Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival 2015 - Review

On Sunday, September 20th, I had the pleasure of attending the Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival (formerly the Delicious Food Show) that was held at Evergreen Brick Works. This 3-day festival began on Friday and showcased familiar (and some unfamiliar) local food vendors, many of which have restaurants in the city. The show also featured many local Ontairo wineries, as well as regional wine booths pouring wines from countries such as New Zealand, Chile, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa.

The show had a high-tech feel to it with wristbands and hard plastic cards digitally storing your sampling tickets - quite different from what I'm normally used to. You would load up your wristband/card with sampling tickets ($1 per sampling ticket) upon entering the show and vendors would use their device to tap your wristband/card to deduct the appropriate amount of sampling tickets. Most food & wine samples ranged from 1-5 tickets, and if you ran out of sampling tickets, you could always add more at the point of entry.

I arrived early in the afternoon, but just missed the tutored wine tasting hosted by Adamo Estate Winery, a new winery based in Hockley Valley. Thus, I headed off to the Grand Pavilion where all the food and wine was being served. Since I had just eaten lunch, I wasn't too keen on trying many foods, but as soon as I got my wine glass and headed inside, I noticed a mouth-watering piece of fried chicken resting on a waffle. It was nicely displayed at The Dirty Bird Chicken + Waffles booth. I was in complete awe as I stared at the fried piece of boneless chicken on a thick, Belgian-style waffle covered with sauce. I knew I wanted to try it and I was very happy I did. It was absolutely delicious! Further conversations with staff at the booth determined that I enjoyed a Mini ODB - a Boneless #NorthernFried 5 oz. Chicken on a Golden Buttered Maple Waffle that was topped with their Tangy In-House "Dirty" Sauce. I am marking this Kensington Market restaurant on my list of places to visit in the near future.

After enjoying the chicken + waffle, I needed something to quench my thirst. Looking at the many booths featuring wine, I quickly realized that the wines being poured were the consumer-friendly type and cautioned me to temper my expectations. Having said that, I did find a few gems that you should discover as well. Full wine reviews and tasting notes of some of the wines I enjoyed are provided below.

My second delicious food stop was at Pizzeria Libretto for a spicy (by request) Montanara Deep-Fried Marinara Pizza topped with Mozzarella and Basil. This delicious "pizza" was melt-in-your-mouth light and fluffy, and really tasty. I haven't been to Libretto in a while, but hope they've added this item as an appetizer because it would make a very nice addition to their menu; I could totally foresee a wide range of offerings for this style of "pizza", including dessert options. Pizzeria Libretto did not offer wine with their pairing at the show, but at their restaurants they offer a wide range of wines (mostly from Italy), nearly all of which are available by the glass - something I've loved about this place ever since my first visit many years ago.

There were quite a few opportunities to sample some cheese as well. Free samples of the Upper Canada Niagara Gold - a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk - were available, and tasted just as good as the first time I tried it. Also at the same cheese booth was a yummy appetizer consisting of dark berry compote and cheese that was deep fried.

The final treat of the day came courtesy of Magnum - where I had the opportunity to try one of their delectable mini ice cream bars. Options included Double Caramel, Double Chocolate, and the Classic. I opted for the lusciously sweet Double Caramel that had rich chocolate and caramel flavours complemented by vanilla ice cream. It was quite filling! They even gave me a gift card to redeem for a full box - awesomeness!

Overall, I really enjoyed the Toronto FOOD & WINE Festival. This is a show meant for foodies first and foremost, while also providing many complementary beverage options to wash it all down. I hope to attend this event next year on an empty stomach so I can enjoy many more of the food offerings as there were many that looked very appetizing.

Tasting Notes:

ADAMO WISMER FOXCROFT VINEYARD RIESLING 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (MD) - $19.95
Medium intensity nose of citrus and peach aromas. Fleshy, medium-bodied palate with orange and tropical fruit flavours. Medium-dry sweet (i.e. a little more sweeter than off-dry). Medium length finish. Score: 88 pts

ADAMO LOWREY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR 2013 - VQA St. David's Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $33
Inviting earthy, beetroot, cherry and strawberry nose which echoes very nicely on the palate. It has soft, rounded tannins and gentle spice notes mid-palate, balanced acidity and excellent length on the finish. Well-balanced red wine. Score: 91 pts

MUSKOKA LAKES WINERY RED MAPLE CRANBERRY MAPLE 2012 - Product of Canada (#050039) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95
Inviting cranberry-maple, brown sugar liqueur aromas from the glass make you keep coming back for more. It's medium+ bodied with very sweet aroma replays. Finishes long. In VINTAGES on October 31. Score: 90 pts

STONELEIGH LATITUDE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#324228) (XD) - $21.95
Medium-to-high intensity nose with grassy, cat pee, gooseberry and kiwi aromas that echo very nicely on the balanced palate. Good fruit concentration, very good acidity and finishes long. Returned to VINTAGES on October 31. Score: 89 pts

BRANCOTT ESTATE LETTER SERIES B SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#278689) (XD) - $19.95
Interesting smoky, herbally and kiwi aromas that replay on the medium-bodied palate. It has balanced acidity, some mineral notes mid-palate and finishes crisp with medium-to-long length. Score: 88 pts

CARMEN GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Maipo Alto Vineyard, Maipo Valley, Chile (#358309) (D) - $16.45
Medium+ intensity nose featuring blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, sweet spice and a hint of lead. The palate is medium-bodied with soft, dusty tannins, pleasing aroma replays with a hint of sweetness. Also hints of green pepper on the medium length finish. Score: 88 pts

