tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89772822377900762482024-03-12T18:42:57.837-07:00Wine Wonders of the WorldWine and travel adventures of an accredited sommelier. Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-32018496126750868292015-08-28T04:37:00.000-07:002015-08-28T04:37:02.659-07:00Nobilo Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekyWxUZf9Q79nh6XQBnOIplHYjO0gAV7gWR8fbklc1lzog9mVQgwitIzQ9cXSpr_qx5A2LIeQjMo-LVu87XMx5ru2ZzXEmVcgciNz7f1ycG0hV3aKua8L64yyLU6ENAnESke3x6Q67Eg/s1600/image2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekyWxUZf9Q79nh6XQBnOIplHYjO0gAV7gWR8fbklc1lzog9mVQgwitIzQ9cXSpr_qx5A2LIeQjMo-LVu87XMx5ru2ZzXEmVcgciNz7f1ycG0hV3aKua8L64yyLU6ENAnESke3x6Q67Eg/s320/image2.JPG" width="239" /></a><a href="http://www.nobilowines.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">Nobilo: </a>Nikola Nobilo left Croatia in the 1940s and made New Zealand his new home. While his family (and Croatia) had a wine-making tradition (Miljenko Grgich of Grgich Hills in Napa, California immigrated to the United States from Croatia in 1954), New Zealand did not have a developed industry. The Nobilo family (and other Croatian immigrants) found only fortified wine and that led to Nikola's decision to make wine. At first the wine was destined for family consumption but word (and wine) spread to neighbours, including current Nobilo wine maker David Edmonds' parents, and eventually a commercial winery was born.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.social.ca/">Social</a>: </span>Unfortunately I have yet to visit New Zealand but I was invited, along with other Ottawa-based sommeliers and wine writers and bloggers to taste Nobilo wines over lunch at the sophisticated Ottawa restaurant "Social." The chef and bar manager at Social put together a delicious menu to pair with various vintages and styles of two varietals from Nobilo wines: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2014: </span>I should admit that I am generally not a fan of Sauvignon Blanc. The varietal, especially the New Zealand style, is commonly recognized by the aromas of canned asparagus or peas and cat urine. In France the varietal is known as Sancerre after the appellation of that name in the Loire Valley. So I was pleasantly surprised with the superb quality of David Edmonds' winemaking. The Regional Collection Sauvignon Blanc 2014 has abundant aromas of passionfruit (maracuya), pineapple, melons, lemon-lime, and herbs. It represents a blend from vineyards in different sub-regions in Marlborough. On the palate it was crisp and acidic with mouthwatering flavours of green apple, passionfruit and unripened pineapple. It was the perfect pairing for quickly seared tuna sprinkled with spicy red pepper and served with wasabi and cucumber.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjZXT0tHouGCpEnUeftxOO8A9jnvzVv5dEk0SmvbtADdvN1TJv3t22vu-XTEjPJkLzEkAmdGSfTpkjutdml3Zbzg1eMlxb48zUTVnaSDxMJVi07n4emO-hjWl91kBcpdaEB4arAsH7Ec/s1600/image4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjZXT0tHouGCpEnUeftxOO8A9jnvzVv5dEk0SmvbtADdvN1TJv3t22vu-XTEjPJkLzEkAmdGSfTpkjutdml3Zbzg1eMlxb48zUTVnaSDxMJVi07n4emO-hjWl91kBcpdaEB4arAsH7Ec/s320/image4.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Icon Sauvignon Blanc 2014: </span>This rendition of the varietal was not a fruit forward wine like the Regional Collection. Rather, it has predominant aromas and flavours of minerality, lime and green herbs. I could detect some pepper that winemaker Dave Edmonds pinpointed as jalapeño pepper. This wine did have a hint of asparagus on the palate and indeed paired well with Social's asparagus salad. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX62WDMflWdf4pmSSEnEiU9nCZWPmH4C06Uwx4xMgW2IVXxtnktlm20YJgCTSIHHIJZs4kpp32AC243Wv3HxXn1logJV5QN-hoeucAGLHhNVOeiPkwjUmFhlWBnNAjbw-l0HhXQoJjeFg/s1600/image9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX62WDMflWdf4pmSSEnEiU9nCZWPmH4C06Uwx4xMgW2IVXxtnktlm20YJgCTSIHHIJZs4kpp32AC243Wv3HxXn1logJV5QN-hoeucAGLHhNVOeiPkwjUmFhlWBnNAjbw-l0HhXQoJjeFg/s320/image9.JPG" width="239" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Icon Pinot Noir 2010, 2013, 2014: </span>We tasted three vintages and each was very distinct from the other. The 2010 vintage, no longer available for sale, was a complex wine with aromas of peppery, smoke, ripe red fruit, blueberry and additional flavours of leather, dark chocolate and licorice. In the mouth the 2010 was silky smooth, well integrated tannins, medium plus body and dry. At 15% alcohol it was a bit "hot" with the lamb. The 2013 was more fruit forward on the nose but with other aromas of white pepper, game, forest floor and mocha. This lighter body wine and brigher acidicty was the perfect match with the grilled lamb which had been rubbed with delicious harissa (Tunisian hot chile paste). The 2013 vintage is currently available in Ontario. The 2014 Pinot was a delicious blend of dark cherry, forest floor and toasty caramel. These wines are on a medium grain French oak for about 9 months. The oak aromas and flavours still need to integrate and the wine could age for a few more years.<br />
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Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-70267993635977455912015-01-08T15:45:00.002-08:002015-01-08T15:45:55.182-08:00BOGOTA BEER COMPANY<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoGALerKeDbW6qDJGP7MgCqd8O9PNCOC8284RlwH4-u-tJuEusIS_UFvqTDbTpw7Uci1oe-YPBKutCMeqQj8pVZb_VvMyM_2ITKNpVwmsZ4g0ls617tJAQOhwI20uD6Qn75-nGDUanXw/s1600/20140721_191033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkoGALerKeDbW6qDJGP7MgCqd8O9PNCOC8284RlwH4-u-tJuEusIS_UFvqTDbTpw7Uci1oe-YPBKutCMeqQj8pVZb_VvMyM_2ITKNpVwmsZ4g0ls617tJAQOhwI20uD6Qn75-nGDUanXw/s1600/20140721_191033.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://bogotabeercompany.com/">Bogota Beer Company</a>: </span>The BBC calls itself the biggest small brewery in Colombia. Many of the company's regular beers are named after a neighbourhood or cultural event in Bogotá. On a recent trip I tasted the Monserrate in a restaurant and on the following weekend I prepared my own tasting with four other beers (conveniently sold in small bottles). My tasting notes follow:<br />
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<b>Monserrate</b><br />
The name of the beer refers to the mountain that rises over 3,000 metres above the city centre. It can be reached by foot, funicular or tram. This red beer has won international medals.<br />
colour: a light red<br />
aromas: cereal, buckwheat honey, toasted walnuts, orange blossom<br />
flavours: cereal, honey, brown sugar, orange pith<br />
malt: medium to medium plus<br />
hops:low med <br />
finish: medium length<br />
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<b>Candelaria Clasica</b><br />
The Candelaria is the historic centre of Bogotá and sits below Monserrate. It has colonial architecture and stone streets where tourists and bogotanos visit museums, libraries, art galleries and national government buildings.<br />
light,<br />
aroma: - cereal, honey,citrus (very Little aroma)<br />
flavour - very clean, cereal ; short finish; drops quickly; Kolsch style<br />
refreshing<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0Vh4WWWGmZZ8PelC-P8MvokEU4fuIoSvkavW3eplNMTimuGMsQb_Z7nUtL1wV7UebS-CW90sIhwoZ6dJLmvQuRBsI6EOU3WcHhS7FwrPv-01zHg2WbzB-ck1lteay__VlalrqRFJ-FI/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0Vh4WWWGmZZ8PelC-P8MvokEU4fuIoSvkavW3eplNMTimuGMsQb_Z7nUtL1wV7UebS-CW90sIhwoZ6dJLmvQuRBsI6EOU3WcHhS7FwrPv-01zHg2WbzB-ck1lteay__VlalrqRFJ-FI/s1600/IMG_3599.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a><b>Chapinero Porter</b><br />
North of the city centre is an expansive neighbourhood that was historically the residence and work place of artisans, including shoemakers. More recently, the old homes in the northeasternmost part of Chapinero have been converted into restaurants and the area has become a gourmet zone referred to as zona G. <br />
colour: dark brown but translucent<br />
aromas: molasses, chocolate, licorice, smoke<br />
flavours: molasses, coffee, chocolate<br />
malt: medium-high<br />
hops: low<br />
finish: long, coffee on palate<br />
<b>BBC Premium Lager</b><br />
The label claims this to be blond lager made from a German recipe and it is the only lager made by BBC.<br />
colour: golden<br />
aromas: cereal, honey, spring wáter<br />
flavours: honey, biscuit<br />
malt: medium<br />
hops: low<br />
finish: crisp, refreshing;short length<br />
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<b>Cajica Honey Ale</b><br />
Cajica is a municipality just north of Bogotá. The beer won world's best honey beer medal<br />
colour: yellow<br />
aromas: wildflower, clover, honey, nuts, cinnamon<br />
flavours: honey, cereal<br />
malt: low-medium<br />
hops: low<br />
finish: short, clean, crisp, refreshing <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Purchasing Bloomer Creek Wines: </span> While some Bloomer Creek wines are served at New York City restaurants the wines are available for purchase only through the winery. (Unfortunately I found few Finger Lakes wines at local restaurants). The winery is located on the east side of Seneca Lake at 5301 Route 414, Hector, New York. You can phone 607-546-5027 to arrange your visit or check out their website: www.bloomercreek.com. I decided to purchase 4 bottles even though Canada Customs sets a 2 bottle limit. Bloomer Creek wines are well priced and a testament to artful winemaking.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tasting Notes: </span>The Finger Lakes is renowned for its high quality whites, especially Rieslings, and Bloomer Creek whites did not disappoint. I tasted the following four (out of many more):<br />
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<i>Tanzen Dame Edelzwicker </i>- This wine is a blend of Gewurztraminer and Cayuga White grapes and has aromas and flavours of citrus (lime), honey, and minerality. This wine has not been fined.<br />
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<i>Bloomer Creek Vineyard Tanzen Dame Riesling 2012 - </i>This wine is a blend of Riesling from different vineyards. While the aromas were predominantly floral and petrol I detected honey, citrus and apricot flavours. This Riesling is nicely balanced. I purchased this wine.<br />
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<i>Chardonnay 2011 - </i>The aromas and flavours were of ripe pinepapple, orange and buttery caramel, reminiscent of a barrel aged Chardonnay. Kim explained that 50% of the wine is aged in old oak and 50% in stainless steel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy63cU-RX8zUx_GhUQZ4r87Euu8ZU_fHtc8IpuhGH-vN1oeJ9ICAzrT4nTwKXqP48FK-jrPxnf53nTCs9B7Rq9RKDG15-XmMxye-Z4Pw77bsPIljQQ9h-e3jTAclieqtfrNIwy6X7vf8/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioy63cU-RX8zUx_GhUQZ4r87Euu8ZU_fHtc8IpuhGH-vN1oeJ9ICAzrT4nTwKXqP48FK-jrPxnf53nTCs9B7Rq9RKDG15-XmMxye-Z4Pw77bsPIljQQ9h-e3jTAclieqtfrNIwy6X7vf8/s1600/IMG_3617.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>Bloomer Creek Vineyard 2013 Dry Riesling </i>- This Riesling was delicious and fuller bodied; with aromas of apples, cinnamon, honey and orange blossoms. I picked up apple, honey and citrus flavours. I also purchased this Riesling.<br />
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Kim selected a rose and three reds for me to taste:<br />
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<i>Pinot Noir Dry Rosé: </i>The Pinot Noir rosé is quite dry with typical pinot descriptors of sour cherry with an earthiness. It has a medium acidity and would be very easy to pair with a variety of summer dishes. I purchased a bottle of this unfined and unfiltered rosé.<br />
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<i>Cabernet Franc 2011: </i>In my opinion Bloomer Creek has made a superior Cab Franc in that it is more complex in aromas and flavours than are commonly found in this cold climate red varietal. Partial carbonic maceration (grapes are fermented whole in a carbon-dioxide rich environment) is used, resulting in fruit flavours and lower tannins. I detected aromas of ripe raspberries, strawberries, cherries and green grass while white pepper was also evident once I tasted the wine. </div>
