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!!

Pinot Noir

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

Pinot Noir! First, how do you pronounce it? I've heard the correct way to pronounce “Pinot” is “Pee-no” with equal emphasis on both short syllables. I've also heard it said with more oomph on the first syllable, making it more like "PEE-no."  There are also many different ways to say "Noir." "N'war" is standard, but some like to say it with more flair, turning it into "Na-whar" or "No-aaaaaaaargh."

If you find the saying difficult! Try being the wine grower! The Pinot Noir grape is a finicky grape to grow. It needs the right growing conditions, wanting warm days and cool evenings. Which results in a red wine that is light-medium bodied, and fruit forward. This grape is also known as the “heart break grape” if the conditions are not 'just right' then all else may fail. But when done right it is a great wine.

Pinot Noir is the red grape of Burgundy. Which is now grown around the world; Germany, Oregon, California, Chile, British Columbia, Ontario and New Zealand to name only a few.

If you really want to join in on a Pinot Noir feast you have to attend the International Pinot Noir Celebration (click on highlighted area). This event is held every year in Oregon. Now, I have not been to this event, but I am adding it to my bucket list.

If you want to see a movie on this grape or read a book there are numerous of both. The most recent I have read is Vertical by Rex Pickett (novel)  Well, it was a book on CD, something to listen to while we drove down to the wine region of WALLA WALLA, Washington this summer.  We can't forget his previous novel, Sideways which became a very popular movie that brought the pinot grape to the forefront.

Pinot not only comes in red you can find a fine selection of Pinot in white. Here is a sample Pinot Gri, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Grigio only to name a few. Stay tuned for my next post on these wonderful wines.

Here are some Pinot Noir wines we have tasted and enjoyed.

Three Bear Ranch – B3

This wine hits the notes on flavor and price. Aroma - fresh cherries, strawberries, with a hint of vanilla; the palate has the same as aroma - cherry, strawberries,  some would say "jammy". A wine you can enjoy everyday with a price of $15.99. You should be able to find this wine in your local BC Liquor Store #627760.

Cherry Tart – Pinot Noir

From the creator of Layer Cake wines (see post Have your cake... and drink it too??). Aroma – cherries, red apple and a hint of clove; Palate - cranberries, cherries with a hint of strawberries with a long finish. This wine is full bodied and well rounded. Be warned your taste buds will ask for more. Cherry Tart Pinot Noir can be found in the BC Liquor Store #744623 for $29.99

Cameron Hughes Lot 403 Pinot Noir

This a good example of a Pinot Noir coming from the Russian River Region in California. Aroma – Cherry, raspberry with a hint earth; Palate – Cherry, Raspberry, vanilla with a hint of spice. A wine I will be buying again. Cameron Hughes Lot 403 can be found in a BC Liquor Store #469643 for a reasonable price of around $25.00. 

Belle Glos Meiomi Pinot Noir

This is one wine we look for when we are out for dinner or for that special evening with friends or just the two of us.  Aroma – Cherry, plum, barnyard; Palate – Ripe strawberry, raspberry, and mushroom. This wine is deep dark, rich and delicious. Look for it in your local BC Liquor Store #278937 for a price of around $27.00

Burrowing Owl Pinot Noir - 2012
Here is a great example of a Pinot Noir from the Okanagan. Aromas - black cherry, earth, and a hint of compost; Palate - Rasberry, earth, black cherry with a hint of dried herbs and smooth tannins. This pinot had a nice long finish that wanted me to have another sip. I searched BC liquor stores web site and had no luck tracking it down. Let me say if you find it on the shelves of  any BCLS pick up a bottle or three.


Hope you enjoy some of my selections or all of them. As always please let me know what you think by leaving me a comment.

Ciao for now!

Chianti It has come a long way...

