Tawse Gamay Noir 2013, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

July 16, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

I’m thinking about summer entertaining too and came upon this red wine that is made with the Gamay grape. The grape of Beaujolias of course and I really enjoyed it. Gamay and Beaujolais have sort of been off my radar so this was very much a welcome surprise.

Susanne’s Wine Pick

This wine has great bright fruit of cherry, plum and hint of spice on the nose, it has vibrant acidity, and mouth filling flavours of more plum and cherry and a touch of toasted or baking spice, very satisfying, lingering finish.Quite the Gamay!

It is the Tawse Gamay Noir 2013, which sells for $18.95 at the winery Tawse Winery, located on the lower slopes of the Niagara Escarpment.

This is the 3^rd year Tawse Winery is making their Gamay. The grapes are sourced from select Niagara Peninsula vineyards they are hand harvested and the wine is aged in French oak for about 8 months.Tawse Winery of course is certified biodynamic and I love that too.

This wine was released July 2015 here in our market in Vintages.

On this week’s radio show…

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!

Listen to Susanne’s wine review at 4:40 minutes into the radio show.

Episode 28

Statue greets visitors at Nk'Mip Cellars, Osoyoos, B.C.

Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

June 23, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

We are celebrating Canada from coast toast here today. So for my wine pick I have selected a wine from a winery located in the west, the stunning Okanagan and specifically the Osoyoos wine region, the Okanagan’s most southern tip, Canada’s only real desert. This is red wine country and home to North America’s first aboriginal winery, Nk’Mip Cellars.

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Winemaker Randy Picton Nk’Mip

Several years ago Georgia and I had the opportunity to visit Nk’Mip winery, interviewed the winemaker Randy Picton and in fact stayed at the Nk’Mip Resort a beautiful spot that showcases a rich native heritage.

Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

For my wine pick I have selected the Nk’Mip QwAM QwMT Cabernet Sauvignon 2011. This wine had a rich cocoa and cherry palate with soft, supple tannins. Delicious, available in our market here through VINTAGES at the LCBO for $27.95 per bottle. Agent: Constellation.

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

On this week’s radio show…

Happy Canada Day

Episode 26

We have a super show lined up for you today, with Canada Day around the corner and a fabulous lineup of guests,all connected in someway to our fabulous country celebrating its 138^th birthday. PLUS we are also really excited about introducing a brand new segment to our show SIP and SLEUTH To Win!!!

Ask The Wine Ladies…Can you tell me about NK’Mip Cellars in British Columbia?

Ravenswood Besieged 2013, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

June 13, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Joel Peterson, affectionaly known as the “Godfather of Zin.”

With Father’s Day approaching I thought I would pick something that would appeal to Dad’s and their love of the almighty BBQ. I am sure that’s how a majority of Dad’s out there will be celebrating their Father’s Day and we know that Dad’s love their beef, from burgers to steaks and a rack of ribs.

My pick to celebrate this Father’s Day is a wine that is brand new to our market. It is the Ravenswood Besieged 2013 from Sonoma California. Awhile back we had the opportunity to meet Joel Petersen,the founder of Ravenswood several years ago and it was at a BBQ!

Ravenswood Besieged 2013

Red Blend

—VINTAGES#: 414136

$24.95

This wine is a beautiful blend of Petite Sirah, Carignane, Zinfandel, Syrah, Barbera, Alicante, Bouschet, and Mourvedre. The grapes are sourced form 6 different vineyards, including the Alexander Valley, Russian River Valley and others.
The wine is big and juicy, fruit driven, ripe red berry with plenty of structuring tannins. Something super special for Dad… $24.95 here in our market.

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

On this week’s radio show…Happy Father’s Day

Calling all Dads out there.This show is for you! We have you covered for your special day Fathers Day!

Coming up we’re going to talk about what might be some of your favorite things…like 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 flavor,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 2^nd annual Niagara Integrated Film Festival, taking place on Father’s Day weekend where you can choose from a plethora of wine tasting dinners, 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, lets start!!!