QUINTA DOS MURÇAS RESERVA 2010 - DOC Douro, Portugal (#427229) (XD) - $40
Medium intensity nose consisting of ripe red & black fruits. On the palate, it's medium+ bodied with toasty oak spice and more red & black fruits. Simple, dry red wine with very good acidity and lengthy finish. Score: 88 pts

COSME PALACIO RESERVA 2009 - DOCa Rioja, Spain (#014662) (XD) - $22.95
Exotic medium+ intensity nose of earth, spice, black and blue fruits that follows through on the medium bodied, subtle oak-spiced palate. Good balance overall with balanced acidity and a medium+ length finish. Score: 89 pts

ROSEHALL RUN THE RIGHTEOUS DUDE RIESLING 2014 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#426486) (M) - $19.95
Elegant citrus, orange, melon and Flintstones vitamin aromas which replay nicely on the balanced, medium-dry palate. It's medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a lingering, minerally finish. Well done! Score: 88 pts

BETWEEN THE LINES LEMBERGER RESERVE 2013 - VQA Four Mile Creek, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $30
Medium-to-high intensity aromas of raspberry, red currant, a hint of lavender and some minerality. Gentle tannins on a medium-bodied frame with currant, lavender and some bitterness on the palate. It has good acidity and a medium-to-long finish. Score: 89 pts

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Southbrook Triomphe Cabernet Merlot 2014 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine is the second in a series of wines from Southbrook Vineyards.

The grapes for this wine come from the Saunders Vineyard in Niagara. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks and ageing occurred in neutral oak barrels. This wine is certified organic and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Currently available as part of the Triomphe Gift Package that also includes two other Southbrook Triomphe wines, a bottle of Southbrook Preserve Chardonnay Vinegar, and a copy of the Ontario Table Cookbook that features 109 recipes using local ingredients.

Tasting Note:

SOUTHBROOK TRIOMPHE CABERNET MERLOT 2014 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $22.95
Capped with a Stelvin closure, this relatively unique blend of 69% Cabernet Franc and 31% Merlot is an organic red wine with medium+ intensity aromas of raspberry, black cherry, licorice, and sweet tobacco. Some earthy and stewed fruit notes arrive later. Essentially dry aroma replays on the medium+ bodied palate with sandalwood and chocolate notes arriving mid-palate add complexity. Acids are fresh, while tannins are light and gritty. Finishes long and earthy. Enjoy over the next 3-4 years. This will go great with lamb and buffalo mozzarella pizza (recipe provided below). Score: 88 pts

Recipe: Lamb Meatballs, Red Wine Braised Shallots and Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza

Pizza Crust:

• K2
• Red Fife 60%
• 3 Star Canadian Flour 40% (This flour is comparable to the Tippo ‘00’)
• Salt 3%
• Bioflavia 3% (dry yeast if used instead will also be 3%)
• Cool water 63%
• 250 mL of Southbrook Wine

Technique:

1. Mix all of the ingredients except for the wine by hand for about 4 to 5 minutes or in a mixer on a lower speed for about two minutes. You do not want to over develop the gluten or each pizza will always shrink on you. After mixing the dough, drink the wine as your reward. You just made pizza dough from scratch!
2. Let the dough stand overnight, preferably in the pre-weighed balls. The typical individual pizza is about 140 g. The easiest ratio is to work with 1000 g of flour and do the percentages back from that. You will get about 10 individual pizzas.
3. Pull dough out 1 hour before rolling. If you don’t have a pizza oven, put your stove to 450°F and fill a small pot or pan with water and place on the bottom of the oven. Keep the dough nice and thin with a little corn meal on the bottom so it does not stick to the tray.

Pizza Sauce Pomodoro:

• 1 large 3.5 L can of quality whole tomatoes
• 5 mL of sea salt per litre of canned tomatoes
• 1/2 bunch of basil (optional)

Technique:

1. Pass the whole tomatoes through a food mill and bring to a slow simmer for about 2 hours.
2. When finished throw in salt a few leaves of basil.

Red Wine Braised Shallots:

• 2 lbs shallots
• 250 mL Southbrook Triomph Cabernet Franc
• 250 mL dark chicken stock
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp fennel
• 1/4 tsp chilli
• Pinch of salt and pepper

Technique:

1. Peel shallots and cover half way with red wine and dark chicken stock.
2. Add a pinch of salt and pepper, some sugar, dried chili and fennel.
3. Cover with tin foil and cook at 250°F for about two hours and remove the foil.
4. Keep cooking until they take on a nice caramel colour.
5. Make a lot at a time and just place them in the fridge.
6. Take two of the shallots and slice for the pizza

Lamb Meatballs:

1. Add chopped thyme, rosemary and parsley with a splash of 10% cream to ground lamb.
2. Roll meat balls at a size of about 40 g.
3. Cook for approximately 25 minutes at 325°F.

To Assemble Pizza:
To build the pizza, roll out the dough to create a thin layer and place on a tray with corn meal sprinkled on it to avoid sticking. Ladle on a thin layer of pomodoro sauce, add three sliced meatballs, two shallots, and 60 g of torn buffalo mozzarella cheese, and then sprinkle charred garlic scapes.

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December 12 VINTAGES Release: Wines for Holiday Feasts + Sparkling Wine

The final release of new wines for the year will be the December 12 VINTAGES Release and be on shelves this coming Saturday. The major theme of this release focuses on fine wines for holiday feasts. Since this is the final release of 2015, this release also features quite a few Champagne and Sparkling Wines for ringing in the New Year.