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

I can still see it now.  Flash back to the 80’s;  going into our favorite little Italian restaurant in Little Italy in Toronto. I can still sense the smells coming from the small family run kitchen, a vision of the red checker table cloth, the waiters in white shirts black pants (Italian of course), and the white candle in an empty straw-wrapped Chianti bottle with candle wax running down the sides sitting in the middle of the table. Ordering our favorite plate of pasta and a bottle of house red. You guessed it Chianti! Arriving to the table in a straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos).

That was the Chianti of the past, fast forward a few decades the Chianti has changed. BUT if you are sucker for nostalgia you can still find that straw-wrapped bottle (fiascos) of Chianti at a BCLS for $16.99.  

Chianti has come a long way. But there are many rules and laws about what can be labeled Chianti. The region of Chianti is even more confusing with seven sub regions in Tuscany. Classico and Ruffina are two of the most popular. In the Tuscan region “Chianti Classico” has to have at least 80 - 100% Sangiovese as the major grape. Chianti Classico has red and black cherry character, with notes of wild herbs, mint and spice, mellow tannins. Chianti Classico must have at least 12% alcohol and been aged for 7 months in oak. “Riserva” on the label lets you know it has been aged 27 months in oak and has 12.5% alcohol. Chianti Classico cannot be released until October 1^st the following vintage year.  I did warn you about confusing! On that note I will not get into DOC and DOCG. Just that if you see these on the label ENJOY!

Map of the Chianti Regions:

Map from Wikipedia

 


Now if you ever wondered what’s up with the Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) Emblem on the label. This dates back over 700 years. The label is placed on the neck of a wine bottle from the Chianti Classico zone. Wines with this emblem are of high standards and you know you are getting the real thing. Plus the wine makers have to offer the wine for a strict taste test. To read the story about the Black Rooster click on the link http://www.chianticlassico.com/en/faq/vino/

Enough already! Lets enjoy some Chianti and Chainti Classico.  Here are some we have tried and enjoyed. Click on the highlighted link in the wine description to find a BC Liquor Store that carries the wine.

2012 Toscolo Chianti (DOCG) 
Here is a nice bottle of Chianti, Nose is Red berry fruit with a hint of Oak; Palate - Cherry, smooth silkly tannins with a short finish. This makes a good everyday wine with a bowl of pasta. This wine may  be found at a speciality wine store.


2010 Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia (Single Estate) DOCG 
A nice Chianti Classico made from 100% Sangiovese. Nose - Spice, dark cherry, leather and oak; on the palate Spicy, nutmeg, dark cherry with a long finish. This wine is very good! I found this wine at a speciality wine store. It was brought in for a limited time. If you see this wine on the shelf grab a bottle or two! 

Toscolo Chianti; Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia  

2010 Ruffino Riserva Ducale Chianti Classico  (DOCG)

This one may look familiar as you can find it in most BC Liquor Stores. This is a wine you can enjoy on its own or with a meal. Nose - Cherry, leather and spice; Palate - Tart Cherry, Cedar and a hint of leather and tobacco. We enjoyed this one! This can be found at your local BC Liquor Store SKU 45195

2011 Chianti Classico Cecchi DOCG

The Black Rooster is front and centre on the label which means it is the real thing (Chianti Classico)! This wine is made from 90% Sangiovesse, 10% other which consist of Canaiolo and Colorino. On the nose tobacco, dark cherry and earthiness; Palate - Sour Cherry, smoke with a long finish. Worth the buy at $20.00. You should be able to find this on the shelf at a BC Liquor Store SKU 113613

2010 Peppoli Chianti Classico DOCG 

We enjoyed this wine on Pizza Friday! This wine is made with 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot and Syrah. Another wine with the Red Rooster. Nose - Bright red fruit, vanilla, sweet herbs and a hint of wood; Palate - Red fruit, chocolate with smooth tannins and a long finish. This wine went great with our pizza but it will stand up to other types of food. Give it a try! It can be found on the shelves at the BC Liquor Store SKU 606541

Ruffio Riserva Ducale, Chianti Classico Cecchi

Enjoy these Chianti's and Chianti Classico's!!

Ciao for now!

WIne Festival Pointers

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

It is that time again!

