Free My Canadian Grapes & Wine: MP Dan Albas Part 2

In our second video chat, Member of Parliament, Dan Albas, talks about the law he helped to pass that got rid of federal restrictions on shipping wine across Canada. However, important issues remain. We also taste two terrific B.C. wines together and toast to all barriers coming down so that all Canadians can enjoy all Canadian wines.

 

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How would removing all restrictions, including those at the provincial level, affect our wine industry?

Do we really want wineries growing bigger with a more open market or is it more about having more investment in better wine for existing wineries, and the start up of new wineries?

Why aren’t all the provinces getting rid of prohibition era restrictions?

What percentage of wine sold in Canada is from exports versus our own Canadian-produced wine?

Why have we moved from 50% to 70% foreign wine consumed in this country when we’ve had all the go local campaigns and greater awareness of our own wines?

What percentage of Canadian wine is sold from the cellar door?

You can watch part one of our conversation about shipping Canadian wine here.

Dan mentions the Twitter tasting of BC wines, which you can find here.

Note: All of my reviews are done independently and are not paid for by wineries, wine agents or wine associations. Like other wine writers, I am occasionally asked to moderate an in-person panel or online discussion, like the one on Twitter above, as I state in the related posts, and I may or may not be paid for my time to do so. But facilitating a discussion is entirely separate from my actual reviews of the wines, which are done independently.

Here’s how I review wines, including what my scores mean, my tasting notes and my review process.

The wines we tasted during this video:Mission Hill Family Estate Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Mission Hill Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

BC VQA, Okanagan, British Columbia

Subtle, smooth and full-bodied with luscious black fruit and cassis aromas and flavours. A lovely, long finish with somOsoyoos Grand Vine tobacco on the end. Drink: 2012-2016.  776545995100  14%  D  750 mL  $24.99  Score: 90/100.

 

Osoyoos Larose Le Grand Vin 2008, BC VQA, Okanagan Valley, British Columbia

A spectacular blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, merlot and malbec with a solid Bordeaux-like structure. The Okanagan signature is fully present here with a generosity of dark fruit aromas and rich, full-bodied weight. A long, satisfying finish. Pair with: prime rib, lamb with rosemary. Drink: 2012-2020.  626325  13.80%  XD  750 mL  $45.95  Score: 93/100.

You may also enjoy these video chats:

BC’s Painted Rock Winery: How are wine prices set? Is expensive always better? John Skinner, Painted Rock Winery

Prince Edward County versus Niagara wines: How are they different? Challenges? Norm Hardie, Norman Hardie Wines

Niagara’s Southbrook Vineyards: Do biodynamic wines taste better? Healthier? We chat with winemaker Ann Sperling, Southbrook Vineyards

Shipping Canadian wine across borders with Bill C-311: Shirley-Ann George talks about the Free My Grapes campaign

See all wine video chats here.

 

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