On 23 June, 2010 WineAlign members were invited to an exclusive Wolf Blass premium wine tasting with winemaker Chris Hatcher at Canoe restaurant in Toronto.
Filed under: Events, News , David Lawrason, Wolf Blass, Chris Hatcher
June 21, 2010 • 7:54 am 0
Worldwide synchronized tasting: South of France – by John Szabo
John Szabo, MS
Sud de France, the umbrella brand for wine and food products from Languedoc-Roussillon celebrates its 4th anniversary today with a worldwide synchronized tasting of wines from the region. 90 bloggers in 24 countries were each sent the same 5 wines to review and comment (though only 4 wines made it to this reviewer). Each of the reviewers was asked to post his/her notes at the same time, 11am in my case. There was no pressure from the organization to post anything but honest opinion. Reviewers were asked to “focus your comments on the overall community of Sud de France wines”, since this is not supposed to be promotion for individual brands.
It’s an interesting concept and positive use of technology to bring together a myriad of voices from across the planet for a single tasting, and thus in one initiative compare the impressions of opinion leaders in two dozen markets. I can only imagine what a logistical challenge it must have been to coordinate it all. What might have been even more interesting would have been to incorporate a live video element to the synchronized tasting, to have critics discuss and describe their views in an open forum to which anyone could tune in, but don’t ask me how to do that. Perhaps a panel of selected critics together at Sud de France headquarters tasting and discussing, with the possibility of video phone-in comments from other participating critics and spectators. As it stands, it’s still entertaining for readers to surf the world and compare views of identical wines across a broad spectrum of tasters.
For all the views visit:
http://suddefrance-export.net/sync-tasting/blog/commentaires/
I spent the summer of 1998 in the Languedoc working in the kitchen of the now-defunct Michelin-starred restaurant Chez Léonce in Florensac, a small town located between Montpellier and Béziers in the heart of wine country. Though I was not a sommelier at the time, I spent most of my days off touring wine regions and tasting local wines, with a great deal of guidance from Chez Léonce’s passionate sommelier. It was a great time of discovery, just when the region was experience a serious renaissance. There were dozens of producers emerging on to the scene making some pretty fine wine at interesting prices. The early part of this decade then saw a commercial boom for the Languedoc-Roussillon in Ontario, with many of the top names finding their way to the LCBO’s shelves (Ontario’s government-run alcohol distribution monopoly). The excitement has since waned and the selection somewhat dwindled, but I still consider the Languedoc-Roussillon as a source of characterful and flavourful wines at reasonable prices.
Tasted Wines
Unfortunately, the selection offered here failed to excite. But I can appreciate the difficulty of selecting specific wines to use in generic promotional campaigns. So while the reviews and scores here are not glowing, don’t take this as representative of the region. I know there are better wines out there.
Sieur d’Arques, AOC/AOP Crémant de Limoux, Grande Cuvée 1531
Considered one of the oldest sparkling wines in the world, Crémant de Limoux is made using the traditional method in the cooler upper Valley around the town of Limoux in the northern Languedoc. Sieur d’Arques is one of the leading cooperatives in the region. This is made from Chardonnay and the local Mauzac variety. The wine is light and crisp, quite dry, with simple flavours ranging from green apple to citrus. Of modest depth and complexity overall, this is for basic patio sipping without too much reflexion or contemplation. 85 pts
Cigalus, VDP/IGP Pays d’OC, cuvée 2008, Gérard Bertrand
Chardonnay, viognier and sauvignon blanc are cultivated using biodynamic principals by leading southern French vigneron/négociant Gérard Bertrand, and aged in small oak for 6-8 months. The nose is rather simple but very pretty, led by the peach and apricot notes of viognier and the grassy-citrus side of sauvignon blanc. Wood is well integrated. The palate is mid-weight, balanced, with decent acid and generous alcohol, leading into a short finish. Correct, but at $25 euros retail (from one internet retailer), a little overpriced for the depth and complexity offered. 87 pts
Fruité Catalan, AOC/AOP Côtes du Roussillon
The south of France, particularly Provence, is well known for rosé production; the Roussillon less so, but no less capable with its similar Mediterranean climate and well-adapted grapes. But this example is made in a clearly commercial mold, with plenty of up front candyfloss, banana and strawberry. On the palate it’s simple and straightforward with a pinch of residual sugar and a bitter finish. All in all, this is basic, commercial wine, and it’s probably commercially successful, but it represents everything that I hate about rosé. It seems a purely market-driven afterthought of more serious red wine making. I’d love to see some characterful, dry, food versatile rosés hit our market as opposed to tarted-up commercial plonk. 82 pts
Mas de Madame, AOC/AOP Muscat de Frontignan, cuvée
The vins doux naturels of the Languedoc-Roussillon are among the world’s undervalued wines, over-delivering pleasure for a very reasonable price. The nose is absolutely classic, effusively perfumed Muscat, full of orange blossom, fresh grapes, rose water and honey, while the palate is sweet but not excessively cloying, with a lingering, Turkish Delight-flavoured finish. VDNs are hardly popular wines these days, but they deserve to be better known for the sheer pleasure they deliver. Try as an afternoon aperitif, or with savoury, intensely flavoured pakoras, lightly-curried chicken salad, blue cheese or not-too-sweet apricot or peach tart. 88 pts
Note to Ontario residents: click here to find the top-rated Languedoc-Roussillon wines at your local LCBO store.
