Terroir Wine Festival is the best way to explore The County wineries and to meet the winemakers too – all under one roof!  Our Savvy ommeliers along with winemakers & wine personalities are offering seminars & tastings too.

Hop on the Ottawa bus!

Together with Sandbanks Vacations, we have arranged a Terroir Tour to take Ottawa wine lovers to Terroir & back again.  Wine touring doesn’t get any easier than this!  Each coach will be accompanied by a Savvy Sommelier who will share insider tips on must try wines & winemakers to be sure to visit at Terroir. 

Terroir Tour package $79 when you buy before Tuesday May 22

Regular tour package price: $89
Price includes: coach & admission for Terroir Wine Festival. 
HST will be added at booking.

 Already have your Terroir ticket?  No problem!  You can hop on the bus for $55 + HST

 Details about this package:

• Same day roundtrip by coach
• Departs 11am from Costco Huntclub parking lot (415 West Hunt Club Road) returns to Ottawa at approx 9pm
• Estimated time of arrival at Terroir 1pm. 
• Coach leaves Terroir at 6pm to return to Ottawa – loads of time to take in Terroir & explore Picton!
• NOTE: Minimum 30 passengers is needed
• Are you in Toronto? There is a roundtrip Terroir Tour package too!

To book, call Craig at Sandbanks Vacations on 1-877-399-2508 or sandbankstours@gmail.com

101 Things to do in Prince Edward County

Hot off the press!  Here’s 101 Things To Do to make your next trip to PEC the best yet!

We look forward to having you join us at Terroir next weekend!

Handmade from whole natural milk, La Sorcière Bien Aimée has a good, clean goaty flavour with a hint of sweet grass and no bitterness, ammonia or aftertaste, even if a little overripe.   The paste is thick, smooth, creamy and silky, wild with mushroom aromas and a salty finish.  Specific cultures and a cheesemaker’s patience and care give these excellent results — not rushing is crucial. I love Maggie’s cheeky attitude as she describes the aging of La Sorcière… “the cheese pouts at first, then it will cry, becoming a weepy mess…”.  My sentiments exactly, only they’re tears of joy in this case.  Try it at my Taste of Quebec tutored tasting June 3 during The Great Canadian Cheese Festival in Prince Edward County.  www.cheesefestival.ca

FACTBOX:
Cheese:  La Sorcière Bien Aimée
Producer:  Fromagerie Les Folies Bergères
Interesting Fact:  Quebec cheeses can be sold in Ontario only if the cheesemaker is federally registered.

 Enjoy! – Vanessa

Savvy Selections wine of the month club
Featuring The Grange of Prince Edward Vineyard & Estate Winery
- May 2012 -

A visit to Prince Edward County wineries, or better yet next weekend’s, Terroir Wine Festival  is both an opportunity to taste wines, explore the vineyards and marvel at the historic restored buildings on site; a visit provides a Canadian history lesson too.

The County is one of the areas settled by United Empire Loyalists after the American Revolution. In 1972, Robert Granger purchased the 150-acre home farm on the original Trumpour family patent, including the mill which produced most of the lumber used in the historic barn (built in 1826) which houses The Grange of Prince Edward winery tasting room and barrel cellar.

History tells us that the Trumpour family arrived in Canada after the Revolution, driven from the Thirteen Colonies by their allegiance to the British Crown. Roughly 50,000 Loyalists emigrated, many from disbanded Loyalist regiments, and settled in the upper St. Lawrence valley. They brought with them their customs, British Law and land tenure, and representative government. After lobbying by the Loyalists, the British Parliament passed the Canada Act in 1791, effectively dividing Québec into Upper (Ontario) and Lower (Québec) Canada.

Building on the deep history of this property and region, Robert and his daughter Caroline Granger partnered in 2002 to establish one of the first wineries in the newly developing wine appellation of Prince Edward County (PEC).

Our Savvy Sommelier Susan Desjardins caught up with Caroline on a recent visit to the winery.  From your fist metting, Caroline exudes energy and enthusiasm as she guides you around the property and through the wine cellar and winemaking facilities. Although her father’s career was focused in Toronto, he purchased the property with the intention of giving his children the experience of growing up on a farm. Caroline spent her youth there, leaving at the age of 16 when she was whisked away to Paris and a modeling career that kept her in Europe for 10 years. This career eventually took her to the United States, where she married and began to raise her family. In 1997, she moved back to the farm, looking for a career that would allow her to spend more time with her three children.

Caroline recalls that one wet spring day, she helping plant grape vines at a nearby vineyard.  This prompted her to suggest to her father that they plant 10 acres to vines. “This place has always been a working farm. I saw the vineyard as a way to re-establish a viable, sustainable role for the property.” As part of a college course she was taking at the time, Caroline developed a business proposal to discuss with her father. With his agreement and support, she took the wine technician program at Loyalist College and, in 2001 the first vines were planted. Her initial harvest in 2003 produced Prince Edward County’s first Ontario award-winning wine, the Trumpour’s Mill 2003 Gamay Noir 2003. 