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<i>Cabernet Franc 2010:</i> This vintage was drier and had a longer finish than the 2011 Cab Franc. The 2010 had aromas of sweet cherry, strawberries and white pepper while the flavours were sour cherry, leather and spice. This wine would pair well with coq au vin or beef. I brought this wine home as well.</div>
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<i>Cabernet Sauvignon 2007: </i> While this varietal was planted about 30 years ago Bloomer Creek has not made much Cabernet Sauvignon simply because the climate is not amenable to this varietal. Given that Cabernet Sauvignon requires a long growing season and a high number of sunny days I thought this Bloomer Creek wine was a decent example of a cold climate Cab Sauv. It had aromas of red currants, raspberries, black pepper, baking spices and eucalyptus. I also found leather and spice on the palate. </div>
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<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-30592337056275031112014-09-02T19:17:00.001-07:002014-09-02T19:17:16.918-07:00KAWARTHA COUNTRY WINERY<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLioN0O9e9HvpCdXq7Fu1lzrjDPcLUQyXnbky9Asp_X0Y7DEX8jQ6l6xvrLPLY_DgxCkYqeUmEg-i4W1TqaFo1bOHMZ3toqw1-1hc7K02b4qCKdqFK-v9wADrmS1-ipnlVpCHzS07dao/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLioN0O9e9HvpCdXq7Fu1lzrjDPcLUQyXnbky9Asp_X0Y7DEX8jQ6l6xvrLPLY_DgxCkYqeUmEg-i4W1TqaFo1bOHMZ3toqw1-1hc7K02b4qCKdqFK-v9wADrmS1-ipnlVpCHzS07dao/s1600/IMG_3543.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://kawarthacountrywines.ca/store/">Kawartha Country Wines</a>:</span> This winery is the largest producer of fruit wines in Ontario and recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. I visited the winery, located between Buckhorn and Bobcaygeon in the Kawartha Lakes region of Ontario, in early July and had the opportunity to taste a variety of dry fruit wines and one grape wine in the log cabin (the original structure was built in 1866) that serves as a store and tasting bar. John Rufa, owner and vintner, also spoke to me about the vinification process.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Vinification Process: </span>John begins with fruit grown at the vineyard or sourced from Niagara growers. Although the winery produces cold climate grapes and wine I was interested in the dry fruit wine-making process. Given that each fruit differs in levels of water, acid and sugar, each fruit wine requires a slightly different process in the first stages. Depending on the firmness of the fruit different amounts are used to produce the "must" and this crushed fruit is then brought to the same pH levels as grapes (pH level for grape wine is generally between 2.9 and 4.7). The fermentation process then proceeds as it does for grape wine-making. John is busy wine-making from July each year when he starts with strawberries, the first fruit of the Ontario summer season, and his work continues into autumn.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Wine-tasting notes: </span>While over 35 varieties of wines are produced (a total of 25,000 litres annually), I chose to focus on dry fruit wines wines. I tasted eight fruit wines and one Pinot Noir.<br />
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<i>Rhubarb</i>: The wine had aromas and flavours of citrus and the herbaceous of green rhubarb. It is only slightly off dry and would pair beautifully with salmon. This wine won a silver medal at a recent Canadian wine competition. <br />
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<i>Summer Breeze:</i> Aromas and flavours of cherries and strawberries. It's dry but jammy on the palate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk3MvNQwXfuyMvV_xwT0jiT4OfWody685xQK0QZwIbsJxLoxJhicbwETJUEMVwMGYifH0rnnjw0s5QcMN1wK2NL0a6NcxJp1v7wIpecgITzkr6bS92LNWpLueUWbJczuchJtBZVTWJec/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRk3MvNQwXfuyMvV_xwT0jiT4OfWody685xQK0QZwIbsJxLoxJhicbwETJUEMVwMGYifH0rnnjw0s5QcMN1wK2NL0a6NcxJp1v7wIpecgITzkr6bS92LNWpLueUWbJczuchJtBZVTWJec/s1600/IMG_3538.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Tenth Anniversary: This blend of elderberry and blackberry is dry and had a longer finish than the other wines I tried.<br />
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Blackberry: This wine is tart and mouthwatering and less fruit forward than the previous wines I tasted.<br />
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Blackcurrant: While the label notes this wine is off dry it is quite tart. It has strong black current aromas and flavours and I would pair it with pork tenderloin.<br />
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Elderberry: This "off dry" had less fruit sweetness than the other berry wines but enjoyable flavours. It was drying in the mouth with a very slight bitterness.<br />
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<i>Pumpkin Dry</i>: I detected aromas of squash and a slight earthiness while the flavours were green vegetable and the slight bitterness of pumpkin seeds. It was drying on the palate, had a light body and medium length.<br />
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<i>Peach</i>: This off dry wine had aromas and flavours of biscuit and subtle ripe peach. It could be served as an apertif with a variety of cheeses.<br />
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<i>Pinot Noir</i>: This was the only grape varietal I tasted. It had strong cherry aromas and a woody flavour. It seemed more tannic than what I expected.<br />
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The wines are sold directly at the winery and through their website: http://kawarthacountrywines.ca/store/<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Visiting: </span>If you're in the Kawartha region near Buckhorn I would recommend a visit to the tasting bar. The tasting is complementary as John is confident that once you taste you will want to purchase the wines. I was pleasantly surprised that the wines were dry and food friendly and decided to purchase the Rhubarb, Tenth Anniversary and Peach wines. Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-39231668283097466542014-05-19T16:22:00.002-07:002014-05-19T16:22:56.765-07:00PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY - more Hillier wineries <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://tallpoppycafe.ca/">The Tall Poppy Cafe</a>: </span>This café in Wellington is open for from 7 am to 3 pm for breakfast and lunch. In the summer it opens again for dinner in the evening. The menu showcased fresh "county" ingredients and the decor was family-oriented. Large tables for sharing with other customers and the friendly atmosphere gives the café a nice energy. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">By Chadsey's Cairns: </span> We had started out on bicycles from here in the morning but the wine tasting room (a beautiful chapel-like building) was not open. So, after our lunch in Wellington we stopped here before continuing our bike ride from Hillier Creek Estates. <a href="http://www.bychadseyscairns.com/index.html">By Chadsey's Cairns</a> is a charming winery set in a tranquil location beside the burial grounds of the Chadsey family and a stone fence built by Ira Chadsey. I tasted five wines of the many they had to offer:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJqfgMBNDohPrX8CS-zMQnWwSb73CMipwWziLWocRxmrBBHFivbeKtH1eKi81Fr0pJA5cPxMSFFvNBSN2amJAYqKBqv2HRsRw3KIy0BQ8B3k_PbujDgi6YtqxRpIh63z82DiHZRbsdY/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYnJqfgMBNDohPrX8CS-zMQnWwSb73CMipwWziLWocRxmrBBHFivbeKtH1eKi81Fr0pJA5cPxMSFFvNBSN2amJAYqKBqv2HRsRw3KIy0BQ8B3k_PbujDgi6YtqxRpIh63z82DiHZRbsdY/s1600/IMG_2905.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
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<i>Chenin Blanc</i> - This was a crisp and dry style of the versatile varietal, with strong citrus aromas and flavours.<br />
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<i>Riesling</i> (2011)- A delicious off-dry style with aromas and flavours of apricot, clementine and honey resulting from botrytis-affected grapes (20%). I purchased this wine and enjoyed it at Thanksgiving with turkey.<br />
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<i>Gewurztraminer</i> - I couldn't detect the usual aromas for this varietal (lychee fruit, honey) but some floral and baked apple aromas were apparent.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtxMCypi33LFOdfQvXRdbgZ5aBzJvvqT39CV7Vi6pY-so81O4gEZJkQMbctigxiRGIVDIg2LvQfk9vB9snmaoIsZk75lQIHuwVb1K0Jddc_GMwoOE9r_TnFJweIMzUbyank8ysVzAY9s/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtxMCypi33LFOdfQvXRdbgZ5aBzJvvqT39CV7Vi6pY-so81O4gEZJkQMbctigxiRGIVDIg2LvQfk9vB9snmaoIsZk75lQIHuwVb1K0Jddc_GMwoOE9r_TnFJweIMzUbyank8ysVzAY9s/s1600/IMG_2903.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><i>3 Point Hitch</i> (2012) - This was an interesting blend of Gamay Noir (70%) and St Laurent, a varietal popular in Czech Republic and Austria (30%). The aromas were intriguing (licorice, smoke/campfire, medicinal herbs, and chocolate) while the cherry and cranberry flavours were less complex than the aromas. <br />
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<i>Gamay Pinot</i> (2011) - This 60/40 blend of popular County red grapes was lightly oak aged, resulting in a smoky aroma along with blueberry. <br />
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After picking up our bikes at Hillier Creek Estates we rode by a few wineries on Closson Road so we could arrive at Closson Chase and continue on to one last winery before heading back to Wellington for a swim at a public beach.<br />
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<a href="http://clossonchase.com/" style="font-size: x-large;">Closson Chase</a><span style="font-size: large;">: </span>It was a scenic ride to Closson Chase and inside the winery art work was displayed and brightly painted walls provided a dramatic background to our tasting. We tasted three wines - two Chardonnays from the same vintage but made from grapes from different vineyards and a Pinot Noir.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9wU-Myq7L0uRUKN9YlYnjPB7Yp-gXYgm5fmj5tQURWWwUzmpZCARavaHSGyfNI6FvllHskUihPAmlukj9i1BT-kU48Gi-6wXxd0l3SyjUM1Hdru2yfJzQl-_p1b2aLJrfI3YShMFSF4/s1600/IMG_2909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9wU-Myq7L0uRUKN9YlYnjPB7Yp-gXYgm5fmj5tQURWWwUzmpZCARavaHSGyfNI6FvllHskUihPAmlukj9i1BT-kU48Gi-6wXxd0l3SyjUM1Hdru2yfJzQl-_p1b2aLJrfI3YShMFSF4/s1600/IMG_2909.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><i>2011 Closson Chase Vineyard Chardonnay: </i>I detected aromas of mango, vanilla and spice and flavours of butter, pineapple and mandarin. This wine went through malolactic fermentation (a process to convert harsh malic acids to softer lactic acids) but maintained a nice acidity on the palate. The server suggested a seafood pairing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eOo6LcGYXKZLXJFZEv4LMXM4wWQ-CVEjMOpB2SIeAVniCSelSbh4tdH2V-e8Vj56vfi6UZvN20_fi464Aryf-cD35OkVns-Cwq0kMlAK85822l8LKe4kAYhd_8oXOzjGGPATNLnGJ5w/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9eOo6LcGYXKZLXJFZEv4LMXM4wWQ-CVEjMOpB2SIeAVniCSelSbh4tdH2V-e8Vj56vfi6UZvN20_fi464Aryf-cD35OkVns-Cwq0kMlAK85822l8LKe4kAYhd_8oXOzjGGPATNLnGJ5w/s1600/IMG_2910.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><i>2011 Closson Chase South Clos Vineyard Chardonnay: </i>This wine went through the same vinification process as the Chardonnay described above but the results are different due to the unique terroir.It had aromas of melon, orange, banana, and vanilla and flavours of mandarin and apple with some butter caramel but generally it has a milder oak profile and would pair well with fowl.<br />
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<i>2010 Churchside Vineyard Pinot Noir: </i>This pinot had aromas and flavours of blueberry, black cherry, and spices and would pair nicely with duck or even lamb.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://karloestates.com/">Karlo Estates</a></span><span style="font-size: large;">: </span>It was close to 5 pm and we had to ride our bikes as fast as possible from Closson Chase to Karlo Estates. The tasting room and the outdoor<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p1wgWXOrjIOh4Ffb2HZ5FS_Q1ZBKSbZumYIZha1wAjjA0CS0U7ISUa1OsVtg1ehCCY48FOBhDVNdJb-ibLXIPq5anauot7OJfklIDf845cw7cWpxePHGZY_0IxQX_RZijhievUEG-Ps/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7p1wgWXOrjIOh4Ffb2HZ5FS_Q1ZBKSbZumYIZha1wAjjA0CS0U7ISUa1OsVtg1ehCCY48FOBhDVNdJb-ibLXIPq5anauot7OJfklIDf845cw7cWpxePHGZY_0IxQX_RZijhievUEG-Ps/s1600/IMG_2912.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