Filed under: Events, News, Wine , John Szabo, Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France, Sud de France, Worldwide synchronized tasting
June 14, 2010 • 4:02 pm 0
Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam and Certified Sommelier Exam
Court of Master Sommelier
Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam and Certified Sommelier Exam
September in Toronto
The Court of Master Sommeliers will be conducting the Introductory Sommelier Course & Exam on Saturday, September 11th; Sunday, September 12th and the Certified Sommelier Exam on September 13th at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON.
The Introductory Course is the first tier of education and examining conducted by the Court of Master Sommeliers. This two day program consists of tastings and a fast paced review all the world’s major wine regions, viticulture and vinification, spirits, and proper wine service. The Deductive Tasting Method, used in all upper level Master Sommelier examinations, is also introduced and extensively practiced. The course culminates with a written 70 question theory examination.
The intention of the Introductory Sommelier Course is to provide a hospitality professional with a very well-rounded beverage expertise following the most rigorous standards. In preparation, it’s recommended that students acquire a good encyclopedia, such as The Wine Bible, by Karen McNeill. The basic points of beer and spirits production should be covered as well.
The Certified Sommelier Exam is the second tier in the Court of Master Sommeliers four tiers of exams. The Certified Sommelier Exam, a one-day exam only with three portions: a blind wine tasting of two wines, a written examination of twenty-five questions covering the world of wine, and a service exam requiring the candidate to exhibit sales and service skills, including the safe and correct opening of a champagne bottle. There is no classroom work involved so we strongly suggest you have a minimum if three years in the industry for this program. Not having any industry background at this level will make the exam extremely challenging.
Please note, it is the policy of the American Chapter of the Court that everyone, without exception, must pass the Introductory Course & Exam before sitting the Certified Sommelier Examination. Candidates can register for just the Introductory Course & Exam or the Introductory and Certified Sommelier Exam. If however you do not successfully complete the Introductory Exam you cannot sit the Certified and all but a $40 (US) administrative fee will be refunded.
If registering for both levels we strongly recommend you are proficient in wine theory, service and tasting skills.
THE MASTER SOMMELIER PROGRAM
The Master Sommelier credential is the most internationally recognized credential for beverage sales and service. The Introductory Sommelier Course is open to all beverage professionals who are interested in pursing the highest standards of wine service and product knowledge in a dining room setting. Candidates come from restaurant, wholesale and retail backgrounds.
The Introductory Sommelier Course, with a 95% pass rate, is the prerequisite for the Certification Sommelier Exam, which has a 62% pass rate and the Advanced Course & Examination which has an average pass rate approximately of 25%. Candidates who pass the Advanced Course are then qualified to take the Master Sommelier Examination itself. The pass rate for the M.S. exam is approximately 5% of the candidates.
Invitation and Registration Information
We invite you to participate in the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Sommelier Course taking place September 11-12, 2010 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, ON. The cost for the program and exam is $495.00 US.
To register with Visa, MasterCard or Discover, please visit the website at www.mastersommeliers.org and complete the online registration form. To register by check, please print the online form and mail with check or money order in the amount of $495.00 US to the address below:
Court of Master Sommeliers
Attn: ON Introductory Course
PO Box 6170
Napa, CA 94581
For inquiries about this program please visit the website or contact Kathleen Lewis, Executive Director at klewis@mastersommeliers.org.
Thanks for reading and I hope you can join us in Toronto in September.
Cheers,
John Szabo, MS
Filed under: Events, News , Certified Sommelier Exam, John Szabo, Master Sommelier
• 3:27 pm 0
Winners of the ARTEVÏNO 2010 Wine Awards
News from Prince Edward County:
Winners of the ARTEVÏNO 2010 Wine Awards from the Quinte Arts Council Press Release
The medalists of the sixth annual 2010 ARTEVÏNO Wine Competition Awards were released today, with five wines earning gold medals by rating 90 points or better in a blind tasting competition open to wines produced in Prince Edward and Northumberland counties.