Caroline’s vineyards and range of wines have expanded over the years, with a strong emphasis on Pinot Noir. We are delighted to showcase in this month’s Savvy Selections:
- Chardonnay VQA 2007– a creamy, well-balanced wine
- Diana’s Block Pinot Noir VQA 2007 – The Grange’s elegant premium Pinot Noir
- Northfield Cabernet Franc VQA 2007 – a complex wine that we think is ready to enjoy now or can be put in your cellar.

Stock up for the summer…

You won’t find these wines from The Grange at the LCBO.  So, if you found a new favorite wine and would like additional bottles, give me a call and I will take care of ordering more for you.  Simply, call me at 613-SAVVYCO (613-728-8926) or sending me an e-mail at debbie@savvycompany.ca.

Cheers & Enjoy!
- Debbie & Savvy Team

Not only did Caroline Granger (left) learn about cell biology, fermentation processes and vineyard management at Loyalist College, she learned to drive a tractor and cultivate fields. She has maintained that hands-on approach through her tenure at The Grange. She exudes intensity as we sit in the tasting room on a cool spring day, discussing winemaking at The Grange and the challenges of viticulture in the County. “Did you know that over a 100-year horizon, PEC is only one degree Celsius cooler than Niagara? And in the summer, we’re actually one degree warmer.” She describes the Hillier area (where The Grange is located) as a bit of a “heat sink’; while they don’t benefit from the lake effect, the area has an advantage for ripening in the summer.

What did she learn that has proven true? “The main thing is that Pinot Noir from the County is extra-ordinary”. Other key factors: fans are essential in the vineyard to keep the frost off her vines. And vine spacing has also proven critical to her success. The fairly wide rows and vine spacing ensure a balanced crop load, provide the vines access to the nutrients they need, and permit higher canopies and more leaves to ensure better ripeness. These rows allow high hilling up because, yes, two canes on each vine are buried every fall to guard against freezing – “that’s 170,000 canes we buried in 2011”, remarks Caroline.

Her focus has always been on growing the best possible fruit, and now, with 60 acres under vine, she is able to produce estate-only wines. The vineyard spreads across six blocks, grown on shallow but fertile soils known as Hillier clay gravel. The Northfield block offers the deepest soils, at 36 inches. The underlying bedrock is limestone that fractures naturally, facilitating root growth and bringing a mineral quality to the wines. “When I started planting the vineyard, I focused on the varietals best suited to the alkaline soils we have, and those that would ripen early. So we started with Chardonnay, Gamay and Pinot Noir.” Pinot Noir is her passion, with 17 acres devoted to this varietal, used in sparkling wine, rosé and both The Grange and Trumpour’s Mill varietal wines. She’s added Pinot Gris, Riesling, Cabernet Franc (that you received this month) and an experimental block of Sauvignon Blanc, which is the longest ripening varietal. The first 12 acres were planted in 2001, an additional 32 acres established between 2002 and 2004, with the most recently planted vines dating from 2007.

The Grange’s initial production started small in 2003 at 1600. Now Caroline has her eye on producing 12,500 cases this year – organic growth that has allowed her to maintain a strong focus on style and quality.

Her role at the winery is definitely hands on, “I’m the vineyard manager, the winemaker, the CEO, the CFO . . . !” Asked how she became a winemaker, Caroline’s sense of humour ignites—‘Well, I started growing 150 tonnes of grapes!”. While she trained academically in college, with her first harvests she used consulting winemakers, working closely with them. “Winemaking is part art, part science. You start with the healthiest possible grapes, and then you create the best possible conditions for healthy fermentation, which include clean fruit, quick processing, carefully selected yeast strains, and ongoing monitoring through the vinification process.” Her daughter Maggie has started working with her in winemaking and is showing both talent and enthusiasm. While talking to Maggie as she guides us through a tasting, it’s clear she is actively involved in winery decisions, putting forward the research and rationale behind The Grange’s decision to continue using cork rather than migrating to Stelvin closures (winespeak: screwcaps). It’s definitely a family affair, with son Brandon (currently studying at Trent University) working in the tasting room over the summer, and youngest son Quinton the ‘IT wizard’.

With each visit to the winery, you will always find something new.  This summer, Maggie is leading an organic market garden to supply produce for the restaurant and the vineyard workers. Caroline has hired an all-female crew this year and plans to provide 3 healthy meals each day for her staff. “I want my workplace to be more accessible for women.” It is clear that Caroline never stands still!

Cheers & Enjoy your Savvy Selections!

Northfield Cabernet Franc 2007 VQA $35.00

Planted in 2003, this vineyard benefits from the high plateau on which it is located, protected from frost and exposed to maximum seasonal sunshine, assuring full even ripening of the fruit. Once again, only the exceptional barrels were selected for this Grange wine. We are excited that Caroline had ‘just enough’ bottles of this wine to be included in Savvy Selections.  There are only 2 cases left!  If you would like more – contact Debbie sooner than later!

