“Old World inspired. Artisan winemaking. Handcrafted with a minimalist philosophy. Township 7 is British Columbia’s only urban and rural winery - with locations in the picturesque Fraser and Okanagan Valleys.  Our sustainably farmed, classic French vinifera vineyards are low yield and reflect the terroir in which they are grown. Our wines are meant to be enjoyed with friends and family.”[1] That kind of says it all.  With the production of some wines being as little as 55 cases (Seven Stars Sparkling) and as many as 1639 cases (Merlot), this truly is a small handcrafted producer.  You don’t have to be big to make great wine.   This is proven time and time again.

Famed Master of Wine and world-renowned wine writer and reviewer, Jancis Robinson, said this about Township 7:  “Certainly the wines show quite extraordinary directness of fruit; they almost punch you between the eyes with their frankness. And, like the wines of the deserts of eastern Washington to the south, they all have good natural acidity thanks to the Okanagan’s routinely cool desert nights.”[2]

Mike Raffan is the man at the helm.  Mike had a successful career in the restaurant business for about 30 years prior to pursuing his passion for wine and purchasing Township 7 almost 6 years ago.  (The winery itself was opened 12 years ago by Corey and Gwen Coleman.)  Bradley Cooper, Township 7’s winemaker, joined the winery the year prior to Mike.

Bradley started his career in the Okanagan at Hawthorne Mountain Winery.  From there he went to New Zealand and back up to Washington State before joining Township 7 in 2005.  The 2011 season was not the best year.  We spoke with an Okanagan winemaker this morning who said that they thought 2010 was not the best and then 2011 came around.  So what happens to fruit that doesn’t quite cut it for wine.  In a conversation with ‘Cuisine & Company’ in October of 2011, Bradley said that the grapes that were unsuitable for making wine were donated to Critter Care Wildlife Society and were gladly consumed by injured/orphaned bears and other wildlife.

Township 7 Winery is also involved with the arts community in a very special project.  Mike Raffan partnered with Robb Dunfield who is a Cloverdale, B.C. artist. Robb’s painting “Visions of Possibilities” was the artwork used on the label of the Dunfield Collection wine (a Meritage made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc).  Robb is a ventilator-dependent quadriplegic.  He mouth-painted Visions in a labour intensive, three-year process! There were only 200 cases of this special wine released and we are sad to say that none of it was available in Alberta.  However, we are happy to tell you that ‘partial proceeds from the wine will be donated to the Rick Hansen Foundation, in support of spinal cord research.’

We think it is about time that we try these wines.

Township 7 - 7 Blanc

Location: Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
Blend: Gewurztraminer 45%, Pinot Gris 41%, Muscat Ottonel 14%
Tasting: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

With Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris and Muscat Ottonel in the mix, you know that this is going to be a flavourful wine.  It is a touch off dry, but it has some nice acidity to go along with it.

Township 7 Tasting Notes:

“Off dry and exotic with tangerine citrus notes, pear and lychee in the nose. The taste is of pears, peach, mandarin orange, hints of walnut and some tropical spice. The finish lingers with yellow raisin and fig.”

Food Pairing:

Tuna Maki; Barbeque Pork on Rice (Kow Moo Dang)

CSPC:                   114553
Winesday Price:

$19.13 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$21.25

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

Township 7 Merlot

Location: Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada
Blend: Merlot 88%, Cabernet Sauvignon 9%, Cabernet Franc 3%
Tasting: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

This Merlot was recently given a Bronze Medal and was named one of the best merlots at the Wine Access 2011 Canadian Wine Awards.  No small feat with over 70 entries and only 38 medals.

The winery says:

“Rich plum, chocolate shavings and spiced berry in the nose. Dried cherry, cola and leather in the palate. Superb finish with hints of exotic spice.  Great early structure.”

Now that we have some relatively mild weather, it is time to barbeque, my friends.  Well… not barbeque my friends… oh you know what we mean.

Food Pairing:

  Grilled Beef & Mushroom Burger;  Slow-Cooker Hearty Beef Stew

CSPC:                   735474
Winesday Price:

$21.60 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$24.00

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

Next week it is:  Aussie Aussie Aussie… Oi! Oi! Oi!

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[1] www.township7.com

[2] www.township7.com

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.

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[1] www.zinck.fr

In honour of Chinese New Year (2011 is the year of the Rabbit), we are sampling a couple of fun wines that go great with Chinese food (Thai food and Indian Food work well too!)

`People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog.`

“The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. When Ernst Loosen (pronounced loh-zen) assumed ownership in 1988, he realized that with ungrafted vines averaging 60 years old in some of Germany’s best-rated vineyards, he had the raw materials to create stunningly intense, world-class wines.”[2] Ernst halted the use of chemical fertilizers and instead used, on a very limited basis, organic fertilizers.  He wanted to see the wines develop to be the best they could be without a lot of technical or manual interference, so the cellars practices were changed to reflect the gentle approach that he believed would bring out the best in the wines.