On May 10, 2010 a panel of eight judges led by WineAlign’s David Lawrason gathered at the Inn at Huff Estate to blind taste more than 75 entries. Others on the panel included Master Sommelier and WineAlign critic John Szabo, Michael Pinkus of the Ontario Wine Review, Billy Munnelly of Billy’s Best Bottles, Tony Aspler, wine book author, broadcaster and recipient of the Order Of Canada, Konrad Ejbich of CBC Radio, Remy Charest of Quebec City, and Shari Darling of the Peterborough Examiner.
The gold, silver and bronze medalists plus other wines from the wineries involved in the competition will be poured on June 19 at the ARTEVÏNO Art and Wine Festival being held at Picton’s Crystal Palace from noon to 4 pm. This year there will be a record number of artists, wineries and restaurant/caterers involved to showcase the creative talents of the entire Quinte region represented at ARTEVÏNO . The top scoring white and red wines as well as the recipient of the Jonathan Welsh Memorial Award, named for the co-founder of ARTEVÏNO, will be announced at the June 19 event.
Look for special ARTEVÏNO Award-Winning Dinner menus, featuring the award-winning wines, paired with delicious three-course dinners, created by the chefs of many of these restaurants, which will be held on Saturday, June 19 after the event at the Crystal Palace. Check out www.artevino.ca
Tickets are $35 for the afternoon at the Crystal Palace, and are available online. Tickets can also be purchased at the Quinte Arts Council, 36 Bridge Street East, Belleville (call 613-962-1232), at the Prince Edward County Arts Council, 280 Main Street, Suite 103, Picton, at participating wineries and at many other locations that will be listed on the website. For $95 you can enjoy the ARTEVÏNO art, wine and food festival, plus a dinner at a restaurant of your choice, which must be booked in advance. See www.artevino.ca for details of this exciting celebration.
The Results:
| GOLD MEDALISTS |
| Hillier Creek Estates 2007 Vidal Icewine |
| Huff Estates 2007 South Bay Vineyards Chardonnay |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Chardonnay Cuvee County |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Pinot Noir Cuvee County |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Pinot Noir Rosehall Vineyard |
| SILVER MEDALISTS |
| Casa Dea Estates 2008 CD Rosso |
| Exultet Estates 2009 Dolce Ghiacciato |
| Huff Estates 2008 Riesling Reserve |
| Huff Estates 2006 Cuvee Peter F. Huff |
| Norman Hardie 2008 County Pinot Noir |
| Norman Hardie 2009 Riesling |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Cabernet Franc Cold Creek |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Sullyzwicker Red |
| Sandbanks Estates 2008 Cabernet Franc |
| The Grange of PEC 2008 GPE Chardonnay |
| The Grange of PEC Grange2007 Sparkling Brut |
| Waupoos Estates 2008 Icewine |
| BRONZE |
| Black Prince 2008 Terroir Elite Chardonnay |
| Casa-Dea Estates 2008 Dea’s Cuvee |
| Casa-Dea Estates 2009 Cabernet Franc Rosé |
| Casa-Dea Estates 2009 Pinot Gris |
| Harwood Estate 2008 Pinot Gris 2008 |
| Hillier Creek Estate 2008 Chardonnay |
| Hillier Creek Estate 2009 Rosé |
| Hillier Creek Estates 2007 Gamay |
| Hillier Creek Estates 2008 Chardonnay Estate |
| Hillier Creek Estates 2009 Riesling |
| Huff Estates 2008 Gamay Reserve |
| Huff Estates 2009 South Bay Vineyards Rosé |
| Huff Estates Winery 2007 First Frost |
| Karlo Estates 2008 Chardonnay |
| Karlo Estates 2008 Malbec |
| Lacey Estates 2008 Baco Noir |
| Lacey Estates 2009 Gewurztraminer |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Gamay Cuvée County |
| Rosehall Run 2008 Sullyzwicker White |
| Rosehall Run 2009 Chardonnay Musqué |
| Rosehall Run 2009 Sullyzwicker Rosé |
| Sandbanks 2008 Waves Chardonnay |
| Sandbanks 2009 Dunes Vidal Riesling |
| The Grange of PEC 2008 Trumpour’s Mill Cabernet Franc |
| The Grange of PEC 2008 Trumpour’s Mill Pinot Noir |
| The Grange of PEC 2009 Trumpour’s Mill Rosé |
Filed under: Events, News, Wine , ARTEVÏNO, Billy Munnelly, David Lawrason, John Szabo, Konrad Ejbich, Michael Pinkus, Remy Charest, Shari Darling, Tony Aspler
June 8, 2010 • 12:29 pm 0
WineAlign’s First Community Event – An exclusive tasting of premium Wolf Blass wines with winemaker Chris Hatcher
We’re very pleased to announce our first WineAlign community event. Members are invited to an exclusive Wolf Blass premium wine tasting with winemaker Chris Hatcher at Canoe. This is not a public event and attendance is limited to WineAlign members. Cost is $65 and only a limited number of tickets are available here: http://winealignwolfblass.eventbrite.com .
