Newsletter #230 - Why Ontario Will Never Go Private

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OntarioWineReview Newsletter 230 May 2014

• OntarioWineReview: Why Ontario Will Never Go Private
  

• Grape Guy’s Picks of the Bunch: New and Noteworthy Wines
  

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

• Wine Event Spotlight: 7 Events That Caught My Eye
  

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OntarioWineReview:  Why Ontario Will Never Go Private

I’ll come right out and tell you the reason Ontario will never go for private liquor stores … focus.

First it was the Beer Store.  Then it was Pairs Perfectly.  Now it’s overhauling the VQA.  What’s next?  Where does it stop?  Can we please just pick an issue and make it last longer than a week … heck we should take a lesson from CNN here … they’ve stuck with a news story that affected 278 passengers and about a 1000+ family members.  We have an entire province worth of people and we can’t keep a collective issue in our sub-conscious longer than the course of one news cycle.  It’s enough to make one want to run for cover.  I now know why people run away into the woods and live like hermit – who needs the craziness; as my grade 11 history teacher used to say, “Focus people, focus.”

Let’s look at some of these fleeting issues:

Ontario is deep into an election campaign and the best thing done so far is a little initiative from the Wine Council called “Pairs Perfectly”.  They’ve backed it with radio and television promos and in truth they make a lot of sense.  Ontario is one of the only provinces not to have some sort of private system in place, either along with their provincial monopoly (a la British Columbia) or fully privatized (a la Alberta).  This initiative seemed to be already formed and waiting in the wings:  no sooner had an election been called than the “Pairs Perfectly” slogan was in my inbox (with its twitter handle @PairsPerfectly, hashtag #PairsPerfectly and website PairsPerfectly.com), articles were written to explain the notion, social media seemed abuzz from wineries to writers to the average-Joe, all were tweeting, re-tweeting, blogging, tumbling, gramming, hooting, hollering, casting, accosting and I initially thought, “Wow, the buzz is really out there, this just might have legs, or at least more legs that that ‘My Wine Shop’ that seemed to go nowhere.”

But 6 weeks is a long time in the political realm, just ask Rob Ford, so much can happen over the course of 6 weeks that can turn the tide on a well-thought-out, well-organized plan of attack.  Instead of the Ontario booze media jumping whole hog onto the initiative and writing piece after piece after piece about the benefits of privatization to keep the idea in our collective consciousness, a new issue has come along to polarize: the VQA, which I have repeatedly said is a sham of a system, most notably because of its tasting panel.  Now there’s a new horse to ride, a newer and shinier issue to get all worked up about.  The VQA is easy pickings because it is so wrong, crushes creativity and stymies’ our winemakers making them think “will this pass VQA”.  Every winery has come into conflict with it at least once in its existence and it needs an overhaul (radical? Maybe not, but definitely a big tweek).

But this is not the first time the wine industry has screwed themselves out of making poitical hay.  For years now the wine industry has been at loggerheads with itself because two organizations are butting heads, the Wine Council of Ontario (WCO) and the Winery & Grower Alliance of Ontario (WGAO) … in essence they should be fighting for the same thing, but because the major components of each organization are so different they can’t.  WCO is comprised of Ontario’s small wineries, while the WGAO is the voice of the bigger wineries: one wants a market that’s open and freer while the other already has access to a deeper freer market and doesn’t want to open anything up.  Both these organization lobby the government hard for what its members want – but because it is far from a unified voice the government in charge has no idea which way to turn.

The only thing that’s Perfectly Paired here are the elements for a storm that is brewing … it pairs perfectly enough that nothing is getting done and that’s where Ontario falls short:  the wineries are not unified, the media is not unified behind a single issue and so the people see nothing wrong with what is going on because they keep hearing different stories and don’t know what to believe.

I believe this:  Ontario is a mess and is destined to remain that way long after this election season has been put to bed.  We already know the Liberals position on privatization of any sort (over their dead body); the NDP seem in lockstep with the Liberals train of thought because it would disrupt union jobs.  And the Conservatives, before the campaign the only party willing to talk privatization, have somehow gone mute about the whole issue – as if someone told them not to rock the boat; which makes them the wild card.  But if history shows us anything it’s doubtful it’ll get past committee if it ever does come up.

