as graduates of the Algonquin College Sommelier Program, Holly, Jackie and I decided to continue our wine education via WINE & SPIRIT EDUCATION TRUST - WSET Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Wines & Spirits.
both Holly and Jackie are learning via VENDANGE INSTITUTE in Ottawa while I am enrolled via online distance learning WSET UK. we have come to the conclusion that we will benefit from meeting (perhaps once a week) to keep up with tastings and studies.
* note: suggested reading minimum 10 hours per week ... aka INTENSE.
this week's focus: Italy
no surprise that we started off with a bubbly but not Prosecco as one might think. as it was, we had "too many" bottles at our last study group so we saved this one.
DOMAINE DE VAUGONDY BRUT VOUVRAY VINTAGES 154567 | 750 mL bottle Price: $15.95 Sparkling Wine 12.5% ABV - "Release Date: Sep 4, 2010, Tasting Note: This is classic and assertive chenin blanc, with notes of wool, hay, citrus oils and baked pear. Its intense personality requires you to be a devotee of the variety, but if you are, this is so deliciously satisfying, it's not to be missed. Score - 90. (Wine & Spirits, April 2009)"
SANTA MARGHERITA PINOT GRIGIO (V) VINTAGES 106450 | 750 mL bottle Price: $16.95 White Wine 12.0% ABV - "Release Date: May 15, 2010, Description: Not only is this our #1 selling wine, it was also voted the most popular Pinot Grigio in Wine & Spirits' 20th Annual Restaurant Poll (April 2009). It sports aromas of fresh green apple, lime and peach that replay beautifully on the palate and cleansing finish. Excellent as an aperitif, or serve it with antipasti."
note: we never would have concluded Pinot Grigio; not your typical Pinot Grigio.
09 VERNACCIA SAN GIMIGNANO (FATTORIA IL PALAGIO VINTAGES 214544 | 750 mL bottle Price: $13.95 White Wine 12.8% ABV - no LCBO tasting notes
my note: I usually have a bottle on hand. it is a great warm weather sipper and versatile with light fare.
LORNANO CHIANTI CLASSICO RISERVA 2006 VINTAGES 208447 | 750 mL bottle Price: $18.95 Red Wine 14.3% ABV - "Release Date: Mar 5, 2011, Tasting Note: The convincing Chianti Classico '06 gives currants and hints of toastiness. Score - 2 Glasses (out of 3). (Gambero Rosso Italian Wines, 2010)"
note: did not come across as your typical Chianti; we decided that it best to check the blend
TOMMASI RIPASSO VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO SUPERIORE (V) VINTAGES 910430 | 750 mL bottle Price: $19.95 Red Wine 13.0% ABV - "Release Date: May 15, 2010, Description: This juicy Ripasso features aromas of pepper, dried plum, mushroom, cinnamon, leather, and tomato leaf. It's dry, medium bodied and very elegant, with smooth fruit flavours as well as notes of spice and earth. Nicely balanced, it's an excellent partner for osso bucco or roasted stuffed red peppers.
MASI BROLO DI CAMPOFIORIN 2006 VINTAGES 976092 | 750 mL bottle Price: $24.95 Red Wine 13.5% ABV - "Release Date: Feb 5, 2011, Description: Silver Medal winner at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2009. This gentler variation on Amarone is created using the appassimento technique. The harvested grapes are dried on mats for approximately one month, allowing the aromas and flavours to intensify. The resulting wine is filled with aromas of plum, chocolate, cherry, tobacco and new leather. Try it with richer meat dishes such as slow-cooked roast beef."
2 very yummy cheeses: MANCHEGO 6mos (Spain) & BOUQ'EMISSAIRE
MANCHEGO "has a firm and compact consistency and a buttery texture, and often contains small, unevenly-distributed air pockets. The colour of the cheese varies from white to ivory-yellow, and the inedible rind from yellow to brownish beige. The cheese has a distinctive flavour, well developed but not too strong, creamy with a slight piquancy, and leaves an aftertaste that is characteristic of sheep’s milk."
BOUQ'EMISSAIRE "is a raw goat's milk cheese with an ash-covered rind made by Fromages Chaput of Chateauguay, Quebec. This bright white goat cheese coated with blue-grey ash is beautiful to look at and a delight to taste. The rind and core colours present a striking contrast, making a wedge of Bouq'Emissaire an attractive cheese board addition. Tangy mineral flavours melt cleanly, leaving a long luscious aftertaste."
there you have it - 5 wines from Italy + a sparkling Vouvray + 2 yummy cheeses
next week features Spain, Portugal and Greece ... stay tuned!
bottoms up!
Éva
