THE LOW DOWN: South and central Italy is the feature and I’m recommending four wines which deliver something different – along with great value. Beaujolais, Chianti, Pinot and a blockbuster Syrah are my red picks. A buy of the year is Graham Beck sparkling Rosé and Mike Weir sparkling is worth checking out. Malivoire Ladybug [...]
This tiny Beamsville Bench winery produces really good everyday wines at decent prices. The 08 unoaked Chardonnay is one of the best around. A perfect combination of refreshment and sensuality, play and performance. Light enough for everyday and jazzy enough for special events. Exuberant and delightful. Perfect to kick-off the evening. And a role model [...]
Posted in Wine Picks | Also tagged Calamus |
THE LOW DOWN: I love my picks from this release. Four very different whites at an average price of less than $15. Best Muscadet ever and the Verdejo would be perfect with your World Cup Paella party. I’ll be wearing orange but probably cheering for Spain.
Wildass Rosé is almost serious and perfect for any Summer [...]
THE LOW DOWN: In whites, I found two lightheared, value-priced wines for summer drinking , a seafood partner, and one of the world’s little gems – ARINTO from one of the oldest regions in Portugal. Pinot Noir and a Sangioveses Rosé would be perfect partners for summer meals or picnics. All my red picks are [...]
No, I’m not slamming Canadian whiskey, but helping you with the pronunciation of a tiny and very good Niagara winery called Nyarai. It’s a South African word meaning humble.
Nyarai is not only good, the wines are also reasonably priced. Proprietor Steve Byfield works out of the Calamus winery in Beamsville (also value-priced) so we’re not [...]
Posted in Travel Notes, Wine Picks | Also tagged Nyarai |
THE LOW DOWN: Don’t miss this opportunity to experience wines from France’s Loire Valley. Red and white with bright flavours and a pure, spring-like quality. And a sensational sweetie. There is nothing like these at regular LCBOs.
Niagara Riesling is back on form with the 08 vintage so it’s time to start buying again. I’m recommending [...]
THE LOW DOWN: Jazz up your white wine repetoire with Soave, Viognier, Torrontes, Macon and an Aussie Pinot Grigio. Locals are the stars in the Rosé feature. (Unfortunately I didn’t get to taste the MALIVOIRE 09 ‘Ladybug Rosé’, VQA Niagara 559088 $15.95. I’ll report on it later) I only found three reds [...]
Posted in Vintages Picks, Wine Picks | Also tagged Argentina, Australia, Burgundy, Chile, Cono Sur, Irish Whiskey, Italy, Port, Rosé, Spain |
Lesson #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 [...]
London, England is one of the trendsetting cities for wine. A good place to launch a brand, or region. A few decades ago, London’s wine critics fell in love with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc and the world followed.
Bill Redelmeir, owner of Southbrook Winery in Niagara, has a plan to sell Ontario Chardonnay to the Brits. [...]
Every day people tell me that they’ve stopped drinking Chardonnay. “Too rich, too oaky, too whatever.” Chardonnay has become the unfashionable white wine. Well, I don’t mind being out of fashion because I thoroughly enjoy glasses of some of Niagara’s finest. Try these and I bet you’ll NOT be doing the non-Chardonnay thing.
Chateau des Charmes [...]
