All posts tagged Ontario

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

‘Lily’ Sparkling

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

People are drinking a lot more sparkling wine. Sales are way up. I have no idea why this is happening so I can only assume it has something to do with the Recession or the Aquarian age of enlightenment. More people celebrating everyday, as opposed to waiting for a big moment.

Another reason may be that sparkling wine has never been so good, and so affordable. If you’re not into the sparkling habit yet may I offer a tip that might help get you started. Don’t think that you always have to finish the bottle. Have a glass or two at the cocktail hour, recork the bottle and repeat the following evening. With the help of a Champagne stopper (an essential wine tool) a refrigerated bottle will remain fizzy and fresh for 3 to 4 days.

lillyThe Zen books tell us to live in, and celebrate, the moment. I try my best by having at least one glass of sparkling wine every day. It’s my ‘made it through the day’ and ‘great to be home’ celebration.

If bubbly-every-day just seems too outrageous for you let me offer a tip: down-style it. Buy one of the great cheapies below and drink it from a tumbler like they do in Italy. And to avoid the temptation of finishing the bottle, recork and return it to the fridge after pouring. It will remain good for up to five days.

Did you know that only Champagne, from that region in France, can be called Champagne? All the other fizzy wines are simply called sparkling. But don’t let wine snobs intimidate you into buying Champagne. You can lead a very happy life with all the other sparkling wines.

One of the best kept secrets in local wine is COLIO ESTATES sparkling wine that goes by the name LILY. It feels both classy and yummy – the ultimate experience in sparkling wine.

Colio Estates Sparkling ‘Lily’, Ontario 509083 $14.95

Niagara Revisited

by Billy on September 8, 2007 in Food & Restaurants, Travel Notes with 1 Comment

KACABA REVISITED
When Vineland’s Kacaba winery first opened I thought that the wines were overly spicy/sweet, and overly priced. A recent tasting revealed that the winery is continuing as it started. However I did find one gem. The 2003 Cabernet Franc ($25.95) delivers the pure flavours and challenging vigour and vitality of this grape. Lots of old– fashioned red wine character – Ontario’s edition of Chianti. It’s starting to fade but shows the potential of this grape. Which must be the most-used line in Niagara’s wine history.

MALIVOIRE UPDATE JANUARY 2008 read all about it here

Continue reading →

 

Site protected by VNetPublishing.Com Web Security Tools