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 […]
BC is a terrific food and wine vacation spot: tips on wineries, restaurants, hiking, sailing
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. […]
Chimichurri Flank Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Manchego Recipe Paired with Catena Malbec 2008, Argentina
Chimichurri Flank Steak Fajitas with Peppers and Manchego Paired with Catena Malbec 2008, Argentina Chimichurri sauce is an essential part of Argentinean cuisine found on every dinner table. There are many variations on the recipe but the key ingredients include fresh parsley, garlic and vinegar. Some cooks add more garlic, some more chilies and others blend in fresh cilantro. Either way, this versatile sauce is a delicious accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, chorizo sausages and especially steak. When it comes to pairing this steak with wine, my first choice would be malbec. Look for a malbec with lots of ripe […]
Voodoo Vintners: Oregon’s Astonishing Biodynamic Winegrowers by Katherine Cole
Voodoo Vintners Oregon’s Astonishing Biodynamic Winegrowers Katherine Cole, who writes wine columns for the FOODday section of The Oregonian newspaper and MIX magazine, has just published her first book entitled Voodoo Vintners: Oregon’s Astonishing Biodynamic Winegrowers. It’s a terrific read and delves deep into the heart of biodynamic winemaking and farming. It’s also the first of its kind, not just because of its focus on Oregon, but also because of Katherine’s vibrant and insightful style. Her approach is so entertaining that you won’t even realize how much you’re learning about wine, including the more esoteric aspects of biodynamic farming, which […]
Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb Recipe Paired with Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2007, Australia
Pistachio Crusted Rack of Lamb Paired with Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2007, Australia French cut rack of lamb, encrusted with a blend of pistachio, herbs and Dijon, is the perfect partner for Grant Burge The Holy Trinity 2007. A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvedre, the wine offers lots of intense fruit with a touch of pepper and spice. Fine tannins and good acidity allow the wine to stand up to the richness of this dish giving a full lingering finish. Serve the lamb with a side of herb roasted new potatoes. Serves 4 ( 2 ribs per person) […]
