Everything is coming up ROSÉ

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog of what I love….. WINE!!

The first day of summer has come and gone. But there is always time to enjoy Rosé!

With the first signs of summer you will notice  wine stores starting to bloom with Rosé!

Yes Rosé is the perfect wine for the summer season, but I enjoy it year round and so can you. Rosé can be enjoyed with all types of food all season. From Salads with seafood to grilled chicken or grilled sausages to that Thanksgiving Turkey. The list is endless!

Many people think Rosé is a blend of red and white wines. This one of three methods of making Rosé. I briefly mention the three different ways to make make still Rosé below.

1) Maceration -

In the maceration method the red grapes are lightly crushed and left with their red skins to macerate for a while.  (The colour comes from contact with the grape skins). This process can last from 2 – 20 hours or 1 to 2 days (depending on the winemaker). Once the colour the winemaker wants is achieved he/she will stop the process. This is the time the winemaker will remove the must (skins, pulp, stems and pips).

2) Saignée (San-yay)

First few hours of making red wine, some of the juice is bled off and then put into a vat to make Rosé. Saignée wines are not as common as the Maceration method and may be harder to find.  This method makes a richer bolder rosé.

3) Blending Method

This method is not very common with still Rosé.  This method is illegal in parts of France. With the blending method the winemaker uses a little bit of red wine and adds it to the white wine to make the rosé. It does not take much red wine to colour the white wine. The only place I researched that use this method is in Champagne for some of there sparkling wines.

Here is a small sample of some varietals used in making rosé. Each varietal gives the wine a unique style of wine: Dry – Grenache, Syrah and Pinot Noir; Fruity – Sangiovese; Savory – Cabernet Sauvignon; Sweet – Zinfandel. There are many other varietals that are used to make Rosé wine.

Some terms to help you to describe Rosé: strawberry, pink grapefruit, raspberry, sweet cherry, sour cherry, wild strawberry, and cranberry are only a few.

Below you will find my list of Rosé’s we enjoyed recently. Hope you enjoy them as much as we have.

Cristia Collection - Cótes de Provence - 2015
A nice rosé from Cótes de Provence this wine is made with 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. It has a nice light pink colour with aromas of melon, and ripe strawberries. On the palate I found citrus, watermelon with some tropical fruit and nice acidity. This wine can be enjoyed with seafood or light pasta. You may be able to find this one at a BC Liquor store for $25.99 plus taxes and deposit. If you find this one you may want to grab a bottle or two. 

2015 Clos du Soleil Rosé
This is our go to rosé all season. This rosé is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. I found aromas of vanilla bean, raspberry and cranberry. On the palate there was raspberry, rhubarb and a hint of cherry. This wants to be paired with food like  roasted pork or with a charcuterie board. A specialty wine store like Everything Wine or Overwaitea Foods carries this wine. YES Overwaitea Foods is now selling BC VQA Wines. I have found the three Overwaitea locations that are selling BC VQA wines. They are located in South Surrey, East Maple Ridge and Kelowna. I understand there will be more that will be carrying BC VQA wines.

2015 Belle Glos Pinot Noir Blanc - Oeil De Perdrix
A new wine from the producers of some very good Pinot Noir. This is a limited offering Rosé produced from Pinot Noir. This Rosé has aromas of citrus, strawberry and a hint of raspberry. These carry on to the palate with pink grapefruit, and lemon zest. Finishes with great acidity and a long finish. Get this one while it last! Can be found at a BC Liquor Store for $28.99 plus taxes and deposit. This fine Rosé can be enjoyed on its own or enjoy it with grilled vegetables or grilled pork chops.

2015 NK'MIP Rosé  
This Rosé from the Okanagan Valley is made using the saignée method. It has a deep pink hue with aromas of strawberry, and grapefruit. On the palate I got pink grapefruit, and tart cranberry. This wine was tart and sharp which will suit a hot day on the patio.  You can find this one in the BC Liquor Stores for $17.99 plus taxes and deposit.

Enjoy these wines and remember to leave me your comments.

Ciao for now!!

Wines to Celebrate Valentine's Day or Evening

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog of what I love.... WINE!!

