The talented Chef Louis Simard of the Château Laurier created an innovative, intricate series of dishes featuring local produce and expertly paired with each wine:

Asparagus Salad with charred tomato, home-made ricotta, pickled egg, basil-mint vinaigrette
Smoked Salmon Rillette with grilled baguette on a bed of baby arugula
Duck Confit with Ermite blue cheese, brioche crostini, sherry-rhubarb reduction
Cardamom-Mushroom, Rubbed Lamb Sirloin & Aged Striploin  graced with lima bean cassoulet, red wine jus
Blueberry Goat Cheese Cake

Why not test out the menu yourself with these Mondavi wines - all available at the LCBO.

Considered as one of Robert Mondavi’s signature wines - Napa Valley Fumé Blanc (LCBO #221887, $22.95) - was first released in 1968 as an endeavour by Mr. Mondavi to redefine California Sauvignon Blanc from a sweet, unnuanced wine to one endowed with a rich, round texture complemented by a lively, fresh texture. The 2010 vintage served at the tasting certainly hit the mark, displaying beautiful aromas of tropical fruits, lime, a whiff of honeyed floral notes and a touch of nutty toast. The first sip brought out the concentrated fruit and round texture, while the crisp acidity ensured a juicy, finely balanced finish.

The wine continued to evolve in the glass, showcasing tantalizing aromas of crème brulée. The Fumé Blanc was followed by the 2010 Napa Valley Chardonnay (LCBO #310409, $25.95), a fruit-focused wine with attractive aromas of orchard fruit, pineapple and vanilla. Dry, bright and smooth, the wine again featured that fine balance of ripe fruit, well-integrated oak and fresh acidity, finishing with a touch of warmth and candied citrus.

The spotlight turned to the red wines featuring the Carneros Pinot Noir 2011 (LCBO #438697 $34.95), vinified to accent the ripe berry fruit, picked early to retain its freshness, then aged 10 months in French oak. Showcasing luscious cherry/berry fruit aromas, notes of smoke and spice, this is a warm, fleshy Pinot Noir, where the intensely flavoured ripe fruit is again balanced with lively acidity. Dry and spicy, it finishes with a touch of peppery warmth.

The 2010 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (LCBO #255513, $34.95, available to June 23 for $31.95) is inky purple and tantalizingly rich, offering complex aromas of dark fruit, vanilla, licorice, spiced chocolate and a hint of herbs. Blended with a touch of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, Mark described it as a ‘classic Napa Valley Cab’, a well-balanced dry wine with perceptible tannins framing tasty black fruit, replaying the notes of herb and licorice on a finish that offers a whisper of well-integrated oak.

The third red wine was the Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (the 2008 is available in the LCBO, 670463, $144.95), produced from fruit harvested from the To Kalon Vineyard. Designed for aging yet absolutely fabulous now, this is a deep, powerful wine characterized by plush, ripe black fruit, supple yet well-structured tannins, clean acidity and lovely nuances of spicy floral notes, chocolate, dried herbs and spiced vanilla. A rich, lush, harmonious wine.

The tasting closed with the Robert Mondavi Winery’s Moscato d’Oro 2009 (LCBO #687392, $17.95, currently available for $14.90), a wine with the winery’s classic intensity and depth of flavour, beautifully fragrant and crisp, Lovely notes of natural grape juice, fruit salad and honeyed peach are lifted by a gentle touch of spritz. Simply delightful! 

Here's to 100 years of Mondavi wines...and many more to come.

Cheers!

-Susan

Mendoza - The 'Wine Capital'

Mendoza, the city, is known as Argentina’s 'Wine Capital' and anchors the wine region at the heart of Argentina’s wine production. Wines in Mendoza benefit from the intense sunlight of high altitudes, cool night temperatures that ensure retention of acidity, and dry air that mitigates against disease. Warm temperatures produce well-ripened grapes with plenty of sugar, leading to softer tannins and higher alcohol. The soils are sandy, and flood irrigation has been used for many years (although drip irrigation is making inroads), with the result that phylloxera has not posed a significant threat and many vines can be grown on their own rootstock.