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes:  Dry, medium bodied, this wine offers subtle aromas, ranging from floral, vanilla, cigar box and campfire smoke through dried cherries, berries and plum. Subtle notes of roasted red pepper and herbs mingle with vibrant red berry flavours. The well integrated tannins and lively acidity provide the structure for further aging, while appealing notes of sweet spice linger on the finish.

Suggested Food Pairing: Simply put – Lamb anyone?

Cellaring: Delicious now, this wine will cellar a further 3-4 years

With Trumpour’s Mill Chardonnay…

Perfect Lemon Roasted Chicken
Adapted from Anna & Michael Olson, Cook at Home
Serves 6

Ingredients
1 4 lb. roasting chicken
1 onion, sliced
2 lemons, sliced
2-4 cloves garlic, peeled, sliced
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Extra virgin olive oil for basting
Coarsely ground salt & pepper

Vinaigrette
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
2-4 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method

1. For chicken, preheat oven to 350F. Arrange half the onion slices, lemon slices and 1-2 cloves of garlic in a roasting pan just a few inches larger than the chicken. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables and fill its cavity with the remaining onion, lemon and garlic. Insert rosemary sprigs into cavity. Baste chicken with olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt & pepper.
2.  Cover pan and roast for about 1 hour. Remove cover, baste chicken with juices from bottom of pan and continue roasting until an internal temperature of 175 F is reached (about 30-45 minutes more). Remove pan from oven and let chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
3. While chicken is resting, prepare vinaigrette. Strain onion, lemon and garlic from bottom of pan, saving juices to return to pan (discard vegetables). Place pan over medium heat and add lemon juice, stirring to pull up any caramelized bits. Stir in Dijon mustard and rosemary and remove from heat. Whisk in olive oil slowly and season to taste. Carve chicken and spoon vinaigrette over chicken.

With Diana’s Block Pinot Noir …

Smoked Grilled Salmon
Lucy Waverman & James Chatto, A Matter of Taste
Serves 4-6

Ingredients
2 lb salmon fillet
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp dry mustard
2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp cracked peppercorns
Soaked cedar plank

 Method

1. Combine the maple syrup, dry mustard, salt & pepper and spread over salmon fillet. Marinate 30 minutes.
2. Place a smoker basket with wood chips on BBQ coals. Heat grill over high heat until you see smoke. 
3. Place a soaked cedar plank on grill and leave for 3-4 minutes, or until you smell smoke. Immediately turn plank and place fish on top. 
4. Cover grill and cook salmon for 10-15 minutes, or until fish is just cooked. Cut salmon into serving portions on plank and slide off onto serving plates.

With Northfield Cabernet Franc…

Grilled Lamb Loin with Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette
Anna & Michael Olson, Cook at Home
Serves 12

Ingredients
12 boneless lamb loins, 6-7oz. each
6 garlic cloves, crushed
1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme
2 tsp cracked black pepper
¼ C extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp coarse salt

Vinaigrette

2/3 C diced sundried tomatoes
2/3 C chopped Italian flat leaf parsley
¼ C extra virgin olive oil
¼ C balsamic vinegar
¼ C water
Coarse salt & ground black pepper

 Method

1.  For vinaigrette, purée all ingredients in a food processor & season to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

2.  For lamb, preheat grill to highest setting. Marinate the lamb in the garlic, thyme, pepper and oil at room temperature for 20 minutes. Add salt & place on grill. After 4 minutes, turn lamb over & reduce heat to medium. Cook 5 minutes for medium doneness.  

3.  To serve, slice the lamb loin into 5 pieces diagonally across the grain of the meat. Fan out them out, overlapping the slices on the plate and top with vinaigrette. Serve with boiled new potatoes and roasted root vegetable medley.

 Cheers & Enjoy this month’s Savvy Selections!

To prepare you for wine discoveries at next weekend’s Terroir Wine Celebration, our Sommeliers share with you tasting notes of more Prince Edward County wines.  Whether you enjoy white wine, red wine or are in the mood for a glass of Rose or sparkling wine, these wines will WOW you!

Huff Estates Vidalessco Sparkling VQA 2011

There is no better way to begin a dinner party (or any meal for that matter!) than with the pop of a cork of a bottle of bubbly!  This unique wine is made with Vidal grapes.  Vidal is often left on the vines to make icewine, yet at Huff Estates winemaker, Frederic Picard (originally from Burgundy France), decided to do something completely different – create a crisp & refreshing sparkling wine fashioned after the Italian Prosecco.  

Savvy Sommelier Debbie interviews Frederic  in the vineyard – watch the video

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Dry with fine mousse (winespeak: bubbles) elegant aromas & tastes of citrus (can you find mandarin or lime?) & toasted almond.

Suggested Food Pairings: For fun, serve sparkling wine with salty potato chips (the saltier the better!). The salt reacts with the bubbles & makes an even more lively sensation in your mouth – like fireworks!

The Grange’s Trumpour’s Mill Chardonnay VQA 2007

A visit to The Grange of Prince Edward County Winery is not only an opportunity to taste the wines, explore the vineyards and marvel at the historic restored buildings on site; a visit provides a Canadian history lesson too.

