Rosehall Run Vineyards, Lynn and Dan Sullivan

Rosehall Run JCR Chardonnay 2011, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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ROSEHALL RUN JCR Chardonnay 2011

ROSEHALL RUN JCR Chardonnay 2011

My wine pick this week is from Rosehall Run located in one of Ontario’s newest VQA regions, Prince Edward County.The county is situated just under 2 hours east of Toronto. Both Georgia and I have been hosted several times by Lynn and Dan Sullivan the proprietors and winemakers at the winery including when we did a photo shoot for Pie Magazine a year or so ago that involved a rusty old tractor and sparkly gowns!

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

PEC’s area soil’s have a stark resemblance to France’s Burgundy Region,where Chardonnay are world renowned. Chardonnay reigns supreme in the county too and my pick the ROSEHALL RUN JCR Chardonnay 2011,is a testament to that having recently won the prestigious 2014 International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC): SILVER OUTSTANDING  Award.

This Chardonnay enticed me with its fruity aromas of golden delicious apple, and yellow pear. The 2011 cool summer helped hold the great aromatics and crispness that makes County Chardonnay so appealing. I love it. Delicious paired with a creamy BRIE or milk chocolate.  Available through the winery, many fine restaurants in Toronto and the LCBO. $29.95 in our market.

ROSEHALL RUN JCR Chardonnay 2011  

The Wine Ladies at RoseHall Run for the PIE Magazine photo shoot….  the rusty tractor served as a great back drop.

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Episode #10

A “sweet” show …exploring anything and everything having to do with one of life’s greatest pleasures

…that is chocolate!

The 4th Annual Luxury Chocolate Show Toronto is coming up, its incredible. Always an extravaganza and celebration of  this delectable treat… with fine chocolate samplings, incredible vendors, demos and of course the Chocolate and Wine Salon, hosted by The Wine Ladies featuring local and international wines and a selection of spirits too.
On this show we learn a little about the history, and the allure of this magical cocoa plant, how its grown, how its made, best enjoyed,with which wines, and  learn a little about its many health benefits as well from the Doctor in the house!
So starting off… Joining us Joey Cee, the founder of Luxury Chocolate Show, as well as the Toronto Chocolate Festival started in 2005, as a 10 day and now expanded to a 23 day event…. he is a formidable force in so many ways, multidimensional beyond belief…in entertainment, music, magazine publishing, creator of various other festivals, Joey Cee at the top of the show

Next up we’ll be talking wine and chocolate pairings, AND sweet and savoury Chocolate dinners!

Sommelier Rebecca Meir-Liebman and her husband Chef Eyal Liebman, founders of L is for…., offering exquisite private dining experiences and Chocolate Dinners, we’ll chat with this dynamic, hugely talented  duo about a very special Wine and Chocolate dinner happening Nov 8th, and we will be there, can’t wait!

Also a very special feature of the show is the Chocolate and Wine Salon that we’re going to be hosting… one of the wineries who will be pouring that day is one of our faves, we love Lynn and Dan Sullivan, the owners of Rosehall Run… from the wine region of Prince Edward County, a beautiful quaint region, a culinary hot-spot with amazing wines, and we’ll be chatting with Lynn in just a bit

And to pair with Lynn’s wines and others, BRIX chocolate… with the cocoa sourced specifically to produce amazing chocolate to pair specifically with a variety of wines… the founder of BRIX, Dr. Nick Proia, a wine lover and lover of chocolate will join us, and finally  to close off the show, also being poured in our salon, “Amarula” that delectable, luscious liqueur from South Africa, it comes from a fruit, that “drunkens” the elephants! We will welcome Nicole Oliva from Peter Mielzynski Agency here in Toronto to tell us about that

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Rosehall Run JCR Pinot Noir 2011, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

Casa Lapostolle Carmener

Casa Lapostolle Carmenere 2011, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Casa Lapostolle Careener

Casa Lapostolle Carmenere

Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle

Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle

My wine pick comes from a producer who’s founder is truly a remarkable woman, in business, in character and in elegance. And both Georgia and I have had the opportunity to interview her on a number of occasions, one of our favorite ladies Alexandra Marnier Lapostolle! Of the hugely popular and established liquor Grand Marnier

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Not only does she run the family business, she has expanded her family’s empire to Chile. She founded Casa Lapostolle in 1994 and is still out working the wine market while her son Charles holds down the fort at Lapostolle.

