Discover the joy of bubbly! The Wine Ladies visit Cityline TV!
The Wine Ladies on set with TV host Tracy Moore of Cityline TV.
Discover the joy of bubbly… budget bubbly too! Make your Valentine’s Day sparkle.
Ahhh… the secrets of bubbly from around the world! From Champagne to Cava to Sekt and Prosecco, the gentle mousse of these wines titillate the palate and tickle the nose! The flavours range from toasty biscuit and almond to zesty citrus and luxurious peach! Learn the story of the vessel from which you sip, including the coupe, the flute and the tulip! Finally a few favourites for you and your Valentine. Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
Sparkling wines are made all over the world, but not all created equal! Rules, rules and more rules! A matter of geography, a mattter of method, of grapes and of taste! Lets unveil the sleuth in us and uncover bubbly, from fizzante to sparkling to Champagne!
Indeed we cannot group all bubbly into one big bubble! Sparkling wines go by differnet names depending on their origin, how they are made, and which varietals that use to make it.
Meanwhile before the show…..
Champagne, for instance can only be called champagne if it is made in the Champagne region located in the north-east of France, a mere hour away from “gay Paris”.
The methodolgy (Methode Traditionnelle) is meticulous, costly and time consuming.
The secondary fermentation, responsible for the bubbles… must take place in the bottle, after a still wine has been embellished with a touch of sugar/syrup and/or water and yeast. It is then capped with what looks like a coca cola cap. The fermenation begins and millions and millions of tiny bubbles will be the end result when it is finally time to pop the cork. Scientists with lots of time on their hands have counted… or estimated approximately 49 million bubbles! Vintage Champagne has to be aged for 36 months in the bottle requiring much patience and euros. The aromas and flavours of Champagne are seductive, characterized by a variety of distinctive toastiness, citrus, bisquit and brioche, with notes of almond and the elegant lively mousse. Simply devine!
Our choice: VEUVE CLICQUOT VEUVE CLICQUOT BRUT CHAMPAGNE LCBO 563338 Price $ 67.85 http://www.veuve-clicquot.com
Our journey continues to Spain, where most of the sparkling is produced in the Penedes region, a brief car ride from Barcelona. Cava is what they call their sparkling wines, and they must also be produced in the “Methode Traditionnelle” as it is done in Champagne. Cava represents some of the finest value sparkling wines on the market today. Flavours can range from floral to apple and even notes of an earthy mushroom. Teriffic value bubbly starting as low as $10.00!
Our choice: MUGA MUGA CONDE DE HARO BRUT CAVA VINTAGES 168559 Price $ 19.95 http://www.bodegasmuga.com
We deviate from the Methode Traditionnelle to the Charmat method or tank method of producing sparkling wine, which has the secondary fermentation taking place in bulk in a pressure tank. The advantage to the Charmat process is that it is cheaper, faster and less labour intensive.
Two other wine growing regions producing sparkling wines using this method are Germany and Italy.
German speaking countries refer to their sparkling wines as Sekt. The base wine can actually come from another country, often France and Italy or others. Although Riesling is the predominant varietal this is not regulated. If a sparkling wine says “Deutscher Sekt” on the label, this means the base wine comes from Germany. The small amount of Deutscher Sekt that is made by the traditional method tends to consist of riesling, chardonnay, or the pinot varieties.
Our choice: Dr. LOOSEN LOOSEN BROS. DR. L. SPARKLING RIESLING VINTAGES 296095 Price $ 13.95 http://www.drloosen.com
Finally, everyone has heard of Prosecco, that delightful, lively bubbly that hails from the Italian region of Veneto! Prosecco refers to the style of the wine, and up untill 2009 the grape. This changed in 2009 and is now called Glera.
Prosecco, leading the charge in the tremendous growth in the sparkling wine category is characterized by light, persistent fruitiness, floral, apple, pear and a gentle mousse. Wonderful budget bubbly to be sure! What’s the difference between frizzante and sparkling? It all depends on how much pressure is in the bottle, frizzante has softer and fewer bubbles, “frizzante” is simply fizzy!
Our choice: FOSS MARAI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO VINTAGES 729392 Price $ 19.95
We end with a nod to one of our own sparkling wines, from Lake Erie North Shore, the Girls’ Night Out sparkling, produced with the Riesling grape. Delivering green apple with a citrus zest and a creamy, silky frothy finish. Delish!