This month, we feature The Grange in our Savvy Selections wine of the month club.  This Chardonnay impressed our Savvy Sommeliers.  Chardonnay was among the first varietals planted on the Granger estate. A grape which lends itself to a range of styles, this exemplar is unoaked and displays the texture and complexity of extended lees contact.

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Offering tantalizing aromas of jasmine, honeyed stone fruit, pear and mango, this is a balanced creamy yet dry wine, weighty with flavourful fruit and kissed with a touch of toasted nuts. It finishes slightly warm and gently spiced.

Suggested Food Pairing: Enjoy this wine with pasta in a cream-based sauce, with crab cakes or lobster, or with savoury roast chicken.

Cellaring:  Delightful now or over the next couple of years!

Karlo Estates Frontenac Gris Rose VQA 2011

Karlo Estates is a must visit as one of ‘The County’s’ wineries – housed in a heritage Loyalist barn. Owner & winemaker Richard Karlo has developed his career from being a wine judge to an amateur winemaker, then consulting winemaker & now winery owner. 

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes:  Last year’s Rose from Karlo was full of rhubarb & citrus aromas & tastes.  This vintage boasts watermelon, tangerine & ruby red grapefruit.  Crisp & refreshing, this medium bodied Rose feels delicious in your mouth & tastes wonderful too!

Suggested Food Pairings: This is a perfect wine to unwind with at the cottage, pack with a picnic or on enjoy while you soak up the sunshine in the backyard.  Serve on its own or with spicy food.

Rosehall Run Cabernet Franc Cold Creek VQA 2008

Cabernet Franc is often used in red wine blends, yet in Ontario, this grape grows so well that winemakers keep it aside to craft outstanding Cabernet Franc wines.  Rosehall Run Vineyards owner & winemaker Dan Sullivan found a parcel of land in The County – complete with a creek running through it – with outstanding Cabernet Franc grapes. 

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Bright garnet red colour in the glass, bursting with aromas of ripe red berries, raspberry that packs an impressive punch of dark chocolate.   On the palate it is dry, medium bodied with soft tannins reminders of sour cherry & cassis.

Suggested Food Pairings: The lingering finish makes this wine a perfect match for both light & heavy dishes from BBQ sausages, lamb chops, roast duck & even grilled salmon. Debbie loves this wine with a chunk of dark chocolate! 

Stanners Vineyard Cabernet Franc PEC VQA 2010

Stanners Vineyard is one of the newest wineries to open in The County is run by the Stanner family & everyone in the family is involved!  Located near the town of Hillier (about 20 mins away from Picton), they are surrounded by other neighbouring wineries.  The Stanners made 2 Cabernet Franc wines – one all County while the other is a blend of Niagara & County.  This one was the favorite at the recent County in the City wine tasting event in Ottawa.  It was fun to try the 2 wines side by side – and this you can definitely do when you visit Terroir Wine Festival! 

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Plum in colour, there are delicious aromas of blackberry, raspberry & plums too that fill the glass then continue into the taste.  It is dry & well balanced wine with a medium long finish.  A very impressive wine.  Well done!

 Suggested Food Pairings: An easy drinking red wine that would be good with grilled burgers, lasagna or even BBQed steak.  Stock up for the summer!

We look forward to seeing you in The County at Terroir on Saturday May 26th!

But wine has staged a comeback since the 1980s, with certain California wines commanding over $100, such as the Far Niente ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon in this release. Zinfandel, related to Primitivo and thought to be descended from an obscure Croatian varietal, was introduced to California some time during the Gold Rush and became one of the leading grapes in the state, as it adapted well to the soils and climates. There are many long-established vineyards in the states, thus it is quite common to find outstanding old-vine wines from producers such as Ravenswood.

The 1976 Judgement of Paris established California’s pedigree for Cabernet Sauvignon, when a Stag’s Leap Cab beat out the classified Bordeaux estates. Generally known for producing rich, fruity full-bodied wines, California’s mountain vineyards also produce more intense Bordeaux-style wines. Chardonnay is California’s most planted varietal and was made famous by Château Montelena, which won the 1973 Judgement of Paris with its Alexander Valley Chardonnay. The journey of the family and this wine to the competition in Paris is immortalized in the film ‘Bottleshock’ – if you haven’t seen it, give it a whirl, while you sip a glass of the opulent and well-priced Kendall-Jackson ‘Vintner’s Reserve’ Chardonnay.

The secondary release highlights rosés from around the world. The most common method of producing rosé is called saignée, where red grapes are crushed and left in contact with the skin for a short period, usually less than 24 hours, to impart color and flavour. That first juice is then fermented separately to produce rosé. For a benchmark dry rosé, consider Château d`Aquèria Tavel Rosé. Should you prefer an organic wine, try the Natura Rosé from Chile, or stay close to home with the just off-dry rosé from Featherstone, or the dry yet fruity Fielding Estate Rosé.

