This event is almost sold out.

Buy your tickets >>

This event 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!

Featured wineries & wines:

Between The Lines Estate Winery

2011 Gewurztraminer

2011 Cabernet Franc

Cattail Creek Estate Winery

2012 Simply Stainless Chardonnay Estate

2010 Pinot Noir Estate

Château des Charmes

2010 Gamay "Droit" St Davids Bench

2010 Chardonnay Musqué Estate Bottled

Colaneri Estate Winery

...stay tuned for their wine list

Coyote’s Run Estate Winery

2011 Red Paw Pinot Gris

2011 Red Paw Pinot Noir

Diamond Estates Winery

2012 Lakewiew Cellars Syah Rosé Reserve

2010 Lakeview Cellars Baco Noir Reserve

Hinterbrook Winery

...stay tuned for their wine list

Inniskillin

2011 Merlot Reserve

2012 Discovery Series P3

Jackson-Triggs Winery

2010 Grand Reserve Shiraz

2012 Grand Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

Joseph's Estate Wines

2010 Pinot Gris

2009 Baco Merlot

Konzelmann Estate Winery

2012 Cabernet Sauvignon

2012 Shiraz

Lailey Vineyard

2012 Chardonnay Unoaked

2011 Pinot Noir

Marynissen Estates Winery

...stay tuned for their wine list

Niagara College Teaching Winery

...stay tuned for their wine list

Palatine Hills Estate Winery

2012 Riesling

2010 Cabernet Franc Neufeld Vineyard

Peller Estates

2011 Cabernet Franc Private Reserve

2012 Sauvignon Blanc Private Reserve

Pillitteri Estates Winery

2011 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented

2011 Dry Rose

Pondview Estate Winery

2011 Riesling

2011 Chardonnay Barrel Fermented

Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery

2011 Chardonnay Estate

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate

Reif Estate Winery

2012 Fortune Cabernet Rose

2011 The Magician Pinot Noir/ Shiraz

Riverview Cellars Winery

2012 Sauvignon Blanc

2011 Salvatores Malbec Reserve

Small Talk Vineyards

2011 Sauvignon Blanc

RSVP White Blend

Southbrook Vineyards

2008 Triomphe Cabernet Merlot

2012 Triomphe Chardonnay

Stratus Vineyards 

...stay tuned for their wine list

Strewn Winery

2011 Meritage Canadian Oak

2012 Fume Blanc Terroir

Sunnybrook Farm Estate Winery

...stay tuned for their wine list

Trius Winery at Hillebrand

2012 Trius Rose

2012 Trius White

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

Savvy Selections wine of the month club
Featuring Karlo Estates
-  April 2013 -

The month of April has been all about Prince Edward County for us at Savvy Company.  We are delighted to be hosting the 2nd annual County in the City wine tasting showcasing a number of County's winemakers and their latest wines.  In addition to this Taste and Buy event, in this month's Savvy Selections, we are shining the spotlight on the rapidly growing County winery: Karlo Estates. 

In your Savvy Selections, you will find:

• Pinot Gris VQA 2012 – you are the first to enjoy this wine as it was bottled just in time to be included in Savvy Selections.
• Cabernet Franc VQA 2011 – Christen your 1^st BBQ of the season by uncorking this red wine.
• Quintus VQA 2010 – a unique blend of five Old World grape varietals; Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec & Petit Verdot. This can be cellared for 5+ years.

OPTIONAL WINES: Karlo makes The County’s only port wines.  If you requested a bottle or two of the VanAlstine Red or White port in your delivery…you’re in for a treat!

During the harvest last year, we were hired by a corporate client to organize a day tour of The County.  Many of the Sommeliers in our Savvy Team have visited ‘The County’, so, I invited our Marketing Co-ordinator Amanda Jackson to join me on this day trip as she hadn't visited yet. Enthusiastic & enchanted by the place & the people we visited, I also invited Amanda to write this month's Savvy eZine with me.

On the following pages, Amanda gives you her first impressions of The County & of her visit to Karlo Estates.  You will find my sommelier tasting notes along with recipes from my  kitchen that would pair with the featured wines.

Cheers & Enjoy!

