HAPPY BIRTHDAY d’ARENBERG

d’Arenberg 100 Years, 1,000 Stories.
d’Arenberg is celebrating its 100th birthday this year. There will be parties, special bottlings, more parties, some touring around, more parties…you get the idea. Visit d’Arenberg’s Facebook page to see what they’ve been up to – oh look, more parties!

http://www.facebook.com/darenbergwine 

The Leap Year Edition of the Imbiber’s Report includes a new release from the aforementioned party-going winery, a big, bad Zin from Michael David, a classic Burgundian Chardonnay, some tasty flavoured Vodka and a ripper savvy from a teeny-tiny Kiwi winery. We also have a few things on-sale at the LCBO you should know about as well as some up-coming events. We finish this report off with a classic cheese fondue recipe that you can share with your family and friends on this February family fun long weekend.

You might crack open an old bottle of The Footbolt Shiraz for this read.

VINTAGES RELEASE FEBRUARY 18, 2012

An Inukshuk Wine…

d’Arenberg
The Footbolt Shiraz 2009
McLaren Vale
South Australia
984021  $22.95
576 (12 pack) cases available

94 Points – winecompanion.com.au, James Halliday
“Superb, bright clear crimson; it’s not the first thing that normally comes to mind with d’Arenberg, but this is an elegant, fine, medium-bodied wine; the fruits are more in the red than black spectrum, and it is spice more than dark chocolate that joins the fruit, oak and tannins, all perfectly weighted”.

92 Points - nataliemaclean.com
“Enticing eucalyptus and blackberry aromas in this full-bodied, smooth red. Sure to please even the most hardened cabernet fan”.

91 Points – winealign.com, David Lawrason
“Expect a rich, complex nose of ripe blackberry infused with rosemary, earth, smoke and dark chocolate - all nicely interwoven. It's full bodied, dense and smoky with a mineral and menthol finish. Very nicely constructed. The tannin is just a bit chewy so give it another year or two. Very good to excellent length”.

We really love this wine. We love to drink it with our friends; we love to pour it at wine shows; we love to give it away as a gift. The Footbolt Shiraz manages to be both playful and profound at the same time, which in turn, makes it both approachable and memorable. If you, or someone you know, are just beginning to learn about wine, Footbolt will provide you with an excellent marker for understanding what Australian Shiraz tastes like. Think of it as an Inukshuk wine: a navigational point of reference you can use to guide your future imbibing.

“Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before”.
- Mae West

Michael David
Seven Deadly Zins 2009
Old Vine Zinfandel
Lodi, California
59311  $24.95
800 (12 pack) cases available

90 Points – Robert Parker
“This hugely popular wine spends 12 months in both French and American oak. Sexy and endearing, it offers a deep ruby/purple colour, full-bodied, corpulent flavours and abundant berry fruit, pepper and spice notes. Drink this seductive, full throttle, classic Zinfandel over the next several years."

The last release of Seven Deadly Zins prompted a visit to our local ‘authentic barbecue’ joint in Etobicoke to indulge in the second of the sins - gluttony.  The take-out ribs and pulled pork from Paul and Sandy’s Real Barbecue Co. www.paulandsandysrealbarbecue.com  was an unbelievably great match with this Zin. The rich smoky sweetness of the meat combined with hedonistic Zinfandel flavours of dark fruit, spice and oak was a match made in heaven. If you can’t find or make real barbecue, a rack of beef or pork ribs slowly cooked on your bbq or grill will do just fine.

Classic White Burgundy…

Domaine Marguerite Dupasquier
Les Cailloux
AC Rully 2009
Burgundy, France
265066  $21.95
200 (12 pack) cases available

The Burgundian saying Août fait le mout or ‘August makes the must’ rang true in 2009 with a fine, sunny, dry and warm month that protracted well into the fall. The 2009 white wines of Burgundy are very well balanced with solid fruit and fine acidity and are drawing comparisons to other excellent vintages like ’89 and ’99.  Rully produces especially charming Chardonnay-based whites that are fairly complex and very drinkable. This commune-level wine from Domaine Marguerite Dupasquier is hand picked, whole berry pressed and stainless steel fermented to maintain the fresh fruit characteristics of the grape. The wine is aged in one year old barrels for up to 12 months before final blending and finishing.