The Israeli wine feature offers a cross-section of white and red wines, from Sauvignon Blanc to Cabernet Sauvignon. Argentina strikes again in this release, with some great values, such as the Finca Flichman Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon blend and the Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon included in this selection. One of my favorite sparkling wines is available in the release, Louis Bouillot Perle d’Aurore Brut Rosé Crémant de Bourgogne. In addition to the two Canadian rosés, both the Angels Gate Mountainview Chardonnay and the Fielding Estate Sauvignon Blanc shine among the Local Talent.

Cheers and Enjoy,


Susan



If only I had $100, I would buy . . .

St-Nicolas Rosé Crackling Cider

Québec, Canada

$19.95 (Vintages #275362) 7.0% alcohol
Here’s a lovely combination of local summer and autumn fruit in a lightly alcoholic lipsmackingly tasty sparkler. The subtle aromas of strawberries and raspberries macerated with the apple cider tantalize the nose. A mouth-filling, palate-cleansing mousse explodes on the palate. Dry yet fruity, this beverage has a vibrant texture and would be a fine match for a rustic paté or fine Ontario cheddar.



Featherstone Rosé VQA 2011
VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #117861) 12.0% alcohol
The vibrant candy-apple pink tone appeals, as do the sweet floral, red fruit and candy apple aromas of this fruity, mid-weight rosé. There’s a tantalizing whiff of herbs and grilled peppers, tasty red berry flavours, a tangy fresh texture, and a nice clean, juicy finish. Sip on the patio or the porch, pair with almost any appetizer, pizza or light grilled meat!
 


Finca Flichman ‘Expresiones Reserve’ Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Mendoza, Argentina
$15.95 (Vintages #507707) 14.5% alcohol
Inky purple, aged 8 months in French and American oak, this dry full-bodied red blend is loaded with luscious ripe black fruit. The aromas include hints of mint and smoke twining around the fruit, the flavours offering hints of dried fruit, spice, chocolate and vanilla. There’s good structure and complexity in this wine, concentrated fruit framed by ripe tannins and fresh acidity, and a finish that dry, warm and fruity. Great value and a good choice for barbequed red meats.

Kaiken Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Mendoza, Argentina
$14.95 (Vintages #261891) 14.5% alcohol
Here’s another great value, a classic Cabernet displaying aromas and flavours of cedar, black berries, vanilla and charry toast. Dry, full bodied, the palate offers concentrated fruit, a subtle structure and a fresh yet fruity texture. Deftly crafted, nicely balanced, it finishes with a warm fruity flare. A natural match for grilled meats. 



Domaine Boisson Côtes du Rhône-Villages Cairanne 2009
AOC Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France
$19.95 (Vintages #264630) 15.0% alcohol
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mouvèdre and Carignan, this wine offers alluring aromas—spicy floral perfume, dried herbs, sweet ripe berries and dried cherries. Dry, medium-full bodied, spicy peppery notes garnish a dense core of rich ripe fruit. The underlying structure is clean and firm, the finish dry yet fruity. Savour it now or cellar medium term.

Juan Gil ‘White Label de Cepas Viejas’ Monastrell 2010
DO Jumilla, Spain
$12.95 (Vintages #13656) 14.5% alcohol
The grapes from this hot windy region often grow sparingly on gnarly bush vines that are often decades old, thus providing dense concentrated flavours. This wine offers aromas of black cherries, berries, vanilla and sweet spice. Dry, medium-full bodied, there’s a firm structure underlying the dark berry fruit, the light oak aging bringing subtle hints of tobacco, cedar and toast. This is a great value—load up the wagon! 



Grand Total: $98.70

Worth the Splurge . . .

Gallo Family ‘Frei Ranch Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Dry Creek Valley, California
$34.95 (Vintages #555607) 15.0% alcohol
Opaque, ruby purple, the aromas of this big powerful wine roll from the glass—ripe dark fruit, warm baking spice, vanilla, cedar and sweet herbs. Dry, full bodied, offering great depth and concentration, there’s subtle structure and beautiful balance. The texture is velvety, the fruit generous and the lasting finish palate coating, almost viscous. Drinking well now, it’s designed for long-term cellaring.

Have you visited Canada’s fastest growing wine region – Prince Edward County? Known as ‘The County’, it is a picturesque 3 hour drive from Ottawa with the quaint village of Picton & over 25 wineries waiting to be discovered.  To give you a taste of wines awaiting to be enjoyed when you visit the upcoming 7th annual County Terroir Wine Fest, our Savvy Sommeliers share with you their tasting notes.  We look forward to seeing you at County Terroir on Saturday May 26.   More details at www.countyterroir.ca

Start with a sparkling…

Lighthall Progression Sparkling VQA 2011

Lighthall is a boutique winery in ‘The County’ focusing on growing Chardonnay & Pinot Noir grapes on their estate to make outstanding wines. Just bottled in time for County Terroir celebration, this sparkling wine is made using Vidal grapes – often saved for dessert wines.  This bubbly is far from being sweet!

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes:  Hand-crafted using the Charmat Method of sparkling winemaking, this bubbly is has refreshing acidity with aromas of citrus, pear & crunchy apple to create the lively, refreshing finish.