David Lawrason
I have tasted with Wolf Blass winemaker Chris Hatcher twice, and few winemakers in the world are so down to earth, so well spoken and so influential. He has quietly shaped three major trends in Australian wine; the quest for regionality, the quest for elegance and the use of screwcaps. Chris is generally considered to be one of Australia’s premium wine makers and one of the country’s most respected wine show judges. Quite a feat for a preacher’s son who was warned that alcohol is evil.
Chris Hatcher, Winemaker, Wolf Blass
I invite WineAlign members to join me at an exclusive and intimate tasting that demonstrates Chris’ talent and success – the Wolf Blass Gold Label regional varietals, the incredible value Grey Labels, and the ultra-premium Black Label and Platinum reds. The sit down, guided tasting will be followed by an informal mingle with small plates from one of Toronto’s great chefs, Anthony Walsh, and a surprise mystery wine or two.
Please join us for the first WineAlign community event.
– David Lawrason, VP of Wine, WineAlign
Please click here to purchase tickets.
The Wolf Blass wines tasted will include:
Platinum Shiraz
Black Label Cabernet Shiraz Malbec
Grey Label McLaren Vale Shiraz
Grey Label Langhorne Creek Cabernet Sauvignon
Gold Label Shiraz, Barossa Valley
Gold Label Shiraz Viognier, Adelaide Hills
Gold Label Cabernet Sauvignon, Coonawarra
Gold Label Pinot Noir, Adelaide Hills
Gold Label Chardonnay, Adelaide Hills
Gold Label Riesling, Eden Valley/Clare Valley
Filed under: Events , David Lawrason, Wolf Blass, Canoe, Chris Hatcher
April 27, 2010 • 1:43 pm 1
BioVino 2010: The Results – by John Szabo
BioVino 2010: The Results
Sustainable, organic and biodynamic wines are hot. But just how hot? Is it marketing propaganda, or do earth-friendly techniques also make for better quality wines? On April 23rd, a panel of sharp palates gathered to judge the wines presented at this year’s Better Living Show by 31 wineries from Ontario to Australia. The judges: John Szabo (head Judge/organizer/WineAlign); panelist: David Lawrason (WineAlign/Toronto Life), George Soleas (Senior VP, LCBO), Sara d’Amato (Vines), Zoltan Szabo (Somm, Ruby Watchco), Jamie Drummond (Good Food Rev), Will Predhomme (Somm, O&B), Jennifer Vranjes (Somm, ACC), Ken Burford (Ontario Wines Society).
The results were unsurprising. To quote seasoned judge David Lawrason: “This is the most fun I’ve had at a tasting in a long time.”, serious words for a man who spends his life at tastings. “Illuminating” said d’Amato, “rewarding” said Drummond. Yes, the judges were unanimous. Organic wines have moved from the fringe into the mainstream: these are wines to be taken seriously not just for the feel-good factor of supporting sustainable farming practices, but also because they are bloody good. Here’s are all of the medal winners:
Colour Coding:
Gold (90+)
Silver (88-89)
Bronze (86-87)
Sparkling
NV Champagne Fleury Fleur de L’Europe sparkling Champagne France $56.95 89
NV Champagne Fleury Carte Rouge Brut sparkling Champagne France $56.95 89
NV Champagne Fleury Rose sparkling Champagne France $79.95 89
NV DogRidge Winery The Pup Sparkling Chardonnay McLaren Vale South Australia $20.95 87
Riesling
2005 Nikolaihof Wachau Riesling Riesling Wachau Austria 88
2009 Cono Sur Riesling Chile $9.95 86
2007 Domaine Ostertag V’dE Riesling Alsace France $27.95 86
Pinots & Gewurztraminer
2007 Domaine Barmes Buecher Rosenberg Gewurztraminer Alsace France $30.95 91 TOP WHITE WINE
2007 Domaine Ostertag Gewurztraminer Alsace France $29.95 91
2006 Domaine Barmes Buecher Herrenwegg Pinot Gris Alsace France $23.95 88
2008 Meinklang Pinot Gris Burgenland Austria $19.95 88
2007 Domaine Ostertag Barriques Pinot Blanc Alsace France $25.95 86
White Blends
2008 The Sadie Family Palladius White Blend Swartland South Africa $79.95 89
2009 Southbrook Vineyards Fresh White White Blend Ontario Canada $16.95 86
Chardonnay
2007 Tawse Robyn’s Block Chardonnay Ontario Canada $42.00 90