Debbie & Savvy Team

Karlo Estates Winery Presented by Amanda Jackson

Rarely a day goes by at the Savvy Company office without someone mentioning Prince Edward County…or 'The County' as it is also fondly known.  This rapidly growing wine region is flourishing with many family run & boutique wineries.  Due to the small supply of wines made (at the moment!), it is not common to find County wines in the LCBO,unless you come to our Savvy Events or occasionally you might see them on a restaurant wine list. Personally, I have not tasted many County wines so when Debbie invited me to join her on a private tour, I jumped at the chance – I like meeting new people and tasting new wines, so this was a real day out for me!

Pinot Gris VQA 2011, $21.00

With Karlo Estates Pinot Gris VQA 2011…

Pistachio Crusted Sea Scallops

From the kitchen of Savvy Sommelier Debbie
Serves 4

Ingredients

8 Large Sea Scallops (size U-10)

200g unsalted pistachios, shelled and lightly toasted

150g fresh bread crumbs

4 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped fine

1 lemon, juiced

75 ml grainy mustard

75 ml sour cream

Ground black pepper, to taste

Sea salt - to taste

100ml Canola oil

Method

• Preheat oven to 375 F
• Place chilled scallops on a paper towel for 2 minutes to absorb any surface liquid.  Season liberally with salt and pepper and let sit for 10 minutes.
• Blend toasted pistachios in a food processor until fine.  Mix with bread crumbs and thyme and season with salt and pepper.
• Coat pan with oil and heat until very hot.  Sear scallops on one side until brown and crisp (2 minutes).  Remove scallops from pan and place on parchment lined baking sheet, seared side up.
• Mix sour cream, mustard and lemon juice and spoon over each scallop.
• Press the seared side into the bread mixture to form a crust.  Bake for 2-3 minutes.
• Serve as an entree or over a salad of spring greens.

With Karlo Estates Cabernet Franc VQA 2010…

Coffee Rub for BBQ steak

Savvy Sommelier Debbie first enjoyed this recipe at a backyard BBQ at Charlie Pillitteri (of Pillitteri Estates Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake). Think coffee on steak is strange? Think again! The coffee beans caramelized while BBQing, offering a rich earthy flavour that will be enhanced with this robust wine.

Ingredients

½ cup whole coffee beans

¼ cup black peppercorns

¼ cup Montreal Steak spice

Steaks – any type of cut – as you like them!

 Method

• With an electric coffee grinder, whiz coffee beans and peppercorns lightly.  The result should be a coarse mixture.
• In a bowl add ground mixture with Montreal Steak spice.This recipe can be doubled and stored in a jar or Ziploc container in the fridge.
• When ready to BBQ, rub ample amount of mixture on both sides of steak.
• Set aside for 20-30 minutes before putting on the grill.
• Cook steak to your liking.Serve with grilled asparagus & other springtime vegetables.

With Karlo Estates Quintus VQA 2010…

Dijon Herbed Prime Rib

Farm Boy weekly recipes
Serves 4 to 6 – depending on the size of meat

Ingredients

1Tbsp Balsamic vinegar

1/4 tsp ground cloves

4 Tbsp grainy Dijon mustard

2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped

Salt and pepper ,to taste

1 bone in rib roast (2.5KG/6LB)

6 medium garlic cloves, quartered lengthwise

Method

• Pre-heat oven to 400 F
• Make small incisions all over the roast.
• Insert the garlic into the holes.
• Place the roast in a roasting pan.
• Mix the remaining ingredients into a paste and rub entire roast evenly.
• Roast for 25 minutes then reduce heat to 350 F and continue cooking for about 1 and a 1/2 hours or until internal temperature reaches 135 F(for rare).
• Transfer roast to a cutting board and allow to rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite mashed potatoes recipe or buttered beets!

 With Karlo Estates VanAlstine Ports…

Hazelnut Torte

It is not often that we include a dessert recipe, yet both the Karlo Estates ports would be great with this nut & slightly sweet dessert.

From Debbie's kitchen – a perfect make ahead dessert that adds WOW factor to any dinner party
Serves 8 to 10
This recipe doubles well & cake layers can be frozen until needed.

Ingredients

Torte

4 eggs
¾ c white sugar
2 T flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
1 c hazelnuts

Mocha filling

2 T butter
½ t vanilla
1 c icing sugar
1 tsp cocoa – heck, put more in!
2 T strong hot coffee

'Icing'

325 mL container of 35% cream – whipped with a drizzle of Tia Maria (or white sugar) folded in at the end to lightly sweeten.