Malbec is perhaps the best known grape of Argentina, a variety that was relatively insignificant as a part of Bordeaux blends in France but has come into its own in Argentina. The deep-coloured, flavourful Bonarda is increasingly making its presence felt in the export market, either in varietal wines or as a significant part of blended red wines.

Looking for a Father’s Day idea?

In addition to wines from Argentina, this Vintages release focuses on high-end Scotch and wines for Father’s Day, including a fine Chardonnay from Coyote’s Run, approachable red wines such as the deLoach Zinfandel, and wines to be cellared such as the Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. My personal choice would be the Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon, a wonderful wine at a very reasonable $29.95.

Rosé wines are here!

For those of us who love rosé for its versatility, and for sipping on a warm summer’s day, peruse the Local Talent feature for some delicious Ontario wines; two of my favorites—Château des Charmes ‘Cuvée d’Andrée’ Rosé and Pondview Cabernet Franc Rosé, appear in our selection at only $14.95!

More great value wines...

And to top it all off, there are more great values, several of which are included among the six wines I have selected below in my shopping list. And if you have some spare change, add to your shopping cart these extras: the full-bodied Côtes du Rhône blend, Les Halos de Jupiter, Rocca delle Macie’s  Chianti Riserva,  the Tedeschi Appassimento, and Lealtanza Crianza, a finely balanced Tempranillo from the Rioja.

Cheers and Enjoy,

Susan

Luigi Bosca Pinot Noir 2010

Mendoza, Argentina
$17.95 (Vintages #143420) 12.6% alcohol
With just six months in barrel, this is a very attractive mid-weight Pinot Noir showcasing vibrant red fruits, dried herbs, a hint of cedar and an elusive floral note. Dry and quite juicy in texture, the delicate tannins and lively acidity complement lovely red fruits—cranberry, raspberry and cherry. Touches of spice, toast and earth add complexity through a lengthy dry finish. A versatile wine offering great value, pair it with lighter meat dishes, grilled vegetables or salmon.

13^th Street  Winery White Palette 2011

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #207340) 12.5% alcohol
A blend of several perfumed grape varieties, the aromas of Gewürztraminer and Riesling shine through on the nose with notes of spicy tropical fruit, citrus and white flowers. Dry, medium bodied, the wine is fleshy yet fresh, fruity and spicy with a nice slightly pithy note on the vibrant, clean finish. Sip on the patio, or serve with salads or seafood.

Château des Charmes Rosé ‘Cuvée d’Andrée’ 2012

 VQA Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #333260) 12.5% alcohol
The depth and character of this Pinot Noir rosé is suggested to reflect the personality of matriarch Madame Andrée Bosc. An electric deep rose, it’s wonderfully fragrant with notes of apple blossom, red berry and cherry. Dry, vibrant and mid weight, notes of dried herbs and white pepper add complexity to the luscious red fruit—strawberry, red currant and raspberry. Tangy acidity offers a nice balance to a well-crafted wine that finishes crisp and fruity. A versatile choice that has the heft to pair with a range of foods from strawberry balsamic spinach salad to grilled meats. Stock up and enjoy!

Pondview Cabernet Franc Rosé 2011

 VQA Four Mile Creek, Ontario
$14.95 (Vintages #241802) 13.5% alcohol
Lou Puglisi has done it again, creating a salmon-hued beauty that offers amazing complexity—sweet cherry/berry aromas, honey and toasted coconut—as well as outstanding value. Just off-dry, medium bodied, this is a rosé with presence and a fine tension between crisp acidity and tangy, juicy red fruit. There’s a light touch of spritz on the palate, warmth and intense flavour through the extended finish. Savour it well chilled on the screened porch this summer.

Sileni ‘The Triangle’ Merlot 2010

Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
$16.95 (Vintages #586081) 14.0% alcohol
Aged in French and American oak, this is an impressive, value-laden wine serving up complex aromas and flavours. On the nose, dark and dried fruit, vanilla, dried lavender, sandalwood and cocoa. Displaying a firm yet subtle structure, it grabs your attention with a tangy peppery note followed by a rush of dark plummy fruit, notes of licorice and earth. Tasty, well crafted, and well worth cellaring, you’ll want to pick up a few bottles.