bar at Karlo Estates merited a more leisurely visit but we were lucky to still be attended at the bar before they closed. We were able to taste 7 wines despite having to rush somewhat: an off dry Riesling, Frontenac Gris Rosé (which I purchased); a 2010 Cabernet Franc (that didn't impress compared to others we tasted); a Merlot that was fruity but not complex; Quintus, a blend of five varietals that I enjoyed but decided it was not good value at 35.00; and two ports. Karlo Estates is the first winery to make port in the County and both the white and red Van Alstine ports were flavourful and could be easily paired with cheese or dessert. The red port is made with Marquette and Frontenac Noir grapes and the white is a blend of Frontenac Blanc and Gewurztraminer varietals. The roasted nuts at the bar were a welcome and unique treat at the end of our day. On a return trip to the County I would come back here to enjoy the ambiance and savour the wines a bit more slowly. <br />
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<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-27109666495101227562014-03-16T18:18:00.001-07:002014-03-16T18:18:26.019-07:00PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY - Hillier in the Morning <span style="font-size: large;">Cycling to the Wineries of Hillier: </span>Since many of the County's wineries are concentrated in Hillier ward at the southwestern end of the island, a friend and I decided to cycle winery to winery. You can find a wine tour map at <a href="http://thecountywines.com/mapsdownloadsc3.php">The County Wines website</a>, although not all wineries are listed. We arranged to rent bicycles from <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%C2%A0http://www.bloomfieldbicycle.ca/%C2%A0">Bloomfield Bicycle</a> in the small town of Wellington. They will kindly drop off and pick up from predetermined locations so we arranged to start at By Chadsey Cairns winery in the morning. We had comfortable 21 speed hybrid bikes with a complimentary water bottle and county map included with the rental price for each bike. Unfortunately By Chadsey Cairns had yet to open so we started our adventure by cycling to the following wineries prior to a lunch break: Norman Hardie, Casa Dea, Rosehall Run, and Hillier Creek Estates. Another friend decided not to cycle so she provided much appreciated support in the car...we had the option of buying a lot of wine along the route!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">From Norman Hardie to Hillier Creek Estates: </span>Wine tasting tourism is not only about the wine. Of course the quality of the wine is important but the wine tasting experience is enhanced by free (with a wine purchase) or reasonably priced tastings <i>and</i> friendly customer service by knowledgeable staff. We were especially fortunate to speak to the owners/winemakers the previous afternoon at Lighthall, Exultet and Long Dog.<br />
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The first stop at <a href="http://www.normanhardie.com/">Norman Hardie</a> was the least enjoyable of the day. While Norman Hardie is renowned for his wines, the service was unfriendly and the tasting cost was higher than any other winery we visited. I tasted a Pinot Gris and the County Pinor Noir 2011. I found the Pinot Gris to be strong in citrus and minerality aromas (not unexpected due to the limestone terrioir) but without a hint of honey or spice that I enjoy in a Pinot Gris. The 2011 Pinot Noir reflected its classic characteristics but it was not an outstanding example of the varietal. It was the only winery we left without make a purchase (I bought a total of 36 bottles during our visit)!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYzYa8nQA5eapiOvac1-lnQrWP3awxZxDO6LNS4arDOdfX8jE93jMULAkdgGgEOrGjH9Aq7smUQ3OuAKXX7VdLbxXYCCRtRTbzruTthVoqr0rJircQNJ-_TF5CmZRGXedbHQovdLEC1o/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkYzYa8nQA5eapiOvac1-lnQrWP3awxZxDO6LNS4arDOdfX8jE93jMULAkdgGgEOrGjH9Aq7smUQ3OuAKXX7VdLbxXYCCRtRTbzruTthVoqr0rJircQNJ-_TF5CmZRGXedbHQovdLEC1o/s1600/IMG_2881.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
At <a href="http://www.casadeaestates.com/">Casa Dea Estates</a> we were met by a very friendly server (she became even more like-able when she told us she rode a Harley Davidson!), who provided generous tastings accompanied by cheerful conversation and her own opinion on the wines we were tasting. Casa Dea is the second oldest winery in the County and has 61 acres under vine. It also has beautiful gardens and a pleasant café. I tasted the Pinot Gris and Pinot Gris Reserve (oaked) and found the honey, stone fruit and floral aromas and flavours to be what I expect from a Pinot Gris.I bought a bottle of each. I also tasted a Pinot Noir 2010, Dea's Rosé, Dea's Cuvee (a sparling blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay), Gamay 2010 and Cabernet Franc Reserve 2009. I enjoyed the latter two reds. The Gamay had aromas of cherry, anise, white pepper and leather and the Cab Franc was a delicious (i.e. not overly herbaceous) example of the varietal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsRkER6cQhEDT-Da3teA0ImfwJo2WIE1IHyp6_3hh6zeo2Pp9h1XHH_ZfLB0geW4bbc4E0qPEpVasxUHZiWlXvqzffl_IkL6ju-veAe1t_K2cHIKSeWQZl_bCzli-dNo2_ivgZRogKLQ/s1600/IMG_2888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsRkER6cQhEDT-Da3teA0ImfwJo2WIE1IHyp6_3hh6zeo2Pp9h1XHH_ZfLB0geW4bbc4E0qPEpVasxUHZiWlXvqzffl_IkL6ju-veAe1t_K2cHIKSeWQZl_bCzli-dNo2_ivgZRogKLQ/s1600/IMG_2888.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><a href="http://www.rosehallrun.com/">Rosehall Run</a> is the last winery along Greer Road (the same road as the previous two wineries). Lynn Sullivan, managing partner at the winery, served us at the tasting bar. She explained the her and her husband (the winemaker) bought the land in 2000, planted vines in 2001, produced their first vintage in 2004, and opened the winery in 2006. At the Painted Peppercorn café the previous day I had a glass of Sullyzwicker white (a blend of 7 varietals) with lunch. It had aromas of orange blossom, honey and green apple and flavours of clementine and a hint of vanilla. It is a light crisp wine that can be easily paired with summer fare or enjoyed on its own (and it's affordable at 14.95/bottle). I enjoyed the creamy oak aged 2010 Chardonnay JCR Rosehall Vineyard made from Estate grapes and also the 2010 Pinot Noir Rosehall Vineyard. I purchased the Chardonnay (at 29.95) but passed on the Pinot Noir. In general County wine prices reflect the costs of low production.<br />
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We hoped to enjoy pizza for lunch at <a href="http://www.hilliercreekestates.com/">Hillier Creek Estates</a> but they operate their brick oven from Wednesday through Sunday (in the summer). Regardless, we enjoyed the wine and great conversation with Woody, the operations manager who arrived in the County from Newfoundland (having met one of the owners during his service in the Navy). He poured our tastings and shared information about the winery and his opinion on a Riesling, a Gamay Noir 2009, and three Pinot Noirs from two vintages.<br />
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I especially enjoyed the Gamay Noir with its herbaceous and pepper aromas and rhubarb, cherry and pepper flavours and the Pinot Noir 2009. This latter wine was aged for two years (part of that time in oak) and had cherry, mint, chocolate and peppery aromas and flavours. The 2009 Pinot Estate Reserve is oaked for three years and consequently more tannic. I identified fewer typical pinot aromas and flavours in the reserve. The wines are available for purchase at the winery and served at County restaurants. <br />
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We left our bikes locked at Hillier Creek Estates and drove to Wellington to enjoy a wonderful lunch before continuing our wine tasting adventure.Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-43836000222568355462014-03-09T17:28:00.000-07:002014-09-02T18:06:15.103-07:00PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY - South Marysburgh<span style="font-size: large;">The County: </span>PEC was named as Ontario's fourth designated viticulture area (DVA) in 2007. The municipality of Prince Edward County is actually the smallest municipality in Ontario and is divided into ten wards. Over a three day period I visited wineries in three wards: South Marysburgh, Hillier and North Marysburgh. Most wineries are concentrated in the Hillier ward at the west end of the island but quality wines in this new wine region can be from any part of the County. The benefit of a visit to PEC is the proximity of an amazing combination of pastoral scenery, beaches, locally produced fruits and vegetables, wine, beer, cider, and cheese, as well as local art studios and shops. My friends and I visited mid-week in August which had its benefits: hotel availability (and even then many places were booked) and less traffic on the roads and fewer people waiting for tastings at the wineries. The disadvantage was that some wineries operate pizza ovens or cafes only on weekends.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">South Marysburgh: </span> After driving from Ottawa to the County in the morning and enjoying a lunch of county-inspired dishes at the <a href="http://paintedpeppercorn.ca/">Painted Peppercorn</a> in Picton we checked into the <a href="http://waringhouse.com/">Waring House Inn</a> (even mid week accommodation was difficult to reserve a few weeks in advance). We then decided to visit wineries in the southeastern peninsula south of the villages of Cherry Valley and Milford and close to <a href="http://www.ontarioparks.com/park/sandbanks">Sandbanks Provincial Park</a>. Our first stop was at Lighthall Winery. I had already visited in July but this time owner Glenn Symons was at the tasting bar and I learned more about Lighthall wines and his wine making practices (see another blog dedicated to Lighthall wines). From Lighthall we went on to Exultet and Long Dog wineries. I preferred the pinot noirs I tasted at these three wineries in South Marysburgh out of all of the pinot noir wine we tasted over the course of the three days. This may because the microclimate provides warmer temperatures; grapes begin to ripen 7 to 10 days earlier than vines in more northerly wards of the County.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Exultet: </span>The wines from <a href="http://www.exultet.ca/">Exultet</a> are estate grown, generally single varietal and sold only through the winery. I tasted two 2012 white wines: a blend called "White Light" (89% vidal and 11% chardonnay) and a Pinot Grigio. While those particular whites were too light for my palate I enjoyed the three Pinot Noirs I tasted from three consecutive vintages: 2009. 2010 and 2011. The 2009 was made from six clones of Pinot Noir and had dark berry and spicy notes and a fuller body. It is one of the more expensive wines at $65 per bottle, but obviously an excellent vintage. The 2010 Cru X had pleasant cherry and cranberry aromas and favours and medium tannins that would make it a perfect pairing for turkey or other poultry. I purchased two bottles and Lia Spinosa, co-owner of Exultet with her husband Gerry, advised me to cellar it for two years and decant one hour prior to drinking. The 2011 Pinot Noir was lighter in body and tannins and would not would be a pinot to drink immediately. I also purchased a 100% Vidal Icewine. The grapes were harvested on Boxing Day, 2012 due to the ideal temperatures (-10 to -12 C) required for an ice wine by Ontario's regulatory authority (the Vintners' Quality Alliance). Extultet's wines, especially their Chardonnays, are award-winning and need to be purchased promptly as production is low.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Long Dog: </span>We waited for a bit in the pleasant barn converted into a tasting room and we were about to pour ourselves some wine when James Lahti, one of the owners at <a href="http://www.longdog.ca/">Long Dog</a>, arrived to chat with us. I tasted four pinots from 2007, 2008 and 2009; and purchased three. (Like Exultet, Long Dog wines are only available through the winery). Long Dog has some of the oldest vines in the County, along with By Chadsey Cairns vineyard, with plantings commencing in 1999. My favourite,<i> that day</i>, was the 2008 Top Dog Pinot Noir. This wine is a blend of two vinification processes: grapes harvested from the original plantings in blocks A and C were fermented and oaked for approximately 26 months in new wood (50%) and old barrels (50%). I enjoyed the pine and cedar aromas of this blend. James suggested this wine could be cellared to 2015...so I'm waiting. The 2008 Barrel Select Pinot Noir is a light body red fruit pinot that I enjoyed in February 2014. The 2009 Top Dog was another purchase: made from the oldest vines and aged approximately 32 months in new French oak barrels. <br />