Method - Torte

• In processor/blender whirl eggs & sugar until thoroughly mixed.
• Add flour, baking powder and hazelnuts.  Whirl away.
• Don’t chop nuts up too fine.
• Keep some chunky bits.
• Pour into 2 well greased & floured layer pans (circular).
• Bake at 350 for 20 mins.

Method – Filling & Finishing

Cream icing sugar & butter.
Add strong coffee, cocoa & vanilla.
Mix until smooth.
Spread between layers. (Lick beaters until absolutely clean that you don’t need to wash them!)
Cover top & sides with whipped cream. Decorate as you like

TIP: Best if cake is made a day ahead to allow flavours to mellow.

 Debbie's tasting notes for the unique County made ports…

WHITE Van Alstine Port 2010 - A unique wine is a blend of Frontenac Blanc & Gewürztraminer grapes, this lightly sweet wine has aromas of fresh apricots, mandarin & flowers leap from the glass that continues through in the taste with a refreshing acidity combined with toasted nuts (hazelnut perhaps?). Serve slightly chilled with light & refreshing desserts such as fruit salad, lemon tart or pound cakes…or this torte!

RED Van Alstine Port 2009 - A delicious dark colour with concentrated aromas of black cherry, blackberry, dark fruit cake & warm spices that continue along with tastes of red liquorice & cedar. Aged in French & Hungarian oak barrels, this delicious port has a finish that warms you up with each sip.  Bring on desserts with dark chocolate or enjoy with a plate of artisan cheeses & roasted nuts.  This torte has just the right combination of nut and chocolate tastes without going overboard with sweetness.  You might want to chill the port for 15 minutes in the fridge before serving.  Notice how the taste changes as the port warms up.

Enjoy your Savvy Selections!

Although we’re all ready for a change in temperature and switching lighter style wines,  this release focuses on Italy's Veneto, Appassimento and organic wines all perfect for hearty pastas. 

 What are Veneto wines?

No need for translation here...however Apassimento style wine is an ancient wine technique where the grapes are laid out on straw mats to allow them to dry. Depending on humidity and temperature, the grapes shrivel and develop high sugar concentration levels. After being crushed they produce concentrated rich wines such as Amarone and desert ones like “vin santo”.

The real splurge...

Although I cannot fathom anyone tiring of ice or late harvest wine, for something different, this release offers a wonderful Italian desert wine and a myriad of really big reds for those who are biting to grill some meat. There are also some fabulous new white wines from our Niagara region.

The real splurge however, would be the Veuve Clicquot Pondsardin Vintage Rose Champagne 2004 at $97.95, oh the mousse in this is divine and it does comes with a gift box.

So all this to say, if you are planning a special lunch or dinner, this release offers quite a selection of new beverages to help dress up any occasion.

Spring Cheers,

Julie

The Good Earth the Good Wine Betty’s Blend 2011

VQA Niagara Peninsula, Ontario
$17.95 (Vintages #327791) 11.6% alcohol

Winery owner Nicolette Novak isn’t kidding when she includes the word ‘good’ in the name of her winery – there’s nothing but good wine at Good Earth. This blend is pale in colour with aromas of white blossoms and a bit of wet stone. Deliciously delicate in taste with a lovely mix of tree fruits like apricot and a pinch of tart apple. It’s dry fresh and light and a wine that I would call a crowd pleaser - no one could not like this wine!  It is a perfect afternoon drink on its own or with some soft cheese or light lunch.

La Cappuccina Soave 2012  (Organic)

DOC, Veneto, Italy
$14.95 (Vintages #081489) 12% alcohol

Perhaps it is because the grapes are grown at the site of an ancient chapel housed by Franciscan friars who, for over a century really knew how to grow grapes. The pale straw coloured wine is fresh and crisp with tastes of lemon-lime on the palate. It is clean tasting, fruity but bone dry & the wine is sulphur free with lively acidity.  It’s a fabulous sipper or would be perfect with some shellfish or other seafood. I can practically imagine an Italian piazza, some brilliant sunshine, nibbles of grilled calamari and of course having a glass of this cool zesty delicious Soave.

EOS Estate Petite Sirah 2009

Paso Robles, California, U.S.A.
$19.95 (Vintages #317677) 13.9% alcohol

It is coincidental that on 5 April 2013, in Ottawa, I poured for the EOS Estate Winery at the California Wine Show. There were not many Petite Sirah’s at the show so this wine was a popular novelty.  EOS, named after the Greek Goddess of dawn, is the largest winery on California’s Central Coast to run completely on alternative energy. Layered with dark fruits and a peppery pinch of coffee on the finish; a great sipper on its own or with a lamb/feta burger.

