Pitars Winery

Pitars Prosecco DOC, Susanne’s Wine Pick

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My discovery, the Pitars Prosecco DOC made from a fourth generation, historic and stunning winery located in Friuli. This Prosecco  is lively with zesty fruits and floral notes and  of course, BONUS  its affordability at just  $17.25 per bottle. It’s pretty exclusive too as its not sold through the LCBO but is available exclusively by the case (6) here in Ontario through www.VDFwines.com.

So I an kicking Spring off is style with my Pitars Prosecco!

Spring fever is finally upon us and I wanted to kick of the season in style! What better way to celebrate than with a beautiful glass of bubbly. Although I do enjoy a glass of Champagne from time to time its not always in my budget. Therefore,I searched out for one of the most popular bubblies out there and that is of course Prosecco.

We know, this sparkling wine must come exclusively from one of two wine growing regions in north eastern Italy.

The two regions are  Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In fact the name comes from the Italian village of Prosecco near Trieste. It is also the name of the wine and was until recently the name of the grape. Due to a change in regulation in 2009  the “Glera” grape which is a long standing synonym for Prosecco was officially recognized as the proper grape name used to identify this iconic Italian export.

$17.25 per bottle (case of 6). Available through VDF Wines & Spirits.

My discovery, the Pitars Prosecco DOC made from a fourth generation, historic and stunning winery located in Friuli. This Prosecco  is lively with zesty fruits and floral notes and  of course, BONUS  its affordability at just  $17.25 per bottle. It’s pretty exclusive too as its not sold through the LCBO but is available exclusively by the case (6) here in Ontario through www.VDFwines.com.

So I an kicking Spring off is style with my Pitars Prosecco!

TUNE  to listen to my review at 5:20 minutes in the show. 

Episode 44

 Here we are again, on the cusp of the 6th Annual #MalbecWorldDay coming up on April 17th on which there will be tons of tastings, events and parties all going on around the globe, honoring this luscious, spicily rich, very delish red grape!
We’ve decided to honour the Malbec grape once again, as well as the country that has become synonymous with Malbec, just as Shiraz is to Australia, Sauvignon Blanc to New Zealand and Carmenere to Chile, Malbec is to Argentina!

E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2012 Shiraz/Syrah

E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2012 Shiraz/Syrah, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2012 Shiraz/Syrah

E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2012 Shiraz/Syrah

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

I think we are on a French kick here today. My wine too hails from the South of France. Although from the Northern Rhone and from a very well known and respected family owned house which is E. Guigal.

This was a juicy syrah, with a syrah, of course, it was juicy! This is a medium bodied wine, not always in the mood for a heavy weight, it was perfect with my baby lamb chops.
A juicy syrah, with notes of spice and hints of earth. It had softer tannins and was definitely a crowd pleaser among all of us at the dinner table. Here in our market it sells for $28.95, from a producer you can always depend on, E. Guigal founded in 1946.

E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2012 Shiraz/Syrah

E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2012 Shiraz/Syrah

Distributed by Vinexx.

Listen to my review at 5:02 minutes into the show

Episode 43

On this week’s radio show…Celebrities and their love of wine.

We have a great show for you today, and our topic “Celebrity Wines.”
Whether owning their own wineries or hooking up with an existing winery, famous directors, actors, musicians, around the world are getting involved in this business.
And why not?  Who wouldn’t want to own a winery?  We do! So we’ve got three special guests joining us here today, from celebrity wineries, you know them all, the wines and the celebrities.

Tiki Estate Pinot Gris 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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My wine pick is a Pinot Gris, the Tiki Estate Pinot Gris 2014, from Marlborough.  $17.95

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

I am going through a nuts for New Zealand phase, having discovered a few great finds lately and so here is one of my latest. And NO it’s not a Sauvignon Blanc, although  a white wine. It is the 3rd most popular white varietal in New Zealand and mimics very much the style that you might find in Alsace.

Tiki Wine and Vineyards was founded by Royce and Sue McKean and the name Tiki pays homage to Royce’s great great grandfather, Tiki 

Terre Mihi, Chieftain of the Nagati Uenuku tribe.

VINTAGES#: 295279  

Distributed by Churchill Cellars Ltd.

 

 Listen to Susanne’s Wine Review at 3:56 minutes into the show.

On this week’s radio show…Celebrate International Woman’s Day with us!

EPISODE 42

We have a fantastic show for you today all in Celebration of International Women’s Day.  International Women’s Day was officially launched in 1911 and today over 100 years later IWD is celebrated around the world. With 1000’s of events taking place honouring women everywhere for their various achievements.