There are 27 wines featured in the "wines for holiday feasts" thematic and 4 are included among my wine picks. Begin the feast with something off-dry (i.e. slightly sweet) such as the Tawse Sparkling Riesling. In white wines, the Lugana has a hint of sweetnes and is made with Trebbiano di Lugana (a.k.a. Verdicchio), while the Fumé Blanc is a locally made Sauvignon Blanc that is barrel-fermented in oak barrels. To finish off your holiday feast is a 10-year-old Tawny Port that is sourced from old vines.

A small selection of Champagne is featured in this release for toasting in the New Year, of which only one Champagne made my list of wine picks. That single sparkler is the dry Grand Cru Champagne from Henri Giraud which is a blend of 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay. Fortunately, there are quite a few other delightful (and more affordable) sparkling wines offered in this release, such as the Tawse Sparkling Riesling mentioned above. Other options include slightly sweet sparkling wines from Henry of Pelham (100% Chardonnay) and Louis Bouillot (Chardonnay-based blend). Lastly, there is a bone-dry sparkling wine from Lombardy, Italy that is made with 75% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Nero and 10% Pinot Bianco.

Among red wines, there are plenty of options in this release, including the organic 85/15 Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot blend from Emiliana. At 10 years old, the Spanish red wine is nicely aged for you and made using 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Carinena, while somewhat younger is the Sicilian red wine that is a blend of 90% Nero d'Avola and 10% Cab Sauv. The Portuguese red is a blend of traditional indigenous varietals Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Tinta Roriz. Lastly, the Barbaresco is 100% Nebbiolo.

For sweet wine lovers, look for the Gewürztraminer from either Germany or France, or the Tokaji from Hungary.

Enjoy my wine recommendations over the holidays!

Red Wine:

• EMILIANA NOVAS GRAN RESERVA CABERNET SAUVIGNON/MERLOT 2013 - Maipo Valley, Chile (#437947) (XD) - $15.95
• MONASTERIO DE LAS VIÑAS GRAN RESERVA 2005 - DOP Cariñena, Spain (#082024) (XD) - $16.95
• LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO 2011 - DOCG, Tuscany, Italy (#211599) (D) - $17.95
• CABRIZ RESERVA 2012 - DOC Dão, Portugal (#021410) (XD) - $17.95
• ORESTIADI LUDOVICO 2009 - IGT Rosso Sicilia, Italy (#388645) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• DOMAINE KARYDAS XINOMAVRO 2010 - PDO Naoussa, Greece (#272013) (XD) - $25.95
• BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE EBENEZER SHIRAZ 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#971705) (D) - $39.95
• CATENA ALTA MALBEC 2012 - Mendoza, Argentina (#982355) (D) - $49.95  reviewed here
• STONESTREET CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA (#435099) (XD) - $52.95
• PUNSET BARBARESCO 2010 - DOCG, Piedmont, Italy (#302786) (XD) - $55.95  FSE
• CHÂTEAU LA CROIX DU CASSE 2010 - AC Pomerol, Bordeaux, France (#436097) (XD) - $59.95

White Wine:

• ZENATO SAN BENEDETTO LUGANA 2014 - DOC, Veneto, Italy (#707158) (D) - $16.95
• RUPPERTSBERGER LINSENBUSCH GEWÜRZTRAMINER SPÄTLESE 2014 - Prädikatswein, Pfalz, Germany (#320473) (S) - $17.95  reviewed here
• WYNNS COONAWARRA ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2014 - Coonawarra, South Australia (#468728) (XD) - $17.95
• WITHER HILLS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2014 - Wairau Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#919514) (D) - $19.95
• DOMAINE ZINCK PINOT BLANC 2014 - AC Alsace, France (#435040) (XD) - $19.95
• MOUNTADAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2013 - High Eden, Eden Valley, South Australia (#333211) (XD) - $23.95
• PIERRE SPARR MAMBOURG GEWURZTRAMINER 2013 - AC Alsace Grand Cru, France (#915157) (MS) - $24.95
• HIDDEN BENCH FUMÉ BLANC 2013 - Rosomel Vineyard, VQA Beamsville Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#068825) (XD) - $27.95
• DOMAINE HAMELIN BEAUROY CHABLIS 1 ER CRU 2012 - AC, Burgundy, France (#391805) (XD) - $33.95  reviewed here
• JERMANN CHARDONNAY 2014 - IGT Venezia Giulia, Friuli, Italy (#429902) (XD) - $34.95
• CHÂTEAU DERESZLA 5 PUTTONYOS TOKAJI ASZÚ 2008 - Hungary (#012203) (S) (500 mL) - $45.95

Sparkling Wine:

• LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D’IVOIRE BRUT BLANC DE BLANCS CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Burgundy, France (#048801) (D) - $19.95
• TAWSE SPARK LIMESTONE RIDGE SPARKLING RIESLING 2013 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#370361) (D) - $19.95  reviewed here
• CA’ DEL BOSCO CUVÉE PRESTIGE BRUT FRANCIACORTA - DOCG, Lombardy, Italy (#105353) (XD) - $39.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM CUVÉE CATHARINE CARTE BLANCHE ESTATE BLANC DE BLANC 2010 - Méthode Traditionnelle, VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#315200) (D) - $44.95
• HENRI GIRAUD HOMMAGE FRANÇOIS HÉMART AŸ GRAND CRU CHAMPAGNE - AC, France (#436071) (XD) - $79.95

Fortifieds:

• BURMESTER 10-YEAR-OLD TAWNY PORT - DOP, Portugal (#223958) (S) - $28.95

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Southbrook Connect Organic White 2014 (Ontario) - Wine Review

Tonight's white wine is a blend of 4 varietals and is certified organic. It is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Produced by Southbrook Vineyards, this organic white wine is currently available in a gift package directly from the winery that includes the 2014 Connect Red and a jar each of the Southbrook Preserves Raspberry Jam with Framboise and the Southbrook Chardonnay Mustard. Details and other holiday gifting ideas from Southbrook are available on their website.

