Those of us in the specialty wine business often spend much of our time and effort searching out interesting, off-the-beaten-path wines from small, artisan producers. Due to this sometimes wine geeks, myself included, forget that sometimes the big guys make some pretty darn fine juice as well. I was reminded of this recently while leading a […] Continue reading
I had the opportunity to attend a tasting today with one of the wine worlds most interesting characters, Charles Smith. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts I am a fan of the K Vintners and Charles Smith wines from Washington State, USA and they certainly have their marketing plan down pat. The tasting played the […] Continue reading
This is a perfect example of why Aussie wines rocketed to popularity in the last decade or so. Juicy, rich and with great packaging to boot, this provides pure and simple drinking pleasure without being overblown or out of control. As the name suggests, this label was created by a group of young wine makers […] Continue reading
Often when I dream of winning the lottery I envision myself either riding a majestic unicorn or drinking magnums of Champagne in a roof-top patio surrounded by beautiful women. Inevitably I awake from these delusions to realize that first, unicorns aren’t real and second, I can’t afford to drink Champagne! While there may be nothing I can do […] Continue reading
Main Divide is consistently one of my favourite value producers from New Zealand and this delicious Riesling delivers the goods. Based out of the area of Waipara on New Zealand’s South Island, Main Divide focuses on crafting wines that retain the purity and freshness that this cooler climate delivers. Made in an off-dry style, the 2008 […] Continue reading
Perhaps no other entity on earth is as synonymous with luxury as Champagne. The addition of Champagne can make a special occasion spectacular, a memorable evening unforgettable and turn a gathering into a party. A great Champagne is experienced rather than tasted and should balance complexity and depth with finesse and lightness. Although Champagne continues to become more and more […] Continue reading
The transition from Summer into Fall also marks a transition for many wine lovers from the fun and fresh white wines and rose’s built for the patio to more substantial red wine’s to keep us warm by the fire. For those of you looking for a companion for a crisp fall evening Veraton may be […] Continue reading
This is the perfect wine for all those Chardonnay bashers out there. Based out of Paso Robles, California Four Vines is famous for its “in your face” wines and packaging. Known for it’s big, rich Zinfandel and outrageous red blends Four Vines has also been consistently producing one of my favourite un-oaked chardonnay’s for years. Although […] Continue reading
This vibrant red, made by famed Spanish winemaker Alvaro Palacios, is a perennial favourite of mine and a sure bet to bring to your next party or dinner. Made in the famous Spanish region of Rioja and comprised of 50% Tempranillo (one of Spain’s most important grape varieties) and 50% Garnacha (the Spanish name for […] Continue reading
This wine is a perfect example of why the wines from the Valpolicella region of Veneto, Italy are so popular. Valpolicella may be most famous here in Alberta for a style of wine called Amarone, made from grapes dried on mats for months to create a rich, concentrated wine. Although Amarone is indeed a delicious […] Continue reading