2005 Clos de Jordanne Le Clos Vineyard Chardonnay Ontario Canada $34.80 90
2008 Paxton Vineyards Chardonnay McLaren Vale South Australia $24.95 88
2009 Enoomah Bore Wine Co. Chardonnay/Semillon Riverland South Australia $15.95 88
2008 Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Chardonnay Ontario Canada $21.95 88
2008 Tawse Quarry Road Chardonnay Ontario Canada $35.00 87
2005 Clos de Jordanne Village Reserve Chardonnay Ontario Canada $24.80 87
2007 The Milton Vineyard Clos de Ste Anne Chardonnay Gisborne New Zealand $42.95 87
NV French Rabbit & Green Rabbit Wines French Rabbit Chardonnnay South France $12.85 87
Mixed Single White Variety
2007 The Milton Vineyard Te Arai Chenin Blanc Gisborne New Zealand $21.95 91
2009 Meinklang Gruner Veltliner Burgenland Austria $16.95 90
2008 Organic Vignerons Australia Viognier South Australia/Victoria $17.95 89
2007 Nikolaihof Smaragd im Weingebirge Gruner Veltliner Wachau Austria $59.95 89
2008 The Milton Vineyard Riverpoint Viognier Gisborne New Zealand $22.95 89
2009 Cono Sur Viognier Chile $9.95 89
2008 Collefrisio Zero Trebiano Abruzzo Italy $14.50 88
2008 Nicolas Joly Savennieres “Clos de la Bergerie” Chenin Blanc Savennieres – Loire France $68.95 88
2008 Nicolas Joly Coulee De Serrant Chenin Blanc Savennieres – Loire France $109.95 88
2008 Nicolas Joly Savennieres “Les Vieux Clos” Chenin Blanc Savennieres – Loire France $44.95 87
2009 Richmond Plains Richmond Plains Sauvignon Blanc Nelson New Zealand $16.95 87
2008 Nikolaihof Hefeabzug Gruner Veltliner Wachau Austria $28.95 87
Pinot Noir
2007 The Milton Vineyard Clos de Ste Anne Pinot Noir Gisborne New Zealand $42.95 90
2009 Cono Sur Pinot Noir Chile $10.95 89
2008 Richmond Plains Richmond Plains Pinot Noir Nelson New Zealand $19.95 88
2007 Clos de Jordanne La Petite Colline Pinot Noir Ontario Canada $39.80 88
2008 Meinklang Pinot Noir Burgenland Austria $21.95 88
NV French Rabbit & Green Rabbit Wines French Rabbit Pinot Noir South France $12.85 87
2007 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Vandal Vineyard Pinot Noir Napa Valley California – USA $59.95 86
Cabernet & Blends
2005 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Vandal Vineyard Cabernet Napa Valley California – USA $39.95 90
2004 Temple Bruer Vineyards Cabernets/Petit Verdot Langhorne Creek Australia $25.95 89
2006 DogRidge Winery Square Cut Cabernets McLaren Vale South Australia $38.89 89
2008 Southbrook Vineyards Triomphe Cabernet Sauvignon Ontario Canada $23.95 88
2008 Frog Pond Farm Cabernets/Merlot Ontario Canada $20.00 87
2007 Southbrook Vineyards Poetica Cabernets/Merlot Ontario Canada $60.00 86
2007 Frog Pond Farm Cabernet Franc Ontario Canada $17.00 86
2006 Temple Bruer Vineyards Cabernets/Merlot Langhorne Creek Australia $19.95 86
Merlot
2007 Tawse David’s Block Merlot Ontario Canada $42.00 89
2005 Robert Sinskey Vineyards Carneros Merlot Napa Valley California – USA $36.95 87
2006 Ceago Vinegarden Del Lago Merlot Lake County California – USA $28.95 87
NV Cono Sur Merlot Chile $9.95 87
Rose
2008 OVA Rose Rose Australia Australia 86
Red Blend
2006 Azienda Agricola Sangervasio A Siro Red Blend Tuscany Italy $46.95 90 TOP RED WINE
2007 The Sadie Family Columella Red Blend Swartland South Africa $99.95 90
2005 Ceago Vinegarden Wine Makers Blend Red Blend Lake County California – USA $46.95 88
2008 Chateau Monty Monty’s French Red Red Blend Roussillon South France $19.95 86
2005 Bodegas Navarrsotillo Magister Bibendi Riserva Red Blend Rioja/Navarra Spain $24.95 86
Mixed Italian Single Red Variety
2007 Collefrisio “Uno” Montepulciano Abruzzo Italy $26.95 90
2008 Collefrisio zero Montepulciano Abruzzo Italy $18.95 89
2006 Tres Sabores Estate Zinfandel Napa Valley California – USA $39.95 89
2007 Antica Enotria Nero de Troia Puglia Italy $27.95 87
2008 Azienda Agricola Sangervasio Rosso Sangiovese Tuscany Italy $21.95 87
2007 Tres Sabores Porque No? Zinfandel Blend Napa Valley California – USA $29.95 87
2008 Azienda Agricola Sangervasio Chianti Sangiovese Tuscany Italy $21.95 86