Tasting Note:

SOUTHBROOK CONNECT ORGANIC WHITE 2014 - VQA Ontario, Canada (#249078) (D) - $15.95
Interesting blend of 58% Vidal, 21% Chardonnay, 12% Riesling, and 9% Sauvignon Blanc capped with a Stelvin closure. Perfumed nose of melon, peach, and clementine. The palate is soft and round with honeydew and citrus flavours that are slightly sweet. Fleshy in style with balanced acidity and some honeyed sweetness flavours that linger through to the medium-length finish. Crafted in an easy drinking, crowd pleasing style, this will be fine to sip on its own or pair with poultry or seafood dishes. Available at the LCBO. Score: 86 pts

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Pillitteri Cabernet Franc 2012 (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is from Pillitteri Estates Winery and is only available at the winery (or online) through their website.

This red wine hails from the great 2012 Niagara vintage and it shows in the quality. This is a wine that you want to buy a few bottles of and watch it develop and mature over the years. It has very good ageing potential.

Tasting Note:

PILLITTERI CABERNET FRANC 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $23.20
Aromas of plums and raisins from the cork. Aged in French oak barrels for 19 months, this Cabernet Franc has a pleasing nose of ripe red berry mixed with herbs and scorched earth. Whiffs of cassis, currant, cigar, and raspberry also come through as it warms up in the glass. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with fresh acids and astringent, mouth-coating tannins that need time to integrate. Mocha, coffee, dark berry and earthy flavours round out the long finish. Enjoy now with red meats or cellar for 2-3 years. Score: 88+ pts

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Delas Frères Les Launes Crozes-Hermitage 2009 (Rhône) - Wine Review

This gorgeous, savoury red wine was enjoyed Saturday night with homemade Chicken curry. It was purchased nearly 3 years ago from the March 3, 2012 VINTAGES Release.

If you still have this Syrah in your possession, you can enjoy it over the 2-3 years.

Tasting Note:

DELAS FRÈRES LES LAUNES CROZES-HERMITAGE 2009 - AC, Rhône, France (#701359) (XD) - $20.95
Spice and twig aromas from the cork. This Syrah has fine mature savoury notes of earth, forest floor, potpourri, tobacco leaf, and blackberry aromas that follow through on the smooth, full-bodied palate. Slightly tart cherry notes mid-palate. Tannins have integrated very well, while the acids are juicy and balanced. Black pepper notes linger on the long finish. Enjoy over the next 2-3 years. A joy to drink. Score: 90 pts

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Domaine Hamelin Beauroy Chablis 1er Cru 2012 (Burgundy) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is this yummy unoaked Chardonnay from Burgundy, France.

Domaine Hamelin was started in the 1840's by Gustave Hamelin when he planted 2 hectares of vines alongside his mixed farm. It is located in northwest Burgundy and about 2 hours southeast from Paris. The small, family-owned operation had been passed along from generation to generation. Today, the 6th and 7th generation of the family carry on the family's wine growing tradition that is a mix of old traditions and modern-day techniques from more than 36 hectares of vines from the villages of Poinchy, Beines and Lignorelles.

The vineyards, all Chardonnay, are planted on soil that is 150 million years old, from the Kimméridgien era of the Jurassic period. During this period, Burgundy was under the sea and has now left behind many remains in the rock such as small oysters and ammonites. Thierry and his son Charles strive to produce Chablis wines that are true expressions of place or terroir.

This delicious white wine will be available at the LCBO as part of the upcoming December 12 VINTAGES Release.

Tasting Note:

DOMAINE HAMELIN BEAUROY CHABLIS 1ER CRU 2012 - AC, Burgundy, France (#391805) (XD) - $33.95
Harvested from an area of 3.9 ha, located on south-facing slopes, opposite Lake Beines. Stone fruit, citrus and saline aromas from the cork. Elegant nose of medium+ intensity featuring tropical fruit, lemon peel, cilantro and stony minerality. The palate is medium-bodied with finely cut acids. Lemon citrus, herbs, and mineral flavour profile with some saline notes mid-palate. Shows excellent balance and finishes long and clean with minerally aftertaste. Mouth-watering acids keep you coming back for another sip. Score: 91 pts

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Château Guillou 2012 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is part of the November 28, 2015 VINTAGES Release and is most likely already available for purchase on some LCBO shelves.

From the same producer as the 2011 Château Hauchat red wine that I tasted earlier this month, this Jean-Bernard Saby wine is produced by the 9th generation of the Saby family. Jean-Christophe and Jean-Phillippe are both oenologists and apply their new skills, as well as respecting the traditions and know-how of their father and grandfather in producing the wines at this estate.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU GUILLOU 2012 - AC Montagne Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, France (#140483) (XD) - $18.95
Blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Dried spice, oak and whiff of plum from the cork.  Medium intensity herbally, spice, black currant, dark cherry, and some earthy characters on the nose. The palate is light-to-medium bodied with gritty, astringent tannins. Raspberry and dusty cocoa flavours join the aroma profile on the palate. Acids are fresh and juicy, while the finish length is good. Has a mineral/steely aftertaste. Perfectly fine for a Thursday night. Score: 87 pts

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Jean-Max Roger Cuvée G.C. Sancerre 2014 (Loire) - Wine Review

Opened up this excellent white wine from Jean-Max Roger last night ahead of it's release in VINTAGES this Saturday, November 28th.

