caribou moss, chevril onion puree, saskatoon berries

 

Course 5 – elk tenderloin marinated in miso, miso sauce on plate, carrots, garnishes such as thin-sliced pickled turnip

 

Course 6 – [replaced sweet dessert] – cheese platter (4 kinds – Ontario stilton, goat tomme, sliced aged gouda, sheep soft triple creme)

           with honey, sliced apples, walnuts, toasts.

 

Corkage $20 for a 2002 Louis Brochet Vintage Champagne

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Spring Wine Tasting with PondView Estate Winery and Stem Wine Group May 29

The Date and Time: Tuesday May 29, 2018  1PM to 5PM

The Event: Spring Preview Wine Tasting with PondView Estate Winery and Stem Wine Group (Stem is the wine agent for PondView)

The Venue: Tim Horton's Theatre in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

The Target Audience: wine media and sommeliers, private clients

The Availability/Catalogue: everything was available either through the winery or through the agent.

The Wines: prices are licensee. I did not try all the wines.

 

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

-Henri Abele Vintage Brut Champagne 2009 $99.99 – my white/spark FAVE of the tasting

-460 Casina Bric Barolo Piedmont 2012 $46.99 – my red FAVE of the tasting

-Pondview Bella Terra Reserve Cabernet Franc Unfiltered VQA 2014 $39.75

-Pondview Bella Terra Reserve Meritage Unfiltered VQA 2013 $44.75

-Pondview Bella Terra Reserve Appassimento Cabernet VQA 2014 $69.75

-Andeluna Altitud Chardonnay Mendoza Argentina 2016 $22.99

-Fatt. Magliano Vermentino Toscana 2017 $24.99

-Ronco del Gelso Riesling Schulz 2016 Friuli IGT $35.99

-Husic Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015 $84.99

-La Manufacture Chablis Grand Cru Blanchots 2014 $104.99

-Fatt. Magliano Illario IGT Rosato Tuscany 2017  $23.99

-Henri Abele Brut Rose Champagne  $69.99

-Henri Abele Brut Traditional Champagne NV  $55.99

-Corte Aura Franciacorta Brut NV $31.99

 

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

-Burnt Ship Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.30

-Burnt Ship Bay Chardonnay 2017 VQA Niagara Peninsula $12.45

-Burnt Ship Bay Cabernet 2016 VQA Niagara Peninsula $13.30

-PondView Lot 74 Sparkling Vintage Brut 2016 $24.90

-PondView Lot 74 White 2016 $14.95 [chardonnay/riesling/gewurztraminer]

-PondView Black Label Sauvignon Blanc 2016 VQA Niagara $17.95

-PondView Black Label Skipping Stone 2017 $16.95  [vidal]

-PondView Black Label Riesling Dry 2016 $19.95

-PondView Bella Terra Reserve Chardonnay Barrel Fermented 2015 $29.95

-Colterenzio Cora Pinot Bianco 2017 Alto Adige Italy $20.99

-Colterenzio Lafoa Chardonnay 2017 Alto Adige Italy $57.99

-Castello di Semivicoli Pecorino 2017 Abruzzo Italy $28.99

-Castello di Semivicoli Trebbiano 2014 Abruzzo Italy $39.99

-Ca' del Baio Langhe Riesling 2016 Piedmont $29.99

-Chotard Sancerre Blanc 2017 $29.99

-Chotard Sancerre Rose 2017 $29.99

-La Manufacture Chablis 2016 $34.99

-Ronco del Gelso Fruiliano Toc Bas 2016 Friuli $29.99

-Ronco del Gelso Malvasia Vigna Della Permuta 2016 Friuli IGT $29.99

-Andeluna Altitud Malbec Mendoza Argentina 2014 $25.99

-Husic Pinot Noir Napa Valley 2015 $84.99

 

 

The Food: platters of charcuterie and cheeses, plus breads and biscuits.

The Contact Person: mark@stemwinegroup.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

Re: The Event: The Power of Food – lunch and learn with Jordana Hart of www.ihartnutrition.com May 24 at The Simple Kitchen

Great - is there anyway to profile Simple Kitchen a bit more?!  LOL.

