What says celebration like bubbles?  Well, aside from bubbles with chocolate and strawberries… nothing!

We are doing strawberries, chocolate and and bubbles this week, but with a twist!  We are tasting Früli Strawberry beer and Amber’s Brewing Kenmount Road Chocolate Stout.  So I guess you could call this “Beers-day”.  No matter what you have heard, us winos like a brewsky too!

Producer: Brouwerij Huyghe
Location: Ghent, Belgium
Tasting: Wednesday, January 4, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Früli is a Strawberry beer.  Yup.  You read it correctly.  If you have never tried this wonderful brew, hopefully this article will bring your attention to it and you will buy a bottle or ten.  Now, there are those who would say that this is a lady’s beer.  Mind you those people are missing a few of their front chompers these days!  What the heck does that mean, anyway… lady’s beer.   Richard and I were doing an Oktoberfest event a while back and we had this as one of the brews.  Well, it was a real hit.  Now there were some women who enjoyed it, but a good number of the imbibers were, in fact, gentlemen.

This scrumptious beer is Belgian in ancestry.  It is a Strawberry White (Wheat) Beer that has been fermented with 30% pure Strawberries.  Long before the discovery of hops, the Belgians were brewing their libations with fruit.  Früli is made with water, hops, malt, yeast and Strawberries.  The alcohol is very reasonable coming in at 4.1%.  There are no additives or preservatives either.

Here is the trick to enjoying this beer once you get it home from the store.  If you look at the bottom of the bottle, you will notice sediment.  It is the wonderful strawberry bits that you are seeing.  Hold the bottle in both of your hands and gently roll it around and back and forth so that the strawberry mixture is blended back into the brew.  Don’t shake it… or you will be left with a not so wonderful surprise when you open it.  Yes this would go great with desert, but we would be surprised if you didn’t enjoy it all on its own.

CSPC:                   714841
Winesday Price:

$3.15 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$3.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Kenmount Road Chocolate Stout

Producer: Amber’s Brewing
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Tasting: Wednesday, January 4, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

“Amber’s Brewing Company is about the creative use of natural flavours in our beers and craft coolers, while being socially and environmentally conscious.  Amber’s is about family, friends, locally made products and brewing the best beer and craft coolers possible.  Amber’s is about being unique and proud of it.  Amber’s is about a lot of things but mostly we are about brewing incredibly hand-crafted beverages.”[1]

Richard and I first met Jim Gibbon of Amber’s Brewing at SIP at Capital Ex a few or more years ago.  We were both taken with the passion that this gent has for what he does.  It just completely oozed out of him.  So many times we had planned to go to the brewery, which is located on the southside of Edmonton off 99^th Street.  Well this was the week to make the visit.  Richard was unfortunately not able to make this trip with me.  I had the opportunity of tasting some chocolate barley and I have to say it was mighty fine stuff.  You can positively get the chocolate taste from it as well as some coffee ground undertones.  It was pretty good to munch on, I must say.

Kenmount Road Chocolate Stout poured its first drops in the fall of 2008.  Before we go any further, I have to be honest here.  The name is what caught me on this Chocolate Stout.  Although the name is what drew me in, the taste is what made me want more.  Oh my… the chocolate.  It is true that I am a wee bit of a stout fan, but I am also from St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador.  Kenmount Road is a main drag in St. John’s that leads to the outskirts of the city, mainly the communities of Paradise and Mount Pearl and beyond.  The first brew-master at Amber’s Brewing was also a Newfoundlander and he was from Mount Pearl.  I like the name.  It has a bit of a ring to it.

This is how Amber’s describes this beer:  “This luscious stout pours with a velvety chocolate colour and finishes with a medium density foamy brown head.  The complex brew begins with a sweet taste which gives way to a subtle bitterness as it dissolves into malty, molasses elements before finally fading into a lingering chocolate tones.”

CSPC:                   736230
Winesday Price: 

$12.59/6 pk
(Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$13.99/6 pk

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

We are back enjoying wine again next week.  We hope you enjoyed our version of Strawberries and Chocolate!

They say that good girls like bad boys.  So does it hold true that good boys like bad girls?  Well we are going to find out today, because we are sampling two French wines.  The sparkling is called “Bad Girl” and the red wine is called “Bad Boy”.

Jean-Luc Thunevin and Murielle Andraud are the masterminds of our two French wines today.  To say that they are an interesting couple would be the understatement of the year.  It seems as though people either love what they do… or not so much.

It has been said that Jean-Luc Thunevin is one of the first few winemakers to turn French winemaking upside-down and inside-out.  He was one of the first ‘garagistes’ otherwise known as ‘microchâteau’ or ‘vins de garage’.[1] This is a relatively new phenomenon.  These ‘garagistes’ produced what Richard and I like to call ‘wines for the new world palate’: big fruit, big colour, and often big oaky wines.  They became a hit and found the favour of wine writers like Robert M. Parker, Jr.  It was Mr. Parker who tagged Jean-Luc with the name ‘bad boy’ and ‘black sheep’.  This notoriety, so to speak, was what gave life to the idea of the ‘Bad Boy’ wine.[2] Château Valandraud, owned by Jean-Luc Thunevin and his partner Murielle Andraud, was one of the first microchâteaux.  The wines from these pioneering winemakers are commanding some very high prices.  Some wonder why, but others think why not.  Luckily the two wines we are trying this week are still within our reach!

You will notice this week that we don’t have any food pairings to go with the wines.  We figure nothing goes better at New Year’s than a glass of wine or bubbly with your honey in your arms.  How can you beat that?!