Chateau Haut-Plaisance 2010

Ac Montagne Saint Emilion, France
$17.00 (Vintages 326587) 15% alcohol

A rich garnet red Bordeaux blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabnert Franc - a classic full bodied Meritage. Heady aromas of ripe dark fruit and violets that follow through with a little leather and pepper on the medium long finish. It is positively mouthcoating and delcious with firm medium tannins that would match a prime rib any day. It also won Gold Medals at the Concours General Agricole de Paris and Concours des Grands Vins de France in 2012- need I say more?

Antolini Recioto Della Valpolicella Classico 2009  (Dessert Wine)

DOC, Italy
$28.95 (Vintages #135533) 13.5% alcohol

Valpolicella ranks just after Chianti in total Italian Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wine production. This rich, luscious desert wine, made with Corvina and Rondinella grapes, derives part of its name (recioto) from ancient Greek dialect “recie” meaning ears. This refers to the lobes of a grape cluster that appear as “ears” becoming very ripe with direct sun exposure which in turn allows the natural sugars to concentrate. Following harvest, DOC Regulations dictate that Reciotos cannot be pressed before January 1. The grapes in this wine matured a year before bottling. Aromas and tastes of rich dark fruit, roasted almonds with chocolate overtones and spices reminiscent of Christmas cake. With a piece of dark chocolate or unsweetened chocolate cake, it would be heaven

Grand Total: $98.80

"I was away on vacation in 'wherever you've just been' and found this outstanding wine. Is there a way that I can order more & have it shipped to Ontario?
The winery owner said that they would do it no problem!"

"I would like to get involved in the wine industry.  How do I become a wine agent?"

If I had a loonie…no, make that a toonie….for each time these questions come up in a conversation while I have a glass of wine in hand, I would be drinking Champagne every day!

The wine industry is fascinating.  I have found that the people involved are typically interesting, well-traveled and have a joie de vivre that is contagious. There are so many wine events for the genereral public, such as the Gourmet Food & Wine Show in Toronto or recently-hosted in Ottawa, County in the City where winemakers from Prince Edward County were showcasing their wines  - white wines, red wines, sparkling wines, you name it they make it.

While you are at these events to enjoy wines, the winemakers are often looking for people to help them sell their wine.  Becoming a representative of a winery while holding down your day job or starting a wine agency from the ground up are two ways to be a part of the rapidly growing wine industry.

Let’s crunch the numbers…

During 2011-2012 fiscal year, the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) reported sales of over $3.2 billion worth of imported alcoholic beverages - a 6% increase over the previous year - even in a challenging economic environment. More than any other consumer product, the alcoholic beverage industry has the ability to weather periods of slow or negative economic growth. There is the saying that ‘people will drink in the good times and they will need a drink in bad times too.’

Statistics Canada recently reported on April 11,2013 that net income among the provincial and territorial liquor authorities rose 3.6 per cent to $6.1-billion. More than half this amount is from the sale of imported wine, beer & spirits.

There is no ‘how to’ manual about working in the wine industry.  In fact, there are rarely job postings on Workopolis or Craig’s List either.  Those who know of wine jobs are often ‘in the biz.’ In fact, just last week two wineries contacted me asking if would recommend an agent to sell their wines.

So how to get a jump start on a job in the wine industry? 

Again this year, we are hosting a seminar entitled ‘Importing Wine for Pleasure and Profit’ on Saturday June 8, 2013 by renowned industry expert Steven Trenholme.  Steven conducts this seminar in Toronto twice a year and it sells out quickly because he knows everything AND everyone in the wine industry. In his 30+ year career, Steven has been a wine agent, a brand manager for Mosel wines (of Germany), the Canadian representative for South African Wines, a ‘head hunter’ for numerous wine companies to recruit people as wine agents and to top it all off, manager of a national wine agency.  Steven has the ‘how tos’ for the above two questions that I am always asked!

“As Canadian's thirst for more diversity in the alcoholic beverages that they consume, this presents a very real opportunity for new agents & importers,” states Steven Trenholme.

