Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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So we always like to share some of our “The Wine Ladies” wine experiences with all of you. Last week we attended one at the beautiful Bosk restaurant located in the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Toronto. We had the opportunity to meet James Healey who was visiting here from Marlborough. James is one of the two founders of the prestigious New Zealand winery, Dog Point Vineyard and also the former winemaker of Cloudy Bay.

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

We had a great time and Nigel Sowman the head viticulturist at Dog Point Vineyard who was also there (loved his accent). As well as Richard Dittmar the VP of Trialto, the agency that represents this winery here in Canada. Between the 5 of us we had some great wine and some great conversation.

James, Nigel, (on the left) Richard on the right) and Susanne and Georgia.

James, Nigel, (on the left) Richard on the right) and Susanne and Georgia.

Nigel Sowman, Georgia and James Healey

Nigel Sowman, Georgia and James Healey

So I am going to follow suit and fill you in on another fave of the day. I am warning you there are not that many cases available. So act fast if you like aromas like juice cherry, raspberry, touches of viloet, touch of earthy flavours and a lively acidity, complexity and good length in your Pinot Noir!

If you said yes, Dog Point Vineyard Pinot Noir 2012 is your wine. Premium price but coming from producers that critics are saying things like “gathering cult status” – James Haliday $49.95.

 

Dog Point Pinot Noir 2012

 —VINTAGES#: 329672   |  $49.95 per  750 mL bottle

Listen to my wine review at 3:35 minutes into the show.

On this week’s radio show…

Discover Washington wines. Make your own wine in time for the holidays. Discover the secret anti aging ingredient and Canada’s most southerly wine region Pelee Island and Pelee Island Winery.

Episode 33

Award Winning Pelee Island Winery, Canada’s most southerly vineyards.

Dog Point Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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So we always like to share some of our “The Wine Ladies” wine experiences with all of you and last week we attended one at the beautiful Bosk restaurant located in the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Toronto. We had the opportunity to meet James Healey who was visiting here from Marlborough and James is one of the two founders of the prestigious New Zealand winery, Dog Point Vineyard and also the former winemaker of Cloudy Bay.

We had a great time and Nigel Sowman the head viticulturist at Dog Point Vineyard was also there (loved his accent) as well as Richard Dittmar the VP of Trialto, the agency that represents this winery here in Canada.Between the 5 of us we had some great wine and some great conversation.

James, Nigel, (on the left) Richard on the right) and Susanne and Georgia.

James, Nigel, (on the left) Richard on the right) and Susanne and Georgia.

Susanne with James Healey and Nigel Sowman of Dog Point Vineyards tasting theDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014.

Susanne with James Healey and Nigel Sowman of Dog Point Vineyards tasting theDog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014.

Although difficult to choose my favourite among the wines we tasted, I also wanted to pick something that everyone could enjoy right here in our market. As I am such a fan of Sauvignon Blanc. My wine pick this week is the Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014 from the New Zealand region of Marlborough famously known for its Sauv Blanc. $24.95 in our market. A little more of a premium price, but well worth i. For the few extra bucks I loved the zesty lemon, and the racy acidity, the round texture and long finish, I am down, sold!

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc 2014—VINTAGES#: 677450   |   $24.95 per 750 mL bottle

Listen to my wine review at 3:35 minutes into the show.

On this week’s radio show…

Discover Washington wines. Make your own wine in time for the holidays. Discover the secret anti aging ingredient and Canada’s most southerly wine region Pelee Island and Pelee Island Winery.

Episode 33

Ask The Wine Ladies

Ask The Wine Ladies. Why is rosé wine so popular now?

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Remy Pannier d’Anjou 2014

Remy Pannier d’Anjou 2014

Dear The Wine Ladies,

I have been seeing loads of rosés showing up on the shelves in our LCBO these days. I am just wondering what’s the deal? The last time I had a pink wine was too long ago to remember. I do however recall it was terribly sweet and not to my liking. Has the tide changed in style of roses being made these days? Which grapes are used to make them and are the ones from France the best?

Jennifer, Toronto, Ontario

Ask The Wine Ladies

Ask The Wine Ladies Please submit your questions to info@thewineladies.com

Dear Jennifer

It is definitely time to re-think pink. When looking for a crisp, fruit driven, aromatic, versatile wine to pair with foods, that comes in a range of beautiful shades from light salmon, to peach, pink and even light red.

Gone are the days when rose was synonymous with sweet. The great majority now-a-days are vinified dry or semi-dry responding to the tastes of the more sophisticated wine drinker. The roses of today, though not hugely complex, deliver pleasure for the palate. They are often abundant in fresh fruit on the nose and on the palate, strawberries, raspberries, red cherries, floral notes, hints of spice often characterize them, as well as being crisp and medium to full bodied. Plus they are so versatile to pair with an abundance of foods transitioning well from a white to red depending what’s served on the platter.