On Jun 15, 2018, at 2:06 PM, Dean Tudor <dtudor@pathcom.com> wrote:

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 24, 2018  1:30PM - 3PM

The Event: The Power of Food – lunch and learn with Jordana Hart of www.ihartnutrition.com

The Venue: The Simple Kitchen

The Target Audience: food media

The Quote/Background: Jordana specializes in helping women create a healthy relationship with food while remaining aware that life is all about moderation. She's an RD and blogger. The Simple Kitchen is a paleo, gluten-free and mostly dairy-free restaurant in Roncesvalles Village. It specializes in boxes, salads, bowls, special coffees, fresh-pressed juices, fresh baked goods, and unprocessed ingredients. It has an active catering business. Hart emphasized mindfulness, the idea of creating a rainbow of colours on your plate so you can be attracted to it, even if it is just greens and tomatoes on a pizza. Mindfulness includes chewing your food (call for Lynn Belevedere!!) and sitting down while you eat. You should have the three macronutrients at every meal (fat, carbohydrates, protein), not necessarily equal in proportions. Try for three meals and two snacks each day.

The Wines: The restaurant has a small number of alcoholic beverages. For wines, there are Pelee Island Cabernet and Pelee Island Pinot Grigio. They make mimosas with fresh orange juice and Moscato d'Asti.

 

The Food: we had a wide-ranging lunch with small versions of bone broth, almond banana smoothie, warm turmeric latte with housemade cashew mylk and cracked pepper, vanilla chia seed bowls with granola and coconut whipped cream, boxes for keto, lean and vegan diets, and avocado toasts with sauerkraut. There were at least four different box cookies in the paleo/keto mode, a variety of triangles and squares.

The Downside: we started late and I was pressed to leave for an appointment.

The Upside: everything was so healthy

The Contact Person: michelle@lucidcommunications.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: The Power of Food – lunch and learn with Jordana Hart of www.ihartnutrition.com May 24 at The Simple Kitchen

The Date and Time: Thursday, May 24, 2018  1:30PM - 3PM

The Event: The Power of Food – lunch and learn with Jordana Hart of www.ihartnutrition.com

The Venue: The Simple Kitchen

The Target Audience: food media

The Quote/Background: Jordana specializes in helping women create a healthy relationship with food while remaining aware that life is all about moderation. She's an RD and blogger. The Simple Kitchen is a paleo, gluten-free and mostly dairy-free restaurant in Roncesvalles Village. It specializes in boxes, salads, bowls, special coffees, fresh-pressed juices, fresh baked goods, and unprocessed ingredients. It has an active catering business. Hart emphasized mindfulness, the idea of creating a rainbow of colours on your plate so you can be attracted to it, even if it is just greens and tomatoes on a pizza. Mindfulness includes chewing your food (call for Lynn Belevedere!!) and sitting down while you eat. You should have the three macronutrients at every meal (fat, carbohydrates, protein), not necessarily equal in proportions. Try for three meals and two snacks each day.

The Wines: The restaurant has a small number of alcoholic beverages. For wines, there are Pelee Island Cabernet and Pelee Island Pinot Grigio. They make mimosas with fresh orange juice and Moscato d'Asti.

 

The Food: we had a wide-ranging lunch with small versions of bone broth, almond banana smoothie, warm turmeric latte with housemade cashew mylk and cracked pepper, vanilla chia seed bowls with granola and coconut whipped cream, boxes for keto, lean and vegan diets, and avocado toasts with sauerkraut. There were at least four different box cookies in the paleo/keto mode, a variety of triangles and squares.

The Downside: we started late and I was pressed to leave for an appointment.