Shiraz & Shiraz Blends
2006 DogRidge Winery ShirtFront Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia $38.89 90
2008 Paxton Vineyards MV Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia $19.95 90
2008 Paxton Vineyards Quandong Shiraz McLaren Vale South Australia $26.95 87
2007 Temple Bruer Vineyards Grenache/Shiraz/Viognier Langhorne Creek Australia $19.95 87
2009 Cono Sur Shiraz Chile $9.95 87
2008 Paxton Vineyards AAA Shiraz/Grenache McLaren Vale South Australia $19.95 86
2007 Temple Bruer Vineyards Preservative Free Shiraz/Malbec Langhorne Creek Australia $22.95 86
2008 Organic Vignerons Australia Mataro/Shiraz/Grenache South Australia/Victoria $19.95 86
Filed under: Events, Wine , biodynamic, David Lawrason, George Soleas, Jamie Drummond, Jennifer Vranjes, John Szabo, Ken Burford, Organic, Sara d'Amato, Will Predhomme, Zoltan Szabo
April 6, 2010 • 8:16 am 0
Hobbs & Co. Annual Portfolio Tasting – Great Wines for a Great Cause
Our good friends at Hobbs & Co. are having their annual portfolio tasting the evening of April 13th at the St. Lawrence Centre in Toronto. This is a great opportunity to taste new wines not carried by the LCBO.
The evening is in support of a great cause: Charity Water. One in six people on the planet do not have access to clean drinking water. Charity Water is a non profit organization providing clean, safe drinking water to people in areas of greatest need. Just $20 provides one person in a developing nation with clean water for 20 years.
EXCITING TASTING EVENT IN TORONTO!
Mark your calendar on Tuesday April 13th for the Hobbs & Co. Annual Portfolio Tasting
5:00 to 8:00 pm at the St. Lawrence Centre, 27 Front Street East.
Come to taste award-winning wines including new products never before available in Ontario.
Come to meet winery representatives from around the world.
Come to sample Black River award-winning Ontario cheddar cheese.
Tickets $20 in advance; $30 at the door.
Purchase tickets at here or call 416.366.7723
www.hobbswines.com
Featured Wines:
Herve Lichtle – Domaine Francois Lichtle
The winery has been owned and operated by the Lichtle family since 1897. Herve, the present wine maker will be pouring four outstanding newly released wines.
Aurélien Fiardet – Terroirs Originels
Terriors Originels is a collective of small wine makers from the Beaujolais and Macconais regions. This collective aims to boost their distribution for independent wine makers of the region by enabling them to offer an extensive range and quality service.
Nuno Franco – Herdade Sao Miguel
Based in the Alentejo region, the wine making team at Herdade Sao Miguel believes that the success of a wine comes from grape quality. Their team has been hard at work with ISA in developing technology that allows a better understanding of terroir in order to best support the complex life of the vine.
Hazel Murphy – Clairault Wines Margaret River
Situated less than four kilometres inland from the Indian Ocean and 120 metres above sea level with an average of 300 sunshine days per year, Clairault is one of the predominant wineries of the Margaret River Wine Region of Australia. The 200 Clairault Cabernet Sauvignon has been awarded the Gold Medal (Best in Class) at the 2009 International Wine & Spirit Competition
Filed under: Events, Wine , Wine Tasting
March 15, 2010 • 2:59 pm 2
New Technology being unveiled at Toronto Wine & Cheese Show
For immediate release March 15th, 2010
New Technology being unveiled at Toronto Wine and Cheese Show, March 19 to 21
Oakville, ON – Wine show exhibitors who have long struggled with the fundamental problem of getting consumers to remember the wines they have sampled and enjoyed while at a large consumer events are in luck as the Toronto Star Wine & Cheese Show unveils new technology at the upcoming show.
To respond to this long standing industry problem, The Toronto Star Wine and Cheese Show has partnered with WineAlign to bring a unique solution to a wine show for the first time.