It is that time of year again! You either love February 14th or you hate it. Many couples will be out celebrating Valentine's over an elegant dinner or staying home sharing a romantic dinner with a glass or  bottle of wine. Depending on the mood!  Or you will be "popping the question" and then popping the cork to celebrate OR you may be saying I hate this day give me wine!

In either case let me help you make it easier on what wine you will want to un-cork or un-twist on the 14th. 

Are you Game - Shiraz
For the couple that want to try something different on February 14th. To quote a part of the back label "...keep it real and go wild..." Now that speaks to Valentine's Day! On the nose cherry, and chocolate. This carries through on the palate with some oak and a nice finish.  A good wine for $19.99 (plus taxes and deposit). Look for it at your  BC Liquor for Store.

Rocland - Chocolate Box Shiraz
Why give a box of chocolates when you can give your loved one a Chocolate Box. On the nose aromas of blueberry, vanilla and licorice. On the palate coffee, blueberry and chocolate. This wine would be great with a grilled steak. Look for this one at your local BC Liquor Store for $23.49 (plus deposit and taxes)

Jacob's Creek Double Barrel Shiraz
Here is a wine to enjoy with a non romantic novel curled up on the sofa. Aromas of sweet red fruits, vanilla and dark chocolate. On the palate the chocolate carries through with liquorice and a hint of toasty notes. Check this one out at a BC Liquor Store for $17.99 (plus deposit and taxes).

Gotin Del Risc - Bierzo Mencia
Why give flowers on Valentine's day when you can share a wine with flowers on the label. 
"Gotin" is a word used in Bierzo to decribe a glass of wine shared between friends. "Risco" was the name of a well-known vigneron and Mencia lover from the region- SAQ.  Now with that said this seem to be a wine for Valentine's Day. The nose has fruity aromas with some floral. On the palate it is full body with red fruit and cedar. New to BC Liquor Store for $17.99 (plus taxes and deposit)

Midnight by Menage à Trois 

This wine is bold, lush and a bit Risqué. With a blend of four grapes, Merlot, Cabernet, Petite Sirah and Petit Verdot. On the nose you will get sweet blackberry and plum with hints of mocha. Take a risk on this blend and see where it may take you. Can be found at a local BC Liqour Store for $17.99 (plus taxes and deposit)

Enjoy these wines and remember to leave me your comments.

Ciao for now!! 

Wines of the World for under $30 - Wine Tasting

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog of what I love.... WINE!!

This blog is about our 2nd wine tasting that was held in our neighbourhood. What a great way to meet your neighbours!! If you missed my first posting on wine tasting please click on this link "Wine tasting party"

Wines I selected for this tasting were under $30.00 and these wines were paired with various cheese selections. The evening ended with a nice Medium Sweet Sherry that was paired with dark chocolate, Brazilian nuts and Blue Cheese. 

Here are a couple photos of the cheese boards that were avaiable for the evening.

You cannot have a tasting without tasting cards to record your thoughts on the wines from the evening. See pictures below of what we provided for the evening.  

Credit to my lovely spouse on her talents on making the cards.

Below I have listed the selection from the evening with my tasting notes for each wine. If you find yourself in a BC Liquor Store click on the highlighted area to get details on the wine. (codes). Remember to add taxes and deposit to the price listed.

Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore – Marca Oro 

This wine is from Valdobbiadene region in North-East Italy. Expect a lively fizz, a zesty zing of lemons and oranges, and a light, refreshing finish. All round a sensible choice and great value of $18.29 at a BC Liquor Store 

La Vieille Ferme Rose

A pretty, refreshing and dry rosé with notes of field strawberry and raspberry. Perfect as an aperitif, try it wirh grilled tuna. Excellent price for this rosé which can be found at a BC Liquor for $11.49 plus taxes and deposit

Tantalus Riesling 2014

One of my favourite Rieslings. I found aromas of lime peel, stone fruit and orange blossom. This carried through to a juicy, palate with mandarin orange and white peach with a nice citrus acidity. Unfortunately the 2014 is sold out. I was lucky and found 8 bottles at a private wine store. Keep checking Tantalus Winery for the next vintage.  It will be worth the wait