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<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-51201229608824124672014-02-14T17:27:00.000-08:002014-03-16T12:49:24.275-07:00LIGHTHALL WINERY - PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4_8nm5u-jHvYc4GpFAq7EIPUJ5cf7qAru-gwApcd_KTQv3jsi6FOye2XRp-6kSl93p9NYOVyAH3GVSNPrqEqq8oL-9XyqvvB7ZfayrYFfSj58obx9RSWCq64FiSX4AOyuYYh-Ab3RNQ/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4_8nm5u-jHvYc4GpFAq7EIPUJ5cf7qAru-gwApcd_KTQv3jsi6FOye2XRp-6kSl93p9NYOVyAH3GVSNPrqEqq8oL-9XyqvvB7ZfayrYFfSj58obx9RSWCq64FiSX4AOyuYYh-Ab3RNQ/s1600/IMG_2846.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu97egYGdlytqvVyWl3lfgbtKTNXyscT6NOJfQkblWpp-oqmXCZ7pu7Wwv3W5lC6xBfN38BgqL4qKIUaZLbje0cr8eYwMYoy-YiEiloWd01W9nGZZHD7zyItCaFMWNUqnCzK9YhpwGLf0/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu97egYGdlytqvVyWl3lfgbtKTNXyscT6NOJfQkblWpp-oqmXCZ7pu7Wwv3W5lC6xBfN38BgqL4qKIUaZLbje0cr8eYwMYoy-YiEiloWd01W9nGZZHD7zyItCaFMWNUqnCzK9YhpwGLf0/s1600/IMG_2847.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Lighthall: </span>I was introduced to Lighthall wines at a tasting event in the spring called "County in the City." After a round of Chardonnay tasting and then a round of Pinot Noir tasting among the various Prince Edward County wineries participating in the event, I selected <a href="http://www.lighthallvineyards.com/">Lighthall Vineyards & Winery</a> as my preferred wines for both varietals. I spoke with Glenn Symons,owner-winemaker, about the delicious Pinot Noir from 2010. It is one of the most tannic and full-bodied Pinots that I have tasted. So after the three bottles of Pinot Noir were finished, I made two trips to the County to visit Lighthall and other wineries. On my first visit I was fortunate to meet Alice Mennacher who, with her husband Peter, planted the first 8 acres of the vineyard. In 2008 Glenn Symons purchased Lighthall and expanded the acreage and built the winery. At the winery guests are welcome to taste all of the wines; although Lighthall's popular sparkling wine was no longer available. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pinot Noir Reserve Particuliere 2009: </span> This vintage had low yields so this wine is the most expensive of Lighthall wines. It has a deeper ruby hue and the first aromas were typical pinot aromas (earthy, sour red fruits) but on the "deuxieme nez" I could detect toasted chicory and white pepper as well. The flavours were similar to the aromas; and both the tannins and acidity were subdued. While this was a nice wine, I enjoyed the 2010 and 2011 vintages just as much. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pinot Noir 2010:</span> The robust flavor is a result of the ripeness of the grapes that year, longer maceration, and the fact that some Niagara grapes were added. Glenn ages the pinots one year in oak, which added to the tannins in the 2010 edition.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pinot Noir 2011:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Rain in the autumn required earlier harvest and then once de-stemmed the grapes were crushed by foot. This pinot is a translucent ruby red; with aromas of cherry, cinnamon, strawberries and a hint of vanilla. I picked out sour cherry, licorice and baking spice flavours. Tannins are low and the body is light - a more traditional pinot style than the 2010. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chardonnay 2009 Reserve: </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This chardonnay is lightly oaked with mild vanilla tones. It is a refreshing style that has good acidity but balanced by the touch of oak. I've served it with a chicken stir fry and it was a complementary pairing. The 2011 Chardonnay is oak aged longer than the 2009 but is not an overwhelming California style.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mute: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a late harvest, botrytis-affected vidal wine that is subsequently fortified with distilled pinot noir. It is a delicious accompaniment to a dessert plate of cheese, fruit and nuts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rose: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a refreshing tart summer wine made with Cabernet Franc (86%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (14%). It has the bell pepper aroma and flavour you would expect from a Cabernet Franc. I enjoy it with a pate made from game meats and fruits. </span><br />
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<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-36857368648535318042013-07-24T19:01:00.001-07:002013-07-25T14:28:50.762-07:00BEYOND THE PALE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ7544sVgZDaEG9TkkONoEeYMiZ4aRM1G1LYdaH92C2T4dF3Ua49sbDHqQrou4-00etapUJhtbG0W8u1lPbvidzv9q7ZUjFYjybdwahIJdNa4t2p73o_5hpN74SwHHJ1CFIKn_FhiTI0/s1600/IMG_2834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQ7544sVgZDaEG9TkkONoEeYMiZ4aRM1G1LYdaH92C2T4dF3Ua49sbDHqQrou4-00etapUJhtbG0W8u1lPbvidzv9q7ZUjFYjybdwahIJdNa4t2p73o_5hpN74SwHHJ1CFIKn_FhiTI0/s320/IMG_2834.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">An Ottawa brewery</span>: <a href="http://www.beyondthepale.ca/">Beyond the Pale</a> is a small brewery near the Parkdale market and is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday to the public. I had first heard of the Beyond the Pale at the Morris Street block party in the Glebe in June. There, I tried "The Darkness" - an oatmeal stout with a hint of burnt sugar, dark chocolate and espresso flavours. So I asked some friends who prefer beer over wine to join me for a visit to the brewery. We were able to try a number of the brews (all with interesting names) and purchase others to try at home.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pink Fuzz</span>: If you like a pithy citrus flavour this wheat beer is for you. Beyond the Pale uses hops and grapefruit to make this distinctive citrus brew. Grapefruit zest is added during the boil and then pulp is mixed in after fermentation. I bought a bottle to take home to enjoy on a hot day. And indeed there appeared to be pink fuzz at the bottom of the bottle! <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Rye Guy IPA</span>: This IPA uses rye malt and American hops from the West Coast of the U.S. The server told me 11 pounds of hops are used. American hops account for the citrus and pine notes and the slightly bitter aftertaste. Interestingly the IBU (International Bitterness Units) of Rye Guy is 52 while Pink Fuzz has only 20 IBUs.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">HOYF</span>: Hop on Your Face! With 33 pounds of hops used, you have to love hops to drink this beer! Centennial, Amarillo and Simcoe hops provide the bitter citrus flavours.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Half in the Barrel: </span>This is a Belgian style beer made with Belgian yeast, German malt and New Zealand hops. The batch was then divided and half aged for 6 weeks in an oak barrel previously used for aging Merlot and the other half in a Cabernet Franc barrel. I purchased a bottle of each and while both were delicious I preferred the Merlot infused brew. The beer has a rich red-brown hue. There was a slight acidity to the beer but it was not bitter. I detected interesting flavours of dark cherry and a subtle smoky or tobacco taste on the palate. On my return visit I purchased the last two bottles of the Half in the Barrel Merlot and was disappointed to learn that this brew was a one time production.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Imperial Super Guy: </span>On my second visit to Beyond the Pale I purchased this powerful brew. While it was not available for tasting at the counter it was worth taking a chance. I shared it with my friends who joined me on my first visit and we all agreed it had toasty and woodsy aromas (due to the malt and hops used) and flavours and was not as bitter as Pink Fuzz or HOYF (despite the fact it has 90 IBUs). It was well-balanced and enjoyable. All of this in a beer that is high in alcohol at 9.1% ABV...so sharing is important!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Where you can enjoy Beyond the Pale beer: </span>The brewery is open to the public on Friday and Saturday from noon until early evening and on Sunday in the afternoon. On my two visits I was cheerfully served by two of the three owners and offered additional helpful information on the brewing process by another employee. Beer lovers can now enjoy Beyond the Pale on tap at various pubs and restaurants in Ottawa, including some of my favourites: the Manx, Wellington Gastropub, Juniper, Absinthe, Town, and Black Tomato, among others.<br />
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Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-19500306300578758682013-07-05T10:08:00.004-07:002013-07-05T10:08:21.855-07:00TEXAN WINE<span style="font-size: large;">Wineries in Texas: </span>Although I'd visited my long time friend in San Antonio in 2007 (pre-sommelier days), I wasn't aware of the thriving grape growing and wine making industry in Texas until my recent visit when we went to a quaint restaurant (The Creek) in Boerne, north of San Antonio. Given we both ordered fish we tried a delicious white blend (Chardonnay, Riesling, and Viognier) from the Lubbock area.<br />
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There are four geographical regions in Texas with San Antonio in the Central Region, at the edge of the Southeast Region. I found <a href="http://www.gotexanwine.org/index.html">http://www.gotexanwine.org/index.html</a> to be the easiest website, among several, to navigate. The site shows the four major regions and the eight approved viticultural appellations. On our visit to Gruene (pronounced Green) I learned that while many wineries are located north of San Antonio in Hill Country, grapes are generally grown near Lubbock and Fredericksburg, both recognized viticultural areas. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tasting at Vineyard at Gruene: </span>The name Vineyard at Gruene is a bit of a misnomer as their grapes are grown in the Lubbock (Becker) area in the Central wine region and wine production occurs in Fredericksburg. We tasted 6 wines including two dry white blends, a sweet rosé and three dry reds. The server did a great job answering my questions...even though she quietly admitted that it was her first day serving. </div>
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Comal Springs: a dry citrus forward Sauvignon Blanc/Viognier blend ($21 bottle)<br />
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Blanco Dulce: a chardonnay/viognier blend that had a red grapefuit, pineapple and vanilla/oak aromas and flavours. This was our favourite white blend. ($24)<br />
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Gruene Rosé: a sweet wine (19% residual sugar) suitable for dessert ($20)<br />
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Guadalupe Valley Red: aged 6 months in barrel (propietary blend) with jam, cedar and red berries aromas ($24)</div>
