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Jane Staples

Jane Staples Certified Sommelier

Verified Member
34 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 95/100

Pronounce: toe-ki ah-tsu Award-winning Tokaji Aszú has an interesting history. It was once one of the most coveted wines in the world, cherished by royal customers including Hungarian noblemen, Peter the Great, King Louis XIV and Catherine the Great. Apparently the Austrian composer Joseph Haydn received some of his payments in the form of this wine. When you taste it, you’ll understand why. This beloved Hungarian dessert wine is made using mostly grapes (Furmint variety) that are affected by a beneficial mould called Botrytis cinerea. In grapes, this mould is beneficial because it concentrates the grape’s sugars and adds distinctive aromas of ginger and saffron. 5 puttonyos refers to the number of 25L baskets of these botryised grapes that are added to the wine barrel; the more baskets added, the sweeter the wine. Tokaji Aszú is a sensuous, satiny, smooth nectar with luscious layers of aromas and flavours: apricot jam, tangerine, honey, ginger and marzipan. There’s a delicate floral aspect on the nose, too. It’s a rich wine yet it feels silky on the tongue. All this flavour is balanced with perfect acidity and a heavenly lingering finish. It’s one of those wines that you never forget once you taste it. Pair it with marzipan chocolates, Crème Brulèe or biscotti. Tasted February 2024 Jane Staples www.ottawalife.com

Cocchi Storico

Giulio Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino

Piedmont, Italy
61 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 91/100

Cocchi Storico Vermouth di Torino Rosso presents with a pretty rosy amber colour and an aromatic nose, giving appetizing fruity and spicy notes. There’s a characteristic sweetness on the rich palate with flavours of cocoa, citrus, rhubarb and herbs, balanced by an appealing current of bitterness. It was delicious poured over ice but is well-known as an ingredient in several popular cocktails, such as the Negroni and Manhattan. I loved it immediately and can see why it is considered the gold standard for Italian vermouth. It’s a mouthwatering aperitif paired with olives and hard cheeses such as italian Pecorino. Tasted Jan., 2024 Jane Staples www.ottawalife.com

121 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 97/100

Bright yellow in colour and highly perfumed, with the nose giving grapefruit, bergamot and ginger, with flinty and white pepper notes. The palate is voluptuous, giving an outstanding silky, satiny mouthfeel with flavours of Amalfi lemon, grapefruit zest, ginger, saline minerality and a touch of honey that evolves on the finish. The wine has a very persistent and aromatic finish which makes it highly memorable. Pair it with lobster, goat cheese or veal. Tasted November, 2023

132 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 90/100

An elegant Cab Sauv made in the Old World style, i.e., lighter in body than the New World style. It shows the typical blackcurrant and herbal notes but with a lighter body and mouthfeel, making it even more versatile than usual in a Cab. It has refined, soft tannins and a lovely persistent, aromatic finish. Food pairings include red meats, such as game or prime roast beef, mushroom soup or risotto, as well as hot and spicy dishes and mature cheeses. Because it is lighter-bodied, you can also chill it slightly and serve it at 13C with salmon. This wine offers excellent value at this price. Tasted Sept., 2023

Santa Margherita Rosé 2022

Trevenezie, Veneto I.G.T., Italy
132 days ago

Jane scored this wine: 91/100

This beautiful salmon pink Rosé is a tribute to the founder, Count Gaetano Marzotto’s beloved Venetian Region. It is crafted from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes. I’m a big Rosé aficionado, and this elegant wine showcases the many reasons why I love it. It’s crisp and dry with mouthwatering acidity. Delicate aromas and floral notes, along with fresh pear, herbal hints and a touch of pink pepper on the palate, are a sensual delight. Vinification in stainless steel tanks, not oak, optimizes the delicate flavours of the wine. The gorgeous colours add visual impact. The mouthwatering acidity makes Santa Margherita Rosé pair well with many foods, such as classic Caesar and Niçoise salads, pasta and risotto dishes, grilled meats, seafood, and soft cheeses. Tasted Sept. 2023 at the Santa Margherita Sustainablitiy Retreat

Jane Staples

Verified Member Wine BloggerVisit Jane's Website

Memorable Wine

Perrier-Jouet Champagne on the plane home from Paris.

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First Wine

Folonari Valpolicella

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Current Fav Wine

Faustino1 Rioja Gran Reserva 2010

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