Robert Mondavi Fume’ Blanc 

A friend introduced me to this Napa Valley classic - a barrel-fermented Sauvignon. On the nose it displays red-apple and melon and a hint of toastiness. On the palate it has zesty citrus, with a little of the herbal character of Sauvignon Blancs. This is one of my go to whites! Give this gem a try. You may find it at your local BC Liquor Store for $18.79. (plus taxes and deposit)

Leyda Reserva Syrah 2012   


A cold climate style Syrah, you will find some spiciness, white pepper, and a hint of floral notes on the nose. The Palate you will get raspberries, leather and peppery spice. Try it with roast lamb. This is a good Syrah that can be found at the BC Liquor for $13.99 plus taxes and deposit

Crasto - Douro D.O.C .


“Superb-value red with fruitcake richness made from a blend of different port grapes – tinta roriz, tinta barroca, touriga naçional and touriga franca. Only a small fraction (five per cent) of the wine is aged in oak but the grapes naturally have a slightly spicy character. This is all blueberries, brambles and cloves.” International Wine Challenge Winner 2015". Great value for $19.99 look for it in your BC Liquor Store

Stellar Organics Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Pinotage 

You will find blackberry jam, forest and cigar box on the nose of this organic and fair trade wine. The dark fruit continues on the palate with cherry and a hint of dark chocolate on the finish. This wine is asking to be invited to a BBQ.  Check this one out at the BC Liquor Store $13.99 (plus taxes and deposit)

Gonzalez Bypass Oloroso Nutty Solera 

Here is a wine made for our winters. Nice notes of toffee, caramel, raisin and a hint of coffee. On the palate it is medium sweet, and full bodied. You will find raisin, zest of orange and some toasted almond. Bring out some cheese and dried nuts and enjoy a glass with a good book by the fire. This wine can be found at the BC Liquor Store for $15.99 

Enjoy these wines and remember to leave me your comments.

Ciao for now!! 

Wines for Winter

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog of what I love.... WINE!!

It is that time of year again! The days are getting shorter, the temperature outside is dropping and the fire place is ready!  It is time to start thinking about cold weather wines. Wines that will warm you up from the inside. 

During the summer months we enjoyed wines that were light in body and low in alcohol. With the colder temperatures it is time to change it up to a full body wine with higher alcohol but one that is  balanced. These can be enjoyed in both White and Red wines.

Find below some wines that you can enjoy with a hearty stew, heavy cream sauce dishes or while enjoying your favorite book curled up with a warm blanket in front of a roaring fire. So all I can say is let it snow,  let it snow. Well,  it depends where you live for the snow part.

Here are some wines you can enjoy during those cold winter evenings or afternoons.

Chateau Ste. Michelle 2014 Chardonnay, Columbia Valley
This is a good valve Chardonnay from a good Washington State producer. On the nose green apple, some pear and a hint of butterscotch. The same profile I found on the palate with a nice finish. This wine would be good with a heavy cream sauce or cuddled up with your loved one catching a movie and enjoying some popcorn. You may find this wine at your local BC Liquor Store for $19.79 (plus taxes and deposit)

Edmeades Menocino - Zinfandel 2012
This wine will surely warm you up during those cold evening! A well balanced wine with alcohol of 14.5%. A blend of Zinfandel (76%), Petite Sirah (18%) and Syrah (6%).  On the nose ripe raspberry, black cherry, earth and black pepper. On the palate roasted coffee, smoke, vanilla bean with a long finish. Try this wine with a hearty stew after a day of enjoying the crisp outdoors. I found this gem at the BC Liquor Store for $22.49 (plus taxes and deposit)

Chakalaka Spice Route 2012
Interesting name but a great wine. This wine comes from South Africa from the region of Swartland. This wine is made with Shiraz, Carignan, Morrvedre, Grenache, Tannat, and Petite Sirah. On the nose there was smoke, black cherry, leather; On the palate there was chocolate, cassis, earth with light tannins and a nice finish. You may find this one in the BC Liquor Store for $29.49 (plus taxes and deposit). Try this wine with a Pot Roast with onions and Potatoes on a cold evening.