You’ll find aromas of apple-blossom, pear, vanilla, spice, lemon and hazelnuts on the nose. The palate is dry, refreshing and moderately full-bodied with a nice balance between creamy richness and zippy lemon notes. The finish is long and tinged with lemon and spice. This is a terrific example of well-made Chardonnay that would be perfect with grilled scallops, roasted chicken or pasta with cream sauce.

Mahi Sauvignon Blanc 2010
Marlborough, South Island
New Zealand
63941 $19.95
300 (12 pack) cases available

90 Points – Robert Parker Jr.
“The 2010 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc offers intense aromas of passion fruit, green mango and pineapple with nuances of grapefruit peel and marjoram. Medium bodied with lively acidity, it has a very good concentration of tropical fruit flavors, finishing long with a suggestion of herbal lift”.

It’s no joke that many of Marlborough, New Zealand’s most popular wine companies are owned by foreigners. The Australians, French and Americans in particular have invested heavily in developing huge export markets for their products which populate the shelves of the LCBO and Vintages. In reaction to foreign conglomerate control, many New Zealand wine makers started small, family-run operations that concentrate on producing single vineyard and estate wines that showed off Marlborough’s diversity of terroir.  Mahi winery is one such outfit.

Mahi, meaning ‘our work, our craft’, began in 2001. After working 15 vintages for other wineries (all over the globe) Brian Bicknell decided to do his own thing. With a strong focus on single- vineyards wine (yes it sounds weird, but read on), the idea behind Mahi is to respect and promote the individuality of the various vineyards.

Winemaker’s notes: “Our Sauvignon this year comes from six different vineyards, all of them giving particular attributes to the final wine. In order to attain greater texture we pick ripe fruit, wanting texture rather than primary fruit on the nose.

The hand-picked fruit was whole-cluster pressed so that the time on skins was minimised. A portion of this juice was barrel-fermented in older French oak to give greater weight, though ensuring that wood is not evident on the nose. The balance of the wine was fermented cool to retain the fruit characters from our vineyards.

The final blend was made solely from free-run juice, as we feel it gives a more elegant and subtle wine, a key for us”.

Budmo!...

Zirkova
Honey Pepper Vodka
Ukraine
253526  $22.95 (700 ml.)
195 (12 pack) cases available

The superb taste of Zirkova vodka infused with a blend of hot chili peppers and smooth, sweet honey.  This is a classic take on a Slavic favourite.  The base is Zirkova vodka, winner of a Gold Medal in the 2011 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  Zirkova Honey-Pepper has only three ingredients (Zirkova vodka, natural infused essence of chilli pepper and natural honey).

Honey Pepper Vodka makes an amazing Caesar, for those who are fond of one of Canada’s national cocktails. Many Ukrainian-Canadians believe that taking a shot or two of Honey-Pepper vodka can help to fend off colds. We can’t think of two better reasons to stock up on a couple of bottles of this sweet and spicy elixir.

Cross-Pollination…

Gran Lurton
Corte Friulano 2010
Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
66829  $19.95

This luxurious white blend was part of the Saturday, February 4th Vintages Release. There are currently 229 cases available through a wide number of Vintages locations.

89 Points – Globe and Mail – Beppi Crosariol
“One could call this a consummate international wine. The soil is Argentine, the grape of Italian origin and the producer French. Bordeaux-based François Lurton adds small quantities of softer chardonnay and pinot gris (as well as a smidgeon of the local, very fruity torrontes) to the crisp friulano. It’s medium-bodied and silky, showing a grapey, aromatic note reminiscent of gewürztraminer. Richly flavoured but not heavy, it culminates with fresh acidity. Perfect for rich fish or chicken dishes”.
 
