The Fuzion brand is expanding into slightly higher price territory. And why not? Any one familiar with the producer Familia Zuccardi knows that this is not a one trick pony. Fuzion Alta 08 Reserve Malbec is a good mix of Argentinean richness and tangy, Italian-style vigour. Certainly worth exploring for winter house wine. Fuzion 08 Organic Malbec/Cab is very plummy and yummy. A bit smooth for me, but there’s lots of winter comfort.
P.S. And in case you missed earlier blog posts, I have recommended the $7 Fuzion red and white.
FUZION 08 ‘Alta Reserve’ Malbec, Argentina 135475 $9.95
Time to Celebrate!!
Now that we’re into the medals it’s time for serious celebration with some bubbly in the fridge. While the western wineries have a games special sparkling my taste buds prefer the Niagara offering of Chateau des Charmes. I’m sure our Quebec athletes appreciate being toasted with a ‘Chateau’ wine.
CHATEAU des CHARMES Brut Sparkling, VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake #145409 $22.95
If you’re just tuning in, check out the other lessons posted on Billy’s Online Wine School page to your left. Enjoy your homework!
WINE LESSON # 5 Côtes du Rhône
I want to repeat the first lesson because of the flood of Côtes du Rhône wines appearing at Vintages this Saturday. You must grab this opportunity to explore one of the great experience in red wine. And great values too. The wines won’t be around for long and when they’re they gone – they’re gone.
Côtes du Rhône has a unique style that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. The sunny flavours and feeling of the south of France pour out of each glass. Effortlessly. Lovingly. Côtes du Rhône is Cabernet’s alter ego. Wines crafted for charm over size. Spicy/sweetness over power.
So here’s what to do. This weekend, go to an LCBO that carries a decent Vintages selection. Buy one or two of my 5 recommended Côtes du Rhônes. Here they are. All my other Vintages picks will be posted here on FRIDAY, FEB 19th.
My 5 recommended Côtes du Rhônes released this Saturday, Feb. 20th.
DOMAINE de DIEUMERCY 07 Côtes du Rhône, France 155507 $12.95
LES VIGNERONS de ROAIX 07 Côtes du Rhône, France 156000 $13.95
TERRES d’AVIGNON 07 Côtes du Rhône ‘Les Cardinalices’, France 155473 $14.95
DOMAINE SAINT-PIERRE 06 Vacqueyras, Côtes du Rhône Villages, France 130013 $25.95
CAVE de RASTEAU 07 Gigondas ‘Ortas’, Côtes du Rhône Villages, France 155440 $23.95
And don’t overlook a previous recommendation posted on Jan 8 (Rasteau 08 ‘Ortas’ Côtes du Rhône Villages #998716 $15).
P.S. Next Wednesday I’m taking a break from school because I’m posting a lot of ‘Olympic Wine Picks’ in the coming week. Cheers.
TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16 MARDI GRAS
Get out your dancing shoes, beads and masks. grab yer partner and celebrate Mardi Gras at our favourite Cajun restaurant. LIVE MUSIC starts at 9:30 by BILL KING’S ROCKIT 88 BAND. Good food, tons of fun and won’t cost a fortune.
Southern Accent, 595 Markham Street Toronto M6G 2L7 (Bathurst subway, around the corner from Honest Ed’s) www.southernaccent.com
A wine critic named Tudor tells a author named Darling that her book ‘Orgasmic Appetizers and Matching Wines’ has too much reference to sex! Did he mistake orgasmic for organic? www.orgasmicculinarycreations.com
First Wine – the Opening Ceremonies
For the next few weeks I’ll be offering some of my favourite Canadian wines to enjoy while you’re watching the games. For the opening ceremony it has to be a wine from the host province. The super-pleasant personality of Prospect Winery 07 Riesling could not be more West Coast – enthusiastic, wild in a nice way, and eager to please. Quietly confident. The Canadian way.
Prospect Winery 07 Riesling ‘Larch Tree Hill’, VQA Okanagan 145136 $13.95
My pet peeve of the season:
People who enter bars and restaurants and don’t take off their winter coats/hats, etc.
For me, the cozy warmth of the indoors is destroyed by the sight of outdoor clothing. It doesn’t help that many places fail to offer a place to hang coats.
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 17th from 7 to 10pm at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa. An excellent opportunity to taste over 100 wines from 30 wineries. Meet winemakers and nibble on appetizers – made from Ontario produce of course! A steal at $55. Limited space so book now. www.winesofontario.ca/Ottawa or call Groovy Grapes at 613.715.9399
Wines for Valentines – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Bed
With Valentines falling on the ‘day of rest’ I thought it would be fun to consider wines for breakfast, lunch, dinner and after. All in moderation of course – or not. Whatever works for you and your lover. Love it up!
Wake up: Bottega Moscato, Italy 588780 $13 . . . low-alcohol bubbly that tastes like a sweet kiss.
Brunch: Mumm Napa Brut ‘Prestige’ Sparkling, California 265687 $28 . . . jazzy fizz to have with Sunday eggs – all the stars do it.
Dinner Aperitif White: Anselmi 08 Soave ‘San Vincenzo’, Italy 948158 $17 . . . refreshment and charm from the land of Romeo and Juliet. Don’t forget a little seafood.
Supper Red: Le Clos Jordanne 07 Pinot Noir, Village Reserve, Niagara 33894 $25 . . . forget Cabernet – tis the night for the charm of Pinot. And your best meat or fish, with a hit of hot spice. Cheer on Canada too.
Bed Time: Peller Estates Sparkling ‘Ice Cuvee’ Rosé, Niagara 113035 $35 . . . pink sparkling wine with a shot of Icewine. Even more heavenly with a chocolate truffle.
P.S. All these wines are available at major LCBOs.
Are you in the mood for love? I’ll be your hot date for this pre-Valentine’s tasting at First Canadian Place. Taste 6 of my Valentine’s picks – bubbly, white, red and sweet wines from around the globe….covering an ideal Valentine’s day from breakfast to dinner, and beyond. Fun and informative.Presented in association with Indigospirit and The Duke of Westminster.
MONDAY FEBRUARY 8 from 5 to 7pm.
ONLY $25. My book, Billy’s Best Bottles Wines for 2010 will be on sale.
Register online at fcpevents.com