Zenato Soave Classico 2014
This blend of Garganega and Chardonnay from Italy would be a nice addition to a roasted Chicken Dinner. On the nose citrus, pear, and honey; The palate had the same with citrus, mineral and a nice finish. You may be able to find this one in your BC Liqour store (#783324) for $16.49 (plus taxes and deposit)

Enjoy these wines and remember to leave me your comments.

Ciao for now!!

Pinot....

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog of what I love.... WINE!!

We all heard of Pinot Noir unless you were living under a rock. If you would like more information on Pinot Noir I suggest you read my post from October 2014 Pinot Noir. If Pinot Noir is old hat to you please continue.

This post is about the grapes that derive from Pinot Noir. These grapes are Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Bianco and Pinotage.

Lets start with Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. These are the same grape with different names (French and Italian). The Pinot Gris grape is a mutant clone of Pinot Noir. The grapes range from a grayish blue to a brownish pink to black. Pinot Gris is derived from Pinot meaning "pine cone" in French, which is the shape of the grape bunch and "Gris" meaning gray in French from the colour of the grape. Pinot Grigio is merely the alternative, Italian name for Pinot Gris.

Pinot Blanc and Pinot Bianco are also the same grape but with different names. One is French and the other one is…Yes you guest it Italian! Both are a mutation of Pinot Noir. Pinot Blanc is grown in Alsace France, Germany and in the New World. Pinot Bianco is grown in many areas, although it is heavily concentrated in the northeastern region of Alto Adige in Italy

Pinotage is the signature grape of South Africa.  This grape is a cross from Cinsault (was known as “Hermitage” in South Africa) and Pinot Noir.  Pinotage is also grown in Canada, the United States and Australia.

Here is a list of Pinot Gris, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Bianco I have tried.

Liquidity 2014 Pinot Gris - Okanagan Falls, BC

This is a great wine for summer from Okanagan Falls, fresh and fruity. Aromas of citrus, pear and some tropical notes. On the palate I found grapefruit, and green apple with great acidity. This wine should be enjoyed on the patio with seafood. This wine can be found in a Specialty wine store.

Santa Cristina Pinot Grigio 2013

This is a refreshing wine for when friends come to visit. Aromas of golden delicious apples, and lemon rind; the palate has some citrus, apple and a hint of tropical fruit. This is an easy drinking wine. You will find this wine at the BCLS for around $15.00.

Lake Breeze Pinot Blanc 2013

A nice Pinot Blanc from the Okanagan Valley’s Naramata Bench area. On the nose I get peach and green apple. The nose follows through onto the palate with a hint of citrus. This is a wine to pair with roasted chicken. You can find this wine in select BC Liquor Stores for $18.00

Sirmian Pinot Bianco 2012

Great structure and depth in this Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige.  Aromas of exotic fruit and ripe apples. On the palate pear, apples with a hint of cloves and great acidity. A great wine with some complexly. This wine can be found at the BCLS for around $28.00

The Grinder Pinotage 2013

The first thing I thought when I opened this wine was Coffee. On the nose I found mocha, dark fruit and espresso. The palate had dark chocolate, leather and dark fruit. Throw a steak on the BBQ, open a bottle and Enjoy! Can be found at the BCLS for around $16.00

Ciao for now!! 

Wine Tasting Party

Welcome to bottle2glass a blog about what I love... Wine!!

Have you ever wanted to host a wine tasting party but did not know where to start? 

You may be asking yourself the following questions -  HOW  do I start; WHAT is the theme;  HOW much wine do I need? No worries! Read on.....

A wine tasting party is a great way to do something fun with family, friends and bring your neighbours together. All you need is some wines, a little bit of knowledge and the will to try something different and of course FUN. 

Here are some steps to help you prepare for the evening.

Theme – There are many themes. Everything from the country, type of grape or will it be just red or just white. Our tasting was close to the holiday season so I made it “wines for the holiday season”. The type of wines ranged from Sparkling to Port. Then we threw in a game with each wine. The guest was to “guess the price point” of each wine poured. 