The Upside: everything was so healthy

The Contact Person: michelle@lucidcommunications.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 87.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

* DRINK BOOK OF THE MONTH! * - When Concord was King (Jim Warren)

WHEN CONCORD WAS KING! (Tellwell Talent, 2018, 163 pages, ISBN 978-1-77370-991-8 $27. 43 CAD Amazon.Ca papercovers) is by Jim Warren, a good friend of mine (hence: a conflict-of-interest). Jim was born in Hamilton, graduating with an M.A. in Roman History. While teaching languages in a local high school, he became an acclaimed amateur winemaker. So: in 1985 with his wife Charlotte he founded Stoney Ridge Winery. In 2000 he joined the faculty of Niagara College and assisted with the development of the Vineyard and Winery Management Program, acting as both instructor and winemaker. In 1997 Jim was selected as Ontario winemaker of the year (Ontario Wine Awards) and 10 years later received the Cuvee Award of Excellence for his contribution to the wine industry. As a consultant Jim has assisted with the creation of numerous new wineries and wines in Ontario. "When Concord was King" is a book exploring the early beginnings of the wine industry in Eastern North America, focusing on Ontario. It's more than just Concord grapes of course – it looks at all the "foxy" tasting grape wines not made from V. vinifera (European varietals). V.labrusca is the most prominent; indeed, it is called the fox grape. Cultivars and hybrids here include Concord, Catawba, Delaware, Dutchess, Niagara, and Isabella. He begins with the "southern fox" – North America's first wine – from Muscadine. He moves through the centuries and arrives in Upper Canada in 1790. A big chunk of the book deals with Ontario developments 1880 – 1980. He walks us through Prohibition, the start of the LCBO, the Depression, the Second World War – and Harry Hatch with Brights. It took until 1951 for vinifera to be planted, when chardonnay was grafted onto phylloxera-resistant root-stock. It was later marketed as Pinot Chardonnay. This is a compelling read, made more vivid by Warren's writing style. He's got his reference material cited, a series of glosses in each chapter, and some critical notes and histories of many early Eastern North American grape hybrids. There is no index, which is unfortunate, but if you can get hold of the PDF or ebook version, then word searching should be no problem for all the names and places. Quality/Price Rating: 90

 

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Orange Crush – tasting of contact wines featuring Mateja Gravner May 22 at Peter Pan Bistro

The Date and Time: Tuesday, May 22, 2018 2PM to 4PM

The Event: Orange Crush – tasting of contact wines featuring Mateja Gravner

The Venue: Peter Pan Bistro (upstairs)

The Target Audience: sommeliers and wine media

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are either in stock or by private order through The Living Vine or (for Sperling BC wines) Cru Wine Merchants. Southbrook wines are also available at the winery in Niagara.

The Quote/Background: This was the first major "orange wine" show in Toronto -  the entire contact wine portfolio of The Living Vine, anchored by the appearance of Mateja Graver and her Graver orange wines of Italy (these are made in Georgian amphorae, buried underground with a long maceration with wild yeasts and no temperature control; after pressing, the wine was poured back into amphorae for five more months before the start of ageing in large oak barrels where it was left for six years, and then bottled without fining or filtration). It was also a major achievement for Mark Cuff, owner of The Living Vine – the same Mark Cuff who promoted the biodynamic/organic wine show at the Distillery District a decade ago: Return to Terroir (Feb 8, 2008).

The Wines: Orange wines are an acquired taste, so this was an important wine tasting for me with its major exposure. I tried to embrace its sensibilities. The best wines were very expensive because of the labour and upkeep. But there were some values, especially for the novice orange drinker. All prices are licensee.

 

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

-Sperling Vineyard Amber Gris 2016 BCVQA Okanagan Valley, $34.95  Cru Wine Merchants

-Gravner Pinot Grigio Anfora Friuli IGT Italy $219.95

-Dominio de Punctum 20,000 Leguas 2017 La Mancha Spain $16.95 – I gave this wine four stars because of its excellent entry level value. A great introduction to the fresh tannic steeliness of orange wine.

-Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2014 VQA Ontario  not available

-Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2015 VQA Ontario  not available

-Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2017 VQA Ontario  end of summer

-Denavolo [2016] Lot # L16D Emilia Romagna IGT Italy $49.95 – awesome, my overall FAVE

-COS zibibbo In Pithos 2016 Sicily $62.95  private order

-Turner-Pageot Languedoc Le Blanc [picpoul, marsanne] 2017 $26.95 private order

-Turner-Pageot Languedoc Les Choix Marsanne Orange 2015 $52.95

-Cueva Orange Tardana – Macabeo Valencia Spain 2016  $32.95 private order

 

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

-Southbrook Niagara Orange/Skin Fermented Vidal 2016 VQA Ontario $25.12

-Gravner Ribolla Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2008, 14% ABV  $109.95

-Gravner Ribolla Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2009, 14% ABV  $119.95 private order

-Gravner Bianco Breg Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2008 15% ABV $109.95 -sauvignon blanc, pinot grigio, chardonnay, and riesling italico all fermented separately but aged together.

-Gravner Bianco Breg Anfora Friuli IGT Italy 2009 15% ABV $119.95 private order

-Orsogna Lunaria Ramoro Pinot Grigio Abruzzo Italy  $23.95 -in colour, close to rose

-Domaine Ligas Kydonitsa Barique 2015 Pella Greece $44.95 private order

-COS Rami Greciano/Insolia 2016 Sicily $35.95

-COS Pithos Bianco 2015 Sicily $59.95; magnum $94.95

-Fonterenza Biancospino [NV] Tuscany Italy $39.95

-Celler Credo Estrany Xarel-Lo Estrany 2014Penedes Spain $56.95

-Cosimo Maria Masini "Daphne" Bianco 2015 $44.95 private order

-Animacorale L'Audace Grillo 2015 $29.95 some RS

-Animacorale Il Visionario Inzolia 2015 $29.95  private order

-Animacorale Il Visionario Catarratto 2015 $29.95 private order

-Animacorale L'eretico Grecanico 2015 $29.95 private order

 

The Food: orange-coloured snacks (baby carrots, orange pepper slices, BBQ tortilla chips, orange cheddar cheese, orange-tinged popcorn, ritx crackers, cheesies, three orange dips which included hummus).

The Downside: it was really crowded (yeah, a real orange crush) since there was a sommelier seminar at 1PM and it just finished shortly after 2PM

The Upside: a great opportunity to taste a wide range of contact wines.

The Contact Person: mark@thelivingvine.ca

The Event's Marketing Effectiveness and Execution (numerical grade): 95

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH –

SOME NEW BEVERAGE SAMPLES SENT TO ME FOR TASTING REVIEWS THIS MONTH –

 

 

1.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Saint Chinian 2015 +370247 May 12 Vintages $17.95: the last vintage here was 2011 at $1 less. Bertrand has a Terroir series embracing the range of Sud de France wines. Here it is older vines in a schist area of Languedoc, specifically syrah and mourvedre. Expect black fruit all over the place (even black olives, mocha and garrigue). The "f" word comes to mind: full, fat, fleshy, fabulous at this price. One third of the wine is aged for nine months in barrel, the rest matured in vats and then blended before bottling. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

2.Gerard Bertrand Terroir Languedoc Red 2015 +413237 May 12 Vintages, $16.95: the last vintage here was 2013. It's a blend of syrah and grenache, promising both black fruit and red fruit tones at an affordable price. Local garrigue is apparent, complemented by some fennel. Part of the wine is transferred over to 225-litre oak barrels where it is aged for roughly 10 months. 14% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

 

3.J.B. POLI VACA MORA AMARO VENETO, $39.95 for 700 ml, +662726 Vintages: a grappa-based bitter from the Veneto that is on the dryish side of balanced. You don't find these too often in Ontario (I've had people tell me that even Campari is too sweet): this is a digestif, like Fernet, that is perfect for settling a tummy with its off-menthol tones coupled with fall lashings of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg. At the risk of mixing my languages, it is a true "trou Normand". Vaca Mora refers to a "black cow" train that served amaros to the passengers in 1885. 32% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 92 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

4.Cantina Valpantena Veneto Chardonnay IGP 2016 $14.95 Consignment Majestic Wine Cellars:  It's a definite antipasto or pre-prandial wine since it was light lemons with lively acidity, some tart apples, 12% ABV, and a longer finish than I was expecting. Quite pleasant. Under composition cork. Quality/Price rating is 88 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