Each wine being poured at next weekend’s show at the International Centre have been added to the WineAlign.com online database. Visitors to the show will find a 2D barcode on a tent card in front of each of the wines at the show, allowing consumers to scan the 2D barcode with their smartphones.
In order to use the technology at the show, smartphone users can download a free application from 2dscan.com that will enable their phone to read the 2D code. Each barcode scanned by the phone will record the associated wine in the user’s personal Wine&Cheese Show Shopping List at WineAlign.com, which they can review at any time.
“This new 2D technology will really help to bring the wine industry up to speed in the online world,” states Marti Milks, Show Manager of the Wine & Cheese Show. “For so long participating exhibitors at wine events have struggled to get consumers to remember the wines they’ve sampled, so this is exactly the technology that’s needed to fulfill that void”.
Below is an illustration of the usage and an actual card & code from the show.
Wine & Cheese Show Event Details:
Where: International Centre, Mississauga
6900 Airport Road at Derry Road
Free Parking & Free Shuttle from Kipling Station
Please do not drink and drive.
When: Friday March 19: Noon to 10pm
Saturday March 20: Noon to 9pm
Sunday March 21: Noon to 6pm
Admission: Tickets are available at the door and online
General Admission: $18
Must be 19 years of age to attend.
For more information on the Wine & Cheese Show or the new 2D barcode technology, visit www.TOWineAndCheeseShow.com or www.WineAlign.com
- 30 -
For more information on the Wine & Cheese Show: Amanda Wedgewood awedgewood@metroland.com 905-842-6591 x235
For more information on 2D technology or WineAlign.com contact: Bryan.McCaw@UnCork.ca
Illustration from the Wine & Cheese Show Brochure
Scan this to add to your Wine & Cheese Show Shopping List
Filed under: Events, News , 2D BarCodes, Toronto Wine & Cheese Show
March 14, 2010 • 4:31 pm 0
Six Picks from the Toronto Wine & Cheese Show – by David Lawrason
David Lawrason
The WineAlign database now contains more than 350 wines that will be poured at the Toronto Wine and Cheese Show, March 19 to 21. To search the selection sign in to WineAlign and go to www.winealign.com/wines/awarded/wc2010. John Szabo, Steve Thurlow and I have tasted through dozens of the wines at the show, and each have come with some of our favourites that we are likely to showcase at the WineAlign booth. I have highlighted five that are currently available at the LCBO, and added the very finely made Loron 2008 Mont Vallon Bourgogne (white) en route to the general list. To view my selection go to here. To taste them for yourself join us at the Show.
As an added feature at the show you will be able to use your smart-phone to scan a 2D bar-code with each wine and add it to create your own list of show favourites on WineAlign. You only need to first go to 2dScan.com and download your free scanner application. Below is an illustration from the show brochure.
2D barcodes in action
Filed under: Events, Wine , David Lawrason, Toronto Wine & Cheese Show
March 3, 2010 • 10:42 am 0
Video Preview of our Innovative Seminars & Exciting Events at the upcoming Toronto Wine & Cheese Show
12 Innovative Wine Events & Seminars at the Toronto Wine & Cheese Show, March 19th – 21st at the Toronto International Centre
We are pleased to present a series of fun, unique and highly informative wine events and seminars at the upcoming Toronto Wine & Cheese Show.
David Lawrason and John Szabo offer you a sneak preview of the exclusive events and entertaining seminars in the following video links. Full details including the schedule and prices are listed below. Please note that full show admission is included in all event and seminar prices and limited space is available.
Events
Seminars
Chef and Sommelier Food and Wine Pairing Competition $80.00
Friday at 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Buy Now
Saturday at 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Buy Now
Six top Ontario chefs and their sommeliers take their best shot at matchmaking: one dish, one wine. You decide who’s nailed it and who needs to go back to the drawing board in this people’s choice awards. Master Sommelier John Szabo will introduce guidelines for successful pairing; guests will taste, enjoy and vote on their favourites. End the evening with “How Sweet It Is” a selection of desserts matched to dessert wines, ports, Sherries and spirits. Winner announced at the conclusion of the evening.
Great Ontario Wine & Cheese Pairing $55.00
Friday at 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Buy Now
Saturday at 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Buy Now
Sunday at 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Buy Now
The Dairy Farmers of Ontario present The Great Ontario Wine and Cheese Paring. Join Award Winning Sommelier, Zoltan Szabo to explore and savour Ontario’s burgeoning artisan cheese offerings and the finest Ontario wines! At each station you will be guided by a cheese specialist and sommerlier.
Sunday Sparkling Brunch $50.00
Noon – 1:30 p.m. Buy Now
Guests will enjoy a European-style brunch featuring the main sparkling wines of Europe – including French Champagne, Spanish Cava, Italian Prosecco and Moscato d’Asti – plus other intriguing bubblies. They will be paired with a wide range of fruit, cheese, meat, seafood and pastry creations to get your Sunday off to a fine start.
