The excitement for the Ottawa Wolf Blass tasting started with a long lineup that snaked down the sidewalk in front of Restaurant 18. The great vibe from the people who attended, Wolf’s rascal humour and the tasty wines made it a wonderful evening. Here’s more on that plus two video clips from CTV News below … Wolf loves women … I couldn’t find any pictures of him with men :) I couldn’t keep up with the tweets during the event, but it was lovely to see how much people enjoyed themselves with the comments […]
Taste Wine
Wolf Blass Wine Tasting: An Unforgettable Evening
What a spectacular evening we had in Toronto last week at the Wolf Blass tasting! A full-house of 90 guests packed the waterside restaurant Against the Grain. As I interviewed Wolf about his experiences, we tasted his wines and some delicious tapas. More details on the event as well as the Canada AM clip below … Here’s the clip from Canada AM … Wolf has a great sense of humour and such a long history in the wine industry. Wolf talks about the wines we’re tasting as did the current winemaker Chris Hatcher. […]
An Unforgettable Evening of Wine, Laughter and Storytelling
Join Natalie MacLean and Wolf Blass in Toronto Sept 10 and Ottawa Sept 17 for a tasting of 12 Wolf Blass wines, a range of sumptuous tapas dishes prepared by Toronto’s award-winning Against the Grain Restaurant and a personally signed copy of Natalie’s book Unquenchable. Natalie MacLean, named the World’s Best Wine Writer at the World Food Media Awards, will interview one of the most witty, provocative and colourful characters from her book Unquenchable: Wolf Blass of Wolf Blass Wines Australia. Yes, this is the man who once described his Red Label Shiraz as “the leg opener,” but he’s also […]
Master Sommelier Video: What it Takes to be a Restaurant Wine Expert
In the video below, Scott Carney, Director of Wine Education at the International Culinary Center, shares his insights on the education and training required to become a Master Sommelier. As well: How is the Master Sommelier different from the Master of Wine? What makes your approach to teaching wine different from other schools? Why is it important for chefs to know about wine if they’re not going to be sommeliers? What are the three most important traits of an excellent sommelier? What trends and changes are you seeing in the sommelier field? We’ll post part two of our conversation in […]
Canadian Wine Deserves More Attention – Occasions Magazine
This interview with columnist Andrew Facey was published in the Newfoundland Liquor Commission magazine Occasions. I interviewed Natalie MacLean, author of the bestselling book: Red, White and Drunk All Over, when she was in St. John’s on tour for her second book: Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World’s Best Bargain Wines. MacLean was named the World’s Best Wine Writer at the World Food Media Awards for the wine picks and pairings she posts on Canada’s largest wine site and mobile smartphone apps at www.nataliemaclean.com. Here are some of the questions I asked and her responses. Andrew: Where is home […]
Appassimento Wine Tasting – Ontario Wine Society
The Faculty Club – University of Toronto 41 Willcocks St., Toronto Monday, May 14, 2012 Reception – 6:00pm Tasting – 6:30pm Interest in producing appassimento-style wines in Ontario is growing rapidly. This grape-drying process, used in Northern Italy to produce famed Amarone wines, is now producing rich and full-bodied wines here in Ontario. Donald Ziraldo will be our guest speaker, who will share with us his passion for Niagara appassimento-style wines. Joining us for the tasting portion of the evening will be several of Ontario’s innovative appassimento-style wineries : Burning Kiln Winery: 2010 Pinot Noir Burning Kiln Winery: 2011 Cabernet […]
Champagne Guide: Styles, Sweetness, Quality, Food Matches and Differences from Other Sparkling Wines
While most people still reserve a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine for New Year’s Eve and the occasional toast while out for dinner, you really don’t need a formal reason to pour yourself a glass of bubbly. In fact, Champagne is one of the most food friendly wines available and I encourage you to sip bubbles just for the shear pleasure of the experience. Sparkling wine is made throughout the world but the name Champagne is reserved only for the wines from France’s chilly northern wine making region of the same name. The following guide will clarify a few […]
Pairing Wine with the Thanksgiving Dinner with a Change of Seasons
We have recently returned from holidaying on the shores of Lake Erie where our family’s roots run deep into the sandy banks of Long Point Bay. This has become an annual event for us and it’s always a pleasure to relax on the quiet beach amidst the rolling waves while the shorebirds gracefully soar high above. We really had not been away for that long but as we unpacked the mountain of ‘stuff’ necessary for survival (and comfort), I did notice that a few leaves had begun to turn. Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season of the year and […]
Cellar Wine Reviews of German Riesling, and Robust Red Wines from Austraia, France and Italy for the October 1 Vintages Release
By Gaby Israel 2002 Schloss Reinhartshausen Riesling Spätlese, Prädikatswein, Erbacher Schlossberg, Rheingau, Germany – $19.95. 2002 was a great vintage for Riesling in Germany. Experiencing a 10 year old Riesling for only $20 is a no brainer when it comes to buying decision. I would buy 3 bottles, try one now and try the other two after 3 and 5 years later. Try it with a good slow cooked smoked pork… and call me in the morning :) 2007 Elderton Shiraz Command Single Vineyard vs. 2006 Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz Ebenezer. Here’s a tricky one. Two outstanding-giants Shiraz wines […]
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 […]