The Roger family descends from a long line of winegrowers from the village of Bué, dating back to the 17th century. In the early 1970's, Jean-Max Roger took over the 4 ha of vines left to him by his parents and expanded the estate to its current size of 26 ha. It is very much a family estate as two of his three sons joined him at the estate in 2004.

The grapes for this wine come mostly from a lieu-dit called "Le Grand Chemarin" - hence the name Cuvée G.C. - one of the most famous vineyards in the village of Bué. Soil characteristics include stony, clay-limestone based soils known as "caillotes", on slopes with a south-eastern exposure. Wines from this area tend to be elegant and show great finesse.

Tasting Note:

JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE G.C. SANCERRE 2014 - AC, Loire, France (#189126) (XD) - $28.95
100% Sauvignon Blanc. White flowers and lime aromas from the cork. Lovely nose of ripe Mirabelle plum, fresh white flowers and citrus notes. Aromas echo on the finely balanced palate, with notes of lime and gooseberry coming through as it warms up. The vibrant, fine seam of acidity is available from start to finish. Long finish ends slightly creamy with some saline notes. Excellent stuff. Score: 91 pts

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November 28 VINTAGES Release: Finest Wines for the Holidays

The November 28 VINTAGES Release will be on LCBO VINTAGES shelves this coming Saturday and features as it's main and only theme very fine wines and spirits for the holidays. The selection includes many fine wines at very high price points - wines suitable as expensive gifts or for extremely special occasions.

Of the 28 wines and spirits featured as part of this mono-thematic release, 9 are included among my wine picks. Brace yourself, as the least expensive of the nine wines costs $89.95 - it's the Châteauneuf-du-Pape consisting of Cinsault, Counoise, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, and the Barossa Valley Shiraz.

Six of the wines I've recommended begin at $159.95 and go all the way up to almost $300. The iconic wines in this group include Cabernet Sauvignon's from Silver Oak (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc) and Chateau Montelena. The Joseph Phelps Insignia is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 3% Malbec and 2% Cabernet Franc. From the two Bolgheri wineries in Italy, the Ornellaia consists of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 7% Petit Verdot, while the Sassicaia consists of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Lastly, the Solaia contains 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Sangiovese, and 5% Cabernet Franc. Perhaps it's no surprise that all of these fine wines have a fairly strong Cabernet Sauvignon component and can be aged for many years.

The only white wine among my wine recommendations from the mono-thematic is the Kistler Chardonnay.

From the rest of the release, the M. Chapoutier wine is a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan, while the Lungarotti is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Colorino. The In Situ blend from Chile has 50% Syrah, 45% Mourvedre and 5% Viognier.

In white wines, the Greek wine is made with the Roditis grape, the Donnachiara is made with Greco di Tufo, the Montagny is Chardonnay, and lastly, the Sancerre is 100% Sauvignon Blanc.

Enjoy my wine picks for this week. Cheers!

Red Wine:

• M. CHAPOUTIER LES VIGNES DE BILA-HAUT CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON VILLAGES 2014 - AC, Midi, France (#168716) (D) - $15.95
• LUNGAROTTI RUBESCO SANGIOVESE/COLORINO 2012 - DOC Rosso di Torgiano, Umbria, Italy (#368548) (XD) - $17.95
• CONCHA Y TORO MARQUÉS DE CASA CONCHA SYRAH 2012 - Buin, Maipo Valley, Chile (#19042) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here
• SUSANA BALBO SIGNATURE MALBEC 2013 - Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina (#79798) (D) - $19.95
• IN SITU SIGNATURE WINES HILLSIDE BLEND 2012 - Aconcagua Valley, Chile (#431098) (XD) - $19.95
• SIEGEL SINGLE VINEYARD LOS LINGUES CARMENÈRE 2012 - Colchagua Valley, Chile (#431072) (XD) - $19.95  reviewed here

• CHAPELLE DE POTENSAC 2010 - AC Médoc, Bordeaux, France (#434761) (XD) - $29.95
• L’EXPRESSON DE MARGAUX 2010 - AC Margaux, Bordeaux, France (#431734) (XD) - $33.95
• CHÂTEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2013 - AC, Rhône, France (#711317) (D) - $89.95
• BAROSSA VALLEY ESTATE E&E BLACK PEPPER SHIRAZ 2008 - Barossa Valley, South Australia (#731620) (XD) - $89.95

• SILVER OAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2010 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#936039) (D) - $159.95
• CHATEAU MONTELENA ESTATE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2011 - Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA (#709881) (XD) - $187.95
• ORNELLAIA 2012 - DOC Bolgheri Superiore, Tuscany, Italy (#382051 / #722470 / #382515) (D) (375 mL / 750 mL / 1500 mL) $103.95 / $195.95 / $465.95
• SASSICAIA 2012 - DOC Bolgheri Sassicaia, Tuscany, Italy (#480533) (D) - $199.95
• ANTINORI SOLAIA 2011 - IGT Toscana, Italy (#987586) (XD) - $249.95  reviewed here
• JOSEPH PHELPS INSIGNIA 2012 - Napa Valley, California, USA (#710400) (D) - $299.95

