Newsletter #216 - Feedback and Other Fun

31 Oct 2013

OntarioWineReview Newsletter 216

October 2013

 

  • OntarioWineReview: Feedback and Other Fun

  • Grape Guy’s Picks of the Bunch: It's All Here:  Pinot, Merlot, Cabs and Chardonnay

  • Bi-Weekly OWR UpdatesWine Videos, Blog Additions and more

  • Wine Event Spotlight: Two Special Events in November

This week because of the link-heavy nature of the newsletter we have not created a PDF version.  If you miss the PDF version and use it religiously let us know.

OntarioWineReview:  Do You Brew

News from Right Here At Home …

The Foreign Affair Winery Presented The Minister’s Award For Innovation By Premier Wynne  … for their innovative approach to wine making and their commitment to Ontario viniculture.

The Hidden treasures along Huron’s west coast … Along the Lake Huron shoreline from Port Albert, north of Goderich to Grand Bend there are 150 square km that can become Ontario’s next big wine region.  For the past four years Huron County’s Economic Development Department has researched soil and weather conditions between these communities. This 40-klm stretch will support 150 square km of wineries and thousands of acres of viniculture.  The rich rolling hills peak about three miles west of the Lake Huron shoreline. Their highest point is higher than the Niagara escarpment.  The Huron research results rivals the renowned #1 wine region of France that includes Alsace. Champagne, northern Burgundy and the Loire Valley. Each of the French regions produce world famous wines with soil conditions and weather conditions that are similar to those found in Huron County.

2014 Official VQA Wines of Ontario’s Legislative Assembly … Red Wine: 2010 Corposo (Ripasso Style) and White Wine:  2011 Cavallone (Pinot Grigio) – both wines from Colaneri Estate WInery

News from Around the World …

Burgundy's Louis Jadot Purchases Oregon Pinot Noir Vineyard … “Maison Louis Jadot, the Burgundy-based négociant, has purchased a vineyard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and will produce an Oregon Pinot Noir beginning with the 2013 vintage.”  (read more)

Israel Wine Consumption, Exports Jump … “Israel's celebrated wine industry is set to get even bigger in the near future. An additional 2,000 dunams of vineyards dedicated to wine-making grapes will be planted this coming season, with the support of the Agricultural Ministry. The vineyards will be planted in all parts of Israel, the Ministry said.”  (read more)

France set for poor wine grape harvest … “France is facing one of its poorest wine grape harvests in four decades, forecasts show, due to a cold and rainy northern spring and severe hail storms.  The 2013 harvest is expected to reach just 43.5 millions hectolitres - well below the 10-year average of 45.4 million, according to forecasts from the FranceAgriMer public agricultural service.”  (read more)

Italian archaeologists have grape expectations of their ancient wine … “Archeologists in Italy have set about making red wine exactly as the ancient Romans did, to see what it tastes like.  Based at the University of Catania in Sicily and supported by Italy's national research centre, a team has planted a vineyard near Catania using techniques copied from ancient texts and expects its first vintage within four years”  (read more)

Torbreck Owner Ousts Founder Dave Powell From Australian Winery … “Dave Powell has parted company with Australia's Torbreck Vintners, the celebrated Barossa Valley winery he founded in 1994. The winery’s owner, Pete Kight, who also owns Quivira Vineyards and Winery in California’s Dry Creek Valley, did not renew Powell’s employment agreement, and Powell left the winery in August.”  (read more)

Hardys owners splash out $15m to revitalise brand … “The private equity owners of Australia's biggest winemaker, Accolade Wines, will pour $15 million into refreshing its flagship Hardys brand to bolster the 160-year-old label's dominance in Britain and prepare for a new assault on the Asian and North American markets.”  (read more)

From the files of the totally tasteless …
Italian 'Hitler wine' leaves bad taste with tourists … “A Norwegian couple were "astonished" after popping into a shop in Rimini in search of a fine bottle of Italian wine and instead of a pleasant vineyard image on the label, they were met with the face of Adolf Hitler.”  (read more)

____________________________________________

Feedback Forum - What Your Fellow Readers are Saying …

Re: Newsletter #213:  Think Outside the Board

“I live in Niagara Falls and went to the store on the morning it opened (since I had a dentist appt. across the street!) I wandered in and out of the area that had been set up AT THE BACK OF THE STORE for VQA wines. There were many LCBO types all dressed up waiting for some kind of ceremony, I guess, to officially open it. Anyway, at no time did any of those officials offer to help me find wine or even approach me for comment or to give me information. They were quite busy praising themselves on how nice it all looked … The store in question is not in the tourist area as one of the people assumed in their comments to you. I worked for a promotion company a few times in the store that is in the tourist zone and I was struck by how often people from other countries came in wanting information on local wines but there was no one to help them. If I could have helped I would have but I was glued to my little pouring station … You mention that the LCBO thinks they have addressed the concerns of mywineshop.ca by doing this but that is not what in fact they have done (as you know). They still have the same issues they have always had with long delays in releasing wines, lot size and price requirements, shelf stocking fees etc. An independent system along side of the LCBO would still be better for the consumer. People just need info on how different it would be with independent stores.”  - Nancy