Bad Girl

Location: Bordeaux, France
Blend: 70% Sémillon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 10% Muscadelle
Tasting: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

What exactly is Crémant de Bordeaux?  First of all, it isn’t Champagne.  Remember a wine may only be called Champagne if it is made in the Champagne region in France using the Méthode Champenoise (a.k.a. Traditional Method). This means that the second fermentation takes place in the bottle producing those beautiful sumptuous tiny bubbles.   However, Crémant de Bordeaux is a sparkling wine that is made in Bordeaux, France in the same method as Champagne, but with different grape varieties. The grapes allowed to be used in Crémant de Bordeaux are:  Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Côt (Malbec), Merlot, Muscadelle, Petit Verdot, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris with minor additions of Colombard, Merlot Blanc and Ugni Blanc.  The Grapes for this wine are grown in the Entre-Deux-Mers region of Bordeaux (see right).  The literal translation of Entre-Deux-Mers is ‘between two seas’.  It isn’t, in fact, between two seas.  It is, however, between two rivers:  Dordogne and Garonne.

Crémant came into being in 1990 to replace Bordeaux Mousseaux.  Over the next five years, the Bordeaux Mousseaux designation was completely phased out.  Today only a small amount of sparkling wine is made in Bordeaux, in comparison to other regions of France.

Just a little geeky information:  Saumur and Vouvray were the first two French non-Champagne sparkling wine regions to use the term Crémant.  Crémant is also a term used to describe some of the best sparkling wines of Luxembourg.[3]

This is a fun wine.  Don’t save bubbles for what you might consider a special occasion.  Every day should be a special occasion.  If you feel like having bubbly on a Saturday evening instead of a Meritage or Burgundy or California Cabernet, then open it up.  Bubbles go with everything like:  Popcorn, Sushi, Chinese Seafood, Lobster and Salty Food.  Just to name a few things.

This ‘Bad Girl’ is going to surprise you… in a very good way.

CSPC:                   743225
Winesday Price:

$25.19 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$27.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Bad Boy

Location: Bordeaux, France
Blend: 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Franc
Tasting: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

There are those who sing the praises of Bad Boy (Mauvais Garçon) and those who are a little less warm in their approach.  Don’t you wonder why?  Here are our thoughts on the matter.  A winemaker decides he/she doesn’t want to follow the pack and goes against the grain in making wine.   The outcome are wines that are big and fruity, big colour and a little more approachable at a young age than some other Bordeaux wines that receive the admiration of wine consumers and wine-writers.  Geez, doesn’t that sound familiar?  Super Tuscans come to mind right away.  The winemakers in Tuscany were lambasted by some and lauded by others in the beginning.  After a number of years passed, they became accepted, if not reluctantly, by the traditional crew.

So let’s look at it another way.  If we didn’t have people who had a vision for something new because the status quo just didn’t do it for them, we wouldn’t have electricity, telephones, cars, airplanes, computers, Blackberrys and everything else that we take for granted in our day to day lives.  We think that switching it up a little is a good thing.  Some days you may feel like a little ‘Bad Boy’ (we are talkin’ wine here people) and other days you may feel like a Château d’Armailhac.  Diversity is a good thing.

In 2008 James Lawther MW (Decanter Magazine) wrote:  “Back in May (2008) the unthinkable happened. The bad boy of St-Emilion, Jean-Luc Thunevin, owner of Château Valandraud and godfather of the garagistes, was welcomed as an honorary member of the venerable Left Bank association, the Commanderie du Bontemps du Médoc et Graves, Sauternes et Barsac. ‘He woke us up and helped revolutionize Bordeaux,’ said the order’s grand maître, Jean- Michel Cazes of Château Lynch-Bages.”  Those are big kudos.  We are very excited to see what you think of this wine.

CSPC:                   733870
Winesday Price:

$25.19 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price: 

$27.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Happy New Year to you and your families.  May 2012 bring you love, peace and joy.  Enjoy a nice bottle of wine with your best gal or guy and lots of friends and family.

[2] www.thunevin.com

[3] The Oxford Companion to Wine

Moscato d’Asti DOCG is made from the Moscato Bianco grape and is produced in Asti, which is located in the Northwestern region of Italy known as Piedmont.  So here is a handle for you… the DOCG means “Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita”.  Try and say that quickly, or even slowly for that matter.   Right off the bat we want to let you know that this is not Asti Spumante.  Moscato d’ Asti has the tiniest little bubble (technically speaking it has about 1.7 atmospheres of pressure compared to that of Asti which would be 3.5 - 4 atmospheres of pressure.)  It is not full blown sparkling.  It is known as a Frizzante.  It can be described as very fragrant.  It is quite pleasing, actually.

A Frizzante does not need a big sparkling wine cork with the cage on it, because it doesn’t have that much pressure built up in the bottle.  Just enough to feel a tingle in your mouth and that is it.  A reular cork will do.  Moscato d’Asti is the grander big brother to Asti Spumante.  Now the way we are writing that it sounds kind of snobbish, but it isn’t meant that way at all.  It is just a fact that it is regarded with a little more prestige.  Moscato D’Asti, however, is the one with the lovely Frizzante.  We can’t wait for you to try this wine.

Ricossa Moscato D’Asti

Location: Asti, Piedmont, Italy
Blend: 100% Moscato Bianco
Tasting: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

“The story of “Ricossa Antica casa” is a story of loyalty to territory and tradition, a blend of resourcefulness, professionalism and ingenuity which transformed a small provincial distillery into a large international company.”[1]

The history of Italian wine goes back centuries.  Each region has wonderful wines to go with the local fare.  Some say that there are no wines in the world like Italian wines.  They are pretty special, for sure.  The fun thing about wine is the constant discovery.  Now you know why Richard and I love this industry so much.

