Icewine alternatives. How sweet!

Icewine is a great dessert wine or apéritif. Here are some alternatives … SAUTERNES and TROCKENBEERENAUSLESE As you know, icewine is made from grapes that have hung on vine far beyond normal harvest time and have become very dry (and frozen). Other Dessert Wines A similar type of wine, that also shares the characteristic ofContinue reading “Icewine alternatives. How sweet!”

Sablet. A sensuous Southern Rhone wine from one of the most romantic villages in France.

The vineyards of Sablet, in the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region, are built on a mound of sand, from which its name derives. The town and its surrounding vineyards are located at the foot of the Dentelles de Montmirail. The terroir is of sandy soils and decalcified red clays mixed with pebbles ofContinue reading “Sablet. A sensuous Southern Rhone wine from one of the most romantic villages in France.”

Rabl Grüner Veltliner always a winner every time I have it. This Austrian varietal a best-kept-secret among white wines!

Rabl Grüner Veltliner Spiegel from Kamptal. Fresh, crisp, and luscious. Great mouth-feel. Astounding bouquet. I highly recommend any good Austrian Grüner Veltliner. And this is one of the best in the affordable to mid-price range. Rabl’s vineyard management mission is that only the best grapes make high quality wines. They use meticulous foliage treatment to ensure this. TastingContinue reading “Rabl Grüner Veltliner always a winner every time I have it. This Austrian varietal a best-kept-secret among white wines!”

Gigondas means historic, beautiful wine!

I simply adore Gigondas, Rhône, France. The place. The wines. I have pleasant memories of visiting a while back. Beautiful Gigondas village, in the Southern Rhône, is a cute and historic village with stone edifices, narrow lanes and steep hills. The wines are charming and iconic. Area wine regions include Gigondas, Vacqueyras, & Beaumes deContinue reading “Gigondas means historic, beautiful wine!”

PondView Harvest Party 2017. Great turnout, great wine, great music!

Happy Crowd at PondView The Baroness and I had the good fortune to attend the PondView Harvest party this past weekend. Best fun we’ve had in Niagara all year. PondView is a happening winery that is creating some good buzz. They’re producing fine wines and have a good sense of marketing to fuel their growth.Continue reading “PondView Harvest Party 2017. Great turnout, great wine, great music!”

Visit to Viewpointe Estate Winery

Excellence in winemaking This family-owned estate is one of Southwestern Ontario’s reference point wineries. Situated in EPIC (Essex Pelee Island Coast) near Windsor Ontario, the region also carries the VQA designation: Lake Erie North Shore. A visit to Viewpointe is not to be missed. John, Steve, and Jean Fancsy all have the passion for wineContinue reading “Visit to Viewpointe Estate Winery”

Rhône Valley wine region in 7 days.

Visiting the Rhône Valley wine region. A while back I had the good fortune to visit the various Rhône valley wine regions for seven days. The areas within are visually beautiful. The wines of the North can best be described as elegant and delicate. In contrast, the wines of the South are rustic and full ofContinue reading “Rhône Valley wine region in 7 days.”

Whisky 101 – an introduction to whisky. The basics explained.

Whisky (or Whiskey if we’re talking about the US or Irish version), is one of the best ways I know to savour an incredibly interesting spirit and enter a beautiful state of relaxation. Whether it’s an evening by the fireplace or a social gathering with friends, this is one sure way to enhance your evening.Continue reading “Whisky 101 – an introduction to whisky. The basics explained.”

2010 Petit Toumilon, Graves. At 16.95 you get an outstanding wine & a great vintage

Château Toumilon has been in the family for three centuries. This is their second wine. Lovely notes of cassis, cedar, spice and leather. Very balanced and gentle on the palate, much like a more expensive Bordeaux. Superb value from a landmark vintage of the appellation of Graves, with its gravelly terroir and amazing history. InContinue reading “2010 Petit Toumilon, Graves. At 16.95 you get an outstanding wine & a great vintage”