All posts tagged Creekside

Favourite Local Bistro Red Not on Sale!

by Kato on March 10, 2011 in Wine Picks with 3 Comments

CreeksideShirazMy Favourite Local Bistro Red was on Sale…last week at Queen’s Quay, but it seems that it’s not at other stores. Thanks to Stan who wrote in to report. Sorry about that!

I’ve loved and promoted this wine for its earthy, peppery, Rhone character but sales have not been good so it’s discounted from $15.95 to $12.95. You’ll not find a better local bistro-style red. Get down, get real.

CREEKSIDE 07 Shiraz, VQA Niagara 66654 $12.75

P.S. Visit Creekside in Niagara and stock up on their stunning Sauvignon, Viognier and premium Shiraz. All in super-cool new labels!

Billy’s Online Wine School

by Kato on April 13, 2010 in Billy's Online Wine School, Wine Picks with 3 Comments

Billy’s Online Wine School
Lesson #8 MAKE FRIENDS with RUSTIC REDS

lesson8There was a time when almost all red wines were rustic. Bone dry with a tangy bite. A bit challenging but refreshing and appetizing. Today’s fashion is for smooth, rich reds – and while these are delicious drinks they are not great companions at the dinner table. They try to upstage the food. And they tire, rather than stimulate the appetite.

So take a trip on the challenging side. Make rustic your friend and new dinner companion. Have second bottles on hand as the refreshing nature of rustic reds tend to keep us longer at the table. Italy is motherland of rustic red but some of our local wineries are not afraid to produce wines with an edge. Have with burgers, pizza, lasagna, casseroles, BBQ’d red meats and anything oven-roasted.

Creekside’s Shiraz is gutsy, down to earth and loaded with vim and vitality. An Ontario Chianti! Get food on the table and you’ll be in for the fun of a fast bottle.

The blend of Cabernet Franc and Shiraz from Angels Gate tastes like something you’d have at a French bistro. Hearty, earthy and very real. I’d love to see more local wine produced in this style.

CREEKSIDE 07 Shiraz, VQA Niagara 66654 $15.75
ANGELS GATE 07 Cabernet/Shiraz, VQA Niagara 146365 $14.75

Good Grigio in Ontario

by Kato on June 6, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

pinotgrigioMy friend Neil drinks almost as much wine as I do. He’s a no nonsense guy who has figured out a few different wine styles to suit his moods and needs. If it’s daylight Neil drinks Pinot Grigio. “Background stuff, but it sort of pleases me.”

Pinot Grigio is the blue jeans of the wine world – simple but good. A feel good, and comfortable wine.

Background stuff is not something that excites, or strokes the ego of most winemakers but some here in Ontario are willing to oblige. And impress. Pelee Island has been producing very gulpable Pinot Grigio for as long as I remember and the 08 vintage may be their best ever. Fresh, fruity and a best buddy from the first sip. Summer patio stock for sure. Creekside in Niagara produces a drier edition that will hit the spot on hot days. Handy screwcap.

PELEE ISLAND 08 Pinot Grigio, VQA Ontario 326413 $11.95
CREEKSIDE 07 Pinot Grigio, VQA Ontario 83196
$13.95

P.S. In wine country look for Pinot Gris (same as Grigio) at the following wineries: MALIVOIRE 08 Pinot Gris, Niagara ($18.95) is the designer jeans of Gris – crisp for refreshment and  delicious for sipping. Stylish new packaging. Perfect hostess gift. HUFF ESTATE in Prince Edward County have elevated Pinot Grigio ($18.95) to something classy. Bright, jazzy and brimming with confidence. Shades of house wine at a fancy French restaurant. Another good County Gris is The GRANGE ‘Trumpour’s Mill’ 07 ($14.95). Lovely fruity, spicy flavours.

Creekside Shiraz

by Kato on June 2, 2009 in Wine Picks with No comments

creeksideshirazLocal Shiraz is very different from Little Penguin.

Creekside winery is the master of local Shiraz and if you get a chance to visit you’ll be able to taste some sensational, limited production bottles. Fortunately they also produce lots of an everyday edition that’s my favourite. I call it local Chianti.

Niagara is not Australia, and local Shiraz tastes nothing like Little Penguin. Our style is lighter, brighter, refreshing and a little rustic. Hence my suggestion of Chianti. Gutsy wine for hearty pastas, burgers and any food prepared with love.

CREEKSIDE 07 Shiraz, VQA Niagara  66654 $15.95

Niagara Wine Tours

by Kato on April 13, 2009 in Food & Restaurants, Travel Notes, Wine Picks with Comments Off

before you go Pick up a copy of Wineries of Ontario at LCBO stores. It has maps and all the contact info for wineries, restaurant and hotels. www.winesofontario.ca

the low down The wonderful 07 Vintage is the current hot topic but don’t overlook the wines of 06, which are drinking really well right now. This cool year produced light wines that are truly local in character.

There are 2 district regions – the flat lands of Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) and the more sloped escarpment of Beamsville/Jordan/Vineland. The two regions are separated by the city of St. Catharines. If you’re on a day trip, I suggest you don’t try to visit both regions as this involves highway travel and that ruins the Niagara experience. The QEW is to Niagara what Yonge Street is to Toronto – a central artery best avoided. You need at least two days. Three would be better – especially if you want to take time to smell the roses. I like to do the Niagara-on-the-Lake region first, heading down York Road to Queenston, and then up the beautiful Parkway. A little refreshment on the back patio of the Riverbend Inn, and I’m in the zone.

Don’t spend all your time at wineries. At least take a break for lunch.

When confronted by a tasting bar with dozens of wines, try saying this: “Take me through a day of wine – lunch, aperitif, appetizers, main course, after dinner, nite cap. And how about something novel, an adventure?” This way you’re tasting with context in mind.

Niagara is producing some of the most exciting $20-$30 wines in the world.

Treat yourself. If you’re spending a few days consider staying at Inn on the Twenty in Jordan. Upscale but friendly, relaxed and everything in good taste. Some rooms have a garden, and breakfast in the grand dining room is a fab way to start the day.

On the restaurant scene, Stone Road Grille, located just outside Niagara-on-the-Lake is a rare Ontario edition of the bistro experience. Locally popular, personable owners and staff, bustling, informal atmosphere, generous  food portions, a commitment to local produce and wines, reasonable prices…you must go. (Reservations 905-468-3474)

best new attractions: Southbrook’s stunning modern winery – with a ‘great wall’ and pizza patio. Organized Crime’s sexy tasting room. Olson’s Foods and Bakery shop at Ravine Winery. Chefs Michael and Anna Olson have opened a big food shop/café on a lovely woodsy hillside in the village of St. David’s. It’s part of a complex containing Ravine Winery. Top quality foods and a rustic setting – can’t beat that.

Best winery reception on my last visit was by Lindsay at Thirty Bench. Most intelligent restaurant service was Christina at Hillebrand. Continue reading →

 

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