True, a plethora of roses are now available in store.

The fact is that sales have soared in the last few years. They continue to charm the wine drinker with their seductive qualities. In terms of France being the go-to region, more specifically Provence traditionally regarded as the heartland for rose. Most of the wine growing regions around the world have responded to the rise in rose. They are now producing some wonderful roses to rival even the most established regions. When it comes to varietals, in Provence the roses are made with a combination of grapes which include Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Carignan just to name a few. Elsewhere winemakers are producing their roses using most any red grape they have planted. This could be Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz (Syrah), Tempranillo, Zinfandel and the list goes on. When it comes to selecting your rose of choice here are a few top shelf ones to consider:

The #1 selling French rose in Ontario is the Remy Pannier d’Anjou 2014 made from the grape Cabernet Franc, a great buy at $13.95, with spicy strawberry, citrus aroma, just off-dry.

Remy Pannier d’Anjou 2014

Remy Pannier d’Anjou 2014

Henry of Pelham Rosé VQA 2014,Niagara Peninsula,$13.95 strawberries and watermelon, crisp and dry.

From New Zealand, Kim Crawford Pansy, made with Merlot, light ruby in colour, strawberries, hints of spice, dried flowers, exuberant, tangy and delightful ($17.00)

But Jennifer as you know there are many others to consider, just jump right in and think pink the next time you’re considering which wine to drink!

Georgia and Susanne

The Wine Ladies

If you would like to learn more about rose wine please tune into our on-line radio show, The Wine Ladies, Taking Life One Sip At A Time, on”Everything is coming up Rosé” Episode 24  launches, Monday June 1st at 10:00am! See you on the air waves!

Everything is coming up Rosé. Think pink when you grab a drink! Remy Pannier Rose d’Anjou

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Remy Pannier rose d'Anjou

Remy Pannier Rose d’Anjou

 Save $1.00 until Sunday May 24th… Only $12.95 per bottle

The top-selling rose in Ontario, Remy Pannier Rose d’Anjou is made from the Cabernet Franc grape variety.Light salmon colour; spiced strawberry and citrus
aromas; light bodied with crisp hints of red cherry fruit;barely off-dry with fresh strawberry fruit flavours and refreshing finish. Rose d’Anjou with its tempting flavours
and balanced acidity is one you won’t want to miss.

Export Director Julien Cothenet of Remy Pannier joins us on the radio show June 1st.

 

Remy Pannier Rose d’Anjou

Cabernet Franc

LCBO#: 12641   $12.95 per  750 mL bottle until Sunday, May 24th

 Light salmon colour; spiced strawberry and citrus aromas; light bodied with crisp hints of red cherry fruit; barely off-dry with fresh strawberry fruit flavours and refreshing finish.

Remy Pannier wines distributed in Ontario through EuroVintage Wines and Spirits.

Spring is here and Summer is just around the corner! Why not enjoy your Remy Pannier Rose d’Anjou ona sunny patio with Smoked Salmon Pancake Canapes?

Everything is coming up rosé... think pink when you grab a drink!
Export Director Julien Cothenet of Remy Pannier joins us on the radio show.


BRAND NEW SHOWS every Monday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 2:00 pm or listen ON DEMAND on line anytime.

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La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards

La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards

La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014 Bisquertt Family Vineyards

So this week I am veering into aromatic white grape territory here. I picked this up at our LCBO and thought wow, for $15.95 a bottle!

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

The wine is a Viognier and sometimes for me they can be just a touch too aromatic and over powering but for me this one hit right on the money. Aromatic yes, with typical notes as one would expect,floral, spice, white peach, with concentrations that I really enjoyed. Rich and elegant, and refreshing.From the Colchagua Valley in Chile, the wine is the La Joya Gran Reserva 2014 by Bisquertt Family Vineyards.I will seriously pick up half a dozen for the summer.

 

La Joya Gran Reserva Viognier 2014

VINTAGES#: 168542   $15.95 per 750 mL bottle

Listen to my wine review at 6:52 minutes into this week’s radio show.

 

On this week’s show…I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st.

Episode 22

Our subject,narrow, yet very broad, global in scope of importance to many many wine makers, and certainly wine lovers,and drinkers alike…around the world……we will be dedicating this show and honoring one of the most popular and prolifically grown white, wine grape varietals!

Here is a description of the varietal. Can you guess?

I am a white grape, of noble heritage of the species vitis vinifera.
I am planted in over 400,000 acres worldwide.
I can be made in many styles.
I am NOT finicky.
I have a club named after me…the ABC Club.
There are also numerous spas using me as their namesake, and even baby girls are being named after me.
I am so special that I have a special day that has been named in my honor, on which 1000’s of people around the world celebrate my heritage, what I am and the kind of wines I can make.