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Landa River Red: a syrah/petite syrah blend. Toasty vanilla on the nose but more acidic than you'd expect for a shiraz with sour black cherry, licorice, and spice flavours ($25)<br />
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1190 Gruene Road Reserve 2010: our favourite was this cabernet sauvignon/merlot blend; black furit, baking spices, vanilla, smoky aromas and similar tasting notes; label description: aged in barrel 8-10 months, integrated tannins; black berry, black current($32 bottle)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Grist Mill Restaurant</span></div>
<a href="http://www.gristmillrestaurant.com/">http://www.gristmillrestaurant.com/</a><br />
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After a stroll through town, a refreshing stop at Oma's Secret Garten for a local beer, and visits to shops we finally decided we needed to eat lunch. The Grist Mill is on the edge of the Guadalupe River behind the Gruene dance hall and beside Gruene's landmark water tower. It is built on the site of a grist mill which was later (in 1878) transformed to a cotton gin. In 1922 the structure burned and all that remains now is the three story brick boiler room which provides a rustic dining backdrop. I ordered ribs, the house specialty, and decided to pair my meal with red wine rather than beer.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">Dry Comal Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon had rich aromas of leather, plum, cedar, smoky/cigar box and the taste was more complex than I expected: dark fruit, eucalyptus, tobacco, and a hint of vanilla and burnt sugar on the finish. It was a surprisingly good accompaniment to the ribs. This wine<i> </i>is locally produced in New Braunfels: </span><a href="http://www.drycomalcreek.com/">http://www.drycomalcreek.com/</a>.</div>
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Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-24316222665994706872013-06-21T10:44:00.000-07:002013-06-21T10:44:00.952-07:00SAN ANTONIO AREA BREWERIES<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>San Antonio Area Breweries</strong>: </span>Recently I visited my dear friend Wendi in San Antonio, Texas and she happens to be a beer-aficionado. Unfortunately I was not able to enroll in the beer course in the Algonquin College sommelier program this spring as anticipated so my knowledge of beer knowledge isn't extensive...and my tasting notes are very basic. My introduction to locally brewed Texan beer began at her home with <a href="http://alamobeer.com/#">Alamo</a> (Golden Ale), Lobo (Lager), and Sierra Nevada (Pale Ale) during the first few days of my visit. The beer "tasting" continued until the last day of my visit with Lost Gold IPA ("a Hill Country favourite"). We enjoyed the plentiful hops in this IPA from the Real Ale Brewing Company (Blanco, Texas). <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Socially Responsible Brew in Oma's Secret Garten</strong>:</span> On a cloudy but warm Saturday we drove to Gruene, a charming town along the Guadalupe River, about 45 - 60 minutes from San Antonio. After working up a thirst (from our midday wine tasting and stroll through this small town!) we stopped at <a href="http://www.omalovesyou.com/Oma_Gruenes/Oma_Gruenes_Secret_Garten_Home.html">Oma's Secret Garten</a>. There we each tried a different beer from the small, socially responsible Guadalupe Brewing Company (<a href="http://www.guadalupebrew.com/">http://www.guadalupebrew.com/</a>). I enjoyed the Honey Ale and my friend tried her favourite style: IPA. The Honey Ale (7.32% alcohol) was a golden colour and had a foamy white head. It had a creamy, smooth flavour. Proceeds from this ale support bee research in Texas. The Guadalupe IPA was stronger in flavour and alcohol (7.52%). It had a distinctive citrus (I picked up grapefruit) flavour, due to American citrus hops, and had a darker hue from the rich malt. The IPA is a seasonal product and proceeds support Big Ben State Park.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Guerne is Great:</strong> </span>After a relaxing dinner at the Grist Mill restaurant (see an upcoming post on Texan wine) and visits to various shops and community gathering spots in the village (all well maintained in their original architectural form) we went to nearby New Braunfels to see the band Redd Loves Blue perform (see their facebook page or check them out on you tube). Wendi's son, who was receiving daily radiation treaments while I was visiting, performed energetically in the opening number with his friends in Redd Loves Blue. It was a fun and inspiring end to a wonderful day in Texas Hill Country! Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-85621153444309593592013-05-31T17:40:00.003-07:002013-05-31T17:40:21.385-07:00FAIR TRADE IN PALESTINE<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://palestinefairtrade.org/">Palestine Fair Trade Association</a>: </span>On my visit to Jenin City in the northern governorate of Jenin in the West Bank, I strolled through the historic center to look for the offices of the Palestine Fair Trade Association (see: <a href="http://www.palestinefairtrade.org/">http://www.palestinefairtrade.org/</a>). The coordinator explained how the association supports over 1700 local farmers who are committed to sustainable and organic farming methods by providing technical advice and facilitating organic certification. They also promote collective farming methods traditionally used in Palestine (such as communal and extended family practices). The PFTA helps fair trade cooperatives (village cooperatives and women's cooperatives) link to international fair trade and ecological organizations. The principal crops are olives, thyme, sesame seeds and almonds for the production of olive oil, soap, za'atar, tahini, and sweets.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9ZFKhfEjMJBEzUkVcUBztRd-i6qxQE3naWXPdQ28kDN4VAl4N-el6EefhMOZSExgqhx-nb43fFcyOyuLNaWGJtvCek4LaBWLATwOEa0zueL3jtVR3KAvC9zAndZJnQfZTe_u10yAZdk/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9ZFKhfEjMJBEzUkVcUBztRd-i6qxQE3naWXPdQ28kDN4VAl4N-el6EefhMOZSExgqhx-nb43fFcyOyuLNaWGJtvCek4LaBWLATwOEa0zueL3jtVR3KAvC9zAndZJnQfZTe_u10yAZdk/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.canaanfairtrade.com/">Canaan Fair Trade</a>: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Canaan purchases certified fair trade and organic olives from the cooperatives of the Palestine Fair Trade Association and processes olive oil in their facilities. After a visit to Jenin City I stopped in the village of Burqin to tour Canaan. There, the olives are cold pressed and filtered, although Canaan does bottle raw olive oil immediately after harvest in November. Canaan also packages and distributes other fair trade products, such as almonds, honey and tapenades made from olives, nuts and/or sun-dried tomatoes. Canaan and the Palestinian Fair Trade Association collaborate to organize alternative tourism programs during the olive harvest season. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFVWG8kcQi1c_i0fVvWn3MDzOB4s8cwlmQtKupmXTep5EN5HY3dlRyHXUy4jVHh_yDwzjhoByW9KBrRnn7x2iSA0rYH_Aavs2vBbWSWmR24cNMnd-uNQ0V4D-RWrsShhz6qyDArW1PoY/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFVWG8kcQi1c_i0fVvWn3MDzOB4s8cwlmQtKupmXTep5EN5HY3dlRyHXUy4jVHh_yDwzjhoByW9KBrRnn7x2iSA0rYH_Aavs2vBbWSWmR24cNMnd-uNQ0V4D-RWrsShhz6qyDArW1PoY/s1600/IMG_2578.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Canaan products are sold in Canada by Zatoun at Ten Thousand Villages stores and the United States by Canaan-USA. </span><br />
<a href="http://www.canaanfairtrade.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.canaanfairtrade.com/</span></a><br />
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Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-81663600100063865052013-04-06T17:58:00.002-07:002013-06-21T20:20:09.860-07:00CREMISAN WINERY, BETHLEHEM<span style="font-size: large;">Salesian Monastery/Winery: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Salesian order has managed the winery, located in the Cremisan valley near Bethlehem, since 1891. Wine sales support the educational and charitable work of the Salesians in the Holy Land. I tried to arrange a tour through the winery but individual visitors do not seem to be accommodated by the monastery or their sales agent. Tour groups are able to arrange visits and tastings. The reluctance to receive visitors may also be due to the recent attention given to the winery and surrounding land because of Israeli plans to extend the "Separation Barrier" through the village. The planned route would separate the monastery from the convent; the Catholic school from the community; and Palestinian farmers from their land. En route to meetings in Bethlehem I stopped at the winery and was allowed to visit the store but I could not walk around the grounds or take photographs. I tasted a number of single varietal and blended wines and decided to purchase wines made from local grape varietals.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Baladi:</span> </span>This refers to indigenous grapes found in the Middle East. The Cremisan Baladi wine was red, but in some articles baladi is used with other varietal names (Hamdani-Baladi for example). The red Baladi from Cremisan Cellars is a dry red wine with pleasant leather and dark chocolate aromas and flavours. I found it a nice change to "fruit-intense" reds. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQszZ5lfPklbCbTnz5SC7trnsMf0PxWV2ZTRpC1akcHHAveym-xh9yqk4oFoiP9Zw5x4msCDpQVIP4RkhAZZLaZ2l9k8z_ERZcpVRxB_-w43qfGGAFXRcRbU982KwbZZBzbqLG0z_v38w/s1600/Hebron+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQszZ5lfPklbCbTnz5SC7trnsMf0PxWV2ZTRpC1akcHHAveym-xh9yqk4oFoiP9Zw5x4msCDpQVIP4RkhAZZLaZ2l9k8z_ERZcpVRxB_-w43qfGGAFXRcRbU982KwbZZBzbqLG0z_v38w/s1600/Hebron+019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Hamdani Jandali: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">My internet research yielded little information regarding these grape varieties,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> with the exception of a study on the success of root grafting by scientists at Hebron University in the West Bank. The district of Hebron is the center of viticulture in the West Bank. As I drove between Bethlehem and the city of Hebron I was able to view commercial vineyards. Once in the Hebron city I noted most houses grew grape vines for household consumption. Given that the majority of the population in the West Bank is Muslim, wineries are in Christian communities. Cremisan and Taybeh are the only two Palestinian wineries. There are other wineries in the West Bank but they are operated by Jewish settlers in occupied territory and are the subject of campaigns to boycott products originating in West Bank settlements, as suggested by a United Nations fact-finding mission. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Hamdani Jandali wine had an aroma of green apple, grapefruit and a hint of sweet white flowers. The flavour was similar to the aroma; and reminiscent of an unoaked chardonnay. At Cremisan I was told that oak is not used in any of their white wines. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-44897915767871733772013-02-09T00:43:00.003-08:002013-02-10T08:58:15.953-08:00TAYBEH RED WINES <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5T-FoMh3Gd2K3M9Mua1BjyqqCSrOA261hEijB08UbA4mhnrT1GwD3-xZc3diE3SapRZpqZIYrBWAZM7iAsMRlLxRWyOC2S2gSrdYP04Gqx_zei8rvpUUqOiXd4sR7aOIqcWs-cWigyc/s1600/Taybeh+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5T-FoMh3Gd2K3M9Mua1BjyqqCSrOA261hEijB08UbA4mhnrT1GwD3-xZc3diE3SapRZpqZIYrBWAZM7iAsMRlLxRWyOC2S2gSrdYP04Gqx_zei8rvpUUqOiXd4sR7aOIqcWs-cWigyc/s1600/Taybeh+003.