Episode 25

Meet the “Godfather of Zin”, rebel winemaker Joel Peterson of Ravenswood.

Pillitteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

May 3, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

Pillitteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

So for my wine pick this week I tried something very special this past weekend from one of our local wineries here in Niagara-on-the-Lake. As you know back in January we had our annual Shimmer of Gold Icewine Tour and visited Charlie Pillitteri of Pillitteri Estates Winery.

Susanne’s Wine Pick

Pillitteri Estates Winery is the world’s largest estate producer of Icewine.

We had a beautiful tasting of Charlie’s wines in their stunning barrel room.

Pilletteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

Although there were many fine wines,the Pilletteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 was a standout in my opinion. Charlie, gave me a bottle and well this weekend I tried it again. It proved to be a stunner once more!.

Pilletteri Riserva Famiglia Cabernet Sauvignon

Full bodied, barrel aged, appassimento style Cabernet Sauvignon.Notes of cedar, dried fruits with a meaty and eucalyptus finish. Age 10-15 years, smooth firm tannins.Definitely something for a special occasion. Available at the winery $78.20. www.Pillitteri.com

Listen to my review at 2:58 minutes into the radio show.

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

EPISODE 21

On this week’s audio podcast…Icewine, Canada’s Nectar of the Gods!

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2014, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

April 26, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013

So Georgia and I recently attended the Wines of California tasting and hit upon a couple of “hits” one of which I’ve chosen as my wine pick.For me as a huge Sauvignon Blanc fan… one of the very first wines I tasted happened to be one of my faves….It was the St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013.Just $24.95 in our market, and worth every penny. I believe the 2013 is still in stores and the 2014 should be arriving soon.

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2013

VINTAGES#: 339663 $24.95 per 750 mL bottle

St Supery Estate Vineyards & Winery is a family owned business and they’re located in Napa Valley in the Rutherford growing region and all their wines are estate grown and produced. This Sauvignon Blanc was so tantalizing on the nose and in flavor with intense citrus notes, grapefruit, lime and lemon and brilliant freshness, simply delicious! A bonus for me, with Earth Day being today these guys are certified Napa Green.

St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc 2014

Enjoying a glass of wine at International Sauvignon Day with Andrew Von Teichman of Vonterra Premium Wine & Spirits

Listen to my review at 4:05 minutes into 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.

This week’s episode….Episode #21 (WL-04-25-2015)

A taste of Italy…Amarone,Grappa and Italian cuisine.

On this week’s radio show…A taste of Italy…Amarone, Grappa & Italian cuisine.Introducing Fabulous Finds For Foodies… Alioli Ristorante, Mississauga, Ontario

Schramsberg Brut Rosé 2011, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

March 23, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

Schramsberg Rosé Brut

On our recent trip to Las Vegas we discovered our latest Fabulous Finds For Foodies. The restaurant is Aureole, located in the Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort.It is part of the incredible Charlie Palmer Group, a two time Michelin Star recipient and Wine Spectator Grand Award winner for its wine list every year since 1999!

Susanne’s Wine Pick

One of my favorite courses from the Charlie Palmer Tasting menu was the 1st course, a blood orange salmon gravlax and lightly smoked ora king salmon dish. Incredible! This was paired with the Schramsberg Rosé Brut Methode Traditionelle 2011, a delectable sparkling wine. It is my wine pick for this week!

Schramsberg located in Calistoga, Napa Valley, California and founded in 1862, this producer has legs!

The 2011 is a delectable blend of 61% Pinot Noir and 39% Chardonnay.The dose of chardonnay added for complexity, says the winemaker. Handcrafted using select cool climate north coast vineyards,

So delicious, so enticing with aromas of strawberry, and touches of citrus… bright acidity on the palate with a long, refreshing and lingering finish.. So relish….Schramsberg Rosé Brut Methode Traditionelle 2011.

