A few weeks ago I attended a seminar and tasting sponspored by Wines of Portugal. Their tag line, "Discover the Diversity" and that was exactly my goal; to discover new wines from this
old-new world wine region. Luckly for me I had four hours on a Thursday afternoon to go on a Iberian Wine tour of over 29 diffent regions. Portugal is home to over 200 indigenous grape varieties not including the other traditional varietals brought over from France. The diversity of the terrian allows for all of them to grow successfully. As I moved from table to table (21 in all) I was really drawn to the Ports. Ports are "old school". A drink you expect a few distinguished gentelmen sippin after a good steak dinner smokin a very expensive cigar. I always found Ports to be too sweet, but it seemed that all the tables that were doing pourings had a small gathering.
To be called a Port (also called Porto, Oporto or Vinho do Porto), wines must be from the Duoro Valley. The process of making this fortified wine and mixing it Brandy. Trading Port began in the mid-17th century from the Duoro Region to the Netherlands and Britian. Ports come in four varietals White, Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Ports. The most popular are probably Tawny and Vintage Ports.
Up first, was the Porto Pocas 20 year old. This Tawny was very elegant, delicate and smooth. The aromas of driend fruits would be a perfect pair with a hard cheese, chocolate, and toasted almond platter for an after dinner snack. I was really surprised that I really like this Port and it made me curious of what was at the next table. Next to try, Adriano Ramos Pinto 10 Year Old Tawny NV. The vineyards of Adriano Ramos Pinto are the "jewel of Duoro". This single vineyard Port tasted like carmel velvet. I did not want to put the glass down until my guide suggested I try the older brother, 20 year old. What a great suggestion. I think I known found my new gift to give to friends for dinner parties.
I did not want to spoil my new found likeness of Port so I decided to stop at the three. But I did reach my goal I did find a new wine that I can't wait to share with my friends.
Happy Sippin
Saturday, May 9, 2009
WINE IS GOING GREEN
Organic Wine is defined by the National Organic Program (part of USDA) as "a wine made from organically grown grapes without any added sulfites". The common goal in producing Organic Wine is to create a stable agriculture system by minizing the damage done to the ecosystem. But does a "healthier wine" taste good and is it healthy on your wallet? Here is a list of the best Organic, Biodynamic, Eco-Friendly wines for under $20.
Bonterra Vineyards is one of the largest producers of "certified organic & biodynamic" wines. Their McNab Lines of Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon, & Old Vone Petite Sirah have been awarded 85 points or above by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Muscat 2006 90 Points
This dessert wine is a perfect balance of sweet flavours including pineapple, peach,
honeysuckle, vanilla, and spice.
Merlot 2006 91 Points
"Vibrant" chocolate, coconut macarrons, and berry crust aromas fill this soft
"dry-yet-fruity" dark garnet colour wine. The great balance allows this merlot to pair
with about anything.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 88 Points
ROSÉ 2007 86 Points
SYRAH 2005 88 Points
ZINFANDEL 2006 87 Points
Guy Bossard Vineyards located in the Muscadet Region of France has been producing Organic Wines since 1975. Each grape is hand picked and shire horses are using to plogh the plots on the 50 acres.
2006 Muscadet Sur Lie
Citrus fruits and apples and the undertones for this nice light wine which pairs well with
seafood especially crab meat.
Other notable vineyards that following the trend of eco-friendly wines are:
Benziger Winery
Frogs Leap
Grgich Hills
Frey Vineyards
Happy Sippin'
Bonterra Vineyards is one of the largest producers of "certified organic & biodynamic" wines. Their McNab Lines of Merlot, Cabernet, Sauvignon, & Old Vone Petite Sirah have been awarded 85 points or above by Wine Enthusiast Magazine.
Muscat 2006 90 Points
This dessert wine is a perfect balance of sweet flavours including pineapple, peach,
honeysuckle, vanilla, and spice.
Merlot 2006 91 Points
"Vibrant" chocolate, coconut macarrons, and berry crust aromas fill this soft
"dry-yet-fruity" dark garnet colour wine. The great balance allows this merlot to pair
with about anything.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2006 88 Points
ROSÉ 2007 86 Points
SYRAH 2005 88 Points
ZINFANDEL 2006 87 Points
Guy Bossard Vineyards located in the Muscadet Region of France has been producing Organic Wines since 1975. Each grape is hand picked and shire horses are using to plogh the plots on the 50 acres.
2006 Muscadet Sur Lie
Citrus fruits and apples and the undertones for this nice light wine which pairs well with
seafood especially crab meat.