91 Points – winealign.com – David Lawrason
“This is a very fine, bright, exuberant and delicious rendition of an aromatic grape normally only found in northeast Italy. Wow – looks like it has huge potential in Argentina too. Look for pineapple/green banana topicality, with lemon/lime, musk and perfume. It's bright, polished, juicy yet refined. Very good to excellent length. Great winemaking by Lurton”.

90 Points – nataliemaclean.com
“Gorgeous blend of chardonnay and torrontes: the first contributes the richness, toast and hazelnut aromas; the second gives a floral lift. Lovely. Amazingly great price”.

ACCOLADES

Two Best Buys from Vines…

Vines Magazine
Buyers Guide
Best Buys
Impressive wines at impressive prices
 
3.5 Stars
Caliterra Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Colchagua, Chile
257329 $8.95
"Looking for an affordable wine to pair with grilled meats, hearty pastas or smoky, savoury stews?  This is a solid option, which offers succulent, meaty aromas of chocolate-covered espresso beans, toasted spice and bell pepper notes. The palate follows suit, layering plummy and smoked flavours with blackcurrants, toasted spice, dark roasted espresso and dark chocolate notes that are lifted with bright acidity".
 

3.5 Stars
Chivite Gran Feudo Edicion Tempranillo 2009
Navarra, Spain
255877 $11.95
"This is a modern packaging of Spain's beloved grape from one of the oldest producers in the country.  It's an excellent weekday selection, with punchy red fruit and hints of black pepper wrapped in a juicy, fresh style. Perfect for tapas or grilled meats".

The Ponce Like Rosé…

The Grid T.O. Food and Drink
The Wine Ponce: Valentine’s Day wines
Whether you’re planning a candle-lit dinner for two or a dark drinking session for one…here is a wine that will go down easy on Valentine’s Day.

Julian Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado 2010, $11.95
Made with Garnacha grapes from Spain’s Navarra region, this fruity rosé is a natural with seafood paella. Ponce notes: “Pretty and pink in the glass, its colour coordinates nicely with Feb. 14. Tempting the nose with a perfume of red berries, it’s surprisingly full-bodied for a rosado.”

Fresita on The Red Rocket…

Recommended in Metro News
Liquid Assets, Peter Rockwell
Fresita Sparkling Wine - infused with fresh strawberries
56697 $13.90
"The Chilean sparkler Fresita ($12.90 - $15.99) combines its bubbles with an infusion of hand-picked strawberries. It makes a perfect match with fresh fruit, light- to medium-bodied cheeses and romance".

Nat Decants Morning Fog…

88 Points - nataliemaclean.com
Wente Vineyards Morning Fog Chardonnay, Livermore, California
175430 $16.95
“A luscious, full-bodied Chardonnay with generous aromas of white peach, toasty oak and almonds. A lovely long finish makes you long for more. Perfect for dinner parties and more casual get-togethers. Food matches: grilled maple glazed salmon, chicken picatta, seafood pasta with saffron cream sauce, roasted pork tenderlion with apple chutney”.
 

 

“NOTES” ON JAZZ. FM91

We did our latest episode of Notes on JAZZ FM yesterday and featured three delicious white wines: entwine Pinot Grigio, Alpine Valley Sauvignon Blanc and Gran Lurton Corte Friulano.  All of these will work well with our featured fondue recipe below.  If you missed it, you can catch the podcast on line at http://www.jazz.fm/index.php/on-air-mainmenu/podcasts-mainmenu-58
 
You can listen to the station anytime at 91.1 on the FM dial in southern Ontario or at www.jazz.fm.