Suggested food pairings: Served well chilled, this wine is lovely on its own, with oysters, or paired with light appetizers.

A taste of white wines awaiting to be discovered…

Huff Estates Pinot Gris VQA 2009

Huff Estates is one of the few who grow Pinot Gris grapes in The County. Never heard of Pinot Gris?  Chances are that you have!  Pinot Gris is the same grape variety as the popular Pinot Grigio from Italy.    

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Crystal clear in colour with aromas of crunchy apple, stone fruit (think peach, nectarine, pear), continues into the taste with a ‘zippy’ lime finish that continues long after your first sip.

Suggested Food Pairing: Serve with dishes that are not too heavy or complex in flavours as the food will overpower the refreshing tastes of this wine. Seafood, roasted chicken & pasta alfredo would be delicious.

Sugarbush Vineyards Chardonnay VQA 2010

Savvy Sommelier Debbie Trenholm’s fingerprints are all over this wine!  She rounded up a group of wine enthusiasts with clippers in hand to help harvest the grapes for this wine at Sugarbush Vineyards. Winery owners Sally & Rob Peck have transformed their home & backyard into a boutique winery that is a going concern.  Definitely a winery to visit next time you are traveling around The County.

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: Unoaked this Chardonnay has fresh aromas & tastes of citrus (can you find orange or is it mandarin?), vanilla bean that turns into reminders of English toffee (think Macintosh Toffee). It an absolutely pleasant wine to sip & enjoy.

Suggested Food Pairing: This wine would pair nicely with butternut squash soup, cheese-laden pasta, roast turkey or chicken.

Get ready for these reds!

Rosehall Run Pinot Noir County Cuvée VQA 2009

Pinot Noir is known around the world by winemakers as the “heartbreak grape”.  This grape variety needs care & nurturing around the clock. Difficult to grow in the vineyard & always changing in the cellar, crafting a good wine of Pinot Noir is the pinnacle of any winemaker’s personal achievement.  Rosehall has a growing reputation of producing some of the best Pinot Noir wines in ‘The County’. In March, Rosehall won a gold medal in the international Pinot Noir shootout in San Francisco, California – now that is impressive!

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: This Pinot Noir has delicious aromas & tastes of strawberry, raspberry & red licorice with a dash of vanilla on the long finish.

Suggested Food Pairing: Pinot Noir is a versatile wine – it can be served chilled or at room temperature.  As the wine warms up, aromas, tastes & levels of acidity change too. Classic matches with Pinot are roast duck & mushrooms & grilled salmon too.

Grange of Prince Edward Northfield Cabernet Franc VQA 2007

The Grange of Prince Edward is one of the pioneers of the wine industry, located in a historic loyalist barn that was built in 1826. Cabernet Franc is often used in red wine blends (one of the varietals in a Bordeaux blend) yet in Ontario, this grape grows so well that winemakers are now keeping it aside to craft outstanding Cabernet Franc wines. 

Savvy Sommelier Tasting Notes: From the highly acclaimed 2007 vintage – the growing & harvest conditions were outstanding – this elegant & impressive wine has aromas of ripe red & black fruit, leather & cigar box (can you find these in your glass?). Concentrated flavours of cherry, raspberry, red roses & typical County limestone. There’s a punch of dark chocolate that lingers with the soft tannins.

Suggested Food Pairings: Fire up the BBQ!  Sausages, lamb chops, steak, grilled mushrooms or beef tenderloin would be delicious.

Sommelier TIP: Serve this wine with a dense piece of chocolate cake!

The Grange will be featured in our Savvy Selections wine of the month club. 
Like this wine? Subscribe & it’ll be delivered to your door!

It is back!  County Terroir is decanted once again in Prince Edward County for its 7th year to celebrate the end of Spring and to welcome Summer! This anticipated annual showcase for new County wines is presented by Prince Edward County Winegrowers Association returns to the beautiful Crystal Palace in Picton, on Saturday May 26th, 2012.

Come to experience wines made by over 30 different wineries – many will be introducing their new spring release of wines at County Terroir.

To add to the wine tasting, there’ll be delicious cheeses and other gourmet food tastings too. You will also have the opportunity to take part in seminars, demonstrations and meet the winemakers themselves.

Tickets are $35 in advance includes all wine samples and a special food pairing.  Additional food pairings are available for purchase.

Join us as wine lovers from across Ontario to discover all that ‘The County’ has to offer.

Stay tuned for an announcement of bus tours &  weekend packages from Toronto to Ottawa to make your day at Terroir to be easy to enjoy.