White Wine:

• GIANNIKOS AT SEA RODITIS 2014 - Product of Organic Farming, Peloponnese, Greece (#431684) (D) - $17.95
• DELHEIM FAMILY CHENIN BLANC 2014 - WO Stellenbosch, South Africa (#429720) (XD) - $17.95
• DONNACHIARA GRECO DI TUFO 2013 - DOCG, Campania, Italy (#262964) (XD) - $17.95
• HENRY OF PELHAM ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2013 - VQA Short Hills Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#268342) (XD) - $19.95
• VIGNERONS DE BUXY BUISSONNIER MONTAGNY 2013 - AC, Burgundy, France (#382879) (XD) - $19.95
• LETH BRUNNTHAL 1ÖWT GRÜNER VELTLINER 2013 - Qualitätswein, Fels am Wagram, Austria (#12278) (XD) - $24.95
• JEAN-MAX ROGER CUVÉE G.C. SANCERRE 2014 - AC, Loire, France (#189126) (XD) - $28.95  reviewed here
• SPY VALLEY ENVOY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2013 - Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand (#429308) (XD) - $29.95
• KÜNSTLER HOCHHEIMER STIELWEG OLD VINES RIESLING TROCKEN 2013 - Qualitätswein, Rheingau, Germany (#425041) (XD) - $42.95  FSE
• KISTLER LES NOISETIERS CHARDONNAY 2013 - Sonoma Coast, California, USA (#251223) (XD) - $99.95

Rosé Wine:

• MIRAVAL ROSÉ 2014 - AP Côtes de Provence, France (#342584) (XD) - $22.95

Sparkling Wine:

• BAILLY LAPIERRE RÉSERVE BRUT CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE - Méthode Traditionnelle, AC, Burgundy, France (#991562) (D) - $19.95

Dessert Wine:

• CAVE SPRING INDIAN SUMMER SELECT LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#415901) (S) (375 mL) - $24.95

Cognac/Armagnac:

• CHÂTEAU DE LAUBADE BAS XO ARMAGNAC - AC, France (#55830) (700 mL) - $99.95

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Niagara Icewine Festival - Celebrating Another Year of Icewine Excellence

The Niagara Icewine Festival is around the corner and I have begun planning my next visit to Niagara in January, as should you. The 2016 Xerox Icewine Gala marks the 21st regional celebration of the truly Canadian icon: Icewine.

What began as a gala event has evolved into three weekends of globally sought after Icewine experiences. From stunning formal affairs to outdoor ice village settings to wineries setting the stage with incredible culinary and Icewine delights - Niagara is the place to explore your senses, as I have done each of the past 4 years as you will see from my reviews in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

• Taste the best in culinary and wine, as noted Niagara chefs prepare Icewine-infused delights or create the ultimate Icewine pairing
• Feel the cold on your cheeks as you stand amidst Icewine vines and learn how Icewine is produced
• Gaze at the beauty that surrounds you as you follow the famed wine route as it threads its way from the Niagara Escarpment to the Niagara River
• Smell the rich honey and peach undertones of a perfectly balanced Icewine, followed by a savoury morsel that is equally mouthwatering
• Listen to the storytellers at our wineries as they share their memories of an Icewine Harvest

The Xerox Icewine Gala on Friday, January 15th is Niagara’s hottest wine and culinary ticket, as the Fallsview Casino Resort Grand Hall is transformed into an evening of luxury and opulence. Live entertainment, dancing and an evening of the best wine and food Niagara has to offer, sets the tone for a weekend to remember.

Follow up the Icewine Gala with the Discovery Pass presented by Outlet Collection At Niagara and explore the wintry landscape along the Niagara wine route. This ever popular tasting program runs Fridays through Sundays for three weekends beginning January 15th. Use your pass to experience eight (8) wine and culinary pairings from over 35 incredible wineries. From hearty chilis and savoury soups to sweet treats paired with VQA Icewines and table wines - the experiences are sweet, savoury and spicy.

New for 2016, we celebrate Winterfest in Downtown St. Catharines partnering with the popular Downtown D’Lish: the newest addition to the famed wine route in St. Catharines. Here you will discover a burgeoning culinary scene highlighting the bounty of Niagara. From January 8th to 30th, partnering restaurants in The Heart of Niagara will be offering culinary creations and libations inspired by Icewine.

For a complete listing of all Icewine Festival programming and events, visit www.niagaraicewinefestival.com.

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2015 Niagara Wine Festival Review

On September 26, I had the pleasure of visiting Niagara to sample a variety of food and wines as part of the Discovery Pass Experience and to celebrate the 64th Annual Niagara Wine Festival that takes place every September.

Our tour began at Rancourt Winery for a delicious pairing of lobster bisque and their buttery 2013 Chardonnay Reserve. After fetching our pairing, we headed out to the patio where the sun was shining bright. The bisque was thick, rich and creamy with some chunks of lobster, along with potato adding texture and mild pepper spice for flavouring. Some of the Chardonnay Reserve was also added to the bisque, while it was topped with white chocolate shavings. The bisque was quite delicious and paired well with the Chardonnay, with bisque and wine flavours complementing each other, and the bright acidity cutting into creamy soup very effectively for a balanced pairing. The portion size was also just right.

The next stop on our tour was somewhat unplanned. A week earlier I attended The Beer Experience and tasted some amazing local craft beer. At that event I met the sales rep from Niagara Oast House Brewers and he highly encouraged me to come to the brewery to taste their flagship Saison beer which remind many of carbonated wine. Since we were only a few minutes away from Niagara Oast House Brewers, we headed over and tasted a flight of beer, including the Saison.