Our choice: Colio Estate Winery GIRLS’ NIGHTOUT SPARKLING VQA LCBO 215632 Price $ 14.95 http://www.girlsnightoutwines.com
We embrace the versatility and celebration of bubbly with this delectable Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine Sparkling Slushie, as we toast with Tracy! Recipe courtesy of Karen McFarlane of The Ice House Winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake. This sumptious icewine with rich raspberry, black currant and long finish is the perfect partner for the topping of our rose sparkling wine from Konzelamann Estates.
Our choice:
The Ice House Winery Northern Ice 2011 Cabernet/Dornfelder Signature Series Red Price:$70.00 http://www.theicehouse.ca
Konzelmann Estate Winery KONZELMANN ROSE METHODE CUVE CLOSE VQA LCBO 184176 Price $ 16.20 http://www.konzelmann.ca/index.php
The Ice House Sparkling Slushie
200ml The Ice House Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine – Chilled
8 to 10 ice cubes
100 ml of Canadian Sparking Rose – Chilled
Serves 4
Place ½ of the ice cubes in a blender and cover with 100 ml The Ice House Cabernet Sauvignon Icewine, mix, then add remaining ice cubes and Icewine and finish blending.
Pour into martini glasses and add 25 ml of Canadian Sparking Rose to create bubbles on top
Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, Georgia’s Wine Pick.
Super Bowl Sunday XLVII Super Snacks
Happy Super Bowl Sunday XLVII!
May we suggest you forget the beer this year and enjoy some vino with your ahhhh food, like a bowl of chili and a glass of Malbec, spicy chicken tacos and Pinot Grigio, potato chips and Champagne (celebrate when your team wins in style!!),chicken wings and Riesling or for zzzeee pizza a glass of Italian red! Hope your team wins!
Score a Super Bowl touchdown with The Wine Ladies TV!
What will you be serving at your Super Bowl Sunday XLVII party? It doesn’t have to be Bud Light and Buffalo wings…. bring a touch of class to your Super Bowl event as The Wine Ladies and their guests Rudy Florio founder of Liaison College, former Alouette and Chef Shawn Whalen offer up a food and wine pairing touchdown! Whats a party without the wine? Also joining us from New York, home state of the New York Jets, Steven Shaw Jr. proprietor of Shaw Vineyards small boutique winery located on Seneca Lake located in the Finger Lakes our neighbour and wine region just to the south of us. Shaw Vineyard- Wine is not our business it is our passion.
Super Bowl grub kick it up a notch! www.thatchannel.com/thewineladies TV
Smack your lips tips for Valentine’s Day…OH MY!
Cupid’s arrows of romance spread the language of love.
What better way than with the romantic gift of wine, or possibly the sumptious sensual gift of pairing wine and one of life’s other greatest pleasures, chocolate and wine together! Or… now with a variety of savory and sweet handmade “with-love” bisquits created especially for red, white and sparkling wine heavenly matches!
Calling all Cookie Monsters and wine lovers out there
Wine and Cheese can be a little bit like been-there, ate-that! But an assortment of sweet and savoury cookies to pair with red, white or sparkling wine? That works!
New to The Wine Ladies online store! Check out the full offering of Cookies & Corks here!
Cookies & Corks provides a unique tasting experience. Our natural, gourmet, sweet and savory cookies are crafted to pair with wine and contain distinctive ingredients like apricot, sage, dark chocolate, espresso, lemon, and sea salt – all perfect complements to the great wine varietals.
Our custom cookie and wine pairing guide makes selecting the perfect bottle of wine to match a box of our cookies a breeze. Whether given as a gift or used at a party, Cookies & Corks engages everyone as they experiment with different cookie and wine combinations. Nibble, Sip, Savor!
We encourage you to have fun pairing our cookies with your favourite wines, or use one of our pairing recommendations. But no matter how you mix or match. a dynamic combination of flavours show up to delight and entertain you!
VIP Wine and Chocolate Tour with The Wine Ladies, a decadent day of two of life’s greatest pleasures together!
Three spectacular wineries, exclusive tastings, private Barrel Cellar tasting and luncheon plus a Chocolate truffle workshop, Icewine Slushies and more!