More about County Terroir Wine Festival
www.countyterroir.ca
Saturday May 26th
noon to 8pm
Crystal Palace, Main Street Fairgrounds, Picton

 “Prince Edward County is the world’s least-known great wine zone” – Wine Spectator Magazine

“Burgundy of the North” & “Vineyard Haven” – Various Wine Bloggers

Festival media inquiries
In Toronto – Emma Brown

In Ottawa – Debbie Trenholm

Prince Edward County is Canada’s fastest growing wine region. Not to be mistaken with Prince Edward Island, ‘The County’ as it is commonly referred to, is only a three hour drive from downtown Ottawa.  In the heart of The County, the quaint Loyalist town of Picton boasts restaurants, inns, shops, Sandbanks Provincial Park and most importantly 25+ wineries await your visit. It is no wonder that, ‘The County’ is a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

The County is coming to the City!


No need to wait for the summer to discover The County since over 15 wineries (both large operations & small family run wineries) are coming to Ottawa on May 9thto give you a ‘taste’ of what is in store when you visit their property. This is the first time that the wineries have come together to host a wine tasting event of this magnitude in Ottawa.  Rest assured that anyone (wine enthusiasts and novices alike) can attend to meet the winery owners & winemakers to learn more about their winery, their vineyards … and, of course, sample their best wines. More info about this special wine tasting event on www.countyinottawa.evenbrite.com

Take note that the wines from Prince Edward County have been quickly making an impression.  Internationally renown wine writer, Matt Kramer of Wine Spectator Magazine, named Norman Hardie’s Prince Edward County Chardonnay VQA 2008 as one of his top wines of 2011: “This is a truly great Chardonnay of compelling character.”  And Kramer has MANY wines from around the world to choose from to make his annual top wine list. While this Chardonnay was singled out, there are several other Whites, Reds and even Roses that are turning heads.

At this event, it is your turn to be impressed. 

And you can buy your favourite wine too. Most of The County wineries have small inventory, so their wines are not stocked on the LCBO shelves.  When The County comes to the City, you can order any combination of your favourite wines directly from the winemakers to be delivered straight to your home or office.

The #1 reason to go to The County… Terroir Wine Festival

Hop in the car & join Savvy Company & many other wine enthusiasts on Saturday May 26^th to celebrate the wines of Prince Edward County at Terroir – A County Wine Celebration. Sip, savour & graze around the historic Crystal Palace from 12pm – 8pm meeting winemakers & taking in seminars hosted by Savvy Company, winemakers & other wine personalities showcasing wines, cheeses & food in The County. Tickets $35 in advance ($40 at the door). We look forward to seeing you there!

 Hop on our bus! We are working on a roundtrip bus package from Ottawa. Interested? Email us to receive info as soon as it is ready.

We’re having a Savvy Seat Sale!

Buy online before the clock strikes midnight on Tuesday May 1st and save $10 off any ticket to our Savvy Events in May. Simply click on the event link and quote PROMO CODE: SAVVYSALE

Hurry! There’s limited seating and special pricing ends on Tuesday May 1 at midnight.

Join us at one event or come to them ALL – with each ticket purchase, you’ll save $10 off the regular ticket price.

May 2 – Ontario Artisan Cheese Tasting with our Cheese Sommelier Vanessa Simmons – she will show you the ‘whey’ with plates of locally made cheese. Named as one of Ottawa’s ‘Must do events’ – only 6 seats left!
Savvy Seat Sale: $50 (reg $60)

May 9 – An Ottawa first: County in the City wine tasting featuring over 15 winemakers and winery owners from Prince Edward County who will be serving their best wines from ‘The County’. Sip, sample + stock up on new favorite wines from The County.
Savvy Seat Sale price: $45 (reg $55)

May 15 – Craft Beer 101 ‘class’ featuring local brews. Our most popular beer tasting event. Join us at Ottawa’s own Kichesippi Beer Co to learn the lingo, pour a perfect pint + taste an array of brews – all made in Ottawa. Homework never tasted this good!
Savvy Seat Sale price: $50 (reg $60) – only 8 seats left!

May 30 – All 28 wineries from Niagara-on-the-Lake are hitting Highway 401 and traveling to Ottawa to showcase 56 Wines from One Unforgettable Place . Taste + try wines that are perfect for summer sipping. Buy them directly from the winemaker – you won’t find these outstanding wines at the LCBO.
Savvy Seat Sale price: $45 (reg $55)

Can’t decide which Savvy Event to attend?
Buy an all inclusive ticket for these 4 Savvy Events at a SUPER SEAT SALE price of $180 (save $50).

Have you already purchased tickets to a Savvy Event this May? No worries. We’ll give you a credit for the difference in ticket prices to apply to an upcoming Savvy Event. All ticket prices include HST.

This Spring Seat Sale is a Savvy first. Hop on online to buy your tickets and join us for delicious discoveries of Ontario’s best wines, artisan cheese + craft beers.

We look forward to seeing you this month at Savvy Event.

The Savvy Team

PS – Looking for a reason to travel? Here’s our recommended getaways:

May 26 – Terroir – A County Wine Celebration – All Prince Edward County wineries are under one roof for this special festival – a perfect way to sip your way around Canada’s fastest growing wine region – only 3 hour drive from Ottawa + Toronto!

June 1 to 3 – Love cheese? You’ll love the Great Canadian Cheese Festival . This delicious weekend in Picton offers loads of opportunities to learn + explore that Canadian cheese is more than just cheddar!