The buzz over the past year or so is that Moscato (a.k.a. Mucsat) has become the new hot white grape variety.  We are seeing more and more of it in our marketplace all the time and in various price ranges.  It has a very distinctive fragrant aroma that is very pleasing to the senses.

This Ricossa Moscato D’Asti is described this way:  “Bursting with floral and citrus aromas, this semi-sweet wine, slightly sparkling, expresses flavors of peach and honey on the palate with a healthy dose of crisp acidity to balance the sweetness

Food Pairing:

Peaches Baked with Amaretti; Candied Fruit Biscotti

CSPC:                   743347
Winesday Price:

$15.29 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$16.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Rigal - The Original Malbec

Location: Cahors, France
Blend: 100% Malbec
Tasting: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Malbec… from France, not Argentina.   ”So many local names for the same grape… Auxerrois in Quercy and Cahors where it originates, but also Pressac, Noir de Pressac or Gros Noir, Cot in the Loire Valley and Malbec in Bordeaux.  Malbec has been grown in France for over 800 years.”[2]

We have had the pleasure of sampling French Malbec on Winesday previously.  However, this Rigal was a new find for us this fall.   It was featured at ‘French Fling’ in October of this year.  (If you like French wines, or want to discover French wines, mark it on your calendar for next fall.  The date will be announced in the spring.)

“RIGAL is located in the Lot valley in the heart of South West France, and its roots have been in the town of Cahors since 1755.

For more than 250 years, this historical company has developed its expertise, assuring tradition, authenticity and quality for a range of wines from Cahors and the South West.”

What does Rigal have to say about the wine?  “Flavours of red fruit and spices plus a full body.  It is well-balanced and smooth with just a touch of vanilla.”

CSPC:                   284026
Winesday Price:

$11.93 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$13.25

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

St. Rémy à la Crème

Location: France
Type: Cream Liqueur - Brandy Based
Tasting: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

This product comes with a warning… once you try it you will be hooked!!  That is a summary of what people have been saying over the past couple of months.  The first ingredient is cream.  Remember, at this time of year there are no calories.  Here our thinking on that matter.  Take the bottle and turn it upside down.  The shape looks like an ‘O’ or ‘zero’.  So if you have a fraction of zero, we figure it is minus calories.  We am going to go with that logic.  Who is with us?

So here we have a brandy-based liqueur.  We can’t remember the last time one was even available in Alberta.  The cream category has a great deal of representation, especially in the Irish Whiskey based section, but none with brandy.  Not here in Alberta, in any case.   The St. Rémy à la Crème is a brand new product from St. Rémy.  They could have released it anywhere in the world, but they chose Canada.

“St-Rémy is the world’s N°1 French Brandy made from prestigious French vineyards.  St-Rémy à la Crème is made from the subtle association of sweet cream elegantly combined  with the unique taste of St-Rémy French Brandy.  An original blend producing notes of rich caramel, creamy chocolate and exquisite nuts.  A unique design highlighting a cow in the flourishing grasslands.  Fresh and smooth, St-Rémy à la Crème is subtle and delectable”[3] This past weekend, one lady said that ‘the cow on the label looks very happy.  I bet she was sampling some of this liqueur.’

What is surprising about the reaction to this liqueur is the number of people who have commented that they weren’t big on brandy, but they really enjoy the liqueur’s unique flavour.

The most common question is:  “How do you drink this?”  It is great on ice.  Mix it up with some Cointreau (about 1 part Cointreau to 3 parts St. Rémy à la Crème.)  Coffee and Hot Chocolate work great as well.  Log on to the Facebook page for some great recipes.

CSPC:                   745709
Winesday Price:

$28.79 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$31.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Next week we are celebrating New Year’s Eve a little early. Come join us! We are staying in France for next week to enjoy some wine and liqueur.

[2] www.cahorsmalbec.com

[3] St. Remy

Style: Baltic Porter
ABV: 9.5%
Presentation: Single 355 ml brown bottle
Brewery: Paddock Wood Brewing Co. exclusive for Sherbrooke Liquor
Country: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada

KANPAI! w/ Jeff Werstiuk

Before I go any further we’ll start off with a little bit of a phonetics lesson. The proper way to pronounce the goddess that this beer is named after is Rah-Goo-TEE-Nay. Sound it out, even say it out loud a few times to get familiar with it, as that’s the sound I’d like you to associate with every time I mention Ragutiene. It takes a bit of practice, as it even did for me in the beginning, for the spelling of this name seems a bit counter-intuitive to its actual pronunciation.

So then, Ragutiene is the first release of a 12 beer series dedicated to the memory of beer gods from around the world, stemming from the beginning of recorded history and onwards. There are more than 12 deities of malted merriment that have been worshipped at one time or another, and many more whose name has been forgotten under the dust and debris of the past. However these 12 were chosen as being the most diverse selection to represent such a group, some were also the most interesting from cultures that had more than one god affiliated with beer, and certainly were selected for having the most information available about them.

Well, with the exception of Ragutiene when it comes to that last point. She was worshipped by the Slavic and Baltic cultures of Eastern Europe as their own personal goddess of beer. Her husband Ragupatis was known as the god of fermentation, the process essential for the production of beer. Between the two of them they represented the beginning and the end of the brewing process. Sadly this is all that’s really remembered or mentioned about them anymore, and we’re fortunate to even have these basics available today, thanks to small groups of Lithuanian neo-pagans.

