to start, we gobbled baba ghanouj with pita. it's a good thing I had chilled PELEE ISLAND WINERY PRIVATE SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC VQA 2008 (not found on their website; wine via Savvy Selections, Dec 2010). it's crispness was perfect and refreshing.
Jean's neighbour, Dave, asked us to sample a bottle. he knows the winery and wants our honest opinion. the wine: LIFT HAUS Pinot Noir 2007. we were very curious indeed to sample a Pinot Noir from Prince Edward County. general consensus: aroma of tart berry (raspberry) with a sense of sweetness; on the palate: there is that tartness but no sweetness, fuller-bodied than expected, good acidity and tannins. it may be a good one to stump wino friends! we sent the remainder home to Dave for his opinion.
for dinner: spaghetti and meatballs (a kid-pleaser). with it, we enjoyed RAVAZZI CHIANTI RISERVA 2007 VINTAGES 135657 | 750 mL bottle Price: $ 15.95. I can't say it any better than this LCBO review, "Food-friendly and superbly structured, this dry, medium-bodied delight is laden with notes of chocolate, red fruit and spice. A super-value wine that will earn rave reviews when served with a cheese lasagna." ... or spaghetti with meatballs!
after dinner, we enjoyed NIAGARA COLLEGE TEACHING WINERY MERITAGE VQA 2005, $37.95 (wine via Savvy Selections). NCT website - http://www.nctwinery.ca/shop/red/meritage2005.html
excerpt from NCT website ... Wine Description: "Dark ruby with black inkiness in colour with a stunning nose of intense cassis jam, hints of eucalyptus and vanilla. Underlying nuances will emerge as the wine develops in bottle. The flavour emanates from ripe jammy fruit. Medium-soft tannin fills the mouth and suggests a long life for this wine"
there you have it. another enjoyable evening with good friends. unfortunately, only one of these wines is readily available so you might just have to trust me until you can taste the other three.
bottoms up!
Éva
