All posts in Billy’s Online Wine School

Billy’s Online Wine School

by Kato on June 20, 2010 in Billy's Online Wine School, Wine Picks with 1 Comment

masiMasiancoLesson #12

The Wine for Asparagus

Asparagus and Sauvignon Blanc have the same DNA – wild herbaceouness. A no brainer food and wine pairing. However if you decide to make asparagus risotto I’d like to suggest a different wine, Masianco. This mildly rich, semi-dried Verduzzo purrs along with the creaminess of the risotto, while the high energy Pinot Grigio refreshes the palate. Totally yummy. Especially when it’s Kato’s risotto.

Masianco is one of the best food whites in the store. You get refreshment, some heft and elegance. Cannot best that.

MASI 08/09 ‘Masianco’, Pinot Grigio/Verduzzo, Veneto, Italy 620773 $14.95

P.S. You should also check the somewhat similar other Italian white on P.101 in my book. Currently $2 off and selling for $14.95. ANSELMI 08 Soave ‘San Vincenzo’, Veneto, Italy #948158  $14.95

Billy’s Online Wine School: French Lessons

by Kato on June 7, 2010 in Billy's Online Wine School, Wine Picks with 2 Comments

frenchwinesFrench Lessons

The LCBO is currently doing a French wine education theme that I highly recommend for novice drinkers. Some of the wine picks (paid promotion) are not the best, but what’s important is your opportunity to understand the origin of the major grape varieties. Australia did not invent Chardonnay or Shiraz!

If you’re interested, I’d like to offer a few of my French wine learning tips.

1. Memorize the following wine region name, Cotes-du-Rhone. It’s the Mecca of red wine. A place where grapes, soil, sun and man have combined to deliver a perfect product at an everyday price. Check out the two Louis Bernard wines.
LOUIS BERNARD 08 Cotes du Rhone, France 581645 $11.80
LOUIS BERNARD 08 Cotes du Rhone Villages, France 391458 $12.85
2. A light French red to explore for summer patio/picnic drinking is the bright, cheerful Yvon Mau Shiraz. Shades of a rustic Beaujolais. Refreshing and very gulpable. Lightly chill.
YVON MAU 08 Shiraz, VDP de l’Aude 621979 $9.79
3. Something new in French wine packaging is the fun, Cest la Vie label. The wine is light, rustic and simple but I like it. Because it offers a traditional French café wine experience. No pretence.
C’EST la VIE! 08 Pinot Noir/Syrah, VDP d’Oc, France 166934 $11.95

Billy’s Online Wine School

by Kato on May 20, 2010 in Billy's Online Wine School, Vintages Picks, Wine Picks with 1 Comment

TomassiLesson #11:  The Fun of a Good Café Red

Our culture is still relatively new to wine, so we tend to go for the big show – especially in reds. We entertain light/refreshing whites as long as we know there’s a blockbuster red to follow. But what about the idea of a red that will refresh, and complement most everyday foods? What the Europeans call café wine. A red to drink with gusto and which has some of the lipsmacking character of white wines. A red to have the minute you get home.

Valpolicella is one of the world’s great everyday reds. Vibrant, juicy and delightful. I drink a ton of the stuff. Chilled ever so lightly. Tommasi makes a good one.
TOMMASI 08 Valpolicella, Veneto, Italy 669150 $13.95

P.S. If you live near a Vintages store you MUST try this Valpolicella.  
Juicy, furity flavours combined with high energy. A wow for the senses. Very invigorating and an invitation to get pasta on the table – and pour more wine. MONTE DEL FRA 08 Valpolicella ‘Lena di Mezzo’, Vento, Italy 160226 $13.95

Billy’s Online Wine School

by Kato on May 5, 2010 in Billy's Online Wine School, Wine Picks with 3 Comments

JT_SBLesson #10 COOL vs HOT

Grape variety is often prescribed as the way to select wines, but I disagree. Sure, it’s a good starting point, but winemaker’s style and climate are what usually determines the wine’s style or character. The overall feeling.

Case in point are the two Jackson-Triggs Sauvignon Blanc wines found at your local LCBO. The Ontario wine is crisp and refreshing, while the Okanagan Sauvignon is mellow and rich. Ontario cool climate versus west coast warm climate. Up tight versus laid back. Different styles – different uses. Have the Ontario for aperitif and the Okanagan with a spicy BBQ’d chicken. Have fun.

Two reasons to drink Canadian eh!

JACKSON-TRIGGS 08 Sauvignon Blanc, VQA Niagara 58438 13.75

JACKSON-TRIGGS 07 Sauvignon Blanc, VQA Okanagan 593111 13.75

Billy’s Online Wine School

by Kato on April 27, 2010 in Billy's Online Wine School, Wine Picks with 2 Comments

MasiCampoLesson #9 ITALY’S RICH RED

Italian families seldom drinks rich red wines. They keep the big hitters for weddings and other celebrations. We, however, drink rich reds all the time. It’s our default wine. But what about a compromise wine – the muscle without the brawn?

Ripasso is a brilliant Italian invention. Enriched Valpolicella. A red wine that feels substantial but not heavy. Vitality and earthiness partnered with nourishment. The last glass won’t knock you out. You could even entertain a second bottle.

The house of Masi are masters of Ripasso and the current 06 vintage is the best ever. Deep earthy flavours are delivered with an assured, confident feeling. You get a feeling of history as opposed to the obvious fruitiness on many of today’s wines. An invitation to put the wine with simply grilled meats, and good friends. Italian wines always invite food and company.

MASI 06 VALPOLICELLA RIPASSO ‘Campofiorin’, Veneto, Italy 155051 $17.45

← Older Entries
 

Site protected by VNetPublishing.Com Web Security Tools