Much of this absence has to do with the fact that these old Eastern European cultures passed down oral traditions from generation to generation, with no written language to provide a back-up to the unavailability of these living libraries. With the development and spreading of monotheism throughout this part of the world much information of former traditions and details about these old gods started to disappear through both attrition and focused assimilation. Due to this it’s a wonder we have any information left at all, let alone names and what these deities represented and lorded over.

The brewing of all 12 beers for this unique series has singularly been taken up by the Paddock Wood Brewery of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. These wouldn’t be the first brews they have produced for Sherbrooke, the first being the Heartstopper Aztec Stout, however it certainly marks the first of such a large and ongoing collaboration. For Ragutiene a Baltic Porter was developed to represent this goddess, with an addition of black currants and some sour cherries. Take note that this beer is not being brewed strictly to style by any means, but is a chance to experiment and create a unique modern homage to what is one of the far more obscure of the ancient beer gods.

Glassware selection for this intense beer offers a few selections. While the traditional pint glass or mug will do just fine, due to the higher alcohol content and robust flavour profile an oversized red wine glass or large snifter will help accentuate the nuances. A tulip glass would be an excellent choice as well if you own some dedicated beer glassware. Cellar temperature is the ideal way to serve Ragutiene, or allow it to warm 20 minutes to half an hour after removing from the fridge.

You’ll be presented with a very deep opaque dark brown porter, which can easily be mistaken for black due to its density. The retention is also steady, with a tall spongy tan head. Expect to find a sharp espresso character prominent on the nose, along with dry cocoa, sweet mocha, and some tart black berries. The warming alcohol content is present throughout in the flavour. Dry burnt malt starts off the flavour providing notes of espresso and charcoal, there’s some dark chocolate present, along with mild earthy, leafy hops that can easily be missed due to the bitterness of the dark roasted malt. The finish contains a quick spike of tart and mildly sweet earthy berries that make a short yet valiant attempt at balancing the intense malt. While the level of carbonation is low the mouthfeel is medium-bodied with a slick, silky texture.

Since Baltic Porters in general are rather complex and intense, food pairings tend to require some extra forethought. Smoked or grilled meats are a good start, as is game meat or goose. For a side to any of them consider some roasted sweet potatoes to match the intensity and counterbalance the roasty bitterness of the Porter. If comfort food is your racket serve up some hearty stew or braised ribs. An earthy cheese option of Camembert or Fontain will do for a light nibble. It’s also fine to skip forward to dessert as well,

The next steps in the cooler:

From This Brewery:
606 IPA
Bête Noire
Black Cat Lager
Bramling Cross Bitter
Czech Mate
London Porter

From Sherbrooke:
Heatseeker
KGB
Heartstopper
Bad Hare Day
Chocolate Cherry Ostiarius
Neapoleon Stout
Van Helsings All Natural Mouthwash
Sherbrooke Shamrock
Ochsner’s 1905 Alberta Porter
Sherbrooke Aaiieeeeeeeeee Caramba!

In-Style:
LTM Porter Baltique
Baird Kurofune Porter
Garrison Grand Baltic Porter
Okanagan Old English Porter
Half Pints Pothole Porter

Lateral Steps:
Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout
DDC Péché Mortel
Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout
Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
Black Albert
Mikkeller George

Okay, so how magical does this scene look?  Sigh…  Richard and I walked down this street last year, but it was not bedecked with all the Christmas regalia in the month of June.  Can you imagine how beautiful this whole town of Eguisheim would look during Christmas?  It is nestled in Alsace and is just a stones throw to the Vosges Mountains.  All the beautiful half-timber homes… my oh my.  They are truly a sight to see.  It is a dream of mine to spend some time with Richard in Alsace before Christmas.  We just know it would be magical.  When we were there in 2010, we stayed in a charming little spot right in town called Hotel Hostellerie des Comtes.  The location was perfect.  We were about a one minute walk from the centre of town and driving distance to the other towns/wineries we wanted to visit.  Oh and the local bakery was just a minute down the road.  Writing this brings back memories of the smell of the fresh baked bread that would waft in the window first thing in the morning.  Meanwhile just up the road from us was Domaine Zinck.

Although the Zinck family has been in the wine industry for many generations, this venture was started by Paul in 1964.  His son Philippe joined him in 1997.  The Zinck winery started with only 2.5 hectares of vines and now produce their whole line of wines with 30 hectares.  “Respect for the environment” is important to Philippe.  Because of that, the Zinck winery “is heading progressively towards organic agriculture on nearly all of the surface area.”[1]

Paul Zinck Pinot Gris

Location: Eguisheim, Alsace, France
Blend: 100% Pinot Gris
Tasting: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio.  Are they the same or different?  They are the same, but like with all grapes, they will taste different depending on where they are grown.  Alsace produces nice honeyed-note Pinot Gris.  If you are used to drinking Italian Pinot Grigio, you will notice right off the get go that the Alsatian Pinot Gris is a little… let’s say they are a little fatter.   There is just something about Alsatian wines that makes them stand out.  Not only from the rest of France, but from the rest of the world.  They are a hidden gem yet to be truly discovered and appreciated.  However, you are going to get to discovered them this week.

TASTING NOTES* by Manuel Peyrondet - Best Sommelier of France, 2008

COLOR This brilliant pale yellow wine offers dazzling glints of silver.

NOSE The aroma before breathing is redolent of plums (notably greengage) and tart apples, mixed with notes of fresh mushrooms. Breathing provides both freshness and lightness. We expect a frank, lively, light wine. Slight hints of pepper round off the aromatic range of this Pinot Gris, which proves to be more subtle than many others of its kind, from an olfactory point of view.