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">2011 Cabernet Sauvignon - Petite Sirah:</span> It is the end of my second week of work in the West Bank and a good time to open one of the bottle's of wine produced and bottled by the Taybeh Brewing Company to accompany a local lamb dish (fukhara). The wine's aroma is a wonderful mix of dark berries, cedar, spices, eucalyptus and vanilla and the flavour is reminiscent of berries, jam and a hint of bitter chocolate. I found it to have good balance and a smooth finish due to the slight acidity and medium level of tannins. The wine would pair well with chicken as well as red meats. After tasting the wine I called Nadim Khoury to ask if he used oak barrels given my tasting notes implied some oak ageing but I had not seen any barrels at the new winery under construction at the hotel (expected to be open by Oktoberfest 2013). Nadim explained that he used oak chips in the vinification process but is importing oak barrels for future use. The wine is a blend of 80% cabernet sauvignon and 20% petite sirah. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2011 Cabernet Sauvignon:</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"> I tried the 100% cabernet sauvignon at a dinner with friends in Ramallah. This wine is a deeper more opaque ruby colour and has rich aromas and flavours of bittersweet chocolate, leather, spices, black licorice and dark berries. The tannins are more apparent than the blend described above and the wine would pair well with the lamb dishes popular in the region.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A vineyard as both an economic and political strategy: </span>At present Nadim purchases grapes from local Palestinian producers. Grapes are the second largest agricultural crop produced in the West Bank (olives being the number one crop). It is important to note that many Israeli wineries are either located in the occupied West Bank or use grapes grown by settlers in the West Bank. The Taybeh Brewing Company is preparing land behind the brewery (terracing the hill as you can see in the photo above) in order to plant its first vines. Not only will the vineyard contribute to new white wine production but the vines will be planted to strategically contain an Israeli settlement (one of the three settlements close to Taybeh) that is situated on the hill to the west of the of the brewery. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Settlements in Occupied Territory: </span>Given that Israel facilitates the transfer of people into the occupied West Bank in order to change the demographic composition of the territory international legal scholars consider the settlements a violation of international law. Israel claims settlements are based on historical territorial rights. Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention deals with transfer of people in an occupied territory. The article ends by stating: "The Occupying Power shall not deport or transfer parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies." On January 31, 2013 the International Fact Finding Mission, appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council to investigate the implications of Israeli settlements on Palestinian rights, found that the settlements violate international law but stated that the International Criminal Court is the appropriate body to adjudicate the issue. Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-90206997488959795522013-02-05T13:36:00.001-08:002013-02-05T13:36:41.592-08:00TAYBEH, PALESTINE<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEXw3jqbvx2KDZEaBVs6aVZQqw3IDsA_oserkz0mtAiv29nJHKGn9WeQAQBXJL-oc3E1M3jSjdFE2DltcvvffrN7FXoQlLI4zt_L744U1lqZ6jHsrXVqZYig7q4mWjwicEw3ZxcysTOE/s1600/Taybeh+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCEXw3jqbvx2KDZEaBVs6aVZQqw3IDsA_oserkz0mtAiv29nJHKGn9WeQAQBXJL-oc3E1M3jSjdFE2DltcvvffrN7FXoQlLI4zt_L744U1lqZ6jHsrXVqZYig7q4mWjwicEw3ZxcysTOE/s1600/Taybeh+011.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Historic Taybeh: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After a tour of the microbrewery in the West Bank town of Taybeh (Et-Taiyiba) the master brewer, Nadim Khoury, took me to see the ruins of the el-Khadr Greek Orthodox Church located near the town hall. The ruins date back to the Byzantine period (325-638) but the town itself dates back to the Bronze Age. The town was called Ephraim in the New Testament and is referenced in John 11:54 as the place where Jesus and his disciples retreated from threats of violence. The current name (meaning good, delicious or fertile) was given by Saladin on his way to conquer Jerusalem in the 12th century. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mosaic tile floors remain despite being open to the elements. Today villagers continue to make offerings and light candles at the ruins. From the church ruins and along the roadway one looks out to the Jordan River valley. </span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDghEW5w1q3CBkFeWpq9VdvEoibWfuSUXuHvRh8ENr9ZSbvyr8Jt3oByNdKV3l__IFhuVDTFpIYs9VlMq4utSMA0PNFRzqMkhNOHr-xMmN5tO5J5rtRuyEwPxVRSGrJx5HLD6sotVUSZ8/s1600/Taybeh+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDghEW5w1q3CBkFeWpq9VdvEoibWfuSUXuHvRh8ENr9ZSbvyr8Jt3oByNdKV3l__IFhuVDTFpIYs9VlMq4utSMA0PNFRzqMkhNOHr-xMmN5tO5J5rtRuyEwPxVRSGrJx5HLD6sotVUSZ8/s1600/Taybeh+016.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From the ruins looking west toward the town.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taybeh Tourism: </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nadim and the Khoury family are passionate about investing in Palestine to support the achievement of its political and economic self-determination. This national vision is based on their roots in Taybeh and the agricultural products of the area. Once in Taybeh I discovered that the brewery organizes an annual Oktoberfest with the </span><a href="http://www.taybehmunicipality.org/"><span style="color: orange; font-family: inherit;">municipality</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and that Nadim has been making wine, exporting olive oil from community producers to France, Germany and the United States, and is building a boutique hotel on the road overlooking the Jordan valley not far from the church ruins. The hotel will house the winery and a brew pub. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Taybeh Products: </span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">After my tour of the church ruins and the hotel I returned to the brewery for "one-stop shopping". I left the brewery loaded down with two types of red wine, fresh pressed olive oil, beer, t-shirts and mugs with the brewery logo, and olive oil soap. I also left with a keen desire to return to stay at the hotel and explore the walking trails, the historic sites, the upcoming vineyard and enjoy the Taybeh landscape and hospitality. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><strong>(</strong></span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rysOt_t-_OU"><span style="color: orange; font-family: Calibri;"><strong>See a youtube video on the annual Oktoberfest in Taybeh</strong></span></a><span style="color: orange;"><strong>)</strong></span><br />
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Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-25678413557383206512013-02-03T11:49:00.000-08:002013-02-03T11:49:30.551-08:00PALESTINIAN BEER<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_vdhyphenhyphenZykkLwgEmSV-_doQOxgBwhMLskTPQ-LEBeBKBhb14hVqzu7CDn74HhWFxOKbtaiE016PYLiPsfbNUCe_TIiNe5vlBlRObkcgMN50jaugYM6yoJZtjJzBBv5N_MUKzeEgHYCDO4/s1600/Taybeh+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK_vdhyphenhyphenZykkLwgEmSV-_doQOxgBwhMLskTPQ-LEBeBKBhb14hVqzu7CDn74HhWFxOKbtaiE016PYLiPsfbNUCe_TIiNe5vlBlRObkcgMN50jaugYM6yoJZtjJzBBv5N_MUKzeEgHYCDO4/s1600/Taybeh+019.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Taybeh Brewing Company:</span></strong> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">After the signing of the Oslo Agreement in 1993 (the Declaration of Principles on Interim Self-Government Arrangements), Nadim Khoury returned to his historic hometown of Taybeh in the West Bank, occupied Palestinian territory, in 1994. Nadim had studied engineering in Boston and then went to California to UC Davis to study in the master brewers program. Taybeh Brewing Company (</span><a href="http://www.taybehbeer.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">www.taybehbeer.com</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">) was formally established in 1995 on the Khoury family property and is the first and only Palestinian brewery. Nadim's daughter, Madees, is the first female brewer in Palestine. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Tour of the Brewery:</strong></span> Nadim explained each step of the brewing process, which follows the German Purity Law of 1516, as he showed me the equipment used at each stage. Malted barley imported from France or Belgium is ground (mashed) on site and heated with water to convert the barley to malt extract. The "spent" barley is given to local farmers for animal feed. Hops and then yeast are added prior to the 30 day fermentation process. The beer is clarified , bottled and ready for shipping. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhBKQFCetcweUsoA1cuxtlwkh6kEAqi4vbvc7bK6AZcrF1GkF-krR5wG_FiPme6NNK2bICgPzXFvWUw2ADqFIsaP1aNgt8uaBpNj_CSH4Cx2rHWg6Sm38qCmY-nqC81y_nEmt2AuqsJM/s1600/Taybeh+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhBKQFCetcweUsoA1cuxtlwkh6kEAqi4vbvc7bK6AZcrF1GkF-krR5wG_FiPme6NNK2bICgPzXFvWUw2ADqFIsaP1aNgt8uaBpNj_CSH4Cx2rHWg6Sm38qCmY-nqC81y_nEmt2AuqsJM/s1600/Taybeh+001.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Taybeh beer is enjoyed locally and exported to Japan, Sweden, Germany, Israel and Belgium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Tasting:</strong></span> Taybeh beer is unpasteurized and has no added fillers or preservatives which presumably explains the refreshing, crisp taste of the Golden and the Draught styles of Taybeh beer I have tried. I must confess that I have yet to study the beer course in the sommelier program so I will have to do a more "professional" tasting on my next trip to Palestine! I did note an ever so slight bitter (but pleasant) flavour on the finish of the Golden beer. I have yet to try Taybeh's Amber, Dark and non-alcoholic styles</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">.</span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>From Ramallah to Taybeh:</strong> </span>I notified Nadim and Madees of my intention to visit the brewery via email and they kindly accommodated my visit during my first weekend in Ramallah. I took a taxi from Ramallah to Taybeh (a 30 minute journey) passing by Jalazone, one of 19 refugee camps in the West Bank. The camp was established in 1949 and has more than 11,000 inhabitants today. Jalazone lies to the west of the road and immediately east, behind the usual fencing, is an Israeli settlement. The taxi driver named each village we passed through (and quizzed me on the return trip to ensure I remembered the names) as well as the Israeli security points along the way. </span><br />
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<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-68253865110926748722013-01-30T13:42:00.001-08:002013-01-30T13:42:27.444-08:00MEAD TASTING<span style="font-size: large;">Munro's Dry Mead:</span> The idea to share my wine adventures was a result of my trip to Alvinston, Ontario in search of mead. I finally opened a bottle of mead recently. "Stuyding" for tasting and written exams during the September - December term of the Sommelier programme at Algonquin College left me with little time to try some of the wines I've been collecting over the last several months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PVaK1KKmviZssWVo8vXDXQsc4x2tLfnuPiwhyqeWE3y6fCelLeYuNH5xORctcpEnlMMFIZtWToTjBqwP-FjNGtUPOxzO3-iYiBptaGWwGBe3u206jWNUfsaPA3clycgQf5VJcYA_llo/s1600/IMG_2355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3PVaK1KKmviZssWVo8vXDXQsc4x2tLfnuPiwhyqeWE3y6fCelLeYuNH5xORctcpEnlMMFIZtWToTjBqwP-FjNGtUPOxzO3-iYiBptaGWwGBe3u206jWNUfsaPA3clycgQf5VJcYA_llo/s1600/IMG_2355.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a>With a residual sugar designation of 2 this is the driest of the meads from Munro's Meadery. The label describes it as having a crisp finish but I did not detect sufficient acidity to use that descriptor. I found the mead to have floral and honey aromas; flavours of cinnamon, ginger and citrus peel (a very slight pithy bitterness); full body (some oiliness) and a long finish with some spices lingering on the palate. This mead reminded me of a gewurztraminer and in fact it paired well with foods I would generally pair with that varietal. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Food Pairings: </span>After reading the label I tried the mead with fish but it was not a good pairing due to the lack of acidity. I then prepared a cheese plate and, like a gewurztraminer, the mead complemented blue cheese very well. Finally, I paired the mead with pork tenderloin roasted with a glaze made from pomegranate jelly and the wine proved to be a complementary match to the pork. <br />