5.Morgan Bay Cellars Chardonnay 2016 California appellation $17.95 Majestic Wine Cellars Consignment:  cork disc closure, well-rounded texture meant to appeal to the US palate. There were lemons and green apples, but also the softness and taste of a creamy caramel. But there is also enough finishing acid for a first course. Otherwise, sip away. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 90 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

6.Rutherford Ranch Chardonnay 2015 Napa $27.95 Private order from Majestic Wine Cellars: a soft wine full of orchard fruit (apple, pear), creamy, bright, some vanilla but a little oak with spices. Aperitif or with seafood. 13.5% ABV. Quality/Price rating is 89 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

7.J.B. Poli Camomilla Elisir Veneto +547927 Vintages $44.95 700 mL: hard to believe that there are actually three different producers of Italian camomilla at the LCBO, all based on the chamomile flower. But they also sell well in Germany. The Poli is a grappa infusion of chamomile, followed by a sweetening to contain and extend the typical chamomile flavours. 30% ABV, best as a digestif if you do not like bitters. Quality/Price rating is 93 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

8.PUKLUS PINCÉSZET TOKAJI SEMI-SWEET YELLOW MUSCAT 2016 Hungary, +46508 Vintages, $16.95: This Yellow Muscat is related to Muscat Blanc. Made from older vines, done up in Late Harvest style, with that peachy complexity, medium-bodied, but with lemons and pineapple acidity on the longer finish. Floral aromatics. 13.5% ABV, a volcanic wine. Serve with later courses (fruity mains, salads, curries, cheeses, off-dry desserts). No price change over the 2015!. Quality/Price rating is 91 points by Dean Tudor of Gothic Epicures.

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for June 9, 2018

WORLD WINE WATCH TOP 20/20 WINES: 20 under $20 and 20 over $20 for  June 9, 2018

 

By DEAN TUDOR, Gothic Epicures Writing deantudor@deantudor.com. My "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 http://www.deantudor.com since 1994.

These notes for wines available through the LCBO Vintages (on a bi-weekly basis)  can always be found at http://www.gothicepicures.blogspot.ca/ or at  http://www.deantudor.com

 

Scores are a combination of MVC (Modal Varietal Character, e.g. a Southern Rhone tastes like a Southern Rhone) and QPR (Quality/Price Ratio value in the marketplace above or below its price).

 

THIS MONTH'S SPECIAL FIND --

R+63537    CHÂTEAU HYOT    AC Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon 2014    $17.95

13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

 

20 under $20

=========

W+89029    TAWSE SKETCHES OF NIAGARA RIESLING    VQA Niagara Peninsula        2016    $18.95    10% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+558734    SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE WHITE BLEND    Uco Valley, Mendoza        2016    $19.95    12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+117945    TAHBILK MARSANNE    Nagambie Lakes, Central Victoria        2017    $17.95 12% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5

W+734798    THORNBURY SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2017    $18.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

W+556365    L'AVENIR FAR & NEAR CHENIN BLANC    WO Stellenbosch        2017    $15.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+488908    DOMAINE DE POIX TOURAINE SAUVIGNON BLANC    AC        2017    $15.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+271940    JUSTIN MONMOUSSEAU VOUVRAY    AC    2016    $19.95    11.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5

W+147975    GÉRARD BERTRAND RÉSERVE SPÉCIALE VIOGNIER    IGP Pays d'Oc        2015    $14.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

W+556787    JANARE SENETE FALANGHINA DEL SANNIO    DOP        2016    $18.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5

R+261586    LA POSTA ESTELA ARMANDO BONARDA    Mendoza    Laura Catena    2016    $15.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5

R+66738    THE BLACK CHOOK SHIRAZ/VIOGNIER    McLaren Vale/Padthaway, South Australia        2016    $18.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+11072    THE GOATFATHER    WO Coastal Region    Fairview    2015    $15.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+140012    CHÂTEAU DE LAFAURIE-MONBADON    AC Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon    Baron de Montfort    2015    $19.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+539957    CHATEAU HAUT SOCIONDO    AC Côtes de Bordeaux - Blaye        2014    $18.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+272575    GÉRARD BERTRAND  TAUTAVEL GRENACHE/SYRAH/CARIGNAN GRAND TERROIR AP Côtes du Roussillon-Villages    2015    $18.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+981175    DOMAINE DE LA MADONE LE PERRÉON BEAUJOLAIS-VILLAGES    AC    Jean Bererd et Fils, vigns.    2016    $16.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5

