Trends vs Terrior, an event sponsored by Wines of BC, was held recently at Science World to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Vintners Quality Alliance. David Scholefield was the emcee for this educational and entertaining evening. The esteemed panel for the debate included Christine Coletta, owner of Okanagan Crush Pad, Sid Cross, Honorary … Read more
Announcing the release of Fortissimo 2012. Paying respect to the pioneers of Tuscany. This release of Fortissimo is a blend of 39% Merlot, 38% Cabernet Franc, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Sangiovese Grosso. Showcasing the most amount of Cab Franc than in previous years. It’s our version of a Super-Tuscan. “A ‘Super Tuscan’ is described … Read more
2010 Garnacha Breca Calatayud, Spain $24.99 Silver Medal This wine, now four years old is ruby red in colour with medium-deep intensity. Blackberry, earth and spice aromas on the nose with a hint of bright cherry. Well balanced with firm ripe tannins. The flavours echo the nose with a medium finish. Serve with roasted meats … Read more
2011 Chardonnay (McLean Creek Vineyard) Meyer Family Okanagan Falls, BC $26.09 Silver Medal Lemon yellow in colour with medium intensity. Toast, butter, apple and citrus on the nose. Well balanced with good mouthfeel. Varietal character on the palate and a medium-long finish. 2010 Chianti Rufina (Sangiovese) Frescobaldi Nipozzano Riserva Italy $24.99 Bronze Medal … Read more
I’m always on the lookout for good table wines that qualify for CheapandCheerful.ca and this new red from Australia fits the bill. The Forbidden Red Blend from Urban Myth doesn’t disclose what grapes they use but I’m sure I tasted the fruit of merlot and the pepper of shiraz. It’s a delicious medium bodied wine with … Read more
Quini (www.quiniwine.com), the wine market intelligence platform and wine tasting app has expanded its tasting and education events footprint to include Everything Wine (www.everythingwine.ca), British Columbia’s wine superstore. Quini’s thematic wine tasting and education series will launch at Everything Wine’s North Vancouver location on February 3rd, 2015. Multiple sessions will be held each month covering … Read more
As the guy behind www.cheapandcheerful.ca I don’t think I’d have content without wines from South America. No better example then this red blend. Santa Carolina B Blend is a rich combination of Carmenere, Grenache and Merlot. The nose is loaded with dark fruit as you’d expect and this full bodied blend has plenty of spice … Read more
Keeping with under $20 wines for cash strapped January. NV Baby Bub Haywire Summerland, BC $13.99 Bronze Medal Tasted 2014 12 This half bottle of pink bubbles is a perfect brunch or luncheon wine made from a blend of pinot noir and chardonnay. It is an inviting pale cherry red in colour with medium-light … Read more
Choosing the second annual La Dolce Vita Winery of the Year award was not an simple choice. The easy way out would have been to declare two-way a tie, but instead I will name one and reserve the other finalist for the 2016 competition. No need to delay the announcement any longer. The winner is … Read more
The January list continues with wines under $20. 2012 Untamed Red (Petit Verdot/Zinfandel/Syrah/Petite Sirah) Toasted Head California $14.99 Bronze Medal Tasted 2014 11 Garnet red with medium-deep intensity. Red and black fruit, toast and vanilla aromas on the nose. Good balance with a slightly sweet entry. Jammy fruit flavours on the palate with a … Read more