The Saison was tasty and did remind me of wine with it's black pepper and citrus flavours. More vividly, it brought up images of a white Shiraz. I also enjoyed the "Local Hopton IPA" that's made from fresh 100% Niagara-grown hops that are harvested the same day; it's a bitter, hoppy beer very much in the style of an IPA. My favourite beer was their seasonal Country Bumpkin - a fall harvest ale with strong pumpkin pie spice flavours. It smelled and tasted so great that I couldn't resist buying some in the only format available - a growler. Made fresh in small batches without preservatives, the Country Bumpkin needed to be opened within a few days and finished within 48 hours before it starts to lose its freshness. Besides restaurants, most of their beers are only available at the brewery.

Back to wine, our next stop was up the road to Diamond Estates - The Winery for a potato-filled vegetable samosa paired with their FRESH Sparkling Rosé 2012 ($14.95, #341347, 85 pts) and Lakeview Cellars Syrah Rosé 2012 ($16.95, #347450, 87 pts). The samosa had mild chutney drizzled on top and added some sweet & spicy flavours. The FRESH Sparkling Rosé is a dry (i.e. not sweet) Pinot Noir based blend with tart/sour flavours of strawberry, bing cherry, red fruit and olive but lacked the acidity and sweetness to pair well with the samosa. Meanwhile, the dry Lakeview Syrah Rosé contains 8.5% Moscato and 1.5% Auxerrois features bright acids and strawberry, currant, and peppery notes that not only made it enjoyable to sip on its own, but also paired quite well with the samosa.

I also took a quick tour through the facilities where I shown the massive loading dock where the grapes arrive on trucks and get weighed prior to being brought into the warehouse for sorting and fermentation. Since it was a Saturday, it was pretty quiet, but you get the feeling that this is quite the operation on a weekday during harvest. Once inside you are immediately greeted with row-upon-row of 84,000 Litre stainless tanks (over 2 storeys high) used for fermentation - easily the largest tanks I have ever seen! As we moved further into the massive facility, we stood on a platform used for the Cellar Floor Experience and from this vantage point we had a very nice view of the production area that featured over 800 barrels, including several large Slovenian oak barrels, as well as more smaller tanks. Overall, I was quite impressed with one of the largest winemaking facilities in Niagara.

The tasting room was abuzz at Diamond Estates, so I didn't get a chance to taste everything I wanted, but I did taste 3 very good red wines from Lakeview Cellars, one of the many wine brands of Diamond Estates. Wine reviews are provided below.

Our third wine pairing of the day ending up being a bit of dud due to the fact the arancini prepared by Chef Lorenzo of Cucina A Go-Go contained veal - something that was not mentioned during the planning phase and no one in my group eats. What was most disappointing was the lack of a vegetarian option. I've been a fan of 13th Street Winery for many years, but this was my first visit to the winery, so, instead we ended up tasting a few delicious wines, including the Gamay that was part of the wine pairing. I also tasted some delicious aged cheddar cheese and visited the on-site bakery.

The final stop of the day was at Rockway Vineyards for a wine poached pear topped with a spicy cream and pecan that was paired with their 2013 Rockway Vineyards Late Harvest Vidal ($15.95, #413617, 86 pts). Neither the poached pear or the wine were very sweet, however, the sweetness from the Late Harvest wine did tame the spicy kick that resided in the cream. It was a balanced pairing that worked well together.

My "take away" from this trip was the rather impressive display of Syrah in Niagara. I don't ever recall tasting and enjoying as many Syrah on any prior trip to Niagara as I did on this visit. The Syrah star in Niagara is definitely on the rise and one to look out for as time moves along.

Tasting Notes:

RANCOURT CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $23
Rich and buttery with toasty vanilla and hints of butterscotch aromas of medium+ intensity. The medium+ bodied palate offered butterscotch-led aroma replays with a hint of caramel. It has bright and lengthy finish. Score: 88+ pts

RANCOURT SYRAH 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $30
After spending 2 years in new French oak, this has medium+ intensity aromas of black pepper and peppercorn followed by some plum and black cherry notes. It's medium-bodied on the palate with a viscous/glycerin-like mouthfeel and slightly herbally, red & blue fruit flavour profile. It has good acidity and finishes long. Score: 87-88 pts

LAKEVIEW CELLARS MERLOT RESERVE 2010 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#002157) (XD) - $29.95
Medium+ intensity nose with dried fruit, cherry, cocoa, milk chocolate and sweet spices that replay on the palate. Medium-bodied on the palate with rounded tannins, good acids and slightly sour on the long finish. Score: 88 pts

LAKEVIEW CELLARS SYRAH 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $24.95
Medium intensity nose featuring black olive and white pepper notes. Palate is medium+ bodied with integrated tannins, aroma replays with a hint of green pepper. Fresh acids, some bitterness mid-palate, and good length on the finish. Score: 87 pts

LAKEVIEW CELLARS CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2012 - VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada (#438390) (XD) - $29.95
Medium intensity aromas that show meaty, cassis, black pepper, and sandalwood that echo nicely on the medium-to-full bodied palate. It has very good acidity and excellent length on the finish. A nice effort from a formidable vintage. Drinking well now and should improve in 1-2 years. Score: 88 pts