Join us Sunday, February 24th, 2013, Niagara-on-the-Lake
RECEIVE $15.00 in The Wine Ladies $ GIFT CERTIFICATE to spend on The Wine Ladies Online store.
A special gift bag filled to the brim with lots of goodies too.
Explore the decadently sweet and savoury art of wine and chocolate pairing. Visit 3 spectacular Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries, personally selected by The Wine Ladies and taste a selection of stunning VQA wines paired with chocolate-infused dishes – from classically sweet flavour combinations to unexpected surprises. For chocolate lovers and foodies a like, a perfect day for a romantic celebration for two, group of friends or a girls’ getaway!
Everything for your day is included in our pricing from first class transportation, to exclusive tastings, a spectacular lunch in the Barrel Room of Jackson Triggs Estate Winery with VQA wines, led by celebrity wine maker Marco Piccoli and Executive Chef Tim Mackiddie. Chocolate workshop to be led by David Levy, Founder of Chocolate Tales, infuse an decorate your truffle to your heart’s content! While riding back in style and sipping on sparkling wine, unveil your loot bag filled to the brim with goodies, and pay attention, you may hear your name called as a winner of one of the fabulous multiple prizes!
{source}
<!– You can place html anywhere within the source tags –>
<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/4gG6uWnf40I” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
<script language=”javascript” type=”text/javascript”>
// You can place JavaScript like this
</script>
<?php
// You can place PHP like this
?>
{/source}
Meet Jackson-Triggs winemaker Marco Piccoli
Fresh baked goodies and coffee from Whole Foods Oakville will await you as you board, and set off for a spectacular wine and culinary adventure!
So grab a few friends or your partner and make this year’s Valentine’s Day extra special!
AGENDA
Sunday February 24th – 9:45am-7pm
Two convenient pick-ups
9:45am Departing from Yorkdale Mall (Milestone’s entrance) and returning at 7:00pm
10:30am Departing from Whole Foods (HSBC side) and returning at 6:00pm
****
Be greeted by a glass or two of JT Sparkling wine, upon arrival. Then meet celebrity wine maker Marco Piccoli who will take you on a winery tour and then lead you through an exclusive seated tasting in the stunning barrel cellar.
Following the tasting, Executive Chef Tim Mackiddie will share a few words on his inspiration behind the spectacular lunch menu we are all about to enjoy, all recipes reflecting the theme of wine and chocolate. Tasted wines will served throughout the lunch.
****
Though Pondview Estate Winery itself is new, the Puglisi family has been growing grapes since the 1970s. As a testament to the quality and craftsmanship put into each bottle of wine, Luciano (Lou), was crowned 2008 Grape King, a Ministry of Agriculture award for the finest vineyard operator in Ontario. Meet the 2008 Grape King and enjoy a personalized tasting to include a range of award winning VQA wines, including one spectacular wine and chocolate inspired pairing!
Meet the winemaker Jamie Macfarlane and his partner and fellow proprietor Karen. Specializing in icewine, often referred to as Canada’s “liquid gold” Jamie and Karen’s boutique winery was recently featured on Dragon’s Den, showcasing their specialties which include their ever popular Vidal Icewine Slushie. Simply divine, we’ll enjoy this unique and delicious cocktail paired with a dark chocolate, cherry, almond and ginger treat. Other tastings will include icewine cocktails with a nod to Valentine’s Day with red raspberry, pomegranate and possibly even rose petals making an appearance.
The Ice House is the perfect spot to toast a special occasion, and bid adieu to a completely wonderful day of adventure for our palates!
***
Buy your exclusive VIP ticket here now
Jackson Triggs Estate Winery Luncheon Menu*
Cauliflower and white chocolate “cappuccino” | Truffle creme | Valrhona coco
~
Baby romaine
Pinot vinaigrette | Dark chocolate caramel hazel nuts | Nosy goat
~
Beef cheeks braised in red wine and cocoa nib | Ontario root vegetables | Candied garlic | Fine herbs
~
Milk chocolate custard tart | Grapefruit
Icewine, drink it now or later? Ask The Wine Ladies January 2013
Dear Wine Ladies,
I tasted a delicious Vidal Icewine which I learned was aged in oak. Is this typical? Are Icewines ok to age or should they be consumed when young?
