Principessa Gavia Gavi by Banfi 2014, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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Principessa Gavia, GAVI DOCG by Banfi 

Principessa Gavia, GAVI DOCG by Banfi

So here is my find for today, I was in the mood for something light, fresh, and a little different, strolling through the aisles of our LCBO, and I picked up this Italian white that turned out to be exactly what I was looking for. In fact, I’ve since been back a couple of times to pick up another bottle!

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

And so here it is. The Principessa Gavia, GAVI DOCG by Banfi  $19.95

It comes from the DOCG region of Gavi, located in the prominent wine region of Piedmont and is made from the indigenous grape variety Cortese, 100%.
In this particular wine the grapes are sourced from the producers own estate grown grapes.

The wine is the Principessa Gavia Gavi 2014  $19.95
GAVI DOCG producer is BANFI

What did I like about it? It was light and fresh, 12% alcohol, and really inviting. Seductive on the nose, just what I wanted, fruit forward, vibrant, notes of peach, white flowers, hint of pineapple and hint of mineral notes. Very nice… $19.95 in our market

 Imported by Authentic Wine & Spirits Merchants

On this week’s radio show…
La Dolce Vita,”the sweet life!”

Episode 34

We feature a fabulous premium Prosecco, the signature Italian spirit, Grappa and an Italian wine producer Cantina Scacciadiavoli from the region of Umbria with a devilish story and great wines.
Plus a Michelin starred Italian Chef, with a spectacular restaurant in the historic, culturally rich gastronomic capital of Rome.

Listen to my review at 4:00 minutes into the show

Les Vins de Vienne Condrieu 2012, Geeorgia’s Wine Pick.

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Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

So for my wine pick today, I am going back to a white wine and back over to the Rhone. I was there last week, yes with my Châteauneuf-du-Pape! Although the Southern Rhone, now I head up to the Norther Rhone.

This week, my wine pick comes from the Rhone’s most famous white wine appellation which makes wine exclusively from the Viognier grape, and that is Condrieu. The wine is Les Vins de Vienne Condrieu.

True to the characteristics which define a delectable, beautifully made Viognier, this one is seductive on the nose and mouth filling, rich on the palate, with ripe peaches, apricots, honeysuckle and floral notes, like violets, perfume, but not overly, juicy with a crisp acidity and long satisfying finish. A treat to be sure.

EPIDODE 31

On this week’s audio podcast…

Wine World News… Hot off the Press with UK’s Wine Critic Jancis Robinson PLUS the Pacific Northwest Winning Wine Regions, BC and Oregon.

Extra, extra, read all about it! We have the latest scoop on what is happening in the world of wine. Coming to you today from one of the greatest authorities on wine worldwide. She hails from the UK and is Jancis Robinson.

You’ll hear all about what is happening in China’s vineyards. Yes they grow grapes, they make wine and in fact are the 5th largest producer of wine in the world.

We’ll chat about climate change. Is it affecting our vineyards and how? And finally we have red wine, white, rose and yellow, but have you heard of “orange wine”? And no it is not made with oranges!

We like to stay on top with what’s going on in our market here as well. So as we just recently had a Vintages release of some of the wines of the Great Pacific Northwest, we thought we would take this opportunity to share with you what is going on in two of it’s exciting regions.
Our next two guests hail from award winning wineries representing BC  and Oregon.

Sokol Blosser, Legacy Oregon winery since 1971, The Wine Ladies Audio Podcast.

Clos de Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape 2012, Georgia’s Wine pick.

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Pope Clement the V and Clos de Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape 2012

Pope Clement the V and Clos de Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape 2012

I am going red today and am going to the southern Rhone and heading straight to the appellation of Chateauneuf du Pape, which translates to “the new home of the Pope”. Pope Clement the V made his home there for political reasons but we’re not going to go there! But he surely loved wine! Fast forward roughly 700 years Chateauneuf du Pape is now well recognized as one of the top wine producing appellations giving us big, full bodied, spicy, peppery wines, with depth, richness and made with up to 13 grape varieties! Today’s wine is Clos de Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape 2012.

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

VINTAGES#: 416289   $47.95 

Clos de Brusquieres Chateauneuf du Pape 2012 is my find. Intense from the nose to the palate to the finish, enticing aroma of deep cherry, red berries, a hint of floral, hmm hmm, the taste even more fulfilling with deeper flavours of cherry and berry, bit of licorice. And with a satisfying finish… please sir… may I have some more????