<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-91762369377817388842013-01-01T11:44:00.002-08:002013-01-01T11:44:33.272-08:00DOMAN SANANA<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQNTbEnbU8Y3itlxI0-dEClyky78vYq1NxPkzCBkOe12ANhQVj09BOnQIepDvQFgGn-GiqLioYlSkt-oSA4euNdmD5yfCMhu_LCq5gGh3vJM4tKN3VG-rgwVslKj0kgWEAlfK1dAyL1M/s1600/071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQNTbEnbU8Y3itlxI0-dEClyky78vYq1NxPkzCBkOe12ANhQVj09BOnQIepDvQFgGn-GiqLioYlSkt-oSA4euNdmD5yfCMhu_LCq5gGh3vJM4tKN3VG-rgwVslKj0kgWEAlfK1dAyL1M/s1600/071.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Domän Sånana in Skillinge</span>: After visiting Hällåkra winery in North Gronby I drove south toward the sea and followed the picturesque road along the water to the village of Skillinge on the southwest coast of Skäne. Percy Månsson is the owner of Domän Sånana and known as a pioneer in Skåne winemaking. He is a self taught viticulturist and winemaker, first cultivating grapes in his garden as a hobby in 1995. He then planted a small vineyard at the end of the 1990s on a rural property owned by his family since 1874. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8sEhCdNwMDoykBvm4ha6lblu6iYsLUrAmea8m9f2eMzj6E1R939MNNYGeDmRwvo34itHRSBdWM1zQWybHxsz6rirnD3-0mFGmN_6suEYJW1wbnJ2cPIPC9WYhXNgCs0duZrhxdTubFo/s1600/076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy8sEhCdNwMDoykBvm4ha6lblu6iYsLUrAmea8m9f2eMzj6E1R939MNNYGeDmRwvo34itHRSBdWM1zQWybHxsz6rirnD3-0mFGmN_6suEYJW1wbnJ2cPIPC9WYhXNgCs0duZrhxdTubFo/s1600/076.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>Domän Sånana produces only 900 litres of wine annually given not only its small size but also due to the fact that only half of the grapes grow to a size sufficient for winemaking. Rondo makes up more than 80% of the vines at the vineyard. Percy explained that he follows some biodynamic viticultural practices to control pests and diseases in the vineyard. For example, white clover is grown between the rows of vines as a cover crop given that it provides habitat for predatory insects and nitrogen to the soil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8-ORNeBBqDg6szyTm4wmTMBk2XqkywwrJMpD2J-13568RCkhy2TBuYiJyUUEq3Wd2RlZTS8QbKdGDWwun8dcBdiDxdwuivKBUU4sPhvEs1rEF7kWHX8i5nasY_2F6KS4sfDgqHbK7AA/s1600/073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc8-ORNeBBqDg6szyTm4wmTMBk2XqkywwrJMpD2J-13568RCkhy2TBuYiJyUUEq3Wd2RlZTS8QbKdGDWwun8dcBdiDxdwuivKBUU4sPhvEs1rEF7kWHX8i5nasY_2F6KS4sfDgqHbK7AA/s1600/073.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Wine & Cheese Tasting: </span><br />
When I arrived at Domän Sånana in the mid-afternoon I found Percy preparing for a wine tasting course he was hosting that evening. After a short tour in the vineyard Percy graciously offered a sample of some of his award winning wine and various locally-produced cheeses. The Rondo that I tasted had vibrant red fruit flavour (cherries and strawberries) with high acidity, as is typical of the varietal. It paired well with some of the softer, creamier cheeses. <br />
<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-28650274899245306622012-12-29T14:29:00.002-08:002013-01-01T10:19:46.154-08:00HALLAKRA<span style="font-size: large;">To North Gronby:</span> On my second day in Skåne I drove north about 17 kilometers from Trelleborg on the Baltic coast to the small village of North Gronby to visit the Hällåkra vineyard and winery. I arranged my visit in advance with owner Håkan Hansson, who graciously shared his experience of starting Hällåkra on the land that had been his parents' farm and then invited to try one of his wines. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItDUPOwq4bw1Pg7gKEoS9bhBQVC8e_ItO7KFtZyQwQ7qPAVjOmZ5x5WVu24lDzDU6s4-U6FhCW6ZyQXVCxnav5v3eJN7GxXlbn0E_xuj7IXi0nq4BNzLD-tYy3NnSzi6BXb91riDffR0/s1600/060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgItDUPOwq4bw1Pg7gKEoS9bhBQVC8e_ItO7KFtZyQwQ7qPAVjOmZ5x5WVu24lDzDU6s4-U6FhCW6ZyQXVCxnav5v3eJN7GxXlbn0E_xuj7IXi0nq4BNzLD-tYy3NnSzi6BXb91riDffR0/s320/060.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Rondo 2010:</span> The Rondo grape is a hybrid varietal commonly cultivated for red wine in northern Europe due to is resistance to disease and the fact that it is early to ripen, similar to the Solaris hybrid. When I tasted Hällåkra's 2010 Rondo it reminded me of a Pinot Noir. I detected dark berries and an earthy aroma. Upon tasting I also picked up a hint of black licorice with the more predominant sour cherry flavour. I immediately thought it would pair well with poultry but Håkan added that it also complemented game meats and lamb. I purchased a bottle the next day in a Systembolaget in Malmo to bring home to Ottawa.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYPOVOAHZeWDuXE1gg2I1roBVc5rUhyedllBsWDHSCCyM8E-vhZ3KEmJ-9Orpd7NalFQBPYZd7oo2akdMCni_Mq_e9eqI0EXoYljOzHqzHy93HrbHwf4YI8Y9bUclhbw5XYZGu8Db6uw/s1600/062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIYPOVOAHZeWDuXE1gg2I1roBVc5rUhyedllBsWDHSCCyM8E-vhZ3KEmJ-9Orpd7NalFQBPYZd7oo2akdMCni_Mq_e9eqI0EXoYljOzHqzHy93HrbHwf4YI8Y9bUclhbw5XYZGu8Db6uw/s1600/062.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Hällåkra Vineyard & Winery: </span>Håkan began to cultivate grapes in 2003 on the land previously farmed by his family. The land is approximately 12 kilometers from the Baltic coast on hilly terrain with gravel in the soil. Rondo vines make up 80% of the 4 hectares of plantings with the remaining 20% of the yield made up of Leon Millot and Regent (both hybrid red varietals). The goal is to steadily increase the number of plantings annually to reach the goal of 45,000 vines (there are currently 10,500 vines at the vineyard). Winemaking commenced at Hällåkra in 2003 with support from a Danish winemaker and in 2008 the first wines were sold commercially through the state-owned Systembolaget. Over the years Håkan has developed a network of supporters who help with harvest and promote or attend summer events in the beautiful garden patio. He is also establishing contacts in the chemistry department at the University of Lund to support research related to vinification. The conference centre at the vineyard, operated by Håkan's wife, provides the couple with the opportunity to pair Hällåkra wine with local cuisine. <br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-17263815556665582252012-09-20T20:48:00.001-07:002012-09-20T20:48:44.427-07:00VINGARDEN I KLAGSHAMN<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpgm6MF_aqg-el7Qfa2lZ7BYS0BB4o1jHPtIQJD6e4o47qJnaDKi50tNMVh2FFP5tv9WZJZZyFZ25Tgultk0HWJRkJ1gAcwe3mVlj3kABizeWzrJuS4QGh5Ie07bzX9XXB57SwAbYx1M/s1600/045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpgm6MF_aqg-el7Qfa2lZ7BYS0BB4o1jHPtIQJD6e4o47qJnaDKi50tNMVh2FFP5tv9WZJZZyFZ25Tgultk0HWJRkJ1gAcwe3mVlj3kABizeWzrJuS4QGh5Ie07bzX9XXB57SwAbYx1M/s320/045.JPG" width="320" /></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Vineyard in Klagshamn:</span> </b>On my first afternoon in Skåne I was lucky to see a sign for the small town of Klagshamn and then, almost immediately, a sign for the vineyard. I received a friendly welcome from viticulturist Murat (Murre) Sofrakis despite the fact my arrival was unannounced and the tourism season had ended. He explained the basics of the terroir (the chalky soil with high pH levels, the cool summers and temperate winter tempatures) that led to the choice of grape varietals commonly planted in the province. Solaris, a hybrid grape varietal developed in Germany and recognized for its resistance to disease, early ripening, and high yield even in poor climatic conditions, is one of the most widely cultivated varietals in the region.<br />
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The Klagshamn vineyard does not have its own winery but collaborates with Ahus winery to produce the Interkardinal wines. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHrT5ks8WhT53soAd0GeYkW_Sha3lXkauq47AeAdx5u55s92kN_gRWh2tumOmpi7pHLvDK_uthPGHsFzN5B4wdfi47Ko8Ab46Df3-Zcuq1TIR3VtcLnPjBm9ovQHaLYh_VWPbaBVbZ_Y/s1600/057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNHrT5ks8WhT53soAd0GeYkW_Sha3lXkauq47AeAdx5u55s92kN_gRWh2tumOmpi7pHLvDK_uthPGHsFzN5B4wdfi47Ko8Ab46Df3-Zcuq1TIR3VtcLnPjBm9ovQHaLYh_VWPbaBVbZ_Y/s200/057.JPG" width="150" /></a><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Interkardinal Solaris Kaxig 2010:</span> </strong>Murat generously offered me a bottle of the 2010 Solaris wine to take with me on my travels. I chilled it at my hotel in Trelleborg, the southernmost town in Sweden. <br />
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<strong>Tasting notes:</strong> I found the wine very enjoyable to drink on its own or with cheese. The aromas of citrus, flint, melon, and honey were reminscent of a Riesling but the acidity was pleasantly lower and the flavours of green apple and lemon cleansed the palate. I also perceived a hint of black pepper or allspice on the finish, which complemented the cheese very nicely. It would be a wonderful pairing with fish. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsanvki12iG9WD19FTv_D2DNf2j9m3hn22pcV5IUTBLAmaAcja0z18AMhYtrarVEHSwm-qKzPl9jCy86BdnpA2j6ErPw127buA_foLXAyZYzMuqqQIepSg1TgWzEBydoB-TLXLzUXL4M/s1600/051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFsanvki12iG9WD19FTv_D2DNf2j9m3hn22pcV5IUTBLAmaAcja0z18AMhYtrarVEHSwm-qKzPl9jCy86BdnpA2j6ErPw127buA_foLXAyZYzMuqqQIepSg1TgWzEBydoB-TLXLzUXL4M/s200/051.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhDc6BDuBgh_V8wWxeNMnjzmbqJuy74KutDORs1JoSbb_kQNu6jEdCJaRQXIscBSyri0XfjS2QwSsF4p4h3Dq7hToaTiKCWDrCryulgsnoACNhZmiE_1bEibfloxrE2I1WXZD76mojRc/s1600/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvhDc6BDuBgh_V8wWxeNMnjzmbqJuy74KutDORs1JoSbb_kQNu6jEdCJaRQXIscBSyri0XfjS2QwSsF4p4h3Dq7hToaTiKCWDrCryulgsnoACNhZmiE_1bEibfloxrE2I1WXZD76mojRc/s200/048.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Vingarden i Klagshamn is operated by Lena Jorgensen and Murat Sofrakis, seen here with their fuzzy friends! <br />
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Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-53067075975065432092012-09-15T09:45:00.003-07:002012-09-15T09:45:59.153-07:00SKANE SWEDEN<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Skane</span>:</strong> Diligent internet research helped me discover that Sweden indeed produced wine in the southern province of Skane (pronounced something like Skoner, the "a" having one small circle over it when written properly in Swedish!). After taking my first two courses in the sommelier programme at Algonquin College in the winter of 2012 I decided to visit wineries in the countries I travelled to for work. I believe I first learned there were vineyards in Sweden after randomly thinking Oland would be an interesting island to visit (still on my wish list!). I have now learned that one of, or the largest, vineyard in the country is on the island of Oland but it is not yet producing its own wine. Further internet research led me to two sites that helped me find the wineries I wanted to visit: <a href="http://www.visitsweden.com/sweden/PressRoom/Local-press-rooms/US/Press-releases/Press-releases-2011/Skane---Swedens-wine-country/">Skane - Sweden's Wine Country</a> and <a href="http://www.fieldwoodincoming.se/BizPart.aspx?tabId=79&tci=57">Wine Routes in Skane</a>. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPeJtzvIR_14puBMFugq-w_rX6pPQUjlO_IHfnG7FWneW2x3sH2e50PFcsL1ATpQ3PgL7kidIwnAFebTJYcbE6wQg0uZpyu8QDc0cInZugPm5skn26PxiThSaXkBagqVDBHzMiev4RcM/s1600/Scania-Sjelland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghPeJtzvIR_14puBMFugq-w_rX6pPQUjlO_IHfnG7FWneW2x3sH2e50PFcsL1ATpQ3PgL7kidIwnAFebTJYcbE6wQg0uZpyu8QDc0cInZugPm5skn26PxiThSaXkBagqVDBHzMiev4RcM/s320/Scania-Sjelland.jpg" width="320" /></a>After searching for the vineyards' websites to find contact information(most are only in Swedish), I sent emails to four or five. I had only one confirmation of availability to meet me but I decided to go ahead with my rather ad hoc wine tour. I'm so glad I did because I received a friendly welcome at each vineyard. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Vineyard Visits</span>:</strong> I stayed in the most southern region of the province, along the Baltic coast. Although July and August are the best months to visit the vineyards, I was able to visit four wineries in two days (despite the fact I did not have directions to three of the four and I was not in any rush to visit as many as possible). I visited: Fladie Mat & Vingard, Vingarden i Klagshamn, Hallakra Vingard and Doman Sanana. The first two vineyards I found quite by chance as I drove from the Malmo airport, through Lund, toward the small towns of Fladie and then south to Klagshamn during the afternoon of my first day in Skane. I was lucky to pass by prominent signs at both places that pointed me in the direction of the vineyards. After spending the night in Trelleborg, the next day I visited Hallakra Vineyard, in North Gronby, having made an appointment in advance with the owner, and then I found Domana Sanana after asking for directions in the town of Skillinge on the south east coast. These latter two vineyards also produce their own wine. <br />