It's time for the Vancouver International Wine Festival. This year France will be the theme country with a focus on bubbly. France will be represented by the following regions: Bourgogne (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay); Bordeaux (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot Sauvignon Blanc Semillon and Mucadelle); Rhone Valley (Syrah, Grenache, Roussane and Viognier); Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier); and Beaujolais (Gamay and Chardonnay) to name a few. There will also be a great variety of other wineries in the tasting room from Canada to Israel. This year there will be 178 wineries from 14 countries pouring over 780 wines!  I am sure you won't be able to taste them all. So the best way to enjoy the evening is to plan.

Here are some pointers that I put together that I use when I attend the Wine Festival.

1. Have a designated driver or plan to take transit. Remember be responsible!
2. Make a list - It can become overwhelming with over 780 wines. Which is daunting in itself. So a list of wines, winery or region you want to taste will make the experience more enjoyable. 
3. Take Notes on your choices - after tasting 27 wines you will not remember the first. I had notes saying which wine I liked. Simple notes are best.  These notes will also come in handy when/if you want to buy the wine at the end of the festival. The BCLB will have a wine shop at there.
4. Spit the wine - again 27 wines?  Trust me you will want to spit. If you are not sure how to do this practise at home before attending the event. Purse your lips together and force the wine out of your mouth into the bucket provided once you had a good taste. The key is to taste by swirling the wine in your mouth and then spit it into the bucket provided. Aim well!
5. Do not stand in front of the table or spit bucket - Once you get your taster move aside and let others in. Do not stand in front of the spit bucket unless you want to get sprayed! 
6. Talk to the people representing the winery. You never know the person pouring may have their name on the bottle. Remember do not hog their time.
7. Do not wear white - Yes! red wine likes white clothes.
8. The night goes fast so if there is a line up at the table move to the next and come back at a later time
9. Eat before you go, most wine tastings only have small food samplers.

If you do not like large crowds the tasting room will not be for you. Try one of the smaller events that are available during the event. Book early to get a ticket or two for one of the Lunches, Minglers, Dinners or seminars. Check out the web site at Vancouver International Wine Festival. The festival runs from February 24th to March 2nd, 2014.

If you cannot make the festival this year try a wine from one of the many regions that will be represented this year. Let me help you get started with my three selections from the Rhone Valley.
I have attached a map below of the Major AOC wine producing regions and a map of the Rhone Valley.

France Wine Regions - winewitandwisdomswe.com

Rhone Wine Map - vinofiles.com

Chateauneuf-du-Pape - Chateau de la Gardine

This wine is a blend of Granche (60%), Mourvedre (20%), and Muscardin (5%). This last grape is used primarily in Rhone as a blending grape. Nose - gamely, plum, cherry and sweet herbs; Palate - Red Fruit, sweet herbs and a hint of coffee, and nice long finish. A great wine that will improve with a few more years in the bottle or drink it now and enjoy. You may find this wine at the BCLD near you.

Esprit Du Rhone - Cotes Du Rhone Reserve 2005
This Cotes Du Rhone makes a nice everyday wine. When you have had a bad day or need to kick back this is the one. Nose - Dark Cherry, earth and thyme spice; Palate - Dark Cherry, forest floor, spice with smooth tannins. This wine you may find in a speciality wine store like Marquis Wine Cellars or Everything Wines.  If you cannot find the one I reviewed try this Cotes Du Rhone - Delas St. Esprit. The price point on this is slightly higher but still below $20.00

Chusclan - Cotes Du Rhone Villages - 2004
This wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Mourvedre. Nose - Spice, forest floor and dark fruit; Palate - Dark Fruit, earth, plum and pepper spice on the finish. Another nice wine from the Rhone. I purchased this at a speciality wine store. Unfortunately you will not be able to find it in the BCLD. If you happen to see it on the shelf pick up a bottle or two.

Enjoy the wines listed above and if you find a different wine you enjoyed let me know!


à la prochaine
(until next time)