On this week’s radio show…

Celebrating local summer bounty and bubbly and masterly crafted small batch spirits!

We are in the month of August, the middle of summer and as lovers of food, great food, wine and drink… like most everybody, one our most favorite things about the summer is all the fresh, amazing local produce we get to enjoy here in Ontario.

And so today’s show is all about celebrating our summer and our fresh, local bounty with a few knock out recipes, a very unique and special bubbly, and some local small batch masterly crafted spirits and cocktails.

Norman Hardie

Norman Hardie County Chardonnay Unfiltered 2013, Georgia’s Wine Pick

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I truly am a Chardonnay kind of gal. No chance of me being a member of the ABC club. Anything BUT Chardonnay especially when I get a taste of this stunning wine. My wine pick was brought to me by a good friend and fellow wine lover.
From the county, Prince Edward County, this 2013 Norman Hardie County Chardonnay Unfiltered was a knockout. What can I say… not inexpensive, but worth the $39.00 dollars.

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick 

The Chardonnay came from 5 different sites, all very close to the winery, with the idea of blending to create a richness, complexity from the various terroir. It reminded me of a great Burgundy but at a bargain price. So alluring on the nose, I love that toasty brioche aroma and then it had a mouth watering beautiful citrus flavor with a hint of mineral… really yummy!

Norman Hardie Unfiltered Chardonnay

Norman Hardie Unfiltered Chardonnay

Norman Hardie Winery

On this week’s radio show…

South America Sizzles with Sensational Sips and Sights! Exploring Chile, Argentina and Peru!

We have a super lineup of guests this week. Our topic today Sizzling South America. With their red hot wines, incredible gastronomy and the exploring of what one of our favorite Globe and Mail columnist recently called the “hippest sip of the moment”, that is Pisco.

Episode 29

Listen to my wine review at 4:35 minutes into the show.

Kacaba Vineyards

Kacaba Vineyards Jennifer’s Pinot Gris 2014, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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Kacaba Vineyards Jennifer’s Pinot Gris 2014

Kacaba Vineyards Jennifer’s Pinot Gris 2014

We are talking today on the radio show about enjoying some wonderful summer sippers.

I have to thank Linda, a friend of ours for bringing over this bottle of wine last week which I had never had the pleasure to taste.Thank you Linda!

It’s a pretty wine,pinkish and coppery in colour although they call it a white wine, not a rosé but the hue of pink is due to the grape it is made of Pinot Gris,which otherwise is known to most as Pinot Grigio.

It is the Kacaba Vineyards Jennifer’s Pinot Gris 2014. Kacaba Vineyards and Winery located on the Niagara Escarpment Bench in Vineland. The fruit was hand harvested then permitted to cold soak for twelve hours to achieve its bronze and copper hue before undergoing a gently hole berry pressing.

I found this wine quite elegant.It was fruit forward with touches of pink grapefruit, some red fruit and had a refreshing acidity. Much more going on in the glass than a lot of Pinot Grigios out there. I really enjoyed this Pinot Gris!

Awards

SILVER MEDAL – ONTARIO WINE AWARDS 2015

Available at the winery or online at Kacaba Vineyards and Winery. $17.95 per bottle

On this week’s audio podcast…

Summer cocktails, beers and wines…dish it up! Lindeman’s 1000 moments of Sunshine.Sip and Sleuth to Win – $100.00 Neal Brothers Foods tote bag filled with goodies and snacks.

We are well into the throws of summer and we hope you are all enjoying a little summer fun, whether at the cottage, on a beach or maybe on your patio or wherever you are. On today’s show we are going to share with you some spectacular summer drinks, cocktails, wines, super craft beers and snacks to help make your vaca days even that much more delicious!

Episode 28

Listen to Georgia’s ‘s wine review at 3:00 minutes into the radio show.

David & Cynthia Enns

Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2012 Merlot Blend, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2012 Merlot Blend

Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2012 Merlot Blend

Happy Canada Day everyone! I am also celebrating our west coast and the stunning Okanagan Valley, with a winery situated in the desirable sub region of the Naramata Bench. The Naramata Bench boasts ideal conditions for ripening Merlot and Bordeaux varieties. And believe me this is no laughing matter, the winery Laughing Stock strives everyday not to live up to its unfortunate name! Lol

My wine is the Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2012 Merlot Blend, and what’s cool about this wine, is the winery encourages you to have a Blind Trust in the wine by not disclosing the varietals on the label.Try it and see what you think. Its a big Bordeaux style blend.