He obviously found the secret, because his full cast of wines has been rated between 88 and 97 points in excess of 200 times by Wine Spectator Magazine.  The 2009 Riesling that we are sampling today received 88 points.  As we have said many times before, the geeky side of us enjoys reading what the ‘who’s who’ in the wine industry is saying about a particular wine.  The consumer side of us looks at it and thinks ‘consistency’.  Here are just a few of Ernst’s noted accomplishments:  European Winery of the Year nominee, 2007 & 2008,Wine Enthusiast; Man of the Year 2005, Decanter; White Wine Maker of the Year 2005, Wine International; World’s 50 Most Influential Winemakers, Wine & Spirits.

Ernst Loosen has taken his knowledge and philosophy to the new world, as well.  In 1999 a relationship was developed with Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington state.  Old world meets new world, if you will.  In 2006 Ernst took his love of Pinot Noir from the Pfalz region in Germany to another relationship with Jay Sommers of J. Christopher Wines in Oregon.  Ernst has also worked in a collaborative effort with Jay at J. L. Wolf winery.  We digress, as usual.  Let’s just get started on our first wine.

Winery: Dr. Loosen
Location: Mosel, Germany
Blend: Riesling
Tasting: Wednesday, February 2, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

We have done a number of tastings with this wine and we cannot tell you how many times we have heard ‘No thanks.  I am not much of a German wine fan.’  However, once they have tried this wine, the vast majority change their minds.

Yes, most of what we see in this part of the world are sweet German wines and yes again, this Dr. L has some lovely sweetness to it.  The difference is this wine has loads of flavour and nice acidity.  That is what makes this a very nice wine.  Now what difference does acidity make?  Well good acidity has a big influence on the taste of a wine.  Together with alcohol, sugar, minerals and the good acidity you will get a nicely balanced wine that just makes you want more.  There is nothing as bad as tasting a sweeter style wine and all you get is syrup.  When you have the acidity, yes you get the sweetness, but it isn’t all about the sugar.  It should be about flavour and balance.

This is one of the best descriptions for a wine written by the winery.  It is in my Top 10.  If this doesn’t make your mouth water, well, I don’t know what to say:  “The 2009 Dr. L Rieslingevokes a walk throughan orchard in the latesummer: luscious pear,peach and apple aromasretain the crisp sweettartof ripeningfruit just before harvest.On the palate, the medium-bodied wine is refreshing and juicy,with zippy acidity balancing bright flavors of pear, apricot,mango and lime. The lush attack is followed by a long finishthat is simultaneously sweet and tart, dry and mouth-watering.”

Food Pairing:

Braised Chicken with Smoked Ham, Chestnuts, and Ginger; Spicy Lemongrass Tofu;Peach-Glazed Baked Ham;

CSPC:     599274
Price:

$16.25 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Our second family winery comes from the Alsace region in France. The vineyards in this region date back to the Romans.  During the middle ages the Alsatian wines were so prized that they were some of the most expensive in Europe.[3]

The region of Alsace is located on the lower eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains between Strasbourg and Mulhouse.  The wines in Alsace are completely different than any other wine in France.  Because it is right on the border of Germany, there is a very strong Germanic influence not only with wine, but also with food and other traditions.  You see because of its location, sometimes it was part of France other times it was part of Germany… depending who won a particular conflict.  But those cultural differences are a part of what makes this region so very special.

DomainePierre Sparr has been in the wine industry since 1680.  Through that period of times there have been many family members (9 generations so far) and many changes in the wine industry.  What has not changed is their desire to make wonderful wines no matter what happened.  In December 1944 the allied forces fought for the liberation of Sigolsheim (the home of Domain Sparr).  The town and surrounding vineyards were damaged severely.  By the spring of 1945 the whole of the Rhine-Haut area was liberated.  After the end of WWII, it took years of dedication to bring this region back to its glory.

While the rest of France name their wines mostly by region or terroir, in Alsace you generally see the grape variety on the label.  The wine law states that if you put the grape variety on the label, 100% of that grape must be in the wine.  Now there are other types of wine in the region as well, but this is what you see most often.  The most common grape varieties that you see in this part of France are:  Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Klevener de Heiligenstein, Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Noir.

When Richard and I went on our trip last year I positively wanted to go to Alsace.  I have loved their wines for so many years, and I could not see visiting France without spending time in this region.  After some moving around of dates and the like, we travelled to Alsace.  Although Richard could not see how we were going to do it, he was so very happy that we went to this beautiful part of France.  We know that we will return.