Other notable vineyards that following the trend of eco-friendly wines are:
Benziger Winery
Frogs Leap
Grgich Hills
Frey Vineyards
Happy Sippin'
Monday, October 27, 2008
WINES OF THE ORIENT
The purpose of wine tastings and fairs is to introducing the crowds to expanding our knowledge wine, tasting the latest vintage, and finding new gift to take to your next dinner party. Miami International Wine Fair was no different. There were wines representing 15 different countries; countries that I had no idea even made wine. Thailand was on my list of surprises.
Siam Winery located about 60km form Bangkok in Samuk Sakoun is Thailand’s oldest and most prized winery. Using only grapes grown in Thailand, Siam Winery produces Monsoon Valley wines. I had the pleasure of sippin their Red and White varietal. From the first sip you can tell that these wines were made to complement the spiciness, sweet, salty, and sour taste of Thai cuisine. Monsoon Valley Red made from the Pok Dum grape is a medium bodied fruity berry wine. Monsoon Valley White is made from the Malaga Blanc grape introduced in Thailand in 1685 by the French. Ninety percent of the vines grown in Samuk Sakoun produce Malaga Blanc grapes. This is light, “modern” wine that is great for a warm summer day. I did not get a chance to sip the Rose but I will save that for another day. They also have a Premium Reserve Collection of White Shiraz, Colombard, Shiraz, and Fortified Muscat.
Monsoon Valley, my first taste of wines of the Orients. Can’t wait until I have a glass with a plate of Pad Thai J
Sippin Diva Tidbit:
One of the really cool things about the Siam Winery is that they are the home of Floating Vineyards. The vines are planted on islands separated by canals. Harvest is done by boat, how cool is that.
Siam Winery located about 60km form Bangkok in Samuk Sakoun is Thailand’s oldest and most prized winery. Using only grapes grown in Thailand, Siam Winery produces Monsoon Valley wines. I had the pleasure of sippin their Red and White varietal. From the first sip you can tell that these wines were made to complement the spiciness, sweet, salty, and sour taste of Thai cuisine. Monsoon Valley Red made from the Pok Dum grape is a medium bodied fruity berry wine. Monsoon Valley White is made from the Malaga Blanc grape introduced in Thailand in 1685 by the French. Ninety percent of the vines grown in Samuk Sakoun produce Malaga Blanc grapes. This is light, “modern” wine that is great for a warm summer day. I did not get a chance to sip the Rose but I will save that for another day. They also have a Premium Reserve Collection of White Shiraz, Colombard, Shiraz, and Fortified Muscat.
Monsoon Valley, my first taste of wines of the Orients. Can’t wait until I have a glass with a plate of Pad Thai J
Sippin Diva Tidbit:
One of the really cool things about the Siam Winery is that they are the home of Floating Vineyards. The vines are planted on islands separated by canals. Harvest is done by boat, how cool is that.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
MIAMI INTERNATIONAL WINE FAIR
There is always time for wine and from October 25th-27th you are invited to attend Florida’s Largest Wine Festival, the Miami International Wine Fair. Your journey begins once you receive your souvenir wine glass which will never be empty with more than 1000 wines to taste from 18 countries. Sample tasty treats from some of South Florida’s top restaurants are also there to sample. If you want the chance to taste the best of the best make sure to get one of the 600 tickets to the Collectors Club. Here you have the opportunity to savour the flavours of the best reserve wines that can retail well over $200 a bottle. If you want to learn more about wine make sure to attend one of the seminars being held both days. I suggest, Intro to Wine Appreciation, and the regional wine seminars on places like Brazil and India. The 3rd Annual South Florida Wine & Food Pairing will also be held in conjunction with the fair. The top chefs and sommeliers in the area have 60 minutes to prepare their signature dishes and pair with the vast array of wines on the Grand Tasting Floor.
Admission is $65 for Grand Tasting and $105 for Collectors Club. For more information visit www.miamiwinefair.com.
Admission is $65 for Grand Tasting and $105 for Collectors Club. For more information visit www.miamiwinefair.com.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
FLORIDA WNE COUNTRY?
Think wine just has to be made from grapes-think again. Winerys in Florida are bringing the sun kissed taste of fresh fruits to your nearest table in a beautiful wine glass. So lets hit the road and take a tour of Florida's Wine Country.
Schnebly Redlands' Winery in Homestead, Florida (30 min south of Miami) has made it their mission to turn tropical and exotic fruits in to award winning bottles of wines. I bet you did not know that the nectar from a Mango, Passion Fruit, or Guava can be turned into wine. Or that you can enjoy a nice Sparkling Grand Reserve made from the Carambola fruit better known as Starfruit. And if you never had the chinese fruit Lychee what a better way to introduce your self to this exotic flavour than in a glass of light fruity dessert wine.