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

A very intense wine with ripe blackberry, blueberry. Medium bodied and ripe tannins. Chocolate notes and a long finish.

If you really want to know the varietals are listed, they are kept under wrap and seal of the capsule.

Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2012 Merlot Blend

Laughing Stock Blind Trust Red 2012 Merlot Blend

$37.95 at Vintages… at the LCBO

Episode 25

Happy Canada Day! Introducing our new weekly radio segment SIP and SLEUTH To Win!

Ask The Wine Ladies…Bring on the Okanagan wines please!

First Family of Wines

De Bortoli Gulf Station Yarra Valley Pinot Noir 2013, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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De Bortoli Gulf Station Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

De Bortoli Gulf Station Yarra Valley Pinot Noir

My wine pick today hails from the Yarra Valley, Australia, the company founded in 1928 is one of  “Australia’s First Family of Wines”, a group of 12 family owned Australian wineries that represent 16 Australian regions across 4 states and have collectively more than 1200 years of wine making experience.

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

I discovered this wine while attending an outstanding tasting featuring 11 of the 12  Australian First Families of Wines. I decided then that it was to be a wine pick for me.

The wine is De Bortoli Gulf Station Yarra Valley 2013 Pinot Noir. I bought it for $19.95 and immediately was struck by the silkiness, the complexity and rich texture, it was medium bodied with bright ripe fruit… but not over ripe and with a vibrant acidity, intense in flavor and refreshing at the same time.I really liked this Pinot Noir, a bargain to me for $19.95.

De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2013

De Bortoli Gulf Station Pinot Noir 2013

VINTAGES#: 15511

I really liked this Pinot Noir, a bargain to me for $19.95. Hello to Darrin de Bortoli, 3rd generation,Darrin is the winemaker and we had the opportunity to meet Darrin for a second time at the “speed wine tasting” as they called it… lots of wine so little time. And that is my wine pick.

Listen to my wine review at 3:59 minutes into this week’s radio show.

 

On this week’s show…Calling all Dads out there.This show is for you! We have you covered for your special Father’s Day!
 
Episode 25

Today we’re going to talk about what might be some of your favourite things. How about some lip smacking delicious bold burgers or crunchy flavor filled spicy homemade tacos.  Or to quench your thirst how about a small batch craft beer chock full of flavour. No additives, all natural, just 100% pure delicious.

Or straight from the small,rugged and remote Scottish island of Islay comes the authentic premium single malt Scotch whisky,a wee dram for you lads perhaps?

And for the fine wine,food and film buff we bring you the 2nd annual Niagara Integrated Film Festival, taking place on Father’s Day weekend where you can choose from a plethora of wine tasting diners, movie premiers, short film screenings, and much more!

And finally the tables are turned on The Wine Ladies when we are interviewed by Laura Wolfe a student who is studying the art of social media and blogging. We give her our thoughts on social media!

Alright so its time now to salute all the Dads out there, Happy Father’s Day, let’s start!!!

 .

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.

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.

Two Sister's Vineyards

Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

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Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011

Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011

So seeing as we are doing a little bit of a throwback today with our wine picks on the radio show,I remember a wine that we tasted when we were hosting  an event with a group of around twenty friends or so…and it was at the beautiful recently opened Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Georgia's Wine Pick

Georgia’s Wine Pick

The two sisters are Angela and Melissa of the Marotta family.

Located just next door to Peller Estates and it truly is a magnificent property set among about 75 hectares I think it was of red Bordeaux varietals.

We enjoyed several of their wines. However one of the stand outs for me was the Two Sisters Eleventh Post 2011 (52% Cabernet Franc, 23% Merlot, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon). We learned it was also the 2014 InterVin Gold Medal award winner. Sometimes you are just really in the mood for a deep, rich, elegant yet chewy, delicious red. This wine delivered it all. The Eleventh Post 2011 sells for $39.00 at the winery, and the 11th Post by the way is a very special place in the vineyards… for the family.

The wine is very deep in colour, inky almost, the aroma was so enticing with cocoa, creamy notes of vanilla and oak; You really can’t wait to sip after you nose the wine. On the palate full bodied, cherries and black currant, toasty oak, long finish. Congrats to Two Sisters Winery!

 Our guests enjoying a toast in the stunning barrel room at Two Sisters. It was trly a remarkable visit.

Listen to my review at 4:25 minutes into the radio show.

Episode 21

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