13TH STREET GAMAY NOIR 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#177824) (D) - $19.95
Savoury medium intensity nose with meat, charcuterie, dark berry, smoke and beet aromas. It's light-to-medium bodied with red cherry and earthy flavours on the palate, low in tannin, fresh acids and medium-to-long finish. Score: 88 pts

13TH STREET JUNE'S VINEYARD RIESLING 2013 - VQA Creek Shores, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#147512) (D) - $19.95
Medium-to-high aromatics showing a somewhat mature nose of petrol along with peach, apricot, and hints of melon. It's medium-bodied with off-dry flavours of orange, peach and lime. It has very good acidity and a chalky, medium-to-long finish. Score: 89 pts

13TH STREET ESSENCE SYRAH 2012 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $44.95
Aromas of medium-to-high intensity showing very nice blackberry, black pepper, wild herb, smoked meat and spices that echo very nicely on the full-bodied palate. The acids are mouth-watering, while the finish length is excellent. Score: 90 pts

ROCKWAY VINEYARDS MERITAGE 2012 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (#388264) (D) - $19.95
Medium-to-high intensity aromas that is quite complex with smoky, meaty, dusty cocoa, milk chocolate, wild herb, sage and peppery flavours that all make appearance on the medium-bodied palate. It's got fresh acids and shows good balance. Finishes long. Slightly taut tannins should soften and be better in 1-2 years. Score: 88 pts

ROCKWAY VINEYARDS SMALL LOT BLOCK 12-140 SYRAH 2012 - VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (XD) - $29.95
Medium+ intensity aromas of wild blueberry, meaty, white pepper and spices that intermingle pleasantly on the full-bodied palate. Very good acidity and finishing long with bitter chocolate flavours. Score: 90 pts

ROCKWAY VINEYARDS VIDAL ICEWINE 2013 - VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada (S) (750 mL) - $29.95
Highly aromatic nose featuring peach and apricot notes that replay very nicely on the light-to-medium bodied palate. It's sweet with a slightly chalky mouthfeel. Acids are bright. Finishes long with hints of pineapple, mango and lemon preserve. Very enjoyable. Score: 90 pts

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Terredora Aglianico 2010 (Italy) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine was purchased almost 2 years ago from the November 23 LCBO VINTAGES Release.

Even though Aglianico is one of the my favourite indigenous varietals from Italy, this is the first Aglianico I've opened at home since I started blogging in 2011.

Tasting Note:

TERREDORA AGLIANICO 2010 - IGT Campania, Italy (#602284) (XD) - $16.95
Black licorice, sandalwood and wild herb aromas from the cork. Dried flower, woodsy nose of medium+ intensity with some herbal and dried red fruit aromas. On the medium-to-full bodied palate it has herbal, cassis, and black cherry flavours with a hint of leather. Acids are mouth-watering, while tannins are integrated very well. Juicy, with some tannic grip on the long finish. Still has good structure to age a couple more years, but drinking great right now! Score: 89 pts

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CHANTILLY French Cream Liqueur (Ontario) - Review

I was offered the opportunity to taste a liqueur that was just released at the LCBO - just in time for the holiday season.

The CHANTILLY French Cream is a cream liqueur that's made using all natural ingredients using a proprietary process that creates a lighter, smoother cream liqueur. It is made using fresh dairy cream, organic sugar and only natural flavours, without the use of any preservatives. Furthermore, it is blended by hand in small batches.

Normally, I don't comment on packaging, but this alcoholic beverage (17% abv) comes in a classy opaque black bottle that evokes images of French luxury. I thought for sure this was a very expensive imported product. However, after looking more closely, I discovered that it is made locally by Maverick Distillery in Oakville, Ontario - the makers of TAG Vodka.

Tasting Note:

CHANTILLY FRENCH CREAM - Ontario, Canada (#424044) (750 mL) - $29.95
Yummy notes of marzipan, almond, vanilla, maple, and dark rum on a light, creamy palate. Lasting, milky finish. Personally, I would enjoy this over ice as its great on its own, but you could easily use CHANTILLY French cream as part of a shooter or coffee-based drinks - recipes are provided on the attached bottle tag. I think I like this more than another popular brand of cream liqueur.

Bonus Offer: FREE Tag Double Espresso Vodka 50 mL until November 29, 2015 (or while supplies last)!

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Château Hauchat 2011 (Bordeaux) - Wine Review

This fairly easy drinking red wine will be in VINTAGES on November 14th and is suitable for mid-week sipping.

The Château Hauchat property was re-acquired by the Saby family in 1973. In 1989, current owner Jean-Bernard Saby purchased the property from his uncle. The Saby family has been making wine in the region for an astounding 8 centuries now.

The property is located within the commune of Saint-Aignan, to the west of neighbouring Pomerol and Saint Émilion in Bordeaux, France. On the high plateau of Saint-Aignan, the Château is in one of the finest growing areas of the Fronsac appellation. Well drained clay-limestone soil and perfect south/southwest exposure to the sun are two of its most distinctive features. Château Hauchat also grows just a single grape variety on its property - Merlot.

Tasting Note:

CHÂTEAU HAUCHAT 2011 - AC Fronsac, Bordeaux, France (#123489) (XD) - $15.95
100% Merlot. Plummy and black cherry aromas from the cork. Medium intensity aromas from the glass showing plum, blackberry, sour cherry, black spices, soft cedar vanilla oak, mineral and hints of cocoa notes. It's medium-bodied on the palate with tart red berry and mineral/iodine flavours. Has good acids, fairly rounded but gritty tannins. Good length on the cocoa-tinged finish. Score: 86 pts

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