PROMOTIONS

The following promotions are available until February 25th at the LCBO:

SAVE $1.00 off Pisse-Dru Beaujolais (2881)

SAVE $1.00 off Chivite Gran Feudo Rosado (165845)

SAVE $2.00 off Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon (301507)

SAVE $2.00 off Marques de Riscal Reserva (32656)

SAVE $1.00 off Fresita Sparkling Strawberry-infused Wine (56697)

Chivite Gran Feudo Edicion Tempranillo (255877)
8 Bonus Air Miles

Deakin Estate Shiraz (560821)
10 Bonus Air Miles

The following promotions are available from February 26th to March 31st at the LCBO:

SAVE $1.00 off Château de Gourgazaud Minervois (22384)

SAVE $1.00 off Cellier des Dauphins Carte Noire (110197)

SAVE $1.00 off d’Arenberg The Stump Jump Grenache Shiraz Mourvedre (173294)

SAVE $1.00 off Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay (175430)

SAVE $1.00 off Patriarche Vin de Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir (522649)

SAVE $1.50 off Whitecliff Sauvignon Blanc (610972)

SAVE $1.50 off Secco-Bertani Valpolicella Valpantena Ripasso (12443)

SAVE $1.00 off Bertani Collection Soave (231860)

SAVE $1.50 off Caliterra Bio-Sur Reserva Especial Carmenere (142711)

TINI Sangiovese di Romagna DOC (179432)
10 Bonus Air Miles

Francois Lurton Pinot Gris (556746)
14 Bonus Air Miles

EVENTS

SOUND OF JAZZ SERIES

Churchill Cellars is once again a proud sponsor of JAZZ FM’s Sound of Jazz Concert Series.  The series runs through to March 26, 2012 at the Old Mill.  Now in its 36th year, it is the longest running jazz series in Canada.

Please join us on Monday, February 27  when the JAZZ.FM91 YOUTH BIG BAND MEETS LEW TABACKIN. The JAZZ.FM91 Youth Big Band will share the stage with world renowned flutist and tenor saxophonist Lew Tabackin. He’s played with Maynard Ferguson, the Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra, Joe Henderson and the Tonight Show Band. He’s won countless DownBeat critic and reader polls, and we welcome him to Toronto for one special night. All shows start at 8:00 pm and we encourage you to arrive at 7:00 pm for dinner and a glass of wine!

To see the complete concert lineup, go to https://secure.e-registernow.com/cgi-bin/mkpayment.cgi?state=1999

ON WINE AND FOOD

This one-pot method is pretty old-school and doesn’t dirty too many dishes. It is a bit easier to start the fondue in a regular pot (with a handle) on the stovetop and then transfer the cheese to a warmed fondue pot. If you are cooking in the fondue pot, just remember to use oven mitts of some sort.

Classic Cheese Fondue

Ingredients:

250g          Emmentaler cheese, grated
250g          Gruyère cheese, grated
100g          Vacherin Fribourgeois (Mont d’Or) or Canadian DuVillage Vacherin
1               Cloved garlic, halved
1 cup         entwine Pinot Grigio (or dry, unoaked white wine)
1 tbsp        Freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 tbsp        Kirsch (dry cherry schnapps or equivalent)
1 tbsp        Cornstarch
Pinch         Freshly ground white pepper
Pinch         Ground nutmeg

Method:

In a medium bowl, combine Emmentaler, Gruyère, and Vacherin; mix well. Set aside.

Use your stove-top to lightly warm a fondue pot.

Rub the inside of a fondue pot with cut sides of garlic. Discard garlic. Heat the fondue pot to medium-high, add the wine and lemon juice and bring to a light boil for a few seconds.

Reduce heat to low. Add cheese mixture in small amounts to fondue pot, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon after each addition until cheese is melted.
In a small bowl, whisk together kirsch and cornstarch until smooth; stir into melted cheese. Season with white pepper and nutmeg. Transfer fondue pot to open flame holder and serve immediately.

Notes:
White French baguette is most often used for dipping as its neutral flavour does not interfere with the taste of the cheese. You can substitute other bread as long as it can hold together in the hot cheese. Veggie sticks, cherry tomatoes and apple slices can be used to liven things up.

Most supermarkets sell a Canadian version of Swiss-styled Emmentaler and Gruyère if you can’t find the Swiss version. You can also incorporate left-over white cheese scraps like cheddar, brie or camembert (except mozzarella, which makes it too stringy).

You may use straight vodka or brandy in lieu of Kirsh (we’ve mixed maraschino cherry juice and vodka together as a substitute with great results).

- Mark Donaldson, Editor and Factotum