I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st, hence our dedication to this illustrious grape here today!

California Square Chardonnay…”IT IS now HIP TO BE SQUARE”…On this audio podcast we speak wit winemaker Virginia Lambrix.

Colio Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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So for me this week, I am going to our wine growing region of Lake Erie North Shore, our most southerly wine region. Colio Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012 is my wine pick this week.The winery we are very familiar with Colio Estate Wines.  

Colio’s Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012

Colio’s Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

In fact we commandeered the mechanical harvester in the Sauvignon Blanc vineyards not too far back.. and have stomped grapes in the barrel cellar…we’ve got quite the intimate relationship with this winery!

 My pick is Colio’s Bricklayer’s Reward Old Farm Cabernet Franc 2012 (vintages 395277)…which by the way Cab Franc is the Papa of the King Cabernet Sauvignon.And Colio’s Cab Franc vines are in the oldest part of their vineyard, so called the “Old Farm”, not one to gravitate naturally to Cab Franc but this time I did and I am glad I did.

For $19.95 big bouquet of blackberries, raspberry touch of spice, of pepper and on the palate big flavor of more blackberry and cassis, I really like it… with my roasted lamb chops I made on my Himalayan salt stones! Great by for $19.95

Listen to my wine review at 5:12 minutes into this week’s radio show.

 

On this week’s show…I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st.

Episode 22

Our subject,narrow, yet very broad, global in scope of importance to many many wine makers, and certainly wine lovers,and drinkers alike…around the world……we will be dedicating this show and honoring one of the most popular and prolifically grown white, wine grape varietals!

Here is a description of the varietal. Can you guess?

I am a white grape, of noble heritage of the species vitis vinifera.
I am planted in over 400,000 acres worldwide.
I can be made in many styles.
I am NOT finicky.
I have a club named after me…the ABC Club.
There are also numerous spas using me as their namesake, and even baby girls are being named after me.
I am so special that I have a special day that has been named in my honor, on which 1000’s of people around the world celebrate my heritage, what I am and the kind of wines I can make.

I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st, hence our dedication to this illustrious grape here today!

 

Wente Vineyards The First Family of Chardonnay…Come Celebrate National Chardonnay Day May 21st with us!

  

.

Wente Vineyards The First Family of Chardonnay…Come Celebrate National Chardonnay Day May 21st with us!

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Wente….First Family of Chardonnay
Join Chardonnay lovers,producers & winemakers from around the world by tweeting your favourite pictures of Chardonnay wine,vineyards,culinary experiences and events. #i#ChardDay
 

 On this week’s radio show….

Calling in from Livermore Valley California, just about thirty miles or so east of San Francisco is Amy Hoopes.(left side) Amy is the Executive Vice President of the family owned winery of 5 generations which has a legacy with Chardonnay dating back to 1936 and now has its own Chardonnay clone as the most planted Chardonnay clone in all of California.The winery is Wente Vineyards.

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

Pale straw colour,tropical fruit and a touch of coconut aroma; tropical fruit and soft vanilla oak flavour.
LCBO #175430
$17.95
 

On this week’s show…

I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st.

Episode 22

Our subject, narrow, yet very broad, global in scope of importance to many many wine makers, and certainly wine lovers,and drinkers alike…around the world……we will be dedicating this show and honoring one of the most popular and prolifically grown white, wine grape varietals!

Here is a description of the varietal. Can you guess?

I am a white grape, of noble heritage of the species vitis vinifera.
I am planted in over 400,000 acres worldwide.
I can be made in many styles.
I am NOT finicky.
I have a club named after me…the ABC Club.
There are also numerous spas using me as their namesake, and even baby girls are being named after me.
I am so special that I have a special day that has been named in my honor, on which 1000’s of people around the world celebrate my heritage, what I am and the kind of wines I can make.I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st, hence our dedication to this illustrious grape here today!

  

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California Square

California Square Chardonnay…”IT IS now HIP TO BE SQUARE”…On this audio podcast we speak wit winemaker Virginia Lambrix.

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California Square

California Square

Square is the new green!

Thursday May 21st is International Chardonnay Day!

Join Chardonnay lovers,producers & winemakers from around the world by tweeting your favourite pictures of Chardonnay wine,vineyards,culinary experiences and events.#ChardDay

 

We invite you to listen to Virginia Lambrix at 17:26 minutes into the radio show.

We’ll be speaking with Virginia Lambrix who will be calling in from Sonoma, California and Virginia is the winemaker at Truett-Hurst Winery. We’re going to be chatting with Virginia about the winery’s line of wines called “California Square” where we learn among other things that “IT IS now HIP TO BE SQUARE”. These wines are housed in the world’s first square wine bottle, beautifully designed, but also very importantly environmentally friendly.