If you are intrigued about the wine industry or are already an agent, you will find Steven’s day-long seminar invaluable.  Many of Ontario’s top wine importers and agents started their careers after attending this seminar. Several Savvy Sommeliers on my team – myself included - have gained valuable insight to importing wines, as well as learning the ins and outs of the operations and processes of the LCBO & the SAQ in Quebec.

“There are still hundreds of wine suppliers around the world actively looking for importers to represent them in Canada, so there are certainly opportunities to develop a full or part-time career in the wine industry”, reports Steven.

Rest assured that your head will be spinning from all of the information you collect at his seminar, yet Steven is only a few clicks away to help you get started or answer additional questions. He is a wealth of knowledge and THE man to know if you are curious about working in the wine industry or importing your favorite wines back after a trip abroad.

"I have taken a few courses where 'the business of wine' has been a required component, but NOTHING has compared to the relevancy of Steven's content. If you are considering a career in the beverage alcohol business in Ontario, you need this information. Steven is experienced, professional and he offers sound advice delivered succinctly in one day," offers  Alyson Carmichael, LCBO Manager & Product Consultant in Oakville.

Click here to register & for more details about Importing Wine for Pleasure and Profit seminar  at The Old Mill in Toronto on Saturday June 8th, 2013

This event is almost sold out.  Buy your tickets >>

This event 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!

Featured wineries & wines:

Casa Dea Estates Winery

2011 Dea's Cuvée Sparkling Wine $18.95

2009 Riesling $16.95

2009 Chardonnay Reserve $24.95

2009 Cabernet Franc $18.95

2010 Pinot Noir $19.95

County Cider Company - showcasing their hard apple ciders

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

Tortured Path Cider (500ml) $7.95

Prince Edward Ice Cider (375ml) $29.95

Devil’s Wishbone Winery

2012 Pinot Grigio $23.00

2012 Pinot Gris Rosé $22.00

2011 Merlot $24.00

2010 Cabernet Sauvignon $26.00

Exultet Winery

2012 Cru X White Light $25.00

2010 Cru X Pinot Noir $29.95

Harwood Estates Vineyards

2011 Pinot Gris $18.00

2010 Gewürztraminer $20.00

2011 Chardonnay $32.00

2009 Friends Rosé $18.00

2010 The Admirals Blend (Pinot Noir) $25.00

2009 Just Desserts (Late Harvest Style) $25.00

Karlo Estates

2010 Riesling $22.00

2010 Chardonnay CHOA $25.00

2011 Frontenac Gris Rosé $16.00

2010 Cabernet Merlot $24.00

2010 Merlot $24.00

2010 Pinot Noir $29.00

2010 Quintus $35.00

2010 The 5^th Element $39.00

2010 VanAlstine White Port $29.00

2009 VanAlstine Red Port $29.00

Keint-He Winery & Vineyards

2009 Chardonnay $20.00

2011 Voyageur Rosé $15.00

2011 Portage Pinot Noir - $25

2009 Pinot Noir, Little Creek – Closson $29.00

2012 Voyageur Vidal $17.00

2008 Pineaux Sauvage (a Botrytis Affected Pinot Noir) $25.00 - Special price.  Regular $50.00

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

Rosehall Run Vineyards

2011 Pinot Gris Cuvée County $19.95

2010 Cabernet Franc Cuvée County $24.95

2010 JCR Chardonnay Rosehall Vineyard $29.95

2010 JCR Pinot Noir Rosehall Vineyard $39.00

Sandbanks Estate Winery

2011 Gewürztraminer $16.95

2012 Dunes Red $14.95

2010 French Kiss (Cabernet Merlot) $24.95

201 LOVE Cassis Aperitivo $14.95

Stanners Vineyard 

2011 Riesling $23.00

2010 Chardonnay $25.00

2009 Cabernet Franc $22.00

2010 Pinot Noir $30.00

The Grange of Prince Edward County Vineyard & Estate Winery

2011 Estate Chardonnay $15.95

2011 GPE Fumé Blanc $24.95

2009 Select Gamay Noir $15.95

2009 Estate Cabernet Franc $17.95

County in the City - details

DATE: Thursday April 18th
EVENT STARTS: 7pm
EVENT ENDS: 9pm
LOCATION: Panorama Room - 2nd floor at National Arts Centre, 53 Elgin Street, 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 April 20^th and you can take advantage of the free shipping offer on a case of wine.

We look forward to seeing you at County in the City.
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!