Schramsberg Brut Rosé

In our market by the way…you need to contact THE VINE AGENCY.

$59.95 per bottle /6 per case.

For this wine review

TUNE INTO THE WINE LADIES RADIO SHOW at 3:29 minutes into the show.

Episode #18 (WL 03-22-2015) Welcome to fabulous Las Vegas… wine and dine scene extraordinaire!Our Fabulous Finds For Foodies… Aureole Las Vegas by Charlie Palmer, Mandalay Bay.

The Wine Ladies on Connect Me Radio

Piper Heidsieck Red Label Cuvee Brut, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

February 18, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks, Wine/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

Piper Heidsieck Red Label Cuvee Brut.

Piper Heidsieck Marilyn Monroe’s Favourite Champagne

It’s rumored that this champagne was Marilyn Monroe’s favorite. She used to enjoy a glass every morning and I definitely agree with her!

This stunning champagne has the finest bubbles, is pale yellow in color, very pleasing to the eye. Aromas of green apple and citrus.My pick for celebrating the Oscars this year is Piper Heidsieck Red Label Cuvee Brut.

Piper Heidsieck

LCBO $54.95 per bottle

For my wine review

TUNE INTO THE WINE LADIES RADIO SHOW at 4:17 minutes to hear it.

Episode #17 (WL 02-18-2015) We have Oscar fever!

Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck shares his culinary creations set for the stars on Oscar night!
Listen to The Wine Ladies Wine Pick at 4:30 minutes in the show.

On this week’s radio show…We have Oscar fever! Celebrity Chef Wolfgang Puck, Piper Heidsieck Champagne and much more!

Bodega Catena Malbec 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

January 12, 2015/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

Bodega Catena Malbec 2012

My wine pick this week is from South America, although not from Chile but from Argentina. Another region making superb quality,value wines and this one is a standout!

Susanne’s Wine Pick

The producer, family owned Bodega Catena Zapata, is known for their high quality wines. It has been making wine for multiple generations. They have vineyards planted in Mendoza at varying altitudes each vineyard bringing something unique to the final blends.

My pick the Bodega Catena Malbec 2012 is a blend of grapes from four vineyard sites. Each bringing something special to the wine. The result a wine of intense aroma, with black fruit, floral notes, spice, black pepper, complex and with a lasting finish. I thought delish for $19.95.

TUNE INTO THE WINE LADIES RADIO SHOW at 4:17 minutes to hear it.

On this week’s radio show… Episode #16 (WL 01-12-2015) Icewine… Canada’s Nectar of the Gods!

we explore all that is our iconic Icewine, this special wine that literally put Canada on the world-wide wine map! What makes it so special, how its made, and no we don’t put the grapes in a freezer, but some do,a commercial freezer that is…so we’ll learn all about it, the risks, the rewards, and the amazing taste profiles!

And to help us do all that and also chat about some of the other award winning still wines coming out of this region… Joining us today, 3 guests from different wineries, all located in our beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake and stops on our Shimmer of Gold Icewine Tour coming up January 25^th.

Santa Rita Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2011, Georgia’s Wine Pick.

Viña Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, Susanne’s Wine Pick.

November 9, 2014/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

Viña Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

Well with the season turning a little colder now I was in the mood for something a little thick, warm and luscious.

I love wines from Chile and the Maipo Valley is one of Chile’s most important wine-producing regions, Often described as the “Bordeaux of South America” and rich, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon is undoubtedly its most celebrated wine style.

My wine pick this week is the Viña Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, robust with big fruit, this wine hits the spot for me at just $17.95 in our market. Outstanding.

Viña Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

—VINTAGES#: 18721

$17.95 per bottle.

Episode #11

WOW,no bull roar here with the wines of Navarra, Spain

TUNE INTO THE WINE LADIES RADIO SHOW NOW

Viña Tarapacá Cabernet Sauvignon 2012

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

September 29, 2014/0 Comments/in Susanne's Wine Picks/by Susanne Seelig-Mense

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’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