Handsome Brut Sparkling Wine (Niagara) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is brand spanking new and was very recently launched at the LCBO. Handcrafted by award-winning Angels Gate Winery, I received this sample to try and share my thoughts with all of you. This dry, sparkling wine is available in small quantities throughout the province as part of the LCBO General List. There is also an interesting mixer cocktail recipe that includes...

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Sept. 27 LCBO Wine Picks: Pioneers + Portugal

The next LCBO Vintages release will be on shelves this Saturday, September 27. The main focus of this release is titled "Breaking Ground" and highlights top wines from 11 pioneers from the world of wine. The mini-feature of this release is on wines from Portugal. Of the eight wines from Portugal, just one made my list of wine picks. The red wine from Quinta de Pancas is...

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Celebrating Canada Braai Day 2014

Today, September 20th, is the 2nd Annual Canada Braai Day. Braai is the Afrikaans term for barbecue. Not only is braai a popular pastime in South Africa, it is a national day of celebration. Every September 24th, South Africans celebrate National Heritage Day. At the core of this public holiday is braai - where South Africans across all cultures light fires and have great...

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Southbrook Vineyards Organic Wine Tasting

I received these wines to celebrate Southbrook Vineyards' recent inclusion into the high-quality prepared food section of distinguished British retailer Marks & Spencer. Southbrook is now the sole Canadian vintner to be found in this section. This is also Southbrook's first foray into the U.K. market with Demeter-certified biodynamic wine. "We are thrilled and honoured...

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Sept. 13 LCBO Wine Picks: Ontario + Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

The next batch of wines will hit LCBO Vintages shelves this Saturday, September 13th. In line with local harvest season, this edition's primary focus is on wines from Ontario, while the secondary focus highlights wines from Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. The Niagara Peninsula is Ontario's biggest wine region, with Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL) arguably the most well-known of...

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KWV Wines Tasting with Izele van Bierk

On August 5th, I had the pleasure of attending the KWV Wines tasting at the iYellow Wine Cave. Coming all the way from South Africa to attend and host this special event was winemaker at KWV Wines - Izele van Bierk. KWV (Ko-operatieve Wijnbouwers Verenigingvan Zuid Afrika) Wines is one of South Africa's largest wine & spirits producers. It has a long and rich history...

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Dunavar Muscat Ottonel 2012 (Hungary) - Wine Review

Tonight's wine is this slightly sweet Muscat Ottonel from Hungary. The Muscat Ottonel grape is used to make white wine and is a member of the Muscat family. This wine is a LCBO General List product and is widely available. DUNAVAR MUSCAT OTTONEL 2012 - Mátra, Hungary (#565812) (D) - $8.95 Tasting Note: Screw cap. Medium aromatics showing lime, lemongrass, watercress and...

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