March 9 to 31, 2013 – Pack your bags + join Debbie Trenholm on a one-of-a-kind trip to “Taste your way around Australia” . Cooking classes, winery visits, fine dining, boutique hotels + outdoor market trips to meet Australia’s cheesemakers, olive oil producers + chocolatiers – and this is just a start! Check out the itinerary + grab your passport!

Fine print: Savvy Seat Sale does not apply to these out of town getaways.

Savvy Company
www.savvycompany.ca
613.SAVVYCO (613.728.8926)
Creative Social Experience
@savvycompany

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/savvycompany
Read our blogs: www.savvycompany.ca/team

The DOC Valdobbiadene is the home of Prosecco, which was revolutionized by enologist Antonio Carpenè, who was the first in Italy to develop the tank method of secondary fermentation for sparkling wines (known as Charmat). He established Carpenè Malvolti in the late 1800s (it is one of the Grandi Marchi, a grouping of some of Italy’s most respected wine families), as well as a school of enology in Conegliano, which still exists and is considered one of the best in Italy.

The Valpolicella DOC is centred around Verona, the name meaning ‘valley of many cellars’. To produce Amarone, the Valpolicella grapes are harvested in the fall, then spread out to dry (traditionally on straw mats) for several months. This process concentrates the sugars in the grapes, as the water evaporates. These dried grapes are then pressed and vinified, with the wine generally fermented in steel tanks and aged in barrel. The wine develops great concentration, and a combination of luscious fruit and substantial structure. Ripasso holds the middle ground between a Valpolicella and an Amarone, in terms of weight and substance. The pressed Amarone grapes are introduced to a young Valpolicella wine, which is given an extended maceration. The process tends to enhance the body of the wine, adding complexity, flavour and colour.

The secondary feature focuses on the white wines of Marlborough, New Zealand’s best-known and largest wine region. Marlborough is a cool-climate region, where the grapes benefit from sunny dry conditions and an extended ripening period that intensifies their flavours. Diurnal temperature variations are one of the reasons the white wines display such fresh, crisp flavours and texture. There’s a lovely range of varietal wines in this selection, from the classic zesty Sauvignon Blanc to a luscious Gewürztraminer, fruity Pinot Gris (the new ‘it’ varietal) and Chardonnay.

Among the Canadian wines in this release, I would recommend two white wines: the lively, well-balanced Pondview Chardonnay, and Malivoire’s very approachable Riesling, which displays a delicious marriage of ripe sweet fruit and fresh acidity.

Cheers and Enjoy,

 Susan



Vinea Garganega 2010
IGT Veronese, Italy
$13.95 (Vintages #230656) 13.0% alcohol

Fragrant aromas of peach, orchard fruit, a whiff of citrus and mineral waft from the glass of this dry, medium-bodied wine. Finely balanced, round and smooth, it offers flavours of ripe pear and yellow plum, soft citrus notes and lively fresh acidity. It finishes long, dry and fruity. A great choice to pair with seafood or a selection of soft cheeses.



Lawson’s Dry Hills Gewürztraminer 2009

Marlborough, New Zealand

$17.95 (Vintages #60129) 14.0% alcohol

Just off-dry, this award-winning wine offers lovely floral aromas, lychee, citrus, honey and spice. The texture is luscious and satin-like, the flavours display the characteristic spiciness, a replay of lychee and a clean fresh finish. Beautifully crafted and balanced, this wine will pair with salmon rillettes.



Maculan ‘Brentino’ Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
IGT Veneto, Italy

$18.95 (Vintages #708297) 13.5% alcohol
This structured value-laden blend of the classic Bordeaux grapes offers tantalizing aromas of spiced plum, black fruit, nuances of cedar and earth. Dry, medium-full bodied, the wine showcases tasty red fruit, fresh acidity and somewhat grippy tannins. A match for meaty lasagna or grilled ribeye steaks, it will also cellar medium term. 



Frei Brothers ‘Reserve’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Alexander Valley, California

$23.95 (Vintages #38075)) 14.2% alcohol
Inky purple, this is a substantial, heady wine offering complex aromas of mint, cassis, cedar, sweet spice and earthy undergrowth. Dry, full bodied, it’s rich and robust, displaying great depth and intensity of fruit flavours, the perceptible tannins and fresh acidity bringing a fine balance. The long-lasting finish offers tasty lingering notes of vanilla and cedar. Enjoyable now, the wine is structured to cellar long term. 



St. Hallett ‘Gamekeeper’s’ Shiraz 2009

Barossa, South Australia

$15.95 (Vintages #166991) 14.0% alcohol

Alluring aromas of black cherry, ripe red berries, spice and vanilla leap from the glass. Dry, full bodied this is a generous, fruit-forward wine that’s quite plush and softly framed, offering flavours of dark fruit and a nuance of chocolate. Toasty spiced oak garnishes the fruit-filled finish. Hedonistic and a great value, enjoy it now with your favorite barbequed meat! 




Grand Total: $90.75