April 16 is World Malbec Day! You have the opportunity to sample wines from Argentina at Roy Thomson Hall in an event that has been celebrated in over 40 countries. Tickets are $65 a person and can be found here: www.vintages.com/malbecday
Why am I talking about Malbec day? Every week I feature two wines from Ontario. I have been thinking something a lot lately. If you get the chance to go down to Niagara you are going to find more wineries making fewer different varieties of wine. This isn’t a bad thing. If you get the chance to stop by Southbrook for example you will find some of the best Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc in the province… but you will find Riesling, and Pinot Noir missing from their impressive lineup. The simple reason is that you have wineries that are now focussing their energies on what the signature wine of Ontario may be. This statement is going to spark some debate as many people will already tell you that Chardonnay, or Baco Noir, or Pinot Noir, or Riesling are already the signature of Ontario. You get great wines made from these grapes from different places all over the province but let’s face it we haven’t gotten out signature yet. Australia has Shiraz, California has Zinfandel and Chardonnay, New Zealand has Sauvignon Blanc and for the longest time Ontario has been known for Ice Wine. It is an interesting time for the growing Ontario wine industry as we continue to find new labels focussing their energies on what they believe will become synonymous with Ontario wine. Personally I believe Cabernet Franc will be our signature, but only time will tell.
Argentina’s signature is Malbec, if you’re not familiar with Argentinian wine this is definitely a great place to start where you can see what they do best. Argentinian wines account for 4% of Vintages sales, and they are the worlds sixth largest wine producer.
Rosehall Run Cuvée County Chardonnay 2010 – Vintages 132928 – $21.95 – I love this wine! It is perfectly balanced and a steal at the price. This is going right on my list next to Chardonnay’s I have loved from Southbrook (Triomphe) and Tawse (Sketches). Easy drinking, and accessible… balance is perfect between Citrus and Tropical Fruits and subtle buttery flavours from the barrel. Pair this with Chicken off the barbeque or with nothing at all.
Reif the Magician Pinot Noir/Shiraz 2011 – Vintages 246413 – $19.95 – Made in the appassimento method the grapes are dried prior to turning into wine. Filled with rich red ripe, juicy fruit flavours a fantastic finish with chocolate flavours that linger on the tongue. I don’t expect this to stay on the LCBO shelves long. This would be great with a steak or homemade burgers.