As a fan of the signature grape of Chile, Carmenere, I love this full bodied, rich, deep coloured, ripe black fruit red wine with a lasting finish….Super duper value Casa Lapostolle Carmenere 2011.

Casa Lapostolle Carmenere

Carmenère

—LCBO#: 168740

$14.95

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Episode #7

Extraordinary women of wine, food and politics!

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Joining us in studio today, Grand Marnier, French wine royalty Alexandra Lapostolle.

Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial

Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial

Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial

Well I was definitely in a pink kinda mood this week and was looking at the world through rose colored glasses. 

Why you ask???…. well because it was my birthday and I celebrated in style, including a party bus, limo style (Just For U Limo Bus) for my fantastic friends, a happening restaurant (Strada West Eat and Sip House) in Niagara Falls and of course a glass or two of champagne…. in fact pink champagne…My favourite colour and nothing says celebration more to me than a glass of crisp, rosé  champagne in a long stem fluted glass.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

And I’m not the only one, shipments of rosé from the Champagne region of France have enjoyed significant growth in the U.S.—just last year over 2.7 million bottles of rosé Champagne were shipped to the U.S., making up 15.3% of all shipments in the USA.

My pick is the exquisite Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial…simply radiant!, a style distinguished by its fine bubbles, rich red berry fruit, its seductive palate and its elegant maturity with a long finish! Sounds just like me..!!!In our market here about $77.00 and well worth the price. I even brought out my saber the night of my party and opened it up in style!

Moet & Chandon Brut Rose

Champagne

—LCBO#: 482026

$77.15 per bottle

 Check out my birthday celebration on FaceBook

Celebrate Champagne Day Oct 24th,2014 with a bottle of Moët & Chandon Brut Rosé Imperial and a shiny saber to open it with flair!

Available on The Wine Ladies on-line store.

BRAND NEW SHOWS every Monday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 2:00 pm or listen anytime and all the time ON DEMAND

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Episode #9.

“Happy #ChampagneDay! Celebrate the unique sparkling wine that only comes from Champagne.

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Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2013, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc

Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc

One of my all time favourite wines are the Sauvignon Blancs as I find them so refreshing to drink, zesty and a real party in the mouth! Speaking of which I went to a wonderful party on the weekend where my hosts are real wine lovers. They had a great selection of wines to enjoy! I discovered this Sauvignon Blanc and surprise its not from New Zealand. As we all know New Zealand has claimed Sauvignon Blanc as their signature grape and they do it exceptionally well, this happens to be from the one is from the Loire Valley, a wine region from Northern France that is also known for making Sauvignon Blancs for a much longer time. My pick this week is the Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2013.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

What I really liked about this wine was that contrary to the NZ Sauvignon Blancs, which are very intensely perfumed this one was a little more restrained on the nose, with good notes of citrus, a floral touch and great acidity. It’s a great value at just $15.95 per bottle

Henri Bourgeois Petit Bourgeois Sauvignon Blanc 2013

Sauvignon Blanc

—VINTAGES#: 672345

$15.95 per bottle

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Episode #8.Chef Wars! Roger Mooking Celebrity Chef and Judge

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Santorini

Boutari Santorini 2013 Assyrtiko, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Boutari Santorini 2013 Assyrtiko

Boutari Santorini 2013 Assyrtiko

When we started looking into doing a radio show on “Out of the Ordinary but Extraordinary”b the  island of Santorini was an obvious choice. The way the grapes are grown in baskets are very unique as are their wines.  I found a super white wine. It is made with one of the indigenous grapes of the island. Although they do make wines from the traditional Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc etc., my goal was to something unique.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

And I did. The grape is Assyrtiko. Its origins come from Santorini although it is planted widely in Greece. The grape loves the volcanic soil and typically produces dry, full bodied, aromatic white wines with a touch of mineral character.

My wine pick is the Boutari Santorini 2013 Assyrtiko…. Crisp, with green apple and hint of citrus, with that mineral note and long finish, so delish with my grilled fish!

Boutari Santorini 2013

Assyrtiko

VINTAGES#: 47985

$18.95

 

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Episode #6.Out of the Ordinary but quite Extraordinary!