TASTE In the mouth, the impression of freshness is confirmed by an ample and direct attack. The wine gracefully covers the palate, and charms with its volume. Perfectly dry in the mouth (a rare event with this varietal), the wine evolves with a delicate acidity and a slightly leafy note that gives it an even more streamlined body. The finish, still lively at this stage of maturity, is thirst-quenching while at the same time leaving a hint of smokiness.

Food Pairing:

 Lobster Curry; Whole Roast Pork Loin

CSPC:                   702457
Winesday Price:

$17.55 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$19.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Paul Zinck Gewürztraminer

Location: Eguisheim, Alsace, France
Blend: 100% Gewurztraminer
Tasting: Wednesday, December 14, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Yah Yah.  We know.  This is the grape that a lot of people have a hard time pronouncing.  Try this:  Guh-Vurts-Trah-Meener

‘Gewürz’ is German for ‘spicy’ and traminer means ‘coming from Tramin’ (a little town in Austria where the grape originates).  Our translation of the word is simple:  Dee Lish Us.  We love the aromas that come from Alsatian Gewürztraminer.  You can’t miss them.  They almost jump right out of the glass.  One might say that they are seductive in nature.  The Alsatian Gewürztraminer wines have a lot going on.  Oz Clarke, an extremely accomplished British wine writer and critic, says this about Gewürztraminer in his book ‘Grapes and Wines’:  “Those who choose to grow it do so because they love its richness and are prepared to accept low yields and relatively low returns.  It’s unlikely ever to cover the map:  it is not, and never can be, an all-purpose wine.  But with such and in-your face personality, how could it ever be?”

In Alsace, the grape represents about 20% of vineyard space.

Here are the tasting comments by Manuel Peyrondet - Best Sommelier of France, 2008

COLOR The sustained yellow of the wine is enhanced by golden tones.

NOSE The smell is the epitome of the varietal: generous, quite aromatic, it opens on notes of ripe pear, rose petals and violets. The full-bodied aromas of the varietal are strong and precise, despite some yeastiness due to its youth. The wine increases its exotic allure after breathing, with hints of litchi and peppermint.

TASTE In the mouth, the attack begins sweetly on a few grams of sugar that are as charming as the intense perfume. We appreciate the freshness of the wine, especially the measured balance in alcohol found here. The finish seems drier, and culminates on fleeting notes of roses.

Food Pairing:

Thai Green Curry with Beef Recipe; Szechuan Beef; Baked Ham with Marmalade-Horseradish Glaze; Roast Turkey

CSPC:                   702458
Winesday Price:

$18.89 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$20.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice
We are staying in France for next week to enjoy some wine and liqueur.

Jason Foster

Check out more of Jason Foster’s beer news and views at onbeer.org

I planned last month to be the last of the big beer series, ending with the monster trucks of the beer world. However, upon reflection I realized I omitted a distinct form of big beer that deserves its own column. The strong ales of Belgium. Of course, Belgium is regarded as a mecca of quality beer, and not just for their potent versions. From the refreshing Witbier to the tartness of lambic, Belgian brewers are unmatched in their range and creativity. (We will ignore for the moment that the two biggest selling beer in Belgium are Budweiser knock-offs – Maes and Jupiler.)

The originality of Belgian beer of all strengths is noteworthy, but today I want to focus on their panache for producing big boy/girl beer. Belgian strong ales are deceptively and dangerously light and drinkable. Belgian strong ales are big – ranging from 6.5% to 12% alcohol – but you only notice after consuming the bottle and finding your head a little lighter for the task. And so let us take a look at the art of hiding big.

The origins and continued anchor of Belgian strong ales are the drunk monks of the seven Trappist Monasteries (six in Belgium, one across the border in Netherlands). The Trappist monks developed a taste for brewing beer long ago, and for reasons I will explain another day, directed their energies to creating a type of beer not found anywhere else. The Trappist ales are distinguished by their yeast, which produces spicy, peppery, phenolic aromas and flavours. The Trappists – and the laic breweries inspired by them – produce beer of varying strength, all of which display that classic spicy yeast character. Today I want to focus on just the bigger ones. I will resist naming the styles, although common versions are Dubbels, Trippels and Quadrupels, because as soon as one tries to construct a boundary around Belgian beer, the outliers, exceptions and renegades make a mockery of it.

The truth is Belgian strong ales come in all colours, strengths and combinations of flavours. At the risk of oversimplifying I will identify a couple of features common in all and then move on to my main point for the column. All Belgian strong ales possess the Trappist yeast funkiness to greater or lesser degrees. They all are highly carbonated, relatively light in body and finish fairly dry (especially for their strength). Some are slightly sweeter, others accenting musty qualities, while others hike up the pepper, but they all share these broad characteristics.

More importantly they share the tendency to hide the bigness of the beer. When I sip a Russian Imperial Stout or an Eisbock, I can immediately sense the alcohol. The sharp nose, the scotch flavour and the warming linger all give it away. I find little of that in a Belgian strong. If it wasn’t for the yeast, you might swear you were drinking a pilsner or an amber ale.

This is the skill of a Belgian brewer: how to make a big beer and make it taste like a smaller one. A task made all the more difficult because Belgian yeast demands warmer fermentation temperatures, which normally produce more assertive higher alcohols.