About an 1 1/2 hour north of Homestead you'll arrive at the Naples Winery. Berries (both Black & Blue) are in abundance in your choice of Semi-Sweet, Sparkling, and Dry wines. Naples Winery also has a unique way of putting a new twist on classic drinks. Who needs a Pina Coloda when you can have a glass of Coco Polado (Orange, Pineapple, & Coconut) or how about a Cocoa Beach (Semi-Sweet Orange & Chocolate). The most interesting is the Hot Sun which is a Spicy Tomato Wine, their answer to the Bloody Mary.
Last stop, Florida Orange Grove Winery. Their name gives it away that here the concentration is on citrus, citrus, and more citrus. The St. Petersbug Winery which has been around for over thirty years produces wines made from Tangerine, Tangelo, and of course the popular Florida Orange (Orange Sunshine). Their Festiberry Cranberry Wine would fit perfectly on your Thanksgiving Dinner Table.
So the next time you plan a trip to the Sunshine State make sure to visit one of these hidden gems of Florida. And stock up at the gift shop. Of course you can show your friends pictures of the wonderful time you had in Florida but a bottle of Florida Sunset (Pineapple Wine) might sum if up so much better.
Check out the following websites to help plan your Florida Wine Country tour and to get times of tours, hours of tasting rooms, and calendar of special events.
Schnebly Redlands-www.schneblywinery.com
Naples Winery-www.napleswinery.com
Florida Orange Grove Winery-www.floridawine.com
Schnebly Redlands' Winery in Homestead, Florida (30 min south of Miami) has made it their mission to turn tropical and exotic fruits in to award winning bottles of wines. I bet you did not know that the nectar from a Mango, Passion Fruit, or Guava can be turned into wine. Or that you can enjoy a nice Sparkling Grand Reserve made from the Carambola fruit better known as Starfruit. And if you never had the chinese fruit Lychee what a better way to introduce your self to this exotic flavour than in a glass of light fruity dessert wine.
About an 1 1/2 hour north of Homestead you'll arrive at the Naples Winery. Berries (both Black & Blue) are in abundance in your choice of Semi-Sweet, Sparkling, and Dry wines. Naples Winery also has a unique way of putting a new twist on classic drinks. Who needs a Pina Coloda when you can have a glass of Coco Polado (Orange, Pineapple, & Coconut) or how about a Cocoa Beach (Semi-Sweet Orange & Chocolate). The most interesting is the Hot Sun which is a Spicy Tomato Wine, their answer to the Bloody Mary.
Last stop, Florida Orange Grove Winery. Their name gives it away that here the concentration is on citrus, citrus, and more citrus. The St. Petersbug Winery which has been around for over thirty years produces wines made from Tangerine, Tangelo, and of course the popular Florida Orange (Orange Sunshine). Their Festiberry Cranberry Wine would fit perfectly on your Thanksgiving Dinner Table.
So the next time you plan a trip to the Sunshine State make sure to visit one of these hidden gems of Florida. And stock up at the gift shop. Of course you can show your friends pictures of the wonderful time you had in Florida but a bottle of Florida Sunset (Pineapple Wine) might sum if up so much better.
Check out the following websites to help plan your Florida Wine Country tour and to get times of tours, hours of tasting rooms, and calendar of special events.
Schnebly Redlands-www.schneblywinery.com
Naples Winery-www.napleswinery.com
Florida Orange Grove Winery-www.floridawine.com
CITIES IN WONDERLAND
The Epcot Food & Wine Festival allows you to taste and drink your way thru the world without bringing your passport. In its 13th year the festival is one of the premier events of its kind in the US. For over a month your park admission takes you on a foodie adventure. Make sure to get the Festival Edition of the Disney Gift Card. You can use it like a debit card to sample the delectable goodies and tantilizing spirits. The average sample plate is $3.50
Plan you day accordingly so you can participate in the numerous demonstrations and events that take place each day. For example, pears take "center stage" at the Pearville Fair and you can travel the romantic islands of Greece at the Wine Bar. This year they are also offering:
Epcot Wine School
The History of Beer in America
Taste of Puglia, Italy
Louisina Culinary Trails
Sweet Sundays
The Cook, The Book, & The Bottle
Kitchen Conversations
Cheese Tastings
So head over to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival being held from September 26th-November 9th. Its the only way that you can enjoy breakfast in Mexico, lunch in Italy, and dinner in Morocco. How many of your friends can say that?
Plan you day accordingly so you can participate in the numerous demonstrations and events that take place each day. For example, pears take "center stage" at the Pearville Fair and you can travel the romantic islands of Greece at the Wine Bar. This year they are also offering:
Epcot Wine School
The History of Beer in America
Taste of Puglia, Italy
Louisina Culinary Trails
Sweet Sundays
The Cook, The Book, & The Bottle
Kitchen Conversations
Cheese Tastings
So head over to the Epcot Food & Wine Festival being held from September 26th-November 9th. Its the only way that you can enjoy breakfast in Mexico, lunch in Italy, and dinner in Morocco. How many of your friends can say that?
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