THE LOW DOWN: The feature wine country for the March 6th Vintages release is Chile – so it’s going to be a mixed feelings release due to the tragic earthquake. While there might not have been loss of life at the wineries, there is talk of substantial loss of wine stocks. This is an unfortunate [...]
‘STEAK DINNER’
Hillebrand’s Trius Red is now in its 20th vintage – a legend in local wine. It’s produced from the Bordeaux grape varieties (Cabs and Merlot) and I like how it manages to feel both stylish and crowd-pleasing. Fancy but not pretentious. The Canadian way. The early vintages of Trius were made by a French [...]
‘PREMIUM SIPPING REDS’
Here’s a thought. If we’re watching our athletes competing against the best why shouldn’t we be sipping on some of our best wines? TV watching is usually associated with low quality drinks, but it doesn’t have to be. Why not multi-task – double the fun – with interesting wine experiences?Not the super-expensive, but [...]
‘THE POWER OF THE UNDERDOG’
While it would be ‘cool’ to match local wines with each Olympic sport I’m not doing it because I didn’t get the contract. Nobody did. Besides it’s probably illegal to mention wine on sports programs. A TV producer once told me that I couldn’t be shown pouring or drinking the wine [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
THE LOW DOWN: A very traditional Côtes du Rhône is my highlight of this release. Bistro at its best. Earthy but also rich is the Priorat from the North of Spain. Characterful stuff. For an interesting white wine experience check out Greco di Tufo from the south of Italy. This ancient Greek grape variety can [...]
Wine Lesson #4
Will that be rustic or rich? Playing around with a few Portuguese reds – fun on a winter night.
Sogrape is a big Portuguese winery that churns out some of the world’s great value reds. Really good wines at everyday prices. I’ve been recommending the following for ages but they have never tasted better. And [...]
Take a virtual trip to the sunshine state with the following white and red. They’re not bargain priced but the pair will cost you less than the scussiest wine at your local restaurant. Beringer’s winemaker has found a perfect middle ground between niceness and character in these wines. Be prepared to be charmed.
Stone Cellar Chardonnay [...]
