Recent Posts

Topic : Private Wine Retailing / Private Wine Retailing in Ontario

David recently posted a blog on Private Wine Retailing in Ontario. He mentions that the solution needs to come from the will of consumers. So, let’s hear what you think.

Topic : Winemaking / Making Wine from Kits

A common kit should include all the basics so you can start making wine right away. The most typical ingredient within wine fermentation is yeast, of which there are different types depending on quality.

Topic : So, You Think You Know Wine? / So, You Think You Know Wine?

Wine is the name of the world’s most famous dazzling wine. We also know and love comes exclusively from the wine region of France, and claims the honor of being the most famous of the sparkling wines.

Topic : Wine & Food Pairings / Pumpkin Gnocchi

That’s a bit of a challenge – it sounds like an inherently sweet dish, which would call for a touch of sweetness in the wine, but the artichoke has the annoying habit of making wines taste sweeter than they already are, which may not be desirable. In this case i’d still go for a wine with some implicit sweetness, but also highish acid, such as cooler climate pinot gris (alsace), viognier (central coast Cali, rhone) or chardonnay aged in wood (Ontario)- which will play nicely with nutmeg/butter/sage. Let me know how it goes in any case -only direct experience really matters! J. Szabo

Topic : Wine & Food Pairings / Pumpkin Gnocchi

Hi there,

New to the world of wine & food pairings. Looking for some advice:
I am making pumpkin-gnocchi. It will be topped with an artichoke puree with sage and nutmeg.
The general consensus through Google seems to be a Riesling, thought I pictured a warmer red.
Any thoughts would be much appreciated!

Thanks,

Erin

Topic : Wine 101 / Defining 'cheap wine'..

I have to believe that the thought that more expensive wine is more healthy than cheap wine is mostly fiction. I have not heard of such a thing before, though perhaps less expensive reds might be lower in polyphenols? Who knows?

As far as drawing the line between cheap and expensive, even excluding an individual’s budget, this is tricky. For example, a $20 red from the Languedoc is relatively expensive for that region whereas a $20 red Burgundy is an entry level wine.

Topic : Wine 101 / Defining 'cheap wine'..

While watching a golf interview on TV a few days ago, the golfer mentioned about having heart problems (hereditary) over the years and the drinking of wine topic came up and he said to stay away from cheap wine..firstly, wondering why this would have a bearing on one’s health, secondly, from a price standpoint, where is the fine line drawn between cheap and expensive?..excluding the reasoning being a matter of an individuals budget.

Topic : VQA / 2012 Harvest in Ontario

You have to try the 2010 reds from PondView, Kacaba, Lailey, StoneyRidge (excellence), and Fielding. 2010 was a great vintage for reds in Niagara, no need to wait for the 2012s

Cheers,

niagarawinevideos.com

Topic : Looking for that bottle of wine? / Malbec Killka Argentina

The Producer for the Killka Malbec is Bodegas Salentein. Though it may not be in stores, you may be able to order wine through the Ontario Agent. The most recent Agent we have listed for that Producer is : Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Ltd. http://www.diamondwines.com Give them a try. Alternatively, search for ‘Malbec’ and ‘Uco Valley’ region on or website and you may find some available alternatives. Hope that helps. Sorry I couldn’t reply sooner.

Topic : Winemaking / Making Wine from Kits

Sure juices and concentrates are easier to handlae. but based on my own experience (20 years+) fresh juices are worth the extra effort. But Just because you start with pinot grapes do not expect to end up with Clos Vougeot….

Topic : Wine 101 / Santa Carolina 2012 Screw Tops

Sounds like a defect but really it could be either a defect or tampering. Just take the wines back to the store and have them replaced. Also, you should insist that someone in the store inspect other bottles to see if it is a widespread issue or just a few bottles.

Topic : Wine 101 / Santa Carolina 2012 Screw Tops

Just got the Santa Carolina Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 on the previous Top 50 list. The screw tops seals were broken on both underneath the wrap. When I peeled off the wrap on the Cab, the screw top opened without the telltale cracking sound. The wine almost tasted sweet like a Port (or Yellow Tail!). On the unopened Merlot, I inspected the wrap and the whole screw top assembly rotated loosely (both the cap and the collar underneath). It was clear that the cap was rising above the bottle ledge and that it was unsealed underneath the wrap.

My question is, was this something someone did in the store or a defect?

Topic : Looking for that bottle of wine? / Malbec Killka Argentina

Wondering where to purchase a bottle of Killka Malbec? It doesn’t appear LCBO stocks this. Where in Ottawa could i possibly purchase this?

Topic : So, You Think You Know Wine? / Best Wines for Aging?

Watch our site next week as Sara d’Amato and Julian Hitner combine to give us the lowdown on the Union des Grands Crus, which was the LCBO’s Taste and Buy event for the 2010 Bordeaux release. I’m sure that they will be giving you a whole list of wines with excellent cellaring potential.

Topic : Looking for that bottle of wine? / where do i find wines

Eileen, Norm touched on one problem – In that the wine may have come and gone. The other may be that you are not choosing the most current Vintage. I will e-mail you with some tips that may help.

Topic : Looking for that bottle of wine? / where do i find wines

Depends on which wines you are referring to. Are these wines released through Vintages? A few highly sought-after wines will sell out on the morning of the release. Some will sell out within a few days. If you are searching for wines that were released more than a few months ago, most will have sold-out by now.

Can you provide a few examples?

Topic : Looking for that bottle of wine? / where do i find wines

why is it that every wine I search for is not stocked in any LCBO stores? where am I supposed to get these wines?

Topic : So, You Think You Know Wine? / Best Wines for Aging?

Try taking a look at the LCBO Futures. Really great variety of wines, most with aging recommendations. A wide range of pricing as well.

Topic : Looking for that bottle of wine? / Cristal, 1994 selling?

I’d be interested in talking to you about if you still have it for sale.

Topic : Looking for that bottle of wine? / 1991 Piesporter Goldtropfchen Riesling Qualitatswein

I’m looking for a bottle of white wine to replace that…of which was damaged. I Have been married for 20 years this year and before my 25th anniversary I would like to replace the bottle I saved from our honeymoon. It was bottled by Leonard Kreusch Inc Moonachie NJ. Can any one help me… Please email me.

Topic : Wine 101 / Port?

I know little (maybe nothing) about port – hoping to hear from someone with a recommendation for a port
that is easy to sip, matches well with cheeses and needn’t be relegated to after-dinner status.

Topic : Wine & Food Pairings / Pork osso bucco a la milanese

The classic choice: Brunello.

Topic : Wine & Food Pairings / Pork osso bucco a la milanese

Hi, anybody have a suggestion for this meal? Thanks in advance

Topic : So, You Think You Know Wine? / Best Wines for Aging?

Dave, try wine-searcher.com . you should be able to find any wine that you are looking for.

BTW, Zachy’s has the ‘08 St Henri for $63, though Zachy’s is more known for their wide selection than low prices.

Or, the ’07 for $53.95 at Empire Wines, one of my fav stores to shop at online when I am going to visit the US.

Topic : So, You Think You Know Wine? / Best Wines for Aging?

Thanks Norm, any links would be great.