Seminars
Seminars for Friday March 19, 2010
Navigating the New Wine Media $20.00
David Lawrason, WineAlign Critic
12:30 p.m. Buy Now
Toronto Life and WineAlign critic David Lawrason will lead a panel discussion on the emergence of on-line wine reviewing and social media through websites like WineAlign, Facebook and Twitter, and how wine producers and agents can use them to improve their marketing efforts. Fee donated to Grapes for Humanity.
Name that Flaw $20.00
John Szabo, Master Sommelier and WineAlign Critic
2:00 p.m. Buy Now
Master Sommelier John Szabo and Dr. Geroge Soleas, head of the LCBO’s Quality Assurance Laboratory will lead an informative seminar on common wine flaws. The audience will blind taste (or maybe just smell) to identify them, while Dr. Soleas delves deeply into their causes and remedies. Participation fee will be donated to Grapes for Humanity.
Does Organic Wine Taste Better? $50.00
John Szabo, Master Sommelier and WineAlign Critic
3:30 p.m. Buy Now
John Szabo will lead a panel discussion and tasting of organic and bio-dynamic wines. The mysteries of these ultra-organic specialties will be revealed by Scott Jones, vineyard manager at Southbrook Winery, Paul Pender, head winemaker at Tawse Winery, and Mark Cuff of The Living Vine, a leading importer of organic wines in Ontario. The tasting will highlight the complexity, depth and sense of place that make organic wines unique.
Making Sense of Wines $40.00
Anne Martin, Canadian Living Wine Columnist
5:30 p.m. Buy Now
Sommelier and the wine columnist for Canadian Living, Anne Martin will lead an entertaining tasting that explores the smell, taste and texture of wines of various styles and major grape varieties.
Canadian Gold $60.00
David Lawrason, WineAlign Critic
7:30 p.m. Buy Now
Presented by Wine Access Canadian Wine Awards, chief judge David Lawrason will pour Ontarion and B.C. top drops that achieved gold medals in 2009, with insight as to what competition judges look for in blind tastings.
Seminars for Saturday March 20, 2010
Making Sense of Wines $40.00
Anne Martin, Canadian Living Wine Columnist
1:00 p.m. Buy Now
Sommelier and the wine columnist for Canadian Living, Anne Martin will lead an entertaining tasting that explores the smell, taste and texture of wines of various styles and major grape varieties.
Into the Cellar $60.00
Gordon Stimmell, Toronto Star Wine Critic
3:00 p.m. Buy Now
Toronto Star wine critic Gordon Stimmell discusses wine ageing and cellaring, with four pairs of wines of different styles, one from a recent vintage, one from a mature vintage.
90+ Points $60.00
David Lawrason and John Szabo, WineAlign Critics
6:00 p.m. Buy Now
WineAlign critics David Lawrason and John Szabo present a selection of eight top scoring international wines currently on the market. The tasting and discussion will revolve around what critics are looking for in terms of quality, and what makes these wines deserving of 90+ ratings.
Seminars for Sunday March 21, 2010
Into the Cellar $60.00
Gordon Stimmell, Toronto Star Wine Critic
12:30 p.m. Buy Now
Toronto Star wine critic Gordon Stimmell discusses wine ageing and cellaring, with four pairs of wines of different styles, one from a recent vintage, one from a mature vintage.
The Wine Price Challenge $50.00
Steve Thurlow
2:30 p.m. Buy Now
Steve Thurlow will lead a tasting of wines at various price points to demonstrate the relationship between price and quality. Wines will be tasted blind with guests guessing the price before labels are revealed. Prizes offered.
Italy’s Best Reds & Terroni’s Traditional Southern Italy Food $75.00
John Szabo, Master Sommelier and WineAlign Critic
3:30 p.m. Buy Now
Master Sommelier John Szabo teams up with Toronto’s favorite southern Italian restaurant, Terroni, to offer an afternoon of great food and wine. Terroni’s chefs Giovanna Alonzi and Fabio Moro will be cooking up six specialty dishes from the bottom of the boot while John presents six of Italy’s best high-end reds.
Limited space is available. Book online now or visit towineandcheeseshow.com. Please note that admission to the show is included in all event and seminar prices.
For more information contact Filomena Feltmate
Call: 905-842-6591 ext 260
Email: ffeltmate@metrolandwest.com
Filed under: Events, News , David Lawrason, John Szabo, Toronto Wine & Cheese Show, Video Preview, Seminars, Events, Steve Thurlow
Recent Comments