sparkling

I have yet to decide which one to open New Year's eve.  I have been collecting sparkling over the last few LCBO releases. here's what I have stashed away ...

LOUIS BOUILLOT PERLE D'AURORE BRUT ROSÉ CRÉMANT DE BOURGOGNE #048793 $18.95 - July 9 2011 release - currently unavailable at LCBO - LCBO Tasting Note: Very good finesse and complexity under $40 when compared to Champagne, let alone under $20. Grab it! This pretty pastel shaded bubbly has soft but generous nose of raspberry gingerale, woodsy spice and a hint of shortbread.  It's light-bodied, fresh and quite delicate, yet shows very good acid grip and excellent length. (David Lawrason, winealign.com)

SEGURA VIUDAS BRUT RESERVA HEREDAD CAVA #558825 $29.95 - November 26 2011 release - currently unavailable at LCBO - LCBO Tasting Note: A selection of Macabeo and Parellada grown at estate vineyards in the Alt Penedes, Reserva Heredad is a complex and heady Cava that delivers on its richness without sweetness.  Its potent depth of flavour has a smoky minerality and fresh apple-skin notes.  This is full and meaty enough to serve with roast chicken or albondigas de ternera (veal meatballs). (wineandspiritsmagazine.com)

DOMAINE J. LAURENS LE MOULIN BRUT BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX #180323 $17.95 - Sparkling Wine, 12.0% Alcohol/Vol., Sugar Content: XD, Made in: Midi, France, By: Domaine J. Laurens, Release Date: Oct 29, 2011; LCBO Tasting Note: I also recommend ... a bubbly, Domaine J. Laurens Le Moulin Blanquette de Limoux Brut from what is  claimed to be the oldest sparkling wine region in the world in the upper, cooler reaches of the Languedoc near the town of Limoux. Sparkling wine is said to have been purposely-made (i.e. they wanted the bubbles), in the region of Limoux since the early 16th century, nearly two centuries before the monk Dom Pérignon was still grappling with the problem of how to keep the bubbles out of champagne, or at least keep the bottles from exploding. This example has the typical appley character of the dominant mauzac grape, alongside a marked yeasty-biscuity note from its traditional method production. (John Szabo, M.S., winealign.com, July 16, 2010)

BELCANTO DI BELLUSSI EXTRA DRY PROSECCO DI VALDIOBBIADENE SUPERIORE # 53215 $17.95 - LCBO Tasting Note: Open, fragrant, recognizable prosecco character on the nose, with peach and peach skin, nectarine, and fresh tarragon.  The palate gives a very gentle sweet impression and respectable flavour intensity and length, very delicate and inviting overall.  The first DOCG-designated prosecco I've tasted, after the recent upgrade in status from mere DOCG (John Szabo MS, winealign.com).

CARLES ANDREU BRUT NATURE CAVA # 246686 $15.95 - Sparkling Wine, 11.9% Alcohol/Vol., Sugar Content: XD, Made in: Tarragona, Spain, By: Celler Andreu, Release Date: Dec 10, 2011; LCBO Tasting Note: The N.V. Brut Nature received no dosage. It is has excellent concentration and grip, a creamy texture, and a full flavored finish. Score - 89. (Jay Miller, erobertparker.com, April 2010)
 

'DE CHANCENY' CREMANT DE LOIRE ROSE BRUT LCBO # 211466 $16.70 - Limited Time Offer Was: $17.70 Now: $ 16.70 Save: $ 1.00 Until Jan 1, 2012, Sparkling Rosé Wine, 12.5% Alcohol/Vol., Sugar Content: 1, Made in: Loire, France, By: Alliance Loire.

CHIARLI CASTELVELTRO LAMBRUSCO LCBO #604 $9.80 - Sparkling Red Wine, 7.8% Alcohol/Vol., Sugar Content: 3, Made in: Italy, By: C. Chiarli & Figli; LCBO Tasting Note: Deep purple colour; sweet grapey aroma and taste; easy drinking; LCBO Serving Suggestion: Light fruit desserts or on its own.

there you have it.  now to choose just one ...

sit. sip. savour. and A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Éva Nagy - sommelier and yummy food enthusiast

Mexican Gastronomy - menu by Chef José Hadad

The Ambassador of Mexico, Francisco J. Barrio and Mrs. Hortensia Olivas de Barrio kindly invited us to a special dinner - seasonal Mexican dishes - in celebration of the first anniversary of the inclusion of Traditional Mexican Cuisine into the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

 

 

little did we know just how generous the portions would be.  we unwittingly cleared our plates just short of licking them.

 

  

having learned from the first course, we saved room for the third course

 

 

Ron Eade - Citizen Food editor - and my hubby, Duncan

that's it.  that's all I could manage.  yet I kept going back for another bite ... it was delicious!!!

 

 

 

 

by now I am grateful I wore a skirt with an elastic waist

surprise!  Mariachi was also declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

 

 

 

 

 

 

parting gift (wow!)

Sotol Plata - Hacienda de Chihuahua - 100% Agavacea Del Desierto

Duncan patiently waiting to taste Sotol Plata - very nice

a note about Sotol Plata - "Sotol is elaborated with a wild agavacea variety called Dasylirion.  It grows in the Chihuahua desert located in northern Mexico with its own origin of denomination.  Tarahumaran and Anazasis tribes uses the Sotol since 800 years ago.  In desert's harsh climate, only the strongest and healthiest plant survives a natural selection."

sit. sip. savour.
Éva Nagy - sommelier and yummy food enthusiast

p.s. I would like to share some info - as provided in giftie bag - with you ...