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Two New Must Read Books!

Totally Scallops: Judy Eberspaecher with Introduction By Alex Eberspaecher

Any who do not know about or read the food, wine and travel writings of Alex Eberspaecher must have been stashed away in a cubby some distant place in the universe. Alex is one of the most respected and formost writers on these subjects anywhere. His wife, Judy, is also a well known photographer/writer and has just come out with one of the best books of its type that I have enjoyed.  Totally Scallops is a superbly photographed, highly informative and exceptionally well written work about ways to enjoy scallops. It is the culmination of a "26 year" journey that takes you from Alaska to Australia.  Easy recipes with supportive photos allow one to see what the dish will look like once the instructions are followed. Background shots of locales where these dishes occur wet the appetite for more and produce an atmosphere of "being there!" An introduction to the legends and history surrounding this tasty shellfish and, of course, a lesson in what wines to match with the dishes by the master himself make the journey complete.

This is not only excellent book to use as an entertainment tool but also one to flip through while spending a quiet moment either with a glass of wine or some tea. The book is a marvel and a great value at under $40. Published by KiMagic. Check www.totallyscallops.com where it is available and constantly changing.  

Good Better Best Wines--- A No-Nonsense Guide to Popular Wines: Carolyn Evans Hammond

Have you ever wanted to entertain and been in a quandry as to what to serve with that special meal? Now add to that: "---and didn't want to spend an "arm and a leg doing it!?" Wine writer/Sommelier, Carol Evans has just produced the answer. It is called Good, Better, Best Wines  and  it is a no-nonsense guide to some of the most popular brands in the United States (many of which are available in Canada).  The book comes complete with such items as storing wine, food and wine matches, wine cellars etc. but the crux of the book is about good, better and the best wines that can be purchased at reasonable prices up to about $15 dollars. The work is done in an easy to read and understandable (none of this wine jargon that can confuse)  manner which plainly states the wines and why they are chosen. Many favourites are included as are some suprises but what is life without qualified surprises. I have already worn my copy out with my flipping and flapping through its 238 pages. Well worth the price which I believe should be around the $20 mark.  An Alpha Book published by Penguin.            

        

Strut is "Strutting Her Stuff"!  

When I heard  the name "Strut" and then saw the label, a set of shapley female leggs in "Strut", I said to myself, "No way this will make it!" Maybe that's why some writers such as I should stick to writing and stay out of marketing! I made several trips to the local Wine Rack (Vincor Outlets) and watched from afar as visitors looked at the "Strut" display. In the time it took me to walk up to the display to pick up the bottles for a closer look, about six people came, looked, picked up and bought! Also, according to the Wine Rack staff, the bottles are selling very well.  So the label, which is a cross between "Sex and the City" meets the "O.C.", did its work and I'm busy eating my hat!

Taste Test: I have tasted four Strut wines. Well-Heeled White (Riesling/Gewurztraminer), Chardonista (Chardonnay), Cab Couture Cab-Merlot), Red Over Heels (Merlot). The wines are well suited to their target group of young to "middlin" female drinkers but men seem to like it too! The Chardonnista is very presentable with a touch of grapefruit, a bit of oak and apple. The Well Heeled White was a wife pleaser who loved the tropical flavours which incidentally improved over night in an unfinished bottle. The reds with their ripe red fruit flavours (they're 2007s need I say more) should please men with their foreward power but women should find the same wines elegant and "sip worthy". As I eat my hat, enjoy the wines and---er---pass the salt please! (all wines available at Wine Rack and LCBO for $11.95)                   

Wines Of Nova Scotia Are Amazing!

While you are at it, check out my blog regarding the Wines Of Nova Scotia. How about a white Eagle Tree Muscat from Jost Vineyards or a white L'Acadie Reserve from Domaine de Grand Pre? Why not try a picture perfect Petite Riviere Cotes de Lahaye Terres Rocheux, a Taurus from Benjamin Bridge or a Baco Noir from Blomidon Ridge (all red). Then there is the Castel from Gaspereau Vineyards or a Black Fly Pinot Noir from Bear River (reds) and yet, even more come our way such as the Method Champenoise or Traditional Method sparkling wine from L'Acadie Vineyards. Then there are the phenomenal Icewines and a new wine that is sweeping the Maritimes called Nova 7! These are food wines as well as sipping wines and if you get a chance to taste, do so! Contact me for more information or do a search for Wines of Nova Scotia in your computer!    

New Wine/Food Match Service!

Are you having that special meal? Not sure about what to serve? Are you having a special group over and want to impress them with your wine/food matching prowess? For $10 you will get a wine to match the food or a food to match the wine, party suggestions and even where you can get that special wine. Email Chuck Byers and get details!

New Innovation To Hit LCBO Shelves This June!

Hardy's will be introducing a Bottle and Glass Unit in a Single Serve Shuttle! The "shuttle" features a single-serve 250 ml acrylic wine bottle securely sealed by its own acrylic wine glass. A gentle twist of the glass opens up the wine for serving. The famous "Stamp of Australia" blends of Chardonnay/Semillon and ShirazCabernet Sauvignon will be available via Chuchill Cellars the wines will be priced at $4.25 each in Ontario. In Western Canada they are represented by Vincor Canada. Great for the upcoming picnic season!

Daniel Lenko Estate Winery Displays Its New White Wines

The winery which features the oldest vinifera vines in Canada has introduced its 2007 white wines. The word to describe them is "Impressive" and "Concentrated"! Now mind you, I would be hard pressed to find a well made 2007 wine lacking in concentration but Lenko's wines are quite that and more. The Reserve Riesling from 25 year old vines has that touch of sweetness and is full of the honey, citrus and spice notes ($19.95).

The Gewurztraminer comes with floral, apple, lychee and spice on the nose and palate it is a soft and welcoming wine with an excellent balance ($29.95).

At $39.95, The Viognier, made from 15 year old vines, may seem a bit expensive but the compex levels of tropical fruit and exceedingly long finish make this wine a must to try!

An interesting addition is the White Cabernet made with 60% Cabernet Franc and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon! Strawberry, blackberry and apple/pear intermingle making this a very special Rose! ($19.95)!

A new unoked Chardonnay (Charconnaygay) comes from a very young block of vines and is full of tropical fruit and citrus and a clean pebble/mineral finsh! In some ways it reminded me of a very good Grand Cru Chablis ($19.95)!  

All wines available via the winery! 

Inniskillin Introduces New Brae Blanc

Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer and Riesling comprise the three grapes of this new addition to the Reserve Series. The wine (LCBO 109975 $14.95) has peach, apricot and honey flavours with a tinge of sweetness to make it very approachable. Definitely a picnic wine. 

Colio Releases "Girls' Night Out!" 

"Girls' Night Out" is the latest brand effort made by Colio Estates Winery. The red Cabernet/Shiraz and white Riesling both carry the V.Q.A. banner. The Cab/Shiraz went well with piza (both veggie and meat) though I had a distinct preference for the Riesling. The newest pair should be at the LCBO soon retailing about $12.95. The Merlot and Chardonnay  at the LCBO now are quite good. The wines are obviously aimed at the female sector but should also be a hit with the males.        

Spoiler Alert              

My -----sources tell me that there's a new group of V.Q.A.'s coming out called "OPEN"! They are being bottle as we speak---er! Read! However, the LCBO plans to launch these blends in June! You heard it here first!!!! I will let you know more as time goes on!