What is their trick? I don’t pretend to be an expert, but having brewed a few award-winning versions myself I do know a couple of strategies. First, they keep the malt bill simple: pilsner malt, maybe some wheat or oats for earthiness, and not much else. The opposite of a barley wine recipe. Second, they mash at warmer temperatures, which makes a more fermentable beer (meaning fewer residual sugars). Third they supplement the grain with sugar, which adds alcohol without body. In a regular North American beer sugar is a disparaged practice left to discount brewers. In Belgian beer it is a way to boost alcohol without adding body. Many claim the kind of sugar they use – Candi Sugar, a form of inverted sugar – makes a difference. However that is a contested claim. Some argue regular table sugar produces the same effect. I cannot resolve this debate because I have only used inverted sugar (the last couple of times homemade). Belgian yeasts are also known for high attenuation, meaning they tend to finish drier than many strains.

These tips are helpful, but to be honest I don’t think they are the secret behind a great Belgian strong. The skill is in coaxing subtlety out of the ingredients. And that is a mysterious process that only the monks and their acolytes can understand.

There are no shortage of quality Belgian strong ales available for you to sample. I suggest you try the classic Trappist breweries available in Canada: Orval, Westmalle, Rochefort, Chimay, Achel and the Dutch Koningshoeven (La Trappe). As for the Trappist-inspired breweries, St. Bernardus, Struise and Gouden Carolus are good examples. Plus we should not forget Quebec’s Unibroue, which maintains world-class beer despite its unfortunate ownership situation, owned as it is by Sapporo of Japan. Try one. Try many. You will never find the same taste twice.

Well, here we are back in South Africa again.  Stellenbosch, to be exact. Known as the capital of the wine industry in South Africa.  It is also the home for Guardian Peak Winery.  It opened in 1999 as a partnership between Jean Engelbrecht and PGA Golf star Ernie Els.  Although the two recently dissolved their partnership to further explore their separate wine interests, Guardian Peak lives on.  Guardian Peak’s philosophy is to provide fruit driven new world style wines that are accessible to wine enthusiasts.  They know what a large number of consumers are looking for and they are delivering.  You will see what we mean when you come to try the wine.

Guardian Peak Frontier

Location: South Africa
Blend: Cabernet Sauvignon 45% Shiraz 35% Merlot 20%
Tasting: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

A few months ago we had the opportunity to try this Guardian Peak wine and we thought you would enjoy it.  So here we are.  The wine has some interesting flavours that make it quite food friendly.  You will notice the ‘Grilled Sausage’ and the ‘Grilled Filet with Herb Butter’ recipes below.  When we read them we thought they would go great with this wine.  We haven’t tried them yet, but it is all about experimentation… in other words, we are trying them this weekend.

As described by the winery:

Appearance: Deep Ruby Red

Aroma: Great complexity on the nose with floral notes of jasmine and violet. This is backed up by sandalwood and licorice with hints of classic lead pencil.

Palate: Ripe, juicy red fruit are prominent on the palate with a lengthy, smooth finish. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are in perfect harmony. Together with the Merlot, this creates a well rounded, wonderfully balanced wine.

Impression: “The three varietals each contribute unique flavours and character to the wine to make this a wonderful drinking experience. The wine will mature and soften beautifully over the next 5 years.”

Food Pairing:

Grilled Sausage Sandwiches with Caramelized Onions and Gruyère Cheese; Grilled Filet Mignon with Herb Butter & Texas Toasts;

CSPC:     721145
Winesday Price:

$17.09 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$18.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Guardian Peak Shiraz

Location: Coastal Region, Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: Shiraz
Tasting: Wednesday, December 7, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Philip van Staden, the Winemaker describes the wine for us:

Appearance: Bright ruby red.

Aroma: Ripe red fruit aromas are evident, with cassis and white plum. This is backed up by hints of coffee and mocha, with well balanced, subtle oak notes.

Palate: The focused fruit shows exceptional follow through from the nose. This, combined with the seamlessly integrated tannin structure creates an approachable, elegant wine.

Impression: “A beautiful and well integrated Shiraz best enjoyed now and for the next three years.”

Food Pairing:

Bison Burgers with Cabernet Onions and Wisconsin Cheddar; Grilled Leg of Lamb with Rosemary, Garlic, and Mustard

CSPC:                   721144
Winesday Price:

$15.75 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$17.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

We have many favourite places in the world, but without a doubt Alsace in France ranks right up there.  Wait until you see the photos and taste the wine.  You will think you are right there.

COPAIN SAISON DES VINS VIOGNIER

Winery: Copain Wines
Location: California, U.S.A.
Blend: Viognier
Tasting: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Every winemaker we have spoken with has had an interesting story behind their chosen profession.  Wells Guthrie’s story, too, is an interesting one.  Wells worked for Wine Spectator in their San Francisco office as a tasting coordinator.  Not only had he fallen in love with wine, but he had a very strong desire to become a winemaker.  He left Wine Spectator and then he and his wife packed up and headed off to the Rhône Valley in France.

It was in the Rhône that two men had an incredible influence on his love of wine and winemaking.  Michel Chapoutier and Jean Louis Chave.  Wells worked as an apprentice to vintner Michel Chapoutier for two years.  You might be wondering why he wanted to work with Chapoutier.  Credentials, quite frankly.  The Chapoutier family has been in the wine industry in the Rhône Valley for more than 200 years.  If you drink wines from this region, then you most likely know the Chapoutier name.  Then there is Jean Louis Chave.  His family has been in the ‘vine’ business since the late 15^th century and is considered to have one of the finest wineries in the region.  Ironically, Jean Louis did his schooling at the University of California Davis.  We can only imagine the depth of the impact that these two ‘star’ Rhône vintners had on Wells.  His French winey name, Copain, in English means ‘buddy/friend’.  He gave it that name because he feels that wine is best shared with friends and family.  Hear hear.