“I still don't think you are right.  I think the LCBO put the stores in wine regions hoping and expecting them to fail because of the large number of alternatives, so they could turn to the world and say "Look, we tried, no one wants this stuff." But then perhaps I am more cynical than anyone else.”  - R. Jones

“This new store is exactly as you indicate, unfair Walmartish competition in a wine region. The new, similar store in Rossmore, across the bridge in the County from Bellevile is almost ready to open, and the LCBO will be building a HUGE new store in Picton next year, utilizing the property they own there now, and two adjoining properties they purchased earlier this year to allow them to expand ... Private wine stores now! Co-operative regional wine stores now!” – G. Heinricks

“the Government can't control people by determining their job, their future etc.  People know themselves what profession they are rightly suited to.  Ontario's wine scene would absolutely flourish and the economy would boom if the government would let the people who are naturally talented and passionate about promoting Ontario wine,  sell it.  I think the LCBO knows that people might actually start buying Ontario wine, and they would lose profits because people would stop purchasing cheap Aussie wines… which are probably given to the LCBO for free.  I'm sure the LCBO gets huge kickbacks from selling international brands, and this is why the focus will never truly be to sell Ontario wines ... it's really sad to watch our democratically elected government turn a blind eye to the LCBO Gestapo,  that we all know are incredibly greedy and pompously ignorant.” - Brad


Re: Newsletter #214: Impassioned Pleas and Deaf Ears

“Good article on LCBO/wine distribution/politics. I am originally from Montreal where, as you know, beer and wine is available at the corner store. Why not Ontario? Why does it have its head up its ass? And yes I am sick of Ontario governments not taking any action and only talking. Maddening yes. Even comical if it wasn't so sad.” – R. Stephen


Grape Guy’s Picks of the Bunch: It's All Here: Pinot, Merlot, Cabs and Chardonnay

Colaneri 2010 ‘Corposo’ - $18.95 (W)
www.colaneriwines.com

This continues to be one of my favourites from Colaneir, probably because I’m a fan of the Ripasso-style wines it is patterned after made famous in Veneto, Italy.  This is a 3 grape blend of Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Merlot.  The nose is anise, cherry and spice which can’t prepare you for a palate that shows elegant complexity:  spiced-cherry, vanilla-smoke with a cocoa finish that mixes with a gentle and elegant spiciness and rich raspberry kirsch.  Another delicious version of this wine.  Buy it by the case.  Price: $18.95 – Rating: ****+

Featherstone 2010 Cabernet-Merlot – Onyx - $29.95 (W)
www.featherstonewinery.ca

The ‘Onyx’ label has been part of the Featherstone lexicon for some time … I think I still have a bottle in my cellar – it’s a wine they make only in the exceptional years:  2002, 2005, 2007, 2010 and is a blended red – this year it’s 60% Cabernet Franc (American oak aged) and 40% Merlot (French oak aged).  The nose is smoky with tobacco, anise and black raspberry … the palate show some ballsy-ness with anise, raspberry, black cherry, cocoa and a super long smoked-raspberry finish.  Ageability should easy be 5 – 7 years; which reminds me, I should be looking at opening my older one.  Price: $29.95 – Rating: ****+ 

Hinterbrook 2011 Chardonnay Reserve, Barrel Fermented - $19.80 (W)
www.hinterbrook.com

Another delightful oaked Chardonnay … this reserve from Hinterbrook spent 13 months in French oak barrels of which a maximum of 20% was new – that means that the barrel notes in the wine are subtle and not in your face.  The nose is fruit forward with apple, pear and peach along with hints of vanilla.  Palate seems to show more oak with a baked apple core and vanilla-butterscotch finish, there’s also just enough spice to keep it interesting.  Overall a smooth and sexy Chardonnay experience.  Price: $19.80 – Rating: ****+

Lailey 2010 Pinot Noir ‘Old Vines’ - $45.00 (W)
www.laileyvineyard.com

When Lailey designates a wine ‘old vines’ it means the grapes come from their oldest block planted in 1978.  According to winemaker, Derek Barnett, old vines wines get more respect because of the results they deliver (even when using the same yeast):  the wine is always richer in texture, maybe a little less aromatic, but always with more fruit.  Plus these grapes get about a week more hang time … the result is a wine with a simplistic nose of spiced-raspberry and white pepper but with a taste that really sings on the palate: rich raspberry, spiced-peppery-earthy notes with a touch of new leather.  There’s just something here that’ll really get you wanting more.  Price: $45.00 – Rating: ****+