So we thought we want to be a part of that too. So today we’re going to welcome three fantastic ladies to the show, each bringing something unique and different to the table. First up, from Royalty, yes as in the Royal Heiness Prince William and Prince Harry. You won’t want to miss that! Up next a pioneering, award winning winemaker to a very special brand of wine specifically designed for us ladies!

Bonterra Chardonnay

Bonterra Chardonnay 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Bonterra Chardonnay

Bonterra Chardonnay

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

So I am happy to share with everyone my wine pick today. It has been a favourite of mine and to be honest at first I didn’t even realize it was organic. I just knew I loved it! A bonus biodynamic!

From Mendocino, California, my pick is Bonterra which means “good earth” Chardonnay.

Because of Mendocino’s climate and the hot,dry summers a great diversity of cover crops are part of the landscape. The olive trees, a variety of poppies and even strands of lavender can be seen among the vineyards. Perfect for biodynamic farming. This is reflected in the taste in the glass!

It is a rich wine, buttery and nutty, mouth filling and with a crisp acidity and aromas and aromas and flavours of tropical fruit, lemon. It is a delectable journey on the palate and with a long standing finish. Just hits the high note time after time!

Bonterra Chardonnay

Bonterra Chardonnay

Yes, the Chinese New year is just around the corner, it is celebrated on February 8th…and so we thought it would be fun and really interesting to do a show on the celebration of the holiday and also explore a little about the Chinese culture, cuisine and wine .

EPISODE 41

Pillitteri Estates Winery Icewine the perfect pairing for celebrating!

Yes, the Chinese New Year is just around the corner and is celebrated on February 8th and so we thought it would be fun and really interesting  to do a show on the celebration of the holiday and also explore a little about the Chinese culture, cuisine and wine.

It just so happens that one of the most coveted and prestigious beverages enjoyed on this holiday and other days throughout the year in China happens to be Canadian!

Often referred to as liquid gold, it is our iconic Icewine! Pillitteri Estates Winery is one of the most prestigious and largest producers and exporters of Icewine to China,so naturally we spoke with them all about it.

 It just so happens that one of the most coveted and prestigious beverages enjoyed on this holiday and other days throughout the year in China happens to be Canadian!
Often referred to as liquid gold, it is our iconic Icewine! And Pillitteri Estates Winery is one of the most prestigious and largest producers and exporters of Icewine to China, so naturally we spoke with them all about it.

Happy Chinese New Year… Year of the Monkey.. Pillitteri Icewine the perfect pairing for celebrating!


Nothing scroogie about this wine! Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2008, Susanne’s Wine Pick

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Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

A friend brought this wine over as a gift for a recent Christmas dinner party. Loved the name of this wine, it kind of goes with the holidays. But there is nothing scroogie about this wine!This awesome Shiraz comes from South Australia and from the Ebenezer vineyard, which was first planted in the 1850’s.

Barossa Valley Estate Ebenezer Shiraz 2008

It delivers a big beautiful package all wrapped up with a full body, it’s rich, with ripe fruit intense aromas of blackberries, blueberries, hint of chocolate, long finish, lots of layers and depth. Good long finish and a bit of a treat…. But it’s the holidays, in our market $39.95.

Listen to my review at 5:25 minutes in the show

On this week’s radio show… Holiday Season sparkles with bubbly, glorious stemware, a variety of great value vino and luxurious limo.

EPISODE 40

Thank you for joining us, tis the season to be merry…hohoho .We have a fabulous holiday season show planned for you today, including suggestions that will sparkle with bubbly, pleasure your palate with fabulous vino that won’t break the bank.
Plus we’ll introduce you to a stunning stemware line, new to the market, hand crafted and glorious for gift giving and  “how to travel in style safe and sound this holiday season!

Meet esteemed winemaker Marcelo Papa of Casillero del Diablo

Duckhorn

Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick

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Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

 Merlot Madness and Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot 2012.

I know Merlot Madness was back in October but what can I say, I can be slow out of the gate sometimes, my wine pick comes from a winery that is renown for being the benchmark for this varietal, served at Presidential nominations and the white house. It is a treat for this time of year, at $59.95 a bottle in our market, but delish, share with your wine loving friends, or not, keep for yourself, just kidding, the wine is from the Napa Valley, it is the Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot 2012.

On this week’s radio show… Holiday hits! What will be in your glass this season?

EPISODE 19

Listen to my wine review at 4:44 minutes in the show

A Merlot Blend
—VINTAGES#: 992529   STYLE – Full-bodied & Smooth  $59.95

A fresh style of Merlot with light chocolate and blueberry character. Medium body, firm tannins and a crisp finish, full bodied, smooth.

And we interviewed the winemaker Renee Ary, a brilliant winemaker, she’s been at Duckhorn for about 12 years now and guides the entire Duckhorn portfolio.