Wells founded Copain in 1999 in the state of California and quickly became known for his big Syrah and received a lot of press.  Like all good winemakers, Wells believe that quality starts in the vineyard.  Over the years the alcohol has lowered in the wines and they have become longer lasting and more, shall we say, elegant.  He wants to be a winemaker forever.   Although they make many lovely wines, we are lucky to have Wells’ Viognier to sample this week.

Wells describes this wine:

“This stainless steel fermented Viognier combines candied lemon rind, subtle white flowers, and dried apricots in a steely mineral nose.  Aromatics carry well to the palate which is clean, crisp and lively with a zesty lemon curd and chalk finish.”

CSPC:                   722095
Winesday Price:

$25.19 (Includes Winesday 10% discount.)

Regular Price:

$27.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Rutherglen Estates Burgoyne’s Block MSG

Winery: Rutherglen Estates
Location: Rutherglen, Australia
Blend: 60% Mourvedre, 20% Shiraz, 20% Grenache
Tasting: Wednesday, November 30, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Although we did not plan it this way… both of our wines this week have their roots in the Rhône Valley.  They are not made there, of course, but the history leads us back to that region.

“Rutherglen Estates was conceived with the ambition to redefine the traditions of one of the world’s best fortified wine regions, by producing premium table wines from varieties most suited to the climate and conditions of the Rutherglen region.”

In the mid 19^th century, the Rutherglen region of Australia was one of the largest wine producers in the southern hemisphere.  However, they were mostly known for their fortified wines.  The United Kingdon was the recipient of most of these wines, which really isn’t that surprising.  They seemed to have an insatiable taste for all things fortified.  Peter Burgoyne was considered to be a ‘wine pioneer’ in his day and he had the idea to make the Rutherglen region the principal winegrowing area in Australia.  This wine was named in his honour.[1]

Modelled on the Rhône Valley classics, this blend heralds the delightful reunion of these varieties. Although Mourvedre is rarely the dominant variety in these traditional blends, the colour, structure and intensity of flavour from our Mourvedre, allows us to make a unique version, adding an extra gamey and rich dimension to the Shiraz and Grenache. Shiraz offers lovely berry fruit, pepper and colour richness, while Grenache is the strawberry, candy, vanilla and spicy support variety.  This wine is very drinkable, yet is sophisticated and elegant with great length, rounded tannins, truffles, pepper, spice and red berry fruits.”

CSPC:                   738576
Winesday Price:

$18.89 (Includes Winesday 10% discount.)

Regular Price:

$20.99

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Can you believe that next Winesday we will be a mere 18 days from Christmas?  We will be celebrating with two wines from Guardian Peak in South Africa.   We are looking forward to see you this week and next.

You have heard us say “Washington = Merlot” many times before.  We have a feeling that that saying may soon become “Washington = Charles Smith”.   The man and his wineries have been getting an incredible amount of press over the past few years.  From The Wine Advocate to Wine Spectator, there doesn’t seem to be any stopping this train.  If you met the man, you would be overwhelmed by his passion for winemaking.  It shows through in every fiber of his being.  It isn’t fraught with stuffiness, but just plain love of the stuff.  Richard and I wrote about Charles last year highlighting his Kung Foo Girl Riesling and Boom Boom Syrah

We recently had the delight of meeting Charles and his beautiful wife, Ginevra, when they visited Edmonton in October of this year.  We had the pleasure of enjoying dinner with them and about 25+ people.  Even with that many people, it was quite an intimate dinner.   Winter, the wine agent representative in Edmonton, told us that Charles wanted to make the dinner like a family event.  No plating food ahead of time.  He wanted all the food to come out in serving dishes and people could pass the dishes around the table just like at a big family dinner.  She said that he wanted to get people to chat and get to know each other.  Well, that we did.  And it was a blast!

Charles referred to the first couple of wines we enjoyed that evening like country wines.  ‘These are the type of wines like if you were in Tuscany and you asked for the local wine and they poured you a glass, this would be it.’  ‘There is no need to swirl it and sniff it, just drink it.’

If we were to describe Charles in a few words, we would say he is a ‘take me as I am’ kind of guy.  No fuss no muss.  We gotta say, that is great and truly refreshing.   Hey Charles!  Love the curly hair, man.  Of course, I am partial to curls myself.

The Velvet Devil

Winery: Charles Smith Wines
Location: Mattawa, Washington, U.S.A.
Blend: 2009: 90.6% Merlot, 9.4% Cabernet Sauvignon
          2010: 91% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon
Tasting: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

Merlot.  People either love it or don’t.  Well, we love it.  It is a tough grape to describe because there is so much to it.  There is a lot of red fruit like:  raspberry and strawberry to name two.  Then there is the black fruit like:  black cherry, blackcurrant, plums and damsons.  On top of that there is the fig and prune plus chocolate.  You hear it being described as having ‘velvety’ tannins, as well.  Now there are many more descriptors that people will get out of Merlot, but that will give you an idea.

Love love love the name of this wine.  We always tell people that when you are enjoying a really nice Merlot you should have the same sensation as the touch of soft velvet on your fingertips.  Why call it “The Velvet Devil”?  Charles says “It makes Merlot sound sexy… because it is!”

He describes the 2009 like this:

“PURE VELVET! Milk chocolate, wild blackberry, baking spice, rose oil…beautifully perfumed Washington in a glass….Velvet Devil? HELL YEAH!”

What about the 2010?

“Classic Merlot aromas of dark cherries, cedar, pip tobacco. Anise, stone and cherry blossoms. Yeah, believe it! Naughty and nice, a true Velvet Devil.”