And don’t even get me started on the asinine things happening on the beer side of the ledger.  The Beer Store’s cockamamie campaign against corner stores carrying the product that they have a duopoly to sell (with the LCBO), is as misguided and ill-conceived as any I can think of.  Does beer not also get sold in corner stores in other provinces?  Are all those owners corrupt-minor-sellers?  It seems to have galvanized the public against them; especially when people find out they aren’t government controlled; which a vast majority of the province was under the false notion it was.  This also took focus away from the larger issue of an open and freer market for all in the alcohol industry (craft brewers, craft winemakers, etc.)

And because there is no focus, no clarity, and no political will, Ontario is destined to continue on it erroneous, imperfect path when it comes to its alcohol system, while other provinces leave them in their dust, moving forward, opening doors, creating a buzz, and reaping the tax and choice benefits of a free system, or at least a system where private enterprise has a seat at the table.

Is the Wine Council right about Pairs Perfectly?  You bet.
Is VQA in desperate need of changing?  Of course.
Does this province really need two competing voices lobbing for the wine industry?  Absolutely not.
Does the Beer Store deserve a kick in the nuts for its misguided ad campaign?  Certainly, and then some.
Will change ever happen in Ontario?  Not if we continue down this same path. 

Ontario politicians and Ontarians themselves lack focus and the stomach for change currently – change is scary, but when it’s right it’s right and no amount of head-in-the-sand-action can overcome that.  Look, we can all change focus and direction like a weathervane, but until we pick one issue: be it ‘Pairs Perfectly’, The changes at The Beer Store, revamping VQA or a unified voice for the wineries of Ontario and stick with it for more than a week, AND truly get behind it, then sadly change will not come to this province … period, full stop.

Too many voices.  Too many issues.  Too much din.  Too little change.  It all makes sense to me now … what about you?

Grape Guy’s Picks of the Bunch: New and Noteworthy Wines

Reif 2012 Gewurztraminer Reserve - $19.95 (W)
www.reifestate.com
I know too many people who avoid Gewurztraminer, many just because of the name – but I’m telling you it can be such a beautiful wine, one worth exploring, especially with friends (so you can see that others mangle the name just as badly as you).  This Reif Reserve version is a real winner on all fronts and one really worth discovering:  aromas abound – apricot, honey, lychee, clove, rose petal, lemon juice and spiced orange … whew, and after all that who’s got time to taste – but trust me it’s worth it too: dried apricot, floral, clove and orange notes … smooth with a nice balance of acidity and a long lovely finish.  Price: $19.95 - Rating: ****+

Inniskillin 2011 Merlot Reserve - $24.95 (W)
www.inniskillin.com
I tasted this one during one of the classes I teach – I love listening to students tell me they are not fans of a certain type of wine and changing their minds … this 2011 Inniskillin number turned a lot of heads from the nose to the palate.  Smells of cherry, plum, red currant and vanilla; palate is smooth and fully red-fruit, mainly cherry, along with some plum – supple and silky this Merlot shows some real finesse and is integrated well between the wood, fruit and acidity for easy drinking enjoyment.  Price: $24.95 - Rating: ****

Rosewood 2012 La Fumee – Origin Series - $26.00 (W)
www.rosewoodwine.com
A new series of wines from the folks at Rosewood with impressive new packaging; but besides being nice to look at what does this all mean to you the wine drinker?  A nose of floral, grass, citrus pith and beeswax leads to a lovely vanilla-grassy palate that also delivers on melon and floral.  It’s surprisingly refreshing with lots of palate pleasing notes and a long finish that highlights the pith accents and good acidity.  Price: $26.00 – Rating: ****

Rockway Vineyards 2011 Meritage, Small Lot - $19.95 (W)
www.rockway.net
There was a time that I never thought I’d recommend a Rockway wine again … that was before they hired new winemaker David Stasiuk and got a new lease on their wine program, with a great focus on quality wines.  This Meritage is one of those wines that shows that commitment.  38% each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc backed by Merlot with 18-months in barrel.  It has a swoon-inducing aroma of red berry and chocolate with hints of spice and smoke … the palate follows with white pepper, raspberry, cherry fruit and spiced dark chocolate; absolutely full of flavour here.  The finish has a kiss of anise and white pepper all amongst that great fruit driven aspect.  Price: $19.95 – Rating: ****+

Foreign Affair 2010 Petit Verdot - $49.95 (W)
www.foreignaffairwine.com
This is a grape with a growing following amongst wineries in Niagara.  Foreign Affair dries 14.5% of the fruit thus raising the alcohol level to a whopping 14.8%; they then age the wine 18-20 months in 30-35% new oak.  This gives the wine aromas of white pepper, chocolate, cassis and blackberry; palate-wise we’re looking at rich chocolate, cassis, white pepper, gentle spice and nice tannin bite.  Price: $49.95 – Rating: ****