Barry, Toronto
Niagara Icewine Festival VIP Wine Tour with The Wine Ladies
NOW SOLD OUT!
Join us Sunday,January 13th, 2013,Twenty Valley and Jordan Village, Niagara
RECEIVE $15.00 inThe Wine Ladies $ GIFT CERTIFICATE to spend on The Wine Ladies Online store.
WIN $1000.00 Chocolate Walking Tour too!
Now just In! $1000.00 PRIZE Chocolate Walking Tour of Toronto to be won by one lucky VIP guest and 9 of their friends on our Icewine Tour.
Walk and taste with us with David Levy, chocolatier and proprietor of Chocolate Tales!Every VIP guest will also receive a box of assorted hand made assorted Truffles and much more!
Hello everyone, tis a hectic time we know, but we wanted to invite you to join us on our fun filled, absolutely delectable “Shimmer of Gold” wine tour taking place in January! Sure to be a stupendous day, a wintry wonderland awaits you, come and celebrate Icewine and winter, with us, at the annual Niagara Icewine Festival. We’ll visit three personally selected wineries where our small group will enjoy a unique VIP wine experience just for us. In between visits, we’ll spend a little time in the village, with the festival offering up fabulous wines, superb foods, and lots of shopping and entertainment. The ice sculptures and roasting marshmallows are always a hit too!
{source}
<!– You can place html anywhere within the source tags –>
<iframe width=”420″ height=”315″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/E2v4J85za2U” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>
<script language=”javascript” type=”text/javascript”>
// You can place JavaScript like this
</script>
<?php
// You can place PHP like this
?>
{/source}
Sunday January 13th – 9:45am-7pm
Two convenient pick-ups
9:45am Departing from Yorkdale Mall (Milestone’s entrance) and returning at 7:00pm
10:30am Departing from Whole Foods (HSBC side) and returning at 6:00pm
***
Join us as we visit Twenty Valley embracing Lincoln’s communities of Beamsville,Vineland and Jordan, Situated in Niagara’s lush Greenbelt, just an hour’s drive from Toronto, this extraordinary wine-producing area transforms itself into a stunning winter wonderland embracing Canada’s liquid gold, Icewine.
We have created a very special VIP experience for you. Travel in style and comfort in our limo bus, visit 3 special local wineries. An exclusive experience created especially for our group including samplings of some of Ontario’s best Icewine, sparkling and premium VQA wines.
We’ll also enjoy a visit to Main Street- Jordon Village for the Twenty Valley Winter Wine Fest for lunch and more wine sampling by 35 local wineries and restaurateurs preparing delectable dishes to temp your palate and warm your insides. There will be lots to see and enjoy as this year’s event will again feature a fashion show featuring local winemakers, local chef demonstrations and a Wine Makers Olympics – a barrel rolling championship for the coveted Golden Blundstone Boot.
Everything for your day is included in our pricing from tastings, to transportation, to giveaways, to a complimentary gift bag filled to the brim including Truffles by Chocolate Tales and Olive Oil from Olivo Fresco and more, snacks and coffee from Whole Foods Oakville, to your lunch. Grab a few friends and why not join us for a fun filled wine and culinary experience. RECEIVE $15 The Wine Ladies $ GIFT CERTIFICATE to spend on The Wine Ladies Online store.
***
Discover this beautiful winery with roots as a tavern 150 years ago now run by brothers Paul, Daniel and Mathew.Experience a VIP cellar experience.
Enjoy this stunning wintery in the heart of Jordan Village and meet proprietor Len Pennachetti and more.
Meet the one and only Rob Power winemaker extraordinaire.
*****
$125/per person
VIP Limo transportation provided by Niagara Classic Transport.
Buy Your Exclusive Ticket here.
Let’s Talk Turkey! To decant or not to decant that is the question!Ask The Wine Ladies December 2012
Dear The Wine Ladies,
We have been invited to my month-in-laws for Thanksgiving dinner, and I would like to surprise her with a decanter as a gift. She is just getting into wine and I thought she might enjoy this surprise instead of flowers or chocolates.
Would I be able to find one that would fall into my limited budget of around $35-$50? I’d like to share a few words of wisdom with my gift as well, if you wouldn’t mind offering a few tips it would be greatly appreciated.
Should all red wines be decanted and what are the main reasons for decanting?
Jack
New York, New York