Wine Review October 5, 2013 – Chateau des Charmes St David’s Bench Cabernet Franc 2010 – Cave Spring Estate Bottled Chardonnay Musqué 2011

Cave Spring Estate Bottles Chardonnay Musqué 2011 – Vintages 246579 – $15.95 – Musqué is still one of my favorite unsung heroes from Ontario.  The floral aromas of this wine are one step away from reaching out of the glass and physically grabbing your nose.  Another fun thing about Musqué is that it has the tendency to taste sweeter than it is.  The floral flavours of this wine pair perfect with Asian cuisine… but this is another great Friday night sipper.

Chateau des Charmes St David’s Bench Cabernet Franc 2010 – SHOP ONLY – $25.95 – Another big Cabernet Franc that will help cement Cabernet Franc as THE defining Red Wine grape from Ontario.  This is a wine that requires some patience.  It is great right out of the bottle, but it will do well with some time in a decanter.  If you REALLY have patience pick up two bottles, one for right now and one for a year or two down the road.  Aromas of Cherry stand out in this glass.  Flavours of Raspberry and Leather with a nice long finish.  This is a Beef wine through and through whether grilled or roasted.  This wine is well worth the trip to midtown because it’s the only place in the city you will be able to get your hands on it.

This week the Niagara experience works it’s way to midtown!  Chateau des Charmes has opened a boutique shop at 1560 Yonge Street, it’s tucked in behind the Bruno’s in Delisle Court.  What is fantastic is that you now have access to the entire Chateau des Charmes catalogue without having to drive down to Niagara.  Their grand opening is on Saturday October 5th with members of the Bosc family (founders of the winery) on hand if you have any questions about what’s in the bottle.  They have a tasting bar and it is conveniently located right near the radio station … needless to say I have been spending my fair share of time at the shop.

Speaking of ways you can bring the winery experience to the city Vintages is hosting an event at the ROM called Taste Ontario!  It’s Thursday October 10 from 6:30-9:00 tickets are $65 a person and you will have the chance to taste and purchase over 80 different VQA wines from 30 wineries.  Tickets and details are here: http://www.vintages.com/events/tasteOntario_event.shtml?events