Les Vignes ‘Bila-Haut’ Côtes du Rousillon-Villages 2011

 AOC Côtes du Rousillon-Villages, France
$14.95 (Vintages #168716) 14.5% alcohol
This blend of Grenache and Syrah from Chapoutier is a remarkable value and consistently good from vintage to vintage. Deep ruby, fruit forward, with a kiss of spice and vanilla, it’s dry, round and full bodied. Very approachable, loaded with luscious dark fruit, notes of licorice, pepper and spice add interest and allure. There’s the structure to balance the fruit and a big lip-smacking finish that says ‘bring on the barbequed meat’.

Load up  your shopping cart!

Grand Total: $94.70

It is that easy to shop for Ontario wines!

 Order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines featured at One Unforgettable Taste & Buy

 Order Prince Edward County wines, ciders & craft beers featured at The Great Canadian Cheese Festival

Never ordered wines online? No problem.  Our Savvy Team of Sommeliers is ready to help you & give you wine recommendations.  Call us anytime on 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926).

Yummy cheeses are best served with a glass (or two of wine), we created for the festival Savvy Sip & Shop - a new service that enables you to order ANY combination of wines, ciders or craft beers featured at the festival to be shipped directly to your home or office – within a week!  Most of the wines, ciders & beers are not available at the LCBO, so this is the best way to always have your favorites on hand.

Mix & match ANY featured wines, ciders & craft beers

With over 20 wineries, breweries and a cider too, it is a fun way to discover new favorite wines, ciders & craft beers made in Prince Edward County & Niagara too.   Order from Savvy Sip & Shop any of your favorites from The Great Canadian Cheese Festival and they will be delivered to your home or office - within a week!  Or here`s an idea: order an assortment of wine for a friend. We will ship anywhere in Ontario.  Order 12 or more bottles and shipping by courier is FREE.

Need a wine tip? Call on our Savvy Sommeliers to help recommend wines 613-SAVVYCO (728-8926) or email us on cheers@savvycompany.ca

Featured wines, craft beers & ciders:

Black Prince Winery

2011 Riesling $15.95

2010 Chardonnay $17.95

2010 Cabernet Franc Reserve $18.95

2010 Merlot VQA Prince Edward County $19.95

Casa-Dea Winery

2011 Dea's Cuvée Sparkling $18.95

2009 Chardonnay Reserve $24.95

2010 Pinot Gris $18.95

2010 Gamay $15.95

2009 Cabernet Franc $18.95

Exultet Winery

2012 Cru X White Light $25.00

2010 Cru X Pinot Noir $29.95

2012 Vidal Icewine $26.00

Harwood Estate Vineyards

2011 Chardonnay $32.00

2011 Pinot Gris $18.00

2010 St. Laurent $20.00

2010 Pinot Noir $29.00

2011 Marquesa $29.00

2009 Just Desserts $25.00

Huff Estates Winery

2010 Cuvée Janine $24.95

2011 Riesling Off Dry $17.95

2010 South Bay Chardonnay $29.95

2012 Pinot Gris $19.95

2011 Pinot Noir $24.95

2011 South Bay Merlot $29.95
Karlo Estates

2010 Riesling $22.00

2010 Chardonnay CHOA $25.00

2011 Frontenac Gris Rosé $16.00

2012 Pinot Gris $21

2010 Cabernet Franc $24.00

2010 Merlot $24.00

2010 Pinot Noir $29.00

2010 Quintus $35.00

2010 VanAlstine White Port $29.00

2009 VanAlstine Red Port $29.00

Keint-He Winery

2009 Chardonnay $20.00

2011 Voyageur Rosé $15.00

2010 Pinot² $20.00

2008 Pineaux Sauvage $25.00

Lacey Estates Vineyard

2011 Gewürztraminer Reserve $25.00

2010 Chardonnay $27.00

2012 Pinot Gris Pink Off Dry $25.00

2010 Baco Noir $20.00

2010 Pinot Noir $29.00

Lighthall Vineyards

2012 Progression Sparkling $20.00

2009 Chardonnay $25.00

2010 Chardonnay $25.00

2011 Gewürztraminer $25.00

2010 Pinot Noir $25.00

Long Dog Winery

2008 Bella Riserva Chardonnay $18.00

2009 Bella Riserva Chardonnay $22.00

2009 Otto Pinot Noir $24.00

2007 Otto Pinot Noir $30.00

2008 Top Dog Pinot Noir $24.00

2009 Top Dog Pinot Noir $30.00

Palatine Hills

2010 - 1812 Chardonnay $12.00

2010 Neufeld Vineyard Chardonnay $22.95

2012 - 1812 Merlot Cabernet $13.00

2010 Neufeld Vineyard Cabernet Franc $19.95

Redtail Vineyard

2011 Riesling $17.95

2012 Chardonnay $27.95

2010 Pinot Noir $28.95

Rosehall Run Vineyards

2010 Cabernet Franc Cuvée County $24.95

Sandbanks Estate Winery

2012 Dunes $12.95

2011 Riesling $14.95

2011 Gewürztraminer $16.95

2012 Sauvignon Blanc $16.95

2012 Rosé $12.95

2012 Baco Noir $14.95

2012 Dunes Red $14.95

2012 Cabernet Franc $14.95

2010 Baco Noir Reserve $19.95

2010 French Kiss (Cabernet Merlot) $24.95

2011 LOVE Cassis Aperitivo $14.95

Stanners Vineyard

2010 Chardonnay $25.00

2011 Chardonnay $25.00

2009 Cabernet Franc $22.00

2010 Pinot Noir $30.00

The Grange of Prince Edward County

2011 Estate Chardonnay Unoaked $15.95

2011 GPE Fumé Blanc $24.95

2009 Select Gamay Noir $15.95

2007 Diana Block Pinot Noir $34.95

Barley Days Brewery
Loyalist Lager

Harvest Gold Pale Ale

Wine & Sail Dark Ale

Mixed 6 bottle pack (2 bottles of each) $13.25

Mixed 24 bottle pack (8 bottles of each) $45.95

County Cider Company

Waupoos Premium Cider (4 x 341ml) $13.35

County Cider (1L) $7.85

Waupoos Peach Cider (1L) $9.95

Waupoos Feral Cider (1L) $9.95

Prince Edward Ice Cider (375ml) $29.95

Back by popular demand, One Unforgettable Taste & Buy provided the opportunity for guests to order any combination of their favorite wines.  The featured wines are not available at the LCBO or Vintages.  As an extra bonus, free shipping by courier will be offered for orders of 12 bottles or more.  This is a perfect opportunity to stock up for summer entertaining.

Go to our Facebook page to see some photos of the event.

While the event is over for another year - don`t despair! Anyone can still order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines online using a new service we have created - Savvy Sip & Shop. 

Click here order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines! 

It is that easy to have your favorite Niagara-on-the-Lake wines delivered - within a week.

One Unforgettable Taste & Buy is about tasting, discovering & ordering …  

Have a look below at the large selection of outstanding wines that will be uncorked to enjoy.  None of these wines are available at the LCBO.

Exclusive at this event - You can order ANY combination of outstanding wines from ANY of the featured wineries & they will be delivered by courier to your home or office. Free shipping on all orders of 12 bottles or more!  Now you can order your ANY of these wines online  

Featured wineries & wines:

Between The Lines Estate Winery

2011 Gewürztraminer $14.95

2011 Cabernet Franc $15.95

Cattail Creek Estate Winery

2012 Simply Stainless Chardonnay Estate $16.95

2010 Pinot Noir Estate $18.95

Château des Charmes

2010 Chardonnay Musqué Estate Bottled $16.95

2010 Gamay "Droit" St. David's Bench $14.95

Coyote’s Run Estate Winery

2011 Red Paw Pinot Gris $17.95

2011 Red Paw Pinot Noir $19.95

Diamond Estates Winery

2012 Lakewiew Cellars Syrah Rosé Reserve $16.95

2010 Lakeview Cellars Baco Noir Reserve $19.95

Hinterbrook Winery

2011 Riesling $18.00

2011 Rosé $16.00

Inniskillin

2012 Discovery Series P3 $19.95

2011 Merlot Reserve $22.95

Jackson-Triggs Winery

2012 Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc $19.95

2010 Grand Reserve Shiraz $19.95

Joseph's Estate Wines

2010 Pinot Gris $13.95

2009 Baco Merlot $10.95

Konzelmann Estate Winery

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon $12.75

2012 Shiraz $12.75

Lailey Vineyard

2012 Chardonnay Unoaked $15.00

2011 Pinot Noir 3.7 $30.00

Niagara College Teaching Winery

2010 Dean’s List Chardonnay $27.95

Pinot Noir Balaance $18.95

Palatine Hills Estate Winery

2011 Riesling $12.85

2010 Cabernet Franc Neufeld Vineyard $19.95

Peller Estates

2012 Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve $18.95

2011 Cabernet Franc Private Reserve $21.95

Pillitteri Estates Winery

2011 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented $15.00

2011 Dry Rosé $15.00

Pondview Estate Winery

2011 Riesling $16.00

2011 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented $25.00

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

2011 Chardonnay Estate $24.00

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate $39.00

Reif Estate Winery

2012 Fortune Cabernet Rosé $12.95

2011 The Magician Pinot Noir/Shiraz $19.95

Riverview Cellars Winery

2012 Sauvignon Blanc $16.95

2011 Salvatores Malbec Reserve $29.95

Small Talk Vineyards

2011 Sauvignon Blanc $14.95

RSVP White Blend $14.95

Southbrook Vineyards

2012 Triomphe Chardonnay $21.95

2008 Triomphe Cabernet Merlot $23.95

Stratus Vineyards 

2012 Wild Ass Rosé $19.95

2009 Tollgate Fumé Blanc $24.95

Strewn Winery

2012 Fumé Blanc Terroir $18.95

2011 Meritage Canadian Oak $18.95

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery

Burgundy Plum $23.95

Chocolate Embrace (375 mL) $24.95

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

2012 Riesling Ghost Creek Vineyard $25.00

2012 Trius Rosé $15.75

One Unforgettable Taste & Buy - details

DATE: Tuesday May 28, 2013
EVENT STARTS: 7pm
EVENT ENDS: 9pm
LOCATION: The NEW Agriculture & Food Museum, 361 Prince of Wales Drive, located on the Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa

Buy your tickets >>

Can't make it but want to order wines?

No problem! Simply call our Savvy Team on 613-SAVVYCO (613-728-8926) to make the arrangements for you.  Place your order before June 1^st and you can take advantage of the free shipping offer on a case of wine.

We look forward to seeing you at One Unforgettable Taste & Buy.
Everyone is welcome to join us!

Contact Savvy Company for more information about other Savvy Events
www.savvycompany.ca
613.SAVVYCO
613.728.8926
Cheers!

Taste them all at this year’s Terroir – a County Wine Celebration on Saturday May 25^th where all of the wineries will be under one roof at the historic Crystal Palace in the heart of Picton. This is a great day trip from Ottawa or Toronto, or plan a weekend getaway.

Hop on the Savvy Bus!

New this year, we are running a coach service to Terroir. The Savvy Bus will depart from 2 locations in Ottawa. A Savvy Sommelier will be on board offering tips on wine, cheese or 'County' questions along the way. It will be a delicious day trip!

Book your seat on the Terroir bus > >

Many County wineries will introduce their new 2012 wines – perfect for summertime sipping.  Enjoy with artisan cheeses and other delicious gourmet foods made by local County chefs.

Here is a list of the wineries from Prince Edward County that will be popping the corks on their wines at Terroir include:

33 Vines Winery

Bergeron Estate Winery

Broken Stone Winery

Casa Dea Estates Winery

Closson Chase

Devil’s Wishbone Winery

Exultet Estates

Half Moon Bay Winery

Harwood Estate Vineyards

Huff Estates Winery

Karlo Estates

Keint-He Winery and Vineyard

Lacey Estates Vineyard and Winery

Lighthall Vineyards

Long Dog Winery

Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard

Rosehall Run

Sandbanks Estate Winery

Stanners Vineyard

Sugarbush Vineyards

The Grange of Prince Edward County Vineyards and Estate Winery

See you under the Big Top - Terroir Tent

Take a break from sipping & sampling the finest Ontario wines and take part in seminars & demonstrations by wine personalities including 2 seminars hosted by Savvy Company!   Debbie will be at the table with County wine industry pioneer Norman Hardie and newcomer winery owner & winemaker Glenn Symons.  They will be rolling up their sleeves to talk dirty…about Terroir that is!

