The IVSA, or the International Vintners and Spirits Association, hold events throughout the year to showcase new products to those in the industry. This last week, I attended their most recent New Product Salon at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver. The theme for the event was ‘Springtime Flavours and Innovations’. For three hours, I wandered through the ballroom chatting with some of the more than sixty agents who were there to show the latest in imported wines, beers and spirits. Many of the products are available in local BCLDB stores, some only at BCLDB Signature locations and still others only at private liquor stores.
I headed for the far corner of the room, where it seemed to be less crowded. There, I met the rep for Wodka Vines Agency who represents Kessler, the oldest and most prestigious producer of sparkling wine in Germany. They can actually trace their roots to Champagne. Georg Christian von Kessler was co-owner of Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin during the early 1800’s. Years later, this partnership dissolved and he returned to Germany and established his own company in 1826 in Esslingen, south east of Stuttgart. They make both Chardonnay and Riesling based sparkling wines. I always enjoy starting off a tasting session with a refreshing glass of bubbly.
I also enjoyed meeting Peter Crews of New World Wines. He features a great line up of wines from California, Washington and New Zealand.
During the day, I tasted some very impressive Rieslings, Chardonnays and a couple of very good Pinot Noirs. The highlight of the day was a Taylor Fladgate 1965 Port. Here is a short list of some notable tipples, listed, for no particular reason, by price.
White Wines
Aresti Sauvignon Blanc $10.99
Raza Pinot Grigio $12.99
Cortestrada Pinot Grigio $13.99
Veramonte Chardonnay $14.99
Lagaria Pinot Grigio $16.99 (served by the glass at Earl’s)
Sileni Sauvignon Blanc $16.99
Uber Riesling Kabinett $16.99
Sacchetto Prosecco Brut $17.99
Edna Valley Chardonnay $19.99
D’Arenberg Hermit Crab $19.99
Benziger Chardonnay $23.99
Canell Prosecco Superiore $24.99
Inama Soave Classico $29.99
Howard Park Chardonnay $29.99
Leeuwin Estate Sauv Bl / Semillon $29.95
Kuhlmann-Platz Gewürztraminer $34.95
Zinck Riesling Grand Cru $35.99
Maximin Grünhauser Riesling Kab $36.95
Red Wines
Princess Butterfly Pinot Noir $19.99
Pedroncelli 3 Vineyards Cab Sauv $21.95
L. A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon $26.95
Shug Pinot Noir $37.49
Penfolds Bin 128 Shiraz $39.99
Reininger Walla Walla Merlot $46.00
Tamarack Cabernet Sauvignon $51.00
Emeritus Vineyards Pinot Noir $62.00
San Felice Vigorello $62.95
Lail Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon $85.00
These IVSA hosted new product salons, are a great way to bring the latest products to the attention of those in the hospitality industry. Be sure to try some, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