2003

Renée Ary joins the Duckhorn Vineyards team under then winemaker, Mark Beringer. Throughout her first decade at Duckhorn Vineyards, Renée learns every detail of production moving from lab manager to enologist to assistant winemaker to associate winemaker in charge of Duckhorn’s Sauvignon Blanc and Monitor Ledge Vineyard wines.

Mason Spink, Dirty Laundry

Dirty Laundry Not So Knotty Chardonnay 2013, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Dirty Laundry Not So Knotty Chardonnay

Dirty Laundry Not So Knotty Chardonnay

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Not too long ago we had the pleasure of interviewing on our audio podcast EPIDODE 31, the winemaker Mason Spink from Dirty Laundry. A wonderful winery located in Summerland of the Okanagan Valley.

This winery has a very cool history, with quite a bit of monkey business that went on in its earlier days. Check out the video for the full story. This winery is so much fun, it is laid back, tongue and cheek, but also makes fabulous wines.

My wine pick…Dirty Laundry Not So Knotty Chardonnay 2013 $19.95/bottle

Dirty Laundry Not So Knotty Chardonnay 2013

Dirty Laundry Not So Knotty Chardonnay 2013

“This femme fatale has a luscious, fruit forward style that is all nouveau monde. Vive la difference!” is how Mason Spink the winemaker refers to this un-oaked Chardonnay. It is stainless steel fermented to allow the fruit to show brilliantly in the wine.I loved this wine with a lively, bright acidity, citrus, apple and a hint of honey, really delicious and has also won numerous awards…

Gold – All Canadian Wine Championship 2015

Silver – Northwest Wine Summit 2015

Just to let you know they also have a “Naughty Version of the Chardonnay… only this one is done in oak!

Pick up a bottle before they sell out!

LISTEN TO MY WINE REVIEW OF THE DIRTY LAUNDRY NOT S0 KNOTTY CHARDONNAY 2013 AT 6:30 MINUTES IN THE SHOW

On this week’s radio show…Ancient Vines,Historic Wines, Antiques, Beringer Vineyards, Taylor-Fladgate Port plus a great new find, Porta 6.

EPISODE 38

Eradus Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Recently while strolling through our local liquor store  I come upon this Sauvignon Blanc with multiple AWARDS decorating the bottle.Hmm… impressive… so I pick up a bottle, go home and sample and then pick up another and another. I really love Sauvignon  Blanc.The wine is from Marlborough, New Zealand, it’s a Sauvignon Blanc 2014.The Eradus Awatere Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2014 for $18.95 is my wine pick.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

A beautiful nose with tropical fruit, and floral notes…really elegant, zesty and mouth watering. Really good I think to myself! 90 plus points by the Wine Enthusiast 2006 – 2010 and 2013.

Try it! You’ll like it!

Listen to my wine review at 4:23 minutes into the show!

On this week’s radio show… Bonterra Organic Wines, Celebrity Chef Brad Long,the raw food diet and whats new in climate change.

Last month we had the opportunity to experience a fabulous Organic wine and food pairing dinner last month hosted by Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Evergreen Brick Works and Café Belong. What made this such an extraordinary evening was each of these three’s huge commitment to our environment.
A pure, ethical and sustainable dinner was presented and it so impressed us that we really wanted to share our experience with you and what biodynamic farming has on our environment, it truly is remarkable!

Episode 37 

Columbia Crest Winery’

Columbia Crest H3 Horse Heaven Hills 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Villa Maria Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick

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Villa Maria Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Villa Maria Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2014

For me, over these last few gorgeous warm days we enjoyed, I was drawn to my fave once again,because I know in the winter months I tend to move onto other whites a little more. My fave of course is of course Sauvignon Blanc. So this week my wine pick is the Villa Maria Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc 2014 $18.95 (Prod # 734798) From guess where??? Marlborough, New Zealand.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

For this wine the fruit comes from two vineyard areas of Marlborough, the Wairau and Awatere valleys, which sit side by side
This “dream blend” as winemaker Simon Fell calls it derives its richness and weight from the Wairau area while its finesse and minerality come from the cooler Awatere area.


Right on Mr Fell! I really enjoyed this Sauvignon Blanc, it delivered just like you said it would, crisp, lively, zesty and delicious with intense classic citrus, passion fruit and herbal notes, definitely got my taste buds salivating for something delish to munch on with my second, third fourth sips…

Villa Maria Thornbury Sauvignon Blanc imported by Airen Imports

Listen to my review at 5:00 minutes into the show

Episode WL10-14-2015

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

We feature a fabulous premium Prosecco, the signature Italian spirit, Grappa and an Italian wine producer 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.