This part of France is so gorgeous that it is hard to put into words.  These beautiful smaller villages are surrounded by vineyards too numerous to count.  Some of the villages that we visited were so incredibly picturesque and charming.  I tell people that it is like walking into a children`s storybook.  If you have the chance to visit Alsace, do not turn it down.  It will be well worth it.

Today we are going to try a blended wine from this region.  It is a great wine that you will find will pair with many types of food.

Winery: DomainePierre Sparr
Location: Sigolsheim, Alsace, France
Blend: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat and Gewürztraminer
Tasting: Wednesday, February 2, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Now many of you may say that you have tried Pinot Gris, or Gewürztraminer or Riesling.  However, if you have not tried these grape varieties from Alsace, you don`t know what you are missing!On top of that when you blend those grapes into one wine, plus add Pinot Blanc and Muscat, well you can only come up with a very enjoyable wine.  Those grape varieties make up the proprietary blend from Domain Pierre Sparr.

The winery puts it best: Alsace One is the expression of a harmonious assembling the best grape varieties. Explosive aromas of exotic fruits,and very floral One will amaze you by its richness, its intensity and its balance.

Food Pairing:

Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad; Szechuan Pork Tenderloin;

CSPC:     604413
Price:

$17.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Next week we are going to stay in the country of France… after all February 14^th is Valentines Day!

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[1]www.c-c-c.org/chineseculture/zodiac/Rabbit.html

[2] www.drloosen.com

[3]www.vins-sparr.com

Washington has been a popular place for us to visit this summer. As well it should, actually. There are a lot a great wines coming out of this area, but so many people are still not aware that wine is made here. We mentioned in a previous article that in 2009 the State of Washington registered its 600th winery. The news now is that there are over 650 wineries. That is amazing growth! That is a long way up from the first vines that were planted in Fort Vancouver, Washington by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1825. To give you a good idea how this area has grown in wine production, in 1987 the state harvested 46,000 tons of grapes and in 2006 that had jumped to 120,000 tons.

CHARLES SMITH WINES

K Vintners was the first, then came The Magnificent Wine Company and now Charles Smith Wines. Charles Smith is the heart and soul of all three. I love how they describe Charles on his websites:

“Owner-winemaker Charles Smith with his big hair, kick ass attitude and bold packaging arrived in the Walla Walla Valley following eleven years in Scandinavia managing rock bands.”

That just says it all. This man is shaking up the wine world with his attitude and his wines that are think out of the box. He calls his wines names like… BOOM BOOM! Syrah, Kung Foo Girl Riesling, K Syrah, M.C.K. (Motor City Kitty). His philosophy is “It’s just booze – drink it.” After all, that is what we really want to do, right!

It truly is amazing what he has done over the past decade. Here is a man who has never taken a wine course and has never had formal training in wine making. However, he has been around the wine industry ‘both personally and professionally all of his life. Charles is making all kinds of headlines for his wines. In 2009 Wine Enthusiast Magazine gave him 100 points for his 2006 Royal City Syrah and #2 on their Top 100 Wines of 2009.

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, October 2009 said: “When it comes to his wines, the otherwise wild and irrepressible Charles Smith is as serious as a heart attack.” In 2008 this was also written in The Wine Advocate “K Vintners (Charles Smith Wines) is where the larger-than-life Charles Smith presides. He is an innovator, marketing genius, outspoken, you name it – but above all the man is a brilliant winemaker who knows where all the great fruit is hidden.”

The 2008 Annual Buying Guide of Wine & Spirits Magazine bestowed “Winery of the Year upon them. In April 2010 Seattle Magazine also gave Charles the title of “Winemaker of the Year”. To say that he has come far in this last decade would be the preverbal understatement of the year… or should I say decade.

Winery: Charles Smith Wines
Vintage: 2007
Location:Columbia Valley, Washington, U.S.A.
Alcohol: 13%
Blend: 100% Single Vineyard Pinot Gris
Tasting: Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The grapes for this wine come from one single vineyard called Evergreen.
Generally speaking, Pinot Gris - produces a light to medium-bodied white wine. It can also produce some lovely more full-bodied wines, especially from Alsace, France. It should have nice aromas with a wee bit of a floral nose. Pinot Gris is one of the four “noble grapes” of Alsace.

This wine leaves you wanting for more. It is refreshing. It is crisp and has nice minerality to it. The floral is there with the scent of rose petals. The fruit… all the stone fruits are evident. An easy drinking wine that is going to pair with some nice food.

Food Pairing:

Seafood pasta; Smoked Cheese; Sheep’s Milk Cheese; Prosciutto; Mildly Spicy food.

Price:

$18.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

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

Wing away with us next week. Richard and I are off to taste some organic wines from Argentina.