Then our own cheese Sommelier Vanessa Simmons will give you a taste of what it makes cheese `artisan`.

Plan your day around this seminar schedule:

12:30pm - Shawn McCormick - "Using Social Media to Improve Your Winery Visit"

Featuring winemakers & winery owners:

• Paul Battilana, Casa Dea Estates Winery
• Sherry Martin, Karlo Estates
• Liz Dobson-Lacey, Lacey Estates Winery

1:30pm - 86'd with Ivy Knight from Toronto`s Drake Hotel - BBQ Sauce competition featuring top County wines and local chefs

2:30pm - John Szabo - Prince Edward County Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in a worldwide context: Master Sommelier John Szabo leads a fascinating comparative tasting with wines from other cool spots on the planet

3:30pm - Ange Aiello - Wine 101

4:00pm - Debbie Trenholm - "Terroir" Round Table discussion

Featuring winemakers:

• Glenn Symons, Lighthall Vineyards
• Norm Hardie, Norman Hardie Winery and Vineyard

4:45pm - Vanessa (Savvy Company) - Cheese comparison

5:15pm - Tyler Philip - Wine Cellar Techniques

Discover the benefits of cellaring your collection with wine writer Tyler Philip.  This seminar and tasting will explain how to choose a storage location that will maximize the drinking potential of your best bottles

Get your Terroir tickets…

$35 in advance – Save $5 (inclusive of all taxes and online service charges)
$40 at the door (subject to availability)

Tickets can be purchased at www.countyterroir.ca

Many of the wineries will be serving wines from the highly awaited 2012 vintage.  Remember that incredible spring, summer & fall we had?   “2012 provided us with spectacular conditions for growing grapes. Ottawa will be the first to try these excellent wines.”  Derek Barnett - winemaker & co-owner of Lailey Vineyard

Taste, Discover & Order…

As you sip & savour the wines, mix & mingle with the award winning winemakers & winery owners.  You will have the unique opportunity to taste, discover & order your new favorite wines - none that are available at LCBO. Stock up on your favorites wines & they will be delivered to your home or office – within a week! 

BONUS:  You can order ANY combination of outstanding wines from ANY of the featured wineries at this event & they will be delivered by courier for FREE  when you order 12 bottles or more!

Where to start?  No problem! Our Savvy Team of Sommeliers will be on hand to share recommendations of ‘must try wines’ to match your personal preferences.

 This Taste & Buy event will  sell out again this year, so avoid disappointment.  Order your tickets on www.unforgettablenotlwines.eventbrite.com  Use promo code: BESAVVY & you'll get an additional $10 off each ticket!

Event Details

DATE: Tuesday May 28, 2013
EVENT TIME: 7 to 9 pm

LOCATION: The NEW Canadian Agriculture & Food Museum Located at the Central Experimental Farm, 861 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa
Plenty of free parking available.

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY

Savvy Special! $55 per person when purchased before Saturday May 25, 2013 Regular ticket price: $65

$200 for a group of 4 people (save $15 each)

Price includes wine tasting, artisan cheeses, Savvy wine tasting glass & HST.   

Click to order online now >> 

Can't make it but want to order Niagara-on-the-Lake wines?

No problem! Simply email our Savvy Team or call us on 613-SAVVYCO (613-728-8926) & we'll make the arrangements for you.  Place your order before May 30^th to take advantage of the FREE shipping offer on a case of wine.

Which ones to pick? Here's my shopping list!

There are many new Rosés in this release and considering that I am the 'Rosé Queen', I‘d like to take more than 3 home. Like sparkling wine, Rosé makes a fabulous appertif and a great sipper on its own. Many are at a popular price point (under $17) so you might want to try a couple of different bottles to see which one could become a spring-summer favourite. Tawse Winery Rosé, a perennial favourite, is also back on the shelf, but I want to expand my Rosé palate.