R+561803    LES GRANDES SERRES LES PORTES DU CASTELAS    AP Côtes du Rhône        2015    $15.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+276055    CHÂTEAU NOZIÈRES CUVÉE AMBROISE DE L'HER MALBEC CAHORS    AC        2014    $18.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+366955    MASSERIA ALTEMURA SASSEO PRIMITIVO    IGT Salento    2015    $16.95 14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+515494    BANFI STILNOVO GOVERNO ALL'USO TOSCANO    IGT Toscana        2016    $18.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+553743    GANCEDO XESTAL MENCÍA DO Bierzo 2010 $17.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+976910    ONTAÑÓN CRIANZA TEMPRANILLO/GARNACHA    DOCa Rioja        2014    $17.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+556100    CHÂTEAU LOS BOLDOS GRAND RÉSERVE CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Rapel Valley, Cachapoal Andes    Viña Los Boldos    2015    $19.95  14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88

 

20 over $20

=========

W+350108    BLUE MOUNTAIN CHARDONNAY    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2016    $28.95    13 % ABV, MVC/QPR: 92

W+63941    MAHI SAUVIGNON BLANC    Marlborough, South Island        2015    $20.95 MVC/QPR: 90

W+155382    MARCHESI DI BAROLO GAVI DI GAVI    DOCG     2016    $21.95  MVC/QPR: 89

R+392738    QUEYLUS TRADITION PINOT NOIR    VQA Niagara Peninsula        2014    $29.95    13% ABV, MVC/QPR: 91

R+276741    OSOYOOS LAROSE PÉTALES D'OSOYOOS RED    BC VQA Okanagan Valley        2014    $29.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5

R+708982    STAG'S LEAP WINE CELLARS ARTEMIS CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Napa Valley        2015    $84.95    14.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+269357    CHATEAU STE. MICHELLE CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Columbia Valley        2015    $21.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+323741    ROBERT OATLEY SIGNATURE SERIES CABERNET SAUVIGNON    Margaret River, Western Australia        2016    $20.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+526863    CHÂTEAU MARSAC-SÉGUINEAU    AC Margaux        2014    $42.95    14% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+444448    DIEVOLE CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG        2014    $22.95 13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+995910    REMO FARINA AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO    DOCG        2014    $42.95    15% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

R+69518    DOMAINE POULLEAU PÈRE & FILS LES MONDES RONDES    AC Côtes de Beaune        2013    $38.95    12.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 88.5

R+943613    BARONE RICASOLI ROCCA GUICCIARDA RISERVA CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG        2015    $24.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

R+652438    CASTELLO DI GABBIANO BELLEZZA GRAN SELEZIONE CHIANTI CLASSICO    DOCG        2013    $39.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 89

W+346304    GRGICH HILLS ESTATE GROWN CHARDONNAY    Napa Valley        2014    $67.95    MVC/QPR: 91

R+545764    DOMAINE BESANCENOT CENT VIGNES BEAUNE 1ER CRU    AP        2014    $55.95    13.5% ABV, MVC/QPR: 90

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Informal tasting of some Bordeaux wines from Chateau Bel-Air La Royere [Blaye, Cote de Blaye] with owner-winemaker Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud. May 15/2018

The Date and Time:  Tuesday May 15 2018  Noon to 2PM

The Event: Informal tasting of some Bordeaux wines from Chateau Bel-Air La Royere [Blaye, Cote de Blaye] with owner-winemaker Corinne Chevrier-Loriaud.

The Venue: Paris Paris, at the tasting bar

The Target Audience: wine sommeliers, media

The Availability/Catalogue: wines will be appearing initially at the France Discovery store in Ottawa and online, and will also be proposed for Vintages.