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Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011

Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011

Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011

So I found another great bargain on the shelves this week, a French bargain from the Rhone, theDomaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011. The price is $13.95. It’s a new release here in Ontario our home market.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

It is from the winery Domaine Le Grand Detour and the wine is their Plan de Dieu 2011.I took it to a family get together on the weekend, and it got rave reviews!

A grenache blend, mostly Grenache at 70% with 20% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. It is full bodied, 14.5% alcohol, with delicious mouth watering ripe juicy flavours of black berry and cherry.Give it a try!

 

Domaine Le Grand Retour Plan de Dieu 2011

Grenache Blend

VINTAGES#: 224592

$13.95

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Episode #4.Healthy Living from the plate to the glass!

Healthy living, from the plate to the glass to the strong and sexy body!EMERGE Lifestyle and Fitness.

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2013

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2012, Monterey, California, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2012

Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2012

Well I find myself in the same camp as Miles did in Sideways. He adored Pinot Noir as so do I! As you know Pinot Noir is often referred to as the heart break grape, because its so hard to grow. Just like the womanizer Jack broke Stephanie’s heart (played by Sandra Oh) in the movie. This grape can be very fickle indeed and break a winemakers heart too.

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

My pick is the Hahn Winery Pinot Noir 2012. Hanh is a family owned winery out of Monterey. They’ve been making wine for over 30 years and have maintained their commitment to high quality and handcrafted wines. You can depend on Hahn!

This Pinot gives me what I like! It’s medium in body, wonderful aromas of strawberry, cherry and notes of spice. $18.95, a super buy

 

Hahn Pinot Noir Monterey

Pinot Noir

LCBO#: 226555 – $18.95

BRAND NEW SHOWS every Monday at 10:00 am and Wednesday at 2:00 pm or listen anytime and all the time ON DEMAND

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Episode #5.Wine and Film

On this week’s radio show…with the Toronto International Film Festival in full swing we thought we would have a look at some of the roles that wine has played in a variety of movies and the impact that these films have had on you the consumer! Take the movie Sideways for example, the sales of Pinot Noir skyrocketed and what happened to the sales of Merlot?

They tanked…. for awhile anyways! Well we’re going to find out why because joining us on the show is Frank Ostini, the owner of the Hitching Post II Restaurant, frequented by Miles and Jack in the film Sideways, now celebrating it’s 10th anniversary.

Also joining us, one of the most influential wine critics, journalists, authors, wine TV show hosts, Jancis Robinson about the film Red Obsession, the story of wine from Bordeaux to Bejing…. An incredible story.

Also, Kathryn Kates,proprietor of Kathyrn Kates Public Relations,journalist and song writer, Kathryn currently writes a column Celebrity Dinner Date, of which we were one, or a duo, we’ll chat with Kathryn about that as well as introduce you to singer and songwriter Daniel Casavant and their new single, “Walking From The Clouds”.

And finally the Founder of the Toronto International Film Festival and now founder of another festival The Niagara Integrated Film Festival, Bill Marshall with tons of stories.

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The Role of Wine in Film, Jancis Robinson guest stars on The Wine Ladies audio podcast.

L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2011

L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2011, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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When one thinks of Mexico, often it’s about Tequila, in fact they also have a well established wine industry.Venture up to the north-western tip of Mexico to discover Baha California, with wines much like the ones sought after California’s wines with its costal region.I loved this wine wit my burger on the grill. Simply divine with its medley of fruit character – red currants to blueberries, silky, with velvety tannins, nice concentration and weight. Delish!

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

L.A. Cetto Petite Sirah 2011– Valle de Guadaloupe, Baha California, Mexico Vintages: 983742 $11.95 per bottle

 As reviewed on The Wine Ladies weekly radio show Taking Life One Sip At A Time. Episode #2 All about Mexico.

This week The Wine Ladies take you on an excursion of everything Mexican! From the spirit of Tequila, exploring the truths and busting open the myths, why are all tequilas mescal but not all mescal tequilas? What is the best way to enjoy this drink, either neat, on the rocks or in specialty cocktails? Recipes, and tips on how to best enjoy tequila from the stemware, to chilling, to swirling!