In this release there is also a fantastic array of Australian reds. One wine I wrote about last year when it made its debut, “Ladies Who Shoot their Lunch Shiraz 2010”, now returns with a Gold Medal from the 2013 Sydney International Wine Competition on its label.  At $35.95 it is truly worth the splurge for this big bold beauty. The label itself of a woman with a hunting rifle and her dog is a great conversation piece. The wine is polished and memorable.

Finally, for those of you who like Chardonnay, this is your time to shine. It was difficult to not fill my shopping list with ONLY Chards. For my $100 budget, it is still the number one best selling grape and whether you like a big buttery taste or a unoaked one, this release offers something for everyone.

Enjoy, cheers...and Happy Mother's Day!

Julie

Domaine d'Orfeuilles Brut Vouvray

AC, Méthode Traditionnelle du Val de Loire, France
$18.95  (Vintaages #319954) 12.5% alcohol

Hands down, my #1 pick! An elegant slightly pale pink tinge to this bubbly wine, it is sure to impress. Beautiful mousse (winespeak: fine bubbles) delicious creamy texture with tastes of apricots, peaches, orchard fruit, bone dry with a long fruity finish. It is an absolute beauty to have for a luncheon or before dinner or just on its own. Although I frequently write and rave about sparkling wine, this one was over the top and is on my agenda to pick up a couple of bottles. I would pair this with just about anything - sheer yum.

Greenlane Estate Unoaked Chardonnay 2011

VQA Lincoln Lakeshore, Niagara Peninsula
$17.95 (Vintages #329409) 12.5 % alcohol

This is the first Chardonnay I have sampled from the Lincoln Lakeshore area and for the price point, it is fantastic - so much going on from the intial sip. First, it’s fresh; dry and because it is unoaked there is no butter taste or cloying mouthfeel. Lots of tree fruit, green apples, peaches with an underlining seam of minerality that one often associates with a Niagara Riesling. Very mouthcoating and medium bodied with a delectable fruit finish. This Chard would be great with summer salads and grilled chicken or fish. It’s a very versatile food wine.

13th Street Pink Palette Rosé 2012

VQA Niagara Peninsula
$14.95 (Vintages #275834) 12.5% alcohol

A beautiful pale pink colour with aromas of fresh spring air and raspberries. It is light-bodied, slightly off-dry with vibrant strawberry flavours; clean crisp acidity that coat the palate with just a hint of rhubarb. For some reason, this rosé reminded me of the red fruit pies that come from the bakery located next to the winery, but I know that is my vivid imagination and there could not possibly be any connection, or could there?

Chateau Tananda Grand Barossa Shiraz  2010

Barossa, South Australia
$22.95 (Vintages #311365) 14.5% alcohol

A deep purple, aromas of gorgeous dark fruit, mouth-coating and full bodied with layers of plums and black currant, blueberry flavours and a touch of sweet spice on the long finish.

Bone dry, soft tannins but how sweet it is! With a rack of lamb, this would be fabulous.

San Polo Auka Torrontes 2012

La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina
$13.95 (Vintages#322842)  13.5%

Don’t let the price fool you; this is a great new wine at Vintages. Soft white in colour, very aromatic floral notes with an energetic and fresh lemony taste. It has lots of zingy acidity but it’s not over the top and offers a fairly hefty weight for a fruity crisp wine with a mouth-watering finish. It would be great with any seafood or salad, or just sitting on your patio.

Grand Total: $ 88.75

What to buy with the $11.25 in change?

I have enough for a bottle of one of my favourite general list products, Cono Sur Viognier from Chile $9.95  - one of the best kept secrets in the LCBO.   And I still have a toonie left over!

 The Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake are returning to Ottawa to treat their ever-loyal fans to a double billed evening of a Rare Wines Tasting, followed by One Unforgettable Taste & Buy.  Hosted by Savvy Company, these back-to-back events will take place Tuesday May 28^th in the new Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum located in the Central Experimental Farm, 861 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa.