Food – Should you provide food or snacks? We were having our tasting later in the evening, so we provided cheese and crackers.  The wine was paired with cheese at which point we put a picture of the wine label with the cheese. The pictures were the same as the photos that accompany my tasting notes below.  We simply cut out the photo and we taped it back to back on a tooth pick. I recommend light snacks, bread and coffee for the end of the evening. 

Wine Pairing Labels for Cheese

Some Cheese on offer

Having Tasting Cards - These cards should have type of wine, vineyard, the year and a brief description of the wine (here is a hint   - check out the back of the wine bottle). Have space for your guest to record appearance, aroma, flavor, and record there own notes. Don't forget a pen for each guest.

Tasting Cards we made for tasting

Inside of Tasting Card

How much wine - you can base this on 1/2 a bottle per person. Remember to drink responsiblitiy. Provide a key bucket at the front door for your guest plus a number to a reliable cab company.

Other items to consider-

• Wine Glasses - one to two wine glasses per guest (I like to have one for white wine and one for red wine)
• Pitcher of Water - rinsing glasses or to cleanse the palate
• Dump bucket - your guest may not like all the wines
• Invitations - can be done by e-vite or drop off an invitation in the mail or email
• Have lots of fun

Tasting Notes from wines at my tasting: 

Cava Segura Viudas Brut Reserva BCLS -158493
On the nose - yeast, toast, Citrus; On the palate - biscuits, some pineapple flavour, Citrus, dry, rich,  medium body with a long creamy finish. Pop open a bottle with friends. This Cava is well priced at $16.99

Devils Rock Riesling – BCLS - 149559

Produced in the Pfalz Region of Germany. This Riesling is off dry making it fresh and crisp. Nose has some sweet peach, and apple. Palate has a hint of sweetness with lemon and grapefruit. Enjoy with your turkey dinner or Asian Take out. A good everyday wine for $13.00. (Note label on wine has changed since this photo)

La Pierrelee Chablis – BCLS 359844 
A nice example of a Chardonnay from Chablis. On the nose - green apple, lemon and spice.  Palate – butter, citrus, white peach and some minerality, medium body with a nice finish. Chili a bottle to share with friends. A well priced Chablis for $28.00

Undurraga Sibaris Reserva Pinot Noir - BCLS -761205
This Chilean Pinot Noir was Voted best light and medium red for 2014 by Vanmag. On the Nose - red fruit, cherry with a hint of leather. Palate - Cherry, cedar and some herb with a nice finish. Have this wine with your Christmas lamb or on a Saturday night with Mushroom Risotto. A great everyday wine for $15.99

McWatters Collection - Meritage - BCLS - 303024
“Harry McWatters namesake collection Meritage is dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon 44% (from 3 different clones), Merlot 32% (from 2 different clones) and 24% Cabernet Franc all from the Sundial Vineyard on Black Sage Bench in Oliver.”- Wine Scores

This wine has  a great aroma – Black cherries, leather, and earth; On the palate – coffee, chocolate, and cassis with a long finish. This wine  should be served with steak or firm cheese. This wine is limited and if you find it at your favour wine store pick up a couple.

Amarone Classico – BCLS - 44784 

Amarone is made from grapes that are dried before fermentation (100 days losing around 40% of original weight). This creates an intense flavoured wine. Amarone is produced in the Vento region of Italy. Made from grapes of the region – Corvina, Rondinella and on occasion Molinara

On the nose – Dark Cherry, Chocolate, oregano, and a hint of smoke; Palate – Cherries, bittersweet chocolate, and sweet raisin. This wine is very good on its own or with a nice Italian meal of Osso Bucco. This Amarone is priced at $40.00 

Taylor Fladgate Late Bottle Vintage Port - BCLS - 289603
Once the wine is produced it is fortified by adding neutral grape spirit known as “aquardente” to stop the fermentation, which leaves residual sugar and boost the alcohol content.

On the nose – caramel, ripe fruit, and dried nut; Palate – Honey, figs , raisins and burnt toffee with a rich smooth sweet finish. Grab a glass and your partner then curl up in front of a big roaring fire. You should be able to find this gem in your local BCLS for $26.00

Have fun organizing your wine tasting event!
I would like to know how it went! Send me a quick note at bottle2glass@gmail.com or reply on this post.

Ciao for now!!