And what constitutes authentic Mexican cuisine, from the words of a native of Mexico City, you will hear about the ultra key ingredients and staples of this cuisine. So recognized is Mexican cuisine  that Mexican food was recently classified an “irreplaceable cultural heritage of Humanity” by UNESCO. The stretches of stunning beaches along the Mayan Riviera, the ultra-cool town of Playa del Carmen, and the amazing beachfront condo development “The Fives” in Playa del Carmen will be explored and finally from a 5th generation Mayan learn about the mystery and history surrounding Tulum, one of the most visited ancient ruin sites in the world. Be sure to tune in!

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Rebel Wine 2012 The Show Malbec

Rebel Wine 2012 The Show Malbec, Susanne’s Wine Pick

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Rebel Wine 2012 The Show Malbec

Rebel Wine 2012 The Show Malbec

Maybe not the most expensive Malbec.

Certainly good bang-for-your-buck wine. Rebel Wine 2012 The Show Malbec is produced by Three Thieves which is owned by Rebel Wines out of California.  Despite this, The Show Malbec is made in Mendoza, Argentina home of many great Malbecs.  85% of this wine is from Lujan de Cuyo and the other 15% is from Uco Valley.  This blend of fruit from high elevation vineyards in the Uco Valley and Lujan de Cuyo result in a mix of ripe fruit and savoury notes. A great match for grilled steak or game!

Susanne'sWine Pick

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Vintages: #375451 $17.95

As reviewed on The Wine Ladies weekly radio show Taking Life One Sip At A Time

On this show The Wine Ladies explore the country of Peru and its capital Lima, regarded as one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. From the huge bio diversity of the landscape including the coastal region, the Andean region and the Amazon comes an incredible fusion cuisine. You’ll also discover Pisco,  Peru’s national drink, a grape spirit, a wonderful elixir that is made with grapes from vast, green vineyards that flourish in the heart of the arid deserts of Peru. This traditional spirit dates back hundreds of years and is the new rising star at the bar! Pisco Sour anyone? Peru a land of gastronomy, spectacular landscape, incredible people and of course Machu Picchu!

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Inniskillin Discovery Series P3 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

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 Hello & Farewell… was a delectable and emotional luncheon held at the TOCA Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Toronto. At which we welcomed and enjoyed Inniskillin winemaker Bruce Nicholson’s  new wines.

And bid farewell to a very special lady who is affectionately known as “Miss Inniskillin 1975”. With over 30 years with Inniskillin, the one and only Debi Pratt, so loved and well respected throughout the entire wine industry was entering into her retirement… So sad are we to see her go. Debi leaves a legacy of her own, a brilliant, charismatic ambassador and educator for not only Inniskillin but the Ontario wine industry as a whole. As a testament and a tribute to Debi’s contribution she received the incredible honour of having a vineyard named after her “The Pratt” Vineyard. Congratulations Debi!

Bruce Nicholson

Bruce Nicholson

We enjoyed a delightful afternoon filled with nostalgia, amazing wines and food… seated across from winemaker Bruce we learned about some of his “firsts”  including a delish Sauvignon Blanc the 2013 Estate Series, super value we discover at price point $14.95!  Stay tuned for further details as this will surely be a Wine Pick in the near future.

But for now… we enjoyed a tremendous lunch that included a to die for Mushroom Risotto with parmesan foam, followed by  main course options of Duck Breast or Ravioli Capresi;  I elected to go with the Duck Breast served with seasonal vegetables and chocolate flakes. For wine pick, I often try to find something a little different, and today at this memorable luncheon I did! My go-to wine this afternoon was a blend… not a traditional blend, but one Bruce calls the 2012 Inniskillin Discovery Series P3.

Bruce Nicholson, the winemaker keeping innovation at the forefront at Inniskillin.

Available at Winery Boutique, online and at the Wine Rack

$19.95 #80003853

P3 is a unique blend of three Pinot grapes. 85%-90% of this wine is made up with Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio with the remaining being Pinot Blanc. An expression of Bruce’s artistry in the cellar. The wine is fresh and crisp with good acidity. It has enticing notes of lemon and lime with floral hints and a flavour with includes peach and touch of vanilla. Very delicious. Most suitable to enjoy on its own or with a variety of fresh summer fare including grilled chicken, fish or seafood.