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I'll write separate blogs about three of the vineyards (the owner of <a href="http://fladiematvingard.se/">Fladie Mat & Vingard</a> was not there but the chef at the conference centre and restaurant welcomed me to walk around the beautiful grounds). <br />
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Today, on my third day I considered driving to Arild, about 1 to 1.5 hours north of the city of Malmo, but decided I needed to stretch my legs and discover this port city on foot. <a href="http://www.arildsvingard.se/">Arilds Vingard</a> of Annette and Jonas Ivarsson was suggested as a good choice to visit by Murat Sofrakis of Vingarden i Klagshamn and I have since found interesting tasting notes on their wine. But I will wait for another opportunity to visit them. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Skane, an Emerging Wine Region</span>:</strong> Once Sweden became a member of the European Union in 1995, changes to the Swedish monopolies on alcohol production and sales were negotiated. See an interesting <a href="http://www.ifsa2012.dk/downloads/WS5_2/Rytk%C3%B6nen.pdf">paper by Paulina Rytkonen</a> on the emergence of wine in the province of Skane, traditionally an agricultural area. The temperate climate, soil and other characteristics of the terroir make Skane ideal for certain grape varietals common grown in Germany and Denmark. Grape cultivation and wineries emerged at the end of the 1990s, 1998 or 1999, when the first vineyards were planted. Wine-making commenced a few years later as the vines began to yield adequate grapes. <br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Travel Tips:</span></strong> It is best to visit in July or August. Some of the wineries I had hoped to visit, such as Ahus Vingard on the eastern coast, were not open. After the busy summer tourist season the vineyard owners may take advantage of the quieter month of September to take their own vacation before the grapes are harvested in October. <br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0HELGÖ 1, 355 93 Växjö, Sweden56.9449741808516 14.7656253.1511266808516041 -146.953125 90 176.484375tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-21036520960715024272012-08-23T18:36:00.003-07:002012-08-23T18:37:41.144-07:00THE BEE'S MEAD<span style="font-size: large;"><b>My search for mead: </b></span> In the winter I came across a recipe for a chicken dish that called for mead. Who knew that mead was difficult to find? I did some research on the internet and found only two places (meaderies) in the province of Ontario: Munro's Honey & Meadery (<a href="http://www.munrohoney.com/">www.munrohoney.com</a>) in Alvinston, Ontario and Rosewood Estate Winery in the Niagara Peninsula (<a href="http://www.rosewoodwine.com/">www.rosewoodwine.com</a>). Since I had already planned a visit to Pelee Island in July I decided to wait and visit Alvinston (west of London, Ontario) rather than purchasing online.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mead history:</b></span> Mead is claimed to be the first consumable alcoholic beverage dating back 10,000 years. Mead is simply the fermentation of honey and water and was believed to be medicinal, according to ancient Greeks or even magical, according to the Celts. The term "honeymoon" may refer to the Celtic wedding tradition of toasting the bride and groom with mead to ensure a long marriage and the newlyweds drinking mead for a lunar cycle to ensure a successful and fertile union. See the Rosewood Winery site for more information on mead.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Munro Honey & Meadery:</span></b> I had a ferry to catch to Pelee Island from Leamington, Ontario at midday so I arrived early on Saturday morning to Alvinston. The saleswoman cheerfully poured each available type of mead for me to taste. Unfortunately the semi-sweet mead, their most popular mead, had sold out. I did not enjoy the blueberry or other fruit-flavoured mead as the sweet fruit overwhelmed the delicate honey flavour but the dry and sweet meads were both enjoyable and one of them, hopefully, will suit the chicken recipe that initiated this mead quest. At the suggestion of the saleswoman I also purchased Golden Aged Mead, although none was available for tasting. It is a dessert mead with a rich honey-brown appearance. <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Food and mead pairing:</span></b> I haven't tried the chicken recipe yet but I have soaked fresh peaches in the Golden Aged Mead, as suggested by friendly saleswoman. Mead soaked peaches over ice cream! Divine!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Honey products at Munro:</b></span> It's worth the drive to Alvinston, if you like honey! After watching bees work busily in a hive enclosed within glass panes, I sampled honey at a tasting station. Munro has hives all around the region and produces a variety of honey and blended products. I couldn't resist their honey-cinnamon butter, honey with cinnamon, raspberry-jalapeño honey and buckwheat honey. The raspberry-jalapeño honey is exquisite in salad dressing over a kale salad with goat cheese, on roast chicken and drizzled over vanilla ice cream. Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8977282237790076248.post-68021543296340669582012-08-15T19:09:00.001-07:002012-08-22T19:02:00.297-07:00PELEE ISLAND<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Social-Political History of Pelee Island:</span></b> The Island was inhabited by aboriginal peoples (the museum on the island displays interesting archaeological treasures) prior to colonial presence. Thomas McKee, a British commander, leased the land from two First Nations in 1788 to begin farming, while the aboriginal peoples maintained rights to hunt and fish on the island. The McCormick family then purchased the island outright in 1834 and alloted land to various family members for settlement. British loyalists and First Nations peoples repelled attacks from the United States on more than one occasion in the first half of the 19th century. For more information see <a href="http://www.peleeislandmuseum.ca/">www.peleeislandmuseum.ca</a> <br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Geography and Natural History:</span> </b>Pelee Island, in Lake Erie (the smallest of the Great Lakes) is the most southern inhabited point in Canada. The lsland is approximately 42 square kilometers and, due to its southern location, it has unique flora and fauna that cannot be found in other parts of Canada. The short hike through the Fish Point Reserve Nature Reserve explains the special species of turtles, trees and plants on the Island. At this reserve, the Pelee Island Bird Observatory monitors the migration of birds (see <a href="http://www.pibo.ca/">www.pibo.ca)</a>. The Stone Road Alvar, a unique limestone plain, is also home to numerous rare plant species.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Vineyards on the Island:</span></b> The first winery on the Island, Vin Villa, started to operate in the mid 1860s and the Pelee Island Wine company was formed with agent J.S. Hamilton in Brantford, Ontario in the 1890s. The winery won international prizes in Paris, France according to <a href="http://www.winesofcanada.com/history_pelee_island.html">http://www.winesofcanada.com/history_pelee_island.html</a> and maintained production into the early 1900s. Tobacco and other cash crops became popular on the Island and in southwestern Ontario generally. In the last few decades grape growing was reintroduced given that the Island's microclimate, with the most frost-free days in Canada at 196 days, has a long growing season and is conducive to a number of grape varietals. Pelee Island Winery has vineyards of approximately 550 acres on the Island and the Erie coast and opened the Pavilion on the Island in 1992. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Wine Tasting at Pelee Island Winery</b>:</span> The Pavilion at Pelee Island Winery offers free wine tastings (up to three wines) or, for only $5, you can go on a brief tour and taste 5 wines. The Pelee Island Winery's Pavilion appears to be a special meeting place on the island. On the weekends there is live music in the afternoon and the residents of the Island (only about 350 year round residents but over 1000 in the summer months) and local businesses often hold meetings at the Pavilion. They have an area where you can grill your own food and enjoy your meal with a bottle of Pelee Island Winery wine at retail prices. When my friend joined me on the Island we cycled in the heat and then enjoyed a bottle of Alvar Chardonnay Gerwurtztraminer (an interesting but not spectacular blend) with our own selection of cheeses at one of the picnic tables outside the Pavilion. During my various tastings I was pleasantly surprised by a number of their wines, most notably: 2008 Pinot Gris, 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Vinedresser, 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon - Petit Verdot, and the Cabernet Franc Icewine. We also enjoyed a bottle of nicely chilled Pelee Pink, a slightly sweet rosé with a hint of burnt sugar and orange, with our spicy homemade pizza. See <a href="http://www.peleeisland.com/">www.peleeisland.com</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ve7K1fJeRwpGW_s2D_amWt0JllboJ2m0ZvS7K22YqqghkjswTE8oSg79-hON52o0bNlBNZ72CskSnu4vDAFbdWbSsq_tsMMtYw6Xoj7J8PYevPKG62-yhrDSWPn-wMrFkDnMIBypxh0/s1600/055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ve7K1fJeRwpGW_s2D_amWt0JllboJ2m0ZvS7K22YqqghkjswTE8oSg79-hON52o0bNlBNZ72CskSnu4vDAFbdWbSsq_tsMMtYw6Xoj7J8PYevPKG62-yhrDSWPn-wMrFkDnMIBypxh0/s320/055.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outdoor adventure on the Island</b>:</span> During my one week visit I complemented my wine tasting with various outdoor activities. I cycled around the Island a number of times(there on bicycle rentals available near the ferry dock from Comfortech Bike Rentals), swam at the various sandy beaches scattered a long the shores, hiked the easy trail to Lighthouse Point, explored the shoreline and Fish Point Reserve and kayaked along the East Shore one evening, after the wind calmed down. At the end of every day I was treated to a spectacular sunset from my shoreline deck.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Tips:</span> </b>Book your travel on the ferry in advance (<a href="http://www.ontarioferries.com/">www.ontarioferries.com</a>), especially if you want to take your car to the Island. And stay for several days to experience the wine, nature and hospitality that the Island has to offer. See <a href="http://www.pelee.org/">www.pelee.org</a> for links to accommodation and activities on the Island. <br />
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<br />Kimberly Inksaterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11159427706010059202noreply@blogger.com0