Archive for November, 2009

Ontario Wine Event – Don’t Miss It

by Kato on November 26, 2009 in Events with No comments

OWSYou can register for this event on-line until Friday, November 27.

Here’s news about the most exciting local wine event of the year – an opportunity to taste and buy from 43 Ontario wineries. Imagine visiting that many wineries in one evening and having your picks delivered to your door a few day’s later. All this will be possible on Monday November 30th. Sponsored by the Ontario Wine Society, the tasting will be held at the U of T Faculty Club (Spadina/College) from 6 to 9pm.

For details and tickets ($25/$35) visit www.ontariowinesociety.com or download this PDF registration form for the Taste and Order Event. You can register for this event on-line until Friday, November 27. Reservations will not be taken over the phone and payment cannot be made at the door.

The wineries that will be pouring samples and taking orders are:
13th Street Winery
Hillebrand Winery
Pillitteri Estates Winery
Angels Gate Winery
Huff Estates
Riverview Cellars Estate Winery
Alvento Winery
Inniskillin Wines
Rosehall Run Vineyards
Black Prince Winery
Jackson-Triggs Vintners
Rosewood Estates Winery & Meadery
Calamus Estate Winery
Joseph’s Estate Wines
Sandbanks Estate Winery
Caroline Cellars Winery
King’s Court Estate Winery
Sprucewood Shores
Cave Spring Cellars
Konzelmann Estate Winery
Southbrook Vineyards
Chateau des Charmes
Lailey Vineyard
Stoney Ridge Estate Winery
Colchester Ridge
Le Clos Jordanne
Stratus
Coyote’s Run Estate Winery
Mountain Road Wine Company
Strewn
Creekside Estate Winery
Niagara College Teaching Winery
Tawse Winery
Flat Rock Cellars
Nyarai Cellars
The Grange of Prince Edward
Henry of Pelham Family Estate
Peninsula Ridge Estates Winery
Waupoos Estates Winery
Hidden Bench Vineyards & Winery
Peller Estates
Wayne Gretzky Estates
Willow Springs Winery

Terrific Cab Franc from Strewn

by Kato on November 25, 2009 in Travel Notes, Wine Picks with No comments

cabfrancSTREWNHere’s a terrific $30 red. But it’s not for everyone. Strewn 07 Cabernet Franc is crafted in a very dry style of traditional Bordeaux or Chianti. Rustic and gutsy, as opposed to rich and smooth. A classic food partner for roasted or grilled meats – working harder to flatter food more than you. Suggests a little formality. Maybe decant.

Strewn produced several other $30 reds from the 07 vintage but none have the assured quality of the Cab Franc. Which is Ontario wine at its finest – a bit reserved and more dinner table than party time.

Strewn 07 Cabernet Franc, VQA Niagara only at the winery $32
strewnwinery.com

Masi: Improving with Age

by Kato on November 23, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

masiImproving with Age – the Masi Way

Much is written about wine improving with age, but what about wineries improving? I was asked recently if Masi Campofiorin was ‘still good’, to which I replied ‘Better than ever!‘ I highly recommend the 06 vintage and it’s in my new book.

Not only has Masi maintained quality over the 25 years I’ve been drinking their wines, they also have stuck with Italy’s traditional, vigorous, gutsy style – when many of their neighbouring Amarone and Ripasso producers have soften, smooth out and sweetened their wines for greater international appeal.

Masi Valpolicella Ripasso ‘Campofiorin’, Veneto, Italy 155051 $17.45
“Deep earthy flavours combined with an assured, confident feeling, The sense of something that’s been around forever. Invites you to linger and spend the night. Best with primo meats, simply grilled. If possible, decant an hour before.” (from Billy’s Best Bottles Wines for 2010)

Masi 06 Amarone Valpolicella ‘Costasera’, Veneto, Italy 317057 $37.25
“More winter warmth than a fireplace. Flavours seem to be a mile deep. Wine to nourish the body and soul. Will be even more exciting in 2-3 years.” (from Billy’s Best Bottles Wines for 2010)

The Other Corona!

by Kato on November 21, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

The Other Corona!

Today I tasted several disappointing Pinot Noirs. Many were expensive. Before supper I opened Torres ‘Coronas‘ as a way of getting back to earth – with an old friend. Okay I’m lying. I’ve always preferred Torres ‘Sangre de Toro’ over the ‘Coronas’ but I’m open to making new friends, and I found one. The relationship started out slowly – easy and friendly at first, but each glass got more interesting. I found the charm I’d hope for in the pricey Pinots. Coronas saved the day.

Tempranillo is the grape behind Cornas. Expect mellow, spicy sweetness from time spent in oak casks. Think Shiraz with a little Euro styling. Could not only save your day, but make it. Lovely to sip anytime.

Wine style: semi-rich red
Torres 06 ‘Coronas’, Tempranillo, Spain 29728 $13.25

Last Wine Eletter

by Kato on November 20, 2009 in Billy's World with 1 Comment

Just in case you missed it –

http://www.billysbestbottles.com/A_NOV11_2009/index.html

If you want to be put on the list to receive my monthly, please enter your name and email on the sign up form (found on the top right corner of this site).

Cheers.

Billy

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