Here is a quote from the designer of these bottles.

“If the wine industry turned over to square instead of round bottles we’d save almost a million trees in outer cardboard boxes alone. That’s not to mention savings in shipping and storage! Stranger & Stranger 

That’s amazing!

 

Medium gold; aromas of vanilla, pineapple and yellow apple; dry, medium bodied with moderate acidity; flavours of tropical fruit and rich vanilla
  LCBO # 356717        $18.95 per bottle

On this week’s show…

I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st.

Episode 22

Our subject, narrow, yet very broad, global in scope of importance to many many wine makers, and certainly wine lovers,and drinkers alike…around the world……we will be dedicating this show and honoring one of the most popular and prolifically grown white, wine grape varietals!

Here is a description of the varietal. Can you guess?

I am a white grape, of noble heritage of the species vitis vinifera.
I am planted in over 400,000 acres worldwide.
I can be made in many styles.
I am NOT finicky.
I have a club named after me…the ABC Club.
There are also numerous spas using me as their namesake, and even baby girls are being named after me.
I am so special that I have a special day that has been named in my honor, on which 1000’s of people around the world celebrate my heritage, what I am and the kind of wines I can make.I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st, hence our dedication to this illustrious grape here today!

Wente Vineyards The First Family of Chardonnay…Come Celebrate National Chardonnay Day May 21st with us!

Marty Werner

Be a part of the coolest day this Summer where Chardonnay rules supreme.Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery.

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Thursday May 21st is International Chardonnay Day!

Listen to Marty Werner at 27:41 minutes into the show.

Join Chardonnay lovers,producers & winemakers from around the world by tweeting your favourite pictures of Chardonnay wine,vineyards,culinary experiences and events. #i4C15 #ChardDay

 Joining us on the radio show Monday May 18th, 2015 at 10:00am will be the winemaker over at Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery Martin Werner. Martin will fill us in on his personal style when it comes to this grape he’ll tell us about how Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery will be celebrating International Chardonnay Day. Martin will also as a further testament to the magnitude and diversity of this varietal will talk a little about the annual event i4C, which stands for International Cool Climate Chardonnay Celebration,now in its 5th year where over 135 wineries from 36 cool climates around the globe have participated since 2011, and over 550 chardonnays have been poured….… now does this grape carry weight or what?

International Chardonnay Day

International Chardonnay Day

Celebrate International Chardonnay Day May 21st and all weekend long at at Ravine Vineyard and Estate Winery.
I4C

I4C

I4C

I4C

On this audio podcast…I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st.

Our subject,narrow, yet very broad, global in scope of importance to many many wine makers, and certainly wine lovers,and drinkers alike…around the world……we will be dedicating this show and honoring one of the most popular and prolifically grown white, wine grape varietals!

Here is a description of the varietal. Can you guess?

I am a white grape, of noble heritage of the species vitis vinifera.
I am planted in over 400,000 acres worldwide.
I can be made in many styles.
I am NOT finicky.
I have a club named after me…the ABC Club.
There are also numerous spas using me as their namesake, and even baby girls are being named after me.
I am so special that I have a special day that has been named in my honor, on which 1000’s of people around the world celebrate my heritage, what I am and the kind of wines I can make.

I am Chardonnay and my day is International Chardonnay Day coming up May 21st, hence our dedication to this illustrious grape here today!

California Square Chardonnay…”IT IS now HIP TO BE SQUARE”…On this audio podcast we speak wit winemaker Virginia Lambrix.

Brancott prediction in 1973 that Marborough Sauvignon Blanc would be world famous! On this week’s audio podcast.

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Our first kiwi caller as they are affectionately known as is Jim Robertson. Jim will share with us a little about the brief history of this youthful region. The role Brancott Estate winery played at the time as well as the significance of New Zealand’s signature grape Sauvignon Blanc.

Listen to Jim Robertson at 21:35 minutes into the show.

We first met Jim back in 2012 and had the opportunity to speak with him on our online talk TV show.Check what Jim had to see on line here.

 

Stoneleigh Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Available at the LCBO $17.75 per bottle.

Brancott Estate Letter B Sauvignon Blanc. Available at the LCBO $19.95 per bottle.

Drink New Zealand and think the “King of Sauvignon Blanc”,sustainability and the meteoric rise in popularity!

We explore a youthful wine region that has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity, is recognized the world over for its commitment to the environment and sustainability…is widely recognized as the “King of Sauvignon Blanc” which has become synonymous with this region,and has recently been awarded its very own Pinot Noir glass for one of its regions by the preeminent 11th generation Austrian glass maker Riedel. We can only be talking about one country and that is New Zealand!