Redstone 2011 Chardonnay Estate - $31.95 (O)
www.redstonewines.ca
“We broke the rules we set for ourselves at Tawse,” said Redstone winemaker Rene Van Ede; he was referring to the single vineyard Chardonnays they produce at the parent winery.  This is a barrel and vineyard selection that just comes off beautifully.  Aromas of mineral and peach pit along with buttery vanilla extract and grilled apricot … Palate is just as exciting to taste as the aromas are to smell: vanilla-butter with caramel apple, mineral, good balancing acidity and a prolonged enjoyable finish.  Price: $31.95 – Rating: ****

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

Rosé Wine Week
Video #73 – Pondview 2013 Cabernet Franc Rosé
Video #74 – Flat Rock 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé
Video #75 – Calamus 2012 '125 Rosé'
Video #76 – Malivoire 2013 Moira Rosé
Video #77 – Henry of Pelham 2013 Rosé

Regular Weekly Videos
Video #78 – Bachelder 2011 Chardonnay, Niagara

NEW – Quench By Tidings … #Wine Wednesday (see them all here)
A Few "Ontario Wine Awards" Winners
Riesling to the Rescue

On the Road with the Grape Guy
(Trips, tours and tastings – join me as I review the highs, and sometimes, the lows)
The New Sip & Sizzle, Niagara-on-the-Lake (Part 2)

Lost and Found (blog):
(Wines that got "lost" in my cellar - some are Treasures others Trash … Find out what happened)
Nothing New This Week - Check out past reviews here

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

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)
May 24 release report up now
June 7 coming soon

Words to Live By

Words to Live By

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Wine Event Spotlight: 7 Events That Caught My Eye

2014 Jackson-Triggs Amphitheatre Summer Concert Season ... the season has been announced with performed such as Sam Roberts, Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea, Jesse Cook, Colin James and the return of Chantal Kreviazuk (plus others) this concert series is one of the highlights of the summer in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Tickets went on sale yesterday and some shows sell out quick so now's the time to check out whose coming, when and grab a couple of tickets.  See the complete line up here.

CiderFest at Puddicombe ... June 20 and 21 - check out the details here

Graze the Bench is Back ... Each spring, 8 wineries celebrate the Bench by pouring new and favourite vintages, inviting their favourite chefs to create inspired dishes, and adding some live bands into the mix. Graze the Bench has quickly become one of the most popular events in Niagara Wine Country, and they're thrilled to share the bounty of the Bench with you again June 7-8, 2014.  Find all the details here.

Ontario Wine Awards Winemakers Dinner ... hosted by Tony Aspler and featuring Gold Medal Wines from this year's Ontario Wine Awards: Thursday, June 19, 2014 at Crush Wine Bar, 455 King Street West, Toronto - Only 100 tickets will be sold to this exclusive event:  6:00 pm Sparkling Wine Reception & Hors D'Oeuvres - 7:00 pm Dinner (5-courses including dessert) - Ticket Price: $165, plus HST ... all the details can be found here.

Tawse Summer Soltice … Jim Cuddy returns to Tawse “for another magical evening under the stars” full of music, food and wine.  June 28, 2014

The 8th Annual Six4Six - Tickets on sale NOW ... Legend has it that this event was thought of over a barrel tasting between Huff winemaker Frederic Picard and Chef Bryan Steele.  While tasting the same grape through various barrel vintages they came up with the idea to match particular dishes with various barrel samples of chardonnay and pinot noir, and Six Barrels for Six Chefs was born.  Book your tickets now for one of the best food and wine events in Ontario.  Friday July 11, 2014 at Huff Estates in Prince Edward County Find all the details here

Wine Country's Favourite Summer Festival is Back! ... Trius Jazz: July 12, 2014 and Trius Blues: August 9, 2014.  Trius Jazz & Blues at the Winery has been bringing premier Canadian talent to Niagara's wine country for 25 years. This year marks their 25th anniversary.  Choose from a variety of ticket options and experiences that include Vineyard Lawn Seating, Trius Red Lounge, Trius Winery Restaurant Patio Seating and Backstage Pass.  Get your tickets and find more info here.

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.

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© OntarioWineReview.com 2014. 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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