People think we are nuts when we tell them that one vintage is different than the next.  Yes, it is true that the basics are the same, but the expression… wait a minute, that “expression” bit sounds stuffy, and Charles is far from stuffy.  Let’s just say this:  Every year the wine is going to be a bit different, which is good, because if every year they were exactly the same it would be no fun.  We know you will enjoy each one.  If you don’t believe me, just try them.  You’ll see.

CSPC:                   735856
Winesday Price:

$20.25 (Includes Winesday 10% discount.)

Regular Price:

$22.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Winery: Charles & Charles
Location: Washington
Blend: 2009 & 2010: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 49% Syrah
Tasting: Wednesday, November 23, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Charles & Charles is “a collaboration founded in 2008 between Food & Wine Magazine 2009 Winemaker of the year, Charles Smith (K Vintners, Charles Smith Wines) and Charles Bieler (Three Thieves, BIELER Pere et Fils, Sombra mezcal). The label is an abstract play on the American Flag done by the well loved and historic Nashville, TN poster shop, Hatch Show Print.”  They produce only two wines:  Charles & Charles Rosé, and the Charles & Charles Red

Just to let you know, Richard and I were two of those people who were swirling and sniffing this wine.  We know Charles said to ‘just drink it’, but we couldn’t help it.  It smells incredible.  We knew as soon as we tried it that we would have to include in our Winesday for you.

They describe the 2010 like this:

The wine is still loaded with black fruit lead by currants, violets and blackberry with rich, toasty mocha aromas - all of which carry through to the palate.  A portion of the syrah was whole cluster fermented which adds to the dark brambly flavors.”

CSPC:                   738576
Winesday Price:

$16.65 (Includes Winesday 10% discount.)

Regular Price:

$18.50

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Next week we are hitting Australia and the U.S.A.

The Robertson Winery was named after the town of Robertson located in the Western Cape, South Africa.  The town itself was named after Dr. William Robertson, a minister from Scotland who arrived in the region in 1822.  In honour of Dr. Robertson’s work that he had done in the region, the members of the community named the new town after him.

The family that makes this winery so successful is actually a group of 35 families who are growers in the area and who are responsible for farming over 2400 hectares.  There are some who are the 7^th generation grape-growers.

Bowen Botha is the Cellar Master and General Manager.  Bowen’s belief is that if you want a particular style of wine, then you need to plant the grapes in the vineyard that is going to give you that style.  There is a great team of winemakers who work with Bowen to bring their expression of wine to us.  Jacques Roux is the Specialist Winemaker.  Lolly Louwrens is the Head Winemaker and Red Winemaker.  Francois Weich is responsible for the white winemaking.

Talking about whites, let get started on this Sauvignon Blanc

Location:Robertson Winery, South Africa
Blend: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

The Robertson Winery makes this wine young and fresh with some nice acidity.  They make the wine for you to enjoy at a young age.  Well, not that you need to be a babes in the woods, just the wine.  They would like you to taste the wine at its best and they recommend that it be consumed within a year of vintage.

WINEMAKER’S COMMENT

Full-bodied with powerful varietal flavours of bell-pepper, green apple and freshly cut grass. Good structure with lovely balancing acidity.

Food Pairing:

Asparagus Crab Salad; Grilled Lemon Bay Shrimp

CSPC:     444968
Price:

$11.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Location: Robertson Winery, South Africa
Blend: 100% Shiraz
Tasting: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Everyone thinks that Shiraz is Shiraz.  Well, not exactly.  We live in a province known for its farming communities.  We know that certain parts of the province produce very distinctive corn, carrot, barley or wheat.  Grapes are a farmed, as well.  They too are going to pick up different things in different soils and they will be affected by the climate in the area and so on.  The Shiraz you have in South Africa will be somewhat different than that of the Rhône, British Columbia, Barrosa or California.  That is a good thing, because if they all tasted the same, it wouldn’t be any fun for you and I to consume.

Like its sister wine above, this is made to enjoy at a young age, as well.  They do suggest you have this as a sipper within 2 years.

WINEMAKER’S COMMENT

This full-bodied wine shows freshly crushed black pepper aromas with hints of cinnamon and cloves on the nose with lots of brambly red berry fruit, rich mulberry and well integrated vanilla tones.

Food Pairing:

Steak House Beef Ribs with Stout Barbecue Sauce; Grilled Sausage, Pepper and Bocconcini Pasta Salad

CSPC:     586149
Price:

$11.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Winery: Barista Wine
Location: Western Cape, South Africa
Blend: 100% Pinotage
Tasting: Wednesday, November 16, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

“An exciting new brand from Bertus “Starbucks” Fourie, is the crème of Pinotage blends from South Africa.  As the winemaker who created the coffee Pinotage style in South Africa, Bertus felt that this Pinotage blend was his best ever, and deemed it appropriate to name the brand Barista, being the title of someonewho has an exceptional level of skill in making espresso.”[1]

The Pinotage grape was created in 1925 by Professor Perold at Stellenbosch University by crossing the Pinot Noir and Cinsaut grape varieties.  This grape has almost become the fabric of the South African wine industry.  It positively makes some very distinctive wines that are not to be missed.  You have to come by and try this one.

TASTING NOTE

A burst of intense, rich coffee and chocolate aromas with ripe nuances of mulberry, plum and Maraschino cherries.

Food Pairing:

Coffee Crusted Beef Tenderloin; Grilled Sirloin with a Coffee Bean-Peppercorn Crust

CSPC:     11106
Price:

$15.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Next week we are visiting Charles Smith in Washington.