The Quote/Background: Assisted by Soline Bossis from Bordeaux, Mme. Chevrier-Loriaud presented her wines with detail. Not in the tasting were their "small lot" sauvignon blanc and their top wine. The top Chateau wine could sell for about $50 in Ontario. It was first made in 1995 with a consistent 55%merlot and 45%malbec composition. Indeed, the Chateau has one of the highest proportions of malbec vines in the Bordeaux; many of them are "old vine" malbec from after WWII. Other vines, such as the cabernet sauvignon, are leased as an addition to the "second vin". The Chateau is in the process of becoming organic, but until certification comes, the grapes are said to be produced by "organic principles". All of the employees here are women.

The Wines: It is a trio of vintages: the top wine is currently 2014, the second wine is  2015, and the Gourmandises is 2016.

 

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

[the top wine is not yet available in Ontario, could sell for $50]

-Gourmandises de Chateau Bel-Air La Royere 2016 Cotes de Blaye $19.95 France Discovery store soon, and also online: a very elegant blend of 100% merlot from 15 year old vines. Good for passing the time as a sipper on the deck/patio or as a lubricant for conversation, and as a first course wine.

-Esprit de Chateau Bel-Air La Royere 2015 Cotes de Blaye $24.95 France Discovery store soon, and also online: this is the "second vin" of the Chateau, currently blended as 90% merlot, with 5% malbec and 5% cabernet sauvignon, but in other years, it has been 80% merlot and 10% the other varietals. Most of the vins are 30 years old but some hearken back to 1947. It punches well above its price (which is what it is also selling for in Quebec: time to load up).

 

The Food: typical for Paris Paris – cured sausages, French cheeses (e.g., comte), olives, breads, charcuterie, French fries.

The Downside: it was beginning to get hot in the weather with the rise in temperatures.

The Upside: a great chance to speak with the principal.

The Contact Person: chateau.belair.la.royere@wanadoo.fr; annep@tastesenseltd.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Flavours of New Zealand Toronto Tasting May 10 2018

The Date and Time:  Thursday May 10, 2018  1:30PM - 5PM

The Event: Flavours of New Zealand Toronto Tasting

The Venue: Glass Factory, 99 Sudbury St

The Target Audience: wine trade

The Availability/Catalogue: wines were listed in the catalogue by winery or group, with suggested retail prices. Some of the logos were inconsistently listed along the booths, with out-of-order wineries. I got a lot of exercise walking around.

The Quote/Background: I did the walk-around tasting, folding them into the results below. The wines were served too cold for an "aromatics discovery" tasting (Albarino, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer), but when I returned to re-try or try for the first time (allowing for some warm up), the bottles had been replaced by other too cold wines. Some wines were supposed to be blind tasted, but I could not find them.

The Wines: Many wines are found online or in-person at the LCBO New Zealand Discovery store 1838 Avenue Road in Toronto. I did not try all the wines in the show.

 

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

-Rockburn Sauvignon Blanc 2015 Central Otago +468157 $19.95

-Nautilus Chardonnay 2016 Marlborough +331652 $27.95 FAVE WHITE TODAY

-Astrolabe Taihoa Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Kekerengu Coast Marlborough 2016 $39.95

Rogers

-Cloudy Bay Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $35.95 Charton Hobbs

-Cloudy Bay Te Koko Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $59.95 Charton Hobbs

-Cloudy Bay Te Koko Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011 $59.95 Charton Hobbs

-Giesen Single Vineyard Selection Clayvin Pinot Noir Marlborough 2014 $99.95

-Greywacke Wild Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2014 $39.95 Connexion Oenophilia

-Greywacke Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $50 Connexion Oenophilia

-Loveblock Pinot Noir Bendigo Central Otago 2016 $34.95 Vine Agency

-Te Awanga Estate Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2016 $27.95 Azureau

-Quarter Acre Sauvignon Blanc Hawke's Bay 2016 $34.95 Azureau

-Quarter Acre Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2016 $34.95 Azureau

 

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

-Giesen The August Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2013 $54.95 Charton Hobbs

-Cloudy Bay Te Wahl Pinot Noir Central Otago 2014 $123.95

-Forrest Albarino Marlborough 2017 $22.95  Abcon

-Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Riesling Martinborough 2016 $26 Select Cons