Ravine 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve - $55.00 (W)
www.ravinevineyard.com

Here’s a very pretty Cab from the folks at Ravine: sweet red and black fruit, a touch of anise, vanilla, cinnamon, hints of baking spice and chocolate along with elements of white pepper on the finish elongated by a spiced-cherry replay.  Price: $55.00 – Rating: ****

Southbrook 2009 Cabernet Franc -  Whimsy! “Renewed Vows” - $34.95 (W)
www.southbrook.com

I just don’t have the answer to why this wine is called ‘renewed vows’, I was too enthralled with the wine to ask.  After spending 20 months in oak and making only 8 barrels (190 cases) you’ll wanna jump all over this wine as well without asking too many questions.  First thing you’ll notice is the juiciness of it: raspberry and cherry take charge with smoky-vanilla on the fringes adding their 2 cents worth … really lovely flavour with a nice touch of spice on the finish.  Price: $34.95 – Rating: **** ½

Availability legend:  W (Winery) – L (LCBO/Vintages) –  OL (On-Line).


Bi-Weekly OWR Updates: Wine Videos, Blog Additions and more

The Weekly Wine Videos
Just as the name suggest … every week I'll introduce you to another fabulous Ontario wine that you've just gotta try – Check out the YouTube Channel Now

Pinot Noir Week
Video #36 – Coyote's Run 2011 Black Paw Vineyard Pinot Noir
Video #37 – Rosewood 2010 Pinot Noir Reserve
Video #38 – Flat Rock Cellars 2010 Gravity Pinot Noir
Video #39 – Le Clos Jordanne 2011 Pinot Noir, Le Clos Jordanne Vineyard
Video #40 – Bachelder 2011 Lowrey Vineyard Pinot Noir

Video #41 – Lailey 2011 Brickyard Chardonnay

NEW – Quench By Tidings … #Wine Wednesday (see them all here)
Ontario's Gamay Kings and Princes

On the Road with the Grape Guy
(Trips, tours and tastings – join me as I review the highs, and sometimes, the lows)
Nothing New This Week  ... more coming soon

Lost and Found (blog):
(Wines that got "lost" in my cellar - some are Treasures others Trash … Find out what happened)
Maleta Vineyards 2001 Meritage

Taste it Again Grape Guy (blog)
Find out what has happened to some of my favourites over the years
Nothing New This Week

What I’m Drinking Tonight (blog)
When it’s not an Ontario wine, here’s what I’m pulling out of the cellar
New Posts Added

Vintages Release (blog)
October 26, 2013 – Vintages Release Report
In-Store Discoveries – October 26, 2013


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Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays in November 2013 - 11 am to 5 pm

Taste the Season is Niagara-on-the-Lake’s must-do event in November!
Celebrate the season's bounty with locally inspired VQA wine and food pairings at each of the 27 member wineries.
Tickets are available here

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Wine Event Spotlight:  Two Special Events in November

Jackson-Triggs Niagara Estate Winery is pleased to partner with War Child for a very special benefit on Friday, November 29th, 2013. This festive evening will feature an intimate performance by multiple award winning artist Tom Cochrane, joined by special guest Kathleen Edwards, and culinary delights created by Celebrity Chefs Anna and Michael Olson (Platinum Package) and Jackson-Triggs Estate Chef Tim Mackiddie (Gold and Silver Package).  All proceeds from the event will go to support War Child, an internationally-recognized charity that provides humanitarian assistance to war-affected children in some of the most devastated regions of the world.  Details can be found here.

Slow and Sinful Gala … Slow Food Prince Edward County’s third annual tribute to locally produced champagne-style wines, will be held on November 30th.  Guests will be invited to circulate among small tables where some of the county’s best chefs and Loyalist College Culinary Arts students will be serving savory and sweet offerings paired with thoughtfully selected sparkling wines and specialty distillations.  Little Bluff will delight with their up tempo dance music.  For information on the Gala and Slow Food’s charitable activities and to purchase tickets for the event please visit http://www.slowfoodthecounty.ca/


OntarioWineReview’s bi-weekly newsletter is devoted to the love, enjoyment and promotion of the wines of Ontario and the wineries that make them.

What can the Grape Guy do for you … Michael Pinkus (Grape Guy) provides a variety of wine related services that you might be interested in taking advantage of:  he gives lectures, leads seminars, conducts tastings, sets up tours; consults, selects and judges.  He also gives interviews, broadcasts, podcasts and writes.  Contact the Grape Guy if you require any of these services or have any questions.

Psst, Pass It On
… keep the good wine flowing. Forward this newsletter to your mom in Milton, your son in Smith Falls, or any other family member or loved one that you know needs good wine advice.

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© OntarioWineReview.com 2013. All rights reserved. You may use the content of this newsletter by including full credit to Michael Pinkus, Grape Guy and a link to www.ontariowinereview.com

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