New this year, the Rare Wines Tasting will feature a selection of hard-to-find wines dating back to the early 1990s.  “Winemakers are dusting off bottles from their private cellars to showcase how their finest wines have evolved.  This is truly a unique experience for any Ontario wine enthusiast”, says Derek Barnett of Lailey Vineyard. Only 50 tickets will be available for this special first-of-its-kind event taking place from 5pm to 7pm, meeting winery owners and winemakers as guests enjoy the finest wines of Niagara-on-the-Lake.

The evening will continue with One Unforgettable Taste & Buy from 7pm to 9pm featuring wines from the 2012 vintage.  “2012 provided us with spectacular conditions for growing grapes”, explains Lailey’s Barnett .  “Ottawa will be the first to try these excellent wines.”

Returning to Ottawa for its 3^rd year, One Unforgettable Taste & Buy provides the opportunity for guests to order any combination of their favorite wines.  The featured wines are not available at the LCBO or Vintages.  As an extra bonus, free shipping by courier will be offered for orders of 12 bottles or more.  This is a perfect opportunity to stock up for summer entertaining.

Wineries to be featured at both events:

Advance Tickets Only

$75 per person for the back-to-back events of Rare Wines Tasting and One Unforgettable Taste & Buy. Only 50 tickets are available.

Admission to One Unforgettable Taste & Buy only is $55 per person when purchased before May 20, 2013 (regular $65).

Ticket price includes HST.  Visit www.savvycompany.ca/events to purchase tickets and for event details.

What is a Taste & Buy event?

Event goers can sample featured wines and order directly from the winery.  None of the wines are available at the LCBO or Vintages.  Exclusive at this event, orders can be placed for ANY combination of wines from ANY of the wineries and the wines will be delivered by courier within a week.   Savvy Company’s Sommeliers will be on hand to share wine recommendations and guide event goers to ‘must try wines’ based on their personal preferences.

 About Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake

Every day, the Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake welcome guests into their Wine Country to savour the richness of the region and to experience the 27 distinct wineries, each with its own personality reflected in the wines they craft.  Visit www.wineriesofniagaraonthelake.com. Follow on Twitter @NiagaraWine or find on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wineriesofniagaraonthelake

 About Savvy Company

Savvy Company, www.savvycompany.ca, specializes in creative social experiences –  making the enjoyment of wine accessible to all, exploring the worlds of craft beer and discovering artisan cheeses.  Their team of accredited Sommeliers delight in designing wine, beer and food events and shining the spotlight on the people who make them.  Savvy Selections  is Ontario’s largest Wine of the Month Club featuring Ontario wines not available in the LCBO and delivered directly to the subscriber’s home or office.   Follow on Twitter @SavvyCompany or find on Facebook at www.facebook.com/savvycompany

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Media who are interested in attending the One Unforgettable Taste & Buy,  please contact Debbie Trenholm to be added to the guest list.

Media Contact

Debbie Trenholm
President & Sommelier
Savvy Company
debbie@savvycompany.ca
613.SAVVYCO (613.728.8926)
cell: 613-851-1785
@savvydebbie

Beautifully packaged, the very small round containers are designed to show off a variety of flavors & garnishes including red peppercorns, edible flowers, roasted garlic, rosemary and basil to name a few.  Inside you’ll find a soft, pasteurized, unripened goat’s milk chèvre that is smooth & creamy with a hint of tanginess.  Festive and fabulous for entertaining – serve on homemade crackers, spread on crispy baguette with smoked salmon, melt over grilled vegetables, fold into omelets, mash into potatoes, crumble on salad or toss into fresh pasta.   Makes a great "alternative" hostess gift.  Find at Jacobson's Gourmet Concepts in Ottawa's East end or if you happen to be in BC, stop by the Salt Spring Island Saturday market to sample their fresh never packaged chèvre for a not to miss experience.

Factbox:

Cheese:  Soft Chèvre
Producer: Salt Spring Island Cheese Company
Interesting Fact: Fresh chèvre has a higher level of acidity than found in all other cheeses.

PHOTO CREDIT: Soft Chèvre by Vanessa Simmons