Pat’s Smoked Trout Appetizers Paired with Riesling By Pat Anderson Who doesn’t love a crispy little ball of goodness that you can pop in your mouth between sips of wine? This is a mash-up of three different recipes, so I could come up with something original to serve guests as an appetizer with a chilled dry Riesling wine. The origins are taramasalata, a smoked trout and cream cheese spread, and a lamb croquettes recipe. Somehow, in the hot summer, I find cream cheese a bit cloying, and although I love taramasalata, I know it’s an acquired taste, and it can […]
Month: August 2011
How to Taste Wine, describe it and understand what’s going on in the glass
“Now ladies and gentlemen, if you will each raise your wine glass to your nose I’m sure that you will agree that the scent of black cherry, cinnamon, truffle and the slightest hint of wet stone quite typically displays the varietal character of this wine.” What the hell! Am I the only person in the room that has a problem with this? Judging by the expression on the lady’s face sitting across from me, apparently not – in fact, I think the cork just flew over her head. “Is it wrong that all I smell is red wine?” she […]
Top food and wine apps by Toronto Star include the bar code bottle scanning app
We are thrilled that the Toronto Star recommended our app as one of the essential food and wine apps. The story doesn’t appear to be online yet, but here’s the print version … If you’re older than 24 and can’t read this text, here it is: Natalie MacLean Wine Picks & Pairings Free; iPhone, iPad, Android, Blackberry Perhaps the only wine app you’ll ever need. A search for what goes best with sauvignon blanc turns up a list of suggestions including friend chicken and dim sum. Select a wine to read the reviews, check its availability at your nearest LCBO […]
Plan your food and wine vacation in BC with these tips
Sponsored Post British Columbia is one of the best places to spend a vacation filled with sipping local wines and sampling homegrown food. Check out BC Trip ideas, which will tempt you to have a wonderfully indulgent summer. Here’s a snapshot of the trip ideas you’ll find: • Stop and taste award-winning Gewurztraminers along Corkscrew Drive near Penticton. • Try a blackberry port-style wine at a First Nations–owned winery on Vancouver Island. • Go on a chef-led tour through Vancouver’s Granville Island Public Market, where its stalls are filled to the brim with fresh fruit, vegetables, local meats and cheeses. […]
Stellar Cellar Wines from the Rhone, Bordeaux, Australia and Italy for August 20
By Gaby Israel All of the following wines can sit in the cellar for 8-12+ years (in ideal conditions) which makes them GPCi-worthy: the cost divided by the number of cellaring years is lower than 3.5. Depending on your budget this weekend, I’d buy 2-6 bottles from each. 2008 Pirramimma Cab Sauv $24.95 – Pirramimma has never produced anything less than exciting. From their beautiful Petit Verdot, to Shiraz and this Cab Sauv. Just bang-on and affordable. 2007 Dauvergne Ranvier Vin Rare Gigondas $31.95 – The Gigondas is a bit more expensive than usual (most 07 are sold at the […]
Cellar Wines from Bargains to Blockbusters
By Gaby Israel Looking for some wine bargains at the LCBO. Out of the latest Bin End Sales list, here are a few wines that are definitely worth trying now: For the cellar for less: 2007 CHATEAU DES CHARMES EQUULEUS – $24.95 – one of the best red wines from Ontario IMHO. A fabulous representation of the 2007 vintage in Ontario. A left bank Bordeaux blend. Well balanced. Decant for 2 hours. Expect shaved pencil notes integrated with lovely black currant flavours and a lovely finish that calls for more. Can be cellared for another 7-10 years which makes it […]
Pairing Wine and Tomatoes is a Delicious Challenge
Bill Daley, the superb wine columnist from the Chicago Tribune, asked for my tips on pairing wine with tomatoes. You can find more of my tomato and wine pairings in the Drinks Matcher: click on Start with a Food, then Vegetables/Salads. These pairings are also in the mobile wine apps for iPhone, iPod Touch, Android and Blackberry. Since we’re just coming into tomato season, we have lots of delicious days ahead of us! Cheers, Natalie Bill Daley A ripe tomato deserves to be showcased at the table with, at least, a sprinkling of good salt and, at most, a […]
Robust Shiraz and Syrah, Zesty Sauvignon Blanc, Luscious Chardonnay in the August 20 Vintages Release of Wines
Heavy hitter shiraz and syrah from Australia and the Rhone Valley are among my top wines in the August 20 Vintages Release. There are also refreshing some refreshing sauvignon blanc from Chile and New Zealand and lusciously rich chardonnay from several regions. You can get all 66 of the best wines and bargain wines that I’ve recommended that encompass many price points, styles and regions by subscribing to my wine reviews. It always helps to have some back-up choices in case those below are already sold out. You can also add my Top Wine Picks to your custom shopping list […]
Pizza Pleasures in the Park Paired with a Crisp Sparkling Wine or Rose
August 15 is a big day of celebration in Italy. On Ferragosto, Assumption Day, Italians leave the big cities and head for the beaches and mountains to indulge in great food and family fun. Let’s join the celebrations and organize a picnic of tasty Italian fare right here in Canada. We’re going to prepare a delicious and easy Italian pizza, surround it with a platter of Canadian cheeses, and pair them with Italian wines. The beauty of pizza is that it’s great at room temperature. Make life easy on yourself and prepare the pizza the day before the picnic. […]
Zinfandel and Spicy Barbeque Sauce Make a Terrific Wine and Food Match
By Shari Goodman You can quickly make a complex and intense homemade barbecue sauce that sizzles. Simply blend all ingredients, then add smoke and meat, and you’ll have a license to grill. Sip some Zin with this ‘Que. Redemption Zinfandel 2007 ($21.95, LCBO) is peppery and full of blackberries worthy of tasting on its own, but it can easily battle it out with a steak. This bottle is from the Sonoma County in California where Zinfandels have a well-earned reputation. Barbeque is a summer ritual: gathering around the grill, catching up with friends and sipping something sippable. It’s quick, easy […]