-Waimea Classic Riesling Nelson 2016 $18.95 Churchill Consignment

-Lawson's Dry Hills Gewurztraminer Marlborough 2016 $19.99  Wine Guru

-Lindauer Classic Brut Sparkling Wine North Island NV $19.95  Profile

-Mister Syrah Hawke's Bay 2015 $29.95 Azureau

-Te Awanga Estate Syrah Hawke's Bay 2015 $31.95 Azureau

-Toi Toi Clutha Pinot Noir Central Otago 2016 $29.95  Vonterra

-Villa Maria Cellar Selection Organic Pinot Noir Marlborough 2015 $30.40 P Dandurand

-Vidal Reserve Chardonnay Hawke's Bay 2016 $27.95

-Thornbury Pinot Noir Central Otago 2016 $27.95  Airen

 

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

-Yealands Land Made Sauvignon Blanc 2017 $15 +425298 Licensee only Trialto

-Yealands Estate Single Vineyard Pinot Gris Marlborough 2017 $22.94 Trialto

-Waipara Hills Riesling North Canterbury 2016 $21.99  Southern Glazer's Consignment

-Villa Maria Celler Selection Pinot Gris Marlborough 2017 $21.95 PDandurand

 

The Food: breads and cheeses.

The Downside: I had needlessly rushed to the seminar because the last few seminars were sitdowns. This time the seminar reverted to the past and it was a walkaround, self-pour which I could have joined any time. 

The Upside: So I finished early, marked up the show catalogue, and got into the tasting about a half hour early. So I got home earlier as well, avoiding rush hour.

The Contact Person: events@nzwine.com

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

Chimo! www.deantudor.com

The Event: Tasting/Drinking wine with Frederic Brouca of AOC Faugeres May 10 2018

The Date and Time: Thursday May 10 2018 Noon to 3PM

The Event: Tasting/Drinking wine with Frederic Brouca of AOC Faugeres, repped in Ontario by Nicolas Pearce.

The Venue: Paris Paris

The Target Audience: licensees, wine writers, pr.

The Availability/Catalogue: all wines are here or will be here (see below)

The Quote/Background: Domaine Frederic Brouca has several different bottlings of his organic wines from the region. He explained them (all were red), but also began with some wines from his association with Mure in Alsace, for that white wine component of the afternoon. We tasted eight wines in all. He has markets in Newfoundland, Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New York – with Paris as his largest overall market. 80% of his business is in the USA. He discussed each wine in detail; it was a great learning experience.

The Wines: All the wines are organic, prices are licensee.

 

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

-Domaine Frederic Brouca Champs Pentus AOC Faugeres [GSM] 2016 $21.95 Cons

-Domaine Frederic Brouca Samso Seuille VDF Faugeres [100% cinsault] 2015 $19.95 Cons

-Domaine Frederic Brouca Clos Sauveplane AOC Faugeres [70%mourvedre,30%syrah] 2013 13.5% ABV $34.95 old vines Consignment

-Mure Pinot Gris Alsace Signature 2015 [Demeter} $26.95 Cons

 

 

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

-Domaine Frederic Brouca Clos Sauveplane AOC Faugeres [70%mourvedre,30%syrah] 2016 13.5% ABV $37.95 old vines Consignment Fall arrival

-Domaine Frederic Brouca De Facto Rose AOC Faugeres [45%mourvedre/55%grenache] 2017 $21.95   June arrival

-Domaine Frederic Brouca Vermouth 16% [organic grapes and botanicals} $27 Fall arrival

-Mure Sylvaner Alsace Signature 2015 [Demeter} $19.95 Cons

 

The Food: there was a selection of charcuterie, sausages, three French cheeses (including Comte), breads and French fries.

The Downside: I had to leave immediately for the New Zealand Wine Show, a 20 minute walk away. The NZ seminar was slated to start at 1:30PM.

The Upside: there was a chance for a quick chat with Frederic Brouca.

The Contact Person: frederic@brouca.com; np@